Photo Essay: Consuming Turkey (the trip)

-- Guest contribution by RVK

I just returned from a two week trip to Turkey.  I started in Istanbul and continued along the Aegean Sea coast until Antalya and swung North Eastward towards Cappadocia, Ankara and back to Istanbul.  Three thousand years of cultural history from the Hittites, through the Romans and the Ottomans to modern day Turkey are distinctly visible everywhere.

Istanbul is unmatched by any other city for its history. The magnificent mosques with its striking minarets and architecture are spread all over the city. The Suleymaniye mosque (also known as the blue mosque) and the Sophia mosque/church/museum are perhaps the most magnificent land marks.

Istanbul

Interior of Süleymaniye mosque

           
The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul.  Its interior decoration is subtle, with use of Iznik tiles, white marble mihrab and mimbar, ivory and mother of pearl.  The Topkapi Palace in Istanbul contains the treasures of the Ottoman emperors.

Istanbul

The Grand Bazaar

The grand bazaar in the center of Istanbul is a covered market with more than a thousand shops selling all kinds of items from metal ware to spices.

Ephesus

The Celsus Library

The history of Ephesus dates back to 2000BC. The Celsus library was built by the Romans.  Behind the library is an entertainment house.  I wonder if the men often said they were going to the library, when they meant they were going 'through the library'?!

Pamukkale

Hot Springs

Pamukkale is a scene out of this world! This area is the home of hot springs - the most interesting part of these springs is that they are in extraordinary looking geological formations. The calcium oxide rich waters in these pools are considered to be very good for the skin. The most beautiful among the structures here is the one called the cotton castle.                     

Antalya Province

Theatre in Aspendos

The only ancient theater that is continuously in use since 160 AD is in a place called Aspendos near Antalya. This perfectly preserved theater has 20,000 seats and is used even today for performances. It was built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius and in continuous use.

Konya

Birthplace of Rumi

 I visited Konya the birth place of Rumi the great Sufi philosopher and poet. It was very inspiring. I have also visited the  'Whirling Dervish ' dances started by Rumi. The concept is very interesting. They go round and round with closed eyes and with estacy. The logic is  that the every thing in the world revolves - starting from electrons, to planets to glaxies, every thing revolves. So, if one can concentrate and revolve, they will be one with the universe.

Central Turkey

The Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia

Perhaps the most extraordinary scene in the world I have ever seen was in Cappadocia in central Turkey. With its chimney type huge structures spread over 8 square kilometers, it is called a picture drawn by nature on earth. Its real beauty can be appreciated only when it is seen from above.

We took a balloon ride to see these extraordinary structures and it is an experience that will remain in our memories forever. These tall nature made chimney type structures were used by early Christian monks to make their abode for solitude and meditation. One can see frescos of 11th and 12th centuries in these formations.  In recent times some of these are converted into hotels. One such hotel is Argos. Each individual cone has its own facilities. Though, very expensive and rather not very comfortable, it is quite a unique experience for a hotel stay!

This photo essay does not do justice to the cultural heritage of the country I have visited. I found the people of Turkey extraordinarily courteous and friendly.