Travel

Moda Burnu, the protruding promontory nestled between two bays, is a favored residence for the British colony in Constantinople. Offering a breathtaking panorama of Stambul, the Sea of Marmara, and the Islands, it serves as a tranquil escape.

Discovering the Princes’ Islands

The Princes’ Islands, known as Kizil Adalar by the Turks, comprise nine isles, but only four are inhabited and accessible by steamers—Proti, Antigoni, Halki, and Prinkipo Chalcedon.

Situated approximately 12 miles south of Constantinople, in the Sea of Marmara, these islands were formerly called Bemonesi and Papadonesi by the Byzantines. Historically, they functioned as places of exile for deposed emperors and troublesome princes. The Turks bestowed the name Kizil Adalar, referencing the islands’ red soil.

Exploring the Inhabited Islands

Proti, the closest to Constantinople, once hosted the British fleet under Vice-Admiral Duckw

Ancient Heritage along the Bosporus

The bubbling spring surrounded by trees near the railway station marks the location of the ancient Hermagoras. Haidar Pasha Plain serves as the gathering point for troops heading to the front on the Asiatic side. This vast plain is a cherished spot for Moslems and Oriental Christians on St. George’s Day, following the Greek Calendar (corresponding to May 5th). On this day, people from neighboring suburbs converge to celebrate the arrival of spring with a picnic feast featuring roast lamb.

A Historic Meeting Ground

Kadi Keui, adjacent to Haidar Pasha, occupies the site of ancient Chalcedon and is a preferred residence for British and other European residents in Constantinople. Steamers regularly commute between Galata Bridge and Kadi Keui almost every half-hour, from sunrise to sunset.

Echoes of Chalcedon’s Past

Ancient Chalcedon, once a rival to Byzantium, dates back to 685 B.C. An oracle famously r

Maritime Landmarks and Legends along the Bosporus

The prominent square yellow structure neighboring the cemetery, visible from the sea, is Selimieh Barracks. It stands on the grounds where Sultan Murad IV’s summer palace once existed. Sultan Selim III transformed it into a barracks for his Nizam jedid (New Regulars) in 1807. The Janissaries, in their rebellion against Selim III, set fire to the palace, leading to the construction of the current building under Sultan Mahmud II.

From Royal Retreat to Military Hub

Leander’s Tower, known as Khiz Kuleh (the Maiden’s Tower) in Turkish, is a square lighthouse perched on a submerged rock off Skutari Princes’ Islands Tranquil Retreat near Constantinople, serving as a prominent landmark in Constantinople’s waters. The name ‘Leander’s Tower’ originated from the Crusaders and has no association with the l

Historical Writings and Landmarks in Simple Language

Prohibition at the Temple Court

“No Gentile may pass beyond the railing into the court round the Temple; he who is caught trespassing will bring death upon himself.”

There was a rule that only certain people could enter the Temple courtyard. If someone who wasn’t allowed entered, it was considered a serious offense Sumptuous Seafood Creations, and they might face severe consequences.

Pottery from Cadesh and Jerusalem

Also some pottery from Cadesh and Jerusalem.

In addition, there were pottery items discovered from Cadesh and Jerusalem. These artifacts might provide insights into the history and culture of these places.

Restoration by Emperor Emmanuel

“This divine work, which time had defaced, was restored by the pious Emperor Emmanuel.”

A significant piece of work that had been damaged ov

Bonito with Oranges A Citrusy Delight

Ingredients

1 fresh bonito, cut in thick slices
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup wine vinegar
2 bay leaves
1 tsp red and green peppercorns
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 bunch fresh dill
Preparation:

Divide the cleaned bonito into eight portions.
Mix orange juice, lemon juice, wine vinegar, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a pot.
Place the bonito portions in the marinade and let it sit for 6 hours.
Garnish with dill, drizzle with olive oil, and serve Savory Seafood Delights Three Irresistible Recipes.

Swordfish Stew with Unripe Green Grapes A Unique Blend

Ingredients

4 swordfish steaks (200g each)
2 bay leaves
1 bunch of unripe green grapes
2 tbsp cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground white pepper
3 green onions, chopped
2 tbsp butt

Fried Fish Balls A Crispy Delight

Ingredients

2 fresh bonito, de-boned
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped fine
2 tbsp bread crumbs
1 onion, grated
Flour for dipping
Olive oil for frying the fish balls

Preparation

Clean and de-bone the bonito, then grind or chop finely.
Place the fish in a mixing bowl and add egg, salt, pepper, grated onion, parsley, and bread crumbs. Knead the mixture well.
Form the mixture into balls, dip in flour, and fry in hot olive oil.
Serve with fresh rocket (arugula) leaves, red onion, and lemon.

Blue Fish en Papillote Buttery Goodness Wrapped in Filo

Ingredients

1 fresh blue fish
2 sheets of yufka (Turkish filo, sold in 20×20 cm leaves)
50g butter
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Preparation

Place the bay leaf inside the cleaned blue fish,

A Conversation with Resit Soley

Preserving Heritage and Nurturing Culture

Q: Importance of Vinegrowing

R. Soley: Turkey, specifically the Anatolian Peninsula, is the cradle of vinegrowing and wine production. Stretching from southern Georgia to Armenia, Iran, Mesopotamia Resit Soley’s Mission in Turkish Viniculture, and aligning with the western regions, this area produces the finest grapes. The climate imparts unique characteristics to the grapes, making Anatolia a viticultural treasure. Despite possessing the world’s 4th or 5th largest vineyards, Turkey struggles to unlock the full potential of this valuable resource. Vinegrowing is not just a practice; it’s a cultural heritage that demands experience, patience, dedication, and a deep connection to the land. Unfortunately, these traditions are eroding as commercial paths gain prominence and younger generations lose interest in th

Preserving Heritage and Quality

Elevated to the Advisory Board Focused on Turkish Wine Culture

Resit Soley, elected to the Advisory Board of the Wine Culture Project in Turkey, is actively engaged in promoting and preserving the rich wine heritage of the country.

Q: What role do you play in Turkish viniculture, and what initiatives are you involved in?

Resit Soley: Corvus, recognized by The Guardian Newspaper among the top ten vineyards globally worth visiting, signifies acknowledgment of our efforts. Ertugrul Ozkok, in one of his articles, stated, “I make peace with Turkish wines,” highlighting the growing acceptance of Turkish wines. While we concentrate on vinegrowing, we are equally committed to producing exceptional wines. In our first harvest, we proudly crafted the best wines in Turkey, a result of the favorable island microclimate and advanced technology. However, the essence lies in continuous dedicated efforts Read more

Corvus Vineyards’ Journey

Bozcaada A Haven for Vineyards

Architect Resit Soley embarked on a mission in 2002 – to revive Bozcaada’s ancient wine and vineyard culture, which boasts a rich history spanning 3,000 years. His vision goes beyond creating the best “white” wine in Turkey The Essence of Vinegrowing; it’s about restoring Turkish wine and vineyard culture to its rightful place on the global stage.

Forgotten Heritage The Decline of Turkish Wine

The origins of wine, produced through grape fermentation, are lost in the annals of time. However, Anatolian lands, where this culture thrived millions of years ago, have witnessed its decline and, in some ways, destruction. Illicit development, religious pressures, commercial interests, misuse of pesticides, and a disconnect from cultural roots have hampered Turkey’s ability to harness its viticultural potential. Yet, there

Journey to Discovery A Warm Welcome

After enjoying the hospitality of the province, we embarked on an adventure to explore the Underground City. The tale of turning an ideal into reality unfolded before us. As we entered the Dulkadirli Underground City, known by locals as “bezirhane” (linseed oil mill), den, cave, or caravansary, we were met with boundless enthusiasm from those who played a pivotal role in revealing this hidden world. The cave’s breathtaking view gradually emerged, showcasing the dedication of municipal workers participating in their first archaeological excavation Read More about Dulkadirli Underground City, driven by a shared vision to shape the future of their province.

From Coop to Reality Mayor Dulkadirlioglu’s Vision

Mayor Selcuk Dulkadirlioglu passionately narrates the story that once earned him the label “foolish.” “When I was a child, we played gam