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Saksagan

Saksagan
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Golden Gate of Dreams

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Unveiling Ishak Pasa Palace’s Enchanting Realm

Dreaming at the Palace Threshold

Standing before the palace, I embark on a journey of dreams. Imagining the grandeur of the once-gold-plated gate, now absent due to Russian removal, I ponder the extent of the desire for show and ostentation. Envisioning this majestic gate, I feel dwarfed by its splendor and quickly retreat from the threshold, finding solace within the palace’s courtyard.

Baroque and Rococo Marvels

Ishak Pasa Palace, adorned with exemplary baroque and rococo stone masonry and relief carving, captivates with its aesthetic brilliance at every turn Ishak Pasa Palace. Pushing the boundaries of architectural norms of its era, the palace stands out with advanced systems such as heating, sewerage, and water supply, defying the conventions of its time. The remarkable heating system relies on the circulation of heated water through channels.

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Ishak Pasa Palace

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A Timeless Beacon of Ottoman Grandeur

Majestic Presence in Dogubeyazit

Nestled in a landscape rich with historical echoes, Ishak Pasa Palace stands proudly, embodying the grandeur of bygone eras. As I navigate the narrow, bustling lanes of Dogubeyazit market, my gaze is drawn to the palace, perched atop a hill, seemingly observing the city’s every move. Despite the apparent mismatch with its surroundings, this palace, a testament to the 18th century, commands attention.

Tracing Back to the Seljuks

The construction of Ishak Pasa Palace commenced in 1685 under the governance of Colak Abdi Pasa, Ishak Pasa’s father. Its completion in 1784, following Ishak Pasa’s additions, hints at the palace’s splendor. The extended construction period A Conversation with Curator Esat Uluumay, spanning 99 years, reflects not only its grandeur but also the evolving luxury preferences of su

A Conversation with Curator Esat Uluumay

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Exploring Handcrafted Marvels

Beyond the captivating clothing and accessory collections, Uluumay Museum showcases an array of handcrafted treasures. From intricately designed guns to exquisite laceworks, purses, headgear for both women and men, bundles, printed scarves, prayer rugs, girths, saddlebags, to Yoruk (Turkmen) sacks, Bursa silks, and copperware, each piece reflects the essence of traditional clothing and finery. The museum also boasts collections related to Turkish Coffee, Turkish Bath, horseback riding, and more, all integral parts of daily life Golden Gate of Dreams.

Local Engagement and Educational Efforts

While there is a dedicated section of enthusiasts interested in Turkish culture, the overall local interest remains limited. The museum aims to contribute to students’ education by offering affordable entrance fees. Curator Esat Uluumay expresses a desire for increased promotion, both domestically a

A Natural Wonder Gokgol Cave

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Explore the wonders of the Gokgol Cave, boasting a total length of 3350 meters, including its branches. This captivating cave features a main gallery and two lateral branches, with halls titled Fossil Entry, Stalactites Gallery, Debris Hall, the Magnificent Hall, Grand Debris Hall, and the Hall of Wonders. Currently, 875 meters of the cave are open to tourists, offering trekking routes, bridges, and panorama terraces.

Nature’s Artistry Unveiled

Step into the mesmerizing Gokgol Cave, where the depth is complemented by a rich array of stalactite formations. Marvel at the upward and downward stalactites, along with intricate travertine formations. The cave is adorned with flag-shaped, curtain-style

Read More about Addressing Challenges in Rafting Tourism, and flowing dripstones, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle. While the cave boasts a remarkable collection of dripstones, its true wealth lies

KARS CASTLE

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Architectural Marvel of 1153

Constructed in 1153 by the Vizier of Saltuk Sultan Malik Izzeddin Salduk Firuz Akay, Kars Castle stands proudly on a steep rocky hill to the north of Kars. The castle, encompassed by 250-meter-high walls featuring three entrance doors, once housed a church that met its demise in 1386 under Timur’s rule. After restoration during the Ottoman Empire, the castle witnessed a period of Russian reign for 40 years following the Ottoman-Russian war. Offering a panoramic view of modern Kars, the castle is a testament to the city’s rich history.

APOSTLES CHURCH From Worship to Heritage

Bagratli King Abbas’s Legacy

Built to prominence by Bagratli King Abbas between 932 – 937 AD, the Apostles Church played a crucial role in making Kars the capital city Read More about KARS. Initially serving as a church, it underwent transformation into a mosque by Seljuks in 1064. Over the years, it alter

KARS

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A Gateway on the Silk Road

Kars, the Historic Crossroads

Kars, a city with roots tracing back to the Bulgarian Turks of the “Valatur” tribe, holds a distinct significance in Turkey’s history. Established around 130 – 127 BC by settlers from Dagistan, north of the Caucasian Mountains, Kars derives its name from the subdivision “Karsak.” Positioned along the Silk Road, Kars maintained its importance for centuries.

ANI ANTIQUE CITY A Treasure Trove of History

Ani Where Cultures Converge

Founded by Karsak Turks along the Arpagay River, Ani stands as a testament to cultural convergence between Turkey and Armenia. This ancient city boasts 10 churches, 1 bridge, 3 ruins, and numerous building foundations. In 1064, Seljuk Sultan Alparslan contributed significantly, constructing a palace, caravanserai, mosques, and Turkish baths. The lion relief at Ani Ruins’ main entrance symbolizes Seljuk triumph in 1064.<

Decoding Tombstone Symbols

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Insights into Professions and Stories

Exploring Artistic Narratives on Tombstones

Nautical and Military Tributes

Discovering the profession of the deceased is often possible through elements on tombstones. Tombstones for fleet commanders, for instance, frequently take the form of a broken sail mast, symbolizing the loss of a sailor. Some tombstones feature reliefs of artillery cannons and cannonballs, indicating a military background. Even medals are engraved on certain tombstones Read More about KARS CASTLE. An intriguing example is a prince’s tombstone with a rope engraving on the neck portion, suggesting a tragic end by strangulation.

Bridal Veils and Broken Rose Buds Artistic Elegance

Tombstones also showcase artistic details, such as one at the Süleymaniye Mosque, planted in the grave of a girl who died at the age of marriage. A column-like tombstone with an engraved bridal veil resembling a real veil a

Time in Sultanahmet

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Sultanahmet is a quarter that has experienced a rebirth, rising from the ashes scattered over it once upon a time. It never misses the opportunity for change.

French singer Jacques Brel, who eloquently conveyed the feelings, emotions, moods, and expectations of individuals just after the Second World War in his song “Les Vieux,” remarked, “Old people are like living dead… They live in their memories.” The old quarter of Istanbul, Sultanahmet, echoes a similar sentiment. Like old people, it lives with memories. Sultanahmet, from time to time, appears to be “like a living dead,” either asleep for a long period or giving the impression of having fallen asleep. Nevertheless, Sultanahmet, despite its advanced age, consistently adapts to modern times. It surprises The Unique Place Where Everyone Plays Chess, reviving itself through the energy derived from being the cradle of civili

The Unique Place Where Everyone Plays Chess

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We can confidently assert that Bahcesaray is the exclusive settlement in our country where everyone, without exception, engages in chess playing. It is genuinely remarkable to witness children, grandfathers, and grandmothers all participating in chess games together. While the county’s isolation from other regions provides people with ample free time, it cannot be merely attributed to the primary reason for this widespread interest in chess; rather, it is the fundamental cause for its adoption and dissemination. Chess brings a distinctiveness to Bahcesaray. The author of this text has organized “the National Bahcesaray Chess Festivities” there for three years in coordination with the municipality and district governorship. These festivities have garnered interest nationwide, contributing to the county’s public recognition.

Lure is Present, Tourism Thrives

Bahcesaray remains an undiscovered gem in terms of tourism, presenting itself as a true t

Pets Wander the Streets

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Let’s explore Tevkifhane Street, then move on to Kapiagzi and Ishakpapa Street from Utangap Street. As we walk downhill, we’ll reach Cankurtaran Square. We can pause for a cup of tea or coffee at the late Erol Tap’s café on Cankurtaran Square, surrounded by the sounds of passing trains. The front part of the café where we sit is a typical Roman Square. Let’s venture into the old alleys for a while and transport ourselves back to the Byzantine era. Ponder about the sailors calling at the port. Try to listen to the languages of those coming from Egypt, Phoenicia, the Black Sea coasts, and Venice. If you make an effort, maybe you can hear their footsteps.

Ahıirkapi

Now, turn into the narrow street next to the café. Continue walking, greeting the old women sitting in front of doors, passing by charming guesthouses, some resembling a theatrical set, and others restored and offered for tourism. Observe the front parts of windows adorned with ros

Rhodes Knights

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Fish Bread

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Venice Biennale

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Zoe and Theodora part 63

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