Thursday, November 22, 2018
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
History and Spice, and Everything Nice- the Pictures
A Lion from the main gate at Ushtar, and the ancient Hammurabi Code! :)
History and Spice, and Everything Nice
1/20/13
When we began this trip to Turkey, most of us were a little confused as to why we would be coming back to a city we'd already been, then staying for two days. Now it seems obvious. Istanbul is the perfect place to wrap up a visit to Turkey.
While yesterday we visited the Topkapi Palace and saw all the riches of the recent Ottoman empire, today we visited the Archeological Museum and saw all the richness of Turkey's history.
At first we explored Ancient Messopotamia. The walls were covered with Lions and Dragons from the gates of the ancient city of Ushtar. We also saw the first written love poem, and the Hammurabi Code written out in cuniform. After that, we explored rooms upon rooms full of Greek and Roman artifacts, including several exibits just for tomb stones and sarcophagi with detailed carvings of the lives of those buried beneath them.
Much of the museum held artifacts from cities we'd already explored previously, such as Troy. It felt much like a wrapping up of the entire trip.
Lunch today was at a Baklava shop. The main course was a noodle and meat concoction- baklava without sugar. However, it was desert that we loved the most. For those who don't know, baklava is a flaky pastry usually soaked in honey with something else in it. We had both pistachio and chocolate baklava, as well as some Turkish ice cream, a lemonade that tasted like melted sorbet, and a warm drink made of milk and cinnamon. It was the ultimate Turkish sweet experience!
After lunch, we took a trip up the Bosporus River. During the time of the Constantinople, a heavy chain was placed across the river to protect the city from attack. Now however, the river is free for traffic, and what a lovely trip it was. We saw the other side of St. Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, as well as the military training school, and a ship that was once owned by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The sea breeze was refreshing, and the ride was a nice break from the walking earlier. Not to mention, the view was beautiful.
Ben got to drive the boat for a few minutes, which was probably the best part of his day, and made us all smile as well.
After the boat ride, it was on to the Spice market. Much smaller then the Grand Bazzar, it was only a couple streets, and was clearly where many Turkish locals did their shopping for food such as fish, spices, and candies. It was fun to again haggle for prices and talk with the friendly shop keepers, all while getting bargains on suveniers.
Lastly we walked through the newer part of the city and caught a tram back to the hotel. When the day was done, we were deffinately done with being around people, but it was an enjoyable experience none the less. The music was so different, and we laughed at shop names as we walked by. Other then that, the newer part of the city seemed more European then anything else, full of high fashion and toy shops.
Our last day in Turkey was something to remember, full of Turkish people and culture, in comparison to all the ancient history we'd explored earlier in the trip, or even earlier in the day. It was alot to take in, but certainly, a wonderful last day.
When we began this trip to Turkey, most of us were a little confused as to why we would be coming back to a city we'd already been, then staying for two days. Now it seems obvious. Istanbul is the perfect place to wrap up a visit to Turkey.
While yesterday we visited the Topkapi Palace and saw all the riches of the recent Ottoman empire, today we visited the Archeological Museum and saw all the richness of Turkey's history.
At first we explored Ancient Messopotamia. The walls were covered with Lions and Dragons from the gates of the ancient city of Ushtar. We also saw the first written love poem, and the Hammurabi Code written out in cuniform. After that, we explored rooms upon rooms full of Greek and Roman artifacts, including several exibits just for tomb stones and sarcophagi with detailed carvings of the lives of those buried beneath them.
Much of the museum held artifacts from cities we'd already explored previously, such as Troy. It felt much like a wrapping up of the entire trip.
Lunch today was at a Baklava shop. The main course was a noodle and meat concoction- baklava without sugar. However, it was desert that we loved the most. For those who don't know, baklava is a flaky pastry usually soaked in honey with something else in it. We had both pistachio and chocolate baklava, as well as some Turkish ice cream, a lemonade that tasted like melted sorbet, and a warm drink made of milk and cinnamon. It was the ultimate Turkish sweet experience!
After lunch, we took a trip up the Bosporus River. During the time of the Constantinople, a heavy chain was placed across the river to protect the city from attack. Now however, the river is free for traffic, and what a lovely trip it was. We saw the other side of St. Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, as well as the military training school, and a ship that was once owned by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The sea breeze was refreshing, and the ride was a nice break from the walking earlier. Not to mention, the view was beautiful.
Ben got to drive the boat for a few minutes, which was probably the best part of his day, and made us all smile as well.
After the boat ride, it was on to the Spice market. Much smaller then the Grand Bazzar, it was only a couple streets, and was clearly where many Turkish locals did their shopping for food such as fish, spices, and candies. It was fun to again haggle for prices and talk with the friendly shop keepers, all while getting bargains on suveniers.
Lastly we walked through the newer part of the city and caught a tram back to the hotel. When the day was done, we were deffinately done with being around people, but it was an enjoyable experience none the less. The music was so different, and we laughed at shop names as we walked by. Other then that, the newer part of the city seemed more European then anything else, full of high fashion and toy shops.
Our last day in Turkey was something to remember, full of Turkish people and culture, in comparison to all the ancient history we'd explored earlier in the trip, or even earlier in the day. It was alot to take in, but certainly, a wonderful last day.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Return to Istanbul
We started out today by flying from Kayseri back to Istanbul, where we began our trip. We went to visit the Blue Mosque, which is across from the Haggia Sophia. Though this was a different experience from the Sophia because it is actually a functioning mosque, not a museum. The girls had to put hoods or scarves over their heads and everyone had to take off the shoes before entering the holy place. Inside the mosque it was beautiful, with different blue-colored tiles and patterns adorning the walls. There were still some men praying on the main floor, and some women in the back.
Next we went to the Topkapi Palace, the home of the sultans. There we saw all the treasures of the palace and some of the sultan's clothes. There were so many things that were covered in diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and other precious stones. There were cups, bowls, flasks, bow case and quiver, swords, daggers, thrones, and other decorations. Every single one was covered in gems and looked very expensive. We were in awe of how much these sultans owned and wondered how much of this stuff one person actually needed. Especially the prized piece, the sultan's dagger, with three large emeralds (the sign of the sultan) on the hilt. It was very elaborate. The sultan's clothes were all in one room, and those were also elaborate, with colors and patterns. The sultan lived very large back in the day with everything he had!
The last thing we did for the day was visit the Grand Bazaar. It covers about 65 streets, but we only went to a few. There were many sections with all different items from souvenirs to jewelry, clothes, and books. It was fun to experience the culture of the bazaar, and a few of us had fun bargaining with the merchants about the prices of items. And thankfully we didn't get lost there, we made it out with little problem!
Next we went to the Topkapi Palace, the home of the sultans. There we saw all the treasures of the palace and some of the sultan's clothes. There were so many things that were covered in diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and other precious stones. There were cups, bowls, flasks, bow case and quiver, swords, daggers, thrones, and other decorations. Every single one was covered in gems and looked very expensive. We were in awe of how much these sultans owned and wondered how much of this stuff one person actually needed. Especially the prized piece, the sultan's dagger, with three large emeralds (the sign of the sultan) on the hilt. It was very elaborate. The sultan's clothes were all in one room, and those were also elaborate, with colors and patterns. The sultan lived very large back in the day with everything he had!
The last thing we did for the day was visit the Grand Bazaar. It covers about 65 streets, but we only went to a few. There were many sections with all different items from souvenirs to jewelry, clothes, and books. It was fun to experience the culture of the bazaar, and a few of us had fun bargaining with the merchants about the prices of items. And thankfully we didn't get lost there, we made it out with little problem!
Traveling the Tunnels of Turkey
Today dawned bright over the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a large cliffside in which hundreds of rooms were carved. This area is famous for its many carved churches. Most smaller than about 10 square feet, these churches are named after an object in the paintings in each room. We visited the Apple Church, called so either because of a fresco of Jesus holding a bowl of apples or because of a supposed orchard that once grew right outside the entrance. We also saw the Snake Church, a rather large room with frescos of St. George killing a dragon. One of the most interesting churches was filled with "comic strips" across the ceiling depicting the entire story of Jesus.
From the museum we drove to an area with many interestingly-shaped rock fixtures. These fixtures were carved like the houses, although perhaps a bit less grandly. The most interesting part about these rooms was the rocks themselves. These fixtures are called Fairy Chimneys by the locals and are large and pointed with a flat top. The rock on the bottom is a soft rock that deteriorates faster than the rock on top of it, leaving the structure looking like it has a hat.
Let's not forget the camel that we rode! We got a bit tricked into buying the ride. As Audrey was encouraged to sit on the animal for "just a picture," he stood up with her on his back and began walking away! It was only after the camel came back to his perch that the leader demanded 20 lira…but nonetheless an amazing experience!
We then continued to a pottery store where we witnessed a master creating a sugar bowl. If that itself wasn't treat enough, we were able to view many completed masterpieces. Some of these dishes and bowls (and whatever else you can imagine that can be made out of clay) were painted with glow-in-the-dark paint! Of course those were crazy expensive but we were able to purchase some handmade less-than-masterpieces. Some of these creative works were created in the Hittite design and all of the pieces were made from red and white clay found in the nearby river. Let's hope that this family business is able to flourish as it continues with its 7th generation of owners.
The last event on our tour for the day was the Underground City. Like the other carvings, this area was created by hand in the 1st century. The difference was that the Underground City was well, underground. We traveled about five floors down, approximately 60 feet under the surface. Some sections of the city went down 16 floors! We could stand straight in most of the rooms but many of the passages were only about 3 or 4 feet tall and rather narrow. There were many branches off of the passages and rooms where we traveled, but they were pitch black and I can only imagine how dangerous they must have been. It still would have been amazing to explore the entire area though! But we would have gotten very lost. To think that Christians carved these mazes and hid there for up to 60 days at a time to avoid persecution!
After dinner, we went for a walk around the town and ended up in a little pastry shop where we tried Turkish coffee, éclair, and baklava. A great end to our day!
From the museum we drove to an area with many interestingly-shaped rock fixtures. These fixtures were carved like the houses, although perhaps a bit less grandly. The most interesting part about these rooms was the rocks themselves. These fixtures are called Fairy Chimneys by the locals and are large and pointed with a flat top. The rock on the bottom is a soft rock that deteriorates faster than the rock on top of it, leaving the structure looking like it has a hat.
Let's not forget the camel that we rode! We got a bit tricked into buying the ride. As Audrey was encouraged to sit on the animal for "just a picture," he stood up with her on his back and began walking away! It was only after the camel came back to his perch that the leader demanded 20 lira…but nonetheless an amazing experience!
We then continued to a pottery store where we witnessed a master creating a sugar bowl. If that itself wasn't treat enough, we were able to view many completed masterpieces. Some of these dishes and bowls (and whatever else you can imagine that can be made out of clay) were painted with glow-in-the-dark paint! Of course those were crazy expensive but we were able to purchase some handmade less-than-masterpieces. Some of these creative works were created in the Hittite design and all of the pieces were made from red and white clay found in the nearby river. Let's hope that this family business is able to flourish as it continues with its 7th generation of owners.
The last event on our tour for the day was the Underground City. Like the other carvings, this area was created by hand in the 1st century. The difference was that the Underground City was well, underground. We traveled about five floors down, approximately 60 feet under the surface. Some sections of the city went down 16 floors! We could stand straight in most of the rooms but many of the passages were only about 3 or 4 feet tall and rather narrow. There were many branches off of the passages and rooms where we traveled, but they were pitch black and I can only imagine how dangerous they must have been. It still would have been amazing to explore the entire area though! But we would have gotten very lost. To think that Christians carved these mazes and hid there for up to 60 days at a time to avoid persecution!
After dinner, we went for a walk around the town and ended up in a little pastry shop where we tried Turkish coffee, éclair, and baklava. A great end to our day!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Konya to Cappadocia
This morning we went to the Mevlana Museum, home of the Whirling Dervishes. The Mevlavi dervish sect of Islam was founded by Rumi, a poet and mystic. The museum contains Rumi's tomb, the ceremonial hall, the cells of the dervishes, and tons of memorabilia and mementos. Each cell can be entered and contains robes, musical instruments, writings, mannikins, and etc. There are also plaques with more information about the Mevlavi: it's part of Sufi Islam and the whirling dervishes express God's love to the people. When one first enters the monastery, one must endure 1001 days of suffering. After this, they become a novice and go into training. When entering the musuem itself, we had to put plastic bags over our shoes. The museum was in very good condition. One room of the musuem contained copies of the Qur'an--one had been written with a strand of hair and was about as big as a ring box!!
After the museum, we entered a felt shop and saw the making of felt from wool. Some of us purchased some felt objects (a tie and scarves) and then we went to Lystra, which, like Colossae, is unexcavated and is just a green mound called a tel. We took some quick pictures and then left.
After a lunch stop, the rest of the afternoon was taken up by driving to Cappadocia (with a quick stop along the way). Our hotel, while located in the middle of nowhere, is called the Cave Hotel and is one of the most unique and awesome hotels any of us has ever been in. Our rooms look as if they were carved out of the rocks themselves and one room even has heated floors!
After dinner (lentil soup and chicken), our evening concluded with an impromptu snowball fight in the small courtyard outside our rooms. Tomorrow we head to an open-air musuem and an undergound city.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
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