Home Blog Page 3

The Seventeenth Interparliamentary Conference at Geneva

By
Saksagan
-
0

The Seventeenth Conference of the Interparliamentary Union took place in Geneva from September 18 to 20. Unfortunately, various factors, including the lateness of the season, impacted the attendance, with only 160 participants, a significant drop from previous conferences that often saw three or four times that number. The United States group had only four representatives, including Senator T. E. Burton Challenges in Augmenting Language, Congressmen Richard Bartholdt, Frank Plumley, and William D. B. Ainey, compared to fifteen or twenty in previous years. The absence of Italian representatives due to the war in Tripoli also contributed to the reduced numbers.

Distinguished delegates

Despite these challenges, the conference proved to be strong and successful. Distinguished delegates included Mr. Beernaert, a Belgian statesman; Baron d’Estournelles de Constant from France; Mr. Louis Franck, Senators La Fontaine and Houzeau de Lehaie from Belgium; Lord Weardale, president of the British group; Dr. Zorn, Dr. Quidde, and Mr. Eickhoff from Germany; Mr. Tydeman from The Netherlands; Mr. Kowaleski from Russia; F^ederik Bajer from Denmark, and Senator Burton and Congressman Bartholdt from the United States. Notably, the attendees were individuals actively contributing to the Union’s work in their respective countries.

Discussions at the conference were highly capable and engaging, focusing directly on key aspects of the Union’s mission, such as arbitration treaties, the court of arbitral justice, and the limitation of armaments. There was an effort to broaden the Union’s scope, signaling a potential shift towards considering international relations in the broadest sense as its proper field of work.

Mr. Beernaert, the Union’s president, opened the conference and nominated Dr. Albert Gobat, a member of the Swiss National Council, as the acting president. Dr. Gobat, a long-time member and former executive secretary of the Union Visit Bulgaria, emphasized the challenges faced, paid tribute to departed members, highlighted the Swiss statesmen’s contributions, and expressed concerns about limited progress in realizing their ideals, particularly in the face of military advancements. He urged increased energy and devotion to the Union’s work, emphasizing the need for collective efforts.

Journeying into Asia

By
Saksagan
-
0

A Scenic Voyage through the Bosporus

Beyond Karibjeh Kalesi, the straits widen significantly towards the Black Sea, extending to Phanaraci, a promontory that hosts Kumeli Battery and Lighthouse. Off the latter are the Gyanean or Blue Bocks, the mythical Bymplegades, believed by the ancients to crush all passing ships.

Contrasting Shores: European vs. Asiatic

The most breathtaking view of the Black Sea unfolds from the steamer during its passage across the Strait to the Asiatic Shore The Tranquil Beauty of Bumeli Kavak and Surroundings. This side stands in stark contrast to the European shore, not only in lush vegetation but also in the architecture of houses and buildings, the condition of villages, and the distinctly Oriental character of the people seen at the landing-stages. One quickly realizes that crossing the Bosporus to the Asiatic side is more than a transition within Constantinople; it’s a genuine journey from Europe to Asia.

Anadoli Kavak Gateway to the Asiatic Shore

The first stop on the Asiatic shore, descending the Bosporus, is Anadoli Kavak, located opposite Rumeli Kavak. It is renowned for the excellence of its figs and serves as the place where vessels from the Black Sea must halt for pratique and undergo quarantine. On the promontory stands a heavily-armed battery known as Kavak Kalesi. The ruin on the hillside is Yoros Kalesi, an ancient Genoese castle, a captivating feature of the Bosporus commanding a splendid view of the Strait and Black Sea. This castle is situated on the site of the ancient Huron, a temple to Zeus Urius, and near the spot where, according to tradition, Phrixus, and subsequently Jason, offered sacrifices to the twelve gods upon returning from Colchis. It has been suggested that Darius surveyed the Hellespont from this temple (Herodotus, iv. 85) Istanbul Shopping Tours. The old gateway on the eastern side of the castle was constructed using marble taken from the temple.

The Tranquil Beauty of Bumeli Kavak and Surroundings

By
Saksagan
-
0

The Tranquil Beauty of Bumeli Kavak and Surroundings

Mezar Burnu (Cemetery Point) stands on the site of the ancient Simas, and was in olden times notorious for its fane to Yenus of the Eorum, to which sailors resorted with votive offerings; it is now only noted for the large Moslem cemetery from which the cliff and village take their name.

Mezar Burnu, once known for its ancient worship site, is now recognized for the expansive Muslim cemetery that shares its name with the cliff and village.

Yeni Mahalleh – A Quaint Fishing Village

Yeni Mahalleh, the next place the steamer calls at, is merely a small fishing village, and is the point where the fortifications on the European side begin, with Fort Deli Tabia, built by M. Meunier, a French engineer, 1794.

Yeni Mahalleh, the next stop, is a small fishing village marking the start of fortifications on the European side, including Fort Deli Tabia, constructed by French engineer M. Meunier in 1794.

Bumeli Kavak – A Historical Gem

Bumeli Kavak, a little above Yeni Mahalleh, is the last station on the European side. The ruins on the hill are those of the castle built by Murad IV in 1628, on the site of an earlier Byzantine fortress.

Bumeli Kavak, the final station on the European side, boasts the ruins of a castle constructed by Murad IV in 1628, replacing an earlier Byzantine fortress.

Maritime History and Defense Structures

Text: The two moles, each 80 feet long, which formed an artificial harbor, were constructed by the Byzantines, who levied toll here on ships passing down from the Black Sea Scenic Delights Beyond Therapia. A chain stretched across the Strait to the opposite village closed the Bosporus in time of war to vessels coming from the Black Sea.

Byzantines built two 80-foot moles for an artificial harbor, collecting tolls from ships traveling down from the Black Sea Istanbul Religion Tours. A wartime chain across the Strait to the opposite village restricted Black Sea vessels.

Rich Mythological History

Text: Near the ravine, just beyond the village, are the ruins of a Greek monastery. On the hill above stood Ovid’s Tower, which was used as a lighthouse to protect ships against the wreckers who then infested this part of the Strait.

Close to the village is a Greek monastery’s ruins, and atop the hill was Ovid’s Tower, serving as a lighthouse to shield ships from wreckers in this section of the Strait.

Karibjeh Kalesi – A Battery with French Influence

Beyond Bumeli Kavak, the shores of the Bosporus are extremely uninteresting, and their monotony is only relieved by Buyuk Liman bay, at the south extremity of which is a battery. Karibjeh Kalesi, another battery a little farther on, was built in 1773 by the French general Tott, and stands on the site of ancient Gypopolis, where Phineas, according to mythology, entertained the Argonauts who had rescued him from the Harpies.

Further along from Bumeli Kavak, the Bosporus shores become unremarkable until reaching Buyuk Liman bay, home to a battery. Karibjeh Kalesi, built by French General Tott in 1773, sits on the site of ancient Gypopolis, linked to the myth of Phineas and the Argonauts.

Scenic Delights Beyond Therapia

By
Saksagan
-
0

Exploring Buyukdereh

From Kir etch Burnu (Lime Point), a promontory just beyond Therapia, the first view of the Black Sea is obtained. This place, called Glethra (‘ key ’), was regarded by the ancients as the key to the Black Sea.

Explanation: Lime Point, beyond Therapia, offers the first glimpse of the Black Sea. Known as Glethra, meaning ‘key,’ it was historically considered the gateway to the Black Sea.

Buyukdereh – Ambassadors’ Retreat and Villas

The steamer does not call here Journeying into Asia, but crosses a deep bay, whence there is a good view of the Aqueducts, and arrives at Buyukclereh, where are the summer residences of the Spanish and Bussian ambassadors, and several fine villas belonging to wealthy inhabitants of Constantinople.

The steamer doesn’t stop, but as it crosses a deep bay, one can admire the Aqueducts. The destination is Buyukdereh, housing the summer residences of the Spanish and Russian ambassadors, along with elegant villas owned by wealthy Constantinople residents.

Yedl Kardash (Seven Brothers) – A Historical Site

The cluster of old plane-trees near the village is called Yedl Kardash (Seven Brothers) by the Turks; here tradition states that Godfrey de Bouillon encamped in 1096 A.D., but this is contrary to the statement of Anna Comnena, the historian princess, who, however, says that Count Raoul and other Crusaders encamped in this neighbourhood.

Near the village is Yedl Kardash (Seven Brothers) Istanbul Cultural Tours, a grove of ancient plane-trees. Legend claims it as the site where Godfrey de Bouillon camped in 1096 A.D., although historical records contradict this. According to Anna Comnena, Count Raoul and other Crusaders encamped here.

Hotels and Amenities

Hotels—Hotel Univers, near the Russian Embassy, and Hotel Belle Yue. There are plenty of good boats, caiques, riding horses, and carriages for hire at both Therapia and Buyukdereh landing – stages.

Accommodations include Hotel Univers near the Russian Embassy and Hotel Belle Yue. Both Therapia and Buyukdereh landing-stages offer various services such as boat rentals, caiques, riding horses, and carriages.

Excursion Opportunities

Text: Excursions may be made to the Forest of Belgrade, the Giant’s Mountain, and to the Genoese Castle.

Explanation: Explore the Forest of Belgrade, Giant’s Mountain, and the Genoese Castle through available excursions.

Aqueducts and the Forest of Belgrade – Historical Marvels

The aqueducts seen from the steamer when nearing Buyukdereh are the work of several successive Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans. The Forest of Belgrade, covering an area of some 15 to 20 miles, is the only one on the European shore of the Bosporus, and is preserved untouched by the axe to attract rain.

The aqueducts, crafted by Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans, are visible from the steamer approaching Buyukdereh. The Forest of Belgrade, unique on the European Bosporus shore, is carefully preserved to encourage rainfall.

Exploring Corum’s 7000-Year History

By
Saksagan
-
0

A Journey Through Time

Corum A Cultural Bridge Between East and West

Corum, with its 7000-year-long history, stands as a significant gateway between Central Anatolia and the Black Sea regions. The city embodies a cultural bridge that connects the East to the West.

The Oldest Peace Treaty Kadesh Treaty

The “Kadesh Treaty,” discovered in the excavations in Bogazkoy in 1906, is a historic agreement between the Hittites and Egyptians, two prominent civilizations. Carved on clay tablets, this treaty is recognized as the world’s oldest international peace treaty. A copy of the Kadesh Treaty is proudly exhibited in the New York office of the United Nations Read More about Exploring Ottoman Traditions The Role of Bathhouses.

Corum Museum A Time Capsule of Ages

Originally constructed as a health school in 1914, the Corum Museum exemplifies 19th-century architecture. Following its restoration in 2003, it transformed into a museum, showcasing findings from various historical periods, including Chalcolithic, Early Bronze, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine ages. Notably, these artifacts were unearthed in excavation sites such as Alacahoyuk, Bogazkoy-Hattusa, Ortakoy-Sapinuva, Eskiyapar, and Huseyindede. Among the displayed treasures are relief vases, tablets with cuneiform writings, and the Sword, Protector God of the Countryside.

Alacahoyuk Museum and Ruins A Testament to Civilization

Situated 45 km away from Corum and 160 km from Ankara, the Alacahoyuk Museum operates under the Corum Museum’s administration. The museum features artifacts from the Alacahoyuk excavations, spanning Chalcolithic, Early Bronze, Hittite, Phrygian ages, along with ethnographic items.

The systematic excavations at Alacahoyuk Round Turkey Tours, initiated by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, revealed four different civilization periods. These excavations, starting in 1935 under the Turkish Historical Society, unveiled the Hatti culture, considered the ancestors and origins of the Hittites.

Corum, with its rich historical tapestry, invites visitors to explore the depths of time and witness the evolution of civilizations.

Exploring Ottoman Traditions The Role of Bathhouses

By
Saksagan
-
0

Social Hubs and Matchmaking Spots

In the Ottoman era, bathhouses, or hamams, played a central role in daily life. While men visited hamams after prayers at the mosque, women frequented these social hubs for gossip and community. Baths served as places for women to showcase embroidered towels and personal belongings. Ritual preparations, such as bridal and birth baths, were significant occasions.

Mothers-in-law often inspected potential brides in the bath before weddings, emphasizing the Turkish saying, “Now let’s see the bride in the bath!” The bath became a space for matchmaking, allowing mothers to assess the health of potential daughters-in-law.

Ottoman Baths A Cultural Tradition

According to 17th-century traveler Evliya Çelebi, the Ottoman Empire had 4536 hamams. Influenced by Roman baths, the Ottomans incorporated bathing into their cultural tradition. Bathing ceremonies were elaborate, lasting for several hours. Trained staff, including handsome youngsters and concubines, provided massages for both men and women.

Bathing Ceremonies Instruments of Luxury

Bathing rituals involved an array of instruments, depending on a woman’s status and wealth. Items included a water bowl, metal jug adorned with reliefs, bath glove, loincloth, soap dish, mirror, comb, comb box, jewellery box, wooden clogs, natural oils, herbal soaps, and a rosewater bottle Read More about Exploring Turkish Delight Making in Marmaris.

Antique Ottoman Textiles The Symbolism of Wedding Dresses

Ottoman wedding dresses, known as “bindalli” (meaning a thousand branches) Round Tours Turkey, date back to 1840. Embroidered with silver threads, these dresses symbolized the bride’s skill and were priced at $450. Matching jackets for wedding dresses, adorned with silver thread on velvet, are valued at $3500.

Before Western influences introduced white wedding dresses in 1898, Ottoman brides wore dresses in vibrant colors like dark red, pink, and purple. These handmade textiles represented the bride’s craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Evolution of Wedding Dresses From Colorful to White

The Ottoman wedding dress, like other handcrafted textiles, reflected the bride’s talents. With Western influence in the late 18th century, wedding dresses transitioned to white. The first white wedding dress appeared in 1898, replacing the traditional colorful attire worn by Ottoman brides.

Exploring Turkish Delight Making in Marmaris

By
Saksagan
-
0

A Sweet Journey

The Traditional ‘Lokum’ Process

Step inside to witness the entire ‘lokum’ (Turkish delight) making process. A blend of water, sugar, and cornflour is meticulously mixed for 2.5 hours at 150-160 degrees, using the most traditional devices reminiscent of techniques from 600 years ago. The mixture is then poured onto trays, left to cool for 24 hours, and later enriched with additional ingredients. After another round of cooling, the final product is cut into delectable pieces for serving.

Interactive Tasting Experience

Pause and indulge in tasting at each step of the process. The clean and cool factory opens its wooden doors to a bazaar enclosed by tile walls, creating an immersive experience. Ideal for those seeking unmissable tastes or searching for unique gifts to bring back from Marmaris, the place offers a variety of options. From playing cards featuring Ottoman images to bath essentials, natural oils, soaps, Turkish coffee and spice sets, candles, waterpipes Read More about Exploring Corum’s 7000-Year History, and an array of oriental accessories—there’s something for everyone at sweet prices.

Historical Charm and Owners’ Hospitality

The historical charm of the venue and the owners’ warm hospitality make it a must-visit. If you’ve ever wondered what to bring back from Marmaris, this enchanting spot provides numerous alternatives. The Turkish delight story is narrated exceptionally well here, adding to the overall experience.

Aesthetic Kitchen Tools for Ottoman Pleasures

Turkish coffee, a pinnacle of Ottoman pleasures, is an embodiment of warm respect for guests. In bygone times, the coffee-making process involved frying, cooling, grinding, and finally cooking the coffee over fire. This explains the long handles of the coffeepots Tours Turkey. Explore a range of aesthetic kitchen tools, including the coffee pot ($75), frying pan ($250), coffee cooler ($250), little grinder ($120), and large grinder ($450). Each piece holds a piece of history within its design.

Exploring Camli Kosk

By
Saksagan
-
0

Gateway to the Outside World

Camli Kosk, the splendid window of Dolmabahçe Palace to the outer world, is now open to visitors. Serving as an example of the Alay Kosku, a pavilion used by Sultans to observe parades in the 19th century Ottoman palaces, Camli Kosk is a historic gem.

Dolmabahce Palace A Symbol of Ottoman Westernization

Situated along the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palace, adorned with intricately carved marble resembling fine lace, stands as a significant representation of the Ottoman Dynasty’s Westernization endeavors. Reflecting the political and imperial life of 19th-century Ottomans, the palace played a vital role in Turkey’s cultural heritage. Beyond the imperial era Read More about Exploring Kaleiçi A Tranquil Retreat, it gained fame for hosting Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, a key figure in the founding of the Republic of Turkey.

Changing Festivity Venues in Istanbul

Once known as the city of festivities, Istanbul had fixed locations like Topkapi Palace and Sultanahmet for grand events symbolizing the empire’s power and the Sultan’s authority. After the sultans left Topkapi Palace, the venue for festivities shifted to Dolmabahce Palace. Built during Sultan Abdulmecid’s reign (1843-1856), the palace became the new epicenter for celebrations. Recently restored, Camli Kosk, an integral part of the palace, served as a pavilion for sultans to greet the army during festivities.

Camli Kosk A Glimpse into Ottoman Festivity Tradition

Also known as Alay Kosku, Camli Kosk represents the Ottoman festivity tradition within Dolmabahce Palace. Designed in the Empire style, perched on composite columns that extend beyond the palace wall, the pavilion radiates the opulence of the glass world. Inside, visitors can admire precious furnishings, including a French-made piano with a crystal base Private Fun Tour Istanbul, a baroque-style stool, and magnificent crystal chandeliers. The Red Room in the Harem, with its ceiling ornaments and fireplace, bears a resemblance to the elegance found in Camli Kosk.

Explore the rich history and exquisite details of Camli Kosk as it welcomes visitors to witness the grandeur of Ottoman celebrations in Dolmabahce Palace.

Exploring Kaleiçi A Tranquil Retreat

By
Saksagan
-
0

Gift Shopping in Charming Streets

Discover a variety of gifts at the shops and stalls lining the streets of Kaleiçi. You can also explore carpet shops along the streets leading to the port.

Boutique Accommodations in Restored Houses

The old houses of Kaleici have been transformed into boutique hotels, boardinghouses, and motels, carefully restored to maintain unobstructed views. These accommodations are ready to welcome you with their gardens, restaurants, cafes, patisseries, bars, and comfortable rooms. One noteworthy option is Tekeli Mansions, a residence created from the restoration of six Seljuk mansions. The courtyard features a swimming pool and a restaurant, while the uniquely decorated rooms boast “sandalwood” elements, offering a distinctive fragrance. China, not faience, covers the bath walls. Enjoy dining in the cool stone yard surrounded by the scents of jasmine, honeysuckle, and orange blossoms. Don’t miss the renowned patisserie, “Karadut,” known for its milk pudding, baked rice pudding, keskul (a sweetened milk dish), and baklava. The restaurant primarily serves Turkish and French meals, along with various fish dishes Read More about Functional Living in Kaleiçi.

Aesthetic Retreat at Turk Evi

Another aesthetically pleasing accommodation is ‘Turk Evi’ (Turkish House), owned by TUTAV. Comprising three different mansions with a total of 49 beds in 20 rooms, the hotel’s decoration resembles palaces. The menu features a mix of French and Turkish cuisine Istanbul Old City Tours.

Seasonal Delights and Aroma

Evliya Celebi describes Kaleici’s residents as reliable tradespeople with a fluent Turkish language similar to Anatolian people. Today, however, the atmosphere is different. Kaleici attracts holidaymakers seeking rest and entertainment. The town offers a tranquil environment, immersing visitors in different worlds with the scents of jasmine, orange, lemon, and honeysuckle. Explore historical landmarks like the Hadrianum Victory Memorial, Yivli Minaret, port, fortress, mosques, mausoleums, madrasahs, Turkish baths, and the Museum of China, a gift from Suna-Inan Kirac and Inan Kirac to the city symbolizing the peaceful Roman era.

Functional Living in Kaleiçi

By
Saksagan
-
0

The entrance floors of the houses in Kaleici serve as warehouses, provision rooms, and service floors. Similarly, mezzanines have comparable functions. The kitchen, bath, and toilet are often located in the garden due to the favorable climate. This arrangement eliminates the challenge of moving goods around inside the house. Daily life primarily unfolds in the “taslık” (paved court) and “hayat” (open-air courtyard). The rooms in these houses, functioning like independent dwellings, can accommodate large families. Due to this characteristic Read More about Exploring Camli Kosk, they are commonly referred to as “houses.” The most extensive room is typically assigned to the eldest family member. Windows are placed in accordance with the household tradition, prioritizing functionality over outward views. Sofa height within the rooms determines the window height. The windows are sizable, allowing ample light to penetrate. At times, upper windows are also used to enhance light entry.

Historical Insight from Evliya Celebi

Referring to Evliya Celebi provides insights into Kaleici’s past: “(…) Besides the four main gates, there are 22 smaller doors in the districts separated by the city ramparts. This inner fortress consists of seven floors, lacking a trench. It is situated where the Pasha Palace and Hunkar Mosque are found, with cannons facing the port. The entire fortress comprises seven parts, with three thousand tightly arranged houses, including seventy streets, featuring paved roads Guided Round Tours Turkey. Each house has a trellis situated over the touristic Kaleici.”

Transformation into a Tourism Hub

While Evliya Çelebi’s depiction of houses and streets in Kaleiçi remains consistent, a crucial transformation has occurred. Today, Kaleici is no longer solely a living place; it has evolved into a tourism brand. Neglected houses, once abandoned, are now being restored by new owners. The area boasts charming boutique hotels, boardinghouses, restaurants, bars, and cafes, attracting both individual travelers and mass tourism. Restaurants with gardens, adorned with lime trees, offer a taste of Mediterranean romance during summer evenings. For those seeking a more sophisticated ambiance, the ‘Gizli Bahce’ complex, restored from five different Seljuk-era residences, provides an extraordinary view over the yacht port. The menu at ‘Gizli Bahce’ encompasses Turkish, French, and Italian cuisine, along with delectable seafood options.

1234...18Page 3 of 18

Ahuras Tale

Saksagan - 0

The Golden Gate

Saksagan - 0

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©