Turkey for the Experience
Jun 20th, 2019, 11:42 PM
#62
Thank you kja,
Here's an interesting perspective (albeit, rather opinionated) on life in the world's ikdest excavated town, Catalhoyuk in West Central Turkey.
https://www.livescience.com/65759-vi...e=notification
The Rise and Fall of a Neolithic Town | Çatalhöyük Research Project
The West Mound | Çatalhöyük Research Project
This is a site usually missed by tourists because one needs a great deal of imagination and previous study to enjoy the stone walls.
Yet, the region also has interesting sink holes, the Manazan caves, deserts, silk road inns and plush valleys as well as the Islamic sites related to the famous Sufi
mystic Rumi, and may be included in an extended tour.
https://travelatelier.com/blog/taskale-manazan-caves/.
Some of the older sinkholes (Obruk, in Turkish) have caves on their floor and are used for aging cheese.
The Obruk cheese is known internationally and competes with the best French goat cheeses.
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C...w=1680&bih=907
Here's an interesting perspective (albeit, rather opinionated) on life in the world's ikdest excavated town, Catalhoyuk in West Central Turkey.
https://www.livescience.com/65759-vi...e=notification
The Rise and Fall of a Neolithic Town | Çatalhöyük Research Project
The West Mound | Çatalhöyük Research Project
This is a site usually missed by tourists because one needs a great deal of imagination and previous study to enjoy the stone walls.
Yet, the region also has interesting sink holes, the Manazan caves, deserts, silk road inns and plush valleys as well as the Islamic sites related to the famous Sufi
mystic Rumi, and may be included in an extended tour.
https://travelatelier.com/blog/taskale-manazan-caves/.
Some of the older sinkholes (Obruk, in Turkish) have caves on their floor and are used for aging cheese.
The Obruk cheese is known internationally and competes with the best French goat cheeses.
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C...w=1680&bih=907
Jun 23rd, 2019, 01:57 PM
#66
Seems the voters were annoyed at the do-over:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/w...n-erdogan.html
Glad to see it, hope it sticks.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/w...n-erdogan.html
Glad to see it, hope it sticks.
Jun 23rd, 2019, 02:24 PM
#67
Seems the voters were annoyed at the do-over:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/w...n-erdogan.html
Glad to see it, hope it sticks.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/w...n-erdogan.html
Glad to see it, hope it sticks.
Jul 6th, 2019, 11:29 AM
#68
The Phrygian Valley
The Phrygian Valley is shaking its dust of centuries and becoming a new tourist attraction You can drive, cycle, hike and camp in this region where different civilizations have left rtheir works for five thousand years.
Herodotus mentions the Phrygians, confessing that he did not know anything of their religion or language. Homer mentions that they came to aid Troy in Twelve hundred BC. And, they were probably already settled in Western Anatolia as neighbors to the Hittites.
In addition to the Phrygian cities and other remnants, there are Middle Ages fortresses, interesting rock formations, canyons, forests, hills and mountains. Eskisehir a great modern university city is a model of the best of Turkish cities with its parks river boats, a beach,nice statues, walking and bicycling routes and a fun entertainment streets makes a good starting point or base for your visit..
Herodotus mentions the Phrygians, confessing that he did not know anything of their religion or language. Homer mentions that they came to aid Troy in Twelve hundred BC. And, they were probably already settled in Western Anatolia as neighbors to the Hittites.
In addition to the Phrygian cities and other remnants, there are Middle Ages fortresses, interesting rock formations, canyons, forests, hills and mountains. Eskisehir a great modern university city is a model of the best of Turkish cities with its parks river boats, a beach,nice statues, walking and bicycling routes and a fun entertainment streets makes a good starting point or base for your visit..
Jul 8th, 2019, 09:10 PM
#69
The heat wave that hit most of Europe is making its way to Turkey but it is still within normal range. Istanbul's standard Summer breeze pushes humidity away and makes
it pleasant despite the 28-31 degrees (85-90 F) temperatures.
We are witnessing a record number of tourists in Turkey. moving it into the top ten destinations in the world.
Cruise ships are also returning to istanbul despite the unfinished re-building of the docks.
All the coastal resort cities have modern local government (except for Balikesir which includes Ayvalik and Edremit)
Check for pop, jazz, classical music, opera at Antalya and Cesme, some at antique amphitheatres; and festivals.
There are also a large number of marathons, cross country and endurance races.
We had a wet Spring, so rafting is still doing well.
There are some new archeological discoveries but either they are not available for visiting or they have not been excavated (except for grave robbers
and treasure hunters)
The Black Sea cost has had more than its share of floods and landslides. Be sure to check weather conditions before wandering to Eastern Black Sea coast.
The religious holiday, week of August 12 will be extremely crowded at all resorts but a good time to visit Istanbul where all museums will be open according to their usual schedules.
Turkish Lira values will probably continue fluctuating. Buying TL in your country is never a good idea. The money changers located in the area between the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar
give the best rates. You will know you get a good deal if you find the display showing not more than 0.8% difference between buying and selling rates of USD and Euro. The margins will be higher for other currencies.
Foreign exchange rates vary by the minute at all banks and money changers.
You can still get a tasty meal at an upscale restaurant for $50 including wine and a large burger meal for less than $5 at fast food chains.
it pleasant despite the 28-31 degrees (85-90 F) temperatures.
We are witnessing a record number of tourists in Turkey. moving it into the top ten destinations in the world.
Cruise ships are also returning to istanbul despite the unfinished re-building of the docks.
All the coastal resort cities have modern local government (except for Balikesir which includes Ayvalik and Edremit)
Check for pop, jazz, classical music, opera at Antalya and Cesme, some at antique amphitheatres; and festivals.
There are also a large number of marathons, cross country and endurance races.
We had a wet Spring, so rafting is still doing well.
There are some new archeological discoveries but either they are not available for visiting or they have not been excavated (except for grave robbers
and treasure hunters)
The Black Sea cost has had more than its share of floods and landslides. Be sure to check weather conditions before wandering to Eastern Black Sea coast.
The religious holiday, week of August 12 will be extremely crowded at all resorts but a good time to visit Istanbul where all museums will be open according to their usual schedules.
Turkish Lira values will probably continue fluctuating. Buying TL in your country is never a good idea. The money changers located in the area between the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar
give the best rates. You will know you get a good deal if you find the display showing not more than 0.8% difference between buying and selling rates of USD and Euro. The margins will be higher for other currencies.
Foreign exchange rates vary by the minute at all banks and money changers.
You can still get a tasty meal at an upscale restaurant for $50 including wine and a large burger meal for less than $5 at fast food chains.
Jul 10th, 2019, 10:26 AM
#70
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Last summer my wife and I flew to Turkey to rest. Beautiful country with its traditions and mentality. The weather in July was great. We knew how to swim and walk in beautiful places. We flew all inclusive, so not worried about the food.
Jul 18th, 2019, 12:04 AM
#71
This is a useful although a bit outdated in terms of costs, prices and also for being in the days of the older airport.
New airport transport does not include a metro or light rail yet.
The bus name is different and the price higher.
taxi from new airport costs more than double.
Istanbul card and single rides are more expensive, and so forth.
New airport transport does not include a metro or light rail yet.
The bus name is different and the price higher.
taxi from new airport costs more than double.
Istanbul card and single rides are more expensive, and so forth.
Jul 18th, 2019, 06:14 AM
#72
If you have any interests in the ancestors of the Celts or Gauls, you may look into the theories that they came from central asia via Anatolia, set up the Hittite Empire in central Anatolia.
And a thousand years after migrating West to Europe some of the Celtic tribes accompanied Macedonian generals back to their Anatolian homeland and set up
Check the web and/or youtube for
Hattusa
Yazilikaya
Alacahoyuk
Galatia
Gordion
This area, to the North of Cappadocia deserves to be visited as much as some of the better known touristic destinations, for its more ancient history if nothing else.
Walking among the rocks of Yazilikaya in dusk brings a chill and goosebumps, reminding one of human sacrifice and fearful deities.
And a thousand years after migrating West to Europe some of the Celtic tribes accompanied Macedonian generals back to their Anatolian homeland and set up
Check the web and/or youtube for
Hattusa
Yazilikaya
Alacahoyuk
Galatia
Gordion
This area, to the North of Cappadocia deserves to be visited as much as some of the better known touristic destinations, for its more ancient history if nothing else.
Walking among the rocks of Yazilikaya in dusk brings a chill and goosebumps, reminding one of human sacrifice and fearful deities.
Jul 27th, 2019, 01:45 AM
#73
Good news for travelers arriving in Turkey within next weeks. The scorching temperatures which Europe is trying to survive will not be hitting Turkey according to weather reports.
Daytime temperatures expected to be 32-38 degrees Centigrade or 90-99 F, at seasonal normals.
Despite the five million or more refugees (4 from Syria and One from Afghanistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, etc.) there has been no safety concerns. Possibly because, most of the refugees are hoping for a better life and the rest are being controled by the deals of the current Turkish government with Islamist organizations. Kurdish groups targeted by the governmnet in Syria and Iraq are active only against Turkish security forces and civilians have never been threatened.even in the Turkish Southeast which is still not safe to travel as far as I am concerned.
Daytime temperatures expected to be 32-38 degrees Centigrade or 90-99 F, at seasonal normals.
Despite the five million or more refugees (4 from Syria and One from Afghanistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, etc.) there has been no safety concerns. Possibly because, most of the refugees are hoping for a better life and the rest are being controled by the deals of the current Turkish government with Islamist organizations. Kurdish groups targeted by the governmnet in Syria and Iraq are active only against Turkish security forces and civilians have never been threatened.even in the Turkish Southeast which is still not safe to travel as far as I am concerned.
Aug 11th, 2019, 04:14 AM
#74
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Aug 19th, 2019, 08:15 AM
#75
I am increasing my warning against visiting the Southeastern provinces, especially Mardin, Van and Diyarbakir, but probably the rest of the region should be considered very risky.
This morning, the government deposed the duly elected mayors of the three major cities mentioned above, replacing them with appointed administrators, not citing any wrong-doing, only five months after the local elections.
Not only the Kurdish party, HDP, but the main opposition party, CHP, is also protesting this move, calling it illegal. A former President and a former PM originally of the same party, also tweeted that this was wrong and undemocraic.
The President is holding the ceremony for the opening of the judicial year in his palace. presidents of Forty two bar associations, representing over 90% of the Turkish lawyers have refused to attend claiming that this is a blatant sign that
the judicial system is governed from the presidential palace.
Governor of Istanbul banned protest marches and public statements in Istanbul, even though peaceful marches and speeches are constitutional rights.
Weather in Istanbul is nice and cool these days.
Inflation is running at over twenty percent. The jaundiced unions for government workers has already accepted four plus four percent every six months in 2020 and three plus three for 2021.
The second one for the government workers is conducting negotiations currently and have been offered terms below those.
These will also result in a rise in unhappiness and possibly reduce quality of civil services.
On the bright side, all three major competitors of my football team suffered losses in the opening week of the league. We play later tonight and will win.!
This morning, the government deposed the duly elected mayors of the three major cities mentioned above, replacing them with appointed administrators, not citing any wrong-doing, only five months after the local elections.
Not only the Kurdish party, HDP, but the main opposition party, CHP, is also protesting this move, calling it illegal. A former President and a former PM originally of the same party, also tweeted that this was wrong and undemocraic.
The President is holding the ceremony for the opening of the judicial year in his palace. presidents of Forty two bar associations, representing over 90% of the Turkish lawyers have refused to attend claiming that this is a blatant sign that
the judicial system is governed from the presidential palace.
Governor of Istanbul banned protest marches and public statements in Istanbul, even though peaceful marches and speeches are constitutional rights.
Weather in Istanbul is nice and cool these days.
Inflation is running at over twenty percent. The jaundiced unions for government workers has already accepted four plus four percent every six months in 2020 and three plus three for 2021.
The second one for the government workers is conducting negotiations currently and have been offered terms below those.
These will also result in a rise in unhappiness and possibly reduce quality of civil services.
On the bright side, all three major competitors of my football team suffered losses in the opening week of the league. We play later tonight and will win.!
Aug 20th, 2019, 10:03 PM
#77
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How I wish you didn't have to watch these many changes to your beloved country, otherchelebi! Thank you for keeping us informed, and of course, wishing your football team (and your family) the best.
Aug 28th, 2019, 05:19 AM
#78
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otherchelebi Hi, I'm taking my first trip in Oct to Istanbul. It's been a dream of mine to visit.
I just read on another forum that most of the major sites are under renovation including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Chora Church, Topkapi and some museums. Do you have any info about this? The other traveler said much of these sites were covered or closed.
Thanks so much for all of the great info you post here!
Lisa
I just read on another forum that most of the major sites are under renovation including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Chora Church, Topkapi and some museums. Do you have any info about this? The other traveler said much of these sites were covered or closed.
Thanks so much for all of the great info you post here!
Lisa
Aug 28th, 2019, 06:07 AM
#79
Hi Lisa, I will be driving back to Istanbul Thursday evening and can check in person, but will investigate on the web before that.
previously, I checked the restoration at Rustem Pasa mosque and found our that it was still possible to visit a part of it open for prayers.
previously, I checked the restoration at Rustem Pasa mosque and found our that it was still possible to visit a part of it open for prayers.
Aug 28th, 2019, 06:17 AM
#80
According to various sources on the net, All sites are open for visitors.
However, restoration work continues and depending on which parts are being worked on, some areas may be covered.
This site lists the work on museum s in istanbul, but unfortunately it is in Turkish :
https://ayasofyamuzesi.gov.tr/en/restorations
However, restoration work continues and depending on which parts are being worked on, some areas may be covered.
This site lists the work on museum s in istanbul, but unfortunately it is in Turkish :
https://ayasofyamuzesi.gov.tr/en/restorations
