Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
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 →
A couple of months ago, we visited a town called Beypazari, about 100km west of Ankara. Beypazari happens to be the town where own of my favorite bottled sparkling mineral water comes from. So I thought we were going to see the natural springs. But that never happened. Beypazari is also a tourist town, full... Continue Reading →
We are currently celebrating Şeker Bayram (Sugar Holiday) in Turkey. Şeker Bayram is a three day holiday signifying the end of Ramadan and the end of the daily fast. The holiday reminds me of some of our American and Christian holidays. First, it reminds me of Christmas. About a week ago, I was told that we... 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 →
My one day trip to Side was so amazing and beautiful that I haven't been able to write a post on it. I just have too many pictures that I love, and not enough time to do it full justice. Therefore, I have decided to break that day down into multiple posts. Side, pronounced See-day,... Continue Reading →
My last visit to Kayseri was about 2 years ago. Kayseri is is a large and industrialized city, about a 4 hour drive southeast from Ankara. It is located along what was known as the "Great Silk Road" and has been a continuous settlement since 3000 B.C. Wow, that's old. Despite its age, most of... 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 