Simsekler Life Magazine

SPECIAL EDITION 22.02.2022

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Our Company Simsekler was established in Aliaga in 1976, our aim is to fulfil Turkey’s maritime needs. Our Company is a high ranked firm and are in the position to serve at all Turkish Ports, TUZLA ship yards and Straits. In 2010, ship supply and ship recycling services were separated from each other in order to branch out and reach perfection.

Simsekler General Ship Chandlers is one of the most leading shipping companies in Turkey. We believe that people are the most important resource in the world.

We continue to increase in size consistently with our family member like employees without making concessions from integrity and honesty.

Simsekler improves and renews itself constantly to keep its standards high and competetive. While, we aim to fulfill the particular needs of our clients, we also embrace quality, perfection and customer satisfaction with our logistic advantages efficiency and strong human resources.

We hope to achieve greater progress with new projects, in the not too distant future.

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ndlers a h C ip h S r le k se Sim

A New Vision In Ship Chandlery I would like to Re-Introduce Simsekler General Ship Chandlers to our present clients and of course potential clients. In order to provide our clients the best quality service, we continue to develop our 46 years of experience in Ship Chandlery and Ship Repair with new breakthroughs.

In October 2018 Simsekler invested in a new facility at Izmir Free Zone, 4000m² warehouse, 2000m² 40ºC & 500m² +5ºC Refrigerated Storage areas.

In this new facility, there are also offices designed for all our operational team that composed of professionals who are rigorously selected for the effective performance of their duties and who are always on notice to our customers twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

As well as improving our working conditions, we also make improvements to our employees. We are in continuous collaboration with certification companies to follow International Quality Standards.

We take part in the boards of National/International non-governmental organizations that we are members of, and we are continuing to work very hard for the development of the shipping sector in Turkey.

We look forward to serving you ‘The New Vision in Ship Chandlery’...

Yours respectfully President

Adem Simsek

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Contents Gobekli Tepe Gobekli Tepe is Rewriting Our Entire Understanding of Human History

Mount Nemrut The Majestic Heads of Mount Nemrut

Pamukkale The White Marvel Of Turkey

Turkish Coffee Authentic Turkish Aroma Delight your guests with this authentic

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Ephesus

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Ephesus ancient city is to Turkey what the pyramids are to Egypt or the Colosseum to Rome and in 2014, 3 million people walked through its gates.

İstanbul The Most Exciting 48 hours

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Turkish Ege 10 vibes for Aegean like locals

Artvin A marvellous city that fascinates visitors with its mild climate and countless shades of green

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Istanbul Augusta, Antonina, Nova Roma, Byzantium, Constantinople, and eventually Istanbul... These intriguing names harken back to the city's enigmatic and fascinating history. Istanbul may be described as a blend of an ancient and contemporary metropolis, as well as an Islamic and Mediterranean cultural mix in a fascinating environment. Only a few cities in the world can be as enjoyable to visit and explore as Istanbul.

Istanbul is a beautiful blend of two continents. The Bosphorus and golden horn, in particular, will warm your heart. Aside from being Turkey's largest and most populous metropolis, Istanbul is also the country's main cultural and financial hub. From a cultural and geographical viewpoint, Istanbul is regarded as the bridge that connects Asia and Europe.

Istanbul is divided into two parts: Asia and Europe. Its geographical location, as well as its rich history, have resulted in an unique melting pot of civilizations. Tourists are coming to this fascinating city full of contrasts, making it the world's fifth most popular tourist destination.

With its vibrant everyday city life and lively nightlife, Istanbul provides tourists with a unique experience. The city's magnificent silhouette incorporates historical landmarks and monuments from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Turkish periods, including as Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches, Venetian towers, and Ottoman palaces.

Gobekli Tepe

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Gobekli Tepe is Rewriting Our Entire Understanding of Human History Gobekli Tepe is the oldest significant site that was made by human beings.

This, in turn, has made the place one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history.

Almost 12,000 Years Old and Abandoned for 9,000 Years The archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe is a head-scratcher because of a lot of reasons. The excessive ancientness of this place has made it all the way much weirder. The time of construction of Gobekli Tepe is traced as far back as 12,000 years. This is a time period that is already pre-civilization. If analyzed, this time period coincides with the period of the end of the last ice age. The place was then used by an active civilization for 3,000 years, then abandoned 9,000 years ago. The reason for its abandonment is still a vast mystery to this day.

ship in Gobekli Tepe are way ahead of their time. Another head-scratcher is how could a construction like this even be able to stand for a long time if construction should not have even been possible.

The architecture, engineering, and even project managing needed to accomplish this ancient site are truly mind-blogging if you analyze the state of human civilization during this period.

Gobekli Tepe has impactfully forced archaeologists to re-study the true dawn of civilization.

The archaeological study on Gobekli Tepe is a continuing process because of the complex revelations that the site presents. Structures that compose the site are incredibly well-preserved and this has allowed archaeologists to study them similarly as based on their original state. Turkey's climate has helped in Gobekli Tepe's remarkable preservation.

However, one startling factor of its preservation is the way that the temple sites seemed to have been backfilled.

The back-filling of the place before being abandoned is still a mystery. The backfill protected the structures from unique elements, and this helped preserve the state of Gobekli Tepe.

Who would have known that people of today could still discover this archeological site?

Impressive Architecture for Its Age Gobekli Tepe is not only astounding for its age but also for its architectural style, as seen in the details of the "temples".

The construction quality and craftsman-

Gobekli Tepe is an enormous construction project, even for modern standards.

The requirement for the labor force would take hundreds just to construct the vast temples. This also required a significant amount of time. The possibility of this construction is only workable if there was an organized social structure in place. Until this day, modern people might not understand fully the intelligence of the people behind Gobekli Tepe. Zero-point time, the oldest temple of the world. This is the spot where modern human society all began, the ancient religious tem-ple that threw the history of the world into chaos. Come and see this unique historical site in Sanliurfa.

Legendary Lake Van Continues To Reveal Its Secrets Lake Van (Van Gölü) in eastern Turkey is a huge, highly alkaline inland water surrounded by history and dramatic beauty.

Over a thousand people have claimed to have seen the Lake Van Monster. They said that the monster resembled ancient sea reptiles such as plesiosaurs, and that a 121-year-old newspaper item about a large creature sighting in Lake Van had been discovered. The story was published in an Ottoman newspaper in the year 1889.

There are also some views on previous references.

Akdamar Church was built in AD 915 on Akdamar Island, the largest island in Lake Van. The church's outer walls are adorned with stone carvings. A sea monster-like creature may be spotted beneath a ship in one image. The majority of people believe that this image is a reference to Lake Van Monster.

If this is a reference to Lake Van Monster, it has been known for over a thousand years.

The legendary Lake Van, on the other hand, continues to reveal its secrets.

Another town sits beneath the surface, unseen in thousands of years; this archaeological site stretches nearly a kilometer. The fortress walls' visible sections range in size from 10 to 13 feet.

The lake's waters are punctured by large stones placed together like a brick wall. The remaining buildings of the fortress range from loose stone piles to smooth square walls.

These remnants are around 3,000 years old, implying that they were built during the region's Iron Age Urartian period.

Archaeologists and divers intend to continue exploring the lake in order to discover more about the ancient ruins.

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The Lake Van

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Turkey’s Maritime Museums

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Additional Naval Museums The Istanbul Naval Museum is the largest and most impressive of its kind in Turkey, as well as one of the world's foremost naval museums.

The museum houses a significant collection of maritime and military items from the Ottoman Navy. It is located in Besiktas, near to the public square that honors the legendary Ottoman admiral Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha.

Museum Of Underwater Archaeology Bodrum This museum, located at Bodrum Castle, is one of the most important underwater archaeology museums in the world. The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is more than simply a dusty collection of lifeless treasures; it is a unique, imaginative, and thrilling experience.

One of the most popular locations to visit in Bodrum is the museum, which has 14 exhibition halls.

The third naval museum in Turkey is the Iskenderun Naval Museum.

The museum displays works and relics from the Ottoman and Turkish navies.

Mersin Naval Museum This is Turkey's fourth naval museum dedicated to marine culture. It has a total area of 8.044 square meters.

The Inciralti Sea Museum is a naval museum that displays objects that represent the social, historical, and economic development of the sea.

Canakkale Naval Museum is a small military museum with Gallipoli battle exhibits and some war relics. If you want to relive the canakkale victory, come to the canakkale naval museum.

Miniature models, boats, and a large collection of seashells are on show at the Bodrum Maritime Museum.

Visitors can also shop at an authentic bazaar at the museum. This is where you can see remnants of local aquatic history.

North from the town of Malatya is the majestic Mount Nemrut, standing a massive 2000 meters high.

While this natural landmark of rural Southeast Turkey is impressive within itself, it is the man-made artifacts at the top that interest most people.

2-meter heads of giant stone gods lay scattered across the ground and at sunset or sunrise, a light hue drops across the statues providing an almost surreal the appearance of the statues that to this day still baffle historians and appear in most travel brochures of the country.

What the historians do know is that the statues are part of a royal tomb-sanctuary that belonged to Antiochus, a respected king of the ancient kingdom of Commagene. Their estimated date of construction of the Ist century BC has ensured their inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, a compilation of landmarks around the world classed as being of special cultural or physical significance.

Originally seated with their bodies intact, the decapitated statues, following excavations that sarted in 1881 now lay in an orderly fashion at a place where ritual sacrifices also took place.

Severe weather conditions between November to March make a visit hard to endure so most people go between April to October, aiming to see the statues at sunrise or sunset although a visit during the day is equally spectacular.

Approaching the site, north from Malatya is easily done but a visit from the south is even better because other ruins exist in the area including an old Roman bridge and fortress. Historians have never discovered the statue of Antiochus himself and are the construction of the sanctuary but never the less, this does not distract from its glory as one of the most iconic historical landmarks of Turkey.

Mount Nemrut

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The Majestic Heads of Mount Nemrut

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The importance of forests and it's role in our life Forests are a very important renewable source; from the air we breathe to the wood we use. Besides providing habitats for animals and livelihoods for humans, forests also offer watershed protection, prevent soil erosion, and mitigate climate change, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, and they regulate our water supply and improves its quality.

Over 1 billion people live in and around forests, depending on them for fuel, food, medicines and building materials. And all of us use wood in our daily lives: in fact, global demand for timber products is expected to more than triple over the next three decades.

But human impacts have already led to the loss of around 40% of the world's forests. And today, an area the size of a football pitch is still being destroyed every second. Protecting and restoring forests has never been more urgent.

Pamukkale

THE WHITE MARVEL OF TURKEY Shaped by the hand of nature and extant since the ancient times, Pamukkale, meaning cotton castle in Turkish, is one of the world's most outstanding legacies. The site is comprised of terraces and travertine formed by hot springs and streams depositing carbonate minerals; you will be amazed with the dazzling white Pamukkale travertine terraces. Pamukkale's waters believed to have curative powers and been used as a thermal bath since centuries. Noted for its extraordinary characteristics, the ancient site has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.

Where is it?

Pamukkale is a natural site located in the province of Denizli in southwestern Turkey. The area is famous for a carbonate mineral which was left by the flowing water; it is located in Turkey's Inner Aegean region, in the River Menderes valley.

Hierapolis Located near to Pamukkale, Hierapolis is an ancient cite that attracts worldwide attention for its majestic buildings and monuments. It was built in 200 BC by Eumenes II. He built it in dedication to the Amazon Queen Hiera, wife of Telephos the founder of Perga-mum. The city lost its Hellenistic facade due to a series of earthquakes; however, it gained a new facade reflecting the influences of Roman architecture during the reconstruction period.

When to visit Pamukkale?

The Pamukkale weather can be extreme at different times of the year. The summer heat can be unbeara-ble, whereas in winter, it can even snow. Spring, from April to June, is the best time to go there as it sees moderate dry weather with longer days to enjoy your time on the terraces.

Basilica Cistern

The Heads of Medusa

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The Basilica Cistern of Istanbul and the Heads of Medusa One of the magnificent ancient buildings of Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern located in the southwest of Hagia Sofia. Constructed for Justinianus I , the Byzantium Emperor (527-565), this big underground water reservoir is called “Yerebatan Cistern” among the public because of the underground marble columns. As there used to be a basilica in the place of the cistern, it is also called Basilica Cistern.

The cistern is 140 m long, and 70 m wide, and covers a rectangular area as a giant structure. Accessible with a 52-step staircase, the Cistern shelters 336 columns, each of which is 9 m high. Erected at 4.80 m intervals from one another the columns are composed of 12 rows, each has 28 columns.

The case bay of the cistern is conveyed by the columns through arches. The majority of the columns, most of which is understood to have been compiled from the ancient structures and sculpted of various kinds of marbles, is composed of a single part and one of them is composed of two parts. The head of these columns bears different features in parts. 98 of them reflect the Corinthian style and part of them reflect the Dorian style. The cistern has 4.80 m high brick walls, and the floor is covered by bricks, and plastered by a thick layer of brick dust mortar for water tightness. Covering 9,800 sqm area in total, the cistern has an estimated water storage capacity of100,000 tons.

Medusa Heads Except for a couple of the edged and grooved columns of the cistern, the majority of them are shaped like a cylinder. Two Medusa heads, which are used as supports under the two columns at the northwest edge of the cistern is the great work of art from the Roman period. What attracts the most attention from the visitors is that the structure from which the Medusa heads have been taken is unknown. The researchers often consider that it has been brought for being used as supports to the column at the time of construction of the cistern. However, this has not prevented myths for the heads of Medusa.

As the legend has it, Medusa is one of the three Gorgons that are female monsters in the underground world in Greek mythology. The snake-head Medusa, one of the three sisters, has the power of gorgonizing the ones that happen to look at her. Accordingly, Gorgone paintings, and sculptures were being used for protecting big structures and special venues at that time. And putting the head of medusa in the cistern was for protecting purposes. According to another rumor, Medusa was a girl who boasted for her black eyes, long hair, and beautiful body.

She loved Perseus, the son of Zeus. Athena was also in love with Perseus and this made Medusa was jealous. Therefore, Athena converted medusa's hairs into snakes. Now, everybody that happened to look at Medusa was gorgonized. Afterward, Perseus headed off medusa and beat many enemies by using her power.

Therefore, the head of Medusa was engraved on the handles of the swords in Byzantium, and applied onto supports of the communes in reverse (so that the onlookers would not be gorgonized). According to another rumor, Medusa gorgonized herself by looking sideways. For this reason, the sculptor that made it generated Medusa in three different positions depending on the reflection angles of the light.

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Black Sea Cuisine

1. Muhlama A lot can go right when you combine corn, butter, and cheese.

Muhlama (or kuymak, as it’s called in Trabzon) is essentially a fondue, made with famously rich Black Sea butter and the addition of cornflour, giving it a dense, stretchy texture.

The geographical features and climatic conditions of the region are among the most important elements that shape the culinary culture. The climate in the Black Sea region is not as generous as in the Mediterranean region. Despite all the conditions, the Black Sea people have created a unique nutrition system and culinary culture which is unique in the world. Anchovy, cornflour, and kale are used in the Black Sea cuisine, which has never lost its traditional flavors and unique culinary culture.

2. Anchovy Hamsi: It's what's for dinner and lunch, and breakfast too. As in most coastal cultures, the bounty of the sea plays a big role in Black Sea cuisine, specifically the versatile anchovy. You can grill ‘em (a simple dish, eaten plain with a squeeze of lemon), fry ‘em, there's even hamsili ekmek, an anchovy bread. And there's nothing quite like starting the day with a hamsi kayganasi (anchovy omelet).

3. Hazelnuts You're already obsessed with Turkish findik, you just don’t know it yet. Depending on who you ask, 70-80% of the world’s hazelnuts are grown in Turkey, so chances are everything from the Nutella-slathered toast, you had for breakfast to the double tall hazelnut latte that carried you through yesterday's 3 pm slump can be traced back to a hazelnut plantation near the Black Sea. Just imagine how much better they'll taste when a nut farmer waves you inside to sample the real deal at her family-run findik fabrikasi.

5. “Black Hive” honey Most honey produced around the world comes from bees who've been fed syrup to boost productivity. Karakovan bali or “black hive" honey — on the other hand, aims for quality over quantity. The name derives from the hollowed-out tree trunks that shelter the hive, keeping out light and the meddling hands of beekeepers. Left to their own devices, the bees must forage for food from the smorgasbord of Black Sea flora is available. This variety in their diet creates complex and delectable honey you won't find elsewhere.

7. Pide Ask five Turks which province has the best football team or the tastiest simit, and they'll each sing the praises of their home region. But ask where to find the best pide, and there's no debating it: The Black Sea’s stuff just can't be beaten. Around the Black Sea, pide - the Turkish answer to pizza - comes topped with a hefty slab of butter and a barely-cooked egg, which together make for a rich dipping sauce. Order it kapali and the crust will be “closed” over the top to resemble a calzone.

8. Tea It's hard to walk down a street in Turkey without seeing locals sipping steaming amber-colored cay from tiny, tulip-shaped glasses. Pretty much all of that tea - plus hundreds of tons more grown for export - hails from the hills around Rize on the Black Sea. The largest producer, Caykur, runs a cay bahcesi that overlooks a literal tea garden. Here you can sample not just the ubiquitous black tea, but green and herbal varieties at wholesale prices.

Turkish Coffee

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Authentic Turkish Aroma

Delight your guests with this authentic

Turkish coffee blends unique preparation and brewing techniques with strong community culture. The freshly roasted coffee beans are ground to a fine powder, and then the ground coffee, cold water, and sugar are combined in a coffee pot and slowly brewed on a stove to achieve the appropriate foam.

The beverage is served in small cups with a glass of water and is mostly consumed at coffee shops where people gather to speak, discuss news, and read books. The custom itself is a symbol of hospitality, friendship, elegance, and amusement that pervades all aspects of life. An invitation to coffee with friends gives a chance for personal conversation and the sharing of everyday problems. Turkish coffee is especially significant during social events like engagement ceremonies and holidays; its knowledge and traditions are passed down informally by family members via observation and participation.

The grounds left in an empty cup are frequently used to predict a person's fortune. Turkish coffee is revered in literature and music, and it is an essential element of ceremonial occasions.

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Cappadocia

Three to four million years ago a series of volcanic eruptions shook the Central Anatolian area, forming what we now know as the Cappadocia fairies or ‘Cotton Castles’.

Cappadocia's landscape was formed by volcanic erosion. thick ash solidified into soft rock, called tuff, and over time the tuff rocks eroded with wind and water, creating the iconic fairy chimneys we see today.

The name Cappadocia derives from the Persian word Katpaktukya, which means ‘the land of beautiful horse for in ancient times, the region was known for its equine offering. Horses are still important to the locals who call Cappadocia home and they also offer an alternative mode of transport for visitors.

5 Good Reasons to Visit Cappadocia 1- A Surreal Landscape View A unique lunar, rock-covered landscape, quite unlike other regions in Turkey amazes everyone seeing it for the first time.

2- Hot Air Balloon Rides Frommers and other leading travel publications say Cappadocia is one of the best hot air ballooning destinations in the world.

3- Cave Hotels and Four Towns to Choose From Thousands of years ago, resourceful locals also noticed they could quickly chisel the tufa rock left behind by the volcanoes.

They carved caves out of it that kept them warm in winter and cool in summer. As tourism engulfed Cappadocia, the traditional cave homes turned into cave hotels.

4- Cave Churches Historically, Cappadocia was one of the first places to embrace Christianity. As well as using the landscape rocks to build cave homes, locals created churches of which these days, the Goreme Open Air Museum is home to some of the best.

5- Underground Cities

Cappadocia

Possibly one of the most unusual reasons to visit Cappadocia is that it is not only a fairy-tale kingdom above the surface but also underneath as well. Hundreds of ancient underground cities have been discovered of which the biggest is Derinkuyu that housed a staggering 20,000 people.

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Ephesus

Guide to Ephesus Ancient City and Ruins The colourful timeline of Turkey's history means that the country is awash with historical sites dating from many civilizations, Out of al of them, Ephesus ancient city ruins are probably the most wellknown, attracting thousands of visitors every day.

Ephesus ancient city is to Turkey what the pyramids are to Egypt or the Colosseum to Rome and in 2014, 3 million people walked through its gates. Sitting on the Aegean coast of Turkey, near to the towns of Kusadasi and Selcuk.

When was Ephesus Built?

The city has an interesting and extremely diverse timeline but historians have dated the first construction and signs of habitation back to the 10th century BC. Its most prominent era however was when it came under the control of the Romans in 129 BC. By this time, it was a successful sea trading port and center of excellence for politics and philosophers. It was also destined to be historically known as one of the seven churches of Revelation as mentioned in the Bible.

Statue of the Nike Goddess

the Ist century by extremely rich citizens. Such was their wealth, they could afford luxuries such as underfloor heating, clean water, and lavatories, inventions which at that time, were not available to the mass public The Footprint Another quirky novelty of Ephesus ancient city because this is Not just any old engraved footprint. It showed the way to the whorehouse, or as it was called in those days “the bordello” Meaning the ‘love house.” We shouldn't be surprised really, since it is the oldest profession in the world Bouleuterion or Odeion On my first visit to Ephesus, was told the Grand theatre seating 24,000 people would be the highlight. My knowledge of history and Roman living was nothing, 80 | expressed disgust at the small, half-circle collection of stones, sitting next to the Royal walk. Turns out, | was actually looking at the Odeion, used by the wealthy and political citizens to discuss the future of the city It held 12,000 scrolls and was one of the largest collections of literature in the ancient world.

Explaining the history of the Celsus library is straight forward. It was built in 13S AD by Gaius Julius Aquila who wanted to honor his father, at that time a general governor for the province of Asia and aptly called Celsus, hence the name of the library.

The statue is not a large size but kind of a novelty for those of us who grew up thinking Nike was. just a brand of sport shoe! Turns out she was the winged goddess of victory!

Roman Terrace Houses

Grand Theatre of Ephesus Where gladiators fought and died and social functions were the highlight of living in Ephesus. Estimations are that it could seat 24,000 people, which is roughly half the amount of today’s modern football stadiums. This seems unbelievable since Roman citizens didn't have the modern technology that we do but if you look down on the theatre from the top steps, the size becomes more prominent to the human eye.

Six houses with marvelously intact ancient mosaics. Most of the houses were constructed in

Traditional Turkish rugs & kilim rugs

Traditional Turkish rugs and kilim rugs constitute one of the important components of Turkish cultural life. The rugs are so renowned that when world famous artists or statesmen visit İstanbul, they almost certainly take a trip to the Grand bazaar to buy a couple of Turkish rugs. Turkish rugs, either hand-woven or flat-weave, have distinctive varieties according to the region they are made.

Rug

weaving has an important place in the traditional craftsmanship of the country. Central Asian Turkish tribes, Islamic art, Roman and Armenian cultures are thought to have influence on the motives and figures of the rugs. The fame of the Turkish rugs started to expand in the West in the Middle Ages; they are treasured as symbols of status, prestige and wealth. Rug weaving was widespread in the traditional Anatolian culture and it was an income generating craft especially for young women. Hereke rugs, Bergama rugs, Konya rugs, Kayseri rugs, Milas rugs, Uşak rugs are among the outstanding regional varieties of famous Turkish rugs.

In addition to regional variations, there are also distinctive varieties in terms of weaving techniques; rug, kilim, cicim, sumak and zilli are well-known products of unique weaving techniques.

These varieties are all woven with “kirkitli weaving” technique and the “Turkish” or double knot. In the traditional rugs, cotton or lamp’s wool are used, while, rugs woven with wool and

natural plant dye gain value in time.

In addition to these two materials, in the last century silk rug weaving has also developed and today silk rugs are the most expensive rugs.

Designs of the Turkish rugs, which outshine other oriental rugs with the grandeur of their figures and colors, are usually made by the women who weave them. Because of their popularity, it is possible to find a Turkish rug store in almost every shopping center in Turkey.

In these stores, you can view them personally and choose the style and size of your rug. When purchasing, it is especially important to know if it is hand-made or not as that makes an important price difference. For this reason, do not forget to do a thorough research and collect information about the quality and price before shopping for a rug.

If you have a chance to visit different cities in Anatolia during your Turkey trip, you can get a chance to buy from small local producers. For higher budget choices, it would be more appropriate to visit famous rug dealers of Grand Bazaar in İstanbul. Turkish rugs are one of the most beautiful keepsakes of Turkish culture you can take with you and enjoy in your home.

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Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is another İstanbul icon you'll find it in the buzzing Karaköy/ Galata district.

Constructed in 1348, it was the tallest building in the city for many centuries. Head to the top for unparalleled views of the metropolis.

The Most Exciting 48 hours

in İstanbul

Straddling the Bosphorus Strait between Europe and Asia, İstanbul is etched with thousands of years of history, bearing the marks of the Ancient Greeks, the Persians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Turks, and the Silk Road traders who've lived here over the centuries.

When visiting one of the world's most culturally rich cities, 48 hours is hardly enough time to scratch the surface. That being said, there was just enough time for me to get a taste of what Istanbul has to offer: amazing architecture, wonderful cuisine, a vibrant art scene, and shopping in genuinely unique marketplaces. And, while I wish I'd had more time, suffice it to say, I'll be back.

The Blue Mosque Regardless of how much time you have in the city, Sultan Ahmet Camii (The Blue Mosque) is unquestionably one of the must-see attractions. This famous edifice, with its six minarets dominating the Istanbul skyline, is difficult to overlook. The inside of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque demonstrates why it is also known as the "Blue Mosque"! Spend ample time admiring the grandeur and enormity of the building, as well as the beautiful blue tiles that decorate the inside.

Cistern of the Basilica The Basilica Cistern, a "sunken palace" beneath the surface of Istanbul's streets, is just down the road from the Blue Mosque. Originally constructed as a commercial hub in the third and fourth century AD, it was later converted as part of a water filtering system. A sculpture of Medusa's head may also be found within the cistern. It's been stated that it's upside down to counteract the strength of her stare...but it's also been suggested that it was merely turned to suit the column above it. I guess you'll just have to look Medusa down and make your own mind up!

Ayasofya-i Kebîr Cami-i Şerîfi (Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque) Another of İstanbul's most renowned and impressive structures, Ayasofya-i Kebîr Cami-i Şerîfi (Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque) was once a Christian church but was transformed to a mosque in the year 1453 under Sultan Mehmed II. Just a stone's throw from the Blue Mosque, it pairs nicely with the latter to dominate the skyline of old İstanbul. Don't forget your selfie stick! Good news: on nearly every corner in İstanbul, someone's ready to sell you this must-have accessory. And it'll come in handy - as you can see, everywhere you turn there are amazing images to be captured, such as this one of the Blue Mosque from an upstairs window in Ayasofya-i Kebîr Cami-i Şerîfi (Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque).

The multicolored marble and mosaics of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque 's walls extend right up to the towering main vault, which, when first constructed, was the biggest, tallest, and most impressive dome in the Byzantine Empire.

The detail of Ayasofya-i Kebîr Cami-i Şerîfi (Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque) could have you walking around the place for days. Even the doorways on your way out have you standing still in your tracks.

An İstanbul street scene The streets of İstanbul are a mixture of modern and old buildings, both of which offer tons of opportunities to buy delicious street food and local wares.

Shopping in İstanbul Shopping opportunities in İstanbul are abundant: small shops and vendors greet you around every corner. From Ottoman antiques to the hip Turkish brand Mavi - it's all here.

Balat Colorful Balat is İstanbul's traditional Christian and Jewish quarter. Its ice cream-colored buildings hug hills so steep you almost feel like you're in San Francisco.

It’s best you are in good shape to make your way up the streets of Balat. An up-and-coming design district, tours of the area were a main event at last year İstanbul Design Biennial.

Crossing the water Make sure your İstanbul bucket list includes crossing the Golden Horn for a trip over to the Karaköy district. This part of İstanbul is one of the city's most happening areas, and it continues to grow with new shops, rooftop bars, and boutiques.

Sitting down for Turkish tea An afternoon break for some Turkish tea is a must. Everywhere you go, you'll find people sitting down to çay. In fact, Türkiye has the highest annual per capita consumption of tea in the world. İstanbul cats İstanbul is a cat lover's dream. Everywhere you turn, you're likely to find a friendly feline rubbing up against you.

The Golden Horn Daily walks by the water were a highlight of my trip. Spanned by five bridges, the Golden Horn is the primary Bosphorus inlet in İstanbul. It's also known by its modern Turkish name, Haliç.

Spice Bazaar İstanbul is home to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and most expansive covered markets in the world, but that's not the only game in town. Welcome to the Spice Bazaar, in the neighborhood of Eminönü!

Goods on sale Just a small assortment of the things you'll come across while shopping in and around the Spice Bazaar. If you've learned the art of bargaining, it'll come in handy here. You'll get better prices the further into the bazaar you venture.

Bazaar shoes Shoes of every hue can be purchased here. Other popular buys include carpets and kilims (flat tapestry-woven rugs), leather goods, textiles, antiques, and jewelry.

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Turkish Ege

10 vibes for Aegean like locals

Experience the windsurfing in İzmir Constant wind makes Alaçatı, the small holiday town in Çeşme district, the perfect location for windsurfers. Alaçatı welcomes windsurfers from all over the world mostly between May and September. In this period, Alaçatı hosts national and international races and tournaments. There are also windsurfing schools here for those who want to give windsurfing a try - the calm sea and shallow water make Alaçatı the perfect place to learn!

Discover the small villages of Marmaris by mountain bike in Muğla Marmaris is the host of the most beautiful images that you can imagine. The small villages hide between the virgin bays and pine forests. And the best way to discover these villages is riding a mountain bike! Marmaris offers the mountain bike routes for all cyclists. You can ride between the blue flag beaches with a flat route or you can push the limits of your legs on hilly roads encircled by forests.

Do hiking and trekking in Dilek Peninsula National Park in Aydın The region, starting from Dilek Peninsula and continuing to Karina, extending to Büyük Menderes River and Bafa Lake, is one of the most suitable places for trekking. In addition, the Büyük Menderes Delta National Park is suitable for trekking with its rich plant diversity and wildlife.

Admire the world-renowned Demirci and Gördes rugs in Manisa

Afyon contribute significantly to the economy of the district, city and country. In particular, the product called Napoleon cherry is exported to countries such as France, Germany, Netherland and England.

Visit the Archeology Museum in Uşak The Archeology Museum of Uşak, which has been serving in the same building for about 48 years, has taken its place among modern museums by moving to the location of the train station after the completion of the new museum building. The museum consists of three floors and 43,000 collections and 2,000 artifacts are exhibited. The first floor is reserved for archaeological artifacts in Uşak, the second floor is for money and the history of money, and the third floor is for the Lydian period and the Treasures of Karun. The Winged Seahorse Pin, one of the most valuable pieces of the Karun Treasures, is exhibited here.

Heal in the thermal facilities in Kütahya Kütahya is very ricy in terms of thermal spring waters. You will find many massage and therapy alternatives in the facilities that are intertwined with nature in the region and are known to be greatly beneficial for health.

Rise the adrenaline level by paragliding in Muğla Landing on the white sands of Ölüdeniz is spectacular. And the topography guarantees a calm, slow, and easy final descent as the winds here is light and the beachfront is long.

Anatolian women used high-quality natural materials like madder, wool and silk to weave rugs, and illustrated daily life with regional and local motifs that came to life through their creativity. Look under the bonnet and admire world-renowned Demirci and Gördes rugs.

However, this doesn't mean it's without excitement! Babadağ in Fethiye district of Muğla is almost 2,000 meters high, so you'll have to make sure you're dressed warmly since there's ice year-round at the top. It takes about 30 minutes to paraglide all the way down to the bottom, and in that time, whether with a pilot or on your own, you can make 360 degree turns, wingovers, and find the best lift in a thermal so as to extend your descent.

Listen the voice of Denizli Rooster in Denizli

Explore a frequent destinations for gourmets, Urla in İzmir

The symbol of Denizli, the Denizli Rooster, a natural breed unique to the region, holds a privileged place with its harmonious color and its voice that can crow for 20-30 seconds. Besides its long and beautiful crowing, it also attracts attention with its fabulous beauty and noble stance. According to the tone of the Denizli Rooster’s voice, it is divided into a reedy, bass and deep voice.

Located 40 km west of İzmir, Urla hosts the bays where the turquoise sea of İzmir is the calmest. It is a frequent destination for gourmets!

Taste cherry and sour cherry in Afyonkarahisar

Urla is famous for the Urla Karası grape and the Urla Wine Route.

In the local vineyards you can experience delicacies with wonderful local wines, and fine dining restaurants with “farm-to-table” concepts. Urla is especially famous for dishes prepared with roasted herbs and Urla artichokes.

Fruit growing is highly developed in Afyonkarahisar due to the prevalence of irrigable lands. Sultandağı and Çay districts and Erkmen town are the leading regions where cherry, sour cherry and apple production is common. These products grown in

The first olive oil production facility of Anatolia is also located in Urla. The olive oil ateliers in the ancient Ionic city of Klazomenai stand witness to the beginning of the tradition of producing quality olive oil in Urla - a tradition that continues to this day.

IMO Environment Committee Advances Work on Shipping Emissions 7 July 2017: The 71st session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MPEC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreed on a draft outline for a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships, and adopted guidelines to implement operational energy efficiency measures for ships.

The draft outline for an IMO strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships includes sections on: levels of ambition; guiding principles; a list of candidate short-, mid- and long-term further measures with possible timelines and their impacts on States; barriers and supportive measures, capacity building and technical cooperation, and research and development; follow-up actions towards the development of the revised strategy; and periodic review.

On energy efficiency measures for existing ships, the Committee adopted 2017 guidelines for administration and verification of ship fuel oil consumption data.

The draft outline was prepared by the first meeting of the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG 1), held in June 2017, which also launched the Global Industry Alliance to support Low Carbon Shipping. The Committee also approved the terms of reference for ISWG 2 and 3, instructing the Group to finalize the draft strategy and submit it for MPEC 72 consideration.

On energy efficiency measures for existing ships, which became mandatory under MARPOL Annex VI (Prevention of air pollution from ships) in 2013, the Committee, inter alia: adopted 2017 guidelines for administration and verification of ship fuel oil consumption data and for the development and management of the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database; and established a correspondence group to review the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). According to IMO, this work is helping the Organization to fulfil its mandate to protect oceans and human health and to mitigate climate change, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (climate change).

The Committee also agreed to: an implementation schedule for ships to comply with the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM); the scope of work on the implementation of the global sulfur limit to be carried out by the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response; and work on measures to reduce risks of the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil as fuel by ships in Arctic Waters.

Other outputs approved by the Committee include the draft Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code), Model Courses on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation, and the designation of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Indonesia) as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA).

This work will help advance SDG 14 (life below water).

The 71st session of the MPEC was held 3-7 July 2017 at IMO headquarters in London, UK.

Foundation of the monastery During the reign of Theodosius I (375 - 395), two Athenian priests named Barnabus and Sophronius, while travelling from Athens to Trabzon, found a miraculous icon of Virgin Mary in a cave on a mountain, and decided to build a church there to create a house for the icon. This cave or hollow today forms the center of the monastery.

According to the legend, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ, St Luke, made the icon and after his death the icon was sent to Athens.

However, during the reign of Theodosius I, the icon wished to leave Athens and it was carried by angels from Athens to Trabzon and put into this cave for Barbanus and The icon is believed to be of a great age and to possess miraculous properties.

In the center of the Monastery, there was a sacred pool into where large drops of water from thirty or forty meters above were falling. Not only in Christianity but also in Muslim religion Mother Mary is believed to bring health to people. So over the centuries, Christians and Muslims came to the monastery to seek for health from these sacred wa-

which is the name of Virgin Mary in Greek).

There are two theories of the reason of the name Sumela to be put in this monastery.

Mela in Greek means dark or black. This may refer to the black forest and the mountains where the church is built. But it may also refer to the icon of Virgin Mary too because in the icon Virgin Mary is dark, or could be even described as black. Also the mountains name became known as Oros Mela (Black Mountain) because of the Monastery.

In the 12th century, it was very common to describe Virgin Mary in black to emphasize the mysterious expression on Virgin Marys face. These icons were called Black Madonna mostly used in Georgian art and Eastern Europe which is also believed to be the traces of ancient Indian art. This Black Madonnas are usually found in the heights of forests in the mountains near a healing spring and is believed to arrive there for a miraculous purpose. These places become a pilgrimage place for Christians.

The icon in Sumela Monastery could also be black by the black wooden surface. Enough research could not be done so we do not have clear information about the age of the icon or if it is a true Black Madonna or not.

There is an old photograph of the icon and in this photo the wooden surface and the silver frame surrounding the icon is seen clearly.

the monastery.

Name of the monastery

Sumela is the Greek Name of the monastery, founded in the name of Virgin Mary ( in English monastery of the Panaghia

The Rock Church

The Rock Church is the oldest part of Sumela Monastery. The icon of Virgin Mary was found by two Athenian monks named Barna-

bus and Sophronius, and the monks decided to cover the Icon by forming the cave into a church.

So the church was formed by carving the cave

deeper, smoothing the surfaces and putting a straight wall to the entrance. A small chapel was added jutting the wall on a later period.

The church formed the foundation of the Monastery and the construction expanded in centuries which became a big complex.

The inner and outer walls of the church are covered with beautiful frescoes with scenes from the Bible about Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary. However a closer examination shows that there are older and more valuable frescoes at the layers below the recent ones.

The wall facing the courtyard has the frescoes dating from the period of Alexios III. In one of these frescoes Alexios III, his sons Manuel III and Andronikos were described, which are totally ruined today. The frescoes at the chapel next to church are in three starting from the 18th century.

Interesting Facts About Turkey chicken in your dessert.

Santa Claus is from Turkey.

The signature Ottoman treat is tavuk göğsü, or chicken breast pudding. It’s a strange blend of boiled chicken, milk, and sugar, dusted with cinnamon. And it’s delicious. Look for it on menus across the country.

Saint Nicholas was born far from the North Pole, in Patara. And he’s not the only saint with connections to Turkey - the Virgin Mary’s resting place could be near Ephesus, while Saint Paul was from Tarsus in the south. Other et Abraham, born in Şanlıurfa.

Turkey gifted tulips to the world (Not, Netherlands).

A simultaneous export?

Tulipmania. The seeds of bubble were sown when a Flemish ambassador to the 16th-century court of brought back the bulbous

were grown, but what is known is that the Ottomans popularized introduction to Europe.

More than 130 peaks reach over 9,800 feet (3,000 meters).

commodities for which Europe owes a debt of gratitude to Turkey are

Don’t let the balmy coastal climate fool you. Turkey is home to spectacular mountain ranges, and wintertime visitors can hit the slopes at nearly a dozen resorts. Palandöken, in the eastern province of Erzurum, is Turkey’s highest at 10,200 feet (3,125 meters) and claims Europe’s longest natural ski run.

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Artvin Black lake Savşat Karagöl

A marvellous city that fascinates visitors with its mild climate and countless shades of green

The Artvin province of Turkey’s Black Sea region is a prime destination for visitors because of its beautiful historic ruins as well as natural wonders. From Georgian churches

Dolişhane Church This beautiful 10th century Georgian church has managed to survive the passage of time and inside you’ll still find the remains of some reliefs, including one of its founder, King Sumbat II.

discovered.

Camili Gorgit Tabiat Alanı This natural preservation area in Artvin is known for some of the oldest trees in the region as well as the many birds of prey that call the area home.

Kaçkar Mountains Probably one of the region’s most impressive sights, the majestic Kaçkar Mountains offer one of the country’s best trekking routes through evergreen forests and alpine pastures.

Gevhernik Kalesi This dramatic fortress, built by Georgian king Ashot the Great, is surrounded by cliffs and can only be reached by climbing up steep metal steps.

Papart Vadisi This beautiful valley in the Şavşat district of Artvin is famous for its many wild flora and fauna (including many species of birds). The perfect place for nature lovers to go for a hike with amazing views.

İskenderpaşa Cami One of the first mosques to be built in Artvin, the İskenderpaşa Cami dates back to the 7th century and was later renovated by İskender Paşa, who conquered the Gevhernik Fortress in 1551.

to gorgeous valleys and mountains, these Artvin destinations are still waiting to be

Atabarı Kayak Merkezi In the winter, the Atabarı Ski Center is one of the best places in Artvin to really enjoy the thick snow that covers the valleys.

Barhal Çayı This brook is a great place for canoeing enthusiasts who’d like to see the surrounding valleys and mountains by floating through a natural waterway.

Karagöl A beautiful convergence of deep green forests, mountains, wild flowers, and the serene Karagöl lake, there is only one small hotel in the area, which means it’s quite the remote natural getaway.

Karçal Dağları The other beautiful mountain range of Artvin is also quite beautiful and offers many opportunities to trek through the impressive landscape all the way to the border with Georgia.

Artvin Kalesi The Artvin Fortress is one of the area’s most important historical sights and looks out over the landscape from atop a cliff and was built in 937 by a Georgian king.

Beyazsu Yaylası One of Artvin’s most beautiful alpine pasture villages with the Karçal Dağları looming in the background, the Beyazsu Yaylası is known for the white waters that flow down from the rocks.

Şavşat Kalesi This impressive fortress above the town of Şavşat was built by the Georgians around the 9th century AD and still has two chapels.

Barhal Kilisesi Located in the remote village of Barhal, the Barhal or Parkhali monastery is quite striking because of its well-preserved state considering it was built before 973 BC. Mençuna Şelalesi Artvin’s other famous waterfall is around 100 meters in height and is surrounded by a beautiful forest that is accessible by a natural wooden bridge.

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