Turkey /  Geography and climate

Turkey is a transcontinental Eurasian country. Asian  Turkey (made up largely of Anatolia ), which includes 97% of the country, is separated from European Turkey by the Bosporus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles (which together form a water link between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. European Turkey (eastern Thrace or Rumelia in the Balkan peninsula) includes 3% of the country. The territory of Turkey is more than 1,600 km. (1,000 mi) long and 800 km (500 mi) wide, with a roughly rectangular shape.Turkey's area, inclusive of lakes, occupies 783,562 sq. kilometres (300,948 sq mi), of which 755,688 square kilometres (291,773 sq mi) are in Southwest Asia and 23,764 square kilometres (9,174 sq mi) in Europe Turkey's area makes it the world's 37th-largest country, and is about the size of Metropolitan France and the United Kingdom combined. Turkey is encircled by seas on three sides: the AegeanSea to the west, the Black Sea to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Turkey also contains the Sea of Marmara in the northwest.

The European section of Turkey, in the northwest, is Eastern Thrace, and forms the borders of Turkey with Greece and Bulgaria. The Asian part of the country, Anatolia (also called Asia Minor), consists of a high central plateau with narrow coastal plains, between the KöroÄŸlu and East-Black Sea mountain range to the north and the  Taurus Mountains to the south. Eastern Turkey has a more mountainous landscape, and is home to the sources of rivers such as the Euphrates, Tigris and Aras, and contains Lake Van and Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest point at 5,165 metres (16,946 ft)

Turkey is geographically divided into seven regions: Marmara, Aegean, Black Sea,Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, Southeastern Anatolia and the Mediterranean. The uneven north Anatolian terrain running along the Black Sea resembles a long, narrow belt. This region comprises approximately one-sixth of Turkey's total land area. As a general trend, the inland Anatolian plateau becomes increasingly rugged as it progresses eastward.

The coastal areas of Turkey bordering theMediterranean Sea have a temperate Mediterrsnean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet and cold winters. Conditions can be much harsher in the more arid interior. Mountains close to the coast prevent Mediterranean influences from extending inland, giving the central Anatolian plateau of the interior of Turkey a continental climate with sharply contrasting   seasons. Winters on the plateau are especially severe. Temperatures of −30 C to −40 °C (−22 F to -40 °F) can occur in the mountainous areas in the east, and snow may lie on the ground 120 days of the year. In the west, winter temperatures average below 1 °C (34 °F). Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures generally above 30 °C (86 °F) in the day. Annual precipitation averages about 400 millimeteres (15 in), with actual amounts determined by elevation. The driest regions are the Konya plain and the Malatya plain, where annual rainfall frequently is less than 300 millimetres (12 in). May is generally the wettest month, whereas July and August are the most dry.

Turkish Culture

Turkey has a very diverse culture that is a blend of various elements of the OÄŸuz Turkic and Anatolian, Ottoman (which was itself a continuation of both Greco-Roman and Islamic cultures), and Western culture and traditions which started with the Westerniztion of the Ottoman Empire and continues today. This mix is a result of the encounter of Turks and their culture with those of the peoples who were in their path during Their migration from Central Asia to the West. As Turkey successfully transformed from the religion-based former Ottoman Empire into a modern nation-state with a very strong separation of state and religion, an increase in the methods of artistic expression followed. During the first years of the republic, the government invested a large amount of resources into fine arts, such as museums, theatres, and architecture. Because of different historical factors playing an important role in defining the modern Turkish identity, Turkish culture is a product of efforts to be "modern" and Western, combined with the necessity felt to maintain traditional religious and historical values.

Turkish Music and literature form great examples of such a mix of cultural influences. Many schools of music are popular throughout Turkey, from " arabesque" to hip-hop genres, as a result of the interaction between the Ottoman Empire and the Islamic world along with Europe, and thus contributing to a blend of Central Asian Turkic, Islamic and European traditions in modern-day Turkish music. Turkish literature was heavily influenced by Persian and Arabic literature during most of the Ottoman era, though towards the end of the Ottoman Empire the effect of both Turkish folk and Western literary traditions became increasingly felt. The mix of cultural influences is dramatized, for example, in the form of the "new symbols [of] the clash and interlacing of cultures" enacted in the work of Orhan Pamuk, winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize in Literature

Architectural elements found in Turkey are also testaments to the unique mix of traditions that have influenced the region over the centuries. In addition to the traditional Byzantine elements present in numerous parts of Turkey, many artifacts of the later Ottaman architecture, with its exquisite blend of local and Islamic traditions, are to be found throughout the country, as well as in many former territories of the Ottoman Empire. Since the 18th century, Turkish architecture has been increasingly influenced by Western styles, and this can be particularly seen in Istanbul where buildings like the Blue Mosque and the Dolmabahçe Palace are juxtaposed next to numerous modern skyscrapers, all of them representing different traditions.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

( 19.May.1881- 10.Nov. 1938 at 09.05hrs. ) was an army officer, revolutionary statesman, and founfer of the Republic of Turkey  as well as its first President.

Mustafa Kemal established himself as a successful and extremely capable military commander while serving as a division commander at the Battle of Gallipoli. He later fought with distinction on the eastern Anatolian and Palestinian fronts, making a name for himself during Worl War I  Following the defeat of the Ottaman Empire at the hands of the Allies, and the subsequent plans for its partition, Mustafa Kemal led the Turkish national movement in what would become the Turkish War of Independence. Having established a provisional government in Ankara, he defeated the forces sent by the Entente powers. His successful military campaigns led to the liberation of the country and to the establishment of the  Rupublic of Turkey

As the first President of Turkey, Atatürk embarked upon a major programme of political, economic and cultural reforms. An admirer of the Enlightenment, Atatürk sought to transform the ruins of the Ottoman Empire into a modern, democratic, secular, nation-state. The principles of Ataturk's reforms are often referred to as  Kemalism and continue to form the political foundation of the modern Turkish state.

 Mustafa Kemal Ataturk  REFORM & REPUBLIC

Left to manage their own affairs, the Turks consolidated Ankara as their capital and abolished the sultanate. Mustafa Kemal assumed the newly created presidency of the seculer republic at the head of the CHP ( Republican People's Party ). Later he would take on the name ATATURK ( literally  " Father Turk " ). Thereupon the Turks set to work. Given Turkey's many problems, they had a job ahead of them. But Ataturk's energy was apprently limitless; his vision was to see Tureky take its place among the modern, developed countries of Europe.

At the time, the country was impoverished and devastated after years of war, so a firm hand was needed. The Ataturk era was one of enlightened despotism. Ataturk set up the institutions of democracy while never allowing any opposition sufficient oxygen to impede him. He brooked little dissent and indulged and occasional authoritarian streak, yet his ultimate motivation was the betterment of his people. One aspect of his vission, however, was to have ongoing and sorry consequences for the counrty ; his insistence that the state be solely Turkish. To encourage national unity made sense considering the nationalist separatist movements that had the Ottoman Empire, but in doing so he denined a cultural existence to the Kurds, many of whom had fought valiantly during the struggle for independence. Sure enough, within afew short ears a Kurdish revolt erupted in southeast Anatolia, the first of several such ructions to recur thoughout the 20th century.

The desire to create unified nation-states on both sides of the Aegean also brought abouth population exchanges after the armistice between Greece and Turkey, whereby whole communities were uprooted a Greek speaking peoples of Anatolia were shipped to Greece, while Muslim residents of Greece were transfered to Turkey. These exchenges brought great disruption and the creation of " ghost villages " that were vacated but never reoccupied, such as Sandima Village at Yalikavak Town. Again this was a pragmatic move aimed at forestalling outbreaks of ethnic violence, but it became one of the more melancholy episodes of the early years of the republic and importantly, hobbled the development of the new state. Turkey found itself without much of its Ottoman-educated classes, many of whom had not been Turkish- speakers, and in their stead Turkey accepted impoverieshed Muslim peasants from the Balkans.

                                                                                                  Dodecanese Islands ( Greece )

The Dodecanese chain of islands are the southeasternmost and some of the islands are close enough to Turkey for day-trips. Ferries leave Pireaus in the late afternoon and arrive in Rhodes some fifteen hours later after stopping in Patmos, Kalymnos, Leros and Kos. Some of the islands have a well developed tourist infrastructure with fancy resorts and packed beaches while others are perfect for those who seek an escape from the masses.

 

 Kos Island ( Greece )
Very popular with Scandinavians in the past, Kos is rich in archaeology including Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian sites. Many of the islands beautiful beaches used to be quite crowded just as they are in Mykonos and Santorini and the other popular islands, but a drop in the number of package tourists mean there are bargains to be found. The interior of the island is still undeveloped, fertile and agricultural and best of all, largely flat so that riding bicycles (and of course motorbikes) is a fun way to get around. There are daily ferries to and from Pireaus and the other large islands of the Dodecanese, daily boats to Bodrun in Turkey and three flights a day to and from Athens. There are also several boats a week going to the smaller islands. If you are coming in the summer better book in advance (as anywhere).

Kalymnos Island ( Greece )
Spongefishermen's island. The main port of Pothia is lined with cafes and as home to Greece's spongefishing fleet is a working town. There is a sponge museum there too. There are resort beaches around the island and several other small ports and towns worth visiting. There are small excursion boats from Pothia to the small islands of Nera and Pserimos and from the resort town of Myrties to Telendos where there are rooms to rent, tavernas and beaches. People who visit regularly rave about Kalymnos. Kalymnos is connected by an almost daily boat from Pireaus to the other major islands of the Dodecanese chain and also a ferry and hydrofoil to Samos. There may even be an airport there by the time you read this. It takes around 12 hours by ferry from Pireaus and a little less on the Blue Star Lines. If you have been to Tarpon Spring Florida then you probably have met someone from Kalymnos

Rhodes Island ( Greece )
The most popular island in the Dodecanese and rivals both Santorini and Mykonos as one of the most popular islands in Greece. Rhodes town is more of a city but a nice one, in fact I could easily live here. The old town is something special, a medieval walled city and one of the most important historical sites in the world. Fantastic castle built by the Knights of Saint John. Lots of nightlife, and plenty of archaeology to get through the days if beaches packed with beautiful women (and men) bore you. Try Sticky Fingers or the 60's bar. Check out the rest of the island which is agricultural with great beaches and some fancy resorts, villages, mountains and the longest summer of any Greek island. Lindos is picturesque and packed during the season but go early or late and share it with the locals. Plenty of undiscovered spots but you will need a car to find them. Don't forget the Valley of the Butterflies. Well they are moths actually but nonetheless impressive.  

Several boats a day during the summer from Pireaus do the overnight journey and a cabin is recommended. These boats stop in Patmos, Kalymnos, Leros and Kos along the way. As the hub of the Dodecanese islands, there are boats to all the islands in the chain as well as several a week to other islands in the Cyclades and NE Aegean islands and Thessaloniki.  There are daily boats to Marmaris in Turkey, only an hour or so away so you can go there for the day. There is an international airport too.There are daily boats as well as to the nearby islands of Symi, Halki, Tilos and the other Dodecanese. Many people do day trips to the other islands.

 

Patmos Island ( Greece )
Quiet island at night but busy stop by day for Cruise ships. Great beaches and landscape this is where the Apocalypse of John, or Revelations was written. The main town of Skala caters to the many people who arrive on cruise ships but is still a comfortable enough place to base yourself to see the rest of the island. A place you have to visit is the monastery of Saint John the Theologian above Skala and the Monastery of the Apocalypse built around the cave where John had his vision of the end of times. A popular island with spiritually minded people, there is no denying the feeling of sacredness here. There are daily ferries from Pireaus for the overnight trip, continuing on to kalymnos, Kos, leros and Rhodes. There is a daily hydrofoil in the summer to Ikaria, Samos and Fourni and another small boat to the picturesque island of Lipsi.

Nisyros  Island ( Greece )
This fertile island is actually a dormant volcano and even though there is little water it is rich in agriculture because of the mineral rich soil. The colorful port of Mandraki is host to and ancient acropolis, a monastery and a black stone beach. There is a thermal spa at Loutra. The volcano itself attracts many visitors and the villages of Nikea and Emboreios sit on the rim with spectacular views of the caldera. An excellent island for walking, the volcano has created and altered some incredible landscapes. There are several ferries and hydrofoils from Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos and Kastellorizo.

                                                                                South Aegean

Turkey's south Aegean can convincingly claim more ancient ruins per square kilometre than any other region in the world. Since time immemorial, conquerors, traders and travellers have been a path to the mighty monuments, yet few leave disappointed.

However large and loud the crowd ,the ruins rarely appear overwhelmed. Huge, majestic and aloof they tower above everything, colonised only by the wild poppies and butterflies in spring , or a stork shaping a shabby nest atop a colossal column.

As the sun beging to sink and the coach parties push off, the ruins are suddenly silent again. Turned crimson by the last rays of the setting sun, they seem as tremendous, timeless and enduring today as they must have done millennia ago. For many travellers, these sitessupply the enduring memories of their trip.

Turkey's south Aegean sites are special not just for their sheer age, but also for their state of preservation. History isn't brought to life here, it's kicking and screaming. As well as Ephesus, the ruined Ionian cities of Priene, Miletus and Didyma are also well worth a wander. Lying quite close to the main costal road, they are all easily accesible.

In between the ruins and providing a welcome rest from them are some clean sandy beaches.

 

Bodrum Castle & The Knights of St.John

 

The Castle ;

 St Peter’s Castle stands guard over the harbour entrance, as the beautiful yachts and Gulets cruise quietly by drenched in sunlight by day, fabulously illuminated by night. The castle is without doubt the focal point of Bodrum.

 

The striking crusader castle of St.Peter, the Petronian with its well-preserved wall ad towers, dominates the town; it is one of the great showpieces of Medieval Archetecture. The castle has four towers, the English, the French, the Italian and the German tower, plus a dungeon, the doorway inscribed with the foreboding words “ Inde Dues Abest “ ( Where God Does Not Exist ).  It was built between 1402 and 1437 by the Knights Hospitallers of  St.John of Jerusalem , based on Rhodes.

 

The castle houses the award-winning Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The museum holds some real treasures. The Glass Ship wreck Hall holds a wreck that was found 33 metres down off Yassı Ada ( near Marmaris ) in 1973. The oldest found, the wreck dates to 1025 and was a vessel carrying 25 tons of commercial glass between Byzantine and Fatimid ports. Many of these artefacts actually survived in one piece all those years underwater. There are also exhibits of amphorae and a 7^th century eastern Roman shipwreck on display. Undoubtedly the most awe-inspiring exhibits is the resting-place of Princess Ada. Her remains and sarcophagus were found in 1989 on a hill above  Bodrum during construction work. She was the sister of King Mausolos and the wife of Idreus. She died around 360 – 325 BC at the age of 40 and was buried along with her gold jewellery and wreath of myrtle leaves, all of which are on display. Her skull was sent to Manchester University for facial reconstruction, so now on entering the exhibition it is the fine lady herself who greets you !

 

Under Carian law woman enjoyed great authority as wives of their brothers and when King Mausolos ( who reigned 376 – 353 BC ) died , his sister-wife Artemisia II succeeded him. It was she who commissioned the construction of the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in his honour. Its architect was Pytheos and it was decorated with friezes made by the most celebrated Greek sculptors. The colossal white marble and green stone tombs stood 46 meters high and was surely a sight to behold. The friezes depicted battle scenes of Alexander’s successful campaign against the Persians. Erected in 351 BC the Mausoleum survived in good condition until 12^th century, when it was damaged by earthquake and was totally destroyed in 1552 when Rhodium knights took down the long standing walls of the Mausoleum to reinforce the Castle against Ottoman attack. Indeed, the green stones of the Mausoleum can be seen throughout the castle today.  

 

The Knights of St.John

 

The order of the Knights of St.John was founded in the 11^th century and initially was a religious order, their main objective to care for the wounded and sick crısaders.

 

They came to Rhodes in 1309 and during the 200 years period of the Knights, many and frequent attempts were made by the Turks to capture the island and they soon acquired military order. The members of the order came from all over the European Catholic countries and were divided into classes based on degree of nobility from their origin and the services they could offer as soldiers, nurses or clerics. They were then divided into 7 national groups which were Provence, Augergene, France, Italy, Germany, England and Spain ( later split into Aragon and Castille, bringing the number of groups to 8  )

 

The head of the order was called the Grand Master and had an advisory group of leaders known as Bailiffs. The official languages were Latin and French, Each group had its own official headquarters and lodging place, these were called Inns.

 

Throughout Rhodes the Knights built or restored at least 30 castles or strong points, but the main illustration of their strength and military prowess came from within the Old Town, enclosed by a 4 kilometre thick circus of walls and a moat. During times of attack or siege, each group was allotted to a section for defence.

 

The island finally fell to the Turks in 1522 and the Knights were allowed to depart, a large number of Rhodians ( 4 to 5000 ) went with them, moving onto Crete as a temporary measure, eventually to establish themselves on Malta.

 

The present day St.John’s Ambulance Brigade is a continuation of the Order carrying on its Christian tradition of caring  for the sick.

 

Myndos

The classical city “ Myndos “ is located, without doubt at GümüÅŸlük.

 

In the 4^th century BC the province of Craia was under Persian rule. The satrap, king Mausolus, reigned from 377 to 353 BC and brought great prosperity to the area between Milas and the western tip of the peninsula. He was a dynamic, innovative and ambitious ruler who yearned to move away from Carian ways towards Hellenism, the Greek influence. Indeed, his domain was a melting pot of Carian and Greek architecture, laws and customs. Hundreds of people have been identified from inscriptions found around the peninsula bearing an equal division of both Carian and Greek names, even within families. For instance, the father of Herodotus had the Carian name of Lyxes.

 

Mousolus saw the advantages for fortification and commerce of Halicarnassus, with her harbour and hillside barriers and subsequently moved his capital from Mylasa ( Milas ) to Hlicarnassus ( Bodrum ),  to create a worthy capital city. From here he forcibly transplanted the peaceful inhabitants of the six Lelegian cities to Halicarnassus, re-sitting

and enlarging two of these Lelegian cities. Syangela, near modern day Mumcular, was moved several kilometres and renamed Theangela. The town of Myndos, originally much smaller was on the hilltop at BozdaÄŸ,  2 miles to the south-east, was transferred along with its Lelegian population to a site with a natural harbour and good natural defences, GümüÅŸlük bay. Nothing survives of the old site apart from a ring-wall and the foundations of a large tower on the summit, but the shards reveal occupation from prehistoric times to the early 4^th century BC.

The depopulated Lelegian towns were never again inhabited, their remains can be seen on hilltops about the peninsula, but can only be reached on foot. Now, the great cities to the east and west of the central capital of Halicarnassus could play their part as contemporary Hellenised Caria.

Although Halicarnassus grew to realise Mausolus hopes, Myndos did not. It was however, well defended. The triple Myndos gate at Halicarnassus with its imposing road westwards terminating at the large city gate with a wall circuit over 2 milles long gave the impression of a large powerful city. Inside the walls was a different story with much of the space unoccupied and a severe lack of population meant that the defence wall could not even be manned properly. The philosopher Diogenes once visited Myndos, and advised the Myndians to keep their gates closed, in order to stop the city from running away !

 

At least Alexander the Great  and his troops were staved off during their half-hearted unsuccessful campaign on the city. Halicarnassus was seized and captured by Alexander a year later and the Persians were finally flushed out of the region.

 

Myndos was subsequently passed from Carian to Rhodian to Roman control. In 44 BC the “ tyranninicide” Cassius and Brutus hid out here from Octavian after murdering Caesar and kept a fleet at Myndos, thereby damaging its reputation.

 

Under Rhodian and Roman rule, Myndos became a free city and celebrated by beginning the minting of its own coinage; the nearby silver mines are now exhausted and are no longer worked. Evidence of imperial coinage is scant and is maybe attributed to the fact, the only product to have become embarrassingly famous from the city of Myndos is its poorly reputed wine. It was mixed with seawater and was described as a stomach settler, causing flatulence. A terrible hangover was another side effect.

 

Excavation of Myndos have been minimal, with landowners flouting their rights over archaeologist’s best intentions, but what lies below excites local archaeologists. Myndos is now a listed site and construction of any kind , is governed by strict laws. Above ground, the fortification wall can be followed ( partly overgrown ) for its whole length / 2.5 metres thick in parts ) and numerous ancient stones, marble columns and towers can be seen. The wall that runs along the spine of the peninsula is constructed with larger, less regularly fitted blocks, was at one time thought to be Lelegian but is thought by some to be the beginning of an earlier fortification system which was abandoned. At the furthest point of GümüÅŸlük peninsula lie ruins of a church of the 4^th and 5^th centuries AD. Black and white mosaics and the submerged foundation of a collapsed tower ( providing a shallow snorkelling ground ) remain. On the knoll on the isthmus, parts of a mosaic villa floor are gradually being uncovered , the private baths of which can be seen on the edge of the sea to the left. In the bay to the right can be found lots of pieces of terracotta, that must have formed the amphora that were used to transport oil and wine on boats. During the 19^th century , a theatre and stadium were reported but are now, sadly, totally lost.

 

The green granite seen about the village is representative of Mausolus rule ( note the Mausoleum in Bodrum ) and the quart from which this stone was cut may be seen close to the shore at Koyunbaba, about 3 kilometres to the north of GümüÅŸlük.

 

Euromos

 

Twelve kilometres north west of Milas, on the main Izmir road, a Corinthian Temple of Zeus is virtually all that remains of the Carian city of ancient Euromos. Set in an olive grove, sheltered from the main road, the site justifies a detour if you are in the neighbourhood.

 

A legacy of the generous Roman emperor Hadrian ( 117 – 138 AD ) the temple is one of the best preserved in Asia Minor today. The Corinthian temple dates from the 2^nd century AD with 16 columns of the original 66, still standing , linked to one another by architrave. On the south side is a piece of the cornice with a lion’s head open-mouthed to serve as a waterspout. On the west and north sides are panels with dedicatory inscriptions to financial supporters of the temples construction. Human sacrifices to the God would have been made at the altar.

 

A path leading from behind the custodian’s kiosk takes you to a round tower on the hill, which belonged to the city wall ( 300 BC ) Traces of the city of Euromos including a massive Hellenistic theatre of which barely 5 rows remain, lay several hundred metres over the hill, still not excavated.

 

The name, Euromos dates from the Hellenistic period and means “ strong “. There has been a settlement here since the 5^th century BC, the city being referred to at various times as Kyromus, Hydromus and Euromos. During Hellenistic and Roman periods, after Mylasya the city of Euromos was most important in this area, a fact made clear from evidence that the city was minting its own coins from the 2^nd century BC 2^nd century AD.

 

 Labranda

 

The sanctuary of Zeus at Labranda, buit on a south-facing hillside overlooking thr Milas plain, near the village of Türbe is arguably the most beautifully set archaeological zone of Caria and  yet one of its least visited.

 

Labranda was never a city. It was an important religious centre linked with Mylasa by a sacred way over 12 kilometres long. Festivals including athletic contests were held here and the remains of a stadium have been located. At 600 metres, the climate is agreeable even in summer, the site is built on a series of artificial terraces.

 

Three Androns , used for sacred banquets  given in connection with ceremonies at the shrine, remain. So-called Andron B was donated by Mousolus in the 4^th century and is relatively intact. The ruins of the Temple of Zeus, originating in the 5^th century BC and rededicated by Idrieus, now stand no more than knee high. A massive tomb contains five sarcophagi, so large that the tomb must have been built around them.

 

Two gateways of Ionic style, one reserved for pedestrians whilst chariots entered the other, are impressive. Most prominent the monumental staircase, 12 metres wide leads to the lowest terrace of the site. Roman baths and a Byzantine church adjoin a so-called Doric house and beyond lie the probable foundations of Labranda’s famous “ fish oracle“.

 

The resident fish, bedecked with jewellery according to several ancient source, were thrown bits of food by their custodians. If the morsels were accepted or not, the inquirer’s fortunes were in the ascendant or decline.

 
Iassos

 Kıyıkışlacık, the Turkish meaning “ little barracks on the coast “, is a sleepy fishing village built amongst the tumbled ruins of the ancient city of Iassos. The site, also accessible by boat from Güllük, may have been settled as early as the Bronze Age, Iassos is set on a hill at the top of a peninsula with gorgeous bays on either side of it.

 

With poor soil at Iassos, from early times, settlers were attracted here for the excellent fisheries and anchorage. Fishing tales abound , including one of a young boy befriended by a dolphin that after the boy’s daily exercise, would carry him out to sea and return him safely to shore. The tale was depicted by the city’s coinage in Hellenistic times.

 

Approaching from the modern village you first pass a Roman mausoleum, recently converted to house some of the artefacts found in the area. Across the isthmus beyond, the rest of the site is scattered over the peninsula within Hellenistic walls. ( repaired by the Byzantines)

 

The sit has been well restored. At the entrance in the car park, a map of the site shows the route and boards along the way show explanation and diagrams, unfortunately in Turkish and Italian only. The well devised route encompasses a well- preserved Roman bouleuterion, a large stoa of Artemis Astias dating to 190 AD, an obscure rectangular structure known as a Caesarium, an agora, a great view compensates the scanty remains of the theatre, a Roman villa with definable murals and extensive floor mosaics and a small temple to Demeter and Kore. All remain alongside the obvious Byzantine fortress from where you can enjoy the fabulous panorama. 

 

Herakleia & Latmos

Mount Latmos, part of the extinct volcanic BeÅŸparmak range of Mountains, is ehind the site of Heraklia.

 

Latmos has been made famous by the story of Endymion the shepherd boy. The story goes…

 

Endymion, a handsome shepherd boy, was sleep on the side of Mount Latmos. He had been given eternal youth by the Goddess Hera but condemned to eternal sleep by Zeus. He slept day in day out by the shore, and one day Selene, the moon goddess, saw him there and fell in love with him. Henceforth, every nigh she came down to look at him and make love to the sleeping boy. The legend maintains that 50 daughters were the result of their relationship.

 

This site was also a refuge for Christian hermits during the Arab invasions of the 8^th century AD and there are several ruins of monasteries and churches. The story of Endymion was given a more decorous turn. The boy was acclaimend as a mystic who had learned the secrect name of God from studies of the moon. Once a year, priests opened this tomb and attempting to communicate the name of God to man, the bones inside would emit a strange humming sound.

 

In and around the village of Kapıkırı, yellow signs to either side of the main, uphill street indicate the major building of Heracleia under Laatmos.

 

The most exertion is required for walk from the top of the village, across the valley to the theatre and city walls so it’s a good place to begin. A stonewalled pathway forks, right are the towers of the city wall and a spectacular view of the lake, left takes you to the unrestored theatre. Small and oddly inland affording no views, it’s best features are the seats and flights of steps cut into the rock. As you descend the village, the column and seat remains of the Bouleteurion fill one family’s back yard. At the bottom of the school playground lies the agora and a Hellenistic temple of Athena stands on the promontory beyond. By the lake are the Sanctuary of Endymion, the ancient necropolis and a Byzantine castle.

 

Probably for most of us, the best parts of a visit to Herakleia are that it gives a chance to observe Turkish village life, relatively unaffected by tourism and to enjoy a really good fish lunch.

 

Miletus, Didim and Priene

 

Miletus,

 

Miletus is 22 kilometers south of Priene. The Great theatre rises to great you as you approach the flood plains sounthern boundary. It is the most significant building remaining of this once grand city, which was an important commercial centre from about 700 BC to 700 AD. The 15.000 seat theatre was originally a Hellenistic building and was reconstructed by the Romans during the first century AD. If you climb to the top of the theatre you get a spectacular 360 degree view over the flood plain and of the entire site including the stadium, three agora and Baths of Faustina. A kilometre or so to the west is a scrubby hill, formerly the Island of Lade.

 

Didim,

 

Didim houses the ruins of the famous Temple of Apollo. This Temple’s porch originally had 120 columns equalling the Temple of Artemis, Apollo’s twin sister ,near Ephesus. Ancient Didyma was never a town as such but an oracle and shrine of some sort apparently existed here since long before the arrival of the Ionians in the  11^th century BC. In the Temple’s grounds are fragments of its rich decoration including a striking head of Medusa The best time to visit is late afternoon or early evening  , when the masonry glows in the sunset.

 

Five kilometres south of Didim is the busy resort of Altinkum. The resort name means

 “ Golden Sand “ in Turkish, and that says it all. The one kilometre stretch of beach is the main focal point of the resort. The gently sloping beach, with no surf, is ideal for children and it attracts many families .

 

Priene,

 

Once a flourishing port, Priene is one of the finest examples of Hellenistic town design.

There is very little Roman interference, probably because the harbour was already beginning to slit up in Roman times and today languishes, 15 kilometres away from the Aegean.

 

The League of Ionian Cities held its congresses and festivals here in the 5000 seat theatre. The five throne types seats were reserved for the municipal dignitaries. The large number of private houses, uncovered at Priene, make the site particularly interesting and have provided much information about day to day life in the city.

 

The setting is dramatic, with steep Mount Mykale rising behind to town and the board flood plan of the River Menderes spread out at its feet .Of the buildings remaining, the five standing columns of the Temple of Athena, designed by Pytheos of Halicarnassus are looked upon as the epitome of an Ionian temple. There were originally 30 columns and the temple took nearly two centuries to complete. From here the best views afforded by the site can be enjoyed.

 

Aphrodisias

Situated on high plateau over 600 metres above sea level. Ringed by mountains and watered by a tributary of the Büyük Menderes River, Aphrodisias is one Turkey’s more isolated archaeological sites. In 1959,  Professor Kenan Erim of New York University visited the site and noticed chunks of marble all around him , “ delicately fluted columns doubled as hitching posts “. Since then, excavations and restoration of the site have been carried out. Spectacular discoveries have been brought to light ; a very well preserved theatre, a delightful little Odeon, a Temple of Aphrodite, a remarkably intact stadium with a seating capacity of 30.000, a fine bath complex and a bishop’s palace.

 

Named after Aphrodite, the goddess of love, Aphrodisias was for centuries no more than a shrine, albeit an important one. Her development as a city during the 2^nd century BC was probably provoked by her position on the borders of Caria, Lydia and Phrygia and by a proximity to the great east-west and north-south trade routes.

 

It was under Roman rule that the city became most prosperous and was heavily patronised by various emperors. Close to a quarry, which produced fine, pale white marble, a school of sculpture, which acquired wide spread fame, developed here. The city became an intellectual and cultural centre and was renowned as a seat of medicine and philosophy. The school here attracted students not only from Asia Minor, but also from other parts of the Roman Empire.

 

At the entrance to the archaeological site, there is an interesting museum ( separate entrance fee ) housing beautiful marble sculptures retrieved from the city.

 

Stratonikeia,

Between Milas and Yatagan the road passes near the village of Eskihisar. The village is the site of a brown lignite quarry and the remains of the ancient city of Stratonikeia can be found directly adjacent to the mine.

 

Regrettably the site was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1958. Among the ruins are a Roman gymnasium, a subterranean tomb, well-preserved theatre with a capacity of 10.000 spectators and an Ionic Temple of Serapis.

 

Seleucus I,  King of Syria, who founded this Hellenistic town in 282 BC was remarried at the age of 60 to Stratonike, daughter of Demetrius the Besieger, ruler of Cyprus and a number of Aegean and Phoenician cities. Sometimes after the knowing its hopelessness, sent him into a decline.  Seleucus learned of this and gifted his wife to his son. The new Carian city, which had many fine building was named  after her in 294 BC.

Knidos

 

At the very tip of the ReÅŸadiye peninsula, just west of Datça are the ruins of a prosperous port town dating back to 400 BC.

 

Knidos is a large archaeological site with ruins scattered along the 3 kilometres to the end of the peninsula. The setting is dramatic with steep, terraced hillside planted with groves of olive, almond and fruit trees and these days is populated by goatherds and the occasional wild boar.

 

Few of the building are in recognisable shape but you can appreciate easily the importance of the town by exploring the site. There is a repository for artefacts discovered on the site.

 

The Dorian’s who founded it were smart. The winds change as one rounds the peninsula and ships in ancient times often had to wait at Knidos for good winds as happened to the ship carrying St.Paul to Rome for trail.

  

Knidos, being rich, commissioned the Great Praxiteles to make a large statue of Aphrodite. It was housed in a temple in view of the sea. The statue was to be the sculptor’s masterpiece. Regrettably, it has been lost.

 Gulet" (speak: goulett) - the traditional turkish wooden Yacht

Used in Turkey for fishing and transportation before, Gulets were developed up to big wooden yachts to live on for the summer.

Built in the Turkish coast villages like Bodrum, Bozburun, Marmaris and Istanbul they have today strong engines for a comfortable movement between the numerous Turkish bays, but also sails to use the strong summery afternoon winds for a ride... 

With Turkish boats like this, you can experience a boat-holiday, a blue cruise, which is very comfortable and spacey - and very different to the more "sportive" way of sailing with "usual" charter-boats. Gulets offer much more privacy and space to move, big single- oder double-cabins, a very big sun-deck, a big "terrace" with a big table for dining, talking, playing - just communicate ... and: they always have an experienced captain and the bigger ones as well a crew, so you, as guest, you don´t have to do anything else but - relax and enjoy your holiday on the Turkish south-western Mediterranean coast!

 

  TURKISH CUISINE

Turkish Cuisine is of a great variety, a mixture of western and eastern cuisines with the flavor of unique Ottoman Cuisine. It can simply be categorized as;

Soups(Corba)
Cold appetizers(Meze)
Hot appetizers(Ara sicak)
Main Course(Ana yemek)
Vegetables cooked in olive oil(Zeytinyagli)
Pilafs(Pilav)
Deserts(tatli)
Fruit Mix(meyve)
Soft Drinks

Soups: To begin with, soups do come first. They are very important in Turkish Cuisine. The soups are usually made of chicken juice by adding different things,i.e tomatoes,lentil,rice,yoghurt, eggs and flour. The most famous soups of traditional Ottoman Cuisine are Dugun Corbasi(Wedding Day Soup), Iskembe Corbasi(Tripe Soup eaten with garlic juice and vinegar), Mercimek Corbasi(Red Lentil Soup) and Yayla Corbasi(Yoghurt and rice with dried mint). If the soups do not contain chicken or meat broth, they are deemed to be 'tasteless'...

Cold Appetizers: The cold appetizers are another unique part of the Turkish Cuisine. A good 'Meze Tabagi'(Meze Platter) usually contains Dolma(stuffed green pepper,tomatoes or leaves with rice and pinenuts), Beyaz Peynir(Turkish White Cottage Cow's Cheese), Barbunya(Red Beans cooked in olive oil), Humus(made of chickpeas), Cerkez Tavugu(Circassian Chicken, little chicken-breast pieces mixed with walnut, bread and spices), Haydari(very thick yoghurt mixed with garlic and mint), Ezme(red chilly pepper,tomato paste,mint and spices)and finally Yesil ve Siyah Zeytin(Green and Black Olives).

 

Hot Appetizers: The hot starters are usually pastries which are called as Boerek. Boereks are of various types; i.e pastry which is made of different, thin dough layers stuffed with ground meat or cheese,cooked in oven or pastry made of two thin dough layers with cheese or ground meat inside, fried in sunflower oil. With boreks, potato or cheese croquettes may be served. The most famous type of borek is called Su Boerek(Thin dough layers shock-boiled in water). Other hot appetizers are Patlican Kizartma (fried eggplants), Kabak Kizartma (fried zucchinis) and fried mussles or calamares.

 

Main Courses: The main courses usually include meat, mainly lamb and veal. Sometimes chicken is used for some recipies. The meat is accompanied with eggplants, zucchini or potatoes,either smashed or french-fried. The most famous main course is called Doner Kebab(similar to Gyro) and second famous is Shis-Kebab(small pieces of lamb or veal grilled). Other famous main courses are Hunkar Begendi(lamb served on eggplant pureé), Islim Kebab(lamb served in sliced eggplant), or Tandir(very soft lamb grilled) and Manti(Turkish Style Ravioli with garlic yoghurt and red-pepper butter sauce). With them, Ayran(Yoghurt mixed with water and salt) may be served..

 

Vegetables cooked with olive oil:Turkey is one of the biggest olive and olive oil producers of the world. Therefore, food cooked in olive oil is an indispensible part of our cuisine. The main olive oil dishes are Zeytinyagli Yesil Fasulye(String Beans in Olive Oil), Imam Bayildi(eggplant cut in from the middle, stuffed with onion and green pepper, served cold), Zeytinyagli Kuru Fasulye(Beans in olive oil), Zeytinyagli Enginar(Artichoke cooked with pieces of potatoes,carrots and peas).

Desserts:The desserts can be roughly divided into three,desserts made of milk, desserts made of pastry+syrups, desserts made of fruits and nuts...

 

Milk Desserts:The famous ones are Tavukgogsu(freshly cooked shredded chicken breast,mixed with pudding with rice flour,eggs and vanilla), Kazandibi(same dessert,put into oven,the bottom gets red and delicious), Keskul(milk,flour,rice flour, almonds, pistachio,eggs,vanilla).

 

Desserts with pastry and syrup:The famous ones are Baklava(very thin layers of buttered pastry filled with pistachio or walnuts,at least 20 layers),baked first in the oven, then cold syrup is added), Kadayif(pastry resembling human hair,put into the tray,added butter and walnut,cooked like baklava), Kunefe is a southeastern(Antakya) specialty, instead of walnuts, special Antakya cheese is put inside), Sekerpare(Piece of sugar) (is baked in the oven as a round cookie,nut is put on the top, and syrup is added.)

 

Desserts with fruit and nuts: The most famous one of this type is Ashure which is a sacred desert. It's believed that after the disasterous storm in Mt.Agri of Turkey, the people in Noah's Ark, had to cook a strange food to survive by adding everything aboard, dried figs,apricots, raisins, walnut, chickpeas, white beans, rice, wheat and sugar. It's cooked still the same way by putting cinnamon on the top. The others are Ayva Tatlisi(Quince Dessert), quince boiled with sugar, after color turns to be red, syrup and cream is put on the top), Incir Tatlisi(Fig Dessert), dried figs are boiled in syrup,with cream and walnut toppings.

Soft Drinks: Major soft beverages are Ayran(Yoghurt mixed with water and salt added), Boza (winter drink,made of fermented bulgur wheat, thick as pudding, accompanied by cinnamon), Salep(winter drink made of Salep powder and hot milk, cinnamon added), Salgam Suyu (Sugar beet juice), Elma Cayi(Apple tea), Ihlamur(Linden tea) and Turk Kahvesi(Turkish Coffee).

 

 

Fish Restaurants: If Turkey is surrounded by three seas and Istanbul is on the shore of Sea of Marmara, how about the fish restaurants? Fish restaurants are of a special style,once you go to have fish, you sit at the table for 1-2 hours and enjoy your meal very slowly by sipping your Raki. Raki contains 45% alcohol, it is quite strong. 1/3 of a typical raki glass is filled with raki, the rest is complemented with cold water,added ice if desired. The water-like liquid; when water is added, suddenly turns out white,a milk-like thing. It's often called "The Lion's Milk" by the Turkish. Raki is made of grapes and it's a non-fermented drink. It should be drunk very slowly with food, therefore the culture in the fish restaurants has developed...

In the fish restaurants, the food comes as if eating is a ritual, not an easy and quick thing. Cold appetizers, like white cheese, melon, beans in olive oil or shrimp do come first. After having some from each of them and starting sipping your "raki", comes the hot appetizers, like boreks or fish balls with a big bowl of fresh seasonal salad. Finally while you are enjoying the appetizers, your fish gets ready and you enjoy the most delicious part of your ritual. Finally you enjoy a light dessert or fresh fruits before putting an end to this pleasure. You waive you hand to the chief waiter who knows you for long years and go back home happily and relaxed... 

                                               Bodrum cuisine and drink

You will encounter quite a few dishes you have never tasted in your life. You may satisfy your hunger with a quick " doner ekmek " or " peynirli gozleme ". You will find buffets and litte restaurants offering this Turkis version of Fast food at about every corner of the town. However, besides being famous for its stylish reataurants where you can find the main cuisines of the world. Bodrum is renowned for the typical Aegean cuisine made of local ingredients. " Su boregi " , " kopoglu ( a cold starter with fried aubergines and yougurt )" stuffed courgette flowers, bitter orange marmalade, gipsy salad and pickled cucumbers are some of the favorite Bodrum dishes. You will marvel at the taste of meals made with wild herbs such as  " turp tu " ( radis leaves ) "hardal otu" , hindiba", " ebegumeci".

Conversely to the general tradition, olive oil dishes are being eaten warm in Bodrum region. Fava, a purée made of broad beans, is one of the favorite olive oil dishes and an indispensable "meze" at the Rakı dinner table. There are well known sort of sweet pastry " saraylı" looks like a rolled light pastry and " katmer" is a folded pie pastry. Both are stuffed with almonds or sesame. Other popular dessert is " un helvası " Some local restaurants where you can find examples of the tasty home cooking.

Local Fish ; Bodrum is quite famous for its sea food. The fish on sale is usually caught in the sea close by. Red mullet, gift -head bream, sea bream, sea bass, rock grouper, dentex, surmullet, red sea bream, grey mullet, squid and octopus. 

TOPKAPI PALACE - ISTANBUL

You will surely marvel at the imperial magnificence on display at Topkapı Palace, which was the site for the opulent lives of the sultans from the Fifteenth Century onward.

When one thinks of Sultanahmet, Topkapı Palace is one of the first of its famous museums to come to mind. It is one of the world’s largest and oldest palaces still in existence today. Following its establishment in the 15t^h century, this magnificent and mysterious structure became the stage for every detail of the life of the Ottoman Dynasty, the rulers of the Ottoman Empire. After the declaration of the Turkish Republic, the palace was transformed into a museum. Today, a plethora of artifacts beyond all value, and without equal in the world, are still on display in its halls.

Following the conquering of Istanbul, Fatih Sultan Mehmed declared the city the capital of the Empire and immediately moved the throne to the Historical Peninsula from Edirne. He commissioned the building of Topkapı Palace was built on this spot in 1470. The palace is located on an area of approximately seven hundred thousand square metres, and surrounded by a wall five kilometres in length. At the time of its construction, it was the most magnificent palace ever built. Topkapı Palace functioned both as the residence of the Ottoman sultans and their families, and as the centre of the Ottoman government. All of the various Ministries of the government were located here. Additionally, the palace housed the imperial treasury, the imperial mint, the imperial archives, the advanced educational institutions of the Empire, and the special Harem of the Sultans.

Topkapı Palace’s most extravagant period lasted until 1853, when the Ottoman court was moved to Dolmabahçe Palace. After the establishment of the Republic, the palace was restored and turned into a museum. 

The First Court: After entering the palace through the Sultan’s Gate, which is known as the “Bab-ı Hümayun”, you find yourself in the first court. Among the important sections of the museum located here are the Tiled Pavilion, the Archaeology Museum, the mint, and the regiment of the guards.

The Harem:  The “Harem” is the name given to the section of the palaces that was occupied by the Sultan’s mother, the Valide Sultan, the sultan’s siblings, the concubines who serviced them, and the black eunuchs, the administrators of the harem.  Topkapı Palace’s Harem contains four hundred rooms, connected by long, narrow corridors.

Above all, the harem was entirely closed to the outside world, and formed one of the most mysterious aspects of Ottoman life. The stories and legends that have surrounded the harem for hundreds of years are still fascinating today.

The ultimate ruler of the harem was the most powerful woman in the Ottoman Empire, the Valide Sultan, or mother of the Sultan. Therefore, those concubines who achieved the honour of being the sultan’s wife struggled against one another in their efforts to promote their own sons (the princes) to the thrown.

A tour of the Topkapı’s harem begins with the forty rooms that were allotted to the sultan’s mother. Following this, one comes to the domed Harem baths, which have inspired paintings, photographs, and films for hundreds of years. Finally, one enters the sultan’s salon, which is decorated with beautiful examples of 16^th century Turkish tiles, and contains both a fountain and a pool.
 
The Council Room and Weapons Collection: The council room, also known as the Divan-ı Hümayun, was the location for the cabinet meetings of the Grand Vizier and his advisors.  Although the Sultan was not allowed to participate in these meetings, he was able to listen to the proceedings from behind a large window looking in on the room. Ambassadors were often entertained in the Divan-ı Hümayun Sadrazam with opulent feasts. An extensive collection of weaponry from a number of different periods is also housed in this section. These weapons, which were used by the army and officials of the palace, were often received as gifts from other nations.

The Third Courtyard:  One enters the personal court of the sultan, which was forbidden to everyone except those with special permission, through a door known as the Bab-üs Saade (The door of happiness). The sultan met with statesmen whom he agreed to keep as his envoys in this section. For security reasons, only deaf and mute individuals were chosen to provide service to the sultan on the throne. 

Costumes: The unique costumes of the Ottoman dynasty, which were hand-made in special workshops, are also on display in the palace. They have been stored in chests since the 15t^h century.

The Treasury: Extraordinary examples of Turkish jewelry craft from different time periods and jewelry brought to the Ottoman court from the Far East, India, and Europe are preserved in the palace’s treasury. Official medals, candlesticks cast from sterling gold, ceremonial lanterns, ornamental jewelry, daggers—including the Topkapı dagger, an important symbol of the palace—and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond (Kaşıkçı Diamond) one of the world’s largest and most valuable diamonds, are all on display in the treasury. One must pay an extra fee to view the collection housed in the treasury. 

The Sacred Relics:  Following the conquering of Egypt in the 16^th century, a variety of holy relics of extreme importance to Muslims that were found there, were brought to Istanbul. Among the most interesting of the relics housed in Topkapı Palace is a cardigan that belonged to the Prophet Muhammed, stored in a precious box.  

The Fourth Court: The Baghdad Pavilion and the Revan Pavilion, both of which were constructed in the 17^th century, and the Mecidiye Pavilion are all found in the fourth court. A strikingly beautiful view of Istanbul can be seen from the terrace just in front of the  Baghdad Pavilion.

The Topkapı Palace Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day of the week except for Tuesday. The Harem Tour, which is available for a separate fee, takes place from 9:30 a.m.  to 3:30 p.m. The tour is conducted in a group.

Address: Palace interior, Sultanahmet
Ph: +90 212 512 04 80

DOLMABAHCE PALACE - ISTANBUL

Istanbul situated on seven hills is a city of palaces as well. Dolmabahce Palace is the most western and the newest of all. Now, we invite you to a historical journey in the halls of the Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most fascinating palaces in the world built in 19^th century. The construction of the palace was the period in which westernization processes had gained a new phase when Sultan Abdulmecid came to throne in 1839. The palace built by Abdulmecid from 1850 to 1856 was located in an area of 110 thousand squaremeters.

As you wander the palace, you will feel the magnificence of the empire. And you will recognize that it consists of three main structures named Selâmlık, Muayede Saloon and Harem.

A perfect palace, like its name!
The most important architects of the period, Karabet and NikoÄŸos Balyan drew the Project of the palace. “Luxurious Technologies” such as central heating installment, electricity, and telephone were established.

Dolmabahçe Palace, with these properties, is one of the most western and modern buildings in the period. In the palace, there is 45 thousand squaremeters of usable floor area; there are 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 Turkish baths and 68 toilets and carpets covering a floor of 4.454 metresquare.

The most splendid part of the palace is the Mabeyn where the sultans carry on the state issues. At the entrance, Medhal Salon welcomes the visitors, Kristal Merdiven (Crystal Stairs) provides the connection with the upper floor, and Süfera Salon is where the ambassadors were entertained and Kırmızı Oda (Red Room) is where they were admitted by the sultan.

They all emphasize the magnificence of the Ottoman Empire.  Zülvecheyn Saloon in the upper floor is a passage to the special room of the sultan in the Mabeyn. In this special room, there is a splendid Turkish bath for the sultan, the marbles of which were brought from Egypt, and a study room and saloons.

The most splendid place of the palace…
In the Muayede Saloon, between the harem and Mabeyn, there is most splendid place with the highest ceiling in the Dolmabahçe Palace. This saloon with over 2000 metresquares of area, 56 columns, a dome with 36 metres of height, and approximately 4, 5 tones of English chandeliers linked to that dome, is strikingly significant among the parts of the palace.

On the traditional greeting days in religious feasts, the golden throne in Topkapı Palace was brought there and established for the sultan to admit the state officers for greetings.

Dolmabahçe Palace is the foremost among the interesting buildings of the 19^th century Ottoman architecture. The monumental example of the Ottoman capical city, influenced by the widespread aesthetical approaches of the dominant European architecture in that period, comprises many characteristics of the Ottoman palace architecture tradition.

The palace, across the western effects in its details, both as regards to institutional and room and saloon relationships, can be assessed as a whole structure on which the traditional Turkish house plan type was largely applied.

Dolmabahçe and Mustafa Kemal...
Definitely, Dolmabahçe Palace has a greater meaning for the Turkish people… Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the supreme leader, had used the palace as a residence and passed the most serious period of his illness and he passed away in this palace. These are the most important reasons why the palace was wandered with a special “sense of respect”

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk had initiated the process for the Dolmabahçe Palace to be a museum. And with all its magnificence Dolmabahçe has become a museum not only for the members of the palace but also for the people of the world to visit and enjoy its beauty.

Please do not miss to see Dolmabahçe if you come Ä°stanbul, the city of palaces. After your visit with the breezes in the halls of the palace, it will be a great pleasure for you to rest at the cafe in the garden and have a cup of tea with the amazing Bosphorus scene.

Except ffor Mondays and Thursdays, you can visit the palace on the other days from 09.00 to 16.00. Entrance fee for the tourists is 20 YTL, for Turkish people 10 YTL Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and other days it is 20 YTL. For students single section is 75 YKr, two sections 1, 5 YTL.

Address: Dolmabahçe, BeÅŸiktaÅŸ 
Ph: + 90 212 236 90 00

GRAND BAZAAR - ISTANBUL

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, agreed to be one of the world’s oldest markets, has been a destination of choice for travelers for hundreds of years.
If you want to wander through the exotic streets of one of the world’s oldest market, lined hundreds of large and small shops... If you want to give into the temptation of the shop window, displaying gold and silver wares, each more attractive than the other...If you want to touch carpets and rugs with your hands and gaze at them with your eyes... If you want to discover the joy of shopping in a magical atmosphere, then you must see the Grand Bazaar at one.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the most interesting and authentic places in Istanbul. It was established by Fatih Sultan Mehmed immediately following the conquering of Istanbul in order to provide income for Hagia Sofia. When it was first founded, it consisted of two markets made of stone, equipped with display windows and benches. Later, the structure was capped with roofs, thereby creating the streets of the Grand Bazaar that still exist today.

The Grand Bazaar immediately became an important aspect of the social and economic life of the time. The jewelry, gold objects, weapons, fabrics, and countless other valuable objects that were sold in its markets were imported from every corner of the world, both within and outside of the Empire.  

The world’s biggest jewelry market
The Grand Bazaar is located in the area between the Nuruosmaniye and Beyazıt Mosques and MahmutpaÅŸa Market (MahmutpaÅŸa Çarşısı). Its streets are covered with domed roofs; in total, it occupies an area of thirty-one-thousand square metres. Its ceilings are thirty metres high, and topped with hundreds of windowed domes.

Because it was initially built of wood, the Grand Bazaar suffered extensive damage from disastrous fires and earthquakes during its early existence. It underwent a variety of renovations and achieved its current appearance two hundred and fifty years ago.  

Twenty five thousand people work in the Grand Bazaar today. Over three thousand shops are housed within the market, and two hundred and fifty thousand people visit it every day. This number increases to four hundred thousand during the months of heavy tourist traffic in the summer. 

Today, it is almost as though there is no one who comes to Istanbul without visiting the Grand Bazaar. As a place, it is identified closely with the city. In the bazaar, you will find a vast number of stores selling leather clothes and accessories, rugs and carpets, and gifts of every variety. Nonetheless, the most impressive aspect of the Grand Bazaar is its status as the world’s largest jewelry bazaar. Of course, it is also the centre of Turkey’s gold market. 

Several major consumer brands have recently opened outlets in the Grand Bazaar as well as a variety of boutique restaurants and cafes. In addition to the attraction it holds for visitors to Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar also continues to be a regular destination for residents of Istanbul themselves.  

THE SPICE BAZAAR - ISTANBUL

The Spice Bazaar (known in Turkish as the Egyptian Bazaar) is one of Istanbul’s oldest markets, and a time-honoured symbol of the city.

The Spice Bazaar dates back to the Seventeenth Century. It is one of Istanbul’s oldest covered markets, where the exotic, Oriental aspect of the city still survives.

At the time of its establishment, thousands of spices from nations in the Far East, such as India and Arabia, was well as curative herbs and remedies for every imaginable ailment, were sold at the Spice Bazaar. Because the majority of the products for sale in the market were imported from Egypt, it came to be known as the “Egyptian Bazaar”.  

The Spice Bazaar is located in Eminönü, right next to the New Mosque and the Flower Bazaar. It is the best place in the city to find spices, herbal teas, and traditional Turkish foods such as Turkish Delight (lokum).

Construction of the bazaar was commissioned in the year 1660 by Hatice Turhan Sultan, the mother of Sultan Mehmed the Fourth.  It was built by the architect Kâzım Aga, and restored once later in its existence. There are a total of eighty-six shops in the bazaar, which can be accessed by way of six different entrances.

'A natural pharmacy'
Formerly, the Spice Bazaar functioned as a ‘natural pharmacy’. Recipes for medicines made from mixtures of various herbs were often hung outside of shops, so that customers could request these herbs if they so desired. This tradition still continues today. Many of the shops in the bazaar sell a large number of different spices and herbs that are known to be effective against many different ailments.  

Although there are an endless number of shopping centres and supermarkets in Istanbul, shopping at the Spice Bazaar remains a popular, pleasant tradition for the city’s residents.  After making a number of purchases in the bazaar itself, one can leave through the Tahtakale exit and complete one’s shopping at the shops in the adjacent open-air market.  

Also, if you do go to the Spice Market, don’t forget to buy Turkish coffee from Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi (Mehmet Efendi Coffee Roasters), who produce the traditional Turkish brand of coffee. They are located just outside of the bazaar’s Tahtakale exit.