Sights of our side

  When exploring the bustling streets of Istanbul , most visitors expect to be amazed by mosques, palaces, and vibrant bazaars. But hidden beneath the city lies a magical, underground world that feels like something out of a fantasy novel—the Basilica Cistern , known in Turkish as Yerebatan Sarnıcı , or literally “The Cistern That Sinks Into the Ground.” A Glimpse Into the Past The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I to store and supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings in the area. It is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath Istanbul, many of which are still being discovered. The name "Basilica" comes from the fact that it was constructed under a large public square called the Stoa Basilica. The cistern could hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water and was fed by aqueducts from the Belgrade Forest, over 19 kilometers away. A Marvel of Ancient Engineer...

  Among the traditional dances of Turkey, Zeybek stands out with its solemn elegance, deep symbolism, and heroic spirit. Originating from the Aegean region of western Turkey, Zeybek is more than just a cultural performance—it is a dance that tells stories of bravery, honor, and freedom. Historical Origins Zeybek is believed to have emerged during the Ottoman period , influenced by the local warrior communities known as “Efe” and “Zeybeks.” These were bands of fighters, often operating in the mountains of the Aegean region, who protected villages and upheld justice in times of unrest. The Zeybek dance reflects their strong sense of identity, courage, and independence. The dance became a way to honor fallen comrades , celebrate victories, and display solidarity. It was also used in ceremonies, weddings, and village gatherings, symbolizing respect and unity. Dance Characteristics Zeybek is typically a solo or group dance , performed in a circular formation. The lead dancer ,...

  One of the most energetic and captivating traditional dances in Turkey, Horon originates from the vibrant and mountainous Black Sea region, particularly from the provinces of Trabzon, Rize, Artvin, and Giresun. Characterized by fast-paced footwork, rhythmic movements, and a strong sense of community, Horon is much more than a dance—it is a cultural identity, a celebration, and a way of life. Origins and Cultural Significance Horon has deep historical roots, with influences tracing back to the Pontic Greeks and ancient Anatolian civilizations . Its name is believed to have derived from the Greek word "choros," meaning dance. For centuries, people living in the Black Sea region used Horon as a way to express joy, unity, and resistance to life’s hardships. Traditionally, Horon was performed during celebrations, weddings, harvest festivals, and even after fishing or hunting trips. It was also believed to strengthen solidarity within the community and serve as a form of s...

  THE SIGHTS OF KALYMNOS: EXCHANGING CULTURES AND EXPERIENCES E-TWINNING PROJECT     Ishak Pasha Palace: The Peak of Ottoman Architecture and Culture     Ishak Pasha Palace, located on a high hill in the Dogubayazit district of Ağrı, is one of the most important and impressive structures of the Ottoman era. Construction of the palace began in 1685 and was completed in 1784. With its architecture and interior, this palace reflects the cultural and artistic richness of the period, offering visitors an exceptional experience. Architectural Features and Complex Structure Ishak Pasha Palace is built on an area of about 115x50 meters and has the characteristics of a complex. The stones and craftsmanship used in the construction of the palace reflect the rich cultural history of the region. It is noted that the work of the builders from Ahıska was employed in the construction of the palace.   Highlighted Sections: Cumle Gate : The main ...

  Van, Turkey offers 14+ beaches along its inland coastline. Van has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Van is a popular travel destination with over 500,000 annual visitors in addition to its 1,141,015 residents. Van, Turkey is known for its stunning Lake Van, the historic Akdamar Island and Church, and the unique Van cats. Van has 7+ beach cities, offering a variety of beach destinations for travelers seeking either a popular hotspot or a secluded beach vacation. The best time to travel to Van, Turkey, is from June to September, when the average air temperature is around 20°C (68°F) and the average water temperature is approximately 18°C (64°F). Van, Turkey does not have a hurricane season but has a wet season that lasts from October to May with average rainfall of 2-3 mm per day. Sandee provides detailed maps, photos, and reviews from fellow beachgoers to help you Choose Your Beach™ and plan your perfect beach vacation!

  Hoşap Castle is an imposing fortification and the main tourist attraction of Güzelsu village near Van in Eastern Turkey. Perching dramatically over the road connecting Van and Hakkari, the castle has been recently renovated and can now be visited if you can attract the attention of the custodian who can open its gates. The castle's name in Kurdish is Kela Xoşabê, and it means Beautiful Water Castle. This name is reflected in the Turkish name of the village as Güzelsu also means Beautiful Water. Naturally, both names come from the river that flows nearby. Historical overview:  Although the castle is not particularly old for the local standards as it dates back to the mid-17th century, it was almost certainly erected in the location of the much more ancient Urartian fortress. According to Mehmed Top, the history of Hoşap goes back to the Kingdom of Urartu when it was a military stronghold, standing at the crossroads of two strategic roads. The area was later conquered by the P...

  The Touching Call that Gave Akdamar its Name: "Ah Tamara!"  Mount Nemrut, on whose summit ancient humans and gods sat back-to-back to watch the sunrise and sunset, erupted one day hundreds of thousands of years ago. What came out of the mountain's imposing maw piled up and solidified in front of a huge pit nearby. Salty and carbonated water filled the pit, and Lake Van, or Van Sea as the locals call it, was formed - and so began our story.   Anyone who has been to Lake Van knows that the lake’s waters, which do not freeze even in the coldest weather, hide four islands, some of which are not so small. One of them is Akdamar Island near the southern shore of the lake. Akdamar Island is one of the most popular destinations for travelers visiting Lake Van because of the Akdamar Church, built in the 10th century, where Armenian artisans of that time showed all their skills. Those who come here to see the deep blue depth of the lake and the delicacy of the stone reliefs of th...

  The Art of Sponges The art of sponges refers to both the traditional harvesting and crafting of natural sea sponges, particularly in places like Kalymnos, Greece, which has a long history of sponge diving and processing. This craft blends nature, skill, and tradition, turning raw sponges into useful and artistic products. 1. Sponge Harvesting (The Traditional Art) Diving Tradition : Sponge divers, especially in Kalymnos, have practiced free-diving and later deep-sea diving (using skafandro suits) for centuries. Sponge Selection : Only certain species are valuable, such as hippospongia communis (honeycomb sponge) and spongia officinalis (fine silk sponge). Processing : After harvesting, sponges go through a series of steps: cleaning, bleaching, softening, and cutting into various shapes. 2. Sponge Crafting and Uses Natural Bath Sponges : Soft, absorbent, and biodegradable, natural sponges are considered superior to synthetic alternatives. Decorative Art : Some artisans sculpt s...

 Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, commonly known simply as Rumi , was a 13th-century Persian poet, theologian, and philosopher who is widely recognized for his influential works in both the East and West. His full name was Jalāl ad-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī , and he was born on September 30, 1207, in Balkh, present-day Afghanistan, which was part of the Persian Empire at the time. His family fled the Mongol invasions and settled in Konya, in present-day Turkey, where Rumi spent most of his life. Key Aspects of Rumi's Life and Work: Spiritual Journey : Rumi's spiritual transformation began with his meeting of Shams al-Din Tabrizi , a wandering dervish and mystic. This encounter deeply influenced Rumi, leading him to abandon his career as a scholar and theologian to explore mystical and spiritual practices, particularly Sufism. Shams taught Rumi to focus on love and devotion to the divine rather than intellectual pursuits. The Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi : One of Rumi's most famous works, this...

  Lale motifi, Osmanlı sanatında Allah'ın isminin ebced hesabıyla yazılışını simgeler. Bu yüzden kutsal sayılır ve dini sanatlarda sıkça kullanılır. Lale devri'nde zirveye ulaşan bu motif, camilerde, çinilerde ve el sanatlarında karşımıza çıkar. Tulip Motif The tulip motif symbolizes the writing of Allah's name in Arabic numerals in Ottoman art. That's why it is considered sacred and frequently used in religious arts. This motif, which reached its peak in the Tulip Era, appears in mosques, tiles and handicrafts.  

  Hat sanatı, Kur'an-ı Kerim ayetlerini ve dini metinleri estetik bir şekilde yazma sanatıdır. Her harfin kendine has bir anlamı ve güzelliği vardır. Celi sülüs, nesih, talik gibi yazı stilleri ile yazılan hatlar, camilerimizin ve evlerimizin en değerli süslerindendir. Calligraphy (Hat art) is the art of writing Quranic verses and religious texts in an aesthetic manner. Each letter has its unique meaning and beauty. Calligraphic works written in styles such as Celi Sülüs , Nesih , and Talik are among the most valuable ornaments of our mosques and homes.

  Tezhip, altın ve değerli boyalarla yapılan süsleme sanatıdır. Kur'an-ı Kerim sayfaları, hat levhaları ve dini kitapların süslenmesinde kullanılır. Rumi, hatai, bulut gibi motifler tezhip sanatının vazgeçilmez ögeleridir. Illumination (Tezhip) is the art of decoration made with gold and precious paints. It is used to adorn pages of the Quran, calligraphy panels, and religious books. Motifs such as Rumi, Hatayi, and Cloud are indispensable elements of the art of illumination.

  İ slam sanatında sıkça kullanılan geometrik desenler sonsuzluğu  ve Allah'ın sonsuz düzenini simgeler. Bu desenlerde sekizgen,  yıldız ve çokgenler kullanılarak muhteşem kompozisyonlar  oluşturulur. Bu desenleri camilerimizin duvarlarında, çinilerinde  ve hat sanatında görebilirsiniz.   Geometric patterns frequently used in Islamic art symbolize eternity and God's eternal order. Magnificent compositions are created using octagons, stars and polygons in these patterns. You can see these patterns on the walls, tiles and calligraphy of our mosques.