Saksagan

Q: Could you elaborate on your efforts to encourage a reading society?

Nevzat Bayhan: Fostering a “society who reads” is integral to civilization, yet certain obstacles hinder this ideal in our country. Despite having suitable conditions, excuses prevail. The stark reality is that our country has one coffee house per 95 persons and one library per 64,600 persons, placing us at the bottom of reading rankings A Conversation with Nevzat Bayhan. We’ve identified three main excuses: financial constraints, lack of time, and the overwhelming choice among thousands of books.

To address these challenges, our project, “Free Books for a Society Who Reads,” in collaboration with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, aims to provide accessible reading materials. We plan to publish pocket-sized books, comprising 100-120 pages made from newspaper-grade paper with visually appealing designs. These books

Setting Goals for Miniaturk A Conversation with Nevzat Bayhan

Q: Can you share the objectives behind the Miniaturk project?

Nevzat Bayhan: Miniaturk, initiated in 2003, aimed to attract 1 million visitors annually. Currently featuring 105 mockups with a capacity for 300, our initial goal is to expand to 120 pieces in the upcoming years. Simultaneously, we aspire to introduce dynamic mockups. Miniaturk is evolving into a cultural space where children can enjoy puppet shows and experience panoramic views with a single ticket Free Books for a Society Who Reads Project.

Q: What are the new projects at Miniaturk in 2006?

N. Bayhan: Sponsored by the Istanbul Water and Sewage Corporation, our latest project delves into Istanbul’s historical water shortages Istanbul Daily Tour. Mimar Sinan’s ingen

Q: Could you discuss Kultur Company’s endeavors?

Nevzat Bayhan: Kultur Company engages in both cultural activities and tourism-related initiatives. Notably, Miniaturk and Yerebatan Cistern are two prominent projects. We explore museums abroad, conceive projects, and actively promote Turkey and Istanbul at international fairs. Additionally, our publishing efforts, including the Istanbul Kitapgisi (Library) in Beyoglu, serve tourism and aim to expand with affiliated branches for wider accessibility. Our Mecidiyekoy Culture Center offers education to individuals who couldn’t pursue formal training in theater, cinema, or television, culminating in a two-year certificate program. We also host children’s chorus and cartoon courses at the center Journey Through Culture at Miniaturk.

Q: Can you share details about the “Culture Valley” project?

N. Bayhan: Istanbul is not just the cultural

A Historic Ottoman Capital

A visit to Brusa, the once vibrant capital of the Ottoman Empire, requires a minimum of three days, including a full day to explore the city. Travelers need a Teskereh (refer to p. 32). The steamers connecting Constantinople and Mudania, Brusa’s port, vary in comfort, with some like the Bengazi and Adranit providing a better experience on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays (returning on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays). However, passengers should bring their own provisions for the journey.

The departure time of the steamers is not fixed but usually falls between 8:30 AM and 10:30 PM. Through return tickets to Brusa are available through Messrs. Thos. Cook and Sons, 12 Bue Kabristan, Pera Treasures of Brusa.

The journey from Constantinople to Mudania takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours on the screw steamers. From Mudania, a 1.75-hour train ride connects travelers to Brusa. Trains align with steamer

Mosques, Tombs, and Citadel

Ulu Jami (The Big Mosque)

Ulu Jami, also known as The Big Mosque, stands as a testament to the contributions of three successive sultans—Murad I, Bayazid I, and Muhammad I. The pulpit, crafted by an Egyptian sculptor, rivals that of the Sinope mosque. Although the mosque’s current appearance is modern, its historical significance is undeniable. Admission for a party of up to three people costs 5 piastres (10d.).

Teshil Jami (The Green Mosque)

Built in 1418 by Muhammad I A Glimpse into Ottoman History, The Green Mosque is a prominent ornament in Brusa. Notable for its meticulous design, elegant structure, and exquisite marble-work, the mosque’s gate is a striking feature, adorned with the first chapter of the Koran and intricate floral designs. The elaborate inscription took three years to complete, costing Muhammad I 4000 ducats. The mosque derives its name from

Towards the end of the eleventh century, Brusa came under the control of the Seljuk Turks. However, they abandoned the city following the Crusaders’ capture of Nicsea in 1097 A.D. During Theodore Lascaris’s retreat to Brusa after the Latin capture of Constantinople, the town faced an unsuccessful siege in 1204 A.D. by around 100 French forces led by Pierre de Bracheux and Payen d’Orleans. In 1326, the Turks, under Orkhan I., successfully took Brusa after a ten-year siege, establishing it as the capital of their Empire. Brusa thrived under Turkish rule, attracting poets, tile-makers, and dervishes from various parts of Asia. Many churches and monasteries were transformed into mosques and mausoleums, while new charitable institutions, public buildings, and mosques were constructed. Notably, Brusa was where the formidable Janissaries were first organized during Osman’s reign.

Modern Brusa is the principal town in the Hudavendighiar province, governed by a Yal

A Virtual Nature Museum

Discovering Nature’s Masterpiece

Amidst a dense forest that almost blocks out the sunlight, the Seven Lakes unfold across two plateaus 800 meters above sea level. A well-marked road guides you through the national park, revealing the beauty of each lake in just a couple of hours. As you seek these lakes, adorned with names reflecting their unique charm, nature accompanies you with blackberries, mushrooms, and the soothing rustle of leaves underfoot. Even after glimpsing the lakes, surprises continue, as if walking through a tree tunnel protecting against the chill winds.

A Journey Through History

The ruins at Koyyeri hint at a Byzantine settlement, adding a historical touch to the natural wonder. The region, sloping from north to south, boasts diverse elevations, with Egrikiris Tepesi hill at 488 meters as the highest point and Kirazcati at 465 meters as the lowest. Home to one of Anatolia’s enchanting mixed fores

A Mesmerizing Autumn Retreat”

A Symphony of Colors

As fall unfolds its enchanting palette, imagine standing in a forest where shades of green transition to hues of yellow, red, and finally brown. Picture a realm of smoky mountains, crystalline lakes, towering trees, and endless blossoms. Now, envision not just one lake but many, adorned with a sea of leaves in a myriad of colors that seamlessly blend into one another. Such is the magic of Yedigoller, a place where an ordinary autumn day transforms into a child-like fantasy.

Embarking on the Journey

After a brisk 42-km drive from Bolu city center, fatigue dissipates as we arrive at the Seven Lakes, stepping into an autumn fairytale where nature’s diverse colors harmonize Back to History Exploring the Second Courtyard. The Kapankaya Viewing Terraces provide an eagle’s eyrie perspective of the lakes, setting the stage for

Back to History Exploring the Second Courtyard

Unveiling the Second Courtyard

Emerging into the daylight, my gaze shifts to the second courtyard. A towering 10-meter gate, intricately adorned with cypress motifs, captivates my attention. Pausing to appreciate this exquisite detail, I step into the second courtyard, revealing the inner sanctums of the palace. Among them, the ‘Selamlik’ or Men’s Quarters Courtyard unfolds, housing surprises like the palace mosque, a mausoleum for Colak Abdi Pasa and ishak Pasa, and the majestic main building Seven Lakes.

Palatial Splendor Unveiled

The second courtyard unfolds the mesmerizing interiors of the palace, boasting a colossal harem, a soup kitchen, entertainment halls, rooms for workers and guests, a library, and a court of law. Each area traversed adds new dreams to a visitor’s experience, reviving the splendid days of the past. The palace’s grandeur

Architectural Marvel of 1153

Constructed in 1153 by the Vizier of Saltuk Sultan Malik Izzeddin Salduk Firuz Akay, Kars Castle stands proudly on a steep rocky hill to the north of Kars. The castle, encompassed by 250-meter-high walls featuring three entrance doors, once housed a church that met its demise in 1386 under Timur’s rule. After restoration during the Ottoman Empire, the castle witnessed a period of Russian reign for 40 years following the Ottoman-Russian war. Offering a panoramic view of modern Kars, the castle is a testament to the city’s rich history.

APOSTLES CHURCH From Worship to Heritage

Bagratli King Abbas’s Legacy

Built to prominence by Bagratli King Abbas between 932 – 937 AD, the Apostles Church played a crucial role in making Kars the capital city Read More about KARS. Initially serving as a church, it underwent transformation into a mosque by Seljuks in 1064. Over the years, it alter