Far Eastern Turkey - Day 7
On the way home
This is the motley crew with which we traveled in the far eastern wilds of Turkey.
On the way home
Fish farming in a recent dam-formed lake.
On the way home - Malatya
In Malatya we visit one of many apricot shops. Malatya is famous for its apricots.
On the way home - Malatya
So many choices! Larry stands behind the apricot "atoms," one of which we share.
On the way home - Malatya
Ellen looks for (and eventually finds) the amazing chocolate covered apricot treats.
On the way home - Malatya
Filling time before departure, Larry, Ellen, Doris and Gisela (taking picture) enjoy a cup of tea.
On the road home - Karatay Han
We wait outside the elaborate portal to this beautifully preserved caravanserai while Onur seeks the keeper of the key.
On the road home - Karatay Han
Looking out of the prayer room into the inn's courtyard.
On the road home - Karatay Han
We enter one of the small, private sleeping chambers.
On the road home - Karatay Han
This 13th century caravanserai is well preserved.
On the road home - Karatay Han
The sign says "caravanserai," but Onur says that's not quite true, it's really an inn (han). I'm not sure of the difference.
On the road home - Karatay Han
We never figured out what this large raised platform was for.
On the road home - Karatay Han
Beautiful arcade along the central courtyard
On the road home - Karatay Han
This structure has unusually elaborate decorative motifs. Most Seljuk inns are stark in design.
On the road home - Karatay Han
On the road home - Karatay Han
The local residents are curious if not particularly friendly.
Far Eastern Turkey - Day 6
Van - Nemrut Lake, Crater
ISS001-E-6354 NASA image. Image courtesty of the Image Science & Analysis Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center.
Van - Nemrut Lake, Crater
After landing from space, we look down on this amazing volcanic crater.
Van - Nemrut Lake, Crater
Snow in June
Van - Nemrut Lake, Crater
Our German friends; Gisela is on the far left. These are her images (except for the satellite shot)
Van - Nemrut Lake, Crater
We drive our space vehicle right into the crater!
Van - Nemrut Lake, Crater
Yesterday's Hurriyet (Aug. 24, 2010) newspaper states that this volcano is likely to erupt again. Gak!
Van - Nemrut Lake, Crater
Since the last eruption was in the 15th century, though, we feel safe.
Van - Nemrut Lake, Crater
The crater's dimensions are enormous: 10 km. circumferance; 3-4 km. diameter. (is this math right?)
Van - Nemrut Lake, Crater
At 9,000 feet, the sun's strong up here, despite the snow on the rim.
Van - Nemrut Lake, Crater
We search for the hot spring, evidence that the volcano is still alive below the lake.
Van - Nemrut Lake, Crater
Really, now. Does this look like we're inside a volcano?
Van - Nemrut Lake, Crater
Larry and Onur contemplate that and other questions of geology.
Van - Nemrut Lake, Crater
The others confer; there is little consensus.
Bitlis - Ihlasiye Medresesi
This 16th century educational center is now used as contemporary municipal offices for the charming town of Bitlis.
Bitlis
Next to the municipal center, a rock music festival entertains local school children at 10:30 in the morning!
Bitlis
"Bitlis Belediyesi" means "Bitlis municipal center."
Bitlis
Some of these rock fans are pretty young.
Bitlis
And some are kind of old.
Elazig - Harput Castle
We stood on top of these scary walls. Originally a Urartian castle, these ruins are more recent.
Elazig - Harput Castle
Some need further strengthening.
Elazig - Harput Castle
View from the top, amid the ruins of a 12 century mosque.
Elazig - Harput Castle
It's a steep drop to the right.
Elazig - Harput Castle
First Urartians, later Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans used this fortress. Excavations began in 2005.
Elazig - Harput Castle
Onur has his hands full keeping us informed of the multiple civilizations that occupied these lands.
Elazig - Harput Castle
The highest ruins are from medieval times.
Elazig - Harput Castle
Elazig - Harput Castle
One visitor wears chador, something we only occasionally see in Turkey.
Elazig - Harput Castle
Elazig - Harput Castle
The castle is now a museum.
Elazig - Harput
The "Ulu Camii," or Great Mosque is one of the oldest in Anatolia, built 1156-1157.
Elazig - Harput
The mosque is known for its leaning minaret and the beautiful 1000 year old courtyard in the previous photo.
Elazig
Our last hotel was another 5-star one, but a big disappointment. Food was so so, music was outrageously loud. But the company was great.
Elazig
Many thanks to Gisela (front, left) for sharing her pictures with us.
Far Eastern Turkey - Day 5
Van - Museum
In 1998, thirteen of these stelae were found by a farmer in the small town of Hakkari, in the southeast corner of Turkey.
Van - Museum
Nothing like these had ever before been found in Anatolia.
Van - Museum
Every stele depicts the upper portion only of a human figure, never the legs, and always clutching a drinking vessel.
Van - Museum
We ponder the meaning of these unusual ancient sculptures from the 15th to 11th century B.C.E.
Van - Urartu Carpets & Kilims
This master weaver is creating an intricate silk carpet.
Van - Urartu Carpets & Kilims
Silk carpets have up to one million hand knots per meter.
Van - Urartu Carpets & Kilims
This looks like a large kilim.
Van - Urartu Carpets & Kilims
Some of the carpets are huge.
Van - Urartu Carpets & Kilims
Our carpet salesman is also a rock singer.
Van - Akdamar Island
We take the boat to Akdamar Island not far from the shore of Lake Van.
Van - Akdamar Island
We approach the island and catch a glimpse of the 10th century Armenian Church, our tour goal.
Van - Akdamar Island and Church of the Holy Cross
We approach the church and get the first glimpse of the elaborate sculpted vine encircling the structure.
Van - Akdamar Island and Church of the Holy Cross
A closer look reveals figures amidst the vine.
Van - Akdamar Island and Church of the Holy Cross
The lower reliefs depict warriors, saints, creatures and geometric designs.
Van - Akdamar Island and Church of the Holy Cross
The reliefs surround the building; they are amazing!
Van - Akdamar Island and Church of the Holy Cross
Entry
Van - Akdamar Island and Church of the Holy Cross
The interior frescoes are badly worn.
Van - Akdamar Island and Church of the Holy Cross
Many, though, are still fairly clear.
Van - Akdamar Island and Church of the Holy Cross
As we wait for the return boat trip, we take in the beauty of the island and the surrounding Lake Van.
Van - Akdamar Island and Church of the Holy Cross
Lunch on the beach is a huge affair. This is the view in one direction.
Old Ahlat City and Graveyard
We enter the 11th - 12th century Seljuk graveyard, tentatively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Old Ahlat City and Graveyard
These gravestones are like nothing we have ever seen before.
Old Ahlat City and Graveyard
Our group treads carefully among the long deceased citizens of Old Ahlat, near the northwest shore of Lake Van.
Old Ahlat City and Graveyard
Old Ahlat City and Graveyard
Old Ahlat City and Graveyard
These burial chambers formed a tumulus before excavation, and contained a king and his horse.
Old Ahlat City and Graveyard
Nearby is the Bayindir Kumbet, the burial place of the ruler of the White Sheep state.
Van - Refa Usta Cane Shop
We enter this handmade cane shop, where the master ("usta") carver makes and sells gorgeous wooden canes.
Van - Refa Usta Cane Shop
This carver works a lathe to produce one of these very special canes.
Van - Refa Usta Cane Shop
I regret not buying one of the finished canes (on the left). Bill Clinton did when he was here.
Far Eastern Turkey - Day 4
Ihsak Pasa Palace
On the road, as we approach the palace, we view part of the palace complex. These buildings are above the palace.
Ihsak Pasa Palace
A small mosque near the palace
Ishak Pasa Palace
The palace itself, built between 1685 and 1784, overlooks the province of Dogubeyazit.
Ihsak Pasa Palace
This doors to the Palace were once covered in gold leaf. They were removed by invading Russians in 1917 and brought to the Hermitage.
Ihsak Pasa Palace
View of a shepherd's cottage from the courtyard of the palace
Ihsak Pasa Palace
The stone details throughout the palace are gorgeous.
Ihsak Pasa Palace
A lot of renovation/preservation has occurred recently in this smaller version of a Topkapi-like administrative/residential center.
Ihsak Pasa Palace
Uh, oh. Are you sure you want to go there Larry?
Ihsak Pasa Palace
"Aaargh! Which way is out?"
Ihsak Pasa Palace
Back up in the sunshine, we view more beautiful stonework.
Ihsak Pasa Palace
We enter the harem, or living quarters.
Ihsak Pasa Palace
These cellars stored supplies, unlike the dungeons, which "stored" people.
Ihsak Pasa Palace
This small, ornate, "turbe" (tomb) sits in the main courtyard.
Ihsak Pasa Palace
Entryway from the courtyard to several of the palace's 366 rooms
Ihsak Pasa Palace
I couldn't resist this picture.
Ihsak Pasa Palace
Where are the books?
Ihsak Pasa Palace
Inside the palace mosque
Ihsak Pasa Palace
The tree of life adorns the interior of the mosque.
Ihsak Pasa Palace
Mihrab
Ihsak Pasa Palace
The intertwining vines remind me of Celtic art.
Ishak Pasa Palace
Another visitor takes a closer look.
Ihsak Pasa Palace
More spectacular ornamentation
Ishak Pasa Palace
Welcome pineapple
Ishak Pasa Palace
Ishak Pasa Palace
Ishak Pasa Palace
Arslan again
Ishak Pasa Palace
This palace is unusual in that it has a central heating system, running water, and sewage system.
Ishak Pasa Palace
For example . . .
Ishak Pasa Palace
The kitchens fed many, including the palace staff and peasants who relied on the palace's "soup kitchen."
Ishak Pasa Palace
Harem room, with view
Ishak Pasa Palace
Dining room
Ishak Pasa Palace
Dining room detail
Ishak Pasa Palace
After the tour, I investigate the nearby cemetery.
Ishak Pasa Palace
Last view from the bus as we leave the palace grounds
On the road to Van
As we ride by the border with Iran, we view a surreal volcanic moonscape that is typical of the area.
On the road to Van
We are at the same altitude as the snow in early June.
On the road to Van - Muradiye Waterfall
We cross a precarious, swinging bridge over a gorge and stream to reach the waterfall and a place to have tea.
On the road to Van - Muradiye Waterfall
Hang on! (Gisela's photo)
On the road to Van - Muradiye Waterfall
We made it across.
On the road to Van - Muradiye Waterfall
This picture of the pretty waterfall is the last I took before my camera broke for good. Sigh.
Van
Our first stop in Van is the 16th century mosque designed by Sinan, and renovated in 2007. Seen from atop the "Rock of Van."
Van
Inside the mosque, with new tiles and rugs.
Van
The ruins of a Turkish village, destroyed by Russians and Armenians in 1915, surround the mosque.
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
Originally a 2,500 year old Urartian fortress, it was added to by Assyrians, Byzantines, Seljuks, Ottamans, and other civilizations.
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
Some of us will climb to the top; others will sit for tea, including Gisela, who entrusts me with her camera.
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
The base is stone, the rest is mud brick.
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
As we climb, we get a good view of Lake Van.
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
Our first stop is a Urartian tomb. These cunieform inscriptions tell us there is a king buried inside the cave carved from the cliff we are on.
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
Inside the king's tomb. Is it Sarturi? Was he really buried there? As for the latter, no one is really sure.
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
Whoever (if anyone) was actually in this cliffside cave, their spirit climbed this stairway to the heavens.
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
Rain drain or sacrificial drain? No one is sure.
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
Was it rainwater or blood that spilled down the cliff through this drain?
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
This structure looks to me more recent than Urartian.
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
Larry tried to figure it out.
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
We descend through one of the fortress gates.
Van Kalesi, "The Rock of Van"
And leave the Rock of Van.
Far Eastern Turkey -- Day 3
Subatan memorial
Leaving Kars, we stop at a memorial to Subatan villagers who were killed by Armerians in 1918.
Subatan memorial
The Turkish/Armenian hostilities are complicated and span many generations.
Ani
Approaching Ani, our next major destination, we see villagers' sod huts abutting the ancient city walls.
Ani
This ancient Armenian capital city has a long history.
Ani
Ani
And the site is huge!
Ani
. . . with far too much to see in one day, but we do our best.
Ani
We enter through the city's ancient walls.
Ani
Our first view is of the off-limits fortress in the background and smaller buildings in the foreground.
Ani
We arrive in late spring, when the wildflowers are at their best.
Ani
Looking back at the gate we just walked through, we marvel at the early use of the symbol that later became a Nazi symbol. Our German fellow travelers were amazed.
Ani
We venture forth to visit historic buildings; on the right is our new friend Gisela who resides in Germany.
Ani
As we progress, we get a better view of the entry gates behind us.
Ani
We get an early view of the Armenian cathedral on the left, and a Seljuk minaret on the right.
Ani
Ancient haman (Turkish bath) in the foreground; military watchtower in the background. This site was off limits to visitors until recently.
Ani
Evidence of early troglodyte caves
Ani
The Church of the Redeemer was built in 1034-36, destroyed by lightning in 1957.
Ani
A closer look at the ruins from the lightning strike
Ani
Another view of the cathedral in the background, from the Church of the Redeemer
Ani
Larry looks over the ruins of a small Turkish bath.
Ani
Onur leads us down the path to the "Edge of Turkey," and the Church of St. Gregory. Armenia is just over the ravine.
Ani
Also called the Church of the Tigran Honents, an Armenian merchant who commissioned its construction, it was completed in 1215.
Ani
The elaborately decorated exterior is wonderfully preserved after all these years.
Ani
The decoration includes this ancient sundial.
Ani
detail
Ani
There is an amazing number of frescoes still intact.
Ani
The interior frescoes detail the life of St. Gregory, father and patron saint of the Armenian Church. Here he is tortured by pagan kings.
Ani
More frescoes
Ani
The Silk Road is both a concept and a real road in places.
Ani
This is part of the Silk Road, even though it doesn't look like much here.
Ani
We approach the Armenian cathedral.
Ani
Built between 987 and 1010 AD, this is one of Armenia's architectural masterpieces.
Ani
It is called the Holy Virgin Cathedral, and is a little precarious in places.
Ani
View of the ravine separating Turkey and Armenia, as seen from the cathedral.
Ani
Some say that this huge structure influenced the design of later Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
Ani
The cathedral was designed by Trdat Mendet, the same architect that renovated Aya Sofya in Istanbul.
Ani
Although there is little visual evidence, at the time the Seljuk King Arslan conquered Ani, this cathedral became a mosque.
Ani
These poppies and other wildflowers are beautiful in this otherwise forbidding landscape.
Ani
We approach the first Turkish mosque in Anatolia, the Ebul Manucehr Camii, a Seljuk structure.
Ani
From the mosque, we view the bridge that was once an integral part of this section of the Silk Road. Turkey is on the left; Armenia on the right.
Ani
Seljuk ceiling
Ani
Interior. The pointed arch in the window at right shows early Arabic influence in this area of Anatolia.
Ani
This simple mihrab was formerly decorated with wooden ornamentation.
Ani
This family is quite comfortable atop the Byzantine column base.
Ani
The mosque is a large "kumbet." The sarcophagus chamber is below.
Ani
Built in 1072, the mosque, with this beautiful minaret, is undergoing intensive restoration and is now a museum.
Ani
Leaving the mosque, we walk along the ruins of a series of shops on the Silk Road.
Ani
Ani
Mt. Ebrus in the distance is the highest mountain in Armenia.
Ani
This minaret of the Ebu'l Muhammeran Mosque was dynamited in the early 20th century by an Armenian priest.
Ani
. . . providing a rare glimpse inside a minaret.
Ani
Looking back on the Church of the Redeemer
Ani
We look back on the entrance walls, with the trade center in the foreground.
Ani
Ruins of shops, or caravansaray? (Gisela's photo)
Ani
Larry has much to contemplate as we leave this amazing site.
Ani
Onur sums up.
Ani
As we look back for one more view of buildings once used by as many as 100,000 Armenian residents.
Ani
As we exit the gate, we admire the Seljuk ornamentation in the walls.
Ani
. . . including the lion symbol of King Arslan, the Seljuk conquerer of this early Christian community.
Kars
Arriving back in Kars, we walk up to the citadel.
Kars
This 1579 bridge, built under Sultan Murat III, figures prominently in Orhan Pamuk's novel, Kar (Snow).
Kars
This statue, built to respond to one in Armenia, is slated for demolition, as relations between the two countries improve.
Kars
Looking down on the bridge and an old hamam (Turkish bath)
Kars
Larry serves as the afternoon's sentinel.
Kars
Larry's not needed; this cannon will do the trick.
Kars
The sultan's carved signature proves he was actually present in the fortress at one time.
Kars
Former Russian artillery housing
Kars
Inside the castle
Kars
This is the Church of the Apostles which we pass as we descend from the citadel.
Kars
Elaborate portico
Kars
One of twelve crudely cut reliefs depicting an apostle.
Kars
Kars
Armenian cross
Kars
Another lion motif
Kars
Onur points out a corner motif in this church turned mosque turned church turned mosque, and so on.
Kars
It's the sun looking down on worshippers.
Kars
More apostle reliefs
On the road again
On our way to the evening's rest spot, Dogubeyazit, Onur, Larry and I stop for refreshment.
Mt. Ararat
Back on the road, we pass the famous Mt. Ararat.
Mt. Ararat
Getting closer, we don't yet see Noah's Ark.
Mt. Ararat
This homestead is at the base of the mountain.
Mt. Ararat
At 17,000 feet, the mountain looms over the entire countryside.
Mt. Ararat
These people are very poor.
Mt. Ararat
Mt. Ararat
Dogubeyazit
Near the border with Iran, this trade town proudly displays the 1948 U.N. Declaration of Human Rights.
Mt. Ararat
. . . along with the symbol for justice.
Far Eastern Turkey - Day 2
Aras River
Travelling beside the Aras River, we pass a sod hut. This is a poor, but beautiful countryside.
Cobandede Bridge
Spanning the Aras River, this bridge was built by Mongolians in 1297-98, along a portion of the Silk trade route.
Cobandede Bridge
Larry takes a closer look.
Cobandede Bridge
A train approaches from the west.
Cobandede Bridge
heading east
Cobandede Bridge
We look on snow covered peaks, constant companions on this high altitude trip.
Cobandede Bridge
Before we continue on the road to Kars, Erhan serves refreshments.
On the road to Kars
This road, flanked by obsidian laden hills, was the major thoroughfare between Anatolia and Iran for centuries.
On the road to Kars
The late spring greenery reminds us of Ireland.
On the road to Kars
This summer palace was built for Katarina, a royal member of the occupying Russians.
WWI war memorial
Commemorating the martyrs who died under the ill conceived winter plan of Pasa Enver
WWI War Memorial
"Who are these patriots?"
WWI memorial
WWI memorial
On the road to Cildir Lake
We've never seen so many cows in Turkey before. This explains the amount of meat at all our hotel meals.
On the road to Cildir Lake
There are very few people living in this part of the country. Those who do live in sod houses or temporarily in tents.
Cildir Lake
This northeastern Turkey lake is second in size to Lake Van, more to the south.
Cildir Lake
This is a pristine body of water, with few inhabitants, except for the occasional nomad tent.
Cildir Lake
Cildir Lake
Yup, it's cold here.
Aktas Lake
Even farther north and east is Aktas Lake; the land in the distance is Georgia. Yup, it's raining.
Seytan Kalesi
"Devil's Tower," in "Devil's Canyon"
Seytan Kalesi
Even I braved an approaching thunderstorm to view this amazing site.
Seytan Kalesi
Our archaeologist guide says there is no documentation about who built this sentry tower, and when.
Seytan Kalesi
It is either a 3,000 year old Urartian tower, or a 1,000 year old Armenian tower. Big difference!
Seytan Kalesi
This stream cuts through the meandering canyon and separates Turkey from Armenia.
Seytan Kalesi
This canyon in the Caucusus Mountains offers one of the most spectacular views we have ever seen.
Seytan Kalesi
That's Armenia on the other side.
Bus stop
We get permission from a local school to use the rest rooms. Before long, we attract a crowd, including at least one Yankees fan.
Far Eastern Turkey - Day 1
Erzincan
After our long overnight bus ride, we visit Eksisu mineral water park.
Erzincan
Children play in the warm mineral laden pond.
Erzincan
Ducks like "the waters," too.
Tercan
Caravansaray, closed and locked due to an upcoming wedding celebration. Darn.
Tercan - Caravanserai
Tercan - Mama Hatun Tomb
Burial place of a rare female Turkish tribal leader who ruled from 1192 to 1202 AD.
Tercan - Mama Hatun Tomb
The first of many elaborate stone motifs we see on this tour
Tercan - Mama Hatun Tomb
Inside the outer wall of this "kumbet" style tomb, Larry waits his turn to visit the upper prayer room . . .
Tercan - Mama Hatun Tomb
. . . while another in our group emerges from the lower "sarcophagus" room.
Erzurum
Congress Building where, in 1919, Ataturk plotted his strategy for the War of Independence.
Erzurum
Guess who?
Erzurum
Congress Building
Erzurum
Inside the Congress Building Onur explains Ataturk's strategy.
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
The Twin Minaret Medrese, or center of intellectual activity in the 13th century
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
This Seljuk structure is the largest medrese in Anatolia. Note the unfinished stone work on the left.
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
Detail of the finished exterior stonework
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
One of the minarets
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
Inside the open courtyard
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
The arcade once housed instruction rooms; now the entire structure is a museum.
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
This platform leads to a large "kumbet," or tomb in the back.
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
Inside the upper prayer room of the tomb
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
Exterior view of the "kumbet" attached to the back of the medrese
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
Another "kumbet" out back
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Madrasah
And more!
Erzurum - Turkish/Seljuk Ev
This "ev," or "house" is both a museum and home to the family of the owners. Note the unusual wooden ceiling.
Erzurum - Turkish/Seljuk Ev
Erzurum - Turkish/Seljuk Ev
Oops! We barge in on a sleeping child.
Erzurum - Turkish/Seljuk Ev
Exterior
Erzurum - Citadel
Each town seems to have its historical citadel, or fortress.
Erzurum - Citadel
What was once a minaret to the citadel's mosque was rebuilt as a bell tower by Russians, with Russian architectural design at the top.
Erzurum - Citadel
Inside the citadel's mosque, the oldest Turkish building in Erzurum
Erzurum - Citadel
From the outer citadel walls we see the distant view of the opposing Russian fortress.
Erzurum - Yakutiye Madrasa
Erzurum - Yakutiye Madrasa
Erzurum - Yakutiye Madrasa
This ceiling is reminiscent of the one in the Erzurum house.
Erzurum - Yakutiye Madrasa
A particularly striking minaret
Erzurum - Yakutiye Madrasa
Erzurum - Yakutiye Medrese
Erzurum - Tas Caravansaray
Unusually large number of chimneys
Erzurum - Tas Caravansaray
Currently used as a jewelry sales center
Erzurum - Tas Caravansaray
More beautifully cut stonework
Southeast Turkey - Day 6
Gaziantep
This is the fortress as seen from our hotel during breakfast; we never got to visit there. Darn!
Gaziantep - Hasan Suzer Ethnographic Museum
Courtyard
Gaziantep - Hasan Suzer Ethnographic Museum
Basement cisterns or wine/olive oil storage jars?
Gaziantep - Hasan Suzer Ethnographic Museum
Mother in Law Room
Gaziantep - Hasan Suzer Ethnographic Museum
Lawrence of Arabia's motor bike!
Gaziantep - Eski Sinema Sokak
Great street, "Old Cinema Street," with cobblestones, cafes, and lots of character
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Statuary from rock cut graves
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Scale model of Zeugma, with mosaics
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Antiochus shaking hands with Mithras (Apollo/Helios). Commagene Kingdom, 60-40 BCE, Zeugma, basalt.
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
The Marriage of Dionysos and Ariadne, with central section stolen the very day this elaborate mosaic was excavated.
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
"Most Wanted"
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
This is what it looked like before plundering.
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
These geometric mosaics were generally found on the floors of the bath within a villa.
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Close-up of a border drama mask
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
"The Women at Breakfast"
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Bronze statue of Mars found amid the ruins of Zeugma
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Dionysos and Aphrodite
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Aphrodite
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
"Europa'nin Kacirilisi." I think this means, "The Rape of Europa."
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Satyros & Antiope
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Close up
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Another one; I like these birds.
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Achilles in Skyros
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
"Dionysos, Telete & Skyrtos"
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
"Okeanos & Tethys"
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
I particularly like this geometric mosaic.
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
"Cingene Kizi," or "The Gypsy Girl," about 18 x 24 inches only
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
She has become the symbol of this museum, and one of the symbols of all of Turkey in only the few years since excavation.
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Ancient coins depicting the Temple of Tyche, atop a huyuk (tel) above Zeugma
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
These coins helped modern day archaeologist find the temple at Zeugma.
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Tiny bulla (clay seal), one of 65,000 recovered from Zeugma; this is about 1/3 of an inch in diameter.
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Cylinder seals
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Antiochus I; similar to the statue on Nemrut Dag, with Persian head covering.
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Head of young woman
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Top image: "Satyros, Antiope & Galatia"
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Close up: bottom image: Galatia (the name on the mosaic is in Greek)
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Close up (upper image): "Satyros & Antiope"
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
HUGE floor mosaic of Poseidon, as seen from a second story balcony
IMG_0226.jpg
IMG_0226.jpg 2010-05-28
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
"Bust of Dionysos"
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Gold funeral ornaments
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
"Okeanus & Tethys"
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
"Eros & Psykhe"
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Close up of border design
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Close up of border design
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
"Metioks & Parthenope"
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Euphrates (River God)
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Close-up
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Close-up
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Close-up
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
fragment
Gaziantep Museum - Zeugma artifacts
Satyros & Antiope
Gaziantep Museum
These women rest near the corner where we wait for our bus to take us back to Ankara.
Gaziantep
Roving tea vendor
On the road back to Ankara
We pass yet another "huyuk" or unexcavated tel.
Gaziantep Museum
. . . and his companion
Cilician Gates
On the way back to Ankara, we enter the Cilician Gates.
Cilician Gates
This is the only pass through the Tauros Mountains, connecting the southeast plains with central Anatolia.
Cilician Gates
This is the "throat," or Bogazici, of the gates, through which passed Alexander the Great, Saint Paul, and the first crusaders. It is only 44 meters wide.
On the road to Ankara
We pass Mount Hasan yet again.
On the road to Ankara
The sun sets over the Anatolian plateau.
Southeast Turkey - Day 5
Bald Ibis Reserve
These rare birds, numbering as few as 30 not long ago, have a refuge on the back of the Birecik Dam, on the Euphrates River.
Bald Ibis Reserve
A close-up, in silhouette
Pistachio trees
Miles and miles of Turkish pistachios; I'm in seventh heaven.
Rumkale
We board a boat on the lake formed by the Birecik Dam on the Euphrates (Firat River).
Rumkale
An early view of Rumkale, with a cut stone staircase leading formerly from the Euphrates
Rumkale
This break in the hill may have been artificially cut. If not, it was made use of by the builders of the fortress.
Rumkale
Rumkale means "Roman fortress," although "Rum" generally refers here to both Greeks and Romans.
Rumkale
Turning the corner
Rumkale
Around the end of the peninsula
Rumkale
Rumkale
Approaching the dock
Rumkale
We start the climb.
Rumkale
Resting in the shade, we look up at a tower's ceiling construction. This may have been recently renovated.
Rumkale
We continue through an arched gate.
Rumkale
Looking back as we continue to climb
Rumkale
Another brief rest stop, not so much from the climb, but from the strong sun
Rumkale
Looking back at our previous rest stop
Rumkale
This Armenian Catholic Church was built in 1173 by Saint Nerses the Graceful, theologian, poet, and composer of hymns.
Rumkale
A view of the Euphrates from the top of the Rumkale
Rumkale
Larry wonders if our boat is leaving without us.
Rumkale
Nope, it's still waiting for us.
Rumkale
Back on our boat, we view one of the few remaining villagers near this part of the lake.
Rumkale
This village was abandoned due to rising dam waters by all but a handful of people.
Rumkale
The yellow banner on the left is evidence of a small cafe amongst mostly abandoned homes.
Rumkale
One can see the roof of the village mosque just below the surface of the water. The base of the minaret sits in the lake.
Rumkale
We return for lunch on the boat, tethered to the dock of this small town, Halfeti.
Zeugma
A huyuk looms over the site of the ancient city of Zeugma, now covered with pistachio trees.
Zeugma
Missed by my camera, there is a little "bump" on top of this huyuk, which covers the ruins of a temple to the god, Tyche.
Zeugma
Close-up of my favorite Antep pistachios on the tree
Zeugma
Zeugma
Some excavated villas, the few not under the dam's waters, will be protected by an open air museum, currently under construction.
Zeugma
The rooms of a villa are visible under the structural beams.
Zeugma
On completion of the building, some mosaics currently in the Gaziantap Museum will be reinstalled on the floors of these villas.
Southeast Turkey - Day 4
Harran
Arriving in Harran, we walk past one of the "beehive" houses of today's village.
Harran
The village sits among the ruins of thousands of years of civilizations, dating back to the Copper Age.
Harran
Excavation of the site will begin again this month (June)
Harran
We approach the site of the 1st Islamic university, a center of scientific learning in the 8th century.
Harran
The Ulu Mosque (or Great Mosque), on the site of the university, was the first "standardized" mosque.
Harran
The tower served as a minaret and an astronomical observatory.
Harran
Harran
The medieval castle on site; we were unable to enter it.
Harran
We enter Harran's cultural center, a retail shop and cafe, the former home of the owners.
Harran
Two of our companions wait for their tea, he recovering from traveller's illness.
Harran
Inside, we look up into the "beehive."
Harran
These arches connect the beehives to form a larger home.
Harran
There are lots of trinkets for sale.
Harran
Construction techniques include the use of bricks scavenged from the ruins surrounding the village.
Harran
The bottom half is covered in mud and straw.
Harran
Exterior view of the cultural/retail center.
Harran
Old tools
Harran
An inhabited house. This house building technique is thousands of years old, but the current houses are about 150 to 200 years old.
Harran
Harran
The design and materials keep people cool in summer and warm in winter.
Harran
The ancient tradition of drying dung for fuel survives.
On the road between Harran and Sanliurfa
One of about a dozen unexcavated "huyuks," or sites of ancient civilizations we pass on the road. Sorry about the fuzziness; I was on the moving bus.
Sanliurfa Ethnography Museum
Fertility figures.
Sanliurfa Ethnography Museum
We've not seen these "eye idols" anywhere else.
Sanliurfa Ethnography Museum
This looks Hittite to me; I forgot to take notes.
Sanliurfa Ethnography Museum
Giant clay bathtub?
Sanliurfa
View of the castle, and towers marking the site of the catapulting of of the Prophet Abraham
Sanliurfa
This beautiful urban park and pilgrimage site sits at the base of the castle.
Sanliurfa
Balikli Gol (Fish Lake), where Abraham's landing after being catapulted miraculously turned fire into water and faggots into fish.
Sanliurfa
The lake is chock full of fish which are said to be descendants of the originals from Abraham's time.
Sanliurfa
The fish are well fed by thousands of people who visit this holy site.
Sanliurfa
Sanliurfa
Sanliurfa
The park is beautiful and well used.
Sanliurfa
Sanliurfa
This smaller pool is named for the daughter of the evil king Nemrut, who tried to assassinate Abraham. The king is not the same Nemrut who constructed the Nemrut Dag statues.
Sanliurfa
The park's mosque is huge, as this whole area is a pilgrimage site.
Sanliurfa
A water channel courses through the park, cooling us as we stroll.
Sanliurfa
Our guide expresed skepticicm of this claim.
Sanliurfa
This is a very holy site, so rules are strict. I had to wear not only a head scarf, but a floor length coat provided by the kindly attendant, because I was wearing capris.
Sanliurfa
The cave where the Prophet Abraham is said to have been born
Sanliurfa
The castle from a closer view. We climbed up for a visit, but didn't go inside.
Sanliurfa
View of the park from just outside the castle
Sanliurfa
Pilgrims arrive as we leave.
Sanliurfa
That night we visit a converted mansion for an evening of Turkiish folk music.
Sanliurfa
One of our more gracious fellow travelers is moved by the music.
Sanliurfa
Looking down into the former mansion's courtyard
Sanliurfa
Looking up toward the cafe
Sanliurfa
The drummer was great.
Southeast Turkey - Day 3
Hasankeyf
Our first sighting of this amazing site is a support from an ancient bridge, over the Tigris River (now called the Dicle).
Hasankeyf
Those are stairways in the cliff behind the bridge ruins.
Hasankeyf
This ancient city will be under water if the projected GAP dam, already under construction, is completed.
Hasankeyf
This elaborate minaret is topped by a stork's next.
Hasankeyf
Across the river, life goes on as it has for thousands of years.
Hasankeyf
Those goats provide the raw material for these soft blankets.
Hasankeyf
The design on this small mosque shows both the Arab and Turkish influences in the area.
Hasankeyf
Part of the hilltop palace ruins; we start to climb from an easier route behind the cliff.
Hasankeyf
Thıs area ıs a mini-Cappadocia, but older.
Hasankeyf
On our way up . . .
Hasankeyf
Hasankeyf
. . . and up . . .
Hasankeyf
. . . and up . . .
Hasankeyf
Almost there
Hasankeyf
Larry and Onur make it to the top. Well, me too; I'm taking the picture.
Hasankeyf
Looking down on the ancient cave community
Hasankeyf
Looking down and out at today's town, and the Tigris River
Hasankeyf
Hasankeyf
I think I'll stop looking down now.
Hasankeyf
Well, one last look. We viewed these bridge ruins earlier from near the modern bridge in the background.
Hasankeyf
Some hilltop palace ruins
Hasankeyf
Hasankeyf
This is as close to the edge as I'm willing to get.
Hasankeyf
Ancient stairway
Hasankeyf
Wait . . . we wen't at the top before?
Hasankeyf
We reach the Byzantine palace ruins.
Hasankeyf
Hasankeyf
Hasankeyf
Hasankeyf
Hasankeyf
Hasankeyf
The old city on top of the hill
Hasankeyf
Hasankeyf
We head back down.
Midyat
We walk through another town of light colored stone.
Midyat
Midyat
Midyat
Midyat
Midyat
Konuk Evine, the 19th century home of a wealthy merchant. Now a museum.
Midyat
Konuk Evine, courtyard
Midyat
Konuk Evine, inside
Midyat
"Welcome"
Midyat
Konuk Evine, view from the top
Midyat
Ellen poses before one of about nine Syrian Christian churches in Midyat.
Midyat
Konuk Evine
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
Established by Syriac Assyrians who left Antakya, this monastery is one of the earliest Christian sites, although it has been extensively renovated.
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
The monastery was built on top of a 3,000 year old temple to the sun.
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
Note the ceiling, made of huge stone blocks cut at an angle for stability.
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
The "tomb room" was stripped of its gilding by invading Mongols.
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
The right side of this sign is in Aramaic, the language of Jesus.
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
This replica of the monastery is constructed of hundreds of thousands of toothpicks.
Deyrulzafaran Monastery
Photograph of the monastery in its setting
Mardin - Kasimiye Medrese
This 15th century medrese, or theological school, is on the outskirts of Mardin.
Mardin - Kasimiye Medrese
Mardin - Kasimiye Medrese
Insıde
Mardin - Kasimiye Medrese
Huh?
Mardin - Kasimiye Medrese
View of the Mesopotamian plain
Mardin old city
This may be one of the world's most beautiful post offices.
Mardin old city
Post office
Mardin old city
Post office
Mardin old city
Post office
Mardin old city
Post offices's exquisitely carved doorway
Mardin old city
Walking through the stone city
Mardin old city
Mardin old city
There is an older man carrying this refrigerator up the steep stairs on his back, motor and all.
Mardin old city
View from the old city
Mardin old city
Mardin old city
Mardin old city
As we descend, we look down on the roof of an old hamam (Turkish bath)
Mardin old city
Mardin old city
A side room inside a 12th century medrese
Mardin old city
This case inside the medrese is said to contain the footprint of Muhammad.
Mardin old city
12th century tomb of Artuklu Sultani. Our hotel is named after him.
Mardin old city
Our hotel, the Artuklu Kervansarayi, built in 1275 as a caravansaray along the medieval trade route
Mardin old city
Our room
Mardin old city
A hallway
Mardin old city
Mardin old city
Lobby
Mardin old city
Lobby
IMG_0354.jpg
IMG_0354.jpg 2010-05-25
Mardin old city
Roof terrace at night
Mardin old city
Hilltop fortress from the hotel's rooftop
Mardin old city
Looking down on another terrace of our hotel from a higher one
Mardin old city
Inside a tent on the highest rooftop terrace of the hotel
Mardin old city
The tent just might be used for smoking these nargile.
Mardin old city
Morning view of the "hisar" from the hotel's rooftop terrace
Mardin old city
"The World's Shortest Bellhop," at our hotel.
Mardin old city
"The World's Tallest Bellhop," at 7 feet tall.
Southeast Turkey - Day 2
Ataturk Dam
Constructed in the 1980s, this is the centerpiece of the GAP project and the largest of 22 planned dams in the region.
Ataturk Dam
A view down river from the dam of the Euphrates River
Ataturk Dam
The countryside surrounding the Euphrates is testament to the arid conditions that the dam was designed to alleviate.
Ataturk Dam
Memorial to the workers who died constructing the dam
Diyarbakir
Unemployment is a real problem throughout Turkey. Here, rows of shoeshine men await customers.
Diyarbakir - Ataturk's house
This house was given to Ataturk by the city. He stayed here only briefly; now it is a museum.
Diyarbakir - Ataturk's house
Diyarbakir - Ataturk's house
Diyarbakir - Ataturk's house
Diyarbakir - Ataturk's house
Ataturk slept here.
Diyarbakir - Ataturk's house
A common design in the region, this fountain represents the human life cycle: birth, life, death, rebirth.
Diyarbakir - City walls
The city walls as seen from the terrace of Ataturk's house.
Diyarbakir - City walls
Hmmm, why are there so many young men hanging around the Mardin Gate, a popular tourist stop?
Diyarbakir - City walls
View from the top of the Mardin Gate
Diyarbakir - City walls
Onur talks of the massive city walls.
Diyarbakir - City walls
Art gallery inside the Mardin Gate
Diyarbakir - City walls
Originally a temple to the sun god, then a Byzantine Church, an Arabic mosque, now an art gallery
Diyarbakir - City walls
Diyarbakir - City walls
Diyarbakir - City walls
The very tall ceilings have been renovated.
Diyarbakir - City walls
These walls are extremely thick.
Diyarbakir
This sign is evidence of the variety of religions here.
Diyarbakir
We pass by some famous Diyarbakir watermelons. No, wait, it's early in the season, so they're probably imported from Iran instead.
Diyarbakir
This minaret sits on four columns, which is very unusual, and strikes us as unstable.
Diyarbakir
But it was built 600 years ago, so I guess it's pretty stable after all.
Diyarbakir
Ellen passes through the four "feet" for good luck, as the legend would have it.
Diyarbakir
Next stop
Diyarbakir - Chaldean Church
This church is Catholic, and is still regularly used by descendants of the Babylonians.
Diyarbakir - Chaldean Church
Diyarbakir - Chaldean Church
The church's courtyard
Diyarbakir - Chaldean Church
Diyarbakir - Chaldean Church
The church is still under renovation.
Diyarbakir - Chaldean Church
Diyarbakir - Chaldean Church
Inside
Diyarbakir - Chaldean Church
Diyarbakir - Chaldean Church
Diyarbakir
Walking to the next site, we pass these black mulberries (karadut) for sale.
Diyarbakir - Ulu Mosque
We approach the Ulu Mosque (Great Mosque)
Diyarbakir - Ulu Mosque
This long arcade marks the long, rectangular shape of this mosque.
Diyarbakir - Ulu Mosque
This is said to be the earliest mosque in Turkey, constructed by the Arabs of the region.
Diyarbakir - Ulu Mosque
Diyarbakir - Ulu Mosque
Diyarbakir - Ulu Mosque
Very old sundial in the courtyard
Diyarbakir - Ulu Mosque
The long rectangular shape is no longer common in Islam.
Diyarbakir - Ulu Mosque
Diyarbakir - Cahit Sitki Taranci Evi
Cahit Sitki Taranci is one of Turkey's most famous poets.
Diyarbakir - Cahit Sitki Taranci Evi
Three young boys recite in unison one of Taranci's long poems.
Diyarbakir - Cahit Sitki Taranci Evi
One of the corridors of the house echoes the alternating black and white stone design common in the region.
Diyarbakir - Cahit Sitki Taranci Evi
Inside one of the rooms of the museum
Diyarbakir - Cahit Sitki Taranci Evi
Resting in the courtyard of the poet's large home
Southeast Turkey - Day 1
Karakus Tumulus
The Eagle column greets us in front of the tumulus. Karakus means "black bird," possibly referring to the eagle.
Karakus Tumulus
View from the tumulus, showing the lake formed by the Ataturk dam, part of the GAP project.
Karakus Tumulus
A closer look at the eagle
Karakus Tumulus
The women of the royal family of the Commagene kingdom are buried here.
Karakus Tumulus
The burial mound, made of fist sized rocks, is similar to but smaller than the one on top of Nemrut Dag.
Karakus Tumulus
Karakus Tumulus
King Mithridates II shakes hands with his sister, Laodike.
Cendere Bridge
Built in 210 AD, this bridge is 1,800 years old and still in use!
Cendere Bridge
The Commagene builders honored the Roman emperor, Septimus Severus and his family with four pillars, two on either end of the bridge.
Cendere Bridge
Cendere Bridge
Cendere Bridge
The thistles here are huge.
Cendere Bridge
View from the bridge, which spans one of the tributaries of the Euphrates River (Firat Nehri)
Cendere Bridge
Family picnic near the bridge
Cendere Bridge
Ancient stele honoring the emperor
Arsameia
This plaque is very informative.
Arsameia
View from the capital city; that's the mighty Euphrates (Firat) way down there.
Arsameia
We climb higher.
Arsameia
We pass the first tunnel. Is it a royal tomb or the location of secret rites of the cult of Mithras?
Arsameia
This second tunnel is surrounded by a lengthy Greek inscription telling the story of the founding of the city.
Arsameia
Some of these tunnels go 500 feet down into the mountain.
Arsameia
Arsameia
This well preserved relief depicts Antiochus I shaking hands with Hercules.
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Introduction
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
The view to the top, from the parking lot
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
We begin the windy climb to the summit, which looks deceptively close.
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Some of our group takes a rest.
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
This taxi is available to take one of us to the top, but we choose to walk.
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
From 7,000 feet, that road looks like a piece of yarn.
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
We make it to the Western Terrace, facing King Antiochus's ancestral land, Mesopotamia.
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Earthquakes caused the heads to tumble off these bodies.
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Antiochus I
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
The god, Commagene
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Zeus in the foreground
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Apollo, also called Mithras
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Herakles
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
View from the Western Terrace
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
It's cold and windy up here!
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
It is assumed that the tumulus, the artificially constructed "summit" contains the body of the King Antiochus.
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
We move around the tumulus to the Eastern terrace. This is King Antiochus I again, with Persian head gear.
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
The Eastern terrace pays tribute to Antiochus's other ancestral land, Persia.
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
One of the gods
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Another god
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Reliefs, perhaps from the collapsed temple
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Antiochus wonders what I'm doing on his sacred mountain.
Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi)
Time to descend
Tekirova, Native Americans and early farewells
Tekirova
Lounging on a pirate ship, Carnot and Larry express their opinion of the Mediterranean life.
Tekirova
We visit Cleopatra's rock before jumping into this beautiful, warm sea.
Tekirova
Our room at the Pirate's Beach resort, and friendly housekeeping staff person
Tekirova
She works wonders with a plain white towel.
Tekirova
Larry reads on our balcony at the resort.
Tekirova
This path leads to the sea; the resort's rooms are nicely designed.
Tekirova
Tekirova
The pirate theme carries (a little too far IMHO) to the check-in desk, where the staff wear pirate garb.
Tekirova
The resort's private beach
Tekirova
Another view
Tekirova
The pirate ship, on which we sailed our last afternoon
Tekirova
Tekirova
Larry checks the seaworthiness of the sails.
Tekirova
A view from the ship
Tekirova
We pass some islands not far from shore.
Tekirova
The ship wisely passes by Scylla and Charybdis.
Tekirova
Doesn't this water look tempting?
Tekirova
Despite the wind, we're ready to swim.
Tekirova
The boat stops in a cove near Cleopatra's rock. Can you see her?
Tekirova
A closer look at "Cleopatra"
Tekirova
The water beckons, and we finally get to swim in the Mediterranean!
Tekirova
The air gets clearer as we sail back to shore.
Tekirova
We finally get to see the formerly cloud shrouded mountain behind our resort.
Tekirova
Ellen joins Carnot and Larry on that comfortable spot on the ship.
Tekirova
Nothing like a few hours on a ship to contemplate life.
Tekirova
We are welcomed back to the Pirate's Beach resort.
Tekirova
Near dinner time, our beach is nearly deserted.
Tekirova
The chef begins to prepare our private dinner overlooking the sea. I had sea bass instead, though.
Tekirova
This is the dessert table for our small, private dinner overlooking the sea. There are only about 40 of us to eat all these desserts! I helped.
Tekirova
We have our own music, separate from the booming disco elsewhere on the grounds.
Tekirova
Rachel begins a traditional Turkish line dance.
Tekirova
The ambassador (white hair, on right) chooses to sit this one out, as does Larry.
Tekirova
Not me, I love to dance, double chin and all.
Tekirova
The pace picks up.
Tekirova
Good heavens, slow down already!
Tekirova
The view outside our room
Tekirova
Alice and Carnot bid farewell on our last morning.
Tekirova
On the road to Tekirova, we stop at a rest stop, where fresh ayran (a yogurt drink) is frothed.
Ankara - Native Americans
We have our last Native American group meeting at Ece's apartment. She shows us one of her latest documentaries.
Ankara - Native Americans
Hacettepe University hosts a visit by excellent Native American dancers.
Ankara - Native Americans
Their troupe's name is Seven Falls Indian Dancers.
Ankara - Native Americans
The costumes combine traditional with contemporary design.
Ankara - Native Americans
Ankara - Native Americans
After their performance, some faculty members and students join them onstage for photographs.
Ankara - farewells
After classes, we run into Meldan, Ercan and Huriye at our local cafe, Mado.
Ankara - farewells
Meldan (not in picture) hosts a farewell party for us. Larry, Bercin and Ercan (Meldan's brother), enjoy the party.
Ankara - farewells
Craig, the public affairs officer at the U.S. Embassy, and Ellen ham it up.
Cappadocia and Tree Planting
Cappadocia - Sarihan Cave Hotel
Our cave room, cut into volcanic tufa
Cappadocia - Sarihan Cave Hotel
View from our hotel room terrace
Cappadocia - Sarihan Cave Hotel
Larry walks out of our cave room.
Cappadocia - Sarihan Cave Hotel
Another view from our hotel terrace; this unusual structure is a private home.
Cappadocia - Sarihan Cave Hotel
Another private home nearby
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
We enter one of about 200 early Christian "cave" churches.
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Interior frescoes
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Some have suffered damage from iconoclasts.
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
More churches and former cave homes across the valley
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Early Christian monastery refectory, with table and bench cut from the stone
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Crude frescoes inside one of the older carved churches
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Entry into one of the churches
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Looking down toward the entrance to the outdoor museum
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Larry exits one of the cave churches.
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
This was a wine storehouse; note the wine flask decoration.
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Interior of one of the smaller churches
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Another church cut into the stone
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
One church has spectacularly preserved frescoes.
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
Smaller cave homes carved into the tuffa
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
The caves are used for all sorts of purposes.
Cappadocia - Göreme Open Air Museum
This ice cream vendor "flips" his wares.
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
Three-headed fairy chimney
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
Larry's a bit overwhelmed by the scenery.
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
Fat fairy chimneys, eroded over the centuries
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
Fairy chimneys on the march
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
Fairy chimneys surrounded by tufa mushrooms
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
On the path to the tufa mushrooms
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
Valley sentinels
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
Baby valley sentinels
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
Three headed fairy chimney
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
This fairy chimney may topple soon.
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
These eroded tufa formations tower over the trees and vineyards.
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
The path takes us through "Love Valley," named for . . . ? Hmmmm.
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
Those are shops at the base of this fairy chimney. Shows how tall they are.
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
Do I see a face?
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
I love this translation.
Cappadocia - Paşabağı
This is the local police station.
Cappadocia - Göreme town
After climbing the hill on top of our hotel (literally), we view the surreal landscape on the other side.
Cappadocia - Göreme town
Looking down on the town
Cappadocia - Göreme town
Across the valley is a lone cave dwelling.
Cappadocia - Göreme town
More cave dwellings
Cappadocia - Göreme town
Partially carved dwellings viewed from the hill on top of our hotel
Cappadocia - Göreme town
Cappadocia - Göreme town
Early morning balloon rides over Göreme
Cappadocia - Göreme town
Fellow travelers Barbara and Ray enjoy breakfast in company with Ali, the hotel owner.
Cappadocia - Göreme town
Cappadocia - Göreme town
Larry reads about our next destination after breakfast on our hotel terrace.
Cappadocia - Göreme town
If we wanted to spend a lot more money, we could have stayed in this fancier hotel, built to look somewhat "cavelike."
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
We arrive in the village of Basdere, where the fourth annual tree planting is already in progress.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
The hill is steep and rocky.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Many trees have already been planted by the time we arrive.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
About 100 Americans join about 200 villagers.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
We plant about 1,500 trees in two hours!
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
I am useless, so I mostly take pictures.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
This man, like me, prefers to just observe.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
These girls, dressed in traditional garb, hand out water bottles.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Larry, as always, works very hard.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
I would have helped more, but my shovel was useless.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Ta da!
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
A group of ten year old boys checks Larry's progress.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Linda, who has done this four years in a row, takes a break.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Larry looks for the next tree to plant; where is everyone else?
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Found them
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Larry gets a partner.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
The imam and another village official show their gratitude.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
While others look on.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
These women work very hard.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
A variety of civic groups participate.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Including the 4-H club.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
In four years of this project, about 8,000 trees have been planted outside the village.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Villagers of all ages participate.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
And genders.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
The backhoe creating the holes could barely keep up with the speedy tree planters.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
The children's job was to bring the saplings to the newly dug holes.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
The man without the shovel is the "boss," directing the complex project.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Even the feral dogs get into the act.
Cappadocia - Basdere tree planting
Winding down toward a village lunch, we take more photos. These women are wearing my favorite scarves.
Cappadocia - more fairy chimneys
Larry poses at the exact spot where we were fifteen years ago, with Saban and Anna, who was five years old at the time.
Cappadocia - more fairy chimneys
This huge fairy chimney is a lot farther away than it looks.
Cappadocia - more fairy chimneys
Cappadocia - more fairy chimneys
Looking down from the observation point of the previous pictures
Cappadocia - more fairy chimneys
Cappadocia - more fairy chimneys
From a different angle, I notice the dwelling entrance carved into one of the columns.
Cappadocia - more fairy chimneys
Note the footholds leading to the door.
Cappadocia - my favorite scarves
This vendor tries to make a sale. In truth, I would wear this scarf around my shoulders rather than on my head.
Cappadocia - Üçhisar
We approach Üçhisar, which translates to "Three Castles."
Cappadocia - Üçhisar
Looking down into Pigeon Valley, on the way to Üçhisar
Cappadocia - Üçhisar
Pink hued Pigeon Valley
Cappadocia - Üçhisar
Larry is overwhelmed by evil eyes hanging on the tree behind him.
Cappadocia - Üçhisar
We walk toward one of the castles, which is carved into the rock overlooking everything.
Cappadocia - Üçhisar
Note the people on top. We thought about making the climb, from within the rock, but passed.
Cappadocia - Üçhisar
I finally get a glimpse of Mt. Erciyes! It is one of two volcanoes that spewed all the ash that millenia later became tufa.
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
We visit this enormous rug workshop and salesroom a stone's throw down the hill from our hotel.
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
One specialty of the shop is making silk from cocoons. These soak in water for a few days.
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
A worker monitors the silk strands as they are pulled from the wet cocoons.
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
The strands are gathered into floss. Each floss thread contains about 40 strands of silk.
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
The floss on the left is later died, then woven into silk rugs. Each square meter of a silk rug has about one million(!!) hand tied knots. No wonder they are so expensive.
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
More rugs!
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
Classy place to sip tea and be shown rugs. The light one on the wall is just like one we bought from Kadir Bey, but bigger.
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
A hallway leads to yet more showrooms.
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
Another showroom with rugs on the wall and a kilim on the floor
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
At night, we attend "Turkish Night," at a Vegas style hall. This drum has seen better days, but still sounds good.
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
Next morning, we find another huge rug shop, this one a wholesale shop.
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
A lot of the rugs and other traditional items are old; some made by nomads.
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
Across the street from the rug shop, someone displays a personal collection.
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
An elderly woman weaves in the shadows of the rug shop.
Cappadocia - back in Göreme
The wool in this brand new Kayseri rug is undyed, sheered from sheep of different hues. I want it!
Cappadocia - on the road back to Ankara
We pass Mt. Hasan, another volcano.
Cappadocia - on the road back to Ankara
A close-up salt crystals in Tuz Gölü, or the great salt lake in the middle of Anatolia.
Cappadocia - on the road back to Ankara
Tuz Gölü
Antakya
Antakya Archaeological Museum - Mosaics
Bios, or "Life"
Antakya Archaeological Museum - Mosaics
"The Four Seasons," the most famous of the Daphne mosaics, from the 2nd century AD
Antakya Archaeological Museum - Mosaics
The intrepid duo in front of Soteria, the goddess of Salvation. 5th century AD
Antakya Archaeological Museum - Mosaics
Some of these mosaics are huge!
Antakya Archaeological Museum - Mosaics
Iphigenia in Aulis, 3rd century AD
Antakya Archaeological Museum
Larry meets a soul mate.
Antakya Archaeological Museum - Mosaics
Oceanus & Thetis from the House of Menander in Daphne, 250-75 AD
Antakya Archaeological Museum - Mosaics
Weapons, animals and insects attack the Evil Eye. 2nd century AD
Antakya Archaeological Museum - Mosaics
The Happy Hunchback, 2nd century AD
Antakya Archaeological Museum - Mosaics
Detailed closeup
Antakya Archaeological Museum - Mosaics
Oceanus in exquisite detail
Antakya Archaeological Museum - Mosaics
Dionysian dancers, 3rd century AD
Antakya Archaeological Museum - Mosaics
My favorite. Flowers and fish from the Orontes River (now called the Asi River)
Antakya Archaeological Museum - Mosaics
Photo taken of this huge floor mosaic, from a rickety stairway in the corner.
Antakya Archaeological Museum
One of the finest sarcophagi found in Anatolia
Antakya Archaeological Museum
The inhabitants
Antakya Archaeological Museum
Best known for its mosaics, this museum also has this impressive 8th century BCE column base. Hittite, I believe.
Antakya Archaeological Museum
I love this happy face from Antioch's Roman era.
Antakya Archaeological Museum
This one is more contemplative.
Antakya Archaeological Museum
This "traveller" is sleeping.
Antakya - St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church
Antakya - St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church
Antakya - old streets and houses
"Old" is relative. Most were destroyed by earthquakes over the centuries.
Antakya - old streets and houses
These houses are slated for renovation to increase tourism.
Antakya - old streets and houses
The upper windows show evidence of Arabic influence on the local architecture.
Antakya - old streets and houses
With courtyards of private homes open to the street, we inadvertently invade this man's privacy. Sorry!
Antakya - old streets and houses
Alley
Antakya - old streets and houses
This time Larry knocks first.
Antakya - old streets and houses
In truth, he was just investigating this door knocker.
Antakya - old streets and houses
This message proudly proclaims a family member's successful hajj (to Mecca) in 1979.
Antakya - old streets and houses
Antakya's old neighborhood streets are very narrow.
Antakya - old streets and houses
I must be getting hungry.
Antakya - Habib-I Neccar Mosque
Courtyard of the Habib-I Neccar Mosque, named, ironically, after a Christian convert
Antakya - Habib-I Neccar Mosque
Inside view
Antakya - outlying hills
We approach hermit caves and St. Peter's Cave Church.
Antakya - outlying hills
Antakya - outlying hills
A solitary Christian hermit lived and prayed here.
Antakya - outlying hills
Evidence of the earliest of Christian hermits
Antakya - outlying hills
Looking down the hill to the ruins of an old church
Antakya - outlying hills
More hermit caves. How did they get up there?
Antakya - St. Peter's cave church
This outer wall was added to the 1st century cave church by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages.
Antakya - St. Peter's cave church
Founded, and reputedly carved, by St. Peter himself, this church is one of the earliest Christian prayer locations.
Antakya - St. Peter's cave church
Because Christianity was outlawed at the time, there is an escape route into the mountain.
Antakya - St. Peter's cave church
Serhan, our guide, and Larry wish us peace, behind a 20th century altar addition.
Antakya - St. Peter's cave church
This holy water receptacle is replenished by a natural spring. The Pope dedicated this early church as a holy place, worthy of a pilgrimage.
Antakya - small Catholic church
Entrance to a small Catholic church, located between a mosque and a synagogue
Antakya - small Catholic church
Through the door, into a courtyard, similar to Ottoman homes
Antakya - small Catholic church
Inside the church proper
Antakya - small Catholic church
Antakya - small Catholic church
On the roof
Antakya - Harbiye
The suburb of Harbiye was once called Daphne, the summer place of Emperors.
Antakya - Harbiye
Today the waterfalls are directed around tea houses and trinket sellers.
Antakya - Harbiye
And tour guides
Antakya - Harbiye
They're everywhere.
Antakya - Covered bazaar
Catering primarily to Antakya residents, rather than tourists
Antakya - Wind farms
Antakya plans on 100% of its energy coming from its pervasive breezes.
Antakya - Wind farms
This wind farm is under construction beneath the St. Simeon monastery.
Antakya - wind farms
The old (left-the monastery), the new (right, a new windmill), and the peculiar (middle, a chair in the middle of nowhere?)
Antakya - St. Simeon (Stylites) monastery
The base of the column on which St. Simeon lived for forty years. This site marks the origin of Western monasticism, later manifested in Italy.
Antakya - St. Simeon (Stylites) monastery
Three churches surrounded the central portion of the monastery.
Antakya - St. Simeon (Stylites) monastery
Elaborate column base or capital?
Antakya - St. Simeon (Stylites) monastery
View from the monastery
Antakya - St. Simeon (Stylites) monastery
The monks never saw these.
Antakya - St. Simeon (Stylites) monastery
Larry looks for graves of holy men within the monastery walls.
Antakya - St. Simeon (Stylites) monastery
The monastery overlooks the Orontes.
Antakya - St. Simeon (Stylites) monastery
Antakya - Moses meets Hizir (or Elijah?)
We enter the point where two holy men met for Moses's instruction. This sign is Arabic and means "Peace Be To You."
Antakya - Moses meets Hizir (or Elijah?)
The tomb of the prophet, Hizir, and meeting point between him and Moses. Some say, instead, that Moses met Elijah here.
Antakya - Moses meets Hizir (Elijah?)
The building surrounds this unusual calcium formation, representing the point of the meeting between the prophets.
Antakya - Moses meets Hizir (Elijah?)
This is a photo of the rock before the current building was constructed around it. Walking around the site three times is considered good luck.
Antakya - Moses meets Hizir (Elijah?)
Two children pay their respects.
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
This map shows the early Mediterranean port and Roman era tunnel.
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
View from the path leading to the town ruins
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
We enter the tunnel carved into the mountain.
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
This tunnel "door" could be blocked off as necessary for defensive purposes.
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
Carved into the tunnel's wall, this stairway perhaps leads to a guard's post.
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
We pass by a "spirit tree," where local residents tie cloth or pieces of plastic in honor of (or to appease?) their ancestors.
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
This soil layer dates from Neandertal times and awaits excavation.
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
Looking down from our path, we see a ship that sank three years ago.
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
We climb a path next to the tunnel that narrows and deepens as it enters the mountain.
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
We pass sumac berries; the powder makes a great great spice to sprinkle on onions.
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
Water channel
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
Lower necropolis. Some say this was carved by Neandertals; they may be more recent, though, used by the Seleucids.
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
I don't know--looks Neandertal to me.
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
Inside one of the older cave tombs
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
Roman bridge over tunnel just before the tunnel goes underground
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
Looking down at the Besikli Cave Tomb Monument ("Tomb of the King")
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
The tomb contains 93 vaults and was constructed between 1 and 5 AD.
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
Plan of the burial vaults carved into the mountain
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
Oyster motif carved into the tomb complex entrance hall
Antakya - Seleuceia Pieria and Tunnel
Some of the more exposed tombs
Antakya - Doric temple
Larry views Mt. Cassius, the Mediterranean, and the town of Cevlik from a collapsed Doric temple.
Antakya - Doric temple
Only the huge floor blocks have survived multiple earthquakes.
Antakya - Doric temple
The rest is a jumble. The temple was dedicated to Zeus and, in the lower level, Aphrodite.
Antakya - Doric temple
Mount Cassius, as seen from the temple, was said to be the home of Zeus.
Antakya - Doric temple
Poppies grow everywhere in this gorgeous climate.
Antakya - Doric temple
Two cows don't care whose temple this was.
Antakya - Doric temple
The cows' owner
Antakya - Vakifkoyu
The last remaining Christian Armenian village in Turkey, with only @130 mostly older residents
Antakya - Vakifkoyu
This resident, though, is not so elderly.
Antakya - Vakifkoyu
The church is small and elegant. The priest came in to welcome us.
Antakya - Vakifkoyu
One resident offers us free samples of homemade strawberry and pomegranate liqueurs. Wish I could bring some home on the plane!
Antakya - Vakifkoyu
We wander around the village.
Antakya - a village wedding
On the road, we stumble across a wedding celebration. This town is more Arabic than Turkish.
Antakya - a village wedding
A home near the wedding celebration
Antakya - a village wedding
While the men dance a traditional line dance, the women serve the other guests.
Antakya - a village wedding
The bride looks on.
Antakya - a village wedding
A solo dancer
Antakya - Batayaz Canyon
Antakya - Batayaz Canyon
Ottoman bridge over the canyon and stream
Antakya - Batayaz Canyon
The bridge from the opposite side
Antakya 230.jpg
Antakya 230.jpg 2010-04-24
Antakya - back in town
We end the day with Efes beer (in Tuborg glasses?)
Antakya - back in town
The bar sits on top of this silk shop. I wish the shop had been open this late.
Antakya - Iskenderum
On our bus trip back to Ankara, we stop at Iskenderum, the largest Hatay city, naval base, and commercial port. Pretty Mediterranean light in the early morning.
Antakya - Iskenderum
This rundown, but pretty house, is scheduled by the government for renovation.
Antakya - Iskenderum - Naval Museum
Tiled scene at the entrance to the museum. Larry and I have free admission because today is "seniors day"!
Antakya - Iskenderum - Naval Museum
Our sailor guide greets us.
Antakya - Iskenderum - Naval Museum
A Turkish sailor from long ago
Antakya - Iskenderum - Naval Museum
The Captain
Antakya - Iskenderum - Naval Museum
Today's sailor could be from nearly any country.
Antakya - Iskenderum - Naval Museum
As could his captain.
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
This complex is actually about thirty miles north of Antakya, along the road back to Ankara.
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
I believe these are the large kitchens, designed to feed multiple travelers, generally for free, as well as the local poor.
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
This may be the roof of the hamam, or bath, although I'm not really sure.
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
This well seems to have no bottom. There is a rumor that Turkey's motto is "Safety Last."
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
The Crusader castle, next to the caravansaray/mosque complex
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
Castle entrance
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
Inside the ruins of the castle courtyard
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
Just outside the large covered bazaar building, we are invited to have lunch with a wedding party.
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
Some early arrivals await the rest of the wedding guests - 1,500 in all!
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
While we wait for lunch, we visit the caravansaray courtyard, where the festivities will go on all night (maybe the previous night, too?)
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
In the foreground, camels would rest with their burdens, while traders sought shelter in the rooms beneath the arches.
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
Entry into enormous kitchens that fed the travellers as well as the local poor.
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
Beneath the arches of the huge caravansaray, the largest I've seen in Turkey so far
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
Travelers received three days of free lodging and food every thirty miles in a caravansary like this (tho usually smaller).
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
Still waiting for lunch, we visit the mosque, reputedly designed by Sinan. His role is uncertain, though.
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
According to our guides, this producing olive tree is 2,000 years old!
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
We all feel young in front of this tree.
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
These graves in the mosque courtyard are different from those seen elsewhere in Turkey. Perhaps the Arabic influence here?
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
Serhan, one of our two guides, discusses the matter with Larry.
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
Larry gets hungy as the seats begin to fill up.
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
The mother of the bride welcomes us.
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
A small army of volunteer servers, all male, begins to serve lunch.
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
Full house!
Antakya - Sokullu Complex and Payas Castle
Exiting through a receiving line, we wish the groom farewell; we never saw the bride.
Beypazari and other adventures
Jazz gala
Tanfer and Larry discuss jazz at Hacettepe's main campus gala.
Jazz gala
Celebrating the first academic jazz department in Turkey
Lunching with the swans
Barbara at the Kugulu Park restaurant in downtown Ankara
EEE gets a new "do"
EEE gets a new "do"
Ibraham Bey transforms my mop.
EEE gets a new "do"
Well, no, that's not me (thank goodness). Ibraham is also the hairdresser to this star, whose music, and entertainment persona, I don't like.
Meldan gets a new "do" also
Hers is free, because it's her birthday.
Dinner at Cocinella
Michael travels all the way from Dresden, Germany, to have dinner with his wife, Serpil (foreground), her student, and us at "The Ladybug" bistro, in Ankara. The desserts are great!
Iranian dinner
Mama Zahra, an Iranian refugee (and one of Larry's older students) and her daughter and son in law, host us and a friend at their apartment.
Iranian dinner
Zahra and her daughter fix us a feast of Iranian vegetarian specialties.
Native American group meeting
Part of the group that meets at Bercin's second home in Ankara for five hours of food and fun, and ten minutes of meeting.
Native American group meeting
Gulriz leaves her hospital bed to join us.
Native American group meeting
Bercin (standing), with her son, who is reacting to something--sneeze? joke? bit his tongue?
Native American group meeting
Ercan digs in to the desserts.
On the U.S. military base
Nice library for the military families
On the U.S. military base
Rodney, the librarian
Beypazari
Looking down on the "old town" of Beypazari, and the "dinosaur" hills marching through the valley
Beypazari
Larry checks out the bird life from atop the fortress hill.
Beypazari
View of the "new city" from the hill
Beypazari
The old on the left, the new on the right, and the former "Silk Road" in the valley in the middle
Beypazari - state craft education center
One young woman knots the fringe on newly woven cloth.
Beypazari - state craft education center
Weaver
Beypazari - state craft education center
Hand embroidered cloth, based on Ottoman designs. Most of the threads are gold and silver.
Beypazari - state craft education center
Working with silver filigree (the tiny shards lined up on the tray are elaborate filigree designs).
Beypazari - state craft education center
Combing wool into a grid design on this soft blanket
Beypazari - state craft education center
Our guide, Fiyat, points out natural dying techniques.
Beypazari - state craft education center
This is quite a large hand woven kilim workshop.
Beypazari - state craft education center
Specialized tool used to tap down each thread as it is woven into the kilim
Beypazari - public library
The larger than usual public library is full of children.
Beypazari - public library
One wall highlights childrens' posters highlighting the dangers of smoking and other drug use.
Beypazari - public library
This one shows quite an imagination behind the drawing.
Beypazari - public library
Another particularly effective poster; the matter of fact title is "You will die."
Beypazari - public library
Translation of the message from literary giants: "we wait for you in the library."
Beypazari - public library
Two of the three librarians bid us goodbye.
Beypazari - commercial center
Nicely restored commercial buildings
Beypazari - commercial center
This man hand quilts whole cloth creations. That is, they are not pieced, but quilted on large pieces of cloth.
Beypazari - commercial center
The town is known particularly for its locally produced egg noodles. Delicious!
Beypazari - commercial center
At lunch, my ayran is served frothed and in a fancy silver mug. Ayran is a traditional drink of diluted yogurt and salt.
Beypazari - commercial center
All of us ate a terrific lunch for about $6 each, including a very generous tip. Great place!
Beypazari - commercial center
View from the upstairs restaurant
Beypazari - commercial center
This is the exterior of the resturant, which is upstairs.
Beypazari - Living Museum
We approach the Yasayan Muze, or "Living Museum."
Beypazari - Living Museum
Some children greet us from a nearby alley. No they are not part of the museum.
Beypazari - Living Museum
But this goat IS part of the museum grounds.
Beypazari - Living Museum
Another local child looks in on the goat, and us.
Beypazari - Living Museum
The museum was once a large Ottoman house. This faucet provides water from the huge cistern to which it is attached, within the house's courtyard.
Beypazari - Living Museum
This lazy susan was used to give food to beggars who came to the door of the Ottoman house. It is situated so that the giver and receiver never see each other.
Beypazari - Living Museum
Ellen tries her hand at Ebru, Turkish paper marbling.
Beypazari - Living Museum
In reality, the teacher does all the work; I just hang on.
Beypazari - Living Museum
I do have to lay the paper by myself, though.
Beypazari - Living Museum
Ta, da! Oops, just turn your head. Each tulip represents one member of our family.
Beypazari - Living Museum
Fatih, our guide, creates a reasonable facsimile of the famous shadow puppet performance, starring Hacivit and Karagoz.
Beypazari - Living Museum
Larry gets the puppet closer to the screen, but now his arm is in the way. This is harder than it looks.
Beypazari - Living Museum
Elaborate kilims and embroided cloths decorate this Ottoman divan.
Beypazari - Living Museum
We gather around a traditional story teller.
Beypazari - Living Museum
Fatih translates for us.
Beypazari - Living Museum
The punch line
Beypazari - Living Museum
Ottoman house guest room. These cloths were hand embroidered with gold thread.
Beypazari - commercial center
Beypazari is known for its carrots; the district grows 60% of all Turkey's carrots. The fresh juice is sweet and delicious.
Beypazari - commercial center
Beypazari is also well known for its silver jewelry. I find it too elaborate, though.
Beypazari - waiting for tea and our bus
Having ordered our teas, we watch as an ominous cloud grows in the west, curtailing our return to the Inozu Valley.
Dublin
Dublin - St. Stephen's Green
This house sits at one of four entrances to the beautiful urban park within walking distrance of our hotel.
Dublin - St. Stephen's Green
Dublin - St. Stephen's Green
Dublin - St. Stephen's Green
one of the green's permanent residents
Dublin, Ireland 011.jpg
Sad memorial to the Famine of the 19th century
Dublin - walking about
Government building
Dublin - Archbishop Ryan Park
Bicycles for everyone's use, in front of a modern war memorial
Dublin - Archbishop Ryan Park
The Guinness refinery commissions the statue of Oscar Wilde in the next photo.
Dublin - Archbishop Ryan Park
Oscar Wilde statue, erected in 1997
Dublin - Archbishop Ryan Park
Larry caught off guard
Dublin - Archbishop Ryan Park
Heather garden
Dublin - Archbishop Ryan Park
This unusual mound is the entry to a WWII underground air raid shelter, large enough to fit more than 1,000 people.
Dublin - Georgian houses
When told to paint their doors black, out of respect (for whom?), Dubliners, being Dubliners, painted them every color but.
Dublin - Grafton Street
The main, upscale, shopping pedestrian street, between St. Stephen's Green and Trinity College
Dublin - walking around
The Shelbourne Hotel, a local landmark
Dublin - walking around
Carmelite church, across from St. Stephen's Green
Dublin - walking around
Cool building; I haven't a clue what it is.
Dublin Castle
Chapel
Dublin Castle
Courtyard
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
Once a dressing room, now a meeting space for contemporary dignitaries.
Dublin Castle
Interesting plaster work on the wall
Dublin Castle
Another ceiling to add to my collection
Dublin Castle
Salon
Dublin Castle
Pretty ball room; ugly rug
Dublin Castle
Ballroom. This screen protected the women's make up, made of wax and chalk, from the fire behind it.
Dublin Castle
Throne
Dublin Castle
Above the throne are the symbols of Ireland (unicorn) and England (lion). Dublin was an English city for centuries.
Dublin Castle
During balls, courting couples sat on opposite ends of this divan; a chaperone sat in the middle.
Dublin Castle
The gallery; another ugly rug. Am I prejudiced?
Dublin Castle
Ceremonial room, still used for State visits. I don't mind this rug.
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
The early city walls
Dublin Castle
Viking tower foundation
Dublin Castle
Base of early city walls, beneath the current castle
Dublin Castle
secret entry in/out of the early city walls
Dublin Castle
rendering of what the previous photos might have looked like at the time
Dublin Castle
Parts of today's castle buildings are very colorful indeed.
Dublin Castle
Looking back at the only surviving Norman tower and later chapel
Chester Beatty Library - on the Castle grounds
Famous for Sir Chester's book arts collections, particularly early New Testament papyrus manuscript fragments
Dublin Castle
A closer look at some impressive colors
Dublin Castle
Christ Church
More than 1,000 years old, this building has many more recent additions and replacements.
Christ Church
Anglican cathedral for the city of Dublin
Christ Church
Inside, the floor tiles are elaborate.
Christ Church
Christ Church
Tomb of Strongbow, a 12th century Norman lord and conqueror of Dublin. His original tomb was destroyed; this is a later replacement.
Christ Church
The small figure next to Strongbow's tomb is believed to be from the original monument. Is it his wife? child? No one knows for sure.
Christ Church
Baptismal
Christ Church
Pulpit
Christ Church
Organ - the white bit is the back of the organist, who was playing at the time.
Christ Church
Medieval stone carvings
Christ Church
One of many tombs inside the cathedral
Christ Church
Christ Church
Recently renovated Lady Chapel. I believe these are the original floor tiles, albeit restored.
Christ Church
Brother O'Brien indoctrinates the next generation.
Christ Church
Another interior tomb and monument. Who is this?
Christ Church
Old elaborate tomb
Christ Church
Even older
Christ Church
Stairway to Europe's only 17 bell tower. I don't know why this is so blue.
Christ Church
Beautiful door leading to the medieval crypt, below
Christ Church
Inside the 12th - 13th century crypt, the oldest surviving structure in Dublin
Christ Church
Creepy medieval statues surround me. Last picture, because we just noticed that we're not supposed to use cameras down here. Oops!
Christ Church
Christ Church
Christ Church
Former Chapter House of the Augustinian Canons, from 1163 to 1537
Christ Church
Pedestrian bridge to the "new" Chapter House, now a museum
Christ Church
Christ Church - Viking and Medieval exhibits
This picture started talking to us in the Dubliniana exhibition. Scary.
Christ Church - Viking and Medieval exhibits
Reproduction Viking tent - with four poster bed?
Christ Church - Viking and Medieval exhibits
Viking house - no windows.
Christ Church - Viking and Medieval exhibits
Viking weaver with crude loom
Christ Church - Viking and Medieval exhibits
Sir What's-His-Name from medieval Dublin
Christ Church - Viking and Medieval exhibits
Medieval Dublin in miniature
Christ Church - Viking and Medieval exhibits
Medieval shoes
Christ Church - Viking and Medieval exhibits
Medieval dock workers
Christ Church - Viking and Medieval exhibits
This is where we learned that Dublin was an English city, surrounded by hostile Irish.
Christ Church - Viking and Medieval exhibits
Interesting bit of English/Irish history
Christ Church - Viking and Medieval exhibits
Lambert and the mob
Christ Church - Viking and Medieval exhibits
Larry crosses the pedestrian bridge back to the church.
Christ Church - Viking and Medieval exhibits
Ellen welcomes him back.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Approaching from the park
St. Patrick's Cathedral
The writer's wall in the cathedral park. Each bay honors an Irish writer; e.g., Yeats, Wilde, Joyce, etc.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
This is the national Anglican cathedral, unlike Christ Church, which is the Dublin cathedral.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
In the park
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Epithet of Jonathan Swift, the most famous of the cathedral's deans
St. Patrick's Cathedral
The hole in this door was cut in 1492 by the Earl of Kildare to propose a truce. To have opened the door would have meant death.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Stone bearing the Celtic cross found beneath the church's foundations near St. Patrick's well, during major renovations
St. Patrick's Cathedral
One of the more elaborate tombs found throughout the cathedral
National Gallery of Dublin
After a day of sight seeing, we await a free Chopin concert at the National Gallery concert hall.
Trinity College Dublin
Beautiful buildings (outside); classrooms, though, are a mess.
Trinity College Dublin
The main courtyard
Trinity College Dublin
Terrific exhibit of this most famous Bible, followed by a walk through a gallery of 200,000 old books
Trinity College Dublin
The famous Trinity Library, with the Book of Kells and Long Room (with the 200,000 old books)
Trinity College Dublin
This was the only photo allowed because it was outside.
Dublin bus tour
View from the top of the open air bus; I like this building.
Dublin bus tour
I passed up a tour of the Guinness factory--darn!
Dublin bus tour
Dublin bus tour
Kilmainham Gaol - I passed this up, too. Double darn!
Dublin bus tour
Kilmainham Gaol
Dublin bus tour
More typical Dublin housing. The Georgian houses, with the pretty doors in other photos, are for the wealthy.
Dublin bus tour
Museum of Modern Art
Dublin bus tour
Phoenix Park, Wellington monument
Dublin bus tour
Gate to the U.S. ambassador's residence
Dublin bus tour
Irish president's residence
Dublin bus tour
Phoenix Park - the largest enlosed urban park in Europe; Central Park can fit into this park 2.5 times. These gas lamps are still in use.
Dublin bus tour
Decorative Arts museum - I saw not a single person for about fifteen minutes. Spooky.
Dublin bus tour
Decorative Arts museum - still no people
Dublin bus tour
Decorative Arts museum - where is everyone?
Dublin bus tour
More expensive Georgian neighborhoods, with their colorful doors
Dublin - walking around
Chalk artist delivers a message of hope during this recession.
Dublin - walking around
O'Connell bridge - wider than it is long
Dublin - walking around
Dublin - walking around
The famous Abbey Theatre - we missed the opening of Macbeth by one day. Another darn.
Dublin - walking around
What I thought was the Abbey Theatre, but just a pretty building next door
Dublin - Walking around
"The Needle," Dublin's homage to the new Millenium
Dublin - walking around
National Museum of Archaeology and History. Wish I could photograph inside the gorgeous domed atrium. Inside were the mummified "bog bodies."
Dublin - walking around
Georgian door
Dublin - walking around
Street performance on crowded Grafton St.
Dublin - EAAS conference
Meldan delivers her talk on Amy Tan.
Dublin - Guinness
Larry and Ozge finally enjoy a Guinness
Dublin - Guinness
Me, too
Dublin - Guinness
Great pub
Dublin - Guinness
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
We begin our bus tour in the Glendalough portion of the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
Of course, since we'll be outside much of the day, it has to be raining.
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
Beautiful countryside
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
We approach the medieval monastic settlement within the park.
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
This 1,000 year old bridge collapsed just recently from all the rain.
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
Sheep and bogs
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
The round tower of the monastic settlement
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
Celtic cross in the graveyard
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
Approaching the medieval church
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
Very early celtic cross
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
A closer view of the medieval church
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
We warm ourselves in the park's cafe.
Ireland bus tour - Glendalough
Leaving the park's monastic settlement
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
We arrive in the town of Kilkenny, possible home to some of Larry's ancestors.
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
One of the many old churches in Kilkenny, the Cathedral Church of St. Canice
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Another round tower
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Row houses
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Approaching the Black Abbey
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
The Black Abbey; our guide did not explain the name.
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Maybe because it's so dark inside?
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
The Black Abbey
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
The Black Abbey
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Medieval city walls
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Abbey Street, restored 2002-2003
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Pretty residential courtyard, just inside the city walls
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Abbey Street, looking back toward the city walls
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Seven pubs all in a row
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Larry heads off in search of his ancestors
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Rothe House, a former prison
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Something about a woman accused of witchcraft at this site
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
A bustling main street
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Coat of arms of the Butler family, a leading local family, and today's makers of Butler chocolates
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Former soup kitchen during the Famine
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Approaching Kilkenny Castle
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Castle entrance
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Kilkenny craft shop and restaurant
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Extensive castle grounds
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Former castle stables
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Mohammad Ali ko's the Beatles. What?
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Lunch in a local sports bar (hence the previous picture)
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
Kilkenny beer is better than Guinness.
Ireland bus tour - Kilkenny
The castle walls are mighty thick
Back in Dublin
The moon rises over St. Stephen's Green entrance.
Back in Dublin
Inside Trinity College courtyard: Gulriz (center), Tanfer (right), Tanfer's mother (left)
Back in Ankara
The airport is packed with pilgrims returning from the Hajj (Mecca)
Of birthdays and culture
Happy Birthday!
Meldan brings me a delicious chocolate cake.
Happy Birthday!
Candles and all
Happy Birthday!
One for each decade + 1
Ankara Opera House
Entryway
Ankara Opera House
Lobby
Ankara Opera House
Larry, Ellen and Ercan wait for the ballet, Harem, to begin.
Ankara Opera House
Larry, Meldan and Ercan
Ankara Opera House
The stage before the house fills up. (No photos during the performance, alas)
Ercan's Bahcelievler apartment
Ercan lives in this beautiful apartment in our neighborhood.
Ercan's Bahcelievler apartment
Ercan's maid serves Larry.
Ercan's Bahcelievler apartment
Italian furniture from the parents' days as diplomats.
Ercan's Bahcelievler apartment
Ercan's butler on call
Ercan's Bahcelievler apartment
Meldan recounts the "joys" of apartment construction.
Ercan's Bahcelievler apartment
Ercan's Bahcelievler apartment
Japanese artifact - kimono sash
Ercan's Bahcelievler apartment
This is the Afghan rug (wool from Turkey, though) that we helped Ercan select.
Ercan's Bahcelievler apartment
Foyer - the cabinet on the right houses shoes as one enters the apartment. Nobody leaves their shoes on in Turkish homes.
Ercan's Bahcelievler apartment
Custom kitchen, with chocolate mousse cake
Ercan's Bahcelievler apartment
My favorite rug. No wonder people don't walk around home with shoes on.
Kilim workshop
Kadir Bey and Ibraham display kilims at a lecture about weaving technique and quality.
Kilim workshop
The "A" kilim on top took four months to weave. This is the same type we bought. The middle one took one day to weave, is three times as big, but one third the price.
Kilim workshop
Part of a bride's dowry, fashioned to hide hand embroidered underwear. ????
Kilim workshop
Tribal baby's cradle. Contemporary owners reverse it and drape it over a table.
Kilim workshop
This huge tribal kilim is part of the outside of a tent or yurt. One side is rough (facing outside) and snags scorpions.
Kilim workshop
This tribal kilim was made into a dog's pillow/bed for an urban owner.
Kilim workshop
This multicolored kilim is significant for some reason. I was fooling with my camera, so didn't write it down--now I forgot. Darn!
Kilim workshop
All natural colorings (no dyes) form this old kilim.
Kilim workshop
This old kilim shows the varieties of colors obtainable from natural vegetable dyes.
Kilim workshop
These are similar to ones we bought. They are made with all natural vegetable dyes, which, unlike chemical dyes, will not fade over time.
Kilim workshop
Kilim workshop
Three samples are of Usak kilims, representing rugs used to pray for rain during drought. We bought one earlier this year. Each one took one weaver four months to create.
Kilim workshop
Kilim workshop
These kilims are nearly one hundred years old, but look as fresh as a new one.
Kilim workshop
The middle, Afghan, kilim has tight weave with extraordinarily detailed designs.
Kilim workshop
Each of these felt kilims, hand embroidered with silk thread, is 200 years old and worth more than $100,000. NFS
ARIT lecture
James Osborne is an archaeologist and PhD candidate from Harvard.
ARIT lecture
Despite his serious look, he has a great sense of humor and gentle, terrific speaking style. He also knows a lot.
Ankara State Concert Hall
At another concert by the Presidential Symphony, I was able to take a photo of this unusually large chandelier above the audience. I think it's from Scandinavia.
U.S. Army Base cookout
This is the army base school where our friend, Ray, is a guidance counsellor.
U.S. Army Base cookout
U.S. Army Base cookout
Some of the school's furniture was supplied by Kadir Bey's furniture/fabric workshop.
U.S. Army Base cookout
While most wait for their Outback Steakhouse steaks, we wait for our veggie ravioli.
U.S. Army Base cookout
The sun emerges - finally! - after a winter of nearly steady rain.
U.S. Army Base cookout
Barbara, Kadir Bey, Ray and Larry
U.S. Army Base cookout
Kadir Bey and I are so bad at basketball, he reverts to soccer moves.
Party time at the Nelson's
Alice at her hospitable best
Party time at the Nelson's
Party time at the Nelson's
Charles Gates, Claire (facing camera), Ceylan (back to camera) and guess who?
Party time at the Nelson's
Larry's still talking!
Party time at the Nelson's
Party time at the Nelson's
Carnot at his hospitable best
lunch (again) at Best Kolleksiyon
Having seen these a half dozen times, I finally find that I like them, despite the pastel colors.
lunch (again) at Best Kolleksiyon
These are somewhat contemporary embroidered kilims. Picture this one draped over a cream colored sofa.
Mama Magpie builds a nest
Mama Magpie makes good progress outside our fourth floor living room window.
Mama Magpie builds a nest
A closer look
Mama Magpie builds a nest
Mama wants to get into the picture.
Kayseri and Culture
Ankara Museum of Painting and Sculpture
Performance hall, where we saw the production, Seslerle Anadolu.
Ankara Museum of Painting and Sculpture
Stage in the performance hall, where we viewed Seslerle Anadolu, or "Voices of Anatolia."
Kayseri - Çifte Medrese
View from our hotel room of the Çifte Medrese, or twin medrese (the other one is in the next picture)
Kayseri - Çifte Medrese
View from our hotel room of the other half of the Çifte Medrese, or Twin Medrese, now a museum of medicine.
Kayseri - Çifte Medrese
Larry searches around the whole building for the entrance to the museum of medicine.
Kayseri - Çifte Medrese
Success! Alas, though, the museum of medicine is closed for months of renovation.
Kayseri - Çifte Medrese
We peer inside the museum of medicine and its beautiful Seljuk architecture. Where are the displays, though?
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
Main entry into the medrese associated with the mosque
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
Vaulted ceiling inside the mosque, built in 1249, restored in 1547
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
The caretaker takes us on a brief tour of this beautiful centuries old Seljuk mosque.
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
Elegant mimbar
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
The caretaker takes us into the mosque's adjoining medrese, or theological seminary.
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
Inside the working medrese's courtyard
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
Entry from the courtyard into one of the surrounding classrooms
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
Vaulted wall between the medrese and the mosque; from inside the medrese courtyard
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
Inside one of the classrooms
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
One of the corner classrooms has a beautiful new door; I think it's new, as is the main entrance door to the courtyard.
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
Another classroom; pretty kilim
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
The classrooms all have vaulted ceilings, like the mosque.
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
A rare glimpse (for us) inside a minaret. This one was added to the mosque/medrese complex in 1901.
Kayseri - Haci Kilic Mosque and Medrese
Interesting use of old materials
Kayseri
Amid all the old Seljuk buildings sits our futuristic hotel, the 5 star Hilton.
Kayseri
We're not used to all this luxury.
Kayseri
Mimar Sinan, the famous Ottoman architect, was born in the village of Agirnas, near Kayseri.
Kayseri
The plaque accompanying Sinan's statue (in Sinan Park) says he was born in 1492; Wikipedia says 1490.
Kayseri - Mosque of Kursunlu
This mosque, on the edge of Sinan Park, was designed by guess who?
Kayseri - Mosque of Kursunlu
Elegant interior design by Sinan
Kayseri - Mosque of Kursunlu
Built in 1574, it is not from the Seljuk era, but from Ottoman times.
Kayseri - central citadel
A tower of the citadel, located in the central city
Kayseri - central citadel
Citadel park
Kayseri - central citadel
The citadel is truly incorporated into the city.
Kayseri - central citadel
Kayseri - Seljuk tomb
These tombs can be found all over the city.
Kayseri - Seljuk tomb
Kayseri - Seljuk tomb
Inside the tomb
Kayseri - Hunat Camii Complex
This mosque/medrese/hamam complex was built by the wife of the Seljuk sultan Alaettin Keykubad in 1237 & 1238.
Kayseri - Hunat Camii Complex
Entry into the mosque
Kayseri - Hunat Camii Complex
Tomb of the sultan's wife
Kayseri - Hunat Camii Complex
Inside the mosque, where the caretaker spoke to us in French
Kayseri - Sahabiye Medresi
Dating from 1268, this Seljuk medrese now serves as a book bazaar.
Kayseri - Sahabiye Medresi
During an evening visit, we discover one of the bookstores inside as the owner closes up for the day.
Kayseri
The foothills of Mt. Erciyes overlook the town.
Kayseri
Elaborate building now serving as the town's cultural bureau
Kayseri - Ulu Cami (Great Mosque)
Begun in 1142, it is one of the oldest Seljuk buildings in Kayseri.
Kayseri - ongoing excavations and restorations
This site is uncovering and restoring an Ottoman hamam, or Turkish bath, belonging to one of the sultans.
Kayseri - ongoing excavations and restorations
Kayseri - yuk!
Kayseri is known for two foods -- pastermi (like pastrami), as shown. Also, manti, a type of miniature ravioli.
Kayseri - covered bazaar
Inside the bazaar, which looks old, but was built as recently as 1859
Kayseri - bedesten
This bedesten, or vaulted market place, within the citadel's walls, was built in 1497 as a textile center. Rugs are still sold there.
Kayseri - bedesten
Among all the carpets, I cannot see the famous "Kayseri rugs" I like so much. These look more like kilims.
Kayseri - Mount Erciyes?
Nope, just one of the foothills. The famous Mt. Erciyes hid behind clouds during our entire visit.
Kayseri - Mt. Erciyes?
No again, just another "small" foothill.
Kayseri - Erciyes University lecture
Larry discusses President Obama's election and first year in office.
returning to Ankara from Kayseri
I love the panoramic views from the bus. And the grass is getting greener!
Ozden Toker
Mrs. Toker shares her stories of life with her father, Ismet Inonu, the second president of the Turkish Republic, and a close friend and associate of Ataturk.
U.S. Ambassador's residence
Larry and Helen meet the U.S. Ambassador, James Jeffrey, at a screening at his residence of the film, Split.
Kelly Nyks
The creator of Split, Kelly Nyks, expands on his film's creation.
Hacettepe guest speaker
From Spellman College in the U.S., Dr. Akiba Harper spoke and performed about jazz and literature (before this lunch, that is).
Hacettepe speaker
Bercin follows Dr. Harper, with a talk about Africans in Turkey.
Hacettepe speakers
Both speakers were well received by the Hacettepe students.
Pamukkale, Hierapolis, camel wrestling
Camel wrestling
This scarf was a gift from the mayor of Saraykoy, where the camel wrestling competition was to take place.
Kilim workshop
We stopped at a government subsidized kilim workshop, where the wool is dyed using vegetable plants, spun, and hand woven into gorgeous kilims.
Kilim workshop
These beautiful colors all derive from natural plant dyes.
Kilim workshop
One of the larger kilims
Kilim workshop
A young weaver has memorized the intricate patterns.
Kilim workshop
This small kilim is nearly complete.
Kilim workshop
One shape is worked on at a time.
Kilim workshop
Tamping down the yarn
Kilim workshop
This kilim has a wheat and flower motif.
Kilim workshop
Double, double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble . . . A dye vat with natural red dye from pulverized plants.
Kilim workshop
The master dyer
Kilim workshop
Dyed wool drying in the open air.
Kilim workshop
Two shades of indigo-dyed wool; the darker soaked for 24 hours, the lighter only 8.
Kilim workshop
Kilim workshop
This coarser wool comes from various parts of the sheep. Softer wool derives from the head, neck and upper back of the sheep.
Kilim workshop
Beautiful plant dyed colors
Kilim workshop
A deep red dye is produced from this pulverized plant. Which one? I cannot remember.
Kilim workshop
Another beauty
Kilim workshop
A wall display shows the various plants from which the dyes are made. Palamut means acorn, which produces a pale yellow/green color.
Kilim workshop
I thought our guide told us that mazi produces the deep red/orange dye, but these galls don't look quite right. Other plants used are walnut, arborvitae, and dog grape (whatever that is), among others.
Kilim workshop
I came awfully close to buying one of these small kilims, but I resisted.
Mermer = Marble
On the way to our hotel, we pass miles and miles of marble quarries and distributors. These blocks are huge.
Thermal baths
Our hotel, the Colossae Thermal Spa, offers VERY hot thermal baths - the red one in the picture, with lots of iron, and cool calcium baths - the light one. We try both, many times.
Therman baths
Larry takes the plunge. Ouch! Hot!
On the road again
We pass through gorgeous wine country in southwestern Turkey.
On the road again
Picturesque village behind the grapevines, as seen from the bus
On the road again
Solo cottage
Buldan textiles
Barbara makes a selection.
Buldan textiles
Quilt ideas, my quilter friends?
Buldan textiles
This vendor gets shy.
Buldan textiles
And stays shy.
Buldan textiles
Kadir Bey leads us to the workshop connected with the shop in the previous pictures.
Buldan textiles
The shop's expert machine embroiderer works wonders.
Buldan textiles
I don't.
Buldan textiles
Inside the workshop; completed projects, many produced in the homes of textile workers.
Buldan textiles
I tried to purchase some of these squares, but they are not for sale. Alas.
Buldan textiles
Common Turkish designs.
Buldan textiles
Buldan textiles
Bolts of cloth awaiting transformation
Buldan textiles
A hand weaver creates pure silk products in another, smaller, workshop and retail shop.
Buldan textiles
The weave is tight and miniscule.
Buldan textiles
Textile overload along the streets of Buldan, in the province of Denizli
Buldan textiles
Turkish bathrobes hang in multiple colors.
Buldan
This couple, married 50 years, sells us the best dried figs we've had yet.
Buldan
Sarayköy - camels
As the bus arrives in Sarayköy, we see townspeople awaiting the arrival of camels in the central square.
Sarayköy - camels
An impromptu concert, with traditional Turkish instruments, greets us as we disembark.
Sarayköy - camels
Sarayköy - camels
Sarayköy - camels
A vendor displays one of his "camel wrestling" scarves for sale, as the crowd increases.
Sarayköy - camels
Great tree.
Sarayköy - camels
The crowd awaits the arrival of the camels.
Sarayköy - camels
The camels arrive in the town's central square.
Sarayköy - camels
Camel owners travel long distances to display their animals; the wrestling match is scheduled for the next day.
Sarayköy - camels
One camel wears his finest garb.
Sarayköy - camels
These camels are bred and nurtured for size and strength.
Sarayköy - camels
Sarayköy - camels
This beautiful animal will not wrestle after all. The next day's rain makes it too dangerous for the camels. They'll have to wait now until next year! No, wait, is this the female?
Sarayköy - camels
The crowds increase with the camels' arrival. We were lucky to arrive at the right time.
Sarayköy - camels
Kadir Bey negotiates something with a town official; probably a special box seat for us for tomorrow's camel wrestling competition.
Sarayköy - camels
We await the arrival of more town officials.
Sarayköy - camels
Sarayköy - camels
The district governor (left) and the town's mayor (middle) welcome us to their town. Larry is then asked to speak to them in turn.
Sarayköy - camels
As we return to the bus, the local band leads us in an impromptu parade down a main street.
Back at the hotel
Larry and Ellen prepare to take in "the thermals" once again.
Pamukkale
"Pamukkale" means "Cotton Castle." These are travertines formed by thousands of years of cascading calcium rich waters.
Pamukkale
The ancient city of Hierapolis sits atop the pools.
Pamukkale
What are those bright lights?
Pamukkale
Confession. These are actually murals in the hotel. We never made it to Pamukkale; too much rain. Alas!
Pamukkale
One view (without the beautiful pools visible) of the real Pamukkale, taken from the bus as we leave the area.
Sarayköy
Although we did not see the wrestling match (cancelled due to rain), the mayor of the city gave each of us a memorial camel wrestling scarf.
Antalya, Perge, Alanya
Antalya
Our Antalya hotel, the Atelya
Antalya
Our room
Antalya
The hotel was once several old Ottoman houses.
Antalya
Sitting room outside our private room
Antalya
Alice and Carnot in the hotel "lobby"
Antalya
The hotel lobby and courtyard
Antalya
Ottoman carriage in the hotel courtyard
Antalya
Hotel room (not ours) balcony
Antalya
Charles records evidence of Helen's liberation of a fresh orange in the hotel courtyard.
Antalya
Entry to our section of the hotel is the door on the right.
Antalya
Street vendor; half-price (half-loaf) sale
Antalya
On the road to the Mediterranean
Antalya
We pass by some of the old city walls.
Antalya
Seaside park
Antalya
Large Roman tomb
Antalya
View west from our vantage point. Small waterfall barely visible.
Antalya
Door into somebody's courtyard
Antalya
One of many towers in the city's walls
Antalya
Formerly the main entry through the city walls. Now a ceramics shop.
Antalya
City walls in the Kaleici section of Antalya. Kaleici = Inside the kale, or fortress. Now the old preserved area of the city.
Antalya
An Ottoman fixer-upper inside the Kaleici
Antalya
The inner harbor, now a marina. The wall protected the city for many centuries.
Antalya
A closer look at the waterfall to the west of the city. The volume of water reflects recent flooding.
Antalya
Harbor walls, showing the main entry to the city by boat. In the left background is the Yivli Minare, or 13th century Fluted Minaret.
Antalya
One of the souvenir shopping areas in the Kaleici
Antalya
The ancient main entry into the city from the harbor
Antalya
One of the Seljuk inscriptions on the inner city walls, translated and interpreted by our scholar/guide Scott Redford
Antalya
Smaller inscriptions are barely visible at the top of the tower.
Antalya
More souvenir shops
Antalya
Colorful textiles
Antalya
Entry into a former Seljuk medrese, or religious academy
Antalya
Remnants of blue tiles at the base of the fluted minaret
Antalya
Close-up of the top of the fluted minaret
Antalya
Square clock tower
Antalya
Hadrian's Gate. The glass walkway protects the rutted road below. Ruts are from centuries of Roman wagon wheels passing through the gate.
Antalya
Hadrian's Gate, built on the occasion of Emperor Hadrian's visit to the city.
Antalya
Reproduction interior of Ottoman house, now a museum
Antalya
Hand-embroidered clothing
Antalya
A young woman prepares her bridal trousseau
Antalya
Stone mosaic floor inside the museum courtyard
Antalya
Another one. I love these floors.
Antalya
Kesik Minare. The "broken minaret," from the ruins of a Roman temple, later a Byzantine church, still later, a mosque.
Antalya
Kesik Minare. The Turkish archaeologist responsible for the site's excavation and restoration--with his son.
Antalya
Kesik Minare - main entry to the site
Antalya
Kesik Minare - Inside the main area of the church/mosque
Antalya
Kesik Minare
Antalya
Kesik Minare - This wall collapsed just a few days earlier from torrential rains and flooding. Therefore, we were limited in where we could walk.
Antalya
Kesik Minare
Antalya
Kesik Minare
Antalya
Kesik Minare - The walls are still unstable from the recent rains.
Antalya
Pretty rug shop in the Kaleici section of the city
Antalya
Night shot of the Roman tomb
Antalya
Night shot of the harbor
Antalya
Our hotel, but not, alas, our room. One half of the room, that is.
Antalya
The other half of the "attic" room in our hotel
Antalya
Dinner and wine
Antalya
Awaiting dinner
Antalya
The restaurant
Antalya
Larry reads about the Roman water canal under the glass.
Antalya
A street in the Kaleici, near our hotel
Antalya
Old Ottoman houses cantilevered over the streets, very close to each other.
Antalya
Larry and I walk back to the hotel after an early morning stroll.
Antalya
Kaleici - inside the fortress. We are here.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
This is the courtyard to the terrific Antalya Museum.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Ancient funeral urn
Antalya - Antalya Museum
This is how that urn was used in prehistoric times.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Instead of arranging artifacts chronologically, they are arranged by site, representing a variety of civilizations living in one place over time.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Interesting mix of objects
Antalya - Antalya Museum
What does this tiny object portray?
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Here is a rendering.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
This is for my Mom. This vase is about 3/4 of an inch tall. Sorry I can't add it to your miniature vase collection.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
old foot-powered pottery wheel
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Halls of statues from Perge. Later in the day, we will visit the ancient Greco Roman site of Perge, from which these extraordinary statues were taken.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Nemisis, or "Lady Luck," the favorite god in Pamphylia, of which Perge was one part.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
This bust was described by our guide as representing Hadrian's "boy toy."
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Emperor Hadrian
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Isis. The Egyptian cult of Isis reached Perge; she was worshiped as the ideal mother and wife as well as the patron of nature and magic.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
The faces of Roman sculptures are known for their expressive features.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Another sensitive facial rendering
Antalya - Antalya Museum
This room was constructed to house the sculptures taken from only a single building, the theater, at Perge. Amazing!
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Hermes. Like other giant statues from the upper walls of the theater, this one leans forward in order to better be seen from the audience below.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
One of many deep relief panels from the lower frieze of the Perge theater
Antalya - Antalya Museum
This head is too small for the body of this statue. I think it belongs to a different body. Should I tell the museum my theory?
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Sarcophagus cap
Antalya - Antalya Museum
One couple's sarcophagus
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Apollo and the Muses
Antalya - Antalya Museum
The Treasure of the Century was returned to Turkey in 1999 after being illegally taken from Turkey in 1984.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Some of the 1,900 coins in mint condition on display. They were returned from an angry U.S. collector only after ten years of litigation and $7.5 million in legal fees.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
One of 14 large "decadrachmas" found in the returned collection. Previously, only 7 of these commemorative Greek coins, struck to celebrate a Greek victory over the Persians, were known to exist.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Seljuk inscription taken from one of the city's wall towers
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Photo of the previous inscription in situ
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Old velvet, hand embroidered with gold thread
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Huge 16th century hand knotted rug
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Impressive tile map of the Teke Peninsula, with Antalya shown as the little harbor at the top of the large bay.
Antalya - Antalya Museum
Another impressive huge wall tile. I think this represents ancient Antalya.
Antalya
The Taurus Mountains surrounding Antalya make a brief appearance through the clouds.
Antalya
The Taurus Mountains loom over Antalya--as seen from outside the Museum.
Perge
We prepare ourselves for a trek through the ancient site of Perge.
Perge
Charles Gates, archaeologist, leads us through the reeds at Perge.
Perge
Roman ruins loom over the reeds.
Perge
Anemone on our pathway
Perge
Oops. Dead end, due to the previous week's flooding. Back to Plan A.
Perge
Scott Redford, our guide, lectures in front of the agora.
Perge
We listen
Perge
. . . and listen.
Perge
Larry, ever the historian, loves all the detail.
Perge
Columns of Egyptian granite re-erected, thanks to individual donors
Perge
A temple of Nemesis right in the middle of the agora, or market place
Perge
Charles takes in the enormity of the reconstruction task ahead.
Perge
Reconstruction of the founder's gallery, formerly the city's triumphal entry gate
Perge
Perge's main street, built by the Romans
Perge
Water canal in the middle of the main street
Perge
One of many shops along the Roman road
Perge
Pedestrian bridge across the water canal
Perge
Wheel ruts from hundreds of years of wear by Roman vehicles
Perge
Perge
Cesme, or fountain, formerly pouring water from a cistern in the hill above, into the water canal
Perge
One of the few statues remaining on site. The others are in the Antalya Museum and likely in other museums as well.
Perge
Larry gazes into the ruins of a small Byzantine church, smack dab in the middle of the Roman road.
Perge
Some curious fauna
Perge
Oops, back to work!
Perge
The vendors picked up and followed us throughout the site.
Perge
Schema of the extensive Roman baths
Perge
Inside the baths
Perge
Roman Baths - the plunging pool
Perge
Roman Baths
Perge
Roman Baths - typical marble flooring
Perge
Roman Baths - calderium
Perge
Roman Baths - hot air flows between these small pillar beneath the floor
Perge
Roman Baths
Perge
Roman Baths
Perge
Roman Baths
Perge
Roman Baths
Perge
Leaving the Baths
Perge
Perge
Evidence as to why these are called "ruins"
Perge
Part of the grand entry into the city
Perge
Some of the local flora
Perge
Entry into the Founder's Gallery
Perge
Stadium - these vaults support the audience seating inside the stadium
Perge
Larry enters the stadium
Perge
Stadium, where various athletic contests were held
Perge
Stadium
Perge
Stadium - this picture best shows the size of this 30,000 seat site.
Perge
Stadium
Alanya
Early morning stroll near our hotel, on the Mediterranean shore
Alanya
view from our hotel
Alanya
Last night's repast was here, across the street from the Kaptan Hotel, where we stayed.
Alanya - Castle Rock
The view of part of Castle Rock from the lighthouse near our hotel. We will head up this rock by bus, coming down by foot. The taller section cannot be seen from this vantage point. (Thank you, Barbara, for this photo)
Alanya - Castle Rock
Entering the inner fortress atop Castle Rock
Alanya - Castle Rock
Remaining Byzantine, then Seljuk, walls
Alanya - Castle Rock
11th century Byzantine Church
Alanya - Castle Rock
Part of the barracks within the fortress
Alanya - Castle Rock
Barracks, probably for the officers
Alanya - Castle Rock
Pathway among the highest barricades - @ 650 feet above the sea
Alanya - Castle Rock
A Byzantine monastery forms a peak on this rocky outcropping sticking out into the Mediterranean.
Alanya - Castle Rock
Looking west from the highest point of the fortress
Alanya - Castle Rock
Barbara takes photos of the eastern view from the Sultan's platform, 650 feet above the sea.
Alanya - Castle Rock
Alanya - Castle Rock
Looking down on the town of Alanya
Alanya - Castle Rock
Alanya - Castle Rock
Alanya - Castle Rock
On our walk down the hill, we pass one of hundreds of ancient cisterns.
Alanya - Castle Rock
We pass by the local village cemetery.
Alanya - Castle Rock
Ancient shop stalls along the road leading up and down Castle Rock
Alanya - Castle Rock
Pretty mosque - the Sulimaniye - in the village
Alanya - Castle Rock
Looking back up as we descend from the inner fortress
Alanya - Castle Rock
Alanya - Castle Rock
A handful of us take a side trip along this pretty walkway.
Alanya - Castle Rock
Alanya - Castle Rock
An alternative view from off the beaten path
Alanya - Castle Rock
Looking west from partway down the hill
Alanya - Castle Rock
A view through the narrow alleys of the outer fortress complex
Alanya - Castle Rock
Intrepid Alice joins our small group in investigating another section of the fortress.
Alanya - Castle Rock
Ellen lost her nerve going all the way to the top of the "sidetrip" route, so she looked around instead for more views.
Alanya - Castle Rock
Alanya - Castle Rock
Alanya - Castle Rock
Charles, like Ellen, didn't make it quite to the top of this part of the fortress--behind the camera. Larry made it, along with just one or two others.
Alanya - Castle Rock
Antalya, Perge, Alanya 291.jpg 2010-11-14
Alanya - Castle Rock
Two of our three guides: Scott and Yunis. The third, Vicdan, stayed behind with those resting in a cafe--and eating the cookies she had made.
Alanya - Castle Rock
We returned to the rest of our group at an oudoor cafe. Here we bought hand-woven raw silk scarves from this vendor. I think she actually did the weaving, but I'm not positive.
Alanya - Castle Rock
Another Byzantine church; there are three within the fortress walls.
Alanya - Castle Rock
Part of the outer walls show evidence of older Roman construction. The large blocks are typically Roman. Later Byzantine and Seljuk blocks are smaller.
Alanya - Castle Rock
Carnot leads the way down this pretty road.
Alanya - Castle Rock
The Red Tower, a five-story octagonal structure built by the Seljuks in 1226.
Alanya - Castle Rock
Passing through one of the lower gates into the fortress, or, in our case, out of it.
Alanya - Castle Rock
Looking down on the Seljuk arsenal and shipyard, the only one remaining in Turkey, and the best preserved medieval arsenal in the Mediterranean area.
Alanya - Castle Rock
We believe this is the arsenal, but, though it was on our initerary, we ran out of time and did not get the tour--or the explanation.
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
Georgetown University's semester abroad center for Eastern Mediterranean studies. Scott, our guide, ran this program for 20 years.
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
The dining room inside the 170 year old Ottoman house
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
View of the Red Tower from the McGhee center
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
The classroom
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
Scott in his element, and his former classroom
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
The classroom ceiling
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
The library
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
Study room, lined with Victorian era carved woode panels
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
Climbing to the terraced gardens
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
On one level of the gardens
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
Scott at the house's "back" door
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
Looking down from the upper garden
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
Nice view for a picnic lunch
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
In the garden
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
The back door
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
Looking back at the house as we leave
Alanya - Castle Rock - McGhee Center
A local mason at work on a house overlooking the harbor
Alanya - Castle Rock
We pass through one last fortress gate on our way down to the bus.
Alanya - Castle Rock
One last lunch at this town restaurant with, again, way too much food
Alanya - Castle Rock
Another pretty stone tiled floor outside the restaurant
Feb 1 to 12
Best Koleksyon
At Kadir Bey's rug shop, he shows us a camel bag and "evil eye" ornament--the latter meant to reflect evil from the camels wearing it.
Best Koleksyon
Some of the group attending Kadir Bey's orientation for the trip we will be taking next week.
Best Koleksyon
Kadir Bey explains some of the rituals of camel wrestling; we will be seeing a camel wrestling competition next week.
Best Koleksyon
Ercan and Meldan contemplate rugs for Ercan's new apartment.
Best Koleksyon
Kadir Bey and Neslihan Hanim's unbelievable cook. We keep forgetting her name, alas. They keep feeding us!
Best Koleksyon
More views of our favorite rug shop
Best Koleksyon
The "dining room" where we've eaten at least five times already.
Best Koleksyon
Mostly kilims (i.e., woven vs. knotted rugs) on the table
Best Koleksyon
This is the Afghan rug Ercan bought for the entryway into his apartment.
Best Koleksyon
More Ottoman artifacts in the "museum" beneath the rug shop
Best Koleksyon
The basement of the rug shop; we call it a "museum," even though it's not one (yet). The unfinished furniture is from one of Kadir Bey's workshops.
Ankara Concert Hall
Home of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest orchestras in the world (begun in the early 19th century)
On the walk to the Ankara Concert Hall
Extraordinary relief sculpture along the road to the concert hall. I will try to get a better picture in the daytime.
Ankara Concert Hall
One of the more striking relief sculptures of Ataturk's visage. It is quite large and looms over the entry to the concert hall.
Ankara Concert Hall
Entry hall chandeliers
January 16 to 31 - Ankara in winter
Bilkent University Symphony Concert Hall
We arrive early before the concert, in this small, pretty hall, where every seat is a good one.
Bilkent University Symphony Concert Hall
The entryway is as pretty as we'd remembered it. The music was good too!
Bilkent University Symphony Concert Hall
We were very early.
The First Turkish Grand National Assembly
Also serves as The War of Independence Museum. No pictures allowed inside, alas.
The Second Turkish Grand National Assembly
Houses the Museum of the Republic.
The Second Turkish Grand National Assembly
Replica of the building
The Second Turkish Grand National Assembly
Entry hall. I love ceilings; they're all different.
The Second Turkish Grand National Assembly
General Assembly Hall
The Second Turkish Grand National Assembly
General Assembly Hall
The Second Turkish Grand National Assembly
General Assembly Hall, President's platform
The Second Turkish Grand National Assembly
General Assembly Hall
Snow in our neighborhood
As with most cities, it takes time for roads to be cleared. Underlying ice also makes travel difficult.
Snow in our neighborhood
The first snowman in the park across the street from our apartment (our building is in the background)
Mille Kutuphane; i.e., Turkey's National Library
Like our Library of Congress--right down the street from us
Istanbul
Istanbul - Spice Bazaar
We sample some Turkish delight in the Spice, or Egyptian, Bazaar.
Istanbul - Spice Bazaar
An Epicurean paradise, especially if you like spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, and nuts
Istanbul - Spice Bazaar
Beautiful displays throughout the Bazaar
Istanbul - Spice Bazaar
The Bazaar's namesakes
Istanbul - Spice Bazaar
I meant to try some of this, but didn't wasn't sure what it was!
Istanbul - Spice Bazaar
Exterior of the Spice Bazaar
Istanbul - Yeni Camii, or "New Mosque"
Feed the birds, tuppence a bag
Istanbul - Yeni Camii, or "New Mosque"
Built in 1597, Sinan's last mosque in Istanbul, hence the name "New Mosque"
Istanbul - Yeni Camii, or "New Mosque"
Inner courtyard ablution station
Istanbul - Yeni Camii, or "New Mosque"
Beautiful tiles
Istanbul - Yeni Camii, or "New Mosque"
Close-up of Iznik tiles
Istanbul - Sulimaniye Mosque
Built for Suliman the Magnificent, and designed by the famous architect, Sinan, the mosque was constructed between 1550 and 1557.
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
View from the boat on a cold, rainy day
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Dolmabache Palace - 19th century successor to Topkapi
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Dolmabache - last Ottoman palace
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Dolmabache Palace - water entry
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Dolmabache Palace - main building
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Dolmabache Palace - main building
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Dolmabache Palace - staff building
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Ciragan Palace - former Ottoman imperial building, now a hotel
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Ciragan Palace
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
To take these photos, I had to step outside on the boat dock in the rain. The tour operator explained things inside the boat. Therefore, I have no idea what some of these buildings are!
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Rumeli Hisari - built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 in anticipation of his siege of Byzantine Constantinople
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Rumeli Hisari
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Rumali Hisari
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Ottoman mansion on the Asian (Anadolu) side of the Bosphorus
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Ottoman mansion
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Ottoman mansion
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Another Ottoman mystery building
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat tour
Ottoman mansion
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
The Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III - just outside the main palace gate
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Entering the palace grounds
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Aya Irini; or Hagia Eirene; or the Church of the Divine Peace. As old as Aya Sofya. We've never been able to see the inside, including today.
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
The Imperial Gate
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Inside the Court of the Janissaries
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Great tree in the first courtyard
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Stone mosaic floors
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Another stone mosaic floor
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
The Third Court - for the Imperial family only
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Larry takes in the Imperial family's view of the Sea of Marmara.
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Mosque inside the palace
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Ornate tiled wall inside the Audience Chamber
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Wall panel of inlaid mother of pearl
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Copper fireplace
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Pavilion overlooking Gulhane Park
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
The Audience Chamber?
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
The Imperial Kitchens - closed, alas, for renovations! This, in my view, is the best part of the whole palace. Darn!
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Suleyman the Magnificent's calligraphic signature
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Entry into the Imperial Council Chamber
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Ceiling inside the Imperial Council Chamber
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Another ceiling inside the Imperial Council Chamber
Istanbul 086.jpg
Tiled fireplace
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
The Harem
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Bath of the Valide Sultan (Sultan's mother)
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
The Harem
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
The Harem
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
The Harem - gorgeous Kutahya wall tiles from the 17th century
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
The Harem
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
The "Fruit Room," inside the Harem
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
The Princes' quarters
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
The Harem
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Gilden ceiling outside the Imperial Council Chamber
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Just another window
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Unusual ceiling
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Terrific traveling exhibit of Iranian artifacts from thousands of years. No cameras allowed inside.
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
Out of the palace and back into the rain
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace
As out-of-season visitors, we had the palace practically to ourselves.
Istanbul
Ottoman tombs along the main thoroughfare in the Sultanamet section of Istanbul
Istanbul - Grand Bazaar
Although there are still many beautiful shops, there is a surplus of tourist trinkets.
Istanbul - Grand Bazaar
Just a few of the 4,400+ shops in the Covered Bazaar
Istanbul - Istanbul University
Grand entry into the university campus
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Also called Haghia Sophia
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
So vast, the camera flash makes no difference
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Marble floor pattern marking the spot where emperors were coronated.
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Mimbar, from the time the building was used as a mosque (It is now a national museum)
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
The Virgin Mary, on the part of the ceiling hidden by scaffolding when we were last here fifteen years ago
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Mihrab, designating the direction of Mecca
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
The Sultan's private balcony
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Unusual marble wall panels
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Enormous (about 5' tall) water container near entrance. "Brought here from Pergamon during the reign of Murad III (1574-1595). Originally from the Hellenistic period, it was carved from a single block of marble."
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Larry rotates his hand in the "wishing post."
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Tunnel/ramp to the second floor balcony and historical mosaics
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
From the balcony, Larry and Anna look down to the huge expanse below.
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Photo of a photo, taken because the originals cannot be photographed with camera flash
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
One of the originals, the Comnenus mosaics - not too bad without flash. The Virgin Mary, holding the Christ, between John II Comnenus and Empress Irene.
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
The Deesis mosaic - Christ as Ruler sits between the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist. This is considered the finest of the mosaics in Aya Sofya.
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
More close-up photos of mosaics, including John the Baptist on the left
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Christ Pantocrator, between Constantine IX Monomachus and Empress Zoe, the latter two holding their contributions to the church
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Balcony ceiling
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Theotokos mosaic in the apse: Virgin Mother and Child
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Larry in the Empress's loge
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Marble doors
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
On the floor of the balcony: the burial place of a leading Crusader
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
See previous picture
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Viking graffiti from the 9th century
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Greek graffiti
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Empress Zoe mosaics: Christ Pantocrator sits between Constantine Monomachus and Empress Zoe, both offering donations to the church.
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Back down to the main floor
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
More tile work
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Above the southwest entrance, the Virgin Mother and Child are flanked by Justinian I and Constantine I, the first presenting her with the church, the latter, with the city of Constantinople.
Istanbul - Aya Sofya
Ablution fountain, built in 1740 by order of Sultan Mahmud I
Istanbul - Park between Aya Sofya and Blue Mosque
One end of the park is flanked by Aya Sofya.
Istanbul - Park between Aya Sofya and Blue Mosque
Within the park, delicious looking corn is sold. Don't be fooled, though--it tastes awful.
Istanbul - Park between Aya Sofya and Blue Mosque
Strolling through the park, we have company.
Istanbul - Park between Aya Sofya and Blue Mosque
At the other end of the park is the Blue Mosque, or Sultanahmet Camii.
Istanbul - the Blue Mosque
View from the Hippodrome. This work was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet (hence the name, Sultanahmet Camii), to rival the Aya Sofya. It is the only mosque of the time with six minarets, a controversial decision by the architect, Mehmet Aga.
Istanbul - the Blue Mosque
Courtyard
Istanbul - The Blue Mosque
The reason the Sultanahmet Camii is also called the Blue Mosque is that the Iznik tiles within are predominantly blue, although there are a lot of other colors as well. There are tens of thousands of tiles in this mosque.
Istanbul - The Blue Mosque
From this view, the tiles don't look so "blue."
Istanbul - The Blue Mosque
Natural light enhances the awesome effect
Istanbul - The Blue Mosque
Blue Iznik tiles, giving rise to the mosque's nickname
Istanbul - The Blue Mosque
I particularly liked the carpet design on the floor of the mosque.
Istanbul - Hippodrome - The Obelisk of Theodosius
Where chariots raced and Janissaries were killed, the Hippodrome is now a park. This obelisk, originally at Karnak in Egypt, and carved in the 1500s BCE, it is the oldest monument in Istanbul. It was brought here from Egypt in 390 AD by the Byzantine emperor Theodosius.
Istanbul - Hippodrome
Fountain of Wilhelm II, 1898, presented to the Sultan as a token of friendship
Istanbul - Hippodrome
An Ottoman building at one end of the Hippodrome, currently serving as an art center
Istanbul - Basilica Cistern
This cistern was built by Justinian in 532 AD.
Istanbul - Basilica Cistern
Eerie image of a large carp, and shadow. We noticed that some of the coins on the floor were "old" Turkish lira, meaning they are no longer honored as currency.
Istanbul - Basilica Cistern
One of the 336 columns in the cistern
Istanbul - Basilica Cistern
Istanbul - Basilica Cistern
The "wishing" column; lots of coins on the floor near this column
Istanbul - Basilica Cistern
All 336 columns are from ruined buildings. Nobody knows quite why Medusa's head is upside down at the base of this column.
Istanbul - Basilica Cistern
This Medusa's head is sideways. The moss shows how damp it is in here.
Istanbul - Basilica Cistern
More carp, and some goldfish
Istanbul - walking to the Archaeology Museum
This road looks old, but is actually somewhat new. The charming buildings are reproduction Ottoman style, created by the Turkish Automobile Association.
Istanbul - walking to the Archaeology Museum
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Built to house the Topkapi Palace collections and more recent acquisitions. The Museum consists of three buildings: The Archaeology Museum (shown here), the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Tiled Kiosk.
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Egyptian sarcophagus
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Lycian tomb
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
One of many sarcophagi from the Royal Necropolis of Sidon (Lebanon), for which the museum was built
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
The Alexander Sarcophagus, one of the prized possessions of the museum. Dating from the 4th century BCE, it depicts Alexander and his army battling the Persians. Note the traces of early paint.
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
The Alexander Sarcophagus - one of the ends of the marble structure. Alexander was not buried in this tomb; it is named after him because of the carved reliefs of his exploits.
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Alexander Sarcophagus. Another view, this one depicting a lion hunt.
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
The Mourning Women Sarcophagus. The sculptures are very lifelike and moving. They also bear traces of the original paint.
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
The Mourning Women Sarcophagus
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
I don't know the name of this sarcophagus, but I was duly impressed.
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Another elaborate Roman sarcophagus from the Royal Necropolis of Sidon
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Close-up of a Sidon sarcophagus
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Another close-up
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Mosaic
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Floor mosaic
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
I love the roof "tiles" of this Sidon sarcophagus.
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Thousands of pottery shards await classification and/or reconstruction from ongoing Istanbul excavations.
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Recreation of the pediment from the Temple of Athena, at Assos, on the Aegean Sea.
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
The Tiled Kiosk. Originally part of the Topkapi Palace grounds, from which the royal family watched sporting events. Now a gorgeous tile museum.
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Sappho, from Izmir (formerly Smyrna)
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Oceanus - from Ephesus
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Zeus awes Larry and Anna. (From Gaza)
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Tyche, the Goddess of Good Luck, bestows some on Ellen's head. Who took this picture? (statue from Bolu)
Istanbul - Archaeological Museum
Pan blows his pipes (from 3rd century Tirnova)
Istanbul - eats
We drink tea and eat baklava at a rip-off cafe. Cok pahali (very expensive, to our surprise when we received the bill)
Istanbul - eats
This is more like it. Dinner at the Pudding Shop, Lale Restaurant, cost the same as our earlier tea and baklava.
Istanbul - eats
The Pudding Shop - we love this place.
Istanbul - eats
After eating here and one other place (Can Cafe), for three days, we find out this is yet another Istanbul landmark among 1960s young ex-pats, and figured in the notorious movie, "Midnight Express."
Valide Sultan Hotel
Still under renovation, this is where we stayed while in Istanbul. It is in the Sultanamet neighborhood, right between the Grand (Byzantine) Palace excavations and the walls of Topkapi Palace. "Valide Sultan" means Sultan's Mother.
Valide Sultan Hotel
Nice, quiet, comfortable place. Too expensive in warm weather, though, so next visit we'll stay at our old haunt, the Park Hotel.
Valide Sultan Hotel
Our room is larger than these photographs make it look. Very comfortable.
Valide Sultan Hotel
Our room
Valide Sultan Hotel
Our room - Number 205, or Divan 1
Istanbul - Istiklal Caddesi
The famous pedestrian shopping/eating/drinking street near Taksim Square. My photographs do not do justice to the thousands of people strolling here mid-day on a Friday.
Istanbul - Istiklal Caddesi
January 2 to 10
Ankara - Anitkabir - 2nd visit
Map of Turkey, in flowers
Ankara - Anitkabir - 2nd visit
Egyptian style motifs in Anitkabir courtyard
Ankara - Anitkabir - 2nd visit
Courtyard. In October, this courtyard was filled with thousands of people on the anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic.
Ankara - our neighborhood gym
Anna tries out the outdoor gym equipment across from our apartment.
Ankara - our neighborhood gym
Wheeeeee!
Ankara - our neighborhood gym
Time to get serious
Dinner at the Merkez Bankasi restaurant
Dinner with Ercan, Meldan and their friend
Dinner at the Merkez Bankasi restaurant
Dessert: cream puffs smothered in chocolate
Dinner at the Merkez Bankasi restaurant
Ercan and Meldan, brother and sister
Lunch at our favorite rug shop
Our third lunch at the rug shop of Kadir Bey and Neslihan Hanim
Lunch at our favorite rug shop
No! I can't buy anymore! Even if they are my favorite Hereke rugs.
Ankara - Kocatepe Mosque
Kadir Bey takes us to the Ankara mosque, the largest in all of Islam (in terms of the number of people praying there at once)
Ankara - Kocatepe Mosque
Ankara - Kocatepe Mosque
Ankara - Kocatepe Mosque
Ankara - Kocatepe Mosque
Ankara - Kocatepe Mosque
Ankara - Kocatepe Mosque
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Restored seven hundred year old Ottoman houses
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Just outside the Hacettepe main campus, this is where the medical students hang out.
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Authentic Ottoman telephone booth. No, wait . . .
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Kadir Bey, our tour leader, in his old childhood neighborhood, explaining all to Lucas
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Extraordinary restoration work
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
I love this window.
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
"Before" and "After" pictures
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Kadir Bey greets a childhood friend.
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Waxed representatives of this Ottoman house's inhabitants. This house is now a museum.
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Ottoman house museum - carved wooden ceiling
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Beautiful door
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Restored balcony
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Making a drum in a local music shop
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
A knife maker sharpens a blade.
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
I found the hamam, where I bathed with a group of friends fifteen years ago!
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
This hamam, which is also 700 years old, is a real working neighborhood Turkish bath.
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Hacettepe University established this "hostel" for families of children undergoing cancer treatment at the Hacettepe Hospital.
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Anna and Larry follow Kadir Bey through a live "before" picture. These homes will either be renovated or demolished.
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Centuries old mosque burial courtyard
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Old houses awaiting renovation or demolition
Ankara - Hacettepe neighborhood
Old houses awaiting renovation or demolition
Bilkent Univesity - Dogu Kampusi (East Campus)
Anna's old kindergarten, right next to our apartment building where we lived fifteen years ago
Bilkent University - Dogu Kampusi (East Campus)
Anna's former kindergarten
Bilkent University - Dogu Kampusi (East Campus)
Our apartment building where we lived fifteen years ago
Bilkent University - Dogu Kampusi (East Campus)
The "bakkal," or little store in our apartment complex, where we bought our daily loaf of bread and newspaper
Bilkent University - Dogu Kampusi (East Campus)
The village "bakkal," where we occasionally bought cheese and pistachio nuts. No longer a store.
Bilkent University - Dogu Kampusi (East Campus)
The view from our apartment, looking away from the main Bilkent campus
Ankara - inside the Hisar
Roman statues sit sideways in the Byzantine fortress walls
Ankara - inside the Hisar
Still a vibrant community in this part of the "Old City" of Ankara
Ankara - inside the Hisar
Ankara - inside the Hisar
Ankara - inside the Hisar
Ankara - inside the Hisar
In the courtyard of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
Ankara - Sihhiye
This large statue used to represent the city of Ankara. The original, much smaller, can be seen in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. It is Hittite in origin (the smaller one).
Christmas in Turkey
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Larry's solo travels, Dec. 2009
Bursa - Uludag University
Larry's lecture is titled: "The Meaning of Barack Obama's Election."
Bursa - Uludag University
Bursa is a former capitol city of the Ottoman Empire.
Bursa - Uludag University
A rapt audience
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Medrese
Larry visits the Cifte Minareli Medresa (Twin Minaret Seminary)
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Medrese
The main dome of the Twin Minaret Seminary
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Medrese
Inside the courtyard of the Twin Minaret Seminary
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Medrese
Larry contemplates the history of this thirteenth century Islamic theological seminary.
Erzurum - Cifte Minareli Medrese
Imagining the students and teachers from 800 years ago?
Erzurum - Yakutiye Medrese
Mongol theological seminary dating from 1310. Beautiful tile work.
December visit to the States
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Snow picture 1.JPG 2009-12-20
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Snow picture 2.JPG 2009-12-20
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Early morning trip to Xanthos. Some claim this was the capital city of the Lycian League, not Patara.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Approaching the extensive ruins of Xanthos
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
The Xanthian obelisk. With writing in different languages on all sides, this monument was instrumental in learning the basics of the Lycian language.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
One side of the "Xanthian obelisk," enabling linguists to crack the code of the Lycian language--similar to the Rosetta stone from another culture.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Extraordinary Lycian sarcophagus
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Pillar tomb - A completely unique tomb in Lycia, actually two tombs in one. A normal Lycian sarcophagus stands upon a shorter than usual pillar tomb. This tomb dates from the 3rd or 4th century B.C.E.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
The Harpy tomb. The light colored reliefs at the top of the 21 foot monument are reproductions of the original marble reliefs taken by Charles Fellows to the British Museum in London.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
The Harpy Tomb - The name derives from the depictions of harpies carrying off the souls of the dead.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Complex remains of what was presumably a multi-room palace.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Early morning view of thousand of greenhouses in the fertile Xanthos Valley.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Once a condundrum to archaeologists, this was finally determined to be a later Byzantine quarry.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Latrine? Well? Garbage pit? I vote for the first.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Broken top of a pillaged Lycian sarcophagus
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
A small portion of the basilica ruin's larger mosaic floor remains uncovered.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Most of this basilica's gorgeous mosaic floor remains covered as protection from the elements.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Yet another Greco-Roman theater. Ho, hum.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
A view from the necropolis, over the ruins of the basilica, to the tall pillar tombs.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Another view
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Excavated roadway
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Inscription on the side of the recently excavated road
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
I don't remember which building contains this beautiful mosaic floor.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
We need help with orientation among the ruins.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
The back of the basilica
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Looking up and over the area of the necropolis
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
A significant Lycian sarcophagus, "The Dancing Girl" tomb.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
"The Dancing Girl" tomb. A rare example of movement on a tomb from this specific period in Lycian history.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
A view of the extent of more ruins in Xanthos, beyond the larger buildings.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Another view of the marble road, formerly lined with shops, and likely a marble arch at one or both ends.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Ancient marble backgammon game!
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Xanthos
Remnants of an arcade of shops
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
Larry enters the 600-foot high Saklikent Gorge.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
The height, and narrow width, of this gorge prevents the sun from reaching the bottom.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
Following the cold river farther into the gorge
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
Trying, and failing, to capture the majesty of this extraordinary place.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
Stalactites forming on the walls of the gorge.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
The raging waters prevent us from progressing as far into the canyon as we had planned.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
Another attempt to show the height of this narrow gorge.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
One more time.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
We wish we could go further, but this is still very pretty--and impressive every time we look up.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
Springs emerge from the mountain.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
Nope. Still doesn't convey the grandeur of this 600-foot split in the middle of a mountain.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
This mountain has had a long, violent geological history.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
One of our fellow travelers contemplates a sip.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
This gives some sense of how narrow this gorge is in places.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
One last attempt looking up.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
A truly beautiful spot within the gorge
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
The water is really moving right along.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
Leaving the gorge
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
Some sediment from the fast moving water
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
This is what we had hoped to be doing a few miles into the canyon, but the current was too strong.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
This picture was taken by someone with a better camera, and a better vantage point. Taken from a billboard.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
A parting view of the gorge, reportedly discovered by a shepherd in 1988. It certainly is in a remote mountain area, so I believe the stories about the shepherd. Larry is more skeptical.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
In high season, these kiosks are open to hordes of young people exploring the gorge, then partying throughout the evening.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
Wild honey locust pod being sold by vendors outside the canyon. These are so sweet, people munch on them like candy. I stuck to my resolve not to eat "wild" foods on any of our trips.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 4 - Saklikent Gorge
The size of the seeds within the honey locust pods are so uniform that they are called "carat," and were once used as a unit of measurement.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalkan
Morning view from our hotel balcony
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalkan
Walking to the bus for our day's adventures
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kaputas
On the way to Demre and Myra, we stop briefly at this beautiful mountain gorge and beach.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kaputas
The gorge above Kaputas Beach
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kaputas
The small beach
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre
On the road to Demre, we pass another sea - one of greenhouses, mostly tomatoes, but also some cukes and flowers.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Approaching the Lycian rock tombs at former Myra
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
The welcoming committee
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Lycian rock tombs--a closer look
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
A single, free-standing Lycian tomb
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Closer still
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
One at ground level
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Looking up
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Faux wooden beams cut into the stone
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Seemingly mythological imagery. Any ideas? Also, even more faux wooden beams
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Greco-Roman amphitheater
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
A meeting of two cultures: Lycian rock tomb and Greco-Roman amphitheater
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
This theater is unusual for the large number of masks still in place (and not removed to distant museums)
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Have a seat
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
My favorite of all the masks
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Elaborate entryway into the theater
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Masquerading as the Statue of Liberty
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Another view of the Lycian tombs from the theater
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
More masks
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Not a happy camper
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
To the light, darkly
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Elaborate window
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
I like stairways
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Elaborate pedestal
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
The museum of the bishop seat of St. Nicholas, aka, Santa Claus
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Remaining fresco inside the Byzantine church built on the site of St. Nicholas's earlier church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
We went through this church too quickly for me to identify all the saints on the frescoes.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
The middle figure is obvious. I believe the one on the left is St. John the Baptist. Not sure, though.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Protected marble floor mosaics
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
This basilica complex is quite extensive.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Restoration of this building by Tsar Nicholas I of Russia added this vaulted ceiling in 1862.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
St. Nicholas is on the right of the photo, holding a book.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
I love mosaic floors.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Another beauty
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
And another
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Still inside the basilica on the site of St. Nicholas's earlier church.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Our tour was all in Turkish; anyone know what this is?
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Greek inscription
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
St. Nicholas was Bishop at Myra; his church was first built in the 3rd century B.C.E. This tomb is only slightly less elaborate than the one where St. Nicholas body was at rest until it was stolen in the 11th century by Italian raiders.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
A prohibition on flash photography near the actual tomb of St. Nicholas prevented me from chronicling the more famous one. This one is in another part of the church where photos were okay.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
A fresco of the beloved St. Nicholas.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
One of many frescoes of St. Nicholas helpling others.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
One of the nicest frescoes surviving in the St. Nicholas Church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Renovation work continues on St. Nicholas Church.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
St. Nicholas, protector of children and seafarers
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
St. Nicholas's influence is invoked to enhance world peace.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Demre (Myra)
Authentic 4th century eating establishment. No, wait . . .
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3
Lycian tombs everywhere
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3
A reminder of our Yedigoller bus ride, but without the snow
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3
View to the sea from the bus
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3
Traffic police along the road
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
House walls
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
Stairway from nowhere to the sea
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
Ghostly houses under the sea
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
Somebody has a garden behind those bushes.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
Perhaps these are the phantom gardeners.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
Sunken ruins
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
Sunken ruins
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
Someone's very damp basement
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
This may be a recent reconstruction, but I'm not sure.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
Another classic postcard view
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
Another eerie stairway
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
Can't you just picture the family that once lived here?
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
Sunken ruins--perhaps an ancient pier
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
The other half of ancient Simena, now called Kalekoy. Kale means fortress; koy means village. It is also just referred to as Kale, for obvious reasons.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
More Lycian tombs
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
They are everywhere
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Batik Sehir (the sunken city of Simena)
Approaching the medieval fortress of the brutal Knights of St. John
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
We begin the climb to the crusader fortress
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Still climbing
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Lycian rock tombs on the way up the hill to the fortress
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Looking down from about one third of the way up the hill to the fortress
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Our hike flattens out on occasion
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Looking down from the lower walls of the fortress
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Fortress crenellations (am I spelling this correctly?)
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Tiny theater cut into the rock outcropping inside the fortress walls
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
We catch our breath as Onur explains the history of the fortress
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
View from the little theater
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
A local villager helps the oldest member of our tour group
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Looking down on the ancient Lycian tombs from the vantage point of the medieval fortress
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Looking down from the summit of the fortress
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Guess what?
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Amazing view from the summit of the fortress
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Larry contemplates history and beauty
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Annanne (grandmother), the oldest member of our tour, makes it to the summit!
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Onur calls us back down; time to hop back on the boat.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
This tomb has a new occupant--an olive tree.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Muge, our dinner companion in the evenings
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Leaving Kalekoy
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
One of several charming pensions in Kalekoy
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Sunken Lycian tomb, one often featured on postcards and in tour books
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Looking back on the quiet, charming town -- with the violent history, both historical and geological
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
My future retirement home? No, wait, I liked Kas.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
On the way back to our point of departure
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
More tombs
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Close-up of those tombs
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kalekoy (formerly one half of ancient Simena)
Evidence of tomb plundering
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kas
My favorite Mediterranean town, Kas has this vibrant seaside village square, used by hundreds of people even during this off-season.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kas
Maybe this is my dream retirement home. Nope, too big. Maybe it's a pension.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kas
Pretty side street in Kas (pronounced Kosh)
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kas
We serendipitously meet a member of our tour group, who tells us of a great Lycian monument a little farther up the street.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kas
Wow! This 21-foot tall "King's Tomb" was carved from a single block of stone -- pedestal, tomb, and cap.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kas
Note the lions' head "gargoyles"
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kas
Larry shows the scale of this enormous monument.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kas
A rare example of a Lycian inscription on a tomb
Mediterranean Trip - Part 3 - Kas
This may be it -- my retirment home!
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kalkan
View from our hotel room balcony. Delicious oranges
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kalkan
This photo is for Dorothy.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
Lycian sarcophagus in Fethiye (formerly Telmessos)
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
Ripe pomagranates. Freshly squeezed, with freshly squeezed oranges - makes a terrific juice (or suyu in Turkish)
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
Greco-Roman Theater. Our guide, Onur, shows the size of the one that got away. No, wait . . .
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
Egg and dart motif common in Roman architecture
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
Roman amphitheater is still being excavated.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
Roman amphitheater - Anyone know what the knobs are for? We don't.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
Roman amphitheater, stage area
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
Fethiye's current name (since the 1930s) derives from the first Turkish air pilot killed in World War 1.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
Statue to the WW1 pilot, Tay Yareci Fethi Bey. (Tay Yareci is Ottoman Turkish for 'pilot')
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
Boats in the harbor
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
Larry contemplates which way to turn
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
We'd love to go on a snorkeling cruise.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
. . . or a Blue Yacht cruise.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Fethiye
This is the type of fish we (well, I) ate at dinner that night at our hotel in Kalkan.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
The "ghost" town of Kayakoy, a Greek village abandoned in the 1930s after a population exchange between Turkey and Greece
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Possibly a small chapel
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Abandoned homes, around 2000 total
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
More abandoned homes that once housed 6,000 Greeks
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
What's left of a home after wood, tiles and other materials were stripped from it
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Remains of the interior of a home, with chimney still intact, more or less
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Annane (grandmother) climbs the hills as well as the rest of us.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
The "Upper Church"
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Stone mosaics form the outer courtyard floor of the Upper Church.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Path leading down from the Upper Church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Another view of the Upper Church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Inside the Upper Church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Inside the Upper Church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
View from inside the Upper Church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Upper church's inner stone tile floor
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Very old fig tree
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Some paint survives
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
We begin our descent out of the abandoned town
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Onur points out a small chapel, halfway between the Upper and the Lower churches
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
A house in its more or less original state
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Don't know if this was actually restored
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Inside the "last remaining original house . . ."
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Nicely preserved household chimney
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
One building restored to house an art museum--closed for the holiday. Beautifully carved door
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Art museum sign
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
We continue downhill.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Overview of Kayakoy
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
One of the few remaining residents
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Looking back up the hill
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
The mountains surround Kayakoy
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
The Lower church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Well worn path leading from the Lower church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
The Lower church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
The Lower church entrance
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Beautiful stone mosaic inside the Lower church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Inside the Lower church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Dome on the ceiling of the Lower church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
trompe l'oeil window inside the Lower church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Altar area inside the Lower church
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Faux Leonardo DaVinci's "Last Supper"
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Lower church entryway; date of church construction in stone mosaic
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Lunch at Kayakoy locanta (restaurant)
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Making our lunch of gozleme--thin bread stuffed with cheese and spinach & cooked in a stone oven
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Preparing the gozleme
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kayakoy
Gozleme - delicious!
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Oludeniz
This area is one of the greatest paragliding spots in the world.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Oludeniz
The sun is getting lower at this beautiful Mediterranean beach
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Oludeniz
The water is inviting, but just a bit too cold for me
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Oludeniz
Larry finishes the leftover gozleme -- quickly, as we didn't realize we were supposed to pay (a lot) to sit on this chaise.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Oludeniz
Called "Oludeniz," or the Dead Sea, because it is cut off from the Mediterranean. There is nothing, though, "dead" about it.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Oludeniz
What is this?
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Oludeniz
Love the colors at this beach.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Oludeniz
We are tourists, after all.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Oludeniz
Across the water of Oludeniz. The little house is for the water rats?
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Oludeniz
One of many paragliders at Oludeniz
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Oludeniz
I want to come back here when it's warmer--although so do thousands of others.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Oludeniz
Small, but beautiful beach just before sunset
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Oludeniz
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kalkan
Closer to the water, we see the charm of Kalkan we missed yesterday.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kalkan
Kalkan's charming center near the water
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kalkan
Some of the former Greek buildings, before the early 20th century population exchange
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kalkan
Bougainvillea
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kalkan
Kalkan's waterfront
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kalkan
The main square in central Kalkan
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kalkan
Looking up toward the surrounding mountains. Kalkan sits in a bowl cascading down to the sea.
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kalkan
Watching the sun set from the bay's breakwater
Mediterranean Trip - Part 2 - Kalkan
"The Creach," or whale hunting in Kalkan bay?
Mediterranean trip - Part 1
Mediterranean trip - Part 1
We start our trip with a Thanksgiving dinner at the Nelson's, one block from where we catch the 11:30 p.m. bus to the Mediterranean.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1
Pre-bus ride Thanksgiving dinner. We are thankful for the opportunity to go on this trip.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1
After fitfully sleeping on the overnight bus, we awake for breakfast in Fethiye, on the Mediterranean. These pelicans were the first to greet us.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1
Larry contemplates early morning on Fethiye's boardwalk. The beanbags await later visitors.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1
Our group enjoys our first breakfast on the bay.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1
Early morning, off-season Fethiye.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1
Letoon - the first historical site of our visit.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Greco/Roman theater in Letoon.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Walking through archaeological finds
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Nymphaeum. Frogs occupying the waters are said to descend from the local populace, turned into frogs by the vengeful goddess, Leto.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Temple of Leto, mistress of Zeus, and mother of Artemis and Apollo
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Temple of Leto
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Ionic ruins
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Inside the partially restored Temple of Leto
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Temple complex cut into local rock; current village houses
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Temple of Leto, photo op
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Nymphaeum - later site of a 4th century Byzantine church, built over the central, rectangular, part of the nymphaeum
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Vaulted passage into the Greco-Roman theater
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Theater damage likely caused by earthquakes. This area is geologically active; i.e., lots of earthquakes, some severe.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Greco-Roman theater
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Letoon
Our guide, Onur Erturk, explains the Greek origins of and Roman enhancements to this theater.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Triumphal arch; this is the closest we got to this monument. Patara is a very large site.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Ruins
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Remains of a Roman bath complex
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Archaeological finds in front of Greco-Roman theater
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Lone inhabitant
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Distant view of Patara's ancient main road, on the way to the agora
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Parliamentary building of the Lycian League, containing the Odeon, or meeting place.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Parliamentary building. Patara was the government center for the Lycian League.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Greco-Roman theater
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Portion of Patara's columned main street, with reproductions atop a few of the columns
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Ionic capital, reproduction
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Portion of the main roadway, similar to the one in Ephesus
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Water channel?
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Patara's main roadway on the way to the agora. Note the lack of wheel ruts; hence, this was likely pedestrian only.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
More inhabitants outside the theater
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Back wall of the theater stage--this portion is generally added to Greek theaters by later Romans.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Inscription identifying the donor who subsidized the building of the theater.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Roman relief of gladiator. Where the Greeks built theaters for plays, the brutal Romans added protective walls to shield spectators from wild animals during gladiatorial combats.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Inside the theater
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Patara Beach - western view. This gorgeous beach, one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, is 14 km. long, and 50 meters wide. The stakes at the right denote nesting sites of protected sea turtles.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Patara Beach - eastern view
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Roman lighthouse where once the sea reached the city of Patara. Now the sea is a mile or so away.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Patara Beach - western view. The gray sand is natural and extremely fine.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Kalkan
Our hotel is the large pink building complex to the center/left. Construction makes access difficult. This is our base for the three days of our Mediterranean trip.
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Patara
Our living room in the Samira Deluxe Apart Otel
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Kalkan
Our bedroom
Mediterranean trip - Part 1 - Kalkan
Our kitchen
Turkey - tenth week
Turkish rugs
This is the small Milas rug I am carrying home with me. It measures 4' x 6'.
Native American Conference
Stephen Fadden, Native American story teller, gets the crowd's attention with a haunting tune.
Native American Conference
Stephen Fadden impersonates a haughty eagle.
Native American Conference
Stephen Fadden tells of the hermit thrush's triumph over the eagle.
Native American Conference
Dinner at a downtown meyhane, or tavern
Native American Conference
Lots of meze choices at the meyhane
Native American Conference
Desserts at Meldan's party, marking the end of the conference at Hacettepe
Native American Conference
Party at Meldan's
Native American Conference
Party at Meldan's - Evalina Zuni Lucero and Hector Meldonado
Native American Conference
Meldan's party - Valerian Three Irons, Meldan Tanrisal, and Stephen Fadden (and somebody's elbow)
Native American Conference
Meldan's party
Native American Conference
Meldan's party - Lincoln McCurdy and Recep Boztemur
Native American Conference
Meldan's party
Native American Conference
Meldan's party - Willard Sakiestewa Gilbert and Hector Meldonado
Native American Conference
Meldan's party - Evelina Zuni Lucero and the two Eces
Native American Conference
Meldan's party - we protect those heirloom rugs from our dirty shoes
Best Koleksiyon Turkish rugs
Ibraham and Abdulkadir Ersoy hold up the Usak rug we are buying
Best Koleksiyon Turkish rugs
Our new flying carpet
Best Koleksiyon Turkish rugs
The shop is like a museum
Best Koleksiyon Turkish rugs
A young customer contemplates the choices
Best Koleksiyon Turkish rugs
Too many choices!
Best Koleksiyon Turkish rugs
Neslihan and Abdulkadir Ersoy
Best Koleksiyon Turkish rugs
Large Kurdish rugs, each one unique
Best Koleksiyon Turkish rugs
Our small purchase - the colors are off; what looks like pale purple is really beige
Bahcelievler
Typical neighborhood street; albeit one of the lesser trafficked ones
Anitkabir Spor Salonu
We discover a great place to work out, within walking distance of our apartment.
On the way to the Anitkabir Spor Salonu
Anitkabir Spor Salonu
Ataturk's Mausoleum (Anitkabir) in the background
Turkey - tenth week 061.jpg
The outdoor gym
Anitkabir Spor Salonu
Guess who?
Anitkabir Spor Salonu
The outdoor gym
Anitkabir Spor Salonu
Another view
Anitkabir Spor Salonu
Resting between quiet music speakers and roses still in bloom around Thanksgiving time. Soccer field in the background.
Anitkabir Spor Salonu
There he is again!
Anitkabir Spor Salonu
The outdoor gym
Anitkabir Spor Salonu
The central machine is a back massager.
Anitkabir Spor Salonu
Kids play basketball.
Turkey - ninth week - Efes Blues Festival
Efes Blues Festival
After the festival. Who are these people?
Efes Blues Festival
Larry, Gozde, and Kenan, awaiting the start of the festival.
Efes Blues Festival
Gulcin and her boyfriend (who took the picture) join us in the hotel bar.
Efes Blues Festival
Serife!
Efes Blues Festival
An annual roving tradition in Turkey
Efes Blues Festival
Gulcin and her boyfriend, whose name I've forgotten (Sorry, Gulcin!)
Efes Blues Festival
In the ballroom, waiting for the show to begin
Efes Blues Festival
Jockeying for position before the show
Efes Blues Festival
Ray Shinnery warms up the crowd.
Efes Blues Festival
Ray Shinnery - a commanding presence
Efes Blues Festival
Larry and Ceylan debate the finer points of Blues.
Efes Blues Festival
Ray Shinnery
Efes Blues Festival
Terry Evans
Efes Blues Festival
Shemekia Copeland
Efes Blues Festival
Terry Evans and his band
Efes Blues Festival
An outside break between sets
Efes Blues Festival
Between sets costume competition (among friends)
Efes Blues Festival
Our intrepid driver, Gozde
Efes Blues Festival
Shemekia Copeland warms up the already heated crowd
Efes Blues Festival
Shemekia Copeland is a hit!
Efes Blues Festival
After the concert
Efes Blues Festival
The end
Turkey - eighth week - Roman Ankara
Roman Ankara - The Hisar
The 9th century "hisar," with Roman fragments, becomes home to first the "elite" of Ankara, then the poor.
Roman Ankara - The Hisar
9th century tower in the Hisar, with Roman fragments
Roman Ankara
Inscribed Roman fragments in the Hisar. Greek was the common language at the time.
Roman Ankara
Roman fragment in 9th century "hisar"
Roman Ankara
Hisar, with Roman keystone
Roman Ankara
9th century hisar, lower skirt, with lots of Roman artifacts within the walls
Hisar
Diversion - late 19th, early 20th century, house within the lower walls of the the hisar
Roman Ankara
Hisar - entryway to the inner fortress; lots of Roman blocks in walls
Gece condos found!
View from the hisar. Some gece condos still remain; these are more substantial than those replaced near the airport.
Gece condos found!
View from the hisar
Roman Ankara
View from the hisar, showing the location of the former center of Roman Ankara.
Gece condular found!
View from the hisar
Roman Ankara
Roman Theater - recent excavations continue
Roman Ankara
Roman Theater - tunnel
Roman Ankara
Roman Theater - collapsed tunnel
Roman Ankara
Roman Theater - stage
Roman Ankara
Roman Theater - stage area
Roman Ankara
Roman Theater - stage
Roman Ankara
Temple of Augustus and Rome (Monumentum Ancyranum) - entry gate
Roman Ankara
Res Gestae Divi Augusti - here is the beginning of the Latin inscription of Augustus's accomplishments.
Roman Ankara
Res Gestae - very beginning of the only extant copy of the first Roman Emperor's official record of his career
Roman Ankara
Temple of Augustus wall, completely covered with the Greek version of the Res Gestae
Roman Ankara
Temple of Augustus and Rome, remaining wall
Roman Ankara
Res Gestae
Roman Ankara
Temple of Augustus . . . inner wall. Holes are from looting of lead braces during the Middle Ages.
Roman Ankara
Res Gestae
Roman Ankara
Temple of Augustus and Rome, juxtaposed with attached mosque.
Roman Ankara
Res Gestae
Roman Ankara
Greek version of Res Gestae - at the Temple of Augustus and Rome. Greek was the common language at the time.
Roman Ankara
Res Gestae in Greek
Roman Ankara
Temple of Augustus and Rome - Greek "graffiti" or illustrations? Including the Greek cross
Roman Ankara
Temple of Augustus and Rome, juxtaposed with attached mosque
Roman Ankara
Res Gestae - Greek version
Roman Ankara
Temple of Augustus and Rome - view through the entry gate; the background addition is either of Christian or Muslim origin; the jury is still out among archaeologists.
Roman Ankara
View of the "hisar," or citadel, from the Temple of Augustus and Rome
Roman Ankara
Temple of Augustus and Rome - fallen block
Roman Ankara
Part of the Temple of Augustus complex. A large chunk of this later structure has fallen, and will likely remain as an homage to archaeology itself.
Roman Ankara
Column of Julian - Larry approaches. This column may have been built in honor of Emperor Julian, the Apostate.
Roman Ankara
Column of Julian - note the stork's nest on top. Fifteen years ago, we saw the stork!
Early Republic buildings
This building was a government center during the early years of the Turkish Republic; near the Column of Julian, which was moved to its current location during construction of these buildings
Early Republic buildings
Beautiful architecture!
Roman Ankara
Roman road, partially obscured by an outdoor cafe.
Roman Ankara
Roman road, partially obscured by an outdoor cafe.
Roman Ankara
Roman Baths, as seen from atop a government building
Roman Ankara
Roman baths - the green area is most of the "palaestra," or exercise area outside the baths.
Roman Ankara
Roman baths. Some of the site still remains under a heavily used road, and modern Ankara buildings.
Roman Ankara
Roman baths
Roman Ankara
Roman baths - we did not know this huge site even existed, as it is in part of Ankara we seldom visit.
Roman Ankara
site of the Roman Baths - also used to house extra Roman artifacts belonging to the Musuem of Anatolian Civilizations.
Roman Ankara
Site of the Roman Baths - housing extra Roman artifacts belonging to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
Roman Ankara
Site of the Roman Baths - Roman artifacts, generally from elsewhere.
Roman Ankara
Roman Baths - tepidarium (warm room) in the foreground; the calderium (hot room) behind
Roman Ankara
Roman Baths - caldarium, larger than usual because of Ankara's cold climate
Roman Ankara
Shallow wading pool. This may also be the frigidarium (cold room), but I'm to sure. The frigidarium may be separate from this pool.
Roman Ankara
Roman Baths - drainage ditch. The Romans were masters at controlling water.
Roman Ankara
Roman Baths - the source of the heat supplying the baths.
Roman Ankara
Roman Baths - example of the marble that would have lined the wading pool in Roman times.
Roman Ankara
Roman gravestone - stored at the site of the Roman Baths. Note the carved door as entryway into the afterlife.
Roman Ankara
Roman gravestone, highlighting some of the virtues of the deceased; e.g., the lower left shows the person was a weaver.
Roman Ankara
Elaborate Roman gravestone
Roman Ankara
Roman gravestone
Turkey - seventh week
Ceramic kimonos
These were on display at an Ankara art gallery.
Ceramic kimonos
These were on display at an Ankara art gallery.
Interesting construction technique
Down the street from our Bahcelievler apartment
Anitkabir - Republic Day 2009
Approaching Anitkabir, Ataturk's Mausoleum, within walking distance of our apartment
Anitkabir - Republic Day 2009
Approaching Ataturk's Mausoleum
Flag seller on Turkish Republic Day
Oct. 29 - a national holiday in Turkey, equivalent to the U.S. Fourth of July holiday
Selling simits on Republic Day
Selling to those approaching Anitkabir
Anitkabir - Republic Day 2009
We join the crowds entering the grounds of the Anitkabir
Anitkabir - Republic Day 2009
Larry gets into the spirit of the day.
Republic Day celebrations
These are some of the biggest flags I've ever seen.
Bahcelievler from Anitkabir
This is our neighborhood as seen from Ataturk's Mausoleum. The colorful roof is the location of our Friday produce bazaar.
Anitkabir - Republic Day 2009
Waiting in line to pay respects to Ataturk inside the Mausoleum
Anitkabir - Republic Day 2009
Since the line looped around the large courtyard, moving slowly, we decided to pay our respects at another time.
Anitkabir - Republic Day 2009
The Lion Walk, similar to the Karnac Temple in Egypt
Anitkabir - Republic Day 2009
This lion, symbolizing power, seems pretty tame.
Anitkabir - Republic Day 2009
Immediately after the changing of the guard, like at Buckingham Palace
Anitkabir - Republic Day 2009
The tower of Freedom (or Independence; there are two towers; not sure which is which)
Walking back home, we pass another large set of flags
Walking home from Anitkabir
People display their flags, as folks at home do on July 4.
Simit seller
Early morning, waiting for the bus for our second attempt at visiting Yedigoller National Park
Abant
First day, first stop, on our second Tempo Tur excursion.
Abant
Local flora
Abant
The lake has several large resorts. This is a local vacation spot.
Abant
Around the lake
Abant
One of the many restaurants/inns around the lake. We took refuge from the rain on a covered swing in back.
Abant
A fairly new boardwalk enables walkers to view close up a large swamp on one end of the lake
Abant
I tried getting a photo of the ubiquitous decorated horse drawn carriages used by people who didn't want to walk around the lake, but they moved too fast. Had to settle for a tractor.
Abant
The swamp at one end of the lake
Abant
Denuded hills on one side of the lake--possibly summer grazing ground?
Akkayalar
Larry tests the local mineral water. Tastes salty and full of health-promoting minerals.
Akkayalar
Our guide (in red jacket) and others in our group drink to their health.
Akkayalar
Two springs (cesmeler), keep the mineral waters flowing.
Akkayalar
The Travertens, calcium deposits cascading down the mountainside.
Akkayalar
The bottom of the Travertens; note the road down below.
Akkayalar
The Travertens.
Akkayalar
Some of our fellow travelers take a closer look.
Akkayalar
"But I don't want to go any closer"!
Akkayalar
The stairway nobody dared venture down.
Akkayalar
The official name of the Travertens.
Akkayalar
Somebody (local officials? tourism industry? private individualz?) installed cement troughs to control the flow of water, thereby creating travertine "pools." To rival the natural formations of Pamukkale, farther to the West, maybe?
Akkayalar
More artificially created pools
Akkayalar
Akkaya means "white cliff." Akkayalar means "white cliffs."
Bolu
Arriving early at our Bolu hotel, Larry and I walk around town--briefly, because it started raining--again.
Bolu
The view of the city of Bolu from our hotel room. On a rainy day.
Bolu
From our hotel room
Bolu
Looks like we missed the "Coke'n Music" festivities.
On the road to Yedigoller
Dring our three hour bus trip to Yedigoller, we stop to take in the mountain view.
On the road to Yedigoller
On the road to Yedigoller
The rain just won't stop.
On the road to Yedigoller
The leaves are just beginning to turn.
On the road to Yedigoller
In the foreground is our unpaved one-lane mountain road. In the background is a 1000+ foot drop. Note the lack of guardrails. And the snow!
On the road to Yedigoller
Picture taken from the bus, about two feet from the edge of the road, while I can still keep my eyes open.
On the road to Yedigoller
On the summit of one mountain, this is the "other" side of the road. The left side is about 1000+ feet down; this only a few hundred.
On the road to Yedigoller
Mountaintop rest stop?
On the road to Yedigoller
The snow thickens.
On the road to Yedigoller
Mountaintop rest stop; tea anyone?
On the road to Yedigoller
Mounaintop vendor of mushrooms and dried flowers
On the road to Yedigoller
On the road to Yedigoller
See why my hair turned grayer still?
On the road to Yedigoller
Clearly I was obsessed with this road; that's because I was scared to death for a very long time.
On the road to Yedigoller
It was a loooooong ride to Yedigoller. This better be worth it!
On the road to Yedigoller
Can I relax now?
On the road to Yedigoller
We begin our ascent up a path in the rain. (The snow stopped as we started the road descent)
On the road to Yedigoller
We stop to climb a path for a better view (like I need more reminders of how high we are).
On the road to Yedigoller
Larry wants a better view.
On the road to Yedigoller
We contemplate the clouds, as the mountain view is obscured.
On the road to Yedigoller
More people join Larry at the top.
On the road to Yedigoller
We climb back down to the bus. I've enhanced this picture so it can be seen; it was in reality darker because of the rain.
On the road to Yedigoller
Back to the bus and passengers who didn't want to climb.
On the road to Yedigoller
Through a beech forest to the granddaddy of black pine trees. The rain gets heavier.
On the road to Yedigoller
Through the beech forest.
On the road to Yedigoller
Through the beech forest.
On the road to Yedigoller
Our 16 year old friend leans against the 500 year old black pine atop a high hill.
On the road to Yedigoller
The canopy of the 500 year old pine
On the road to Yedigoller
EEE and the big pine.
On the road to Yedigoller
The "bear" tree is the only "fauna" we see all day.
Yedigoller
Finally! We reach Yedigoller, "Seven Lakes National Park."
Yedigoller
Exotic fungus on a rotting tree
Yedigoller
The first two, tiny, lakes. At different levels, one spills into the other.
Yedigoller
Park camps to rent
Yedigoller
Beautiful old beech tree
Yedigoller
Waterfall between two of the seven lakes
Yedigoller
Another view of the waterfall
Yedigoller
In Spring, with the snow melt, this is probably a real torrent.
Yedigoller
Bridge
Yedigoller
Intrepid campers. The rain is quite heavy by now.
Yedigoller
Campers trying to eat lunch in the rain
Yedigoller
Another lake--very pretty.
Yedigoller
Mother and son put their umbrella away. We all stop caring about getting wet and muddy.
Yedigoller
Larry contemplates a swim. Brrrrr.
Yedigoller
This is why I now have brown, rather than white, sneakers.
Yedigoller
Wet but happy to have finally made it here
Yedigoller
The water is warmer than the air.
Yedigoller
We gave up on the last walk; too cold and wet (and hungry)
Yedigoller - our Captain
Our fearless bus driver, the Captain, prepares to cook our lunch over a covered barbecue pit.
Yedigoller
We jockey for position to warm our hands over the fire and stay out of the rain.
Yedigoller
We are cold and very wet, but the food tastes great after a long wait.
On the road back from Yedigoller
Question: Is this runoff from torrential Spring snow melt, or are these manmade piles of rubble? Will we ever know?
Turkey - Hacettepe ceramics
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Free standing ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic - set into wall
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
Hacettepe ceramics
Wall ceramic
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Turkey sixth week
Old Bahcelievler house
This is what the "houses with gardens" looked like, which gave Bahcelievler its name.
Old Bahcelievler house
Same house; I would guess this is from the early 20th century.
Ambitious lunch
This was an atypical lunch I prepard for myself, including "The Iman Fainted," the eggplant, onion dish to the right.
Ambitious lunch
The lunch also included half of a "simit," or Turkish version of a sesame bagel.
Michael Oppermann
Our friend from Dresden, Germany
Dinner at our house
Our new friends, Alice and Carnot Nelson, enjoy dessert
Dinner at our house
Afiyet olsun!
Dinner at our house
Renan and Alice enjoy dessert and tea, the latter in cute little traditional "butterfly" glasses
Turkey - fourth and fifth week, first travels
Students are back
With the students back on campus, lines for the dozens of buses suddenly got much longer.
Hacettepe medical school
A quick visit for yet another official document, to the main campus in downtown Ankara--the medical school.
Sleeping swans
With a dawn departure on our way to our first excursion. Caught these swans sleeping in Kogulu Park.
Early riser
This one was awake.
Highway underpass
With a long history of beautiful ceramics, Turkey decorates its highway underpasses. Beautiful!
Outside Ankara
Typical view of the countryside--vast panoramas for many miles everywhere in Anatolia (except the cities of course).
On the way to Bolu
Single home in the middle of nowhere.
Small Anatolian village
One of dozens of small villages on the vast Anatolian plain viewed from the bus to Bolu.
Highway rest stop and inn
Not your typical New Jersey Turnpike rest stop.
Behind the rest stop
Larry takes in the sights behind the rest stop, on our way to Bolu.
Rest stop
Back of the rest stop.
Outskirts of Bolu
Looks like the Wild West.
Anatolian plain
Another view of the Anatolian plain, near Bolu.
Gerede
Approaching Bolu, the town of Gerede, significant in the history of the Revolution and Ataturk's founding of the Turkish Republic.
Bolu - Hamam
Ancient hamam, or public bath, still used by the local population. It was open the day we stopped for a twenty-minute visit.
Bolu - Hamam
Wish we had time for a sauna.
Bolu - Selcuk mosque
Now we've visited two of five Selcuk mosques in the entire country. Must find the other three.
Bolu - Selcuk mosque interior
"Selcuk" is pronounced "Seljuk." The upper balcony is where women worship.
Bolu - Selcuk mosque - mimber
The imam's pulpit, the "mimber."
Bolu - Selcuk mosque - mihrab
The "mihrab" in any mosque indicates the direction of Mecca and corresponds to the altar in a church.
Bolu - Selcuk mosque - outside
Bolu - Selcuk mosque
Bolu - Selcuk mosque - birdhouse
Bolu - Selcuk mosque - birdhouse, with house sparrow
Bolu - Hamam
Today is "men's" day at the hamam. Larry wishes he had more time for a sauna.
Bolu - street vendor
First stop - Golcuk lake and park
A leisurely stroll around the lake, frequented by local college students on an outdoor outing.
Golcuk lake and park
The foreigners
Golcuk lake and park
Unusually bright green moss on the north sides. Looks day-glo
Golcuk lake and park
Ahh. Fresh air to breathe.
Golcuk lake and park
Second time around the lake
Golcuk lake and park
Pretty high up in the hills/mountains surrounding Bolu.
Second stop - Aladag Lake hike
The tour group begins a two-hour hike, beginning near a dried stream bed. In Spring, this is a torrent.
Aladag lake and hike
Approaching Karacaagac Highland summer cottages.
Aladag lake and hike
Summer cottages high above the lake and compound. Empty at the moment. (It's getting cold).
Aladag lake and hike
Rare wooden houses, generally built by Bolu residents to escape the city's summer heat.
Aladag lake and hike
Karacaagac Highland. Kara=black. Agac=tree. Black pine trees all around, making good building materials.
Aladag lake and hike
Log cabin; built like those on the U.S. frontier; no nails.
Aladag lake and hike
Karacaagac Highland houses
Aladag lake and hike
Back of log cabin
Aladag lake and hike
Karacaagac Highlands, local mosque
Aladag lake and hike
Simple construction from local materials.
Aladag lake and hike
Karaacagac Highlands, more summer houses
Aladag lake and hike
Karaacagac Highlands. Some weary walkers. Our guide on far left.
Aladag lake and hike
The local "sheriff?" Note the badge next to the name, "Serif," actually pronounced "sheriff." "Serif" is a common Turkish name as well.
Aladag lake and hike
Fellow travelers, both doctors. One radiologist (on left of picture), one family physician. The latter helped me obtain a prescription the next day.
Aladag lake and hike
"Karacaagac Summer Homes"
Aladag lake and hike
Continuing our climb.
Aladag lake and hike
Picking and eating wild somethings--miniature crabapples, like our "crabapple necklaces?"
Aladag lake and hike
Moonscape--tough on the feet; like early New England fields, but without the flora.
Aladag lake and hike
We finally reach the lake--referred to as the "Aladag Puddle." :-)
Aladag lake and hike
Another view of "Aladag Puddle."
Aladag lake and hike
Permament wooden "tents" at the lake.
Turkey - third week, our new home
Ankara - new construction
Here is a new housing development we thought was pretty attractive
Ankara - new construction
Another view
New houses in Ankara
View by bus; these new houses are attractive to Larry and me
Mutlu Koy
Pears galore in Gulriz's back "common area"
Mutlu Koy
Common area in Mutlu Koy, Gulriz's "back yard."
New luxury condos
new, completed construction near Gulriz's apt.
new houses near Mutlu Koy
Huge new single family homes being constructed across the street from Gulriz's apt.
At the U.S. ambassador's house
Gulriz, Larry & me on the patio of the house of the U.S. ambassador to Turkey. The formal reception was held without him, as he was in Brussels at the time.
Lunch at the Hisar
Just inside the "hisar," or fortifications atop a large hill in "Old Ankara," we had lunch in an old Ottaman house turned restaurant. Steep, narrow stairs, elderly women making bread, broad views of downtown Ankara and surrounding area. Great food, if too much.
Restaurant approach - Old Ankara
Old Ankara
Ottoman houses within the "hisar"
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Outside the entrance to the museum on a beautiful, warm day.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Outside, waiting for the guided tour to begin.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Outside. We were not allowed to take pictures inside--perfectly understandable.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Main entry to the museum. This used to be a 15th century "han" and horse trading center. Ataturk had a vision of turning this into a museum, beginning the process of extensive renovations. I cannot remember if he lived long enough to see if open. It is gorgeous and full of incredible artifacts from hundreds of years of archaeological excavations, and thousands of years of history.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Outside.
Old Ankara
Copper Alley
Old Ankara
Looking back up at the "hisar" walls, as we begin our descent down the long hill to Ulus--the bustling early neighborhood in downtown Ankara. It is a very long, steep walk to Ulus from the hisar.
Old Ankara
An Ottoman house within the hisar walls.
Hisar
The inner walls of the hisar, or early fortifications in Old Ankara. Note the Roman ruins incorporated into the construction of this wall.
Old Ankara
Beginning our descent.
Spice vendors
Old Ankara -- still near the top
Old Ankara
Nifty old shops and cafes. Still near the top.
Seljuk mosque
Approaching very old Seljuk mosque
Old Ankara
More shops. Although this is a prime tourist area, lots of people have continued to live and work here.
Seljuk mosque
This Seljuk mosque is one of only five in the country from the 14th century. Despite being 700 years old, it is still used on a regular basis and is in excellent condition. The flat roof is typical of Seljuk architecture. Most other mosques in Turkey have domed roofs.
Seljuk mosque
The columns in the mosque are solid pine tree trunks. The capitals are from earlier Roman times. The ceiling is carved wood, constructed with no nails. Beautiful!
Old Ankara
Continuing our descent after a tour of the Seljuk mosque.
Old Ankara
More shops
Old Ankara
Looking back up.
Old Ankara
Copper Alley
Old Ankara
"Cay Evi," or "Tea House," in an underground alleyway
Old Ankara
Continuing down the hill, we leave the more touristy area and enter the street vendor area where residents purchase their clothing and household goods. Farther down is the food bazaar, which was too dark for good photos (and crowded).
Old Ankara
EEE contemplates the purchase of a pillow.
Old Ankara
Statue of Ataturk. I believe this is the first such statue in Ankara, if I remember the guide correctly.
Old Ankara
Another view of the statue of Ataturk. By now we have reached the bottom of the loooooong hill. I wouldn't want to walk back up. Next time--a taxi or dolmus (the latter being a minibus; "dolmus" means "stuffed." They are.)
Ulus bus stop
Waiting for a bus to take us back to the bus stop which takes us back to our apartment. We messed up on bus selection pretty badly during this, the Friday afternoon rush hour. But, after several false moves, we eventually made it home.
New Home in Bahcelievler
Bedroom
New Home in Bahcelievler
Spare bedroom, with lots of children's stickers on walls, cupboards and drawers. Cute. Our landlords lived here with their little girls until fairly recently.
New Home in Bahcelievler
Entry hallway
New Home in Bahcelievler
Small, but fully equipped kitchen.
New Home in Bahcelievler
Hallway, looking toward living room.
New Home in Bahcelievler
Another, larger, spare room. Visitors, anyone?
New Home in Bahcelievler
The living room is actually bigger than it looks here. We are really rattling around in this large apartment.
New Home in Bahcelievler
Living room.
New Home in Bahcelievler
Dining area. We actually eat in the little counter in the kitchen. This is where we keep our extensive paperwork available.
New Home in Bahcelievler
From the living room along the hallway to Larry in the bedroom -- a long way away. Great for sliding on the shiny floors.
New Home in Bahcelievler
Entryway, with antique treadle sewing machine and poster of a bullfighter (????)
New Home in Bahcelievler
A view of the park from our fourth floor apartment across the street.
New Home in Bahcelievler
Ripening chestnuts outside our balcony window, but not within reach, alas. As we are on the fourth (top) floor of the building, this is one tall chestnut tree.
New Home in Bahcelievler
Another view of the neighborhood from our apartment.
New Home in Bahcelievler
Our landlords, with their cute little daughters. They win the "landlord of the year" award, and have been wonderful to us.
New Home in Bahcelievler
The park across the street from us.
New Home in Bahcelievler
Our new outdoor "gym," not as extensive as the one at Mutlu Koy.
New Home in Bahcelievler
This is our apartment building. Ours is on the top floor, at the far right in this view.
New Home in Bahcelievler
Our "pet" raven.
Turkey fifth week 065.jpg
Turkey fifth week 065.jpg 2009-10-16
Turkey - second week; still settling in
Mama Ayse's nursing home
Home in Gulriz's neighborhood
Mutlu Koy - Gulriz's neighborhood
This is our walking/running track in the middle of Mutlu Koy, or "Happy Village," Gulriz's housing complex.
Mutlu Koy - Gulriz's neighborhood
Our outdoor gym.
Mutlu Koy - Gulriz's neighborhood
Our outdoor gym
Mutlu Koy - Gulriz's neighborhood
Our outdoor gym, with cafe right next door.
Mutlu Koy - Gulriz's neighborhood
Our walking/running track
Mutlu Koy - Gulriz's neighborhood
Our "bakkal," or convenience store at the top of the walking/running track.
Mutlu Koy - Gulriz's neighborhood
Guess who? At our outdoor gym
Mutlu Koy - Gulriz's house
Our visitor during Seker Bayram, whose father, Hassan, helped us get various things fixed in the apartment
Mutlu Koy - Gulriz's neighborhood
The Galleria--our local small shopping mall, and bus stop
Hacettepe Universigy - Beytepe Campus
Our outdoor lunch spot--and that of the bees
Hacettepe Universigy - Beytepe Campus
Statue of Ataturk
Hacettepe Universigy - Beytepe Campus
Waiting for the free service bus to take us home
Hacettepe Universigy - Beytepe Campus
These are the "lojmanlar," or university housing we were first promised; too bad it didn't happen
Hacettepe Universigy - Beytepe Campus
"Lojmanlar" and new student dormitories
Hacettepe Universigy - Beytepe Campus
Larry and Meldan in front of the library, or "kutuphane"
Hacettepe Universigy - Beytepe Campus
Us in front of the library
Hacettepe Universigy - Beytepe Campus
Newly installed mosaic
Hacettepe Universigy - Beytepe Campus
Newly installed huge painting
Hacettepe Universigy - Beytepe Campus
Larry's "office"
Hacettepe Universigy - Beytepe Campus
The view of Ankara's early morning smog from Hacettepe University
Downtown Ankara
Tunali Himli cafe. This was a well traveled road (by us) fifteen years ago. It's a hopping place on a Saturday night.
Downtown Ankara
Tunali Himli street entertainer
Kugulu Park - downtown Ankara
Kugulu Park (Swan Park), pronounced Ku oo lu, where Larry, Anna and I spent many leisurely hours fifteen years ago.
Kugulu Park - downtown Ankara
IMG_0259.jpg 2009-09-25
Kugulu Park - downtown Ankara
Kugulu Park - downtown Ankara
Looking for a handout
Kugulu Park - downtown Ankara
Success!
Kugulu Park - downtown Ankara
Kugulu Park - downtown Ankara
Kugulu Park - downtown Ankara
Very popular on a Saturday evening
Mutlu Koy - Gulriz's neighborhood
Umitkoy
New construction around the old village of Umitkoy -- Gulriz's neighborhood.
Turkey - First Week - Settling In
Bilkent from Ankara road
Bilkent University constitutes the buildings high on the hill, on the horizon
Gece condular gone - high rises in back
Foundations of the former gece condular are in the foreground
Gece condular gone
Where once were shacks, hastily built by new arrivals, there are now new apartment buildings.
Gece condular gone
Foundations of the former gece condular are in the foreground.
Bilkent from highway
Bilkent buildings are on the horizon, not the foreground, nor midground
Bilkent library main entrance
Bilkent library - old bldg and new addition
"Old" (built @ 1985) library on right; new addition on left (built 1995/96)
Library sign
Bilkent library new addition
Home to Special Collections, art collection, media collections, and current periodicals.
Halil Inalcik
Turkey's (maybe the world's?) leading Ottoman scholar.
Inside Bilkent library's new addition
marble, brass, and light wood
I like this tiled artwork
Inside the Bilkent library
H. Inalcik Collection room
Containing Dr. Inalcik's books and manuscripts @ Ottoman history
Halil Inancik Collection
Part of the library's Special Collections
Bilkent Library Special Collections
Contains rare and special books, including a collection of beautifully illustrated books about Turkey, some quite old
H. Inalcik Collection
I can't believe I let the flash go off inside this Special Collection. Shame on me!
Special Collections librarian
Mr. Arslan
Larry's former Bilkent office building
he's not at this campus now
Mama Ayse
She turned 99 years old this week!
Mama Ayse's birthday cake
Enjoyed by all, including Ayse's roommate, the health care workers, and us
Mutlu Koy,
On the walk outside our Mutlu Koy apartment, where we stayed approximately three weeks
Mutlu Koy
The common area of our apartment complex
Mutlu Koy
Entryway toward our apartment
Mutlu Koy
Front door of our apartment
Umitkoy, a village in the neighborhood
The section of Ankara called Umitkoy was named for this village. It is surrounded by new buildings and is gradually being incorporated into the city.
Umitkoy
The village. Mutlu Koy is in the larger part of Ankara, Umitkoy, named for this village.
Umitkoy
This village is surrounded by new buildings, some highrises, but my pictures of the newer buildings did not come out well. (I was in a moving car).
Umitkoy
Local produce market.
Weekly outdoor market
Gulriz bargaining in the market
Weekly outdoor market
Many choices--all so fresh!
Weekly outdoor market
A sale
Weekly outdoor market
Spud mountain
Weekly outdoor market
Who can resist?
Weekly outdoor market
Visne - or, sour cherries
Eat your hearts out, New Englanders
Weekly outdoor market
Weekly outdoor market
Karpuz (watermelon) heaven
Can Larry actually carry one of those giant cabbages?
Weekly outdoor market
Crabapple necklace vendors
Weekly outdoor market
Weekly outdoor market
Ellen and market vendors, with edible (yum!) crab apple necklaces.
New large house in the neighborhood
Construction never stops, despite the global downturn
Gulriz's neighborhood
I like this house.
Mama Ayse's nursing home
Within walking distance of Gulriz's apartment
Miscellaneous photos
abby_roxanne.jpg
abby_roxanne.jpg 2009-09-12
bike and random 014 (2).jpg
bike and random 014 (2).jpg 2009-05-11
Ellen's Hair.jpg
Ellen's Hair.jpg 2009-09-12
IMG_0035.jpg
IMG_0035.jpg 2008-10-27
IMG_0068.jpg
IMG_0068.jpg 2009-03-14
IMG_0279.jpg
IMG_0279.jpg 2007-11-08
IMG_0280.jpg
IMG_0280.jpg 2007-11-08
IMG_0283.jpg
IMG_0283.jpg 2007-11-08
IMG_0546 copy.jpg
IMG_0546 copy.jpg 2008-08-02
IMG_0983 (2).jpg
IMG_0983 (2).jpg 2008-01-28
IMG_0984.jpg
IMG_0984.jpg 2008-01-28
veteren's day parade.jpg
veteren's day parade.jpg 2009-09-12
uniform.jpg
uniform.jpg 2008-09-04
California summer 2009
Anna in the canyons
Anna looking at the view from Malibu Canyon road.
Experiment 015.JPG
Experiment 015.JPG 2009-07-09
Dad's sculpture
Later in life, my father took to whittling, or wood sculpting. I forget the name of this saint.
Dad's high school drawing
My father drew this when he was in high school. It was my inspiration to pursue a life as an artist. Alas!
Ellen in Encino
hiking with Anna in the park near Richard's home in Encino
Hampton house
Experiment 027.JPG
Experiment 027.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 023.JPG
Experiment 023.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 031.JPG
Experiment 031.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 035.JPG
Experiment 035.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 039.JPG
Experiment 039.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 043.JPG
Experiment 043.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 051.JPG
Experiment 051.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 047.JPG
Experiment 047.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 055.JPG
Experiment 055.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 020.JPG
Experiment 020.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 024.JPG
Experiment 024.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 028.JPG
Experiment 028.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 032.JPG
Experiment 032.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 036.JPG
Experiment 036.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 040.JPG
Experiment 040.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 044.JPG
Experiment 044.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 048.JPG
Experiment 048.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 052.JPG
Experiment 052.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 056.JPG
Experiment 056.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 021.JPG
Experiment 021.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 025.JPG
Experiment 025.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 029.JPG
Experiment 029.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 033.JPG
Experiment 033.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 037.JPG
Experiment 037.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 041.JPG
Experiment 041.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 045.JPG
Experiment 045.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 049.JPG
Experiment 049.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 053.JPG
Experiment 053.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 022.JPG
Experiment 022.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 026.JPG
Experiment 026.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 030.JPG
Experiment 030.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 034.JPG
Experiment 034.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 038.JPG
Experiment 038.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 042.JPG
Experiment 042.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 046.JPG
Experiment 046.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 050.JPG
Experiment 050.JPG 2009-07-15
Experiment 054.JPG
Experiment 054.JPG 2009-07-15
Excavations
009.JPG
009.JPG 2009-09-01
005.JPG
005.JPG 2009-09-01
016.JPG
016.JPG 2009-09-05
020.JPG
020.JPG 2009-09-05
024.JPG
024.JPG 2009-09-05
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 003.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 003.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 007.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 007.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 011.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 011.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 015.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 015.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 019.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 019.JPG 2009-08-22
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 023.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 023.JPG 2009-08-22
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 027.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 027.JPG 2009-08-24
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 031.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 031.JPG 2009-08-26
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 035.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 035.JPG 2009-08-26
006.JPG
006.JPG 2009-09-01
013.JPG
013.JPG 2009-09-05
017.JPG
017.JPG 2009-09-05
021.JPG
021.JPG 2009-09-05
025.JPG
025.JPG 2009-09-05
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 004.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 004.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 008.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 008.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 012.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 012.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 016.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 016.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 020.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 020.JPG 2009-08-22
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 028.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 028.JPG 2009-08-24
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 024.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 024.JPG 2009-08-22
007.JPG
007.JPG 2009-09-01
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 032.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 032.JPG 2009-08-26
018.JPG
018.JPG 2009-09-05
014.JPG
014.JPG 2009-09-05
022.JPG
022.JPG 2009-09-05
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 001.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 001.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 005.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 005.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 009.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 009.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 013.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 013.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 017.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 017.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 021.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 021.JPG 2009-08-22
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 025.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 025.JPG 2009-08-24
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 033.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 033.JPG 2009-08-26
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 029.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 029.JPG 2009-08-26
008.JPG
008.JPG 2009-09-01
015.JPG
015.JPG 2009-09-05
019.JPG
019.JPG 2009-09-05
023.JPG
023.JPG 2009-09-05
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 002.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 002.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 006.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 006.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 010.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 010.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 014.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 014.JPG 2009-08-19
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 018.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 018.JPG 2009-08-22
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 022.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 022.JPG 2009-08-22
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 026.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 026.JPG 2009-08-24
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 030.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 030.JPG 2009-08-26
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 034.JPG
excavations at the North Bigelow estate 034.JPG 2009-08-26
Peggy's party
005.JPG
005.JPG 2009-08-01
009.JPG
009.JPG 2009-08-02
001.JPG
001.JPG 2009-08-01
013.JPG
013.JPG 2009-08-02
006.JPG
006.JPG 2009-08-02
010.JPG
010.JPG 2009-08-02
014.JPG
014.JPG 2009-08-02
002.JPG
002.JPG 2009-08-01
007.JPG
007.JPG 2009-08-02
011.JPG
011.JPG 2009-08-02
015.JPG
015.JPG 2009-08-02
003.JPG
003.JPG 2009-08-01
008.JPG
008.JPG 2009-08-02
012.JPG
012.JPG 2009-08-02
017.JPG
017.JPG 2009-08-02
004.JPG
004.JPG 2009-08-01