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

In Milas Village, a captivating journey unfolds, starting with the ancient art of silk production. Women with years of expertise demonstrate the intricate process, from the silkworm emerging from its cocoon to silk drawing, creating balls using a tool called “gekuli,” and finally, spinning with a spindle to transform it into a ball.

An 80-year-old woman, radiating a timeless grace, skillfully spins thread with a spindle before weaving on a loom. The silk, twisted around a pencil and arranged on sticks in a row, is then placed in wood with a hole. The warp is aligned according to the desired measure, fixed to the weaver’s reed, and attached to the loom. As the weaving commences, the silk twists around the bobbin, attached inside the weaving shuttle. Tourists are even invited to try their hand at this fascinating process A Hidden Gem in the Aegean Region.

According to Nuray Agagarasi, an expert in weaving, o

Milas, a province often overlooked during travels through the bustling region of Izmir, reveals its hidden beauty when explored off the beaten path. Those who chance upon Milas or learn about it later regret missing out on this stunning province.

A Historical Star with Antique Cities

Milas, once the capital city of the Karye civilization, shines as a historical star in the Aegean region. Formerly known as Mylasa, its name change over time reflects the province’s rich history. The monuments, crafted from marble sourced from the nearby Sodra Mountain, stand resilient, silently awaiting visitors.

Comakdag Village’s Wedding Tradition

In Milas, a unique excitement surrounds the traditional weddings in Comakdag Village. Locals, proud of their history and culture, eagerly share their richness with tourists. The residents of Comakdag, preserving centuries-old traditions, extend invitations to tourists to partake in their weddings and envision orga

Allianoi stands as Anatolia’s most extensive and well-preserved hot spring, housed within a spacious closed area of 70,000 square meters. In 1908, an enthusiastic team of young excavators initiated efforts to uncover the mysteries of Allianoi before its potential inundation. Seeking sponsorship, they established the Association of the Dam of Yortanli Pergamum to support their cause.

Restoration and Conservation Efforts

To safeguard Allianoi from impending submersion, a dedicated restoration and conservation team was assembled. Their meticulous examination of each find, documented through drawings, black-and-white, transparent, colorful, and digital registrations Traditional Silk Journey in Milas Village, set a model for archaeological excavations. Scientific criteria guided the classification of materials, and selected pieces were transported to the Museum of Pergamum for exhibition. The archaeological d

The University of Harran, with roots dating back to the earliest centuries, housed the renowned “Harran School of Thought,” one of the world’s three significant philosophical schools. This esteemed center of learning nurtured numerous globally acclaimed scientists. Among them were Sabir bin Kurra, a leading mathematician; Battani, who accurately calculated the distance between the moon and Earth; and Jabir Bin Hayyan, often credited as the inventor of the atom due to his groundbreaking discoveries on the smallest particles’ energy.

The Legend of Job (Hi. Eyup)

The prophet Job, blessed with seven sons and three children, earned God’s favor through his diligence, honesty, and unwavering faith. Despite adversities orchestrated by evil, Job remained steadfast in his worship. The narrative unfolds as God, confident in Job’s loyalty, allows the testing of his faith by stripping him of his possessions. Job, undeterred, continues his worsh