Travelist | Page 22

Alanya Turquoise Blue

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October 19, 2017

Alanya Turquoise Blue meets autumns entirely different experience…

The average air temperature never falls below 19°C here in this town blessed with sunshine 300 days of the year. What`s more, getting there is as easy as pie thanks to Alanya Gazipasa Airport. Just 135 kilometers east of Antalya, Alanya has a history going back thousands of years. Home to the tribes dispersed to Anatolia after the Trojan War, the city was known as Kolodorus, meaning beautiful mountain, in the Byzantine period.

Enjoying a golden age in the medieval period, it grew and developed inside one of Anatolia`s most impressive castles. A small fishing community surrounded by orange orchards until just half a century ago, Alanya today looks like a city where life revolves around tourism. We begin our tour from the Old Town. Rising on a steep headland behind the harbor, Alanya Castle at 250 meters above the sea recalls an eagl`s eyrie. Exactly 33 meters tall, the Red Tower is one of the most imposing aspects of this castle encircled by 6.5 kilometers of defense walls.

At the left end of the tower the stone structure reminiscent of a five-arch bridge is the sole surviving Seljuk dockyard. The interior of the castle is a virtual open air museum with dozens of Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman artifacts standing side by side. The New City meanwhile spreads out in both directions from the headland with the castle. The 70-kilometer coast, stretching from Ulas Burnu right up to the city limits of Gazipasa, forms the main axis of the settlement. But this town is determined not to expand further but to undergo a facelift.

Golden sand beaches

And the buildings freshly repainted in pastel colors have given it a new lease on life. The green areas that cover more than half the township are also carefully tended. But perhaps Alanya`s real attraction is its golden sand beaches. Among the best not just in Turkey but in the entire Eastern Mediterranean, they are designated by the blue flag, international symbol of order and cleanliness.

Rumor has it that the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra even came to these beaches on her private ship. Not only that but the sea at Alanya is also safe for children and non-swimmers since it only begins to deepen some 50 meters from shore. A boat cruise in Alanya`s waters will acquaint you with the mysterious world of sea caves that once provided refuge to pirates. Going inside these caves, which radiate powerful light even in the daytime thanks to the phosphorescent stones on their floors, is an inimitable experience. Who knows? You might even get a chance to spot a Mediterranean seal as you cruise these cave-dotted shores.

The Dim Valley is another of the area`s stunning beauty spots. This earthly paradise covered with forest and rare plant species lies just 15 kilometers from the town. And the stream flowing through it is one of Turkey`s most popular rafting routes. Rustic restaurants take refuge in the shade of century-old plane trees along its banks. Going up into the highlands is another must if you come to Alanya.

Rising to 3,000 meters, the Western Taurus is the home of nomadic communities with traditions going back thousands of years. These Yoruks go up into the mountains every spring to find fresh pasture for their flocks, living in goat hair tents until winter comes and weaving colorful kilims from the wool of their sheep. A large number of travel agents now organize jeep safaris into the highlands, where the air is refreshingly cool on even the hottest summer days.

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Filmekimi

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October 18, 2017

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A special development for its 10th year

In its 10th year, Filmekimi goes beyond Istanbul`s city limits and takes the best and most current examples of cinema to five more cities in Turkey. The special selection comprised of films in the Filmekimi and Istanbul Film Festival programme will be shown in Izmir on 13-16 October, in Bursa and Konya on 20-23 October and in Trabzon and Diyarbakir on 27-30 October.

This year`s prominent films include the Dardenne Brothers` `The Kid with a Bik` which shared the Cannes Grand Jury Award with Nuri Bilge Ceylan`s `Once Upon A Time in Anatolia`, the latest film by Lars von Trier `Melancholia`, the latest film by Jaffar Panahi `This Is Not a Film` and `This Must Be the Plac` directed by Paolo Sorrentino and starring Sean Penn.

The festival will also showcase the latest works of prominent directors

Pirates on the Caribbean:

On Stranger tides

We had captain Jack Sparrow once again. He runs from adventure to adventure in the fourth of Pirates of the Caribbean series that swept the world, `Pirates of the Caribbean:

On Stranger Tides`, instead of the stars of the first films in the series, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly, it is Peneiope Cruz who accompanies Johnny Depp.

Bestsellers in movies

1- Pirates of the Caribbean on Stranger Tides

Rob Marshall

2- Rio / Carlos Saldanha

3- incir Regeli Aytag /Murat Agirlar

4- Cars /John Lasseter

5- Limitless / Neil Burger

6- Biutiful Alejandro/Gonzalez Inarritu

7- Kaybedenler Kulubu / Tolga Ornek

8- Ask Tesadufleri Sever/Omer Faruk Sorak

9- Pirates of the Caribbean Quadrilogy

10- The King`s Speech

Tom Hooper

Gulben Ergen

Gulben Ergen, who had been away from the music scene for a long time, has reunited with her fans. Two years on from her 2009 album. `Uzun Yol sarkilarf, Gulben Ergen has instantly achieved success with `Hayat Bi Gun…` The album contains 10 songs. Yart Qiptak composed by Serdar Ortac has not taken long to be the most frequently requested and played song on the radio.

Sea Captain

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September 28, 2017

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I would have liked to be a Captain of the Sea

Drawing viewers` attention with the role of Peyker in the TV series Ask-i Memnu, Nur Fettahoglu has made it to the top as the character of Mahidevran in Muhtesem Yuzyil (The Magnificent Century). `If I were Mahidevran, I would think of more clever solutions, but this is desperation, you never know` says the beautiful actress, stating that if she had lived during that period, she would have wanted to be Barbarossa Hayreddin Pasha.

`The leading figures of that period went through great pain`

Starting her acting career with `Benden Baba Olmaz` and then following with `Gonul Salincagi`, Nur Fettahoglu really made her acting breakthrough as `Peyker` in Ask-i Memnu. The role of Mahidevran in `Muhtesem Yuzyil` has carved her a position at the top. The beautiful actress, appearing as Mahidevran, one of the strong women of the Harem during the reign of Kanuni, says if she had lived during that period, she would have wanted to be a seafarer like Barbarossa Hayreddin Pasha. We spoke to her about her acting career and other elements of her life.

Would you give us some hints about the new season of `Muhtesem Yuzyil`?

What can I say? Another thrilling season, a turbulent harem and again, a tearful Mahidevran.

Mahidevran

What would Nur do if she were Mahidevran?

Nur would be sad, too. Nur would struggle, too, at least for her child. She would come up with cleverer solutions and be more coolheaded in her plans, sure, but this is desperation, you never know what she would do. After all, Hurrem`s fame has gone beyond the locked box that is the Harem; it has been told from ear to ear for 450-500 years and survived to this day.

It has so much power. So may god protect Nur from Hurrems.

Whose life would you have wanted to live if you had lived during that period?

We see that the leading figures of the period went through great pain that is hard to handle. Some are lovers who cannot unite, while some grieve for their deceased children and others cannot save their beloved siblings. Death or love has visited all of them, leaving behind troubles without remedies. Other people have been forgotten anyway; I do not know if I would want to be someone who was forgotten. The best would be to become the master of the seas; it is already in my blood. I would have wanted to be Barbarossa.

`I have a great deal to learn in the field of acting`

Underneath that cold character on the screen, there is a vibrant woman. When will we see you on the screen with a role, or a TV show that reflects this side of you?

I would also love to show my warm, lively side with such a character, of course, but there are no such plans just now.

You have studied fashion design, worked as a banker, presented the news on TV, and are now acting. How else will you surprise the world?

I let the winds hurl me around and in the end, I found myself where I want to be. I also enjoy designing and want to make use of this; the boss of a successful design company. Why not?

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Art Lover

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September 27, 2017

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An art lover also loves good food

– For breakfast Laduree (21 rue Bonaparte), Eggs Co (11 rue Bernard Palissy) and Gerard Mulot (76 rue de Seine). Accompanied with whipped cream and apricot marmalade. You must have French toast (a sweet version of Turkish eggy bread).

– For lunch, you could act like a Parisian, splash out and watch a rare steak served with string beans arrive at your table or you could drool over the mussels at the neighboring table and say, `I wish I`d ordered that,` at Les Editeurs (4 Carrefour de I`Odeon).

Visit St. Germain, the heart of Paris` alternative art scene

We recommend Laduree for breakfast, Les Editeurs for lunch and La Palette for dinner opening out to the world from Paris. For a dynamic time.

Now that you are in Paris, you must have French food for dinner. Friday, Relais de I`Entrecote (15 rue Marbeuf); Saturday, Le Petit St-Benoit (4 rue Saint-Benoit), Sunday, La Palette (290 rue Charenton).

Phoenix: The first band to spring to mind when it comes to Art Rock or Indie. This French band made their name known across the ocean remembered Olivier Assayas. At Au Saint Benoit Restaurant (26 rue Saint-Benoit) I melted along with the vanilla ice cream of the most delicious profiterole I have ever eaten. I woke up in a tiny attic flat and watched Quatre-Vents street from above; got a taste of the Paris rain and wind and experienced its white nights.

Parisian habits

On Sundays, the Parisian scoffs a roast beef sandwich with beer after waiting in line at Schwartz on the side of rue Rosier, also known as the Jewish street;

Although touristy, once in a while the Parisian orders meal of meat, gherkins and fried potatoes at Chartier (7 rue de Faubourg Montmartre) and isn`t taken by surprise if he hears applause after a glass is broken;

The Parisian buys fresh flowers, cheese, prawns and green vegetables from Bastille on Sundays and hosts friends at home later in the evening;

The Parisian knows that hot baguettes come out at 7am and 7pm and never skips coffee at breakfast;

The Parisian collects cheap art books at Mona Lisait (9 rue St. Martin);

If the weather is pleasant, the Parisian buys sparkling wine and goes for a picnic at Buttes Chaumont or the canal side of Saint Martin;

The Parisian listens to opera at Gamier, live music at Point Ephemere (200 quai de Valmy) and rock at Truskel (12 rue Claude Tilliers).

Tips from Deniz, local Bars: One of the best known in Paris` 20th arrondissement, Aux Folies (8-rue de Belleville). It is packed at every hour of the day (7am- 3am) but there is always somewhere to sit on the terrace. It is a Paris mystery; you cannot understand why it is so popular until you become a regular. Food: My newest discovery is Le Verre Diable (10 rue Saint Marc ET 38), the young gem of the Passage des Panoramas, filled with boring historical restaurants.

Shopping: Boutique Matieres a Reflexion (19 rue de Poitou), which functions as a friends` collective, is a rare gem in the Marais. This tiny, independent shop resembling a living workshop specializes in vintage leather and bags. Do not forget to drop in.

Mardin Stonemasonry

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September 27, 2017

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Mardin Stone Masonry Master-Trainer

I was born in 1965 in Mardin. I have been a stonemason for 25 years. I practice this art with love and enjoy sharing with people. I feel happy when working. In 1985, when I wasn`t working yet, I met with Master Yusuf. He is the best stonemason of Mardin. He took me into his business. At first it was quite challenging, I wanted to quit but I endured and accomplished because patience rewards us with success. I have done this for 25 years and I am glad I did not quit.

Hardest part

Drawing is the hardest part…

A couple of good eyes and concentration are crucial in stonemasonry.

Determination and patience are the basics. Becoming a stonemason would be very difficult without these qualities. Presently, there are three or four stonemasons.

Like I said, patience and devotion will bring success and this art will spring to its feet again. I kind of talk with the stone as I do my job. This way always makes me happy. The hardest part of this art is absolutely the drawing process. One needs to be attentive when drawing.

I first learned about the `One Master Thousand Masters` project with the help of Mardin Culture and Tourism Director Davut Beliktay and Mardin Culture and Art Association President Nurettin Cakmak. I wanted to teach the trainees what I have learned from my master and during my 25 years of experience. Participation had been satisfying, classes had been enjoyable.

Trainees were willing and they worked with determination… All my students took this business serious. I think some of them will carry it on. I thank Anadolu Sigorta once again for creating such an opportunity. Within the context of the project, I gave trainings intensely for three months. I wish that my students would open workshops and continue practicing this art by enhancing it. I believe they will succeed.

Muslim calendar

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August 25, 2017

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Despite the fact that the population had to use the Muslim calendar in its dealings with the central and local authorities, the I Bulgarians continued to use the Christian I calendar in their everyday life and public relations. In certain contexts, its use developed into a distinctive feature of ethnic-religious belonging. Also, almost until the I Liberation, the rhythm of time for the I Bulgarian was dictated by his work activities.

Tradition also controlled the holiday calendar and the ways of spending the leisure time. The only relatively lucid change was related to the appearance of the clock, which occupied its place in the life of Bulgarians after the 17th century. In the second and third quarters of the 19th century, the achievements of modem European civilization integrated the Bulgarians into the bourgeois epoch and urged them to rethink and enrich not only their value system, but also the notions of time in the physical, philosophical and historical sense.

The signs of this change can be found in different domains – the ever-diminishing use of the Julian calendar, the enhanced interest of educated Bulgarians in studying the calendar of their ancient forefathers, the philosophical insight of the Apostle of Freedom, Vasil Levski, “Time is in us and we are in time, it changes us and we change it..

On 1 April 1916, the Bulgarian calendar went 13 days ahead in time and the date became 14 April because of the shift from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. The reason for the change was political. In the years of the First World War, Bulgaria was an ally of Germany and Austria-Hungary, which used the Gregorian calendar. The variance in the dates caused misunderstandings, which had to be overcome. But the secular authorities did not impinge on religious holidays, which were determined solely by the Church. The different denominations preserved their calendars in acts and documents of religious nature.

Todor Zhivkov

Time is measured in years and anniversaries are measured by time. “Golden/silver” jubilees became popular in the Kingdom of Bulgaria (1878-1946) and the Peopl`s Republic of Bulgaria (1946-1991) not only in relation to people or historical events, but also as a sign of empowerment. For example, Tsar Ferdinand (1887-1918) celebrated his enthronement every five years. Todor Zhivkov, Secretary General of the Bulgarian Communist Party (1954-1989), also marked the April Plenum of 1956 at which he assumed power, by staging party congresses every five years. Such “calendar affinity” is a sign of the rulers who identify a historical epoch with themselves.

The smell of the history

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March 24, 2017

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The smell of the history in Kastamonu: izbeli Farm

The Izbeli Farm set up by the Sultan Mehmet 4. In 1651 to train cavalry soldiers to the ottoman army contributes today to the tourism of Kastamonu and joins the past with the present.

The cavalry soldiers [rained at the Izbeli Farm and renowned with their discipline gained big victories for many yeras. The farm which had been one of the important training centers of the Ottoman army and set up on a land of 860 thousand sqm. serves currently the tourism.

THE MUSEUM MANSION

The mansion at the Izbeli Farm keeping the history of many centuries is transformed to a museum now. Sabiha Izbeli kept for many years the objects in the mansion enabling the visitors to live various phases of the history in an authentic atmosphere. Among these objects, there are flintlock guns, lighting equipment and many authentic materials. Sabiha Izbeli donated the bed blanket used by Ataturk during his visit to Kastamonu in 1925 to the Museum of the Town History. The Izbeli Farm serves the tourism of Kastamonu since two years.

The Organic Agriculture

At the farm, the products cultivated with the natural manure without using chemical fertilizer and hormone are offered to the domestic and foreign tourists. Among the delights preferred by the visitors, there are the speciality of bread with meat of Kastamonu, ayran (a cool drink made of yoghurt and water) and egsi. Sabiha Izbeli rewarded with the prize of “Successful Businesswomen of the Year” distributed by the Dunya newspaper in 2003 for her activities in Kastamonu tries to transmit the history gaining value in time to the next generations.

This article is published for EnmarBg. For more interesting information about birdwatching Bulgaria, please visit Bulgaria destinations.

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A Nostalcig Street in Beyoglu

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March 19, 2017

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In the time of Ottoman Empire, the relations between Turks and Frenchs were deeply ancient.

So that the first ambassadorship was French at the right time Kanuni Sultan Suleyman in 16. century. The French Street which was opened at 1 July in 2005, is a culture and trade street for contributing both common culture and history, j The street takes place behind the Galatasaray High School which contains both Cezayir Sokagi and Cezayir Cikmazi (Algeria Blind Alley and Algeria Street).

In The French Street there are art galeries, plastic art and handmade art galeries, art courses, restaurants and cafes, shops where French Perfumes, French Musicians cd`s are sold. There are halls for films, slight shows, concerts and conventions. There are also beauty institutes, day nursery for children, tourism agency and shops which sells French clothes, accesories.

German, Austrian and Swiss Cuisines

The distinguished examples ot the European cuisine are served especially in the restaurants of 5 star hotels. The kitchens of these hotels are directed by the most reputable and prestigious chefs of Europe. Special “taste nights”, introducing the dishes of European cuisine are frequently organised in 5 star hotels. On the other hand, there are many restaurants, other than those of 5 star hotels, in Istanbul.

French Cuisine

You long for a good “Chateaubriand” or a French style cream of onion soup.

You do not have to dream it in Istanbul. You can give yourself an “a la Frangaise” feast of taste at one of the French restaurants in Istanbul that can compete with the ones in Paris in terms of taste as well as ambience.

You may also choose to enjoy the warm atmosphere of French style bistros.

“Healthy nutrition” is the “rising trend” in Turkey, as it is all over the world. The number of people preferring “healthy alternative nutrition methods” instead of the “risky tastes” Including “much cholesterol and calorie” are Increasing, especially among youngsters.

Thus, the vegetarian restaurants in Istanbul become widespread and their menus are varied with interesting inventions.

The Far East and Asian Cuisines

The Chinese restaurants have become the common colours of Istanbul. You can taste the specialties of the Chinese cuisine in an authentic atmosphere in these restaurants, whose staff is mostly Chinese.

The first Chinese restaurant in Istanbul was founded in Taksim some 25 years ago by Ahmet Wang from East Turkistan, however it is not possible to know the number of the Chinese restaurants in Istanbul today.

The Chinese and the Far Eastern restaurant managers are happy in Istanbul, so are the people.

There is no cuisine as rich as traditional Turkish-Ottoman cuisine in the world.

Because this cuisine is a harmonious synthesis of the local cuisines tastes that forms the Turkish-Ottoman social and cultural mosaic.

The number of people in Istanbul devoted themselves to survive the traditional cuisine culture is not little, Turkish-Ottoman cuisine still keeps its position at the top.

Kebab (kebap) and “ocakbasi” are inevitable parts of Istanbul life. There is no need to go to those cities for tasting the delicious kebabs of Adana. Urfa and Antep. Today, the great masters of kebab art show their skills in Istanbul and present magical tastes.

Kebabs decorated with aubergine, tomato and plenty of pepper strike the world with admiration.

The kebabs with hot and mild Adana, Urfa and Gaziantep style sizzling on the “ocakbaSi”s draw people like magnets.

Agehi (985/1577)

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March 19, 2017

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He was born in Vardar of Yenice. His real name is Mansur. Being from the cadi class he was a scholar, a historian and a poet. He died in Istanbul in 985/1577. According to Tahir Bey of Bursa Agehi left a complete divan. Agehi took part in Suleyman the Lawgiver`s last campaign Zigetvar in 974/1566 and wrote a historical record of this event as well.

He wrote a commemarotive poem of more than fifteen couplets with conventional mariner`s language and offered it to the Sultan through Piyale Pasha. According to records he was given the Sheref Thelogical School in Istanbul. Since he was in Gelibolu as a teacher in close contact with Piyale Pasha who was a master seaman of those times, it is only natural that he wrote about the sea and knew the conventional terminology of the seaman pretty well.

In our literature we have had the tradition of writing with terminologies of various subjects and occupations. Some of these occupations and subjects are astronomy, music, books, medicine and logic. We do have poems written by Agehi written during this period with mariner phraseology which were an influence in literary circles.

Although there were poets like Yetimi who wrote poems in the field before Agehi did his was the well known and studied of the two works. His poems seem to be the ones considered to be more worthwile to study and teach by people like Deruni, Taflicah Yahya Bey, Aski (Işki), Gubari, Za`fi and Molla Mehmed.

Writting with mariner terminology and using words of this phraseology in stating metaphase and allegories in prose and poetry both was quite common among writers and poets of Suleyman the Lawgiver period. We could attribute this fact to the greatness, the popularity and to the grandness of the Ottoman navy during these times. The fact that sailors of the empire reached all the way to India in Suleyman`s reign made the prospects of the occupation look more prestigions, glorious and rewarding than were before.

Glorifying of the same subject was common among literary people during the following centuries as well. We have poems by Zari (died 1098/1686), Refeti (died 1118/1706) and Bursali Feyzi (died 1185/1771-1772) written in mariner language.

The Museum of Yalvac

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June 17, 2016

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With such a wealth of history and historical remains, Yalvac naturally has a fine museum in which finds from excavations and other sources are on display. At the entrance to the museum you are greeted by examples of some of the fine reliefs that once graced Antiocheia`s monuments. Entering the museum, we are immediately enthralled by an unbroken sequence of works that begins from Prehistoric times.

The aesthetic satisfaction that comes of viewing works in terracotta changes to the pleasurable experience of examining Roman sarcophagi. The deep gaze in the eyes of a statue of Aphrodite is reflected in the statues of Pan and Men. That golden chalice over there must surely have been a witness to the excitement of countless victory celebrations. Works of mother-of-pearl depicting Mary, Jesus, and angels are just a few of the rare and exquisite works on display at the Yalvac Museum, which also contains a section for ethnographic material as well.

Camping and picnic grounds

There are numerous excursion spots in and around Yalva^; where you will find incomparably wonderful opportunities to relax and enjoy nature. The Monumental Plane Tree (Platanus orientalis), is an ancient guardian of the area and has been a witness to who knows how many events. Seat yourself beneath its emerald-green leafy boughs and sip tea as you let the day`s tiredness melt away.

The local inhabitants of all ages frequently come here to sit, enjoy themselves, and chat with one another. Over the centuries, this tree has been where many important decisions affecting the future of the town and its people were made; and from time to time it almost seems to shake its branches as if to signal its support. The people of Yalvac regard this tree as a sort of good-luck charm for the whole county.

Hidirlik Tepesi is a hill where the finest hues of the color green are proudly displayed by the pine trees and where the local people traditionally hold their festivals. In places such as Hisarardi, Su Qktigi, Diizkir Orman Alam, Gemen Korusu and Gaziri Mevki history and nature embrace one another while the delicious and savory smell of fresh fish and meat being cooked wafts its way to you from tiny, charming restaurants. The spring water is pure and icy- cold and its flavor seems to be mingled with the scent of pine. The thanks we feel for Mother Nature fall unbidden from our lips.

Extremely faithful to their traditions, the people of Yalvac are determined to sustain and nourish the rich cultural tradition that their forefathers have left them. One of the most productive of those traditions is leather-working, which is an important source of revenue not just for the county but for Turkey as well. Modern methods are employed where modern demands of taste and quality so dictate, but one thing that has not changed is the painstaking and age-old attention to detail and craftsmanship.

Craft & Cultural Heritage

The leather goods that the people of Yalvac create by the sweat of their brows and the delicate artistry of their taste are offered in great pride to markets in Turkey and around the world. Another age-old activity in the area is felt-making, another craft and cultural heritage for which efforts are being made to keep it alive. The number of full-time felt-makers is slowly declining, but those who practice the craft still produce carefully-made objects fashioned from felt made from the purest wool.

Copper-working has been an industry that Yalvac; has never been without and it has undergone constant development. The skillful hands of craftsmen steeped in millennia-old traditions turn sheets of metal into jugs, samovars, vases, dishes, and other useful utensils.

A riot of color and a symphony of wood, Yalvac`s distinctive and unique horse carts are an invariable element of the local decor and popular photographic subjects. Saddle and Harness making are also among the traditional handicrafts which still survive in the region.