Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
As you know, Christmas is not celebrated in Turkey. However, Christmas trees, lights, and carols are popping up every where. Even on the TV commercials. Turks have adapted the Christmas holiday as a New Years' celebration. "Christmas" gifts are even becoming popular for the New Year's holiday. As an expatriate, I have learned to adapt... Continue Reading →
Often, my mind wanders quickly, from one idea to the next. I have entire conversations with others in my head. This morning was no different. The following thoughts occurred in approximately a 10 second flash in my brain: As I sat on my balcony drinking my morning cup of joe, wanderings of Christmas popped into... Continue Reading →
Yesterday I had the opportunity to volunteer as a native speaker for an English conversation class at the Turkish American Association in Ankara. It was more of an informal gathering of Turkish women who simply want to practice their English skills. I enjoyed the class. I am told that sometimes they discuss current issues and... Continue Reading →
Since Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I love to cook (particularly the chopping which gets out all of my stress and aggression) I couldn't pass up the opportunity to cook for friends. On Saturday night, I will make an "American" Thanksgiving dinner for 14 adults and 7 children, mostly Turks, some of whom have... Continue Reading →
Thanksgiving is my favorite holidays - better than Christmas. It's a time of homecoming. On other holidays, people often take advantage of the vacation to go away, ski the Alps, enjoy the water at the beaches, tour a new and wonderful city. But at Thanksgiving, people go home. It's a wonderful time of year with... Continue Reading →
This morning, as I was enjoying a cup of coffee and the autumnal morning sun from my balcony, I noticed a young girl across the street. I quickly recognized her as the girl who lives in the apartment building next door. In one hand she held a bag containing two loaves of bread. In the... Continue Reading →
This morning I expereinced something miraculous, wonderous, beautiful, strange, and different. Today is the 72nd anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's death. He was the founding father of modern Turkey. At exactly 9:05 this morning, the precise time that he passed, all of Turkey came to a standstill for 2 minutes of silence. I was driving... Continue Reading →
Friday October 29th is Turkish Republic Day, Cumhuriyet Bayramı. On this date in 1923, Turkey's constitution was amended and Turkey became a republic. According to Wikipedia, a republic is a form of government in which the people, or some portion thereof, retain supreme control of the government, and the public head of government is not... Continue Reading →
This past weekend, I enjoyed the company of my family at my nephew's wedding in Lancaster, PA. It was a very traditional American wedding. I couldn't help think of the similarities and differences with Turkish weddings. The wedding took place in a small chapel followed by the reception in aa neighboring hall. There was a string... Continue Reading →
Months before our move to Ankara became likely I had the opportunity to visit Turkey for the fourth time. While I was visiting, a relative of my husband was in the hospital. Although I had not yet met him, I went along with with the family to visit him. I was told I could wait outside, but I took advantage... Continue Reading →
The month of Ramazan (Ramadan) will be ending next week. Ramazan is the ninth month of the Islamic calender, a time for fasting and special prayer. During the month, muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. They ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves... Continue Reading →
Tomorrow, August 30th, is a national Turkish Holiday. “Zafer Bayramı” (Victory Day) commemorates the key Turkish victory against Greek forces in the Battle of Domlupınar (August 26-30, 1922). The outcome of the battle, which took place in Kütahya province in western Turkey, determined the overall outcome of the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1923). It became... Continue Reading →
I ate at Mezza Luna last night, at the Bilkent location. Intstead of creating a restaurant review, I decided to repost from another blog, Eating Ankara. The restaurant was rather throughly reviewed and I have just a few notes to add. The Bilkent location is not as glamorous as dining in GOP. It's in a... Continue Reading →
Musings of a Philadelphia lawyer - who married a Turk, quit her day job, and set out for adventure!
-by Terry Henson Kaymak
Adventures in Ankara 