The many facets of Turkey
AS THE bridge between the East and the West, Turkey is a venerable melting pot of various cultures and traditions. As an armchair historian-cum-archaeologist, I have been intrigued by the history of the region and am glad to know that modernday Turkey retains remnants of its rich past. Trips by two of my friends turned up interesting nuggets of information about the country.
cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus
Accompanied by a travel mate, Zolfadzil Zakariah visited Turkey from December 2012 to January 2013. A chap always on the go, he sought adventure at Cappadocia, which is famed for its unique geological, historical and cultural attractions.
Cappadocia beckons tourists to its cave hotel and its unusual and beautiful valleys – the Love Valley and the Pigeon Valley. The Love Valley was cheekily named due to the weathered cliffs and natural stone structures that take the form of the male anatomy.
There was also the added attraction of hot-air balloon rides over the valley giving a bird’s-eye view of what seems to be a vast mushroom colony below.
Zolfadzil and his friend also visited Uchisar to see the Uchisar Castle, which had rooms hollowed out from rock during the Byzantine era, complete with stairs, tunnels and passageways.
From there, they travelled to Pamukkale to visit the hot springs and travertines (limestone deposited by mineral springs, especially hot springs.) They witnessed amazing terraces made of carbonate minerals left by the naturally flowing carbonated water.
This World Heritage Site is situated in Turkey’s Inner Aegean region, in the River Menderes valley.
They also visited the ancient Greco-Roman and Byzantine city of Hierapolis, built on top of the “white castle” of travertine.
Their next stop was at the ancient ruined Greek city of Ephesus, built in 10th Century BC. It contains the largest collection of GrecoRoman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean and visitors get to wander around and imagine the splendour of bygone days.
In Ephesus, Zolfadzil also visited Mary’s House, the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers, and the Temple of Artemis.
They also ventured to the mountainous Sirince village and to the Demetrius of Ephesus shop that produced jewellery and trinkits for Troy.
istanbul
Another friend brought his family to Turkey last year and for eight days, he and his kin discovered the many delights of Istanbul.
It was Azam Abdul Aziz’s second visit to Turkey, after attending a conference there a few years ago.
Coming from a family of interior designers and architects, they were inspired and awed by the historic architecture found in the city.
Azam and his family stayed within the Sultanahmet district, the oldest part of Istanbul where historical sights such as the Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace stand.
The district is edged by the Bosporos, the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn, and presents an interesting blend of cultures from centuries of East-West trade.
Azam and his family spent many long hours checking out the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, where the Turks still do their shopping.
These bazaars are huge and sectioned by roads and lanes according to products. Hence, one lane would sell only footwear, another only garden implements, yet another for carpets and only bakeries would line one street.
Azam said the original aim of the holiday was not a shopping trip, but a getaway from usual life in Kuala Lumpur, yet every family member found items to buy in the two bazaars.
Trade resumed after the relaxation of secularised rule with countries within Asia Minor, and even as far as Xinjiang. Because of this, Azam posited, the old trade routes have re-established themselves and Turkey has reinstated itself as a commercial hub for the region.
Azam said that while one can bargain at the bazaars, one does so politely, without being pushy. In any case, he adds that prices quoted are reasonable. Failing which, there are so many other shops to browse for the same item.
The food in Turkey is clean, affordable and halal. It presents an interesting blend of Mediterranean cuisine and exotic Asian tastes such as the borek (pronounced berek), which is a type of localised Greek pastry.
The attractions of Turkey are plentiful – from amazing historical sites to a bustling city where you can even find different types of laces to go with your new shoes.
I should start saving for my own trip to Turkey!
Pictures courtesy of Zolfadzil and Azam.