Amazing Turkish Dessert-Tahin Halvah

It is one of the excellent tastes of the Turkey. Main ingredients are the sesame seeds, vanilia, cocoa, sugar, cereals nut or walnut. There are many kinds of halvah. It is usally served after the dinners. Also, you can eat the Halvah even at breakfasts. You can buy halvah from supermarkets, candy&lokum shops , and grocery stores.   

Small Camlica Su Pavilion, Kucuk Camlica Su Kosku

English Version

With the brand new pavilions, which were constructed in 1999, with modern interpretation od Ottoman aesthetic, Istanbul spreads out all its magic view in front of your eyes and allows you to have an unforgettable  Camlica memory. Small Camlica pavilions consist of 4 pavilions. Sofa, Cihannuma, Su and Topkapi, and have the widest panoramic view covering all landscape from Marmara Sea to Princess Islands and from Bosphorus to Topkapi Palace.

Here you can either taste eating in such a pure place with distinctive manuals or organize your private invitations. 

Turkce

1999 yilinda Osmanli estetiginin, modern yorumuyla insa edildigi yepyeni kosklerle, Istanbul un kendisini olanca buyusuyle gozlerinizin onune serdigi manzara, unutulmaz bir Camlica hatirasi yasatiyor. 

Marmara denizinden Adalara, Bogazdan Topkapi Sarayina kadar uzanan Istanbulun en genis panoramasina sahip, Kisikli korusunda yeralan Kucukcamlica koskleri dort koskten olusmaktadir: Sofa, Topkapi, Cihannuma ve Su Koskleri. 

Nezih bir mekanda yiyip icmek isteyenlere kendilerine has menulerinin yani sira ozel davetlerinizide gerceklestirebileceginiz organizasyonlarda duzenleyebilirsiniz. 

Ballons and Kabadokya

For details follow the link: http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3574369521029710907#editor/target=post;postID=5936091409420858240

Saint Antoine Church, Istiklal Street of Beyoglu, Istanbul

Saint Antoine Church is in Beyoglu district of Istanbul. Street name is the famous Istiklal Street of Taksim ,on the left hand side from Galatasaray to Tunel.

The construction began in 1906 and it was completed and opened to service in 1912. Its architect is Mr Mongeri, who was born in Istanbul. The church which was governed by Italian priests. It is the greatest Catholic Church in Istanbul with the biggest number of congregation.

Saint Antoine Church which is located in the center of a courtyard is entered through the gate on the roadside between two apartment buildings which were built to provide funding for the church. The church was built by concrete, and has neogothic style.

For details It's web site: http://sentantuan.com/

Broom Fields Between The Edirne and Istanbul

You can see these broom fields while you are travel between the Edirne and Istanbul in spring.

Ayasofya-Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is the one of the most visited museums and most prominent monuments in the world in terms of art and the history of architecture. It has also been called “the eighth wonder of the world” by East Roman Philon as far back as the 6th century.

     The current Hagia Sophia is the third construction, done in a different architectural style, even though it occupies the same location as the previous two. The original building was constructed by the most important architects of the period (527-565), Anthemios (Tralles) and Isidoros (Miletus), under the order of Emperor Justinianos. It is mentioned in the resources that during its construction period, the two prominent architects each had 100 architects working under them, who in turn had 100 workers each working under them.

    The construction of the Hagia Sophia began on February 23, 532. It was completed before long, approximately within 5 years and 10 months. It was then opened to divine service with a great ceremony on December 27, 537.

     It was used as a church for 916 years but, following the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmed, the Hagia Sophia was converted into mosque. Afterwards, it was used as a mosque for 482 years. Under the order of Atatürk and the decision of the Council of Ministers, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum in 1935.

    Hagia Sophia is open for visit every day except Mondays. The winter visiting hours for the Hagia Sophia are from 09.00 to 17.00, with the final entry being at 16.00. During the summer, the visiting hours are between 09.00 and 19.00, with the final entry being at 18.00. Passes are available at the box office in the museum.

Source: http://www.ayasofyamuzesi.gov.tr/en/

The Magnificent Bosphorus View of Istanbul

Lahmacun

Lahmacun is one of the most famous local taste of Southeast region of Turkey. Also, there are many famous Lahmacun Restaurants almost in every city of Turkey. Lahmacun is one of the amazing taste of Turkish cousine. The main ingredients are the meat, spices, onion, parsley and dough. It is served with paprika, salad and ayran. Especially, Urfa City and Adana City famous for Lahmacun. 

Eminonu, Historical Peninsula of Istanbul

Eminonu is one of the dream districts of Istanbul It is full of the Ottoman buildings, mosques, bazaars and architectural monumentswithin its boundaries. A few examle  are the following: Suleymaniye Mosque, The Sultanahmet Square, the Bayezit Square, the Walled Obelisk, the Egyptian Obelisk, Ayasofya Mosque, Basilica Cistern,Topkapi Palace, Archelogy Museum, Blue Mosque, Underground Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, Fethiye Museum, Imrahor Monument, Great Palace Mosaics Museum, Beyazit Mosque, New Mosque, Nuruosmaniye Mosque and Bazaar,  the Spice Bazaar, the Grand Bazaar, Gulhane Park and many historical bazaars. Eminonu is very close to the Golden Horn, Balat and Fatih districts. . 

Also, the famous quarters of the Eminonu are the following:  Sirkeci, Bahcekapi, Sultanhamet, Cemberlitas, Carsikapi, Beyazit, Laleli, Kadirga, Gedikpasa, Kumkapi,  and Mahmutpasa.

PS: This photo was taken by my colleague, Mr Sadan Cakmak

Traditional Slippers

These slippers are still being used by new brides in Anatolia. There are many kinds of them. You can find many kinds of these slippers at Fatih district of Istanbul , at Sultanahmet District of Istanbul,at Spice Bazar ( Eminonu District)  and Grand Bazaar of Istanbul

Sugar Candy, Akide Candy, Akide Sekeri

Sugar Candy has been identified with the word "akide" meaning commitment. During the Ottoman, it was given by the Sultan to Janissaries who expressed their commitment to the state, but it became a classic sort of candy in time. Different flavors of it are obtained by adding lemon, orange, cinnamon, and other kinds of fruits to sugar cones while they are cooling after they have been grinted and melted. 

You can find numerous kinds of Akide at shops of Eminonu District, Istanbul. 

Trabzon Bread, Trabzon Ekmegi, Vakfikebir Bread

The local name is the Vakfıkebir Bread. It is so populer all around the Turkey. You can find this bread at bakeries of Istanbul . It is baked in a wood-fired stone oven, and is leavened with natural sourdough. its taste is slightly sour. Also, it has a long shelf life, and does not mold easily. 

Needle Lace Necklace, From Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

Sahlep, Salep. Drink for Cool Winter Days

It is a popular hot drink in winter, which is made of pulverized orchid roots. It is usually garnished with cinnamon. It is a very nice drink and it was very popular in Ottoman Empire Period. 

Haunted Pavilion, Perili Kosk, Bebek District of Istanbul

Haunted Pavilion is now the Borusan Holding headquarter. At the same time it is used as museum which has an attractive history. It is allso known as Yusuf Ziya Paşa Pavilion, being among the leading examples of the Istanbul architectural heritage and among the most significant and historic buildings of Rumelihisarı, started in 1910s. Yusuf Ziya Paşa, a rich Ottoman tradesman who was also the consultant to the Egyptian governor of that time, initiated the construction of Perili Köşk (the Haunted House or the Kiosk with Fairies) in 1910s. However, in 1914, with the Balkan Wars followed by the emergence of WWI, the workers employed in the construction work were obliged to leave the site for the battlefield, and consequently the building was never completed. Yusuf Ziya Paşa lived in the pavilion along with his second wife Mrs. Nebiye and with her 3 daughters from her first marriage until his death in 1926. After he passed away, the family lived in the pavilion until 1993. At that time, the pavilion was sold to Basri Erdoğan and the family kept living in the 4th floor while the tenants lived in the 1st floor. The pavilion had 4,5 stories in its original form. Due to unfinished construction, the second and third stories remained empty and here the wind made a sinister noise. Consequently, the building started to be called the “Haunted Pavilion” by the local community.

It is very close to Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. It creates a beatiful landscape with bridge.


For detailes please follow the link: http://isea2011.sabanciuniv.edu/other-event/borusan-contemporary-perili-kosk-istanbul

Bosphorus Scene at Beykoz District of Istanbul

Beykoz one of the most beautiful districts of Istanbul. It is far from the business center , so it could protect its nature and amazing scene from urbanization. Most of the inhabitants are old migrants from black sea part of the Turkey. The main source of livelihood is the fishing. There are many fish restaurants along the coast. You can eat delicious local meals ( black sea region kitchen)  with the amazing scene.

Ottoman Emblem at Fatih Sultan Mehmet's Tomb

Every symbol has a meaning.I will write all meanings later .

Ergovan Trees and Rumelihisari Castel, Bebek District of Istanbul

For History: Look at the following link
http://neyineredenalalim.blogspot.com/2011/12/istanbul-rumeli-hisari.html

Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul

Sinan, who was 60 years old at the commencement date, returned to the two semi-domed plan in Suleymaniye mosque for the first time, and has developed this trial in the Beyazit Mosque which was built between 1501 and 1506. Inspecting the thousand year old Hagia Sophia which was admired in all eras, he endeavored to capture the architectural ratios which appealed to the period in indoors and outdoor appearances, and considered the indoors and outdoors as a whole for Suleymaniye Mosque. For this reason, the external appearance reflects the structure of the interior environment with all details. The mosque is an important materpiece which exhibits the classical Ottoman style and art techniques with the best practices through its architecture and it is an important milestone in the develeopment of Ottoman mosques thanks to its large domed design. The dome of Suleymaniye mosque is the highest ( 48,23 m) of Ottoman mosques and the second largest one in Istanbul in diameter ( 26, 30 m) following Hagia Sophia. 

    The Arches which hold the main dome are carried by four large elephant feet. Having the size which can cover the area of a small mosque, these pillars have been constructed skillfully to look elegant, and their front and back sides have been decorated with figures of Mihrab. 

Mosque Courtyard: This 19-decare courtyard which enables the mosque to bee seen in appropriate angles and which separates its three sides from other buildings has been described by Evliya Celebi as " large enough to ride horses".

Court of Porch ( Fountain Couryard) : The foor of the court of porch is marbled and the surrounding area of the court is covered with 28 domes. The inner court is accessed by three separet doorways. In the middle of this part where the main entrance of the mosque is placed, there is a water gauge which looks like Kaaba.

Narthex: The domes which are adjacent to the southeastern front of the mosque have been designed as the nartex. 548 pieces of china have been brought from * nik for the fixed Quran verse plates on the windows. Evliya Celebi has stated that the iron window screens of the courtyard have been made with superb mastery and that the dates of important events, fires and earthquakes had been inscribed on the bronze collars of the courtyard pillars.

Gathering Places: Gathering places ( sections surrounded by wooden or iron railings) have been supported by one pillar on each side and two pillars in the middle, between the large pillars. Forming empty spaces in the flank fronts of the mosque by running over the walls., the gathering places make two storey balconies. Lower balconies ahve nice 9 arches, and the upper balconies have sixteen arches.

Minarets: The mosque has four minarets which have been designed in accordance with its gradeur.These are separeted into two groups as " Mosque Minarets" and " Harem Minarets". The style incorporating the minarets into the mosque has a particular importance with regard to the architectural order of the era. The bedplates of the high mosque minarets with three minaret balconies, which are attached to the main mass of the mosque on the corners have been regarded as corner supports, and thus, have been built in the shape of rectangular prisms, In various sources, it is mentioned that four minarets rising from the corners of the courtyard have been dedicated to the four caliphs, and the ten balconies on the minarets have been dedicated to the ten great Muslims to whom it was announced by Prophet Mohammed that they would go to the heaven.That there are ten balconies which have been buit on the four minarets, which are completely made of stone, is widely-accepted public hearsay which is explained by the fact that Sultan Suleyman is the tenth Ottoman ruler and the fourth emperor to have ascended to the throne after the conquest of Istanbul.

Seagulls and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Bebek District of Istanbul

Tulips, Emirgan Grove, Emirgan Kosku, Emirgan- İstanbul

Yellow Pavilion, Sari Kosk, Emirgan Grove, Emirgan-Istanbul

1-English

Yellow Pavilion which is builded between the years 1871 and 1878 in chalet style at Emirgan Grove by Ismail Pascha who is from Hidiv family. It’s architectural style makes an impression of ‘bird houses’ . This is a way of reflecting Turk’s love of birds. As a necessity of traditional lifestyle the architectural plan is based on the hall and rooms are opening to this hall. Architect of the building is Sarkis Balyan. The ornamentations on the ceilings and walls wide, high doors and windows, carvings which are enriched by bright colours carry importance.

Yellow pavilion reflects delicate features of art of ornamentation. Flower figures on inner ceilings and ornamentations on outer sides are typical examples of art of carving. In XVII and XIX centuries Ottoman wooden-work provided a warm atmosphere for the buildings. At these countries flower decoration is applied on wood. Walls are decorated with pomegranate flower, rose, clove, jasmine, tulips and ceilings are covered with golden gilds. On the hill, at the garden, there is a small pool. Water element which takes place frequently increases the liveliness of the area with unique Bosphorus Scene.  

2-Turkçe

Sarı köşk, Emirgan korusunda, 1871-1878 yılları arasında Hidiv sülalesinden İsmail paşa tarafından yaptırılmıştır. Şale üslubunda ve bir kuş evi görünümdedir. Bu, türklerin kuş sevgisinin işlevsel ve sanatsal bir anlatım biçimidir.Geleneksel yaşama düzeninin gereği olarak bir sofa etrafında toplanan plan şeması uzun yıllar değişmeden sürdürülmüştür. Mimar Sarkis Balyan tarafından tasarlanan yapıda; tavan ve duvar süslemeleri, büyük, yüksek kapı ve pencereler , iç mekanlarda parlak renkle zenginleştirilmiş işlemeler önem taşımaktadır. Sarı köşk, süsleme sanatının en ince özelliklerini taşır. İç tavanda çiçek motifleri, yağlı boya figürler, dış cephe süslemeleri oyma el sanatının tipik örneğidir. XVII. ve XIX. Yüzyıllarda Osmanlı ağaç işçiliği, mimari yapılara daha sıcak bir atmosfer sağlamıştır. Bu yüzyılda çiçek bezemesi ağaç işlerinin tümünü kaplamıştır. Nar çiçeği, gül, karanfil ve yaseminlerle bezeli duvarlar ve tavanlar altın varaklarla kaplıdır. Bahçede, tepenin üstünde küçük bir havuz yeralır. Sık sık ortaya çıkan su ögeleri boğaziçinin eşsiz görünümü ile canlılığı arttırmaktadır.

Istanbul-Ottoman Central Post Office, Eminonu District of Istanbul

It is the biggest post office in Turkey. It’s location is the Eminonu district of Istanbul . It was built by the Vedat tek who was the first formally educated Turkish architect. It was built between the 1905 and 1909 years. The first name was the New Post Office, then was the Big Post Office.  This building consists of 4 floors. The architectural style is the 16th century Ottoman architectural style. The ceiling which goes up to the roof is covered with orange and blue color mainly glass windows. There is a communication history and telecommication history museum in the first floor.

Uzungol, An Excellent Natural Combination-Trabzon City of Turkey

Uzungol is the most famous miracle of Trabzon city. It is an amazing combination of green hills, lake , clouds and old wooden homes. Green hills full of chestnut trees , spruce trees, beech trees and fir trees. Also, you can see the many water currents creating large and small cascades and waterfalls. Dense cloud garnish the view. Altogether they creates a fairytale scene. Dense forests full of wild flowers. Apart from the nature, It has an excellent cuisine and foods. For example;  You should taste the famous Anzer honey. It is famous all around the world. People believe that it is a natural cure to many diseases.
In sum,  it is the perfect combination of natural spellbinding colors, waterfalls,  romantic clouds   and the magnificent lake

Maslak Kasr ı Humayun, Maslak Kasirlari, Maslak, Istanbul

1- English History

Sultan Abdülhamit II (1876-1909) spent a large part of the his crown prince time at Kasr Maslak. He was invited to the Ottoman throne by Rusdu Pasha and Midhat Pasha,in this Kasr. This kasr was built according to the slope of the land in an elevated two-storey over basement. The attic (musandıra floor) is built of brick facade outside the coated wood. Columns at the entrance pavilion balcony declares effects of the baroque style. The interior stairs are the amazing wood stairs. They were made by Sultan Abdulhamit.  In terms of interior design, the middle of the traditional Turkish house plan rooms were lined around the sofa. This kasr includes the Abdulhamid’s bedroom, Abdulhamid’s dining room, Abdulhamid’s study room and Abdulhamid’s guest rooms sections.

2-Turkish :

Veliahtlık döneminin büyük bir kısmını Maslak Kasr ı Humayununda geçiren Sultan II.Abdülhamit       ( 1876-1909), Sadrazam Rüşdü Paşa ile Midhat Paşa tarafından Osmanlı tahtına çıkmaya burada davet edilmiştir. Arazinin eğimine gore yükseltilmiş bir bodrum kat üzerine iki katlı olarak yapılan Maslak Kasrı Humayunu, tavan arası ( musandıra katı) dışında kagir olup cephesi ahşap kaplamalıdır. Girişte sütunlara oturan balkon kasrın cephesini hareketlendirirken içerideki  mükemmel ahşap merdivenler Abdülhamit tarafındna yapılmışlardır.  İç mekan tasarımında, orta sofa çevresine sıralanan odalardan oluşan geleneksel Türk evi planı uygulanmıştır. Yapıda Abdülhamitin yatak odası, yemek Odası, çalışma Odası ve misafir Odası gibi bölümler vardır.

Sirince Village of Izmir, Şirince Köyü, İzmir

This village's old name is 'Ephesus on the Hill'. People believe that the village was founded Aydinogullari time. According to another viewpoint, it was founded by the Greeks under Ottoman rule in 19.century. This village became empty with the liberation of Izmir in 1924.  Turks evacuated families from Selanik  settled to the village. All houses in the village is different from other villages to the architectural structure built of brick, multi-window, and two storeys. Balconies are the suspended type of balconies. Window frames and eaves of the houses are decorated with paintings and bird motifs. There are two churches and two schools in the village. These buildings have architectural features. Tourism is the main source of income of the village. In addition, grapes and peaches are grown. Most importantly, international wines (fruit wines) are produced. It's reputation is already beyond the boundaries of Turkey.
 

Kekova-The Sunken City, Batik Sehir Kekova, Antalya City, Turkey

Kekova is an island which is very close to the Kalekoy ( ancient Simena city ) and Ucagiz ( Ancient Teimioussa city ) . Kekova dates back to the 5th Century. The Kekova region has its share of ruins from Lycian civilization. Lycian civilization had founded very famous cities like Patara, Olumpos, Sidyma etc. Most of them were destroyed and damaged due to earthquakes and weather conditions. Similarly , Kekova region was damaged by a series of earthquakes over the centuries. The ancient cities were submerged six meters below the sea level. As you cruise down the sea, you can see the ruins of buildings and walls under the water. It is still amazing and attractive. You can sense the glory of ancient civilization.Apart from these, Kekova is famous for it's Turquoise beaches. There are a lot of beautiful hotels and residences in this area. It is one of the most famous holiday destinations. 

Amazing Turkish Meatballs

In Turkey, there are nearly 300 hundred kinds of Meatball. Turkish name is “Kofte “. The most famous are Akcabat Meatball ( Trabzon city's meatball), Inegol Meatball ( Bursa City's meatball) , Grilled Meatball, Icli Meatball ( South East Region's Meatball) etc.

Main ingredients are the mince, bulgur ( cracked wheat), spices and bread crumb. It is served with airan, salad and pilaf. In every city of Turkey, there are numerous meatball restaurants. You should taste amazing Turkish meatballs.

Istanbul University, Istanbul Universitesi, Beyazit, Istanbul

You can read the history of Istanbul University in this link: http://www.istanbul.edu.tr/english/history.php

Simit-Savory Roll Covered With Sesame Seed

It's turkish name is Simit. Simit is one of the most delicious brekfast foods in Turkey. It has been eaten with cream cheese. There are Simit shops in Istanbul and in big cities of Turkey. Also, you can see many mobile simit sellers in every cities of Turkey . There are many kinds of Simit in Turkey. It changes according to the region and city .