Lale nov dec 2009 by MARLET CORPORATE PUBLICATIONS

MAGAZINE OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN OF ISTANBUL

02 NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2009

Contents About the IWI

Board Information Board Letter Information about IWI Previous Activities

IWI Activities

Programs Charity

Lale Features

Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Views Sponsored Articles

2 3 4 6

8 19

Jingle Bell Rock Brunch P.

Istanbul Eats P.

20 28 Hard to find in Istanbul? P.

Interest Groups

IPWIN 34 Book Club 35 Photography Club 36 Mums â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Kids 38 Groups and Associations 50

Christmas Lunch P.

IWI Policies & Advertising

Classified ads Directory Pages Cover photo by: Miroslav Beneda

November & December 2009

53 55 Christmas Bazaar P.

Board Information IWI Office Hours: Wednesday from 10:30 AM till 1:00 PM

Address:

The IWI Board and Assistants Chairwoman

Korukent Yolu, Aydın Sitesi, Villa 30, 1.Levent, Istanbul – TURKEY Telephone: 0534 311 96 46 Fax: 0212 347 01 33 Website: www.iwi-tr.org

Caroline McLaughlin

Dergi Adı/Magazine Name:

Secretary

Lale, Monthly Programme of the International Women of Istanbul

about the iwi

caroline@iwi-tr.org

0530 522 66 88

Vice- Chairwoman and Lale Editor Esbie van Heerden

esbie@iwi-tr.org

0532 357 73 03

membership@iwi-tr.org

0534 201 24 02

mirjam@iwi-tr.org

0530 402 73 53

treasury@iwi-tr.org

0533 249 31 12

Membership Secretary Patricia Proz Mirjam van der Lubbe Treasurer

Yayını Yapan/Publisher:

Maj- Britt Riis Hansen

IWI International Women of Istanbul, Dernek Kod: 34-64/027

Advertising Editor Chrissy Güleç

chrissy@iwi-tr.org

0532 491 44 63

İrtibat Adresi/Address:

Programs Team Programs Co-ordinator Tanja Gül Lilli Zachariadou İçgören

tanja@iwi-tr.org

0533 457 81 81

lilli@iwi-tr.org

0536 600 00 11

İmtiyaz Sahibi/Licensee:

Monica Sierra

monica@iwi-tr.org

0534 695 76 66

Pervin Leenhouts

Newcomers Co-ordinators Hana Danon

hana@iwi-tr.org

0532 213 31 51

Camelia Sagisman

camelia@iwi-tr.org

0532 236 97 55

Korukent Yolu, Aydın Sitesi, Villa 30, 1.Levent, Istanbul – TURKEY

Adresi/Address: Tahir Paşa Evleleri No. 35 Bağlar Mevkii Yolu 80870 Yeniköy, Istanbul, Tel: 0212 299 21 46

Sorumlu Yazı İşleri Müdürü/ Responsible Editor:

Newcomers Asian Side Co-ordinator Petra Gönenç Barbara Zylinski

Adresi/Address:

Volunteers Co-ordinator

Kemerburgaz Mesa Evleri, Lavanta 7, D:9, 34075 Göktürk, Istanbul

Anne Martin

Yerel Süreli

Tasarım/Design: Marlet Ad Studios www.marlet.com.tr

Matbaa/Printer: Fırat Basım San.Tic.Ltd.Şti. Sanayi Mah. Sultan Selim Cad. Duman Sk.No:16/A-B 4.Levent / İstanbul Tel: 0212 270 62 84

Basım Tarihi:

0532 275 42 19

barbara@iwi-tr.org

0532 609 79 06

anne@iwi-tr.org

0531 831 47 61

Charities Co-ordinator

Laily Neyzi

Yayın Türü/Issue Type:

petra@iwi-tr.org

Christmas Bazaar Co-ordinator Laurina van Dam

laurina@iwi-tr.org

0545 449 19 84

The Mums ‘N Kids Team Mums ‘N Kids Co-ordinator Jolie Turkmen Julia Steils Paçacıoğlu

jolie@iwi-tr.org

0532 501 56 86

julia@fullcirclehealing.org

0537 435 55 52

Mary Tahincioğlu

littleangel1981@aol.com

0533 413 45 88

ipwin@iwi-tr.org

0549 699 88 09

ebru@iwi-tr.org

0532 704 20 47

reservations@iwi-tr.org

0533 393 11 51

IPWIN Kate Reid Liaison Officer Ebru Demirel Programs Reservation Suzi Kaluti

19.10.2009 Sayı: 43

November & December 2009

Board Letter

Laurina van Dam

Dear Ladies, We had a great start of our new IWI season with the Opening meeting being held on September 17th. More than 300 members signed up during this day, and many joined us on line or at the Coffee meetings in Alkent, which brings our total to over 600 members. As I joined the IWI in October last year, it was the first time for me to come to the opening meeting. The atmosphere was great! It has been a bit more than a year since I moved from The Netherlands to Istanbul, and what a big change this was. From having family, friends and colleagues around me to not knowing anyone, not working and not speaking the Turkish language had been hard. But it also gave me time for self reflection and I learned what the important values in my life are and what I wanted to do with my free time. Although it took some time, an open mind and an open heart helped me to make new friends and feel at home in Istanbul. Last season I joined many programs organized by the IWI and I would recommend all newcomers to do the same. You will meet nice people and you will learn to find your way around in the city. Also for long-time members the programs are worth to join.

about the iwi You can also help us by donating products that we can sell at the Bazaar. We are in need of donations for the following stalls: • Book stall: (Second hand) books in any language and in good, saleable condition. • Children’s stall: (Second hand) books, children clothing, toys, games, DVD’s, CD’s, puzzles, etc in good, saleable condition. • Food court: Home-made cakes. Products can be dropped off at our weekly coffee meetings in Coffee Talk in Etiler on Thursdays from 12am to 2pm, an IWI board member in your neighborhood, or the IWI office on Wednesday’s from 10am to 12.30am. Please make an appointment in advance! Apart from being a social event, the Christmas Bazaar is one of the biggest fundraising events of the year. Net proceeds will be distributed to by IWI Sponsored charities. You can read more about our Charities in this magazine and on our website. Please do not forget to buy your lottery tickets. Tickets can be bought at the coffee meetings and from the board members and assistants. We would love to welcome you and your friends at our Christmas Bazaar, as volunteer or visitor! Kind regards, Laurina van Dam Christmas Bazaar Coordinator 2009

One of the biggest events is our annual Christmas Bazaar, which will be held this year on November 24th in the Hilton Hotel Convention Center from 12 to 4pm. Our Christmas Bazaar is well known by our members and the Turkish community. The event is a great day and people come from all over Istanbul to buy great Christmas presents as well as products from all over the world. We also offer a great opportunity to taste good food, not only from different restaurants in Istanbul but also home-made meals and cakes made by our volunteers. Visitors can win big and small prizes in our lottery and tombola, thanks to gifts from our sponsors. Children can have a good time at our Kids Corner. In four hours time we expect to welcome around 3000 visitors. Already during summer we started preparations for the Bazaar and we are in full swing to offer a great day. The event falls or stands with the help of volunteers. Many enthusiastic members supported us in the previous years and have signed up to help this year again to make the bazaar a success. If you would like to volunteer, please contact us. We promise you will enjoy it! We are still looking for volunteers to help in the following teams: • Decoration team (on November 23rd) to decorate the rooms • Entrance team – to welcome our guests and selling lottery tickets • Food Court - to serve food • Photographers – to take pictures of the event • Tombola – selling tombola tickets

November & December 2009

Information about IWI

about the iwi

The IWI is a dynamic and active social organization and membership brings many benefits:

Lale Magazine:

Delivered to your doorstep six times a year, Lale magazine is the voice of the IWI. It is full of interesting articles and information about our community and contains information on IWI programs as well as other groups and associations in Istanbul. We are always looking for help with producing Lale so please send us your articles, photos or suggestions. This year we would like to find a deputy editor so please check our help wanted section if you might be interested.

Newsletter:

Our bi-weekly newsletter gives an update as to what is happening in the IWI community, reminders of programs and events, latest IWI news, some classified ads and tips about what to do that is different in Istanbul.

Website:

In a major change over the summer, our web site has been re-designed to include a more comprehensive members’ only section. Now, members will be able to log on to the site using their e-mail address and manage their own personal details. In addition, you will be able to book programs and download Lale. We will be also putting old newsletters onto the site and keeping it updated with news, events and programs. Please change your password after the first login.

Programs:

The IWI offers a full program of activities and events that cater to all tastes and ages. In any given month there could be a walking tour of the old city, a pot luck lunch at a member’s house, a professional women’s event, a cooking demonstration and lesson or a trip to the Grand Bazaar. Where possible, programs will be listed in Lale although we often have opportunities presented to us after the Lale deadline. These will be promoted on the web site and through the newsletters so keep checking them regularly.

in and around Istanbul that cater to a wide range of interests. Don’t forget to check out the back of the Lale for a complete listing. If one does not exist for a hobby or interest that you may have and you would like to start one, then send us the details and we will announce it in the newsletter and on the website.

Mums ’n Kids:

If you are pregnant or with small children then the Mums’n’Kids group will be for you. Whether you are looking for play groups, information on children in Istanbul, or want to take part in our many special parties celebrating Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Halloween, then you should become part of this group.

IPWIN:

Although this group has only been running for one year it has been very successful. Whether you are in a career, a professional, on career break or exploring opportunities in Istanbul, you should become part of this dynamic interest group. You can sign up for IPWIN notices by clicking the IPWIN box on your profile page on the internet.

Charity:

The IWI is very active in the community and proudly supports a number of charities across a range of projects. Our two main fund raising events are the Christmas Bazaar, to be held again at the Hilton Hotel on November 23rd, and the Spring Ball next year. We need a small army of volunteers to help us with the Bazaar and information on how you can join our army can be found later on in this issue.

IWI Directory:

Each year you will receive a directory of IWI members which comes in a handy pocket sized book and is helpfully sorted by first name, surname and home district. It is surprising how handy these are to have with you.

Social Events:

The IWI is primarily a social organization. Many people are familiar with our two large social gatherings, one to celebrate Christmas and the other at the end of the IWI season in June. However, there are many other occasions throughout the year, where you can come along and meet other members. This autumn we are initiating coffee mornings where people from different neighborhoods can get together and swap local tips and hints. We also have get togethers for newcomers to Istanbul in the fall where old-timers try and answer all their questions about life in the city. There are regular get-togethers on both the European and the Asian side. On the European side, there is the Thursday coffee and lunch at the Coffee Talk Café in Alkent Sitesi, in Etiler. It runs from 12 to 2pm every Thursday from September 23rd until the summer lunch in June. Hana Danon and Camelia Sağisman, our newcomer co-ordinators, are there to welcome both newcomers and existing members who would like to come along. Petra Gonenç is our Asian side co-ordinator and she hosts the regular coffee morning at the Café in Asian side.

Groups and Activities:

There are a wide range of groups and activities that already exist

Opening Meeting 2009 - The IWI Board 2009-2010 From left to right: Front row: Laurina Van Dam, Hana Danon, Esbie van Heerden Middle: Tanja Gül, Chrissy Güleç, Caroline McLauglin, Kate Reid Back: Particia Proz, Mirjam van der Lubbe, Maj-Britt Riis Hansen, Barbara Zylinsky, Absent:Camelia Sağisman, Anne Martin

November & December 2009

The New IWI Website The IWI was very excited to launch its new website in August. We worked very hard updating our old site so that we would have a great communication tool for members. The new site has several new functions that are very useful to members. You can now update your own details, book yourself onto programs, check out program information and read about our latest news.

about the iwi

News:

We try and keep as current as possible by keeping you updated on changes in programs, activities that other groups and associations are organizing, and anything we hear about going on in Istanbul.

When you first enter the site, www.iwi-tr.org, you will notice the box on the left-hand side. Your user name is the e-mail address that you gave the IWI when you joined. When you log on to the site for the first time you need to use the password iwi. Once in the members section, you can do many things: Edit Your Profile: By clicking on the Edit My Profile button, you can check that we have the most up-to-date address and phone number in our system. The more accurate the address, the better chance that Lale will be delivered to you on time so please take a moment to check this. You can choose interest groups you would like to hear from, and update any additional information.

Classified Ads:

There is always a member with something to sell or a new service to offer so keep checking out the ads.

Program Information:

This is an easy way to check out a program and the details for the day: Time, cost, meeting place, etc.

Programs:

Once you have found a program that you would like to attend, you can book there and then join us on the day. An e-mail is automatically sent to the reservations and programs team.

November & December 2009

Previous Activities

about the iwi

Opening Meeting

November & December 2009

Iftar

November & December 2009

Programs

iwi activities

Programs Calendar November Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

3 4 Asian Side Coffee TCF seminar “Life in Istanbul Morning in the 16th cenBiennale VIP Tour tury”

5 Yoga @ LifeCo

9 Brunch in Kadiköy

10 Make your own Chocolate

11 Swapping Party

12 Yoga @ LifeCo

16 How to Deal with Stress Seminar

17 Ceramic Lessons

18 Afternoon Tea @ Çirağan Palace

Asian Side Coffee Morning 24 X-MAS BAZAAR @ Hilton

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

6 Cooking Alaturka

13 Istanbul @ night

27 Bank Holiday

28 Bank Holiday

29 Bank Holiday

Coffee Talk Café Alkent

19 Yoga @ LifeCo Coffee Talk Café Alkent

26 Yoga @ LifeCo Coffee Talk Café Alkent

30 Bank Holiday

December Monday

Tuesday 1

Wednesday 2 X-Mas Baking

Thursday 3 Yoga @ LifeCo

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

5 St. Andrews Ball

11 Beading

12 Horhor Fleamarket

13 Jingle Bell Rock Brunch

18 Walking Tour Zeytinburnu

25 Christmas Day

26 Boxing Day

Coffee Talk Café Alkent 7 Italian Cooking Demo

8 Asian Coffee Morning

24 IWI Christmas Lunch

10 Yoga @ LifeCo Coffee Talk Café Alkent

14 Street Food Tour

17 Yoga @ LifeCo Coffee Talk Café Alkent

22 Asian Coffee Morning

24 Christmas Eve

31 New Year’s Eve

November & December 2009

regular activities

iwi activities

The Weekly Meeting Place of the IWI Coffee Talk Café (Nunyo) - Alkent

Asian Side Coffee/Lunch Meeting at Café Cadde

All newcomers and IWI members mark your calendars for Thursdays! Our popular weekly meeting spot in Etiler welcomes you anytime between 12 noon and 2 pm for lunch, coffee and a friendly chat. Camelia and Hana, our newcomer co-ordinators, will be there to greet you with a smile and introduce you to the other members. We look forward to seeing you there!

Mark your calendars for our bi-monthly coffee meetings! We have chosen a new place for you to discover: the Café Cadde. Meet new members, establish new friendships or else renew existing ones in Istanbul. Café Cadde offers 10% discount for the IWI members (on coffee or tea – if you have lunch, the coffee or tea will be for free.) Remember it’s every 1st Tuesday and 3rd Tuesday of the month.

: See calendar for details

Date

See calendar for details

Time

: 12:00 noon

Time

11:00 am

Venue

: Coffee Talk Café (Now called Nunyo)

Venue

Café Cadde Restaurant

Cost

: Pay as you order

Cost

Pay as you order (with your special 10% discount)

Meeting Place

Bağdat Caddesi No:375 Erenköy. (Walk down from Marks&Spencer’s, 150 m on the right.) www.cafecadde.com.tr

Date

Meeting Place :

Nunyo, Alkent Sitesi, Tepecik Yolu Etiler İstanbul

Reservations

: Not required

Phone

Camelia Sağisman – 0532 236 97 55 Hana Danon – 0532 213 31 51

Reservations :

Not required

Phone

0216 302 76 24

regular activities

iwi activities

Local Coffee Mornings

Weekly Yoga sessions at LifeCo

In the new year we will continue to hold area based coffee mornings, in local cafes or member’s homes. The idea is to bring together people who are living in the same neighbourhood but may not get a chance to meet otherwise. We are looking for people to help us be the host for these mornings. The hostess would choose a date and a venue such as a local coffee shop or their living room and welcome the guests.

The word yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. It seeks a unity of mind, body and spirit by working on one’s individual process which flows from foundation through precision to expansion. It is so adaptable to whatever your age or level of fitness is.

The following is our best attempt at dividing the vast metropolitan city of Istanbul (using last year's directory as a rough guide) so there is some method to the following list. If you would like to host an area-based coffee morning please send an e-mail to chairwoman@iwi-tr.org.

Due to our member’s demand LifeCo has organized a weekly yoga class for free for all IWI members. You have the choice to enjoy either the morning class or/and the afternoon one. You can even spend the whole day at LifeCo indulging yourself with a relaxing massage or get a wonderful facial. The sauna or steam room are at your disposal. No experience necessary. All levels welcome! Join our new weekly yoga class at LifeCo and start to build your strength, stamina and flexibility.

European Side • • • • • • • • • •

Sariyer, Tarabya and Yeniköy area İstinye and Emirgan Rumeli Hisarı, Bebek, Arnavutköy, Kuruçeşme Ulus, Ortaköy and Balmumcu Etiler Levent including 4. Levent and Maslak Kemerburgaz area including Gökturk and Bahçeköy Zekeriyaköy The city area including Maçka, Nişantaşı, Fulya, Taksim, Beşiktaş, Şişli, Beyoğlu and Cihangir The Marmara area Yeşilköy, Bakırköy and Bahçeşehir

Asian Side • • • •

The Upper Bosphorus, including Beykoz and Ömerli The Middle Bosphorus, including Anadolu Hisarı and Üsküdar Kadıköy, including Moda, Ümraniye, Ataşehir Bağdat Caddesi area, including Suadiye, Erenköy, Bostancı, Fenerbahçe, Kalamış

Yoga Day includes: • • • • • •

2 FREE yoga & meditation classes Free herbal teas all day 50 % discount on massage, hamam & facials until 13:00 20 % discount on all well aging therapies (ozone, oxygen, live blood analysis, acupuncture, hydro colon therapy, angel of water, etc.) during the day 30 % discount at Saf Restaurant for lunch or/and dinner Sauna and steam room for free

Date

: Every Thursday

Time

: 8:00 and/or 14:30

Cost

: Free

Meeting Place

Akatlar Well-Being Center, : Club Sporium, Cumhuriyet Cad: 4/8, www.thelifeco.com

Reservations

: No reservation required

This programme is only free for IWI members! Don’t forget your membership card.

November & December 2009

programs

iwi activities

11th International Istanbul Biennale

Life in Istanbul in 1582: a seminar on the Rich Cultural and Artistic Heritage of Turkey

The International Istanbul Biennale is a contemporary art exhibition, held every two years in Istanbul, since 1987. The Biennale is organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts. The 11th International Istanbul Biennial bears the title: “What Keeps Mankind Alive?“, (Threepenny Opera (Dreigroschenoper) by Bertolt Brecht). The 4 female curators have chosen more than 120 projects from 70 artists from 40 countries to be exhibited in three venues (Antrepo No:3, Tobacco Warehouse, Feriköy Greek High School) amounting to 6.000 sqm. One project for example is called Portrait. “50 years of a woman” which goes back to the year of 1994. It combines 328 pictures of an average woman starting from her childhood until her 50th year of age. Join our private VIP tour and discover three exciting venues together with our personal guide who will stay with us all day. The tour will be in English.

In 1582 Murad III decided to celebrate the circumcision of his son Mehmed with a festival which would reflect the splendour of his empire. The preparations of the festival started one year earlier and took place at the Hippodrome. For this occasion the sultan and his harem moved to Ibrahim Paşa Palace to see the celebrations. During the parades, all the guilds of Istanbul - bakers, potters, glassmakers, mirror makers, silk weavers, sword makers exhibited their products. Mock battles were executed, sports were displayed, snake charmers, dancers and musicians entertained the sultan from his balcony and the harem women through the latticed windows of the palace. The guests and the Istanbul people enjoyed all these activities together with them during the day and enjoyed the fireworks every evening. This festival was recorded by the local and foreign writers and a manuscript was prepared specially to document these festivities - its miniatures on about 470 full pages gives us a glimpse of every aspect of daily life of Istanbul in 1582. These great visual documents will illuminate the lecture. Prof. Dr. Nurhan Atasoy who will hold this special seminar about „Life in Istanbul in 1582“ holds many awards from many esteemed national and international institutions. She is also a renowned writer.

Date

: Tuesday, 3rd November, 2009

Date

: Wednesday, 4th November, 2009

Time

: 10:00 – 13:00

Time

: 11:00 – 13:00

Cost

: 30 TL

Cost

: Free

Meeting Place

Antrepo No.3 Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi, Liman : Isletmeleri Sahasi, Tophane www.iksv.org/bienal

Meeting Place

Turkish Cultural Foundation : Cumhuriyet Cad. Cumhuriyet Apt. No.17/1 Taksim

Team Person Present

: To be announced

Minimum Person

: Min. 10 people

Deadline

: Monday, 2nd November, 2009

Team Person Present

: To be announced

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Deadline

: Friday, 30th October 2009

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Phone

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, Mon-Wed-Fri, 14:00-17:00

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL. November & December 2009

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, Mon-Wed-Fri, 14:00-17:00

This programme is only free for IWI members! Don’t forget your membership card.

programs

iwi activities

Cooking Alaturka Hands-on Turkish Cooking Class

Asian Side- Neighbourhood Brunch

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and put on a Cooking Alaturka apron! Join Cordon Bleu graduate Eveline Zoutendijk and her Chef Feyzi Yildirim in the kitchen for lots of cooking fun, as we prepare a colourful array of meze together. Join us for a day of fun, cooking and eating, specially arranged for our IWI ladies at Cooking Alaturka. Menu: - Classic stuffed vine leaves (Zeytinyağlı yaprak dolması) - Smoky eggplant salad (Patlıcan salatası) - Spicy red lentil balls (Mercimek köftesi) - Circassian chicken salad with walnuts (Çerkez tavuğu) - Oven-baked humus with cured beef (Pastırmalı sıcak humus) - Syrupy semolina sponge cakes with hazelnuts (Şekerpare)

This month we are organizing a brunch on the Asian side! European side members do not hesitate to cross the water - the IWI potluck events are becoming famous! Bring your favourite brunch delight and join us for this entertaining and social morning! Check the website for details and please contact us if you are interested in hosting a similar event. In case you want to bring a friend, please get in contact with the team person present.

Date

: Friday, 6th November, 2009

Date

: Monday, 9th November, 2009

Time

: 10:30 – 14:30

Time

: 10:00 – 13:00

Cost

85 TL (including a glass of wine, soft : drinks, coffee & tea)

Cost

Free. Please bring a dish of your choice

Number of Persons

: Min. 6, max. 12

Meeting Place

Asian Side, Location to be announced on the website

Meeting Place

Cooking Alaturka, Akbıyık Cad. 72a, : Sultanahmet www.cookingalaturka.com

Team Person Present

: Tracey Barrow Tel. 0530 609 91 06

Deadline

: Thursday, 5th November, 2009

Team Person Present

: Eveline Zoutendijk Tel. 0536 338 0896

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Deadline

: Monday, 4th November, 2009

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Phone

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, Mon-Wed-Fri, 14:00-17:00

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, Mon-Wed-Fri, 14:00-17:00 Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL.

November & December 2009

programs

iwi activities

Make Your Own Chocolate

Swapping Party –A New Way of Shopping

Advent season is to be imminent shortly and IWI would like to put you in the mood for this pleasant festive time. If you are a chocoholic then this is the class for you! Learn to make your own creative mouth-watering chocolate centerpiece. This indulgent activity lets you create your very own luxury chocolates. Enjoy a demo from a professional chocolate maker and try out everything you've been shown... and yes, you get to take your yummy treats home. Try chocolates as personalized gifts to show the best way that you care. Join us and discover the art of making chocolate. Learn more about the secrets of chocolate: right temperature right ingredients, how to use the moulds and other hints in the hand-made chocolate class.

Attention all clothes hoarders! If you have clothes collecting dust in your closet and just haven't had the time, or heart, to get rid of them then we have the solution for you: Dig ’n swap! Get clothes for a low price or even for free* and keep yours out of the landfill. Swap things you don’t wear for things you will. Turn your unwanted clothes, shoes, bags and accessories back into cash.

smn Tat Merkezi is a well-known cooking school, boutique cakes and chocolates producer, party venue and a catering company operating since 2003. smn offers special prices for IWI member. Check it out! All the materials and ingredients are supplied by smn. So you bring nothing but your will and joy to the classes!

Just bring your unwanted items and swap your clothes for someone else’s. The saying “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure”, takes literal form here. Come along and share your passion for fashion! Please note: Bring your own clothes stand and hangers as well as something to snack on if you like to. * Its up to you if you would like to swap, give for free or sell for a low price

Date

: Tuesday, 10th November, 2009

Date

: Wednesday, 11th November 2009

Time

: 10:00 – 13:00

Time

: 11:00 - 14:00

Cost

: 75 TL

Cost

Meeting Place

Cidal Altun’s home, Tel. 0532 223 51 38 : Kemercountry Residence, F:8, kat 3, Kemerburgaz

smn Tat Merkezi, Nuri Pasa Cad. No: 158, Tarabya www.smntm.com

Number of participants : min. 10, max. 20

Free. Please bring a dish of your choice!

Team Person Present

: To be announced

Deadline

: Saturday, 7th November, 2009

Number of participants : Max. 15

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Team Person Present

: Lilli Içgören

Phone

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, Mon-Wed-Fri, : 14:00-17:00

Deadline

: Monday, 9th November, 2009

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Phone

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, Mon-Wed-Fri, 14:00-17:00

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL. November & December 2009

programs

iwi activities

Istanbul @ night Are you ready for Friday the 13th?

How to Deal with Stress - Seminar

We are calling again our adventurous nightlife lovers to discover the colourful Ortaköy area which many of you might know only during daytime. There are a number of nice nightclubs, bars and restaurants. They all wait for us!

Our bodies respond to all the various kinds of stressors in the same way, whether they are physical such as a broken toe, or psychological, such as hearing about a friend's serious illness. This physiological reaction to stress is called 'stress response', and it serves the purpose of helping us cope with emergencies. The stress response can be life-saving in cases of immediate physical danger. Eventually, however, especially if there is chronic stress, the same mechanism can have a negative effect and even make us sick.

We will start at House Café, which is the perfect backdrop. This place is a must and at later hours the café turns into a club with live DJ performances. And then let’s “hit the road” for bar hopping!

In this seminar, we will review the major sources of stress in our life and discuss the conditions required for us to restore emotional health. The focus will be on reducing stress, creating emotional safety, and facilitating our body’s spontaneous stress-release mechanisms of play, laughter, crying, and raging.

Date

: Friday, 13th November, 2009

Date

: Monday, 16th November, 2009

Time

: 20:00

Time

: 10:00 – 14:00

Cost

: To be paid individually

Cost

Meeting Place

Team Person Present

: To be announced

Deadline

: Tuesday, 10th November, 2009

Meeting Place

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Psikoloji Istanbul Halaskargazi Cad, Celik Palas Apt. : No: 120/2 Sisli Tel. 0212-233 2838, map: www.psikolojistanbul.com

Phone

House Café Ortaköy www.thehousecafe.com.tr

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, Mon-Wed-Fri, 14:00-17:00

30 TL (beverages and snacks included)

Number of participants : Min. 10, max. 20 Team Person Present

: To be announced

Deadline

: Wednesday, 11th November, 2009

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Phone

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, Mon-Wed-Fri, 14:00-17:00

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL.

November & December 2009

programs

iwi activities

Ceramics Lessons by Maria Sezer

Afternoon Tea @ Çırağan Palace Kempinski

Let's set out on a journey to discover your personal language of expression through form and shape in clay under the guidance of Maria Sezer. This is a course of handbuilding ceramics with nature as a starting point for inspiration. Designing, handbuilding, glazing and firing are part of the course as well as the firing of the exiting raku ware. . Maria Sezer Michels is a Dutch artist living in Turkey. Her primary source of inspiration is nature. She paints, prints, works with clay (www.rakuplates.com) and makes three dimensional objects and installations. She currently teaches at Istanbul Işık University's Fine Art Faculty.

It all began back in the mid 1800s, when the Duchess of Bedford started having a tray of tea with bread and butter served to her in the mid-afternoon. In those days, lunch was served at noon but dinner was not eaten until 8 or even 9 pm. The Duchess found herself hungry during those long afternoon hours. It became a regular occurrence and as she began to invite other ladies to join her. You can find the best High Tea in town at Çırağan Palace Kempinski. Enjoy a variety of delicious buffet items accompanied by unforgettable live piano. Local specialties such as Baklava and Su Böreği (baked layered pastry with cheese), as well as International High Tea (includes scones, smoked salmon canapés, cheesecake and other delicacies accompanied by a glass of champagne) rounds this wonderful Afternoon Tea off.

Date

: Tuesday, November, 17th, 2009

Date

: Wednesday, 18th November, 2009

Time

: 15:00 – 18:00

Time

Lessons; 10:30 – 12:30 + 13.30 – 15.30 : Lunch; 12:30 – 13:30

Cost

: 55 TL + tip

90 TL - materials, coffee and tea are : included in the price. Bring your own lunch.

Meeting Place

Cost

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Gazebo Lounge & Restaurant : Çırağan Caddesi No: 32, Besiktas, Tel. 0212 326 46 46

Team Person Present

: To be announced

Deadline

: Saturday, 14th November, 2009

Meeting Place

Durusu Park near Terkos Lake, aprox. 25 min from Kemerburgaz : and Göktürk, 50 min.from Levent. www.rakuplates.com, www.mariasezer.com

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Phone

Number of participants : Min. 4, max. 5 Team Person Present

: To be announced

Deadline

: Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Phone

November & December 2009

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, Mon-Wed-Fri, 14:00-17:00

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL.

programs

iwi activities

Spicy Breads and Scrumptious Stollen

Hands on Lunch “Gnocchi” Workshop

Christmas is an ideal time to spend exploring continental festive baking, from beautifully plaited breads to German stollen. One of the rites of passage into Christmas time is of course baking cookies. Have fun trying new recipes and enjoy the tradition of getting together one day during December and spend a few hours measuring, baking, frosting, and of course tasting. Use your cookies as a nice giveaway or get involved in a cookie exchange. Cookies seem to bring a smile to everyone's face and you can make something nice at a lower cost than buying gifts.

Due to the great success of our newly introduced „Hands on Lunch“ we would like to help you build up your recipe book with further interesting, exotic and delicious dishes. Raise your skill levels and ignite your passion for good food. Eating well is one of life's pleasures! So we will be enjoying as we learn to create these lovely bites. This month is dedicated to the Italian cuisine! The dishes are delicious and wholesome. They are prepared using natural herbs, oil, vegetables, fish, meat, pasta and a little bit of magic from the fingertips of the chefs.

smn Tat Merkezi is a well-known cooking school, boutique cakes and chocolates producer, party venue and a catering company in operation since 2003. smn offers special prices for IWI members. Check it out!

Learn how to make mouth-watering pillow-soft dumplings in our Gnocchi-Workshop. They melt in your mouth and vanish off the plate. You’ll learn a few terrific dough recipes along with easy sauces and all the techniques you need. These recipes are so easy, you will want to have Gnocchi with just about everything.

All the materials and ingredients will be supplied by smn. Come and enjoy a day of practical inspiration and take home a new festive tradition of your very own.

Become a Gnocchi lover and join our hands-on cooking demonstration in Kemerburgaz.

Date

: Wednesday, 2nd December, 2009

Date

: Monday, 7th December, 2009

Time

: 10:00 – 14:00

Time

: 11:00 – 14:00

Cost

: 75 TL

Meeting Place

smn Tat Merkezi, Nuri Pasa Cad. : No: 158, Tarabya www.smntm.com

Cost

Meeting Place

Let’s Cook Cumhuriyet Caddesi, Cami Sok., : Mertturk Iş Merkezi 12/A, Gökturk www.party-licious.com

Number of participants : Min. 10, max. 20 Team Person Present

: To be announced

Deadline

: Wednesday, 27th November, 2009

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Phone

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, Mon-Wed-Fri, 14:00-17:00

60 TL (including cold and hot beverages)

Number of participants : Min. 5 / max. 10 Team Person Present

: To be announced

Deadline

: Wednesday, 2nd November, 2009

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Phone

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, Mon-Wed-Fri, 14:00-17:00

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL.

November & December 2009

programs

iwi activities

Beading - An Extraordinary Craft

Sokak yemekleri - Street Food

Glass beads are a fascinating, beautiful creation. They have functioned as currency, gifts, works of art, and symbols of high status. They are recorded as being created, traded, and worn as jewellery by the earliest civilized societies, from Egyptians to Romans, Vikings to Indians.

As true gastronomes know Turkish cooking means way more than just kebabs. Courtesy of the Ottoman Empire’s far-flung territories, the national cuisine is a melting pot of flavours and accents from the Balkans, the Mediterranean, Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. And there’s no better way to master it than with a personal instructor from this culinary institute.

Making glass consists of heating a glass rod until it becomes like honey and then wrapping it on the mandrel. It is a really relaxing and exciting job to make beads from glass, turning the glass into new figures with your own design and imagination. Whether creating a necklace for yourself or a key ring ,beading is fun and an enjoyable work and you can spend many wonderful hours designing your creations once you have been infected Selma Düzgören is looking forward to showing you how to form beads by melting glass rods in a torch flame. Further enhance the shape of your beads and learn how to create your own design. Meet other ladies and enjoy lovely homemade Turkish pastries & cookies while you are creating your handmade glass bead jewellery. It’s time to start designing and meet the Art of Flamework!

On a special guided tour we will walk across the real tastes of Istanbul’s street food in the district of Beyoğlu/Galata. In some of the corners the secrets of food preparation has been taught from father to son. In fact, those stations of taste are just tiny shops that you normally pass by without noticing. The Culinary Institute of Istanbul is providing this special street food tour which lasts approximately 3 hours. All the food we are going to taste from at least 8 different places is included in the price.

Date

: Friday, December 11th, 2009

Date

: Monday, 14th December, 2009

Time

: 11:00 am - 15:00 pm

Time

: 11:00 – 14:00

Cost

: 90 TL

Cost

60 TL (contains all class materials, hot : and cold beverages as well as homemade snacks)

Meeting Place

Selma Duzgören’s place Inönü Cad. Esin Sok. Yilmaz Apt 16/6, : 34736 Kozyatağı/Istanbul, Tel. 0532 314 57 00, www.selmaduzgoren.com

Istanbul Culinary Institute (next to Pera Museum) : Mesrutiyet cad. No: 59 Tepebaşi, Beyoglu

Number of participants : Max. 8 Team Person Present

: To be announced : Saturday, 14th November, 2009

Team Person Present

: To be announced

Deadline

: Tuesday December, 8th, 2009

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Phone

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, This line is open every Mon-Wed-Fri from 2-5pm

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, Mon-Wed-Fri, 14:00-17:00

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL. November & December 2009

programs

iwi activities

A Stroll Through the Historical Town of Zeytinburnu

Be prepared - you will want to spend a lot of time visiting the historical sites of Zeytinburnu. The town, where critical events have taken place in history, has a dense cultural heritage. Among them are the city walls that were conquered by Sultan Mehmet II. We will visit Yedikule Towers where Genç (Young) Osman was executed, Balıklı Ayazma and numerous dergahs (dervish lodges). Yenikapı Mevlevihane is one of the two most important mevlevihane in the city. We will also visit the New Panorama 360 museum of the conquest of Istanbul. Beside all these exciting places, you will have the unique opportunity to taste the famous köfte (meat balls) sold close to the historical Merkez Efendi graveyard. We are pleased to announce that this year’s St Andrew’s Ball will be held on 5 December 2009. Table reservations will go on sale from November 1st. Table size 10

Date

: Friday, 18th December, 2009

Time

: 10:00 – 14:00

Cost

Meeting Place

: Will be announced on the website

20 TL (museum fee, food, etc. not included)

Number of participants : Min. 5, max. 15 Team Person Present

: To be announced

Deadline

: Tuesday, 14th December, 2009

Reservations

: Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Phone

Tel. 0533 393 11 51, Mon-Wed-Fri, 14:00-17:00

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL.

We are limited in number according to the size of the Ballroom, so please make your reservations as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. With the kind permission of The British Consul General Jessica Hand, we have arranged Scottish dance practices in the British Consulate Pera House during October and November. We look forward to seeing there. Chris Gaunt and Jonathan Blythe

Dance practice

In the British consulate (Pera House) on 15th and 22th October and 12th and 19th of November 2009. Bring your partner and enjoy “A good highland workout” We start at 18.30 until 21.00ish. sandwiches, possibly soup and probably beer will be supplied! CONTACT Chris Guant cwjg46@gmail.com or Jonathan Blythe jonathan.blythe@eurasia.com.tr For Security Purposes if planning to come please advise your name by Wednesday and bring passport. November & December 2009

charitY

iwi activities

Volunteer Opportunities

Charity News

The IWI Pink Angels - Brightening the Lives of Children at the SSK Okmeydani Hospital

Hello from Charity Coordinators Barbara Zylinski and Anne Martin

Volunteers are urgently needed to make weekly visits to the leukemia patients at Okmeydanı Hospital. IWI volunteers have been working at the SSK Okmeydanı Hospital for 10 years. The volunteers go into the hospital 3 mornings a week to spend time playing with children who are being treated for cancer. The volunteers really make a difference and the programme is well received by both the children and their parents. The Pink Angels urgently need more Angels! Kathy Denizeri coordinates the Pink Angels and provides all the necessary support you may need. Volunteering as a Pink Angel for 2-3 hours per week can really make a difference to a child’s life. • •

Volunteers do not have to speak to Turkish. Volunteers are expected to commit one morning a week from 10am-12.30 pm.

For further information about the Pink Angels please contact Angela Kuzucu on 053272376 11.

It was great to meet and have a chance to chat with IWI members old and new at the meeting last month. This year, we will share the coordination of IWI’s charity work which provides critical support and volunteers to organizations and projects throughout Istanbul. IWI supports a number of charities each year in a variety of ways. Some of our members do specific volunteer work, organize fundraisers and support specific projects and help out wherever we can. IWI members contribute their time and expertise generously throughout the year. We have 2 main fund-raising events each year. The Christmas Bazaar is held each year in the Hilton Hotel in late November/ early December and the Spring Ball is held at a different location in Istanbul each year in early May. As the global economic crisis continues, the IWI has had more requests than ever for assistance. This year, we will have to stretch our resources to help those needing assistance most and toward those projects our contributions bring the greatest benefit. But our assistance is not limited to donations of funding. IWI volunteers, and donors make a huge difference in the lives they touch directly as well. We are very excited to begin this new IWI season. To introduce ourselves to those of you who may not have been at the meeting: Barbara: I am a long time resident of Istanbul, starting my 11th year in Turkey. I am from the United States, from Washington, D.C. I am a technology consultant but spent many years working in the US Congress on budget and spending programs and policy. I will be coordinating the support IWI gives to its various projects old and new.

The IWI Pink Angels in 2009 Children’s New Year’s Party: The Pink Angels provided food, drinks, toys for each child and a bag containing sweets, masks, small amusements, paints, games, crayons, books and so on. Children’s day Celebration (23rd April): Toys were also delivered to the main Children’s ward. Flags, balloons and decorations were provided and a toy packet for each child including sports shirts, ball as well as football memorabilia. Food and drink, including homemade cakes were provided. Clowns were provided for entertainment and DVDs for the ward. Painting of the Ward: The IWI main contributor from last year was Ishraq Neergaard: Ten new beds were purchases from Güzel Çelik and kindly donated by Reckitt Benckisar. New furniture provided for the play room2 new large table with adjustable legs, replenished stock of toys, games and stationary items as well as 2 new metal cupboards.

Anne: I am British and have just moved from South Africa to Istanbul. I have a professional background as a public health nurse and have experience working as a volunteer and in supporting and training volunteers. In my role as IWI volunteer coordinator I will be working closely with the Barbara and will focus on working with charitable organizations to identify specific skills and time commitments that are needed in volunteers and then seek out the appropriate volunteers from the IWI community. In addition I will attempt to offer any support required by both the organizations and the volunteers themselves. We welcome any input, ideas and feedback on IWI’s charity projects past, present and future and hope look forward to working with you all this year! Anne Martin | Volunteer Coordinator Barbara Zylinski |Charities Coordinator

Many thank to all members of IWI for the help from the proceeds of the IWI Christmas Bazaar as well as thanks to: Y. Tarrantox Arts Group, Oya Hanim, The Yoga Group and Mine Hanim, Finally, special thanks to Tina, Yeoni, Paula, Anna and Sylvia Ann Soğuksu. For queries about volunteering please contact Anne Martin E- mail: martinannev@gmail.com or call: 0531 831 47 61

November & December 2009

members’ views

lale features

Hard to find in Istanbul? By Esbie van Heerden

Not being able to find ingredients from your home country is one of the commonest frustrations of living abroad. I remember when I first came to Turkey in the 90’s I used to come with suitcases laden with goodies. Even Nescafe was considered a speciality! I have been working for some time now on a glossary since I have realised that while some items are simply not available here many can be found under some other name or from some surprising source. The supermarkets Migros and Carrefour are expanding their product selection all the time. Makro, though a little more expensive have more specialist products. For the really hard to find products also try OKKO in Ulus, Santral Şarkuteri in Bebek or the Istinye Pazar part of Istinye park (Arifoğlu for herbs spices and Polonez Şarküteri ). For exotic fruits and herbs try Kolaylar in Arnavütkoy and for Asian supplies try the little Ichiban supermarket in Etiler. Did you know The Sausage King delivers pork products and other homemade delicacies to your home? The website www.ekolfood.com has a good selection of hard to find products, but sells wholesale. The Spice market and streets around it in Eminönü is still the best place to look for those elusive things.

Almost Impossible to Find in Istanbul... •

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• • • • • • • •

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Fresh cream - Daily fresh cream is not sold. Forget about cream filled éclairs unless you get your own cow. Kaymak (Clotted Cream) is cream specialty of Turkey similar to Devonshire Clotted Cream but not as sweet. Golden Syrup - cannot be found anywhere – try the recipe below to make your own. Golden syrup is a thick, amber-colored form of inverted sugar syrup. It is used in a variety of baking recipes and desserts. It can also be used as a substitute for corn syrup. Pancake syrup was seen recently for the first time at Makro but it is not an alternative; Pekmez, a grape molasses can be used. Gooseberries (Bektaşi üzümü) - cannot be found easily, except when grown in people gardens! Haggis - cannot be found anywhere. Icing Sugar - is not available in powdered form. They sell blocks of icing in Tahtakale, behind the Spice Bazaar. Castor sugar (Pudra şekeri) is found in all supermarkets but is not as fine as icing sugar. Some people grind this so make it finer. Marmite/ Bovril /Vegemite - cannot be found anywhere Mincemeat – you will have to make your own! Try the Corona ladies’ stall at the IWI Christmas bazaar for mince pies, Christmas puddings and lemon curd! None of these are sold anywhere in Istanbul! Pecans - cannot be found anywhere. Not to be confused with walnuts (ceviz) Pork scratchings - cannot be found anywhere. Quark/cream cheese – for making cheesecakes strain tubs of Labne. Rhubarb - cannot be found anywhere. Ribena - cannot be found anywhere. Shortening - cannot be found anywhere Sour cream (ekşi krema) - cannot be found anywhere Sweetened Condensed Milk - cannot be found , but rumour has it that it can be found from suppliers to hotels - try the recipe below to make your own. Vanilla essence - you will have to make your own. You can find the pods at Makro or Arifoğlu www. vanillareview.com/ make-vanillaextract/

Difficult To Find But Sometimes Available • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

All Bran Flakes –high fibre breakfast cereals are very occasionally spotted at charcuteries. Price always extortionate. Bitter melon/bitter gourd (kudrat nar) - A vegetable known for its health benefits, specially for diabetics can now be found in Eminönu in the vegetable lane at Ortaköy at the two manav (vegetable) shops on Dereboyu street. Black and White truffles – seen at Okko Branston’s Pickle and Branston’s Chili/Ginger Relish – You can find it at Macro at Akmerkez from time to time. Cous Cous – sometimes seen at Carrefour, can be ordered from www.ekolfood.com Custard powder - I used to think it cannot be found anywhere, but have spotted it for the first time at Makro just as this magazine was going to print. Duck breast - frozen at Carrefour . Duck Foie Gras – Carrefour (entire cooked liver). Elderflower (mürver çiçeği) - Can be found as a jam. Elderflower syrup can be found at IKEA. Lemon grass – Kolaylar in Arnavutköy Pickled herring – available at Ikea Polenta – yellow and white can be ordered from www.ekolfood.com Sea Salt – Santral Şarkuteri, can be ordered from www. ekolfood.com Semi-salted butter – available at Okko, Elle & Vire is the brand Truffle oil - seen at Okko White wine vinegar – sometimes seen at Okko, can be ordered from www.ekolfood.com. Malt Vinegar was spotted at Makro recently.

November & December 2009

Not So Hard To Find If You Know Where To Look... •

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Aged Beef - Turkey does not have a meat grading system so you do not know what age and quality you are buying. Dükkan in Armutlu for steaks, Günaydin in Istinye Park or Etiler for aged beef and fresh beef sausages. Barley (Arpa) -Found in health food stores and rural bazaars. Excellent substitute for wheat flour. Celery/Celeriac (kereviz) - Celeriac is used as a common stewed olive oil dish, but celery seeds as a seasoning (kereviz tohumları) can be found in places like the spice bazaar (if you intend to consume them, don’t buy celery seeds from a garden shop as those seeds may likely be treated with herbicides). Cider (Elma şarabı) - Sevilen, from Izmir, do a passable cider. Online ordering is an option. Cilantro - It’s nearly always available in supermarkets. It is also called coriander - the Turks call it Kişniş. Coriander is also the name of seeds. Try Kolaylar - Chimera is the brand or try

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• • • • •

and a number of Mangals (Rotisserie shops) sell it cooked. Quail eggs are widely available in supermarkets Ready rolled pastry- You can buy puff pastry (Milföy) ready in the frozen foods in most supermarkets. One of the makes have bigger one as well (look in Macro), as they tend to sell them in smaller squares for Börek; but the bigger rolls are really hard to find. I have never seen ready short crust pastry here! Sesame oil - You can find it in almost all Carrefour and Makro centers Soybean milk – in all big supermarkets. Alpo is the brand. Sweet potatoes -available at Carrefour, Makro and Kolaylar in Arnavutköy Tamarind – Widely used in Indian cooking and can be found in the spice bazar by the name of “demirhindi”. Whole wheat flour (Tam Buğday unu) - Not to be confused with kepekli un, can easily be found in Macro, Migros and Carrefour in the flour section. You can also find it at the small IHE bread corners in your neighborhood. The one in front of Akmerkez usually always has it and at a good price.

Make Your Own HOMEMADE CONDENSED MILK • • • •

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Ortaköy Pazar (Wednesdays) and 4th Levent Pazar (Tuesdays) Cranberry juice - readily available (Macro and Sütte), It is known as “yaban merseni” but it seems cranberries and blueberries are called by the same name. Fresh Cranberries are sold at Kolaylar in Arnavütkoy. Cream of Tartar (Krem tartar) – Arifoğlu in Istınye Park or the spice market in Eminönü. Dried sage, basil, tarragon –all of these are available at Arifoğlu. Fresh Tarragon abounds... why not dry your own? Wash the fresh tarragon, allow to dry and place on a tray in a warm oven until dried out if you want whole tarragon leaves. Food colouring - at the bake shops around the Spice market in Eminonu Glace cherries – at Carrefour or at traditional Turkish sweet shops Mushrooms (mantar) - Although there are many wild varieties of mushrooms in Turkey, supermarkets and markets tend to stock between 2 and 4 fresh varieties. The white button mushroom (champignon de Paris) is by far the commonest available. You should also be able to easily buy chestnut mushrooms which, if on the big size, become known as Portobello mushrooms. Oyster and Shitake mushrooms are available occasionally. Although Porcini mushroom grows here (and is cultured for export in some parts) it is very difficult to buy them fresh. Some Deli’s (Okko & Polonez Şarküteri )stock dried and fresh frozen Porcini. Pork - Although Turkey is a Muslim country pork is for sale although the quality is not always very good. Sütte is a charcuterie that sells pork products. The good news is that The Sausage King now delivers high quality imported pork products. www.thesausageking.co.uk Quail (Bıldırcın) - Quail is available live at the Egyptian Spice market. Prepared quail is available on Balik Pasajı, Beyoğlu

November & December 2009

1.25 litre milk 2ml bicarbonate of soda 500g sugar 3ml salt

Add all ingredients together and stir over low heat until sugar is melted. Cook slowly until milk starts to thicken and looks like thick cream. Don’t stir, unless milk wants to boil over. Pour into sterilized flasks and place open into pre-heated oven of 120 degrees C for 15 min. Put lids on immediately after removing from oven.

HOMEMADE GOLDEN SYRUP • • •

6 x 250 ml sugar 15 ml Cream of Tartar 750ml cold water

Mix sugar, cream of tartar and half of water in a big saucepan. Stir over very low heat until sugar is melted. Cook over moderate heat until syrup becomes light brown – approx 15 – 20 min. Add the rest of the water (carefully not to burn). Remove from heat and pour into clean containers. Seal immediately.

Thanks to Geetali Bajpai, John G. Atwell and the denizens of sublimeportal.com for their help in writing this article. If I am mistaken about the availability any of the products above please let me know.

November & December 2009

members’ views

lale features

Build Up Your Immune System Now just in time for autumn and winter.

We are all aware, that we are more likely to get a cold in autumn. Our bodies undergo a shift in the autumn. Our energy is going, inwards. However, since we all live with mod cons, i.e. electricity, heating, TV, we don’t seem to take too much notice, except that we have to switch on the lights earlier, and put on a cardigan, as both mornings and evenings are getting more chilly. But none of us needs to sit around and wait for the cold viruses to find us, now is the time to consciously boost our immune system. •

Maintain a peaceful home and a positive mental attitude. Remember, through the Law of Attraction, we create the state of our body by the thoughts we think, so see yourself and your family as strong, resilient, and happy.

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Make sure to get adequate amounts of vitamin D daily. The immune system has all kinds of vitamin D receptors on it and most people don’t get nearly enough. It is recommended by Health Practitioners to get at least 1,000 IU per day. In addition to some multi-vitamin/mineral formulas, Vitamin D is often found in cod liver oil.

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During the height of the flu season, take 1-2 grams of vitamin C a day. (Any form is good)

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Eat nutritious whole, organic foods and avoid spiking your blood sugar when possible. It has been known, that just one can of soda can decrease the immune system by 50% for hours.

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Get enough sleep. Sleep is known to be the very best medicine. When I start to feel something coming on, I get into

November & December 2009

bed as soon as I can and sleep for as long as I can. Very often, when I wake up, whatever was lurking around in my system has left. It has been well researched, that almost all people stay at their healthiest with 8-10 hours sleep per night. •

Decrease stress hormones. Remember that sleep is the body’s most efficient way to digest excess stress hormones. Cortisol is one of them and high cortisol, which is the result of stress of all kinds, wreaks havoc with the immune system. Meditation and exercise also helps the body get rid of excess stress hormones.

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Beware of too much Media. Our immune system is very sensitive to the thoughts we think. The brain creates chemicals – either ‘feel good’ or ‘feel bad’ – that are transmitted to the receptor sites on our immune system cells. So pay attention to what you’re thinking and watching. Remember, News is designed to bring you the bad news of the entire planet. This often results in feeling discouraged and powerless. This in itself, depresses immunity.

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Keep upbeat company. Do you have friends or family members who enjoy discussing their health problems, latest natural disaster, and are always complaining about work? Do these individuals drag you down with their pessimism? Research shows that optimism enhances the immune system. So do keep good and upbeat company. Edith Heidelberger eh@edithheidelberger.com or edith263@gmail.com

members’ views

lale features

Random Interviews: IWI Member - Shikha Sethi I am from India having lived there for the last 4 years in New Delhi, Where do you like to take visitors when they come to Istanbul? which is the capital city. By profession I am a Human Resource Manager, and before coming to Istanbul, I was working with CocaCola. Now, I am enjoying the new found freedom that comes with a Sabbatical, and free time! While I belong to a state in India called Uttar Pradesh, my parents lived in Nigeria, where I spent some time, and then studied in Bombay, and Australia. However, India is home! What brought you to Istanbul? My husband works with Coca-Cola in India and has come to Istanbul on a short term assignment. I have accompanied him, and that’s what brings me here! Why/how did you become a member of IWI? I got to know of IWI from some expat friends I have met here, and they suggested that I join IWI to meet new people, and also become a part of a community that faces similar highs and low. That’s how I became a member of IWI. Initially that was also why, but having been exposed to the networks and activities of IWI, now it’s also about learning new things, meeting new people from different parts of the globe, and being enriched with new cultural experiences. What are the things that you like about living here? If I made a list of what all I like about living here , Lale will have a problem with number of pages to print. In a nutshell, Everything !! Istanbul is a beautiful city, and I am blessed with a wonderful view of it. I like the city by day, and love it by night. I also love the food, people and their friendliness, ease of travel, new things to see and do almost every day, the different colours that I can see around me (New Delhi is very polluted, so sometimes the only colour we see is grey!), the night life and vibe of the city. Most of all I love it that the city is so safe for women. That as a woman I can walk the streets at 1:00 am and not be afraid or worried about my safety. Coming from Delhi, this is truly a blessing! What are the best/ worst aspects of your neighbourhood in Istanbul? I live in a quaint neighbourhood called Moda on the Asian side. Moda has wonderful views, is a truly Turkish residential area and has a very nice vibe, energy and spirit within it. I also am walking distance from the hustle bustle of Kadıköy, which makes this area even more entertaining and fun to be within. There is no worst aspect of my neighbourhood, but I could do with a little more English around here. But then thats true for everywhere!! What is your favourite place in Turkey and why? I have recently moved to Turkey, so I haven’t travelled much except Istanbul and Ankara. Within Istanbul I don’t have 1 favourite but many. I love the energy of Ortaköy on a Sunday evening. Bebek has wonderful restaurants and great night life. Istiklal has great shopping in an interesting way! But my absolute favourite is the Sultanahmet Area with the mosques and tourist attractions and the Grand Bazaar, which is my Aladdin ‘s Cave!! Do you like to shop in Turkey? Why or why not? What are you favourite things to buy? I am not much of a shopper but the household items that you get here are very nice, when compared to back home. Also the art on plates, bowls, lamps etc is wonderful. For other items, India is still where I would do most of my shopping, because it’s much cheaper and equally good!

Besides the usual touristy areas, Ortaköy and Bebek are favourites. For some friends who love street food, Kadıköy has some nice places!! While some visitors say they don’t want to visit the spice bazaar, I always insist, and so far have been always welcomed for the insistence. It is a wonderful place to take visitors to see and shop! What difficult situations have you overcome in Turkey and how did you do it? The most difficult aspect of living in Istanbul for me is the language barrier. I am fluent in English and Hindi and neither helps here completely. Of course it makes it a bit simpler that 3000 words are common between Hindi and Turkish, but not knowing the language is the most difficult aspect. I have yet not started lessons, but I have a phrase book, given by a friend, that works like a charm. So far, I am dealing with the situation using my phrase book and smattering of some important words! Is there anything that scares you about living here and why? The only thing that scares me is the possibility of an earthquake. It’s scary and always at the back of my mind. But it isn’t something I can control, so I let it be! What are some of your personal/professional goals while living in Turkey? I would love to work in Istanbul to be exposed to the work culture and learn new aspects in a different country. Professionally, my goal is to learn a new skill in Human Resources in the area of Organisation Behaviour or Development. Personally, my goal is to travel around Turkey and Europe. My husband and I would like to complete 12 places in the next 12 months. I would also like to leave Istanbul with having made some new friends, and being exposed to a new way of life! What advice would you give to people who move to Istanbul? Please come with no pre-conceived notions! Istanbul is a wonderful city if you put things in the right perspective. Yes, the traffic is bad but where isn’t it? Istanbul has great many things to offer if one gets out of the Expat comfort zone, and meets the locals. So my advice to new comers would be to keep an open mind, and be ready for an adventure! Where do you like to eat in Istanbul? The food is great in Istanbul but I do miss the variety that as an Indian I am used to, especially the fact that there is virtually no Indian food restuaratnts in Istanbul save 1, Dubb. I have found interesting nooks in Kadiköy for Iskender Kebab and Doner. My favourite is the Meze platter at House Cafe and Sultanahmet Koftecisi-meatballs. Where do you shop for food? What do you think of fresh Turkish products? I am not a great cook and in fact have just started working the kitchen and my hand in cooking. So I shop for all basics at Migros or Carrefour and they do the job well. The vegetables in Istanbul are much fresher than I thought, though we don’t get many Indian vegetables. Do you have any trouble finding ingredients for the foods you like to make at home? We use a lot of spices, all of which are available at the Spice Market. I have to confess though that I carried the stock when I came here, from India. November & December 2009

November & December 2009

members’ views

lale features

Savoring Edda’s Istanbul by Ann Marie Mershon

In order to truly know a place, you must savor it: explore, examine, and experience it from the inside out. Millions of people visit Istanbul each year, yet most merely “sample the icing” of this incredible city. One “Stambulu” has spent years exploring her city, wandering its steep cobbled streets, meeting workers and artisans, asking questions, and sipping tea with each new person she met. She shared her findings with friends, and eventually the friends of friends. Edda Renker Weissenbacher is that woman; she has come to know Istanbul from the inside out. Her magical view of the city is now available to the rest of the world in a recent book, Istanbul’s Bazaar District~Backstreet Walking Tours. I met Edda serendipitously when a fellow Koç School teacher suggested I join her for an informal jaunt through the city’s hans with Edda. Though I knew neither of hans nor of Edda, I was hungry to learn about my new city. Oh, my—what a day it was! Edda led us through twisting back streets in and around and behind the Grand Bazaar. “How could she know where she’s going?” I asked, fascinated at each new insight she shared. After more mysterious turns than I could count, she ushered us into the Çuhaci Han—the “gold han”—up narrow worn steps to a tiny attic workshop where a bevy of artisans were setting gems into fine jewelry mounted on waxen “handles”. It was a sight we’d have never seen without Edda (AND—it’s in the book). She explained that a han was once like a city caravansaray, where merchants sojourned at night as they sold their wares in the streets by day. Of course, the hans are now mainly stores and

workshops. Edda’s stories transported us back hundreds of years to when these hans, mosques, and bazaars were first built. Our ramble finished atop the 350-year-old roof of the city’s largest han, the Büyük Valide. Seemingly on top of the world, we were treated to a panoramic view of The Golden Horn, The Bosphorus, the Galata Tower, and everything in between. The sun glinted off rooftops and water as we were embraced by a cacophony of muezzins chanting the call to prayer from every corner of the city. “Oh, my! Does it get better than this?” I gasped, goosebumps running up my spine. I knew then that I had truly tasted Istanbul. Edda’s unique back-street perspective of the city brought me to a deeper understanding of the magic that has kept this city vibrant for so many centuries. I wished that more people—tourists, expats, and Turks—could experience this intimate view of Istanbul, so I suggested to Edda that we collaborate on a book of walking tours. To my surprise, she was more than enthusiastic. My writing, photography, and map-making would support Edda’s amazing historical expertise. Nancy Öztürk at Çitlembik Publishing embraced our idea, and we were OFF! November & December 2009

The great allure of Edda’s explorations was, not surprisingly, the fascinating people she’d met. As I worked with her, I met them all. She introduced me to Adam Usta, a tall young börekçi who prepares various types of mouth-watering borek, then carries them on his head through the hans at the west end of the bazaar. He has cheese börek for the cheeselovers, elma börek for those with a sweet tooth, and plainer versions for the stalwarts among us. Edda always arranged for his appearance when she brought people around, clever woman. (And unlike professional tour guides, Edda got no kick-backs. She did it for the sheer joy of sharing Adam’s impressive culinary skills as well as helping him make a living.) One cool, sunny day Edda and I decided to explore a new route to the top of the Sair Han. Once we were on top (we thought), a young man came by with a chicken under his arm, and he began chatting with us. He told us we weren’t quite at the top, but that he could show us where it was. Edda, then 70 years old, agreed. Together with our young friend, we clambered up steep steps and across precarious ledges to experience the very tip-top of the Sair Han. I had on sturdy climbing shoes, but Edda scrambled in her typical thinsoled flats. She absolutely glowed through the entire escapade. We decided not to include this foray in the book for obvious safety reasons. And then, there were the chickens on the roof… Another of my favorites (oh, I have so many!) is a street cobbler, Türan Görgör. He’s incredibly shy (don’t try to take his photo), but this intrepid fellow has an open-air shop located under a tree November & December 2009

between the Spice Bazaar and the Süleymaniye Mosque. He has neither walls nor roof, just an umbrella on rainy days and a brazier on cold ones. Edda brought him a pair of her shoes to repair during one of our excursions, though she must have cobblers near her Beyoğlu home. Again, she chooses to support Türan Bey even if it means toting her shoes across the city. That’s Edda. And then there’s Kemal Ocak, who completely renovated the Taş Han near the Laleli Mosque. Another lifelong friendship fostered by Edda’s explorations. We decided that the book needed the added bonus of personal bios of these fascinating people. Each of the four walks includes a number of interesting personalities that you can meet along your way, perhaps to join them for a friendly cup of tea. Check out Edda’s back-street guide. (And remember—I helped her.) These backstreet tours offer an amazing way to savor the magical flavors of Istanbul. Istanbul’s Bazaar Quarter~Backstreet Walking Tours, by Ann Marie Mershon and Edda Renker Weissenbacher, Çitlembik Publishing, 2009. Available in many Istanbul bookstores and from Amazon. com.

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lale features

Top Picks for International Cuisine Istanbul’s food and beverage scene has reportedly grown to include over 15.000 venues according to TURYID (Turkish Restaurant & Entertainment Association). While this may mean that there’s something for every taste, it also makes it harder to find out the best or locate those hidden gems. Below is a list of some of our favourite spots for international cuisines at Rezztoran.com – needless to say, you can make your reservations online at any one of these restaurants plus a hundred more on www.rezztoran.com… Bon appétit! ITALIAN: Da Mario

Da Mario is the first Italian restaurant in Istanbul, opened in 1993. It has proven itself with its elegance and has become an Istanbul classic with its good quality service and delicious Italian cuisine. Its menu is inspired by Southern Italian cuisine; pizza and bread cooked over wood fire, fresh macaroni, and complementary wine selections. All ingredients used are made fresh from scratch. Da Mario was chosen as "Istanbul's Best Restaurant" on a number of occasions by The Turkish Financial Times over the last few years.

ITALIAN: Flavio

If you’re looking for something more casual, then try Flavio. In Beyoğlu. Flavio Ristorante Pizzeria Café Bar opened in 2008 in Asmalımescit, the elitist quarter among food and drink centres of Istanbul. Along with thin and thick pizzas baked in a stone-lined oven imported from Italy, Mediterranean salads and homemade vermicelli, not-so-well-known traditional dishes of the Italian cuisine are also introduced to citizens of Istanbul. Italian flavours true to their origin, simple, light, fresh and oven-warm meet an ambience of the same originality at Flavio. Flavio offers a complimentary Italian aperitivo plate for reservations made through Rezztoran.com.

MEDITERRANEAN: Der Die Das

Der Die Das is the newest hot spot in the newly renovated and fashionable Akaretler district. Its fancy backyard takes you to another world and pulls you away from the city center. The decor was meant to give its customers joy and happiness. This feeling prevails in all details, from the bar to the restrooms. Designed by Mahmut Anlar, the flower canvas on the pillows and wall ceramics

create a fascinating harmony. All the materials used for the decor are both simple and peaceful. Its rich and well prepared lunch and dinner menus have already gathered admirers.

MEDITERRANEAN & OTTOMAN: Topaz Restaurant

Topaz, located conveniently in Gümüşsuyu, offers a rich palette of Mediterranean cuisine and a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus and Istanbul. Designed to reflect the tranquil, relaxing and nourishing effects of the topaz stone, Topaz was launched with the motto “The Jewel of Istanbul”. It proved that it deserves its motto by winning the TimeOut Istanbul 2008 “Best Service”, Gecce Oscars 2007-2008 “Best Mediterranean Cuisine”, Gusto magazine’s “Best Wine List” awards and making it into the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler magazine. A fusion of Mediterranean and Ottoman delicacies, Topaz’s menu is transformed into a journey across the culinary traditions of Mediterranean countries by the top chefs invited to the Topaz kitchen. Its rich wine menu includes over 200 exclusive wines, about 40 of which is served by the glass,

that complement this universal cuisine and the traditional Turkish dishes. At the Topaz bar and lounge “tapas a la topaz” can be enjoyed as a light snack at the end of the day, welcoming patrons to relax with a cocktail and to enjoy the latest music from around the world. Onion soup with duck chunks, shrimps sautéed with anise, beetroot and green pea puree, quail ravioli, beef rib and vegetable risotto and mascarpone stuffed pears in red wine are some of the delicacies you may wish to experience at this exquisite restaurant while enjoying its stunning views.

November & December 2009

SEAFOOD: Fishmekan

If you’re searching for a fish restaurant where the Bosphorus views are unobstructed, the food is delicious and the service is top notch, Fishmekan may be just the place for you. A local favourite, Fishmekan has been serving customers since 2003 in its two-storey Arnavütköy location. The restaurant’s decor is modern and simple where the “upper deck” has unrivalled views of the sea and the “lower deck” offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Total seating capacity is 160, reservations required and available online at Rezztoran.com.

GEORGIAN, VEGETARIAN & WORLD CUISINE: Maya & Kay’s Kitchen

In Maya (from Georgia) and Kay ‘s (from England/Singapore) kitchen, where from chilli sauces to jams and bread, almost everything is home made. Maya & Kay’s Kitchen have already made their plans for the Holiday season and reservations are required. • The Thanksgiving Night menu will include baked onion tart served with sweet beetroot chutney, nut stuffed Roasted Turkey roll with gravy and apple sauce, garlic creamed potatoes, sautéed leeks in herb butter, carrots in balsamic vinegar and honey as well as pumpkin pie & pecan pie with ice-cream. Cost is 45TL per person, including a glass of wine. • The Christmas Menu will have two sittings at noon and 20:00 on December 25th. Menu will include a salmon starter such as choux balls with salmon crème, turkey with the trimmings, Christmas pudding and mince pies… details to be finalized soon. • The Night Before Christmas Menu will be different and include a goats cheese soufflé starter followed by lamb or beef with all the trimmings and finally Christmas chocolate log. For all set meals there is always a vegetarian option and the cost is 55TL including one glass of wine. Maya & Kay’s Kitchen is also available for outside catering and especially during the festive season any orders for Christmas cakes must be given with prior notice. 10% discount for IWI members. Please show your membership card.

SCANDINAVIAN & MEDITERRANEAN: Mikla

With Mikla, Istanbul Food & Beverage Group’s goal is to really stretch “customer’s senses” to their upper limits by combining quality food and beverage with the elements of exquisitely relaxing design and distinguished music. It is a Mediterranean restaurant with a clear emphasis on Istanbul and Scandinavia. Mikla offers a perfect opportunity to those who want to experience the contemporary Istanbul lifestyle in the heart of the old city. Designed after a visionary “Multidimensional Outdoor Living Space” concept, Mikla comprises an indoor 100 seat restaurant and bar, a 140 seat outdoor restaurant located on two separate terraces, an addiitonal level with a stunning bar on a third terrace and a rooftop pool. It resides on the two top floors of The Marmara Pera Hotel, in the historic Pera region of Istanbul, including a birdseye view of the main historical peninsula, the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Among its many awards, Mikla has been selected to the prestigious 2006 Conde Nast Traveller Hot Tables List as one of the 82 new elite restaurants worldwide.

THAI: Pera Thai

Pera Thai was founded in 2001 and housed in a late 19th century building aimed at serving tasty, authentic Thai food in Thaiinspired surroundings. Decor is tastefully light where the dominating whites nicely complement the original art nouveau ceiling frescoes, wooden floors, cream walls and artful lighting. The staff is friendly and the recipes are prepared with only the freshest ingredients by Thai women chefs without any preservatives. Also adhering to the Thai cultural tradition, all meals are served “family style”. Pera Thai is a “Thai Select” restaurant awarded by the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand. This prestigious award is only given to 250 restaurants worldwide that best represent the Thai cuisine and culture. It has also been named The Best Oriental Restaurant in 2004 amongst its many awards.

MEXICAN: Picante

Picante has its origins in Bodrum where it was first established as a bar and grill restaurant in 1993. The word means hot and spicy in Spanish. While Latin and Tex-Mex styles have a predominance, the style of Picante also reveals influences from other regions, and as such its founder, Hakan Arat, calls it "Latin / Borderline cuisine". Since its first opening, Picante has been noticed and honored by both the ambassadors of Mexico and other Mexican institutions. At Picante, typical icons and objects seen in a standard Mexican setting, such as sombreros, cacti, mariachis, piñatas, and chilli peppers, are employed in a totally different manner. Thus, it looks much more minimalist, but still quite Latin. Frozen margaritas, micheladas, and jello shots have been first introduced to Turkey by Picante, which also features a unique stance to music: noncommercial versions of all genres including Latin and judiciously picked varieties of electronica. At Picante Tünel, set lunch menus are designed for business people to have a quick Latin food fix.

OTTOMAN: Tuğra Restaurant, Çırağan Palace Kempinski

The award-winning Tuğra Restaurant, famous for its refined classical Turkish and Ottoman Cuisine welcomes its guests in the Ottoman style decoration with special motifs of clove and tulip in beige, blue and Brown inside the famed Çırağan Palace Kempinski Hotel. Tuğra delivers a truly memorable dining experience with its own bar, exceptional wine cellar and a stellar menu which includes the recipes and eating habits of the Sultans who once lived at the Çırağan Palace. And during summer months guests can enjoy the summer terrace overlooking the magnificient Bosphorus. Its authentic menu includes Lamb Külbasti, Testi Kebab and many more that will make guests crave for more… After coffee, the traditional candy stick trolley “Macun” rolls by just like in the old days. 10% discount to all IWI members during the Holiday Season - reserve through Rezztoran.com.

SUSHI/JAPANESE: Mori

Turkey’s first sushi restaurant, Mori has been serving sushi enthusiasts for 9 years inside the Mayadrom shopping center in Akatlar and inside Süzer Plaza in Gümüşsuyu/Taksim. The restaurant’s decor is inspired by fusion / zen style and suitable for many occasions including business lunches, after shopping trips or weekends after the movies… The minimalist style has a calming effect in this Japanese restaurant. The chefs are from Japan and the fish is purchased from Turkey’s largest Japanese fish importer. Sushi is prepared upon customer order at the sushi bar and the way it is served on the sushi platter is an art of its own. Those who are not sushi fans will have plenty of other Japanese cuisine options that they will surely like such as miso soup, spring rolls and tempura. November & December 2009

IPWIN

interest groups

IPWIN ( International Professional Women of Istanbul Network) We’ve had a great start to the year with around 60 new members signing up and a fabulous opening cocktail party at the British Consulate Ballroom. Once again, we must thank Consul General, Jessica Hand for allowing us to use such a prestigious facility and Deputy Consul General, Sarah Mooney, for making us all feel so welcome. Judging by the noise level, there was a lot of networking taking place ! We’ve a number of events coming up including: October 21st: a networking event for those in the education field. November 12th: Social Media: What is it and how can you use it professionally ? We’ve also had a large number of requests on how to find work in Turkey and so we will be repeating one of our seminars from last year on that subject. For those who came last year, we’ll make sure there is lots of new information for you to take away. Times and locations will be sent by e-mail and will be posted on the IWI website under IPWIN. We are introducing regular networking events where you can share advice, information, contacts and market your skills and wares. Martha Hooper has kindly volunteered to host one of these events on the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm. The venue is Vogue in Besiktas Plaza (directions can be found at www.istanbuldoors.com/en/). There is no need to rsvp to these meetings - just show up! There are individual bills for each person so you can spend as much or as little as you want. Finally, there are a lot of e-mails that are bouncing back because the e-mail address can’t be clearly deciphered. If you are not getting e-mails, please contact me at kate@iwi-tr.org so I can check your e-mail address. The same goes for anyone who want to join IPWIN - we’d love to have you. Best wishes, Kate

November & December 2009

Book Club

interest groups

October Meeting

tion and the use of language and felt rewarded for the effort. We awarded it 4.5*.

The two books we chose for summer reading could not have been more different - Middlemarch by George Eliot and The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. Photo by: Elaine Graham

The White Tiger

Aravind Adiga won the Mann Booker Prize in 2008 with this, his first novel., which is set in modern India. It is told in the first person in a series of letters to the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao by a low caste Indian man, Balram, an entrepreneur in Bangalore. In the first chapter he describes his background in a poor village and that he is a fugitive from the police. The reason for this is revealed at the end of the chapter. By the end of the book he has described how he committed his crime. The whole book constitutes a confession. Some of us thought this novel was irreverent and disloyal (to India). Others described it as superficial and, unlike Middlemarch, instantly forgettable. However it was a quick, easy read and entertaining and was awarded 3.5*. Autumn/Winter Books In Quest of a Homeland by Yousof Mamoor The Glass Room by Simon Mawer The Ancestor’s Game by Alex Miller Brooklyn by Colm Toibin Book Club 1 coordinator: Lesley Tahtakılıç tahtakilic@superonline.com

Middlemarch

This very long novel by the Victorian author George Eliot (born Mary Ann Evans) is generally acknowledged to be one of the greatest novels in English literature. As with many other 19th century novels it largely concerns courtship and marriage. We follow the romantic fortunes of several people of the working, middle and upper middle classes in the English Midlands around 1830. Dorothea, a highly intelligent wealthy young woman makes a loveless marriage to the fusty middle aged clergyman Casaubon. Frustrated by the very narrow choices available to her in life, she sees this marriage as a means to use her intellectual powers in helping him in his work on a book, a dry tome called The Key to All Mythologies. Her sister Celia, more conventional and more sensible, marries an attractive baronet for love. The idealistic young doctor Lydgate is entrapped into marriage with the vain, selfish, social climbing Rosamond. Plain, practical Mary Garth is courted by Rosamond’s irresponsible but likeable brother. These relationships are played out against a backdrop of political, economic and social change in rural England. Some of us found the book daunting, the length of it and the denseness of parts of the text, and were unable to finish it. Those who did read it were generally impressed by the characterizaNovember & December 2009

Photo Gallery - Market Days Project Coordinator: Elaine Graham

Mojca Androjna

Alexa Orr

Mariette Rijnsdorp

Elaine Graham

Linda Caldwell

Mojca Androjna

Elaine Graham

Cathy Bui

Linda Caldwell

Jennifer Odlum

Alexa Orr

“It’s difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.” Lewis Grizzard

Jennifer Odlum

Mariette Rijnsdorp

Jennifer Odlum

Sophie Greiveldinger

mums ‘n kids

interest groups

Mums ‘n Kids Announcements Dearest Mums, Happy Holidays to all our IWI Mums and their families. We are happy to announce “Attachment Parenting International”, a worldwide non-profit parent support group, is coming to Turkey and being offered for the first time to IWI members. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to learn how to develop secure, peaceful and enduring relationships with your child to last a lifetime. Jump start your holiday shopping this season at Christmas Bazaar. Bring your child and come visit our Mums ‘N Kids Korner, on the upper level next to the food court. This year GYMBOREE, a world leader in child activity centers, is our sponsor so we guarantee a good time. The dining tables surrounding Kids’ Korner will be reserved for parents with children. While visiting Kids’ Korner, children must be supervised by a responsible adult. And, of course, Santa will be coming for hugs, Christmas wish lists and “on spot” printing of photos with your child. In December just before holiday mania takes over, make plans to bring your entire family to our Christmas “Jingle Bell Rock” Brunch to mix and mingle with friends as we cheer the upcoming New Year 2010 together. We wish everyone a joyous and memorable holiday season with family and friends. Remember take time daily to hug your children, look them in the eye and let them know just how much you love and appreciate them. Simply tell them your favorite thing in the world is spending time with them.

The Mums ‘N Kids Team Jolie Turkmen

jolie@iwi-tr.org

0532 501 56 86

Julia Steils Paçacıoğlu

julia@fullcirclehealing.org 0537 435 55 52

Mary Tahincioğlu

littleangel1981@aol.com

0533 413 45 88

For the following (3) programs, educational birth classes and reservations, contact Julia Steils Paçacıoğlu at julia@fullcirclehealing.org or 0537 435 55 52. Additional information will follow in e-newsletter. 1) BIRTH STORY WORKSHOP Birth Story Workshop provides a safe space for mothers who have had a difficult or traumatic birth or postpartum experience to work in intimate groups, learning how to “re-frame” their birth stories, allowing much needed healing and forgiveness to take place. In these times of highly medicalized birth experiences, women may come away feeling victimized by the process. Many of these women suffer in silence believing that they are alone in their feelings of grief and powerlessness. Discover how your story affects your experience, how you are the hero of your journey and how you can heal the wounds of victimization. Date, Time and Location : November, TBA Fee

50 TL per participant including all course materials

November & December 2009

mums ‘n kids 2) CPR FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN COURSE The idea of having to act should your child have an accident is not something most parents want to think about. Participation in a CPR course gives you the confidence to respond appropriately should an unforeseen incident occur. This course provides handson practice in CPR (heart massage) and choking maneuvers for children 0 – 8 years old. We will also discuss ways to prevent choking, SIDS, drowning and other accidents which can lead to heart failure in infants and children. Date, Time and Location : December, TBA 50 TL per participant including all : course materials and handouts as well as snacks

Fee

3) FIRST AID FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN Although accidents are a part of growing up for children, knowledge of first aid can help prevent or quickly treat many of them. In this course, we will discuss how to make your home child-friendly, accident prevention and the causes of common accidents of childhood. We will have hands-on practice of first aid techniques for each incident discussed.

interest groups 3) 18 – 36 MONTHS PLAYGROUP A playgroup for our active toddlers. When

: Tuesdays

Time

: 10 AM – 12 PM

Location

Fee

: Free

Co-ordinator:

Leslee Basaga at lbasaga@gmail.com or : 0533 462 25 65 and Sabiha Amarsi at sabiha@amarsi.ca or 0534 226 50 43

Parks, children’s centers and other fun places

4) ASIAN SIDE 6 – 24 MONTHS PLAYGROUP Meeting weekly for our Asian-side infants and toddlers. When

: Wednesdays

Time

: 10 AM – 12 PM

Location

: Rotating turns at mums’ homes

Fee

: Free

Co-ordinator: :

Aischa Erten at aischa@erten.net or 0532 324 27 39

Date, Time and Location : December, TBA 50 TL per participant including all course materials and handouts as : well as snacks. First aid kits will be available for 30 TL.

Fee

IWI MUMS ‘N KIDS WEEKLY MEETINGS AND TODDLER PLAY GROUPS 1) PREGNANT MUMS & NEWBORNS 0 – 6 MONTHS OF EUROPE AND ASIA Julia Steils Paçacioglu, a doula and massage therapist, coordinates weekly meetings for pregnant mums and infants up to 6 months of age. An opportunity to meet other mums, share the joys and trials of motherhood and create a support network. When

Tuesdays in Europe 10 AM – 12 PM, Thurs: days in Asia 3 - 5 PM.

Location

: Rotating turns at mums’ homes

Fee

: Free

Co-ordinator

Julia Steils Paçacıoğlu at julia@fullcirclehealing.org or 0537 435 55 52

2) 6 – 18 MONTHS PLAYGROUP A playgroup for our non-walking and early walking toddlers. When

: Tuesdays

Time

: 10 – 12 PM

Location

: Rotating turns at mums’ homes

Fee

: Free

5) SUPPORT GROUP FOR MUMS OF SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN A support group for mums with special needs children. For information, contact our coordinator Debbie Sainte Rose at debbiesainterose@yahoo.com or 0531 769 13 68. NEW 6) ATTACHMENT PARENTING INTERNATIONAL GROUP (API) “Attachment Parenting” is a philosophy based on the practice of nurturing methods to create strong emotional bonds between infants and parents. This style of parenting encourages responsiveness to the infant or child’s emotional needs and develops trust that their emotional needs will be met. As a result, this strong attachment helps the child develop secure, empathic, peaceful and enduring relationships. API is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization networking with parents and professionals around the world. The aim is to help parents find the support, information, guidance and empowerment they need. API support group is coming to Turkey and is being offered to IWI members. Meetings will be once a month in homes or other locations. Membership is free; however API suggests a yearly membership fee of $35 to support the organization. Any parents with children 0 – 3 years old can participate. There will be babysitting services available during the meetings. For more information, contact Nilufer Devecigil at ndevecigil@ hotmail.com , API’s official group leader for Turkey.

Christy Carty at christycarty@gmail.com or Co-ordinator: : 0533 416 88 76 and Petria Cox at petria_h@hotmail.com or 0543 783 86 04 November & December 2009

mums ‘n kids INTERNATIONAL PRE-SCHOOLS & CENTERS’ PLAY GROUPS

interest groups 7) GYMBOREE, LEVENT www.gymboreeturkey.com Features TWO exciting playgroup options: (1) A weekly “free play” including coffee or a drink for mums.

1)BOSPHORUS INTERNATIONAL PRE-SCHOOL (BIP), EMIRGAN www.bipschools.net Teacher organized activity, song circle time and half an hour of garden play (weather permitting). Coffee, tea, milk and cookies provided. When

: Tuesdays

Time

: 10 – 11:30 AM

Fee

: Free

Age group

: 0 – 3 years of age

Co-ordinator and Ms. Colette Laffan-Persembe at cpersem: reservations: be@bipschool.net or 0212 277 84 44. 2) BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (BIS), ZEKERIYAKOY AND ETILER Tuesdays and Thursdays in Zekeriyakoy and Mondays and Fridays in Etiler

Days and locations

Time

: 9 – 11 AM (both campuses)

Fee

Age group

: 0 – 2 1/2 years of age

Co-ordinator and reservations:

Mrs. Amanda Ilhan, Preschool and Primary Deputy Director at : amandailhan@bis.k12.tr or 0212 202 70 27, ext. 116

10 TL per session

www.bis.k12.tr Indoor and outdoor garden play (weather permitting) followed by snack and music time. Known adult to stay and supervise child. 6) EDEN’S GARDEN INTERNATIONAL PRE-SCHOOL, YENIKÖY www.edensgardenpreschool.com Teacher supervised song and story time along with activities in the dance room, ceramics studio, or garden (weather permitting). Know adult must supervise child. Bring soft slippers. Organizes birthday parties.

When

: Mondays

Time

: 2:30 – 4:30 PM

Fee

: 10 TL per session

Age group

: 0 - 5 years

(2) A weekly “Play and Learn” 45 minute class in English and Turkish at a group rate discount including food, beverage and free play. Days, Times and age group: Wednesdays 1:30 PM for 0 – 6 month olds Thursdays 2 PM for 6 – 10 month olds Wednesdays 10 AM or 3:30 PM or Saturdays 9:30 AM for 10–16 month olds Fridays 10 AM or Wednesdays 4:30 PM for 16 – 22 month olds Tuesdays 10:30 AM for 22 – 28 month olds Tuesdays 11:15 AM for 28 – 36 month olds (More classes available with Music. Call for additional class schedule) Fee

30 TL (cash price) per class, 4 week minimum for groups of 5

Ms. Esra Tasar at Co-ordinator and : esratasar@gymboreeturkey.com reservations (preferred) or 0212 282 76 66 Co-ordinator and : 0 - 5 years reservations 5) WOODSVIEW INTERNATIONAL NURSERY & PRE-SCHOOL, TARABYA www.woodsviewpreschool.com Indoor and garden play (weather permitting) followed by snack time. Coffee, tea and biscuits for mums. Known adult to stay with child. When

: Wednesdays

Time

: 10 AM – 12 PM

Fee

: Free

When

: Thursdays

Age group

: 0 - 3 years

Time

: 9:30 – 11:30 AM

Fee

: 15 TL per session

Coordinator and reservations

Ms. Sharon Harding at sharon@woods: viewpreschool.com or 0212 299 39 06 (-67 65)

Age group

: 0 - 3 years

Co-ordinator and Ms. Christina Heath at director@edens: reservations: gardenpreschool.com or 0212 262 43 02

THE MUMS ‘N KIDS TEAM ORGANIZES ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO ENJOY AND WE NEED TO REMIND YOU THAT YOU OR ANYONE THAT YOU SEND YOUR CHILD WITH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY. IWI CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSBILITY FOR INJURY OR EXTRA COST INCURRED DURING ANY ACTIVITY.

November & December 2009

mums ‘n kids

interest groups

Nourishing Beginnings by Julia Steils Paçacıoğlu, CMT, CIIM, Doula

Nutrition is usually high on the list of priorities for pregnant women and new mothers. As with many topics relating to health, it can often be difficult to get clear information on what should be eaten and in what quantities. Many pregnant women are reduced to meticulous nutrient-counting, and breastfeeding women are often concerned about what foods to avoid to prevent gas. It may be helpful to begin with understanding what each nutrient does, and the best sources for obtaining it. However, as with all things in life, finding a balance that works for you and your family is the key.

Nutrient

Needed For

Protein

cell growth and blood lean meat, fish, poultry, production egg whites legumes lean meat, fish, poultry, egg whites legumes

Carbohydrates

daily energy production

breads, cereals, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruits, vegetables

Calcium

strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, nerve function

milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines or salmon with bones

Iron

red blood cell production (needed to prevent anemia)

lean red meat, spinach and other leafy greens, liver, iron-fortified whole-grain breads and cereals

Vitamin A

healthy skin, good eyesight, growing bones

carrots, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes

Vitamin C

healthy gums, teeth, citrus fruit, broccoli, tomaand bones; assistance toes, fortified fruit juices with iron absorption

Vitamin B6

red blood cell formation; effective use of protein, fat, and carbohydrates

whole-grain cereals, potato cooked in its skin, bananas, garbanzo beans

Vitamin B12

formation of red blood cells, maintaining nervous system health

meat, fish, poultry, milk (Note: vegetarians who don’t eat dairy products need supplemental B12)

Vitamin D

healthy bones and teeth; aids absorption of calcium

fortified milk, dairy products, cereals and breads; the sun!

Folic acid

blood and protein production, effective enzyme function, prevents neural tube defects

green leafy vegetables, dark yellow fruits and vegetables, beans, peas, nuts

Fat

body energy stores

meat, whole-milk dairy products, nuts, peanut butter, margarine, vegetable oils (Note: limit fat intake to 30% or less of your total daily calorie intake)

Omega 3

builds brain cells, develops the nervous system and forms the retina; also helps prevent pre-eclampsia, postpartum depression and preterm labor for you

oily fish such as sardines, mackerel and salmon; leafy green vegetables; fish, canola, flax seed and sunflower oils; walnuts

Two important habits I encourage in new mothers are:

Eat a colourful diet.

Aim to have foods of several different colours on your plate at each meal. This of course does not mean the wide rainbow of jelly beans or lokum! Even if you can’t quite succeed each time, the awareness of your food will guide the way you eat in the long run. A vibrantly colourful plate also looks appealing, which can be helpful on those tired, nauseous days, or days when baby has just brought you to your limit. By eating foods from varied ranges of colour, you also ensure that you are getting a well-rounded balance of vitamins and minerals without having to count them out. As your children get older, it can become an enjoyable and valuable ritual to prepare lovely plates of food together.

Eat peacefully.

The nutrients your body absorbs from the foods you eat are directly related to the process of digestion. If you are regularly eating on the go, the stomach and intestines do not have the opportunity to digest food as well as possible, putting valuable nutrients to waste. Make at least one meal a day a special one. Sit down in a peaceful place, alone or with your family, have some pleasant music or enjoy the silence, and prepare to spend time eating your meal fully. Be aware of the food you are eating, and give thanks to the earth, or to god, or to the people who farmed and transported this food to you. You will likely notice that your digestion, energy, and overall well-being improve by this simple act. I have had more than one client with suspected intra-uterine growth retardation (the baby does not gain enough weight while in the womb) find success in increasing weight gain through this practice. It has also been helpful to frazzled new mothers who feel that they don’t have a single moment for themselves, and who may be on the road to malnutrition. Following these two basic principles, it becomes more relaxing to plan meals for a healthy mom and baby. Now, for those of you who prefer some more hard-core facts, let’s begin with where that 11-16 kilos (on average) gained in pregnancy goes to: 3.4kg – average baby’s weight 3kg – your body’s extra stored protein, fat and other nutrients 1.8kg – your extra blood 1.8kg – your other extra body fluids 1kg – breast growth 1kg – growth of the uterus 1kg – amniotic fluid surrounding your baby 680g – your placenta

Best Sources

...and how what you eat supports this growth and development... November & December 2009

These same nutritional needs continue into breastfeeding, especially the need for Omega 3 as baby’s brain grows and develops millions of new neural connections. As far as foods to avoid in pregnancy, the old standards are raw animal products of any kind, unpasteurized cheeses, large fish such as swordfish, shellfish and large quantities of alcohol and caffeine (the occasional serving here and there will not damage the baby, but regular consumption of either product can cause moderate to severe problems for mother and baby). There are no set foods one must avoid while breastfeeding. If you are not experiencing any problems with baby’s gas, then eat whatever you wish. However, if you suspect that your diet could be contributing to your child’s digestive troubles, you may begin by singling out one food group at a time. For example, eliminate dairy (a common culprit) from your diet for 10 days. After 10 days, try reintroducing dairy. If you notice no significant difference, try eliminating the brassicas (cabbage, broccolli, etc.) for 10 days; then try wheat, legumes, onions, tomatoes and so on, one at a time. This method allows you to keep eating any common gas culprits which are not affecting your child while determining what actually is causing the problem. It’s hard enough getting a balanced diet as new mother—no need to eliminate options unnecessarily! By relaxing, being aware of your food, and enjoying nourishing yourself and your baby, you will go a long way to building a positive relationship with diet for your whole family. Resources: www.drsearslean.com | www.pregtastic.com www.nhmrc.gov.au/PUBLICATIONS/synopses

GOING OUT TO EAT WITH THE KIDS IN ISTANBUL By Mary Tahincioglu

Didn’t make dinner tonight? No babysitter? Want a family dinner out? Yes, most restaurants are child friendly but the following restaurants will have your child having fun while they eat or having fun while YOU eat! Develi Restaurant Vedat Gunyol Caddesi, No: 9 Küçükbakkalköy 0216 575 68 68 Founded in 1912. Fantastic kebabs. Large playroom with trained professionals watching the children. You can sit back and relax with a raki as the kids run wild in the playarea. Kasibeyaz Restaurant Senlikköy, Catal Sokak, No: 17 Florya 0212 663 28 90 Features playstation! Be careful, you might lose your husband at dinner. Care providers watch the children while you have your meal. Great kid’s menu. Sahan Barbaros Mahallesi, Halk Caddesi, No: 12 Kadıköy 0216 315 36 36 From playdough to riding cars, great playroom for kids. Clowns or animators play with the children. Zuzu Cafe

Yazmaci Tahir Sokak, No: 30 Bostanci 0216 361 32 52 Educational toys along with fun. Caters specifically to youngsters. It’s more of a play cafe than just a restaurant. Rainforest Cafe Istinye Park Mall 0212 345 62 62 Chain restaurant from the US. Jungle of fun and excitement for kids. With animals coming to life and thunderstorms, your child will have a great time and meal. Try the fajitas. Several large fish tanks surrounded by great decor and atmosphere. Also celebrates birthday parties. Sapkali Kadin Maya Residence. Arnavutköy Yolu, No: 5 Etiler Mohini Children’s Shopping and Activity Center Cute cafe. It’s hard keeping your child seated as so much awaits them in Mohini. Service is so quick that while your child makes a few pictures with crayons, the meal arrives and they finish it in no time.

THE FOLLOWING MALLS OFFER PLACES WHERE CARE PROVIDERS WATCH AND PLAY WITH YOUR CHILD WHILE YOU SHOP OR EAT:

1)Palladium Shopping Mall

Brand new Asian side mall. Children’s playden on the top floor. You can leave your child (must be 3 years and older). Trampoline, ball pit, play gym, arts and crafts corner and plenty of fun toys and games. Here are a few suggestions for places to eat while your child plays. For sit down restaurants: • Polonez Restaurant. Top floor. Cool decor with large menu. Beautiful terrace with great food. • Cook Shop. Mid floor. Cute and casual. Small but satisfying menu. Great view inside the dome. • Kitchenette. Ground floor. Large menu. Modern day diner. • Midpoint. Ground floor. Large menu. Great atmosphere. Here are a few food court suggestions: Ramiz Kofte, Gunaydin, Tandoori, Sushico and Döner de Döner. Try Ozsüt for dessert.

2)Istinye Park

Has everything, a great design and great shopping. In the kids’ amusement area, Nese Erberk opened “Joyful House” where you can leave your kids to play while you shop or eat. Some suggestions for sit down dining: • Go Mongo. Mongolian BBQ. Create your own dish from the raw bar. They cook it and bring it to your table. Outside terrace. If you are hungry, go for the “all you can eat”. • Rainforest Cafe. (mentioned above) • Masa. Trendy cafe located in the outdoor circle surrounded by upscale stores. A real to-be-seen type of place with great food. • Borsa. Entrance from the outdoor circle. Great classic Turkish food. • Food court picks: Kasikla, Gunaydin and Popeyes Chicken

3)Cevahir Mall

A kids’ wonderland. Indoor amusement park and roller coaster. Features “Joyful House” where you can leave your children under supervision while your shop or eat. Food court is massive with many choices but I always stick to one... Johnny Rockets – Favorite old American style diner. Hands down the best hamburger in town! November & December 2009

mums ‘n kids

interest groups

Misir Çarşısı

An Ode to “The Kissing Hand”

By Caroline McLaughlin

by Audrey Penn

You can combine tourism, shopping and cooking with the kids in one visit to the Spice Bazaar. This is one of the oldest bazaars in Istanbul. It is part of the New Mosque complex (Yeni Camii) and when it was first opened in the 1660s it was called the New Bazaar. In the Ottoman era, traders would travel along the Silk Road and sell new and exotic spices they had bought from their countries to stall owners in the New Bazaar.

I was very touched by a recent book I discovered, “The Kissing Hand” as I was preparing myself for my daughter’s first day of nursery school ...

History The bazaar was filled with spices imported from Egypt and it was built with money paid as duty on Egyptian imports so people started to call it the Misir Çarşısı (Egyptian Bazaar). Today it is referred to as both the Spice Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar. It is the second largest covered bazaar in the city after the Grand Bazaar. People travelled from all over Istanbul to buy their exotic spices from the Spice Bazaar. Over time, new and different spices from all over the Middle East and Eurasia became part of Ottoman cuisine and are still used in modern Turkish cooking today. At one time, the Spice Market only sold spices but now the stalls sell a wide variety of goods that can be found all over Istanbul. Interesting Facts The colour and smells of the bazaar are very attractive to children. The stores are happy for you to look but be prepared for the persistent salesmen who have a line for everyone. Try and encourage the children to taste some of the different varieties of nuts and Turkish delight that are sold at the stalls. Turkish delight (lokum) comes in a variety of flavours. The most traditional are rose, lemon and pistachio (fistik). At the stall Pazaari ask for cift fistik lokum (double pistachio) and the white chocolate pistachio clusters. If you would like to encourage the children to try different spices, make a shopping list and buy cumin, mint, oregano, sweet paprika, ground black pepper and hot paprika. Use this to make up the köfte spice mix below and cook up some delicious köfte for dinner.

Poor little Chester, the racoon, it’s time for him to go off to school and he doesn’t want to leave his mother. Mother knew that Chester will love school once he gets there. There’ll be new friends to meet, new toys to play with, new books to read and even a new swing to swing on. So she tells him a special secret that’s been in the family for years, the “kissing hand”. She takes his little hand, spreads the fingers and places a kiss right in the middle of his palm. “Chester felt his mother’s kiss rush from his hand, up his arm, and into his heart.” Now when he feels lonely and needs a little love from home, he can press his hand against his cheek and know his mother’s love will be with him. Chester was so happy about his kissed hand that just before he scampered off to school, he turned to give his mother the “kissing hand” too, to comfort her when he is away. This book is highly recommended for a child entering school or any occasion where a child will be separated from home or loved ones. It can also be used to help a child through the death of a loved one. It’s a must read for every parent who has a nursery school to a college-bound child. I know I sure appreciate my children turning to give me a “kissing hand” every morning when we wait for their school bus. Interestingly, I am the one with tears in my eyes as I miss them so much when they leave ... By Jolie Turkmen (The Proud Mother of Alek and Kyra)

Kofte Spice Mix 1/3 cup ground cumin, 1/3 cup dried mint, 1/3 cup dried oregano, 2 tablespoons sweet paprika, 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons hot paprika. Mix the spices thoroughly and store in a jar for up to 3 months. Mix 1 tablespoon spice mix with mince and make into köftes. Grill until cooked.

November & December 2009

mums ‘n kids