Mount Bulgurlu and Skutari’s Sacred Resting Places

Mount Bulgurlu, towering 850 feet above sea level in Skutari, offers a captivating experience with its panoramic views of the city, the Bosporus, the Sea of Marmora, Thrace’s valleys, and the valleys and mountains of Central Asia Minor. Accessible by carriage within an hour, the ascent near the summit becomes steep for carriages, requiring the last part to be covered on foot. At the top, visitors can enjoy coffee, lemonade, and the purest water in Constantinople. The Imperial Kiosk, constructed in 1660 by Muhammad IV, now serves as the residence of Yussuf Ized-din Effendi, eldest son of the late Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz Skutari.

A Majestic Vista

The Turkish Cemetery, the largest burial ground in Constantinople, is traversed by the road connecting Bulgurlu to the British Cemetery and Kadi Kqui. It holds prominence due to Muslim preferences for burial on the side of the water clos

A Journey into the Past

Kusgunjuk, the following village, named after Kusgun-baba, a saint who lived during Muhammad II.’s time, is predominantly inhabited by Jews, serving as the residence of the Chief Rabbi. Just below the village lies Okuz-Liman (‘ox-haven’) [see pp. 180, 181]. This location once housed the stone statue erected by the Byzantines for Damalis, wife of Athenian general Chares, whose name translates to ‘heifer.’

Kusgunjuk Tracing History and Culture

The subsequent stop is Skutari, or more accurately Uskudar. This area holds significance for Britons due to Miss Florence Nightingale’s dedicated service to British wounded soldiers from the Crimea. While the village may lack visual appeal, it is worth exploring for the Howling Dervishes’ convent, Thursday afternoon performances, Mount Bulgurlu’s panoramic views, and visits to the Turkish and British Cemeteries. Additionally, Skutari provides travele

Glimpse into Ottoman Grandeur

Selim, it is said, changed his mind after three years. Upon learning from the Bostanji-bashi that his son’s sentence had not been carried out, he relented, releasing Suleiman and restoring him to favor. Suleiman, upon ascending the throne, constructed a palace in the village Mount Bulgurlu. As a remembrance of his captivity and rescue, he personally planted a cypress tree. At Kulehli, various Roman and Byzantine artifacts, including tombs, columns, and marbles with crosses, were discovered. These findings are believed to be remnants of the ancient palace converted by Theodora, wife of Justinian, into the nunnery of Our Lady of Repentance for fallen women.

Kulehli Unveiling Ancient Splendors

Moving forward from Kulehli, we encounter Chenghel Keui, a place of no particular significance. Beylerbey follows, once a favored water-side retreat for the Byzantines and now an exclusively Turkish villag

Preserving Centuries of Style

Delving into the roots of Ottoman clothing culture, curator Mr. Esat Uluumay highlights the rich history embedded in dresses dating back to as much as 200 years. Despite the challenges of transportation and communication, these garments visually transport us to an era nearly 600 years ago, showcasing minimal changes in accessories, fabrics, and sewing techniques.

Adorning Every Detail

Uluumay Museum’s comprehensive collection goes beyond mere clothing, showcasing a vast array of accessories—from headgear to shoes, guns to socks—meticulously arranged based on the distinctive styles of each region Journey of Ottoman Clothing and Accessories. Human history reflects a consistent desire for embellishment and decoration, evident in the varied usage of accessories driven by the instinct to possess valuable items, seek admiration, avert natural disasters, ward off the

Preserving Cultural Narratives

Clothing and accessories, witnesses to humanity’s evolving journey over centuries, unfold the tales of bygone eras. Serving as a visual narrative of the past, they provide a captivating story for future generations.

Pioneering the First Dress Museum in Turkey

The Uluumay Museum of Clothes and Accessories of the Ottoman People, Turkey’s inaugural dress museum, showcases samples of Turkish culture spanning from Central Asia to Anatolia. The curator, Mr. Esat Uluumay A Glimpse into Anatolia’s Hidden Gem, sheds light on the museum’s inception and purpose.

Inception and Inspiration

Mr. Esat Uluumay, inspired by his extensive travels with the Sword and Shield Folk Dance group, noticed the impact of modernization on local clothing during contests across Turkey. Observing the inadequacy of existing resources in portraying the authenticity of clo

Exploring the Enigmatic Metropolis

Perge boasts not only houses but also a one-of-a-kind Metropolis, unparalleled in Anatolia. A significant challenge remains unresolved: despite falling within the boundaries of a first-degree archaeological site, this area remains privately owned and undisclosed. Urgent action is needed to make this extraordinary site publicly accessible.

Diverse Tombs Tell Tales

Within this archaeological marvel, diverse tombs narrate unique stories. Ranging from podium tombs to those crafted from local stones, marble sourced from Afyon province Clothing and Accessories, engraved rock tombs, and brick-built tombs, a striking feature is the presence of magnificent mausoleums. These two-story structures house well-preserved compartments in the lower level, each containing a tomb. Additional, simpler tombs in the front courtyard of the burial chamber have revealed 18 skeletons in one and four in the ot

A Race Against Time

Historical Health Center Threatened

For seven years, dedicated archaeologists have been tirelessly excavating Allianoi, a legendary health center situated 18 km northeast of Pergamum in western Turkey. Nestled amidst the Yortanli Dam’s pool, this ancient site reveals a once-thriving complex of squares, streets, monumental gates, bridges, fountains, stores, accommodation spaces, ceramic ovens Elevating Bozcaada, cult buildings, churches, and other monumental structures—all centered around healing waters.

Project Threatening History and Ecology

However, a looming threat casts a shadow over Allianoi and the fertile lands surrounding Yortanli Dam. The dam project, designed for irrigation using artesian wells, not only poses a risk to the historical remains but also endangers the ecological balance of the region. This cultural legacy, preserved for centuries, faces extinction without comprehe

A Renaissance in Vineyards and Gastronomy

Reviving Old Projects Ministry of Foreign Affairs Collaboration

In a recent interview, Resit Soley, the visionary behind Corvus Vineyards, discussed the resurrection of an old project in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project aims to define wine paths in Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, fostering tourism activities beneficial to grape and wine producers, gastronomy, and the hospitality sector. With a focus on the Aegean Region and Aegean Islands, the initiative aims to create one of the world’s most sophisticated wine paths.

Establishing Bozcaada as a Culinary and Vineyard Haven

Soley expressed efforts to position Bozcaada as Turkey’s premier vineyard and gastronomy destination. The island is making strides in vineyard care, launching a Slow Food movement, and implementing classifications for various culinary offerings. Bozcaada aspires to enhance its ov

A Journey of Discovery

Exploring Vasilaki’s Hidden Potential

We recognized the untapped potential within the Vasilaki grape and understood that this potential could be unlocked through extensive research. Last year in our vineyards, we began selecting the most promising Vasilaki specimens. Through careful observation, we identified four distinct groups and started categorizing them based on their unique characteristics. Our current focus is on “purifying” this grape to reveal its full potential. This process allows us to envision its capabilities. We anticipate seeing the first fruits in 4.5 years Allianoi’s Impending Submersion, evaluating the grape’s characteristics. After five years, we will assess its qualities and shortcomings, leading to another five years of refinement.

Purpose-Driven Grape Cultivation

Our primary objective is to produce the finest white wine in Turk

Exploring the Echoes of the First “World War”

TroyCatalyst of Transformation

The Troy War, often deemed the first “world war,” holds profound significance in shaping the landscape of both its region and Europe. Emerging from the aftermath of this war, new civilizations rose, transforming Troy into the richest city of its time. The migrations that followed paved the way for the birth of the Roman Empire, a force that would influence the world. Troy Read More about Troy Bridging Reality and Dream, existing in the realms of dream and reality, became a unifying force for two prominent heroes: Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Atatürk.

Troy’s Uniting Influence

Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Atatürk, instrumental figures in the history of these lands, found a common bond in Troy. During his conquest of the Mitylene Island, Fatih conquered the lands near Çanakkale, including Troy, proclaiming,