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Challenges in Black Sea Fishing

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Heading North A Seasonal Journey

As the fishing season persists, fishermen across Turkey embark on maritime adventures, trying their luck in the bountiful seas. With the onset of summer, they bid farewell to the Mediterranean, the Aegean, and the Marmara, setting course for the cooler and nutrient-rich waters of the Black Sea. Much like their terrestrial counterparts, fish in these northern waters migrate to the highlands, where they feast throughout the summer. As autumn approaches, the aquatic journey begins, and schools of fish sweep down the Bosphorus in a natural migration that has unfolded for millennia.

Sonar Surveillance and Migration Interruption

However, a modern challenge has emerged at the entrance of the Black Sea into the Bosphorus. Fishermen equipped with giant sonar devices lie in wait, disrupting the traditional migration pattern by intercepting fish before they enter the strait Fish and Istanbul. This interruption interferes with the natural ebb and flow of fish populations, a phenomenon integral to the region’s history.

Migration Chronicles in ‘Fish and Fishing’

Karekin Deveciyan, an employee in the Chief Inspectorate of Fishing in the Istanbul Central Department of Fish Markets, penned the first comprehensive book on fish and fishing in Turkish history, titled ‘Fish and Fishing.’ In this historical account, Deveciyan describes the ancient migration patterns of Black Sea fish. Traditionally, as winter approached, fish such as bonito would leave the Black Sea’s shallower waters, commencing a month-long journey through the Bosphorus. Subsequent waves of larger bonito and Atlantic mackerel followed in a sequential order Guided Istanbul Tours. This natural cycle sustained for centuries, constituting an essential part of Istanbul’s aquatic ecosystem.

Disrupting Centuries-Old Patterns

Today, the once-natural process has been disrupted, with sonar-equipped fishermen altering the historical migration patterns. The intervention prevents the organic flow of fish through the Bosphorus, marking a departure from centuries of harmonious coexistence between marine life and the inhabitants of Istanbul.

Fish and Istanbul

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A Culinary Legacy

A Timeless Duo Fish and the Bosphorus

Fish and the Bosphorus, a timeless duo that echoes through the heart of Istanbul. Beyond a mere slogan, this pairing represents a cherished legacy intertwining nature, taste, and culinary expertise. Once as abundant as bread, fish has been an integral part of Istanbul’s identity since ancient times. The city’s unique geography provides an ideal environment for fish breeding, growth, and capture. Fish that thrive in the Black Sea find their way into weirs along the undulating Bosphorus coastline. Along the Golden Horn, various processing techniques such as salting, pickling, drying, smoking, and brine curing transform these catches before they grace the market. Through the centuries Istanbul’s Culinary Rediscovery, fish, as evidenced by coins stamped with dolphins and bonito, has become an inseparable part of Istanbul life.

Culinary Tradition A Seafood Journey

While the abundance of fish may not match historical levels, the love for fish persists among Istanbulites, but with a preference for those caught in the Marmara or the Black Sea. Fish from other waters doesn’t hold the same esteem among locals. Despite the existence of delectable traditional dishes crafted from fish on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts Daily Tours Istanbul, Istanbulites perceive them as somewhat lacking. The distinguishing factor lies in the exceptional flavor of fish sourced from the Marmara and the Black Sea. Chief varieties like turbot, bonito, bluefish, mackerel, bass, and large and small red mullet resonate with the discerning palate of Istanbul. This fanatic interest in fish can surprise foreigners initially, but upon tasting, they quickly discern what makes Istanbul fish stand out among global counterparts.

Harran School of Thought

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

The Legend of Job (Hi. Eyup)

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

Sanliurfa An Ancient Worship Center

Archaeological discoveries in Sanliurfa have unveiled remnants of the world’s oldest temples, dating back to 9,000 years BC. This revelation establishes Sanliurfa as the most ancient worship center globally, steeped in historical significance.

Promoting Tourism in Sanliurfa

In an effort to enhance Sanliurfa’s presence in tourism, significant initiatives are underway:

The restoration of the historical Milet Inn into a multifunctional culture center and open-air museum.
Establishment of the Regional Committee for the Preservation of Culture and Natural Values.
Addition of five “Harran Cupola Houses” to the tourism landscape Istanbul Tours.

Progress on the Tourism Road Project of Harran-Eyyup Nebi, aiming to improve connectivity and accessibility.

Discovering Sanliurfa

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Legends and Ancient Roots

Nimrod’s Defeat The Legend of the Lame Mosquito

In the mythical past, God, determined to humble the mighty King Nimrod, sent forth a humble mosquito. This small creature, seemingly inconsequential, became the instrument of the king’s downfall. As Nimrod prepared his army for war, a swarm of mosquitoes descended, prompting the king to seek refuge in a sealed room. Unbeknownst to him, a lame mosquito Read More about Discovering Bogazkale , unable to join the holy war, received a divine mission. It infiltrated the king’s sanctuary and, with relentless determination, gnawed at Nimrod’s brain. Overwhelmed by pain, Nimrod met his end by self-inflicted blows to the head, crying “Vur ha, vur ha, ur ha” (hit, hit!). This event led to the naming of the region as Urfa.

Harran’s Timeless Legacy An Ancient Hub of Commerce

Situated 44 km southeast of §anliurfa, the town of Harran has been a pivotal center for trade between Anatolia and Mesopotamia for millennia. The name Harran appears in cuneiform script tablets dating back to around 2000 BC, found in Kultepe and Mari Customized Guided Tour. Referred to as “Ha-ra-na” or “Ha-ra-an,” the town’s historical significance persisted. In the Republican era, Harran became associated with Akgakale, and in 1987, it evolved into a district, anticipating development through the GAP project.

Discovering Bogazkale

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Hattusa Echoes of Ancient Powers

Hittite Dominion Egypt, Babel, Mitanni, and Hittite Supremacy

In the antique East, the great powers of Egypt, Babel, Mitanni, and the Hittites stood as dominant forces. Until the 1200s BC, the Hittites held sway over vast territories, extending from Anatolia to Northern Syria. The remnants of this influential civilization endure in Hattusa, the capital city, nestled in the Bogazkale district, 80 km southwest of Corum. The ongoing excavation efforts, led by the “German Archaeology Institute,” continue to unravel the mysteries of this historic site Read More about Harran School of Thought.

Yazilikaya Temple Treasures Among the Rocks

Recognized in UNESCO’s “World’s Culture Heritage List,” Hattusa in Bogazkale stands out, with special attention directed to its capital city. The Yazilikaya Temple, a remarkable site concealed among towering rocks, captures attention as the largest and most impressive spot in Hattusa. Adorned with relief figures of gods and goddesses, this temple held significance, particularly during “new year celebrations.”

Incesu Canyon Nature’s Adventure Playground

Situated in the Ortakoy District’s Incesu village, Incesu Canyon boasts a single entrance and exit. The canyon provides an ideal setting for rafting and trekking enthusiasts. With a length of 12.5 km and a width ranging from 40 to 60 meters, the canyon offers thrilling rafting experiences when water flow is robust. Additionally, there’s a trekking route showcasing the natural beauty that captivates visitors.

Corum Clock Tower A Timeless Landmark

Commissioned in 1894 by Yedi Sekiz Hasan Pasha Istanbul Daily Tours, the Custodian of Besiktas, the minaret-shaped Clock Tower stands as one of Corum’s most significant landmarks. This architectural marvel adds a timeless charm to the town, symbolizing its historical legacy.

Distinctive Symbols on Ottoman Tombstones

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Exploring the Meaning Behind Engravings

Symbolic Trees Life and Immortality

The foot sahides of Ottoman tombstones often feature engravings of trees. Prominent among these are roses, date-palms, cypress, and pomegranates. Date-palms symbolize life and immortality, portraying fruitfulness and reproduction when adorned with multiple fruits. Pomegranates signify monotheism, supernatural powers, and are symbolic of reproduction. Cypress trees, symbolizing beauty and immortality, gained popularity during the Ottoman era, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries. Cypress implantation ceremonies were held during this period, emphasizing eternity and stability against the wind. The evergreen nature of cypresses, along with their symbolization of patience and humility Read More about Ottoman Tombstone Symbols, is found on both male and female graves.

Golden Apple, Orange, and Grapes: Symbols of Immortality

Illustrations of fruits in a bowl are commonly engraved on head sahides and sarcophagi, expressing the wish for the deceased to enter heaven. Pomegranates, apples, pears, grapes, peaches, figs, and apricots symbolize immortality. The golden apple, in particular, represents eternal life, while grapes signify the fall season or the autumn of life, often linked to the concept of “drinking the sherbet of death.” Oranges are considered the fruit of heavenly fruit trees Turkey Customized Sightseeing.

Headgear on Male Graves

Male graves are often adorned with distinctive headgear, with the belief that it reflected the deceased’s profession. However, recent interpretations suggest that the profession stated in the epitaph and the headgear may be unrelated. Noteworthy headgear in Ottoman graveyards includes turbans worn by grand viziers, intellectuals, clerks, and the fez, introduced by Mahmut II in 1829 through the law of attire. The various turbans reflect the diverse identities and backgrounds of those laid to rest.

Ottoman Tombstone Symbols

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Turkish Graveyard Traditions through the Ages

Evolution of Tombstone Art

The tradition of planting gravestones in Turkish graveyards dates back to ancient times. Initially serving the practical purpose of marking grave locations with flat and high stones, gravestones evolved into symbolic artworks. Animal figures and Chinese motifs adorned these tombstones, gaining figurative significance over time. This tradition laid the foundation for Ottoman tombstones.

Gokturk Era Birth of Grave Statues

During the Gokturk era, grave statues emerged, featuring distinctive headgear, arches, and accessories. With the influence of Islamic beliefs during the Ottoman era, these statues transitioned into abstract forms. While headgear and objects adorned the tombstones, hands and feet were often understated.

Ottoman Grave Classification

Ottomans designated their tombstones as “sahide.” Each grave had two sahides – the head sahide and the foot sahide. The head sahide bore the epitaph, while the foot sahide showcased decorative engravings. The most general categorization of Ottoman tombstones includes male and female variations.

Symbolism in Female Tombstones: Roses and Tulips

Female tombstones often lacked headgear but featured elaborate ornaments, predominantly floral. These decorations included roses, tulips, carnations, hyacinths, violets, and sprays. The prevalence of flower motifs aimed to symbolize the eternal resting places of loved ones as gardens of Eden. The rose, symbolizing Prophet Muhammad, was engraved on tombstones to signify closeness to him in the afterlife. Tulips represented the unity of Allah Read More about Preserving Troy’s Heritage, signifying oneness through their singular stem and flower. Carnations symbolized sorrow, while violets conveyed modesty.

Interweaving Symbolism with Islamic Interpretations

The tulip, resembling the Arabic letter “elif” at the start of “Allah Tour Guide Turkey,” holds special significance, as both “Allah” and “tulip” share the same numerical value in Arabic. Consequently, the tulip is revered as a holy flower, embodying Allah’s creativity and aesthetic beauty. Each flower on Ottoman tombstones intertwines symbolism with Islamic interpretations, creating a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual significance.

Preserving Troy’s Heritage

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“Dus ve Gercek Troia”

Exhibition Overview

“Dus ve Gergek Troia” unfolds across 486 pages, presenting a monumental collection of Troy artifacts sourced from various museums in Germany and other nations. Printed on high-quality glazed paper and measuring 30 cm. x 24 cm., the book serves as a testament to the exhibition’s significance. Its back cover echoes a poignant plea: “These works wait to be exhibited in a modern Troy museum in Turkey.” While a call tinged with tragedy, it underscores the reality of a shared heritage Read More about Distinctive Symbols on Ottoman Tombstones. The hope lingers for the creation of a museum in Troy where these artifacts, currently held by antiquity merchants, can return to their rightful home.

A Harrowing Reality

The exhibition brings to light the distressing extent of Troy’s pillaging. Participating countries in the exhibition, contributing from their collections, include Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, France, Britain, Georgia, Italy, Yugoslavia, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Turkey, Vatican, and the Republic of China. Germany, notably, leads in lending artifacts, reflecting its historical ties to Troy through Heinrich Schliemann, a German archaeologist credited with initiating the excavations Sightseeing Tours Turkey.

Presidential Endorsements and Prefaces

The prefaces of the book, solidifying its status as a literary masterpiece, bear the signatures of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer of Turkey and President Johannes Rau of Germany. With nearly 2,000 photos and drawings, the book stands as a comprehensive documentation of an exhibition that began in Stuttgart on November 17, 2001, continued in Braunschweig, and concluded in Bonn on February 17, 2002. The collaborative effort of experts in the field ensures the book’s status as a significant contribution to libraries worldwide.

Letter from the Governor

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Transforming Cities with Visionary Leadership

Farewell to Mardin’s Reformer

When M. Temel Kogaklar, the recent Governor of Mugla, concluded his term in Mardin, where he had been appointed in 2000, the people bid him farewell with tears. He left an indelible mark, reconciling Mardin with its rich history, revitalizing the tourism sector, restoring magnificent stone structures, and ensuring safety on the streets. During his tenure, Mardin evolved from having 370 beds in 4 hotels in 2000 to hosting 14 accommodation facilities, including authentic Mardin mansions, with a bed capacity of 1400 in just six years. The world’s attention turned to Mardin, drawing the likes of Prince Charles and other celebrities. In January 2006, Kogaklar assumed his role in Mugla, one of Turkey’s crucial cities, where his list of accomplishments continued to grow rapidly. Initiatives such as the Cultural and Arts Center for the Youth, the restoration of the Moralilar House, the EU Project on Gokova, Trolian Park, and the restoration of the house of Osman Hamdi Bey were just the beginning of his transformative work. Governor Kogaklar envisions Mugla, which he describes as “heaven on earth Shining the Gems,” embracing new trends like ecotourism, and exploring investment opportunities beyond the traditional “sea-sun-sand” trio, including thermal spa, pasture, cave, nature, and winter tourism.

City’s Visionary Mayor Dr. Osman Gurun

Mugla is fortunate to have Dr. Osman Gurun as Mayor. Serving in his second term, he has woven a network of love rather than building walls between himself and the citizens. Regardless of age, whether in his office or on the streets Guided Turkey Tours , everyone’s face lights up upon seeing the Mayor, and affectionate hugs follow. The people of Mugla adore their Mayor and take pride in their city, rightfully so. The city boasts no shanty towns, no overflowing garbage containers, and no piles of refuse cluttering its streets. Under the leadership of Dr. Osman Gurun, Mugla is flourishing as a well-kept, vibrant, and beloved city, a testament to the positive impact of visionary leadership.

Shining the Gems

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Shining the Gems, One by One…

Mugla Houses are renowned for their courtyard entrances, known as the “Lamb Door,” adorned with lacelike canopies and wooden ceiling ornaments. The chimneys gracefully rising from the red brick-covered roofs of these houses remain the quintessential symbol of the city to this day. Specifically designed to accommodate the “less windy, more rainy” climate of the region, Mugla Chimneys are constructed using 28 Ottoman bricks, and their distinctive feature is the “hats” crafted from these bricks.

Before 1922, Turks and Greeks coexisted in Mugla, each contributing to a distinct architectural style suited to their respective lifestyles. Turkish and Greek houses exhibit contrasting characteristics, with Turkish houses featuring concave placements and Greek houses adopting convex orientations. These historical houses, situated in the heart of the city, are meticulously restored one by one, transforming into cultural centers, art houses, public buildings, or residences, all adorned and purposefully utilized.

Moreover, the Mugla Archaeological Museum offers a diverse range of activities, showcasing photographs of rock paintings from the ruins of Latmos in Milas in one hall, and fossils dating back 5-9 million years in another. The fossil beds in the village of Ozluce are set to be transformed into an open-air park named “Trolian Park” this year, thanks to the financial contribution of the Governorship. Mugla’s mountain pasture, Karabaglar, serves as a true “health spring.” The restoration of “Keyfoturagi Kahvesi,” undertaken by the Municipality with contributions from the Governorship, stands as a perfect example for the region. Places like the Clock Tower, Arasta Assos and Troy, Saburhane, and Kurşunlu Mosque offer ideal venues for Cultural Tourism.

Adding a New Light to Sunny Mugla

This year witnessed another exciting project in Mugla, a city rich in culture. Mount Hisar Guided Tours Turkey, standing at an elevation of 670 meters and distinguished by its plateau summit and archaeological remains, was illuminated through a collaborative effort involving the Governorship, Municipality of Mugla, and TURSAB. As aptly stated by Governor Temel Kogaklar, Mugla now sparkles like a diamond necklace, following in the footsteps of Mardin.

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