The Beypazari region of Turkey is near the capital Ankara. The region is steeped in Ottoman history and traditions, this is reflected in the architecture and local art of Telkari. It is also a great place for anyone who likes hiking, trekking, photography, and nature because of the beautiful Inozu Valley. Browse through the articles below and let me know if you have any questions or comments. Alternatively, join the discussions on Facebook.
On the surface, Kozalan Köyü doesn’t have many attractions and people passing through may decide not to stop. However, it does have a certain appeal, it just depends on what you are looking for. If you want golden sand beaches, pumping nightclubs and foreign cuisine, keep driving. If you are looking for an “off the beaten track destination” that introduces you to local culture and foods, … [Read more...]
There are only three reasons why anyone would visit Boyali village For fantastic views of the surrounding countryside Trekking or bird watching For an unbiased look at village life in an area which is off the beaten track The small village is nestled at the foot of a large hill. It can be seen from miles around but you need knowledge of the back roads to get there without losing your … [Read more...]
Fatma Teyze is a local woman from Beypazari. When I first met her, I was immediately struck by her confidence. If you are also under the notion that Turkish women are suppressed, Fatma Teyze is the perfect example to defy that typical stereotype. She owns a successful café in town. Her face is plastered on the billboard above her shop and she has recently secured the name “Fatma Teyze” as … [Read more...]
The Beypazari region of Ankara is culturally rich. From local foods to jewellery to weaving and handicrafts, I learned a lot about the people that live there. One tradition I also learned about was the Bindalli dress What is a Bindalli dress? It is an intricate garment that is a symbol of the relationship between mother and daughter. Handed down through generations, it is a long velvet … [Read more...]
I first heard about Telkari, in the Southeast city of Mardin. The area is famous for this type of jewellery and it is a popular trend for locals and tourists. Designs and styles are different from jewellery sold on the Western coast of Turkey, which is normally sourced in from the big city of Istanbul. What is Telkari? Telkari is an art and an age-old tradition. Extremely thin wires of gold … [Read more...]
The Turkish Bath museum of Beypazari is a small two-story basement building, located on a side street in the main town. Its aim is to highlight the ancient tradition and remember past citizens who spent their time cleansing and washing in the old hamam. Rather than just a visit to a museum, it was for me instead, a big realization of how much my life has changed since I arrived in Turkey … [Read more...]
There is nothing much to Hidirlik Hill. When you reach the top, there is just a café, some picnic tables, and a row of local women selling spices. Yet it is one of my favorite places in Beypazari Why? I love it because it gives a complete view over the town My obsession started when I sat in a local restaurant staring at a large photo framed on the wall. It was of the town of Beypazari but … [Read more...]
Thirty-three villages in the Beypazari region of Turkey are part of a huge tourism initiative by the Turkish government. The aim is to promote the region for its natural beauty and the targeted market is anyone who does not want a beach holiday. Examples include culture seekers, photography enthusiasts and people who love walking and trekking. One of the villages on the map is Dudas. Before I … [Read more...]
I firmly believe the best way to learn about a destination, its cultures, and traditions is to meet the locals. Sometimes this is easier said than done. I cannot walk up to any random local and start a conversation about their life, without getting the s*** beaten out of me for being nosy. Instead, I have to wait for that moment when I am in the right place at the right time It also helps if … [Read more...]
Turks are very resourceful when it comes to food. They waste nothing and everything is used in one form or another. Reading "brain soup" on my local takeaway menu no longer makes me burst into giggles and my favourite dish in Urfa was Dalak, which is lambs spleen. I am also still trying to figure out whether the mother-in-law was joking, when at Ramadan after cutting up the sheep, she wanted to … [Read more...]
