The people of Turkey are friendly, generous and hospitable. I have met many of them as I travel around the country. Women, men and children. Old and young and all with different views and opinions.
Meeting Turkish people is helping me to learn about the culture, religion and traditions of my adopted country. From the West coast to the East and from the North to the South.
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There is a Turkish tea house in every town, city and village. It is part of all the establishments that go into making up a community. However it is important not to confuse a Turkish tea house, with a tea garden, but how do you spot the difference? Well, a Turkish tea house has no women in it. It is a male dominated environment that has been around for centuries . Many years ago, I made the … [Read more...]
I spend a lot of time in British company where inevitably, the main topic of discussion turns to what we think of the Turks. On the last such occasion, I was beginning to get bored of this repetitive conversation and my mind started to wonder to the opposite end of the spectrum. What do the Turks really think of us Brits? Are we obnoxious? Are we two sandwiches short of a picnic? Are we … [Read more...]
Every year around Christmas time, millions of parents across the world take part in the biggest deception concerning Santa Claus. It starts in the early years of a child’s life when the parents promise an abundance of presents from Santa for good behavior. They tell stories of the North Pole, the fat man who lives there and the elves who make presents of all shapes and sizes. Some parents … [Read more...]
A search term on expats lead a reader to my blog this week and it has prompted me to write this post. The search term used to find my blog was “mental health of expats in Turkey”. I was intrigued as to why someone was asking this. Had they been traveling around Turkey and come across the totally crazy expats that occupy these shores? Were they thinking of moving here but were concerned … [Read more...]
While the West of Turkey makes every effort to keep up to date with international trends and practices, the same cannot be said of the south east. Now this is not necessary a bad thing because in the big and bustling city of Gaziantep, selected areas dedicate themselves to traditional trades. The local bazaar is one of them and it was the first time I saw a coppersmith at work. Gaziantep … [Read more...]
I love watching people and wondering about their life. Where are they coming from and where are they going to? What pain have they experienced and what happiness have they known? I am also always reminded of a Turkish woman I met called Hatica. Her life could not be any more different than mine. I am tied to the internet and all that revolves around it while she is a home-maker, mother and … [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...]
I love people watching. Sitting in the airport or a restaurant and watching everyone is my favourite hobby. I cannot remember though, ever being more fascinated by people then when I was in Urfa. What intrigued me most was the local dress. Living in the West of Turkey, I can see that any regional and traditional dress seems to have been replaced by the brand name of Levi. Even if I look at … [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...]
Turkey ranks third of largest honey producing countries in the world and after I unexpectedly met a local beekeeper in Maral; I am surprised they are not number one. Personally, I think the bloke is mad to do the beekeeping job using his unorthodox methods but hey, this is Turkey and they do produce some of the sweetest honey on the market There is nothing fancy about beekeeping in Maral. That … [Read more...]
There is one benefit of attending tours with Turkish people. They have a complete disregard for timed schedules and planned events. While this may infuriate those in the western world, who live every waking moment according to a diary, I enjoy it because the disruption leads way to surprising events and the chance to meet new people. The Turkish Village of Ani On this particular … [Read more...]
Have you ever put someone on a high pedestal because of their position in society? Have you ever assumed, they would not be interested in your presence or your point of view, because you really have nothing in common? I have. For years, I considered imams to be totally out of my comfort zone. I had no wish to speak to them out of pure fear; they would see right through me and recognize my … [Read more...]
It is not often that I get the chance to see and take pictures of the rich and famous stars of Turkey however last night, I was treated to front row seats at a concert by Hande Yener and had a fantastic opportunity to snap the photos included in this post. Hande Yener is a woman with status who oozes talent and captivates everyone that crosses her path. Who is Hande Yener? She is a … [Read more...]
Don’t be fooled by the flowery trousers and cute smiles. Don’t assume that these five women are just plain, simple Turkish housewives. They rule the streets of Herakleia with iron fists and even the menfolk of the village run and shrink into the shadows of doorways when they pass. I met the hard-core, street crew yesterday when we were driving around the old village of Herakleia in Milas. … [Read more...]
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is the one man who you are going to see everywhere you go in Turkey. Displayed on the Turkish money, on flags and in shops, and offices, you will also see a statue of him in every town. It jogged my memory to tell you, as I was out the other day and there was a huge flag of him displayed next to the Turkish flag. You may spend all your holiday wondering who he is, as the … [Read more...]
Wow, I am still buzzing from last night. I went to a Turkish pop concert, and one of the most famous Turkish pop singers was appearing. It was only Mustafa Sandal in the flesh!. Now if you have never heard about Mustafa Sandal, then you definitely would of heard his music, if you have visited Turkey at any time. Who is Mustafa Sandal? Other wise known as "Musti", he is given credit for … [Read more...]
