Deyrulzafaran monastery is seldom mentioned in mainstream tourism for Turkey but it is a must see while in the Mardin region. Built in 493AD for Syriac Orthodox (Assyrian) Christians, it is also called Mor Hananyo or Saffron monastery and was the patriarch seat for the church until 1932. I was eager to visit it, so after looking at a map, discovered the monastery was on the … [Read more...] about Deyrulzafaran Monastery in Mardin : A Travel Challenge
Turkish History
I love learning about Turkish history. The timeline and stories of many people that have shaped this country, have helped me to form a balanced view of my time in Turkey. I especially prefer the Ottoman era, the tales of the sultans, harem, palaces and their dynasty. These articles are a review and thoughts about what I've learned from visiting ancient ruins, museums and reading recommended books.
Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul : Last Days of the Ottoman Empire
Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, sitting on the Bosphorus European side, is an intriguing and impressive landmark. Home to the last six sultans of the abolished Ottoman Empire, in the late 19th and early 20th century, the palace museum portrays everything right and wrong about their rule and reign for over 600 years. While it is easy to admire the architecture and historical … [Read more...] about Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul : Last Days of the Ottoman Empire
The Gaziantep Mevlevi Museum
We walked up and down the street three times, and after realising we were lost, asked a passer-by where the Gaziantep Mevlevi Lodge Foundation Museum was. Located in the Sahinbey area of the city, it is one of many museums in Gaziantep but we simply could not find it. The passer-by smirked and pointed behind us. We were in the right place all the time but guide books had … [Read more...] about The Gaziantep Mevlevi Museum
Kasimiye Medresesi in Mardin : An Old Islamic School
Kasimiye Medresesi stands on the outskirts of old Mardin. Overlooking the flat Mesopotamia plains, it was completed in 1502 and considering its age, is in remarkable condition. It was a short walk downhill to reach it. No traffic passed and the large wooden door was locked when we arrived. We waited for the key holder to arrive. He was an old man, who I estimated to be in … [Read more...] about Kasimiye Medresesi in Mardin : An Old Islamic School
The Pool of Abraham : Balikli Göl in Sanliurfa
Sanliurfa is one of my favorite cities in Turkey, even though I originally went there for one reason only. That was to see the pool of Abraham, known as Balikli Göl in Turkish. As a major landmark of the region, it is visited by many Turks as well as foreign tourists. What is the Pool of Abraham aka Balikli Göl? This pool is believed by Muslims to be the place where … [Read more...] about The Pool of Abraham : Balikli Göl in Sanliurfa
The Turkish Hamam Museum of Beypazari
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 … [Read more...] about The Turkish Hamam Museum of Beypazari
The Burning Flames of Chimaera
Travel websites describe the burning flames of Chimaera as "fascinating". They recommend the eternal fire of Lycia is a “must visit” when in the Antalya region. One travel writer even went as far to describe a mystical presence which mesmerized her. The flames burn from crevices in the rocks of the Cirali Mountains and ancient beliefs credit this location as the source of the … [Read more...] about The Burning Flames of Chimaera
Gaziantep Castle : Remembering the Veterans
I have always had a love of castles but it is nothing to do with fairytale princesses. They just remind me of my childhood. I grew up in the UK city of Nottingham and spent many weekends at the castle acting out stories about Robin Hood and the wicked sheriff. Therefore, it was no surprise that when I arrived in Gaziantep, the first place I wanted to see was the … [Read more...] about Gaziantep Castle : Remembering the Veterans
Flower Passage in Istanbul and Portraits From The Past
My visit to Flower Passage in Istanbul, Turkey was unexpected but it turned out to be one of my favourite places. Two friends, now used to my obsession with photography and history suggested it as an ideal place to have lunch. Situated on Istiklal Avenue, and known to the Turks as Çiçek Pasaj, it is a place to eat, drink, and be merry. Therefore, you may think I recommend … [Read more...] about Flower Passage in Istanbul and Portraits From The Past
Mesopotamian Ruins of Dara Near the Syrian Border
The Dara Mesopotamia ruins do not often appear in tourism brochures of Turkey despite their importance in the historical world. The city was a strong fortress for the Romans and one of the most populated areas in ancient Mesopotamia. In recent times, the blame for non recognition is probably because it is near the Syrian / Turkish border. We were staying in Mardin and … [Read more...] about Mesopotamian Ruins of Dara Near the Syrian Border