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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 fo

“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

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

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 i

Just beyond the “Museum of Olive Oil” at Kazdagı, several historical sites beckon for exploration. One of the most significant among them is Assos, established through one of the world’s earliest privatizations in the 7th century BC. Assos captivates tourists each year with its “Antique City,” “Acropolis,” and the “Murat Hüdavendigar Mosque.” Babakale, located in the west part of Assos, marks the far-west point of Turkey, bordering Asia. After a 70 km drive in the direction of Çanakkale, you reach Troy, a city renowned in historical narratives. Troy holds the distinction of being the world’s first city, repeatedly destroyed and resettled at the same location due to wars and invasions. The “Gallery of Ethnography” in the village of Tahlakuyular recounts the 500-year life saga of the “Tahtacı Turkmens” at Kazdagı. These prominent touristic attractions are all within a one-hour drive from Kazdagı.