Real Turkiye

Seven Towers Dungeon, Istanbul

2008-09-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

These are the photos of Seven Towers Dungeon which was built in the times of Byzantium as a part of city wall. Ottomans used it as dungeon for famous prisoners.

Olympos, Antalya

2008-05-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

Olympos was a very important city in the Lycian League. The town had a commercial port along the coast of Anatolia. Coins minted in the second century B.C. are among the first finds dating back to the ancient city. Olympos was established in the Hellenistic period, in the third century B.C. In 78 B.C., it became part of the Roman Empire, first under the rule of the Venetians, then the Genoese, and still later then under Knights of Rhodes.

The city enjoyed a long period of prosperity, until it lost importance and was finally abandoned after the fifteenth century. The place where ancient Olympos once stood is now a protected area, in the Olympos Bey daglari National Park, recently instituted and extremely interesting from an environmental point of view. A stream runs through the city and on its banks, buried in lush vegetation, are the ruins of a small theater, hot springs, an agora and some tombs dating from the Hellenistic period.

"Real Turkiye"

Great Hotel in Antalya, Turkey

2008-04-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

Infinite reflections in stories-high intricate mirror mosaics dazzle the eye. The view stretches across one of the world’s largest pools to merge with the sea and disappear into the horizon. A rich visual temptation, a scene that the original parents of humanity could never have imagined... Sleekly elegant restaurants, coupled with a visual celebration of pleasure for the eye and mind. This elite and exclusive destination is truly hedonistic, inviting you to indulge in the pleasures of a 100,000 square meter enclave of secluded forest, overlooking the pure, turquoise Mediterranean, the most pampering and relaxing spa treatments and the finest cuisine from cultures around the globe, not to mention seaside golf.

http://www.adamevehotels.com

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Protest against Social Security Reform

2008-04-06T23:29:00.000-07:00

The ruling part AKP wants to raise the retirement age to 65 while the life expectancy in Turkey is about 67 years. It means that most of the workers will die before being retired.

The reform proposed by the government has been harshly criticised by labor leaders and opposition parties. Turkish unions launched a protest meeting in Istanbul against the sought social security and general health insurance bill. Here are the photos that I have taken.

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Kapali Carsi (Covered Bazaar)

2008-03-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

Kapalı Çarşı (Covered Bazaar) : It is the oldest and biggest closed bazaar in the world, also known as the Grand Bazaar, has around 4000 shops and over 60 alleyway, covering a huge labyrinth in the city centre. The original two structures, covered with a series of domes and remains of the 15th century walls, became a shopping area by covering the surrounding streets and adding to it over the following centuries. In Ottoman times this was the centre of trading, and a vital area of town. The Sandal Bedesten was added during Süleyman’s reign, to cope with the rising trade in fabrics, during the 16th century.

Traditionally the more valuable goods were in the old central area, called Ic Bedesten, because it was more secure. As quite typical of the area, most streets are laid out and devoted to a particular trade, for example gold on Kuyumcular Caddesi, leather on Bodrum Han, and shoes on Kavaflar Sokak. But the trade has also spilled out onto the surrounding streets, and it is very common to see Russian traders buying up huge sacks of leather jackets or shoes outside the main entrance. Even the streets leading to the Golden Horn are lined with outdoor stalls, which have traditionally been controlled by strict trading laws to reduce competition between traders.

Apart from the usual shops selling clothes, textiles, jewellry and carpets, there are small workshops, where craftsmen cast and beat silver or brass, in a skilled trade handed down through the generations. If all that shopping, bargaining and fending off persuasive salesmen is a little too tiring, there are also traditional cafes dotted inside the bazaar in which to relax, eat and sip tea. There are also money-changing booths inside and out. It is slightly less crowded during weekdays, as most locals shop at weekends.

Where is Grand Bazaar? This map shows the exact location of Grand Bazaar.

"Real Turkiye"

Haydarpasa Railway Station

2008-03-20T04:48:00.000-07:00

Istanbul Haydarpaşa is a terminus main station of the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) in Haydarpaşa close to Kadiköy at the Anatolian part of Istanbul, Turkey. International, domestic and regional trains running to east- and southbound destinations depart from this major terminal which was built as the terminus of the Istanbul-Baghdad and Istanbul-Damascus-Medina railways during the final years of the Ottoman Empire.

"Real Turkiye"

Crossing Bosphorus

2008-03-20T01:21:00.000-07:00

I have put two red arrows on the map of Istanbul. The red arrow that is the south of Istanbul is called as the First Bosphorus Bridge and the second bridge is called as Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Most of the citizens use these two briges to cross the bosphorus. Also sea transportation is used between the harbours.

Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges allow us to cross the bosphorus by car.

Big ferries let you have a good time while crossing the bosphorus.

Small ferries always work between Europe and Asia sides of the city. The most popular route is the one which is between. Uskudar (Asia) - Besiktas (Europe).

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Taste delicious "Simit"

2008-03-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

Simit is a circular bread with sesame seeds and Turks like eating simit. Especially, people in the business life eat simit before beginning their work if they have not had breakfast. Also in the hurry of the daily life, people often prefer eating simit.

"Real Turkiye"

Fenerbahce draws Chelsea

2008-03-17T01:39:00.000-07:00

Fenerbahce SK will play Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after the draw was made in Nyon, Switzerland. Chelsea, who have reached the semi-finals in three of the last four seasons, visit Fenerbahçe SK, in the last eight for the first time and conquerors of two-time UEFA Cup winners Sevilla FC in the last 16, in the first leg of their last-eight match. The ties will be played on 01/02 and 08/09 April.

In Turkey, we call Fenerbahce as "Fener". Fener will try to beat English team at both Istanbul and London.

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AKP faces closure!

2008-03-17T00:11:00.000-07:00

Chief Public Prosecutor Abdurrahman Yalçinkaya has filed a court request for the closure of ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), accusing the party of "being the focal point of anti-secular activities."

Yalçınkaya had earlier warned AKP that its members’ declarations and activities ran against secularism.

A Constitutional change last year brought stricter criteria for party closure. A party needs to be a “focal point” for anti-constitutional activities.

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Turkish Kebab - Where to eat?

2008-03-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

Develi Restaurants, which serve the Turkish Cuisine delightfully since 1912, continue to offer the sweet tastes and different pleasures for your palates with their quality service principle integrated with health and hygiene concept under the supervision of employed Food Engineers.

You can taste the delicious Turkish Kebabs in Develi Restaurants. Develi has three restaurants in different towns of Istanbul.

The contact informations of Develi:

Address: Tepecik Yolu, No 22, Etiler/İstanbul
Tel : 0 212 263 25 71 - Faks : 0 212 263 57 05

"Real Turkiye"

The Battle of Inebahti (Lepanto)

2008-03-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

The five-hour battle was fought at the northern edge of the Gulf of Patras, off western Greece, where the Ottoman forces sailing westwards from their naval station in Lepanto met the Holy League forces, which had come from Messina, on the morning of Sunday, 7 October 1571. The battle gave the Holy League temporary control over the Mediterranean, protected Rome from invasion, and prevented the Ottomans from advancing into Europe. This was the last major naval battle to be fought solely between rowing vessels.

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Ottoman Empire Emblems

2008-03-07T04:54:00.000-08:00

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Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - The father of Turks

2008-03-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

Three charismatic photos of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

"Real Turkiye"

Turkish Cuisine - Lahmacun

2008-02-29T02:05:00.000-08:00

Lahmacun is an Anatolian and Middle Eastern dish usually made up of a round, thin piece of dough topped with minced meat (most commonly beef and lamb). Lahmacun is often sprinkled with lemon juice, and then served rolled up with pickles or other vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, and onions.

In big cities of Turkey, there are chain fast food restaurants that serve Lahmacun as the main dish.

The famous lahmacun chain restaurant is Hacıoğlu in Turkey. You can find the restaurants of Hacıoğlu in the big cities of Turkey such as Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Antalya, Bursa...

"Real Turkiye"

"Deli" - Mor ve Otesi

2008-02-21T06:03:00.000-08:00

The Rock band, Mor ve Otesi will represent Turkeyin Eurovision Song Contest in 2008. And here is the video of their song "Deli".

"Real Turkiye"

Goals of the match between Turkey - Czech Republic / Euro 2008

2008-02-16T04:31:00.000-08:00

It was an unbelievable match!

By the way, Turkey has advanced to quarter finals. Turkey's next opponent is Crotia.

"Real Turkiye"

Fenerbahce Worldwide - Global Blog of Fenerbahce Fans

2008-02-08T01:19:00.000-08:00

For many years, Fenerbahçe fans did not have a English based web site. Therefore fans of Fenerbahçe from all over the world was unable to get news about Fenerbahçe.

But from now on, FBWW is the global website of Fenerbahçe fans. The website supports English, Portuguese, Turkish. You can check it out 'Fenerbahçe Worldwide'

Fenerbahçe Worldwide

www.fenerbahceworldwide.org

"Real Turkiye"

Buy Official Fenerbahce T-Shirts

2008-02-07T06:02:00.000-08:00

Visit the website of Fenerium to see the apparel options.

"Real Turkiye"

The interactive map of Old Istanbul (Constantinople)

2008-02-06T03:44:00.000-08:00

I have found an interactive map of Old Istanbul (Constantinople) on the web. You can see the topography, ancient walls, Constantinian walls, Theodosian Walls, Gates, Churches, Monasteries, Lykos River... on the map by selecting the options.

To see the interactive map of Istanbul: http://individual.utoronto.ca/safran/Constantinople/Map.html

"Real Turkiye"

Fenerbahce Squad

2008-02-04T00:33:00.000-08:00

European football fans often hear the name of Fenerbahçe. Here is the squad of Fenerbahçe.

1- Volkan Demirel

2 - Önder Turacı

3- Edu Dracena

2 - Deigo Lugano

3 - Roberto Carlos

99 - Deivid De Souza

25 - Uğur Boral

15 - Mehmet Aurelio

20 - Alex de Souza

23 - Semih Şentürk

8 - Kazım Kazım

9- Mateja Kezman

You can have more information about Fenerbahçe Football Club by visiting the official website of Fenerbahçe http://www.fenerbahce.org/eng/

"Real Turkiye"

The Rising Sun Over Europe - Fenerbahce

2008-02-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

Fenerbahce has beaten Chelsea 2-1 in Istanbul. The atmosphere in Sukru Saracoglu stadium was wonderful again. It was a hell for Chelsea!

Goals of the match between Fenerbahce and Chelsea.

"Real Turkiye"

Center of the world: Istanbul

2008-01-29T23:09:00.000-08:00

The capital city of great empires who ruled the world for years. The city that connects Europe and Asia.

"Real Turkiye"

Fethiye - Wonderful Nature

2008-01-23T04:42:00.000-08:00

Fethiye with its cultural wealth, natural beauties and geography, is among the important touristic centres of Turkey. It is famous for its works of art belong to Persians, Lycians, Carians and Romans. This charming county is in a bay within Fethiye Gulf where both large and small islands are scattered. The rear of the bay is surrounded by pine forests.

History
The ancient name of Fethiye, which was a coastal city at the borders of Lycia-Caria, is Telmessos. There is not definite information about the foundation of this Ancient city. According to the first written records, it has come into existence in the 5th century B.C. Telmessos, separate from Lycia, survived as an independent city for a long time. The city experienced the rule of Persia, Alexander the Great, Rome, Pergamum Kingdom, Byzantium, Menteşeoğulları Principality and Ottoman State respectively.

Climate
Mediterranean climate, which is hot and dry during summers and warm and rainy during winters, is dominant in the region. Temperature, which is approximately 30 degrees during the summer months, is generally over 10 degrees during winter. Sea water temperature never decreases under 16 degrees during each season.

Where is Fethiye?

Don't Leave Fethiye Without
Without seeing Ölü Deniz (Blue Lagoon),

Without visiting Kelebekler Valley (Butterfly Valley),

Without eating fish in Göcek,

Without seeing Kayaköy,

Without staying in a hair tent in plateau.

"Real Turkiye"

Turkish Van Cat

2008-01-23T01:30:00.000-08:00

Every domestic animal has a different characteristic. One of the cats attracting human beings' attention for centuries, having silky white fur, different colours, perfect hunting abilities and loving to play with water is Van cat.

The fossil of ancestor primitive of modern domestic cats can be seen about 12 million years ago. It is known that domestication of cats was made by Egyptians in 3000 B.C. The domesticated cats were treated as holy creatures and respected as goddess. Although there are various arguments about the place and time of domestication, the thing that is certainly known is that Asians took part in domestication. On the other hand some resources suggest that the cats were semi-domesticated in 1900 B.C.

Cats are carnivorous. When generalised, animals are nourished by proteins. Having sharp senses, eyes seeing well in dark, sharp paws, sharp teeth, alerted and energetic bodies, walking on their feet silently make them good hunters. They have sensitive hairs around eyes and nose which strengthen their hunting abilities.

They lose their fur hair in spring and fall, and they have facial muscles which change as a reaction to anything happening. Muscle and skeleton form are controlled in an excellent way and that is why no matter the position they fall from they always fall on their feet.

Cerebrum area is wide and indicates the intelligence of them. In addition, cerebellum is improved, which provides excellence in co-ordination.

Domesticated cats are either treated as holly creatures or are fed by people at home for hunting harmful animals like mouse, rat and insects for centuries. However, people have started to take them as close friends.

In recent years one of the cats attracting people's attention in Turkey or in the world is Van cat. However, as required care has not been shown so far, they face loss of the species. The number of them has been decreasing day by day and the original breeds have been lost, while they were often seen in the region and almost each house had one in the past. People of Van call the cat "Pişik". Van cats are not only seen as a pet or hunter of rats and insects but also a friend and member of the family.

It is said that Van cats used to spend summer in mountain and winter in houses. Today rarely they spend summer in Erek Mountain and summer in houses.

Van cats are described by the people of region as having long, white, silky fur, long body, tiger walking, fox like tail. Different colours of eyes (Diskrematopsi), intelligent, agile is clean, friendly, loves playing and faithful to its owner and therefore these characteristics make it a rare found cat. However, since 1950s, the cat has been introduced to the world by Europeans but this unique cat has not been introduced fully.

One of the characteristics of Van cats is the colour of their eyes. They are classified under three groups according to the colour of their eyes:

a. Both eyes blue,

b. both eyes amber colour (yellow and its tones)

c. One eye(dischromatopsy, one eye blue and the other amber).

Blue colour of Van cats usually shows turquoise blue but amber colour shows many differences in tones. The tones are amber, light amber, yellow and green almond. Although very rare, sometimes brown colour can be seen. Blue eyed cats are classified as blue eyed short, velvet furred cats and blue eyed long silky fur cats. The colour of newly born kittens is greyish. 25 days after birth the colour of eyes starts to change, and after 40 days the colour reaches final colour.

There are generally one or two black points between ears of kittens. Most of the kittens having two black points are single eyed. And this black point is taken as stamp of single eye cats. However, the black points are lost after 2 months. And sometimes they may have black hairs varying in between 8 to 30.

It is known that having different colour of eyes which human beings, dogs and doves face, is genetic defect syndrome.

Body weight of female Van cats is 2900 grams while males weigh 3600 grams.

Van cats have mating period in February-March-June. This period lasts for up to 10 days. In case of pregnancy during this period, no other mating period is seen in the same year. Pregnancy period is 62 days. The belly starts to swallow from the first month and the cat never lets any one touch her belly. Van cats like other cats prefer to give birth in the locations far away from vision, and for this reason they start to look for isolated and dark location from the first month of the pregnancy. Immediately after birth, Plasenta of the kittens are cut by the mother. Mother cat suckles its kittens for 50-60 days. However, this period can be more or less.

Van cats give birth to four kittens at one birth. The eyes of kittens are open on the 10th day. Mother licks its kittens in order to clean them and starts suckling immediately after birth. If mother deems that the location is not safe, it finds a safe place and carries the kittens there. Mother hardly leaves its kittens alone and only leaves them to meet its needs.

The kittens still with close eyes react to smells other than their mother and try to protect themselves.

The movement of the kittens at the beginning is like walking and crawling.

Kitten brothers/sisters usually fight for milk. They usually play with each other. Playing game is an essential factor for development. The game is under control of the mother and the mother teaches its kittens how to survive. If the kitten is alone, it wants to play with its mother and if mother is not there even it can play with other animals around.

The cats have a strong control over the areas they are settled in. They do not want other cats to come to their living areas. When their living places or houses are changed, they try to return to former place if they do not like the new one. Van cats get used to their new living places in 20 to 30 days. During this period, they examine the surrounding and are not interested in their owners.

The cats have more cleaning sense than other animals. They are considerably curious about cleanliness of themselves and their living surrounding. After toilet, they have instinct to burying the dirt. They clean their mouths and faces with help of their paws after eating and toilet.

The hunting characteristic of Van cats is superior. They hunt raats, mice, bird, flies and insects indoor and outdoor, and eat them. They never attack to poultry animals living with them in the house or out of the house.

Van cats love living with human beings in family environment. If they do not have relation with human beings or have a little relationship, they start to become wild.

Van cats are very affectionate, giving head butts and love bites. Especially during pregnancy they are in need of love. They are very close to their owners and love them. When they see strangers, they react and escape. They jump on the lap of the ones loving them. They are jealous of their owners showing affection to other cats and small kids.

Although there is a belief that Van cats suffer from deafness problem, only 2-3% of odd eyed (Diskromatopsy) and blue eyed cats suffer from this problem.
Van cats love to swim and play with water, and with this feature it is the only cat species.

Van cats checks the meal if it is warm with their front paws and if the meal is warm enough they eat. It is also observed that Van cats eat melon, watermelon and some fruit.

Although the fur is quite thick, they are affected by the cold.

They produce some voices in order to communicate with each other and with human beings. The voices indicate their emotions. Their meowing has some varieties. Some indicates communication with human beings some indicates communication with their kittens or for their sexual activities. The sounds generated according to their needs have different intensity and frequency. Van cats meow loudly when they see their owners in the morning in order to show their happiness. When they are hungry, they go to the kitchen door and meows to indicate that they are hungry.

When the food is given, they show their grates by means of touching their owner. When they need toilet they go to the door and meow in order to ask their owners to open the door. It is also observed that if the door needs to be opened, they jump to the handle and open it.

The studies indicated that Van Cats respond to training very well. They understand what have been taught very quickly. They immediately learn the place where soil is put for their toilet needs, and never try other places for toilet needs.

Kittens are able to learn their names when they are 2-3 months. However, it is thought that this learning means understanding the tone of the sound they are used to rather than learning the names.

It is necessary to take any actions required for preservation of lovely, friendly, intelligent, faithful, beautiful and attractive Van cats and decrease of them.

"Real Turkiye"