Tunnel aquarium in Trabzon to be a unique touristic experience
A tunnel aquarium is to be set up in between two valleys - Zağnos and Tabakhane - in northeastern Trabzon to boost the province's tourism potential and better promote the Black Sea's rich marine life.
As an alternative touristic attraction, the aquarium will be constructed through the valleys located in the city's Ortahisar town. The Zağnos Valley houses a national park with Byzantine-era aqueducts and mansions reflecting the traditional architecture.
Ortahisar Mayor Ahmet Metin Genç said, "Although Trabzon is a coastal city, many locals are not fully aware of the marine life and sea species. The tunnel aquarium is where we can showcase a variety of fish in the same place."
Many aquariums in big cities are normally set up in big malls and this one will be authentic enough to draw more tourists to the area.
A study and survey has been carried out to see whether the tunnel can be built in this area. The plateau-like area is normally separated with the valleys and two historic namesake bridges connect the residential area. The bridges have been used for transportation and providing water.
Announced as Turkey's most business-friendly and livable city by Forbes Turkey last year, Trabzon has been attracting thousands of tourists recently with its lush environment, lively atmosphere and cultural and historical heritage. In addition, Trabzon was also announced as the cleanest city in 2013, making it a travel hotspot.
In a fine-dining Michelin-starred restaurant, it is not an unusual to scene to see a waiter asking a customer "How do you like your water," while handing a specific water menu. Water sommeliers, a small group of professionals who think that water is not just water, suggest the best water taste for customers at restaurants.
Alican Akdemir, 28, is one of these few people who is trained as water sommelier and can distinguish water on its taste and mineral content. He has already categorized Turkey's different water types in each region. He says water has a wide range of flavors and textures and water sommeliers determine what tastes good in water. Completing his training at the Doemens Academy in Munich on water tastes two years ago, Akdemir now easily tell swhich water taste goes well while cooking or making tea and coffee. "The taste of water directly changes a meal's taste," he noted.
Making a living by tasting water, Akdemir began his profession at water tasting sessions. He said more third-wave coffee producers now require water sommeliers as good water flavor increases the coffee's quality. "Thinking that almost 95 percent of tea or coffee content is water, it is not surprising to see coffee producers to prefer better water. Prominent baristas chooses water with different hardness levels and temperatures."
Although many people's tastebuds are missing out the flavors of waters, Akdemir says he understands the nuances and suggests chefs to use a specific water type while cooking. "I differentiate them based on their taste like strong, sweet, savory or bitter and level them. I work with chefs and generally do not prefer eating much before tasting."
The number of water flavors in Turkey is limited, though, Akdemir continued. "I believe the main reason is logistic expenses as water companies prefer water sources in near-by regions."
Among water flavors, Akdemir said water with rich mineral content is not recommended to those on a diet. "Water with low mineral content or neutral water is ideal if you are trying to lose weight," he added. For babies, water with low mineral content and for heart health, water with high calcium content is recommended. "For better digestion, I suggest drinking water with high sulfate or sodium bicarbonate." Water in glass bottles should also be preferred, he noted.
Kars's Cıbıltepe Ski Resort ready for new winter season
The provincial culture and tourism director in northeastern Kars province, Hakan Doğanay, has said that Kars is the pearl of eastern Turkey with its rooted history and cultural elements that have been protected for centuries.
The city is also an important center for winter tourism with its significant snowfall blanketing the region for four months, according to Doğanay.
Claiming that the Cıbıltepe Ski Resort in Sarıkamış is the liveliest ski resort in Kars, Doğanay said, "This ski resort is suitable for winter tourism and sports thanks to its natural ski tracks. The resort is also very practical for skiing. Dust-crystal snow, which the Alps are famous for, can only be found in the Sarıkamış region."
Stressing that Cıbıltepe is also one of the most important ski resorts of Turkey, Doğanay continued, "Cıbıltepe Ski Resort is one of five first class ski resorts in Turkey. We have finished with winter preparations in Sarıkamış and are waiting for our visitors."
The ski resort in Sarıkamış is located on a plateau, which is 2,900 meters (9,514 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by Scotch pine forests. On average, Sarıkamış is covered with 150 centimeters (59 inches) of snow four months of the year. The best time to visit Kars's Sarıkamış for skiing is from Dec. 10 to April 10. The unique geography of Sarıkamış creates a destination comparable to the Alps offering opportunities to practice northern ski disciplines as well as "ski safaris" and "sledding tours."
Moreover, Sarıkamış hosts a snow festival every year in February with various events, such as a horse-sledding show, skiing competitions, snow volleyball and off-road races.
Sarıkamış is home to a five-star hotel, seven three-star hotels, a hostel and two apartment hotels. One of the biggest tourist attractions in Kars is the 118-year-old hunting lodge, which was built by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia during the Russian occupation of the region.
The Sarıkamış Allahuekber Mountains National Park, which covers 22,519 hectares (55,643 acres) and spreads through two provinces Kars and Erzurum, is a destination in Kars that should not be overlooked. The Sarıkamış region has the largest Scotch pine forest in Turkey.
While exploring the national park, guests can expect to encounter a wide variety of wildlife. Combined with its untouched nature and majestic geography, it can easily be said that Sarıkamış is a haven for trekking and wildlife enthusiasts.
Apart from its skiing and natural attractions, Sarıkamış is also an important hub for religious tourism. Every year in the first week of January, people from all over Turkey flock to Sarıkamış to commemorate the 90,000 Ottoman soldiers who were martyred there during World War I. During the Sarıkamış Martyrs Commemoration Program, visitors have a chance to see the resting places of the heroic Turkish soldiers.
Istanbul has a wide variety of restaurants addressing many kind of tastes and demands, with accomplished chefs displaying mouth-watering plates that appeal to the eyes, too
Turkish cuisine and chefs are getting more popular day by day. Every single day a new Turkish restaurant opens in another corner of the world. Street-smart old Turkish chefs leave their thrones to school-smart, highly educated chefs with international experience and global knowledge. This situation brings more potential to Turkish cuisine and the dining industry in Turkey.
The first chef I would like to mention is Muharrem Tenekeci, the executive chef of The Galliard Restaurant in Etiler. Like many other Turkish chefs, Tenekeci is from the famous Turkish province of Bolu. As you can understand from the presentation of his food, he has quite a creative and dedicated personality. The mushroom risotto served in a parmigiana wheel on fire is one of the examples from this restaurant I would like to mention. The parmigiana on fire gets melted in its wheel and the chef adds risotto on top of it. Imagine! Just perfect! On the other hand, organic marrow and caramelized onion is another signature dish of Tenekeci.
The slowly cooked marrow is served inside of its bones with fried breads on the side. It looks different and tastes different. The taste is a little bit heavy but definitely worth to try. A new dish of this season, the 60-centimeter beef sausage is a very eye-catching item on his menu as well. Although he has many flashy recipes, nothing can overshadow his chocolate show. The Galliard's favorite desert called "Surprise" is a real surprise for chocolate lovers. This round-shaped chocolate shell has three profiterole balls in it. Each ball is filled with pomegranate sorbet. It comes with a hot chocolate pot and all of the chocolate is poured on the top of the shell by the chef. Your surprise profiterole balls are right there for your pleasure!
The Galliard is on Nispetiye Street but still far from the noise of this popular and crowded area. Olive trees and green bushes by the street are smart dividers. It has classy decorations but is still young and vibrant. Prices are reasonable and service is above standards. I congratulate Chef Muharrem Tenekeci and owner of The Galliard Ersin Süzer for having such an amazing restaurant.
Last week I attended a dinner by cookbook authors and chefs at Azzur Restaurant in Mövenpick Hotel in Levent. Along with the exclusive chef of the restaurant Giovanni Terracciano, acclaimed cookbook authors Dr. Ayşegül Çoruhlu, Bengi Kurtcebe, Professor Dilistan Shipman, Ece Zaim, Elçin Oflaz, Eyüp Kemal Sevinç and Hülya Ekşigil showcased their signature recipes. We savored a combination of enticing delights from alkaline shots to healthy snacks and homemade breads to tempting Turkish cuisine. I especially liked the cocktail appetizers prepared by Elçin Oflaz. The organic smoothie with beetroot and eggplant with creamy walnut are excellent detox recipes. Oflaz has amazing raw food event experience with Hollywood stars including Demi Moore. She brought all of her knowledge to Turkey from the United States a long time ago, which has made a big difference in the raw food market here. Great job!
By the way, I should confess that Azzur Restaurant is a very affordable venue to have dinner while still offering a high-end atmosphere. The American-style seating booths, high ceilings and gigantic paintings on the walls made me feel as if I was in a restaurant in Manhattan. I recommend that you visit this restaurant at the first chance you get. Mövenpick Hotel is located in the heart of Levent and is a good idea for dinner after long business hours.
Finally, I would like to mention three amazing chefs: Arif Kemal Doğan, Orhan Demirok and İbrahim Erkut. These gentlemen took us on a very nostalgic journey last week. As part of the celebration of the 120th anniversary of Pera Palace Jumeirah Hotel, they prepared a nostalgic menu inspired by the old menus of the hotel and served them at their new restaurant Belle Epoque Pasha. The chicken liver parfait, dry cured duck breast, homemade smoked eel, brie cheese and citrus chutney were excellent appetizer items. As for the hot starter menu, the seasonal wild mushrooms and shrimps and the puffy pastry with fresh herbs were mouthwatering. During the dinner I was also really impressed with the sorbet service. Many venues do not serve this "palate cleaner" at all, and even if they do, most of them use regular ice cream instead of real sorbet. So, the citrus sorbet I tried at Pera Palace was as good as original sorbets in Italy; it was fresh and creamy. The main course of Beef bourguignon with potato cream, buttered green beans and shallots were also quite appealing. The bitter chocolate souffle with fresh cream and icing sugar was the final item of this nostalgic dinner menu. I congratulate the patisserie chef İbrahim Erkut. With very little sugar and organic chocolate he made a delicious lightweight souffle - perfect for nighttime. Thumbs up!
If you would like to feel as if you are dining in the 1920s, visit the historical Belle Epoque Pasha Restaurant and experience the same authentic menu. This splendid menu will be accompanied by fresh roses, silver chandeliers, antique furniture, a white jacket crew and live jazz music at the venue. Until the end of May 2017 you can take advantage of this privilege at Pera Palace Jumeirah Hotel in Beyoğlu. Once again, I congratulate the chefs and the manager of the hotel Pınar Kartal Timer for aiming high!
‘Green haven’ in Black Sea opening to mass housing
The Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKİ) will construct Ottoman-style buildings in the highlands of the Black Sea provinces.
Illegal buildings in the areas will be demolished and TOKİ will construct arcaded buildings with lifts in their place, including in the famous Ayder Plateau, which is a protected area. The construction process is due to start in spring 2017.
TOKİ will work with three ministries in order to transform the highland areas. As part of the transformation project in Rize’s Ayder Plateau, two-storied houses will be built as well as lifts.
Noting that Urban and Environment Minister Mehmet Özhaseki and Forestry and Water Affairs Minister Veysel Eroğlu met with TOKİ head Ergün Turan 15 days ago to discuss the growing sprawl in the plateaus, Nature Conservation Deputy General Manager Kemalettin Cengiz Tekinsoy said a protocol had been prepared and that the Culture and Tourism Ministry would also be involved.
Tekinsoy also described how urban transformation in the area would proceed.
“We’ll start with Ayder. From here, we’ll continue with the plateaus that are tourism zones. Our aim is to build resting and social areas that would meet the demands of visitors in line with the unique architecture of the area that is being developed as a tourism zone,” Tekinsoy said, adding that TOKİ would prepare the projects in order to “reflect our traditional architecture.”
“Ugly buildings will be demolished and an urban transformation will be made via a deal with the rights owners. The planning efforts will be over in three to five months and the construction process is expected to start in spring,” he said.
Noting that multi-story buildings would not be constructed in the plateaus, Tekinsoy said “plateau house-style resting places will be built.”
“The houses will be with a terrace, and its surroundings won’t be detached from nature. The house will be integrated with nature. The interiors will be reinforced concrete, the exteriors will be stone and wood and the roofs will be pantile, as in the traditional architecture,” he said.
“The plan will be presented to our ministers and prime minister,” he added.
Additionally to houses, TOKİ will also build cafes and restaurants in the areas.
“However, our aim, of course, is to build them without harming nature. There will be figures that reflect our natural values,” he said.
Turkey’s Council of State previously annulled a comprehensive environment regulation plan, including a 2,600-kilometer-long road construction, stating that the plan would pave the way for the commercialization of naturally protected areas in the Black Searegion.
Basing its arguments on an expert report, the Council of State said in its ruling that the Environment Regulation Plan, which covers six Black Sea provinces as well as the long-disputed Green Road project, would do nothing to protect natural areas such as forests, basins, agricultural and upland areas in the region.
The draft also noted that the planning works of the tourism regions on the proposed route would be completed quickly and that they would be prepared to facilitate private sector investments.
The project has been widely criticized for its negative impact not only on the environmental character of the areas affected but also on the culture and lifestyle of local residents, destroying the unique nature of the upland villages.
Scientists search for secrets of longer lifespan in northern Turkey
Golköy, a district of Ordu located in the Black Sea region, has been revealed as having the highest life expectancy in Turkey with an average resident reaching 82 years of age.
A team from Akdeniz University published "Turkey's Aging Atlas" last year, compiled by gerontology chief of department Prof. Dr. Ismail Tufan and his team using data from the past 15 years.
This week a symposium, "From Local to Center: Aging People and Society ", was organized at Gölköy to discuss average life expectancy and scientists from various universities, national and international gerontologists delivered speeches on different aspects of aging.
Ordu Governor Irfan Balkanlıoğlu stated during his speech that Ordu is one of Turkey's cities richest in oxygen.
"There is no industrial area nearby that could damage nature. Agricultural pesticides are not commonly used, in fact there is almost no agricultural spraying. Ordu is surrounded by nature and forests, people living here have a natural diet", he said.
The governor also added that Gölköy should be promoted for touristic reasons. Containing Ulugöl lake and many surrounding streams and beautiful waterfalls, Gölköy is the perfect location for a vacation.
Prof. Dr. Terence Seedsman attended the symposium from Australia and underlined some critical issues about aging.
"We can say that in many countries aging policy has not been identified yet despite the rise in the number of elderly people," he said. Aging will affect all political areas in the near future including social welfare and politics. From pensions to social prosperity, housing services, settlement services, employment, town planning, health, education and nursing services, as well as the relationship between the generations, the effects of the aging population will be reflected in various fields. Not being capable of looking forward and taking short-term measures characterizes policies of modern times and causes many problems."
According to the project results, the average life span in Ordu's Gölköy district is 82 years. The average life expectancy for Turkish citizens reached 78 in 2013 and 2014, according to the data released by Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). Women statistically outlive men by 5.4 years in average life expectancy.
Samsun: Let's hit the road for Turkey's northern region
With lush green forests, plateaus, history and delicious dishes, the city of Samsun in Turkey's Black Sea region is the perfect destination for those looking to experience an unforgettable tour of the Turkish coast
Anyone who has looked at a tourist brochure about Turkey knows that the covers of these brochures are typically graced with beautiful shots of the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines. But these are not the only shores that beckon visitors. Turkey's Black Sea coast is one of the country's best kept secrets, usually remaining in the background due to the region's rainy conditions and churning seas which deter swimmers. However, the coasts of the Black Sea offer some of the most beautiful views that are guaranteed to make memorable your holiday in a tourist-friendly region that beckons travelers year-round with traditional wooden homes and a clean, refreshing environment that is perfect for allergy sufferers or anyone looking to escape the pollution of crowded urban areas. Turkey's Black Sea region is the country's hidden gem where an array of historic, natural landmarks and unique cultural traditions will keep you coming back for years.
Amisos Hill
The glistening waters and majestic mountains on the Black Sea coast offer a panoramic view of perfection to the thousands of tourists who visit the region every year. If you've ever taken a road trip with family or friends, a trip across Turkey's scenic Black Sea coast is the perfect getaway. Located 780 kilometers east of Istanbul, the city of Samsun offers city-dwellers a peaceful oasis with beautiful views along a coastline adorned with mountains. For the more adventurous traveler, a 500-to-600 kilometer drive east of Samsun will take you to the Turkish-Georgian border, offering a scenic drive with picture-perfect photo ops. There is no trace of Istanbul's skyscrapers and congested populace on the Black Sea coast, where mountains and greenery surround you. In this unique region of Turkey, travelers can enjoy tours of the region's smallest towns as well as coastal tours which are offered year-round.
The locals of the Black Sea region are known for their friendly demeanor, good sense of humor as well as their quick temper. The people of the region are so vibrant and humorous that the majority of jokes in Turkey are originally from the Black Sea region. Along with its natural beauties and the legend stories you will come across here, lifestyles that are full of spirit will also appeal to you during your stay.As all the cities in the Black Sea region differ in terms of their natural beauties and greenery, today we will focus on Samsun alone. Generally, the first destination in Black Sea tours is Samsun, which is accepted as the epicenter of the central Black Sea region. Samsun is one of the more developed cities in terms of transportation and road facilities. It is easier to reach than other cities, which have winding roads. Formerly known as Amisos, the first settlement in Samsun was around 750 B.C. by the Milesians, a Hellenic civilization. The city still bears the remnants of this ancient civilization with many historical landmarks dotting a magnificent landscape. The historical sites in the Black Sea region include prehistoric cave settlements, Neolithic artifacts and Ottoman monuments, offering you a journey through time.
A prehistoric cave
The Vezirköprü Oymaağaç ruins, which date back two millennia, as well as the Chalcolithic ruins and the late Bronze Age, Hittite and Dündartepe ruins and the earliest human settlement, the Tekkeköy Caves, are some of the archaeological sites that cannot be passed up. Legend has it that the city was once home to the Amazons and there are monuments here that do place them in the area. The city also hosts many museums, both archaeological and ethnographic.
Home to the relics of the founding father of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, there are many monuments and museums dedicated to him as well as the Bandırma steamship that brought Atatürk to Samsun in 1919. The Kızılırmak Delta, which stands out with its biodiverse and natural beauty year-round, draws photographers and nature lovers to the area thanks to the beautiful views offered by the water-crowfoot flowers. Health tourism is another increasing industry in the city, as the region is home to many thermal springs and resorts as well as eternal youth waters and Turkish baths, known as "hamam."
Apart from these destinations, waterfalls and the Kızılırmak Delta bolster the city's ecotourism while the Akdağ Winter Sports and Skiing Center offers a perfect location for winter sports and lots of fresh weather. During your stay in Samsun, you should also visit the "cat town," which was recently established in the city specifically for its street cats. It is a place where cats live peacefully and safely, and tourists and locals alike can visit the local cats there.Veterinary services are also offered to the cats living here, including sports facilities for the cats themselves, such as a walking track and a bridge, as well as bungalow homes where the cats sleep and live either individually or in groups.
Samsun: Let's hit the road for Turkey's northern region
With lush green forests, plateaus, history and delicious dishes, the city of Samsun in Turkey's Black Sea region is the perfect destination for those looking to experience an unforgettable tour of the Turkish coast
Anyone who has looked at a tourist brochure about Turkey knows that the covers of these brochures are typically graced with beautiful shots of the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines. But these are not the only shores that beckon visitors. Turkey's Black Sea coast is one of the country's best kept secrets, usually remaining in the background due to the region's rainy conditions and churning seas which deter swimmers. However, the coasts of the Black Sea offer some of the most beautiful views that are guaranteed to make memorable your holiday in a tourist-friendly region that beckons travelers year-round with traditional wooden homes and a clean, refreshing environment that is perfect for allergy sufferers or anyone looking to escape the pollution of crowded urban areas. Turkey's Black Sea region is the country's hidden gem where an array of historic, natural landmarks and unique cultural traditions will keep you coming back for years.
Amisos Hill
The glistening waters and majestic mountains on the Black Sea coast offer a panoramic view of perfection to the thousands of tourists who visit the region every year. If you've ever taken a road trip with family or friends, a trip across Turkey's scenic Black Sea coast is the perfect getaway. Located 780 kilometers east of Istanbul, the city of Samsun offers city-dwellers a peaceful oasis with beautiful views along a coastline adorned with mountains. For the more adventurous traveler, a 500-to-600 kilometer drive east of Samsun will take you to the Turkish-Georgian border, offering a scenic drive with picture-perfect photo ops. There is no trace of Istanbul's skyscrapers and congested populace on the Black Sea coast, where mountains and greenery surround you. In this unique region of Turkey, travelers can enjoy tours of the region's smallest towns as well as coastal tours which are offered year-round.
The locals of the Black Sea region are known for their friendly demeanor, good sense of humor as well as their quick temper. The people of the region are so vibrant and humorous that the majority of jokes in Turkey are originally from the Black Sea region. Along with its natural beauties and the legend stories you will come across here, lifestyles that are full of spirit will also appeal to you during your stay.As all the cities in the Black Sea region differ in terms of their natural beauties and greenery, today we will focus on Samsun alone. Generally, the first destination in Black Sea tours is Samsun, which is accepted as the epicenter of the central Black Sea region. Samsun is one of the more developed cities in terms of transportation and road facilities. It is easier to reach than other cities, which have winding roads. Formerly known as Amisos, the first settlement in Samsun was around 750 B.C. by the Milesians, a Hellenic civilization. The city still bears the remnants of this ancient civilization with many historical landmarks dotting a magnificent landscape. The historical sites in the Black Sea region include prehistoric cave settlements, Neolithic artifacts and Ottoman monuments, offering you a journey through time.
A prehistoric cave
The Vezirköprü Oymaağaç ruins, which date back two millennia, as well as the Chalcolithic ruins and the late Bronze Age, Hittite and Dündartepe ruins and the earliest human settlement, the Tekkeköy Caves, are some of the archaeological sites that cannot be passed up. Legend has it that the city was once home to the Amazons and there are monuments here that do place them in the area. The city also hosts many museums, both archaeological and ethnographic.
Home to the relics of the founding father of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, there are many monuments and museums dedicated to him as well as the Bandırma steamship that brought Atatürk to Samsun in 1919. The Kızılırmak Delta, which stands out with its biodiverse and natural beauty year-round, draws photographers and nature lovers to the area thanks to the beautiful views offered by the water-crowfoot flowers. Health tourism is another increasing industry in the city, as the region is home to many thermal springs and resorts as well as eternal youth waters and Turkish baths, known as "hamam."
Apart from these destinations, waterfalls and the Kızılırmak Delta bolster the city's ecotourism while the Akdağ Winter Sports and Skiing Center offers a perfect location for winter sports and lots of fresh weather. During your stay in Samsun, you should also visit the "cat town," which was recently established in the city specifically for its street cats. It is a place where cats live peacefully and safely, and tourists and locals alike can visit the local cats there.Veterinary services are also offered to the cats living here, including sports facilities for the cats themselves, such as a walking track and a bridge, as well as bungalow homes where the cats sleep and live either individually or in groups.
Indeed brother, we should keep undesirables out of our pleasant lands.
That's why we should build more and more refugee camps(Along the borders). and keep them there. instead of having them wandering about on our street corners.
Ancient cistern found under barn in Turkey's Mardin
Excavations in the southeastern province of Mardin’s ancient city of Dara have unearthed a 6th century cistern. The Roman-era cistern was found in a field used as a barn.
Nihat Erdoğan, the director of the Mardin Museum, said excavation works have been ongoing in the 3,000-year-old ancient city of Dara, located on the road to Mardin’s Nusaybin district.
Erdoğan said the majority of the Roman city of Dara remained under village houses.
“As excavations continue in Dara, artifacts from the Roman and Persian eras come to light. The latest excavations discovered the Roman-era cistern, which is 18 meters in depth and 15 meters by width. This place was filled with earth that we later emptied. Its ruined ground has been restored as part of a project led by the cultural and natural heritage conservation board,” he added.
Erdoğan said the cistern met the water needs for guests who came from Mardin during the Roman and Persian eras.
“What is particularly interesting about this cistern is that it is behind a four-kilometer wall located in the western part of the city. Even though guests from Mardin were not given permission to enter the city, we believe the cistern was built to meet their water needs,” he added.
The museum director said the cistern would be opened to tourism from January 2017, after the excavation works end in Dara.
He noted that Mardin has historically always been culturally diverse, which presents a rich tourism potential.
“We are working to make this richness visible. Our goal is to promote Mardin to the world and reflect these values. The city has had continuous cultural values since its establishment. We expect Mardin to be known by more tourists,” Erdoğan said.
Ancient Christian pilgrimage site comes to light in northern Turkey
Excavation works in an ancient Christian pilgrimage site in northern Turkey dating back to 1st century B.C. have been resumed after two years.
Birthplace of the Saint Alypius the Stylite, the ancient city of Hadrianopolis – now located three kilometers east of Eskipazar district of northern Karabük province – was an important site of pilgrimage for early Christians until the city lost its importance in 8th century A.D.
Prof. Dr. Vedat Keleş, head of Underwater Archeology department of Ondokuz Mayıs University, confirmed in a statement that excavation was resumed after previous works based on infrastructure and preservation, establishing the excavation site, lighting and the restoration of Church B's mosaics were completed.
Future excavation works will be carried out by the Kastamonu Museum and Karabük University Archeology Department teaching member Assist. Prof. Dr. Ersin Çelikbaş.
Keleş underlined that there are many more structures to be uncovered in the Hadrianaupolis ancient city and said: "Preservation is more important than excavation and we have been doing this for the past five years."
"This city is the birthplace of Saint Alypius the Stylite, one of the most important personalities of the ancient ages. Because of this, it was used as a pilgrimage site", Keleş added.
So far 14 dispersed public buildings and other structures were identified in the city, which was settled during the late Hellenistic, Roman and early Byzantine periods.
These public buildings consist of two baths, two churches, a defense building, rock tombs, a theater, an arched and dome shaped building, a monumental cult niche, a wall, villas, other monumental buildings and some cultic areas.
The floors of the churches are garnished with mosaics. These mosaics show figures of horses, elephants, deer and gryphons, because of this the ancient city is compared to Zeugma in southeastern Turkey, which is famous for its mosaics.
After excavation works, the site will be opened for visitors.
Believed to have lived between 6th and 7th centuries A.D., Saint Alypius the Stylite is one of the pillar-saints of Christian faith, who climbed on top of pillars and spend the rest of their lives with preaching, fasting and praying.
Travel Turkey Fair puts spotlight on thriving health tourism sector
The 10th Travel Turkey Tourism Fair and Congress, a leading tourism show held annually in İzmir, will be held from Dec. 8-11 with a special focus on health tourism.
Professionals and representatives from major institutions including state and university hospitals, health tourism agencies, thermal spa hotels and wellness centers will participate in the event, which will also include a training program designed for travel agencies to become licensed in health tourism.
Training courses will be offered by the educational head of the World Health Tourism Council Constantin Costantinidis on Dec. 8.
Health tourism has become a thriving sector in Turkey. Last year in 2015, 750,000 tourists traveled to Turkey for health-related services, with lasik eye surgery and hair transplants being the most common procedures tourists have undergone. Each year,roughly 100,000 people travel to Turkey to receive hair transplants; the majority of whom are from Arab countries.
In its last edition in 2015, Travel Turkey İzmir hosted 1,008 exhibitors from 31 countries and was attended by more than 34,000 tourism professionals from more than 60 countries.
A major gastronomy congress will also take place as a side event. Guests can enjoy traditional Turkish tastes as well as presentations on Turkish cultural and natural heritage.
Participating countries include Argentina, Australia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, France, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, India, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Jordan, Italy, Jordan, Kosovo, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia and Spain. The travel show is a product of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), İzmir's fair organization agency İZFAŞ and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Muğla's 6,000 years of history mirrored in its ancient ruins
The coastal town of Muğla nestled in the southwestern Anatolia region is known as a harbor of beautiful bays and golden beaches, along scenic shores where some of the most ancient archaeological sites still remain
Home to some of the most ancient civilizations known to mankind, the province of Muğla in southwestern Turkey is included on the UNESCO Temporary Cultural Heritage List and attracts nearly 1 million local and international tourists every year with its archaeological sites and breathtaking views of the Fethiye and Antalya Gulfs.
Having witnessed the birth and fall of the Carians and Lycians, Muğla takes visitors on a journey through history with a total of 192 archaeological sites. With its historic and cultural richness, Muğla is considered an "open-air museum" of the Aegean region of Turkey.
The modern province of Muğla was established on the remains of the Carians and Lycians and is one of the most important tourist hubs in Turkey thanks to its historic and cultural potential. Speaking to the press, Muğla Governor Amir Çiçek said that the city is located in a very crucial position in Turkey.
"On one side, the city is exposed to the Aegean culture and the on the other side is fed by cultures of Central and Northern Anatolia. The geographical position of Muğla is very important for the east of the Mediterranean and the west of Anatolia," Governor Çiçek added.
Claiming that Muğla is a well-preserved city, Çiçek continued, "Every part of Anatolia is rich in terms of archaeological sites and ancient cultures but Muğla is quite different. The history and culture is more preserved in Muğla as the historic and cultural values managed to survive without being spoiled until the present time. Hence, the city attracts both domestic and international tourists."
"There are a total of 192 archaeological sites in the city and 22 of these sites have been taken under protection and the landscapes have been prepared for tourists," he continued.
After Muğla was added to UNESCO's Temporary Cultural Heritage List, archaeologists have excavated many historic sites, contributing to the increase of tourism in the area which officials predict will continue to bring more visitors to the province in the future.
Nearly all archaeological excavations in Muğla as well as the rest of Anatolia are supported by Turkey's Culture and Tourism Ministry. Considered one of the most crucial discoveries in the province, the Tomb of King Hecatomnus of Caria was excavated with the support of the Ministry and the restoration of the tomb is expected to be completed in the near future.
"Excavations are continuing at full speed in nearly all districts of Muğla," Governor Çiçek said. "The artifacts that have been unearthed at these sites are being displayed in museums across the province in attestment to the success of the provincial governorate in protecting the cultural and historic relics of Muğla, preserving pieces of history that span centuries."
Governor Çiçek shared plans to establish open air museums in Muğla, saying that the first step to be taken will be the inauguration of the Tomb of King Hecatomnus of Caria and its surroundings which will be open to visitors soon.
Muğla, with a history spanning 6,000 years, was a very important hub during the reign of the Lycians. However, the city managed to preserve its importance under Carian rule as well as the rule of the Menteşe Beylik. Thanks to recent archaeological discoveries, the city once again caught the eye of the international and Turkish tourists.
"With its archaeological sites, Muğla is and will continue to be one of the most important cultural centers of the world. The ancient city remains and excavations being carried out are under close monitoring by archaeologists, historians and academics from around the world," the governor said.
Milas, one of the districts of Muğla, is home to the most important archaeological discoveries in the region. Heromos, the well-preserved Roman temple in Turkey is located in Milas. Beçin, which is five kilometers from Milas, is home to the oldest tombs that have ever been discovered in the region. Moreover, Muğla was an important hub during the beylik era and the remains of castles dating back to Menteşe Beylik proves that Muğla was an attraction for the Turkic beyliks back then.
The ancient city of Stratonicea which is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the province is also the biggest ancient city in the world which was built with marble. The excavations of the ancient city unearthed various artifacts belonging to the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines.
With the rising popularity of historical soap operas like ‘Diriliş Ertuğrul,' people have started to become interested in customized swords produced by skilled smiths in Safranbolu's Smith Market
Period TV dramas such as "Diriliş Ertuğrul" (Resurrection Ertuğrul), "Filinta" and "Muhteşem Yüzyıl" (The Magnificent Century) have sparked interest in swords made by the talented smiths of Karabük's Safranbolu district, which is listed in UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage List.
The district of Safranbolu has been home to several ancient civilizations and has some of the most important cultural artifacts in the world, standing out with Ottoman-era inns, public baths, mosques, fountains, bridges and mansions.
Smith Kazım Madenoğlu, who owns a shop at the Demirciler Çarşısı (Smith Market) located on both sides of the Akçasu stream, recreates weapons that were used on ancient battlefields, for modern TV dramas and as trendy souvenirs.
Madenoğlu is the only smith at the Demirciler Çarşısı who makes these ancient forms of weaponry, crafting swords, helmets, shields and spears in this unique form of work.
When Madenoğlu was just a child he was very interested becoming a smith, he dropped out from school and began working alongside his grandfather, who was also a smith. Madenoğlu has been working with the hot iron for the last 34 years.
Speaking to the local media, Madenoğlu said he produces weapons such as swords, mace, armor and shields his forefathers made for the Ottoman army, for TV dramas and as souvenirs. He said that the TV dramas increased interest in swords.
Stating that he makes officer's swords decorated with the mother of pearl, Zulfiqar and Yatağan, Madenoğlu said, "Television producers and tourists purchase our swords that are made in various sizes. They sometimes hang the swords on their walls and recall the time of the Ottomans. We also decorate the swords with writings in Arabic, animal figures and the Ottoman royal seal. We ornament the hilt of the sword with the mother of pearl. They attract a great deal of interest."
Madenoğlu claimed that he has become a sword master after making the same swords over and over again. He said they choose the iron according to the sword he wants to make and heat the iron on the smith's oven. After forging the iron into the shape of a sword, the smiths sharpen the ends and prepare a wooden scabbard for the sword.
The smith said that TV dramas have had a positive effect on sword sales.
"Thanks to popular TV dramas, the increase in the Ottomans and swords increase every day. I make up to four swords every week and sell them. Back then, we only made three or four swords in a year. Customers mostly demand the swords that are featured in 'Diriliş Ertuğrul.' They email the photo and we ship the sword to their address. According to its craftsmanship, we sell the swords between TL 500 and TL 1,000," Madenoğlu said.
Madenoğlu said they receive orders from abroad as well, shipping swords to enthusiasts in the U.S., France, the Netherlands, Denmark and Switzerland.
Fırkan Ertuğrul who visits Safranbolu said, "I was captivated by the swords as I take an interest in historic TV dramas as well as in history itself. I wanted to see this place. The swords deserve admiration. I am speechless."
