600-700 The most antique fortifications of the island were built during this period. 640 The first real town-walls appear, built for defense purposes by Theodore Rshtouni with several other buildings, among which, most probably was a church. 915-921 After a long period devoid of references or news, it was during these years that architect Manuel, […]
Antalya is the heart of Turkish tourism, and Kaleici is the old town inside the city’s fortifications and consists of a maze of streets lined with old houses. When I got out of the car and headed for Kaleici I had planned to stay just a few hours, and could never have foreseen that I […]
His Life Evliya Celebi was born on the 25th of February 1611 in Istanbul. He says he slipped out of every difficulty in his adventurous life with ease because of the goodwill of the seventy friends of his father who had been at their home on the night of his birth. His father, Mehmet Aga […]
Afyonkarahisar, more often known as Afyon for short, has been home to many civilizations, lying as it does at a strategic geographical junction at the center of western Turkey. Whether you are traveling from east to west or north to south, by road or rail, you are almost certain to pass through this city. With […]
Art and arms might seem contradictory concepts, but like all human artifacts, weapons have been a vehicle for artistic expression. The swords of many types and periods which we see in museums today have often been transformed into objects of such beauty by the craftsmen who made them that we forget they were instruments of […]
Silver filigree work has its origins in Mesopotamia and Egypt from where it spread to Turkey and other parts of Asia. From Turkey, it was exported with Ottoman rule into Yugoslavia and Greece. It is also known as cift isi (tweezer work) and vav isi from the Arabic letter vav which is somewhat similar to […]
The Sufi Experience: beyond its monuments, its rich history, and the radiant exoticism that Morocco displays in front of those who visit it; beneath the hustle and bustle of its lively streets, and the sensuality of its everyday life, there’s a strong sense of spirituality, mysticism, and transcendence, expressing itself through ancient rituals and ceremonies […]
When planning a destination vacation, most people plan it for their summer holiday because of the favorable weather or because their kids are out of school. What they don’t consider is all the great experiences they are missing out on during the winter, and traveling in the off-season means lower rates! Turkey in winter is […]
Ready and packed for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at this Thanksgiving? Pray ! If you can set yourself at the table. Thanks to the giver if you can take bread! Think of who lends you the gift to the delight of your heart and consolation for your weaknesses through the wine making stronger your weak body. […]
In ancient Turkey, the Iron Age corresponded to the first millennium BC. At that time western Anatolia was inhabited by three civilizations, Lydia, Caria, and Lycia. Caria encompassed all of today’s province of Mugla and part of Denizli and Aydin, extending westwards as far as the Menderes (Meander) river and eastwards to the Dalaman river, […]
