Ramadan in Turkey

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Ramadan in Turkey RELIVING THE TIME OF THE OTTOMANS Tarakli is a true architectural treasure trove with Ottomanstyle homes with wooden oriels, historical arcades and Turkish baths Tarakli hosts approximately 100 historical homes and estates under preservation BUY WHAT TO... Tarakli is making efforts to revive woodworking. You can buy all sorts of wooden souvenirs at shops in the region, from ceiling bosses and wooden spoons, to mirrored chests and engraved coffee tables, etc. EAT BY MELIH USLU Roughly 200 kilometres away from Istanbul in the northwestern part of Turkey is Tarakli, a settlement that features some of the most beautiful examples of civilian Ottoman architecture in the country. According to famed historian Joseph von Hammer- Purgstall, author of Geschichte des osmanischen Reiches the 10-volume treatise on Ottoman history, this was one of first places along the Silk Route to be conquered. Tarakli has a history of hosting countless tradesmen and pilgrims for centuries. Selim I "the Grim" stopped here in the 16th century on his way to his Egypt campaign and was very impressed by the hospitality. Evliya Celebi, the Ottoman traveller, wrote the following lines about Tarakli in his travelogue, Seyahatname (Book of Travels): "It is a flourishing town made up of wide grape vines and well-manicured gardens, as well as about 500 homes built around a river. It has one bath, five arcades, six schools, and 200 shops. Its wooden spoons and combs are famous.” When you get there, you will realise how little it has changed. THE MUSEUM CITY One of nine areas in Turkey associated with the Italian Cittaslow movement, Tarakli is situated in a forested valley. It hosts approximately 100 historical homes and estates under preservation. These structures TARAKLI HAS A HISTORY OF HOSTING COUNTLESS TRADESMEN AND PILGRIMS FOR CENTURIES mostly belong to individuals, and are being restored piece by piece with government support. The restoration of about 10 historical mansions has been completed and they are now being used as hotels, museums and restaurants. The houses here are usually three-storied and stand out with their use of caged windows, wooden oriels, and historical tympanums. First floors and courtyards are built with stones that match the pattern of the cobbled streets. Main entrance doors are double-winged and usually made of walnut wood. Doors have been mounted with iron nails with wide heads, while the handles and gavels on the doors are wrought iron. ELEGANT ARCHITECTURE Sitting between Istanbul and Ankara, Tarakli resembles an emerald island where the newest oriel-adorned houses scat- tered around the Goynuk Stream can date back by a century. Sixty per cent of this area is forested. The Tarakli Culture House, itself an exemplary example of restoration, serves as an ethnography museum and is a prime destination for visitors. The 200-yearold wooden structure carries the elegant lines of 19th century Anatolian architecture with its long roof ridges, beamed balconies, and sliding windows. After we exit the Culture House, we stroll around the narrow cobblestone streets, where we come across historical arcades and baths at every step. Another sight in the area is the Yunus Pasa Mosque, built in 1517 by Mimar Sinan. Try the “uhut.” - a kind of sugarfree wheat mash stirred into a paste The keskek (a traditional Turkish meat and wheat dish prepared for wedding ceremonies, funerals and religious holidays), chickpea dumplings, and foam halva are the other must-trys. GET THERE From Istanbul you follow the TEM (Trans-European Motorway) towards Ankara. You take the Bilecik-Eskisehir exit and after driving for about 25 kilometres, follow the signs to Tarakli. You can also reach by bus, heading to Goynuk or Adapazari from Istanbul. The city of colours and With a history dating back 11,500 years, Urfa remains steeped in cultural, spiritual mystical influences BY RUQYA KHAN Harran The ancient city of Urfa (Sanliurfa) lies about 180 kilometres west of Kiziltepe, in southeastern Anatolia. A calm and serene place known for its legendary myths Urfa has been a place of interest for many. Its history dates back more than 11,500 years. It has hosted some of the world’s oldest civilisations. Beyond the strong religious history, it is a city seeped with the beautiful colours of tribal life, bustling bazaars and aromatic tea and kebabs. Its cultural, spiritual and mystical atmosphere remains very much alive, attracting a large number of visitors. A BRILLIANT BLEND OF PAST WITH PRESENT Urfa is a blend of old and new, with Turkish, Arab and Kurdish peasants who come from the countryside haggling in the traditional bazaar, while young technocrats and engineers hustle between offices and shops lining the modern downtown section. Among the main attractions of Urfa are the nomadic tribes who inhabit this place. The villagers are big on handicrafts like felt making, tannery, stone working, weaving, woodworks, copper works, saddle making, fur making and jewellery design. These old trading centres of Urfa date back to Ottoman times; among the famous bazaars are Kazzaz Bazaar, Sipahi Bazaar and Huseyniye Bazaar. Balikligol Halfeti Madrasah TRADITIONS GALORE Urfa is a city of ancient traditions, old friendships and mystical associations. People here honour the custom of Sira Geceleri, which brings together people sharing the same pleasures, world views and ideas. Members of the group take it in turns to host these events, which have a ceremonial character and are based on a sense of fraternity. Country excursions also take place in a similar communal spirit of friendship, with each family contributing differ- APART FROM ITS ORIENTAL CHARMS URFA BOASTS OF AMAZING ARCHITECTURE AND GREAT HISTORY ent and special home cooked dishes from the famous regional cuisine. Certain traditions like inking tattoos of figures like animals of wild life, daily life articles, weapons and numerical figures for bringing luck to small children are slowly fading away. But the persona of this city of prophets will remain forever in its warmth and its peace and togetherness. A visit to the city is incomplete without a taste of the world famous kebabs. With assortments as rare as eggplant and meat kebab, and tomato with meat kebab a food connoisseur is in for some succulent surprises. Even in dining there is a system, a tradition. The kebabs are eaten with special bread called the durum and the meal is closed on a sweet note of fresh kunefe as dessert and then a special Urfa postmeal coffee, mirra. Take care to drink it in traditional fashion, otherwise you are risking the chance of offending a native. 14 > 15 GLOBAL CONNECTION JUNE 2015
Ramadan in Turkey UNPARALLELED AMBIENCE The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and are nestled amongst olive groves, pine forests and sandy beaches Astas Holding, Turkey’s leading high-end real estate developer is delighted to announce that its latest project Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum has been honoured with the Tatler Spa Guide Award 2015. Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum is situated at Cennet Koyu (Paradise Bay), Turkey, which is often referred to as the new Saint-Tropez. The idyllic beachfront location is within easy reach of many of the Bodrum Peninsula’s most beautiful attractions. Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum offers a seductive blend of style, luxury and comfort. With two private beaches, a range of dining establishments, an outstanding spa and choice of contemporary rooms, suites and villas, the unique facilities and excellent service are truly world-class. INSPIRED BY THE ORIENT Located on a 60-hectare waterfront site, the resort was designed by renowned architect and designer, Antonio Citterio. As stylish as they are spacious, beautiful rooms and suites offer the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. The 96 villas and 116 residences offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and are nestled amongst olive groves, pine forests and sandy beaches. Discerning residents will delight in the award-winning Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum. Inspired by the healing traditions of the Orient, the tranquil spa offers expert treatments, attentive therapists and world-class facilities. A carefully curated selection of ten restaurants and bars offer the finest dining in the region with a tantalising range of experiences. From tennis to scuba-diving, pottery to crafts, the resort also offers a fantastic range of leisure activities for every guest. For more information please see www.MOresidencesbodrum.com
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