Balkan

Crafting Organic Gruyere in Kars

Gruyere’s Tale An Organic Delight

Gruyere, a specialty of the Caucasian countries, finds its organic roots on the high plateaus of Kars, making it a crucial product for the region. Giiven Yildirimturk, the proprietor of Borluk Farm, shares the story behind their annually produced gruyere, drawing inspiration from Holland and Switzerland.

Exploring Gruyere’s History

Q: Can you shed light on the history of gruyere Read More about HORSES OF KARS?

Giiven Yildirimturk: Gruyere was first crafted in 1936 at Kars Dogulu Farm. Unfortunately, this exquisite cheese is not well-promoted. The fully organic gruyere of Kars stands out as a product exclusive to the high plateaus of the region, cherished worldwide.

Borluk Farm: A Natural Haven

Q: Could you provide information about the farm?

Guven Yildirimturk: Situated naturally, our farm is located 10 km from Kars

Bridging East and West

Exploring the Ancient Trade Routes

The Silk Road, originating in China and weaving through Anatolia to finally extend into Europe, has served as a vital connection, uniting diverse cultures and races across Middle Asia to Europe for millennia.

Renovation for Tourism A Silk Road Initiative

Approximately 1100 inns and caravanserais along the Silk Road in Turkey are set to undergo renovation for tourism purposes. The “Silk Road Project,” spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, aims to breathe new life into these historical sites Read More about BORLUK FARM.

Historical Significance of Silk Trade

Silk trade has held immense significance for numerous nations throughout history. The trade of silk and spices from the Far East played a crucial role in international relations, contributing to the rise of the Eastern world. The Silk Road, evolvi

Gateway to the Outside World

Camli Kosk, the splendid window of Dolmabahçe Palace to the outer world, is now open to visitors. Serving as an example of the Alay Kosku, a pavilion used by Sultans to observe parades in the 19th century Ottoman palaces, Camli Kosk is a historic gem.

Dolmabahce Palace A Symbol of Ottoman Westernization

Situated along the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palace, adorned with intricately carved marble resembling fine lace, stands as a significant representation of the Ottoman Dynasty’s Westernization endeavors. Reflecting the political and imperial life of 19th-century Ottomans, the palace played a vital role in Turkey’s cultural heritage. Beyond the imperial era Read More about Exploring Kaleiçi A Tranquil Retreat, it gained fame for hosting Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, a key figure in the founding of the Republic of Turkey.

Changing Festivity Venues in Istanbul

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Gift Shopping in Charming Streets

Discover a variety of gifts at the shops and stalls lining the streets of Kaleiçi. You can also explore carpet shops along the streets leading to the port.

Boutique Accommodations in Restored Houses

The old houses of Kaleici have been transformed into boutique hotels, boardinghouses, and motels, carefully restored to maintain unobstructed views. These accommodations are ready to welcome you with their gardens, restaurants, cafes, patisseries, bars, and comfortable rooms. One noteworthy option is Tekeli Mansions, a residence created from the restoration of six Seljuk mansions. The courtyard features a swimming pool and a restaurant, while the uniquely decorated rooms boast “sandalwood” elements, offering a distinctive fragrance. China, not faience, covers the bath walls. Enjoy dining in the cool stone yard surrounded by the scents of jasmine, honeysuckle, and orange blossoms. Don’t miss the renowned patisse

The entrance floors of the houses in Kaleici serve as warehouses, provision rooms, and service floors. Similarly, mezzanines have comparable functions. The kitchen, bath, and toilet are often located in the garden due to the favorable climate. This arrangement eliminates the challenge of moving goods around inside the house. Daily life primarily unfolds in the “taslık” (paved court) and “hayat” (open-air courtyard). The rooms in these houses, functioning like independent dwellings, can accommodate large families. Due to this characteristic Read More about Exploring Camli Kosk, they are commonly referred to as “houses.” The most extensive room is typically assigned to the eldest family member. Windows are placed in accordance with the household tradition, prioritizing functionality over outward views. Sofa height within the rooms determines the window height. The windows are sizable, allowing ample light to pen

Necati Güngör’s compiled work, “Boğazın Büyüsü,” provides a literary perspective on the Bosphorus, allowing us to draw comparisons between its past and present.

The Bosphorus stands as a symbol of Istanbul, and exploring its history through the lens of literary figures adds a unique pleasure to the experience. Journalist and storyteller Necati Güngör, in his book “Boğazın Büyüsü,” gathers writings from literary figures, with a focus on the renowned traveler Evliya Çelebi, offering insights into the Bosphorus. Published by İnkılap Publications, “Boğazın Büyüsü” allows us to juxtapose the Bosphorus of the past, including its people, quays, religious communities, economy, and ethnic groups, with its current state. The book also reveals the gaps in our knowledge and memory concerning the Bosphorus, prompting a sense of shame The First Church Dedicated to Virgin Ma

The First Church Dedicated to Virgin Mary and the World’s First Advertisement Hoard

The Double Churches, also known as the Consul Church, hold a distinctive position in the Christian world as the first church constructed in honor of Virgin Mary. Originally a place for consul meetings in the 5th century AD, the church underwent transformation into a basilica during the Roman era, eventually becoming dedicated to Virgin Mary. It was during a meeting of the third consul convened here that the decision to establish “Catholicism” was made, making the edifice significant as one of the seven churches of Christianity.

The appellation “Double Churches” emerged with the addition of a second church in the 7th century AD. Ephesus, at the time, boasted advanced infrastructure, including heating, water, and sewage systems. The city’s primary sewage system passed beneath a marble-covered street, featuring columns several meters high and cast lead

The Commerce, Culture, and Faith Center of the Ancient World

Ephesus stands as the most precious legacy of the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations—a city that thrived as the commerce, culture, and faith center of the ancient world. It remains the most important surviving among the twelve Ionian cities.

According to some sources, Ephesus was initially founded by Amazons, while others argue that it was established by Leleks or Carians. Some historical accounts suggest that human habitation in this region dates back to 5000 BC. Regardless of its origin, everyone agrees that the first city was built at the confluence of the Meander River (Kaistros) with the sea.

Ephesus, initially a significant center in politics and commerce, later transformed into a religious hub with the arrival of figures such as Virgin Mary, St. Jean, and St. Paul. Captured by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, the city prospered, reaching a population of around 250,000. Despite