Friday, November 06, 2009

Authentic Turkish Coffee Pots and Where to Buy Them

What is an authentic Turkish Coffee Pot?

There are many types of Turkish Coffee Pots. If you want to learn further about the types of these pots check out this Turkish Coffee Pot Guide.

Authentic Turkish Coffee Pots are usually made with copper and comes with different types of handles, such as brass and wooden handle.

Turkish People usually make coffee with modern, stainless coffee pots, but authentic copper Turkish Coffee Pots are still used at most of the Turkish Houses.

Check out Amazon to view a large selection of authentic Turkish Coffee Pots.

Enjoy your next cup of Turkish Coffee with an authentic Turkish Coffee Pot.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Turkish Pop, Rock and Jazz Music

The "rock and roll" in vogue in the world, the spirit "beat", which has spread from 1960 with the Beatles had directly affected the younger generations and this was followed by young Turkey music groups. This trend, which first seeps through words Turkish compositions quickly cede the West not to original compositions that summarize the elements of Western music lightweight and those of Turkish folk music and stress on creativity, musicality and artistic interpretation.

Parallel to these developments, a large market of music has created in recent years, accompanied by an explosion in sales of cassettes and CDs. Including sales of music cassettes of Turkish pop and rock, popular with the youth of the country, skyrocketing. More than a hundred million music cassettes of local and imported goods are sold every year in Turkey. In the field of music "pop" singers such as Tarkan, Baris, Manço, Sezen Aksu, Nilüfer, Sertab Erener, MFÖ, Şebnem Ferah and Teoman in jazz Kerem Görsev, Ilhan Ersahin, Nükhet Ruacan, Gürol Agirbas , Okay Temiz, among others are a great success.

Sertap Erener who represented the country on 24 May 2003, in the 48th Eurovision song contest in Riga, capital of Latvia, with his song in English under the title of "Every Way That I Can" won first prize in Turkey the first time and scored a great success internationally.

Turkish music has developed in several areas separate from one another since the Seljuk era to the present day: classical music elitist, developed in urban areas, popular music developed by the people through Anatolia centuries as a means of direct expression and religious music and the music known as "Mehta". Western polyphony will be widely adopted in Turkey, after the advent of the Republic. Pop music, jazz and rock, particularly in vogue in recent years are also popular genres.

Turkish classical music uses the tanbour (lute long handle), the ney (reed flute), the qanun (zither) and the oud (lute). The instruments include the folk-baghlama saz (lute folk), the zurna (reeds), the kaval (oblique flute) and Davulis (drum). The urban folk music is a hybrid, using instruments and styles of folk traditions, classical and western.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Music of the Ottoman Empire

This kind of music said today mostly "The Turkish Classical Music" or "The Music of Turkish Art" has enriched and developed into shapes and aesthetics in conjunction with the foundation, extension and to strengthen the Ottoman State to acquire an identity of art music.

This music has created works in many fields like religion, love, military, war, each formed its own genres, forms and ensembles. Ottoman music was influenced musical cultures of countries annexed to the Empire and exchanged items. But early 19th century when the Empire was engaged in the process of decline, there is a relaxation and softness in the music of art. While she once used patterns and rich forms, it has gradually moved away from this concept and eventually become a music entertainment. In this evolution that has lasted until today, the kind of "song" has replaced somehow all genres and was popularized in this aspect.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Turkish Popular Music

Popular Music / local

The characteristic of Turkish folk music is that it is anonymous. Anonymity is a factor that ensures the continuity of musical tradition in that it allows the transmission of folk art from one generation to another. The official policy of music, enforcement from the advent of the Republic, popular melodies attributed to a source ideal for the "new Turkish Music" to create. Under this policy, collection trips have been organized throughout the country and the work of musical notation and archive have been intensified.

Ankara Conservatory founded in 1936, is devoted entirely to the work of popular music and at work regularly until 1952, 10,000 songs were recorded and indexed. The radio of State, which began in 1937, was another factor revitalizing popular music. The instruments "kaval", "tar", "kemençe"(rebec) , "CIFT", "mey", "zurna", "Davulis", "Tulum", whose instruments of the family of "baglama" at the front, are the main instruments that accompany the music.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Turkish Traditional Music

The concept of traditional music: This is usually music created in common, perpetuated since birth whistled, sung in their region of origin and mostly anonymous.

We can divide into two music with specific accordance with the above definition, produced in our culture and become established following their traditional religious or laymen or study under the titles "Music People / local" and "Music Ottoman" . It is also possible to classify the works of these two groups have many common aspects as they are instrumental or vocal.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Turkish classical music

Turkish classical music began its development in the 15th century inside the Ottoman Court and continued until the 19th century. Yet the 17th century notes that ascend the oldest of this music. In this music the Turks own a multitude of patterns composed of a series of committees were created. The instruments that accompany the music are mainly Turkish "Ney (flute)," Tef "(tambourine)," Nevbe "," Kanun "," Santur "," Kudüm "(timpani)," Zil "(cymbals) , ETC.

In 1943, under the direction of Hüseyin Saadettin Arel, convinced that polyphony could be integrated into the traditional Turkish music and the instruments of Turkish music could have their place in music, will be put in place the section of Classical Turkish Music in the Municipal Conservatory of Istanbul.

With the establishment of "classical Choir" by Mesut Cemil Tel, which has held important posts in Radio Istanbul and Ankara and actions of the Music Society of Üsküdar and the Society of Oriental music, the Turkish classical music is a renewal. Mesut Cemil Tel, which will be the first to lead a chorus of masterly Music Turkish, has made a new musical modern and rigorous enforcement of the music then prey to degeneration. The composer Saadettin Kaynak, serif Içli, Selahattin Pinar and Avni Anil, interpreters like Safiye Ayla, Hamiyet

Friday, October 17, 2008

Turkish Polyphonic Music

The cultural structure of Turkey has made very rich and diverse cultural experiences from history. Given its geographical position, Turkey is the center of different cultures as Eastern, Western, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Islamic. This wealth with a general culture is also reflected naturally in our culture of music.

The different cultural influences that Turkey faces are at the heart of his music. We can muster a general concept with four titles under the types of music training and living in the geography of Turkey:

Turkish polyphonic music

Already in the mid 19th century, Ottoman music began to be influenced by the West, and these impacts that were imposed towards the end of the century had paved the way for work to make polyphonic music Ottoman Monod. After the proclamation of the Republic in 1923, Cemal Resid (REY) who had received musical training in Europe was entered Turkey and began teaching at the Teacher training school of Music in Istanbul. Meanwhile, some gifted young people were sent by the republican regime in various European cities for further training in music.

On their return, these young people who laid the foundations of the modern Turkish music polyphonic have formed a group called "The Five Turks." Their goal was to build a new modern building polyphonic using the themes of western music which they had received training. In subsequent phases, each composer willing to give free rein to their inspirations interpreted in the way the colors and the mystery of folk melodies and tried to achieve syntheses by different methods of abstraction.

The framework called "The Five Turks" consisted of Cemal Resid REY, Ulvi Cemal Erkin, Hasan Ferit Alnar, Ahmet Adnan Saygun and Necil Kazim Akses. In the generation that followed the Five Turks were Sami Nuri KORAL, Kemal ILERICI, Ekrem Zeki A and Bülent Tarcan, the third generation was represented by Sabahattin Kalender, Nevit KODALLI, Ferit Tuzun, Ilhan USMANBAS.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

How to Make Halvah and Helva Information

Halvah

Halvah (known as Helva in Turkish, and Halvah or Halva in other languages) is a Turkish origin special sweet/dessert.

Halvah is principally made of two basic substances that are sesame oil and sugar. It also contains a slight quantity of acidity regulator (lemon salt or in other terms citric acid), halvah root consisting of a substance named soapwort extract and also natural vanilla flavour. Cocoa and roasted pistachios are added to these basic substances in the production of flavoured halvah such as cocoa halvah and pistachio halvah.

The sesame oil used in the manufacture of halvah is a product that is obtained from the grinding of sesame seeds in our automatic sesame-processing establishments and contains absolutely no additive. Besides forming a basic substance of halvah, sesame oil is itself a product offered to consumption. During the production of halvah, the syrup formerly boiled at high temperatures is beaten together with the soapwort extract to form a nougat consistency. Subsequently, it is kneaded with sesame oil in a traditional way. This process is the most important one because it influences the quality of the halvah. Following the kneading operation, the procedures of moulding, resting and packing are carried out.

Nutrition Facts of Halvah

As sesame contains rich nutriments, it provides an important nutritious supplement to sesame oil and halvah. It is particularly rich in protein, calcium, phosphor and vitamin E.

100 gr. of halvah contains minimum:

* 10 gr. of protein (25% of the recommended daily quantity);
* 255 mg. of calcium (32% of the daily needs);
* 400 mg. of phosphor (50% of the daily needs);
* 2.4 mg. of vitamin E (24% of the daily needs);

Whereas 100 gr. of sesame oil contains:

* 17 gr. of protein (34% of the recommended daily quantity);
* 426 mg. of calcium (3 times the calcium contained in milk and 53% of the recommended daily quantity);
* 732 mg. of phosphor (91% of the daily needs) as well as 4 mg. of vitamin E (40% of the daily needs).

As sesame is moreover rich in omega3 oil, it provides extra advantages for the health of the heart. With its high energetic value (500 kcal./100 gr. halvah and 595 kcal. / 100 gr. sesame oil), it proves to be ideal in meeting the needs of children in period of development, athletes and hard task workers.

Pistachio Halvah Picture

Pistachio Helva

How Should Helva Be Stored?

The recommended storing temperature is of 8-12°C (46 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit) and the conditional humidity should be of 45-60%. It is generally advised to store and keep them in a dry, cool place. The humidity rate is particularly important for halvah and Turkish delights. Stopping any contact with the environment by tightly closing the halvah’s packing after opening will prevent the halvah from losing its sensory characteristics. It should be kept away from direct sunlight and should not bear any heavy weight. If not, it could be squashed and you could encounter leakage problems.

How To Order Halvah?

If you like to try this delicious dessert, you might order Authentic Turkish Helva at Amazon.

Tip: Koska Halva is the #1 selling brand in Turkey, and Koska Pistachio Halva is my personal favorite.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Turkish Bath Traditional Turkish Hamam

The Hamam: Temple for body and soul


Water is not just for washing in the hamam, it is not only also for the body clean, but also the soul and the spirit to learn a certain clarity ...




An indescribably beautiful experience that you absolutely love to learn on their own in order to understand them, is a day in a hamam. The visitor can be in the locker room cabin with-the-pestemal, a bath towel wrap, made from cotton or silk is woven. Only with the Pestemal around the hips go in-sicaklik, the (hot)-bathroom. This opens the door to relax with water, steam and soap. Everyday worries, stress and bustle have no chance by the steam here add sneak. For endlessly flowing warm water at-Kurna, a small marble basin, plunges you into a sea of mental and physical relaxation. The body is maintained with one-Tas, a copper bowl with water, watered, so that you begin to sweat. If the skin very soft and swollen, creates one-on-Göbektasi, the navel stone, which is the middle of the pool and a large marble surface is warm. Here the rub-Tellak, staff, with one-Kese, a hard, the whole cloth coarse woven body, so that the skin downright Scratch off completed and is well supplied. Then comes a soap wash with a hard massage and it feels like reborn.



The hammam has in the Turkish culture a very special place. Even in the Turkish language, there are sayings like-Hamama giren terler-(Who goes into a hamam, sweat) or Kadinlar hamamina dönmek-(like a women Hamam, very loud gossip) and also Hamam gibi, which means That it is as hot as in a hamam. Hamam was an earlier visit in any season, especially for the woman, a very special event. It was an opportunity to escape the everyday, we maintained and had fun. Already in the early morning hours of the day began to visit the hamam, after being with friends and neighbors had agreed. Only at sunset, it was back home. Food was brought course. Especially a few days previously-prepared Zeytinyagli Dolma, a Vine leaves wrapped Rice, which is cooked in olive oil, Tursu, pickles and Börek, pastry dough from thin layers, were eaten, and this was Serbet, homemade fruit juice, drunk. The most beautiful in a hamam visit was of course always the gossip.




Hamams often have two separate wings, the women's wing with the entrance to a side street, and the Maennertrakt with the entrance to the main road. Some Hamams are also used by men and women alternately used. Colored scarves at the entrance to characterize whether men or women's in the hamam is.






Even the-Hamambohcasi, the bundle in which the objects were taken to the hamam, belongs to Hamamtradition. The following things had their place is: clean laundry, Pestemal, comb, soap, jewelry boxes, towels, Tas, henna, Rastık (eyebrows up), Sürme (eyelids Schminke), rose fragrance and Nalin (slippers), which are high sandals, often made of wood, the faculty before Bodennaesse protect.




The hammam has also made some important traditions of central importance: It was eg the "Gelin Hamami" (bride Hamam) held, where all friends of the bride and groom were invited. It was sung and celebrated. The bride was washed three times run around the Göbektasi. In the marble basin were diamonds, gold, money and Nigella thrown. With this water was the bride and watered three times around her small dispersed. It was believed that this ceremony brings happiness. The other young girls gathered at the small, so they also for their own future bring happiness.

The puerperal Hamam was the 40th Day after birth in the bazaar organized Hamam. The ceremony was similar to that of the bride bath. The baby was with fresh duck's egg coated mother and a very wide belt tied around the abdomen, the unwinding of the uterus should encourage.



Even today there is a custom in Anatolia, if a vow or a promise, with a major rumble connected, is fulfilled, will be a celebration in the Hamam arranged and paid for by the person whose vow has been fulfilled. In the Turkish hospitality is known also the custom to invite guests into the hamam.

After the Turks in Istanbul in 1453 had conquered, they built many Hamams. In the 17th Century, there were 168 central Istanbul Hamams. Today, the Galatasaray Hamami, in 1741, built Cagaloglu Hamami and Cemberlitas Hamami of the best known. The Cemberlitas Hamami was in 1584 by the Foundation of Just-u Banu Sultan, the mother of Sultan Murat III. and wife of Sultan Selim II was built. The Cemberlitas bath is open 365 days a year, from the early orgenstunden until midnight (6:00-24:00) and has one men and one ladies bathroom, according to the plans of the legendary Turkish architect Sinan was built, is one of the greatest examples of Ottoman architecture of the 16th Century.





After the hamam, when you are visiting in the bath tub at your home you will never be so pure and clean as you feel it in the hamam have experienced.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Traditional Turkish Wedding Dresses & Turkish Bridal Wear

The traditional Turkish Wedding Dresses & Regional Turkish Bridal Wear (From 18th Century to our day)

In the Ottoman Empire, there were women in the different regional costumes.
The Anatolian woman crochets with a very fine needle from ornamental flower pattern pointed to the headscarf have been sewn. And they also do not forget to between real flowers stuck into the hair.

If it was the bride, she sewed her entire wealth such as gold and silver coins to her headscarf. Gold in the curriculum vitae of Turkish women is a very special significance. When a baby comes to the world, it is by relatives and acquaintances with gold recipient. The new mother gets both by their own mother as the mother and her husband, a gold bracelet. The most interesting is an engagement or wedding to see the relatives and acquaintances show their solidarity with the bride and Treat them with either a gold bracelet or gold coins as a sign of their support for the newly created marriage.




Traditional Turkish Wedding Dresses
Istanbul bride:
Bright pink silk satin with silver stitching.
Benaeht veil with silver jewelry






















Traditional Turkish Wedding Dresses
Rumeli region, silk blouse and Schalvar
Burgundy silk velvet jacket.
(Click on the picture)










Traditional Turkish Wedding Dresses
Young girls
by Rumeli
(Click on the picture)















Traditional Turkish Wedding Dresses
Ankara bride (left) Red velvet bridal dress
With gold coins objects headdress
Moon has a star motif.
Konak Bride (right) dark velvet dress,
Interior silk blouse.





When the old Turk was the red bridal veil as a symbol. In the towns and villages earlier every bride wore necessarily a red Turkish bridal veil, with small silver pieces adorned war. The model of the headdress was from one place to another. If we continue to Central Anatolia to the east drive, we see that the number of jewels still enlarged. At that time, the Civil woman next to her golden or silver headdress and a small hat, with the peak of silk yarn in the form of roses or carnations was decorated motifs. Partially were also diamond needles inserted into the hair.

Traditional Turkish Wedding Dresses


Aegean region: Turkmen bride:

The silk blouse or''bürümcük ", manufactured from a very thin fabric made of silk and cotton, had always been a decollete, so the new bride and her gold chains and coins could show. In the village loses the "bürümcük" blouse in their place''mintan''said blouse.

But we always see the many chains of gold and silver. They also had gold and silver belt, which at the waist on a''uckur''said cloth belts were worn. In the last two centuries, the colors and design of the substances according to the fashion tastes changed. In the 19th century elmasiye''was''a very popular substance consisting of gold and silver yarn, woven and often dress for the bride was used. Later, we see garments from velvet,''''bindalli called.








Traditional Turkish Wedding Dresses
Bride from Kütahya-Simav:
With silver thread woven wedding dress and silver belt











Traditional Turkish Wedding Dresses
Konak lady from Istanbul:
Striped silk bürümcük''''
Silk blouse, in purple silk with
Gold and silver Sewn caftan''''design, long jacket.













Traditional Turkish Wedding Dresses
Bride from Trabzon:
Silk blouse and pearls on the collar.
Headdress made from 210 gold coins.






Traditional Turkish Wedding Dresses
Canakkale-bride from Biga:

Headdress made of gold coins
and red bridal veil






Traditional Turkish Wedding Dresses
Bride from Bodrum:
With bluefin veil and
Fresh flowers.







Traditional Turkish Wedding Dresses
Recently bride became Mrs.
of Gaziantep:
With silver headdress
and colors from Anatolia.











In the 20th century influenced the European fashion with her white wedding dresses even the appearance of the Turkish bridal veil. They were now beige-colored, but the silver coins and decorative floral arrangement from Hungary remained. The Ottoman village woman had her most comfortable clothes in everyday life. The Konak lady had this in their everyday dress made of velvet and silk.


In what time we are, our women are like yesterday, today their tasks. The mothers give the customs and traditions to their daughters on. This creates a common understanding of life, the generations are closely linked. This is reflected in the colorful clothing of our village women, in a carnation in the hair in a silk cloth on his head ..... and our jewelry, which is also an expression of our love.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Turkish Women's Rights and Position in Modern Turkey









Sabiha Gökçen,
The first Turkish
Women pilot in 1937



Turkish Women's Position in Manufacturing and Arts

Women's rights as human rights are now recognized worldwide after a long, hard struggle process. This struggle has naturally other dimensions in each country.


The Turkish woman is in a relatively fortunate position. Because of state founder Ataturk personally appreciated the importance of the Turkish woman for the high society and wanted her to help the rights to it by their deserve her being female. Ataturk because of his own wife image of the Turkish woman assigned to their place.



Ataturk realized a series of reforms, which he a modern, democratic and secular society instead of the theocratic Ottoman wanted to create order. In the education system were including education for boys and girls in mixed classes taken.

The Turkish woman has today practically all economic, political and social rights, because of laws. But one must ask whether the women 49,33% (percentage of the population according to the census of 1990) of their rights and exercise. These arise between the women in the countryside and in the city some differences. The city woman has largely achieved the economic independent. But it is hard to assume the same theory for village and country side women, mostly from the less educated population. These women depend on their husbands economically.

Sociological studies say that, The ladies which are employers in the cities were dealing with the important issues arising from the role of Turkish women in today's society.

Most urban women, and especially since the younger generation see themselves as the man standing on an equal footing.

The Turkish women in Manufacturing
In Article 49 of the Constitution of 1982, every citizen, without distinction of sex were having the rights to work attributed. Today, all sectors of the labor market is opened for the Turkish woman .

That the Turkish woman stepping outside of their houses at the building of the society participates, is a result of the reforms of Atatürk. Because of equal opportunities in education, the successful women in various professions can prove.

The Turkish woman has in social life, especially initially participated as a teacher. Followed by the other professions. Today, the Turk as Voters and taxpayers in appearance, as a user of transport and as a parent of a school child, before the court as a plaintiff, defendant and witness, as a consumer of all kinds of services and active in various social associations.

According to the results of the last census are 44.95% of all women over 12 years employed, ie, about half of the women of Turkey is involved in the producing force of the country involved. Although this percentage is still too low, but with the increase in the education levels of women in working life will increase. Other hand, are not among the working women several housewives who, although they have an education do not exercise their profession for various reasons.

The fact is also that the socio-economic development of the professions of women broader fan. The breakdown by professions provides for the Turkish woman today is:

* Scientists and technicians
* Clear and self-Makers
* Senior administrative staff
* Trading and sales staff
* Entrepreneurs
* Directors, high officials and diplomats Item
* Production outside of agriculture
* Agriculture, livestock and forestry

The manufacture at the participating women work to a large percentage of agriculture and forestry and livestock. But with the ongoing industrialization of Turkey grows, the percentage of women who work outside of agriculture are employed.

The city women with a higher educational level than the rural women have to participate in the course of time into ever greater extent on the production. As an example, stated that 1970 2.6% of women scientists and technicians worked, 1985 but 4.9%. And as a senior administrative personnel, there were 1970 1.42%, 1985, but already 3.28%.

Because the women in the countryside usually only an elementary or secondary school have visited and in the rarest cases, learn a profession, these women can best promote, by their tasks in agriculture and at home and in the preparation of crafts strategies . A good example is that since 1986 when the 35,061 educational courses 80.78% of the participants were women.

The since 1950 in Turkey persistent internal migration had, as well as the somewhat later onset labor emigration, impact on the careers of women. When the migrants observed an increase in the level of training and related desire to work through the family income.

Since 1960 went on the official route around 2 million workers abroad. That portion of the worker who with his wife and child since 1980, returned to Turkey, is (after the completion of an adaptation rates) through the skills acquired abroad, language skills and life, especially in tourism and service sectors, as useful.

The Turkish women in senior positions
In general, working at a prestigious job, mostly from governments, which, in comparison to a job in the private sector to take advantage of the statutory working hours, so that the woman for the budget can spare more time.

In higher education today, women represent 32.15% of the teaching staff. Moreover, the proportion of women in the service positions of the universities, such as Institute Director, Vice-Chancellor and Dean's office at 20%. These women are also at international scientific events as speakers and conference chairman in appearance. Furthermore, Turkish women represent their country successfully at the United Nations, the Council of Europe and similar organizations.

Also in the leadership positions of state agencies are Turkish women all over the front. For example, Melahat Ruacan, Semahat Tüzün and Nezahat Güreli referred to as members of the Audit Court have been elected, so to speak as a vanguard. Firdevs Menteşe to 1969 as chairman of the Supreme Administrative Court was set up, was one of the first lawyers in the world, such a high office in the administrative courts held.

Until the 70s, these women were examples of successful female duty. Today, however, are found in all leadership positions a high proportion of women.

On political life, the Turkish woman since the founding of the Republic participated. In 1934, she got political rights, and after the elections in 1935 attracted 18 women as Members of Parliament in the National Assembly. Until now, about 100 women in Parliament, their duty done, and two were even ministers. In recent years, the women's movement in Turkey gained in intensity. In the parties have women alongside their colleagues and the office of deputy party chairman exercised. One party even has a women's quota of 25% decided to increase the number of female MPs to increase.


Lale Aytaman,
The first woman governor, 1991



The Turkish Women in the Arts
As in all areas, it has become the Turkish woman also in the field of art excelled. The art is defined as what the creative people achieved if he, to express emotion and beauty, various methods applied. In the field of arts and crafts, the Turkish woman in every respect the culture of enriched the country.

At 20 universities (out of 29) were in the academic year 1989/1990 in various art training opportunities offered, with 53.75% of students were female.

As the courses came into question: painting, sculpture, graphic arts, theater and film, music, traditional Turkish crafts and applied arts. Altogether there are in Turkey for female and male students alike following training sites in the artistic field: 3 state conservatories, 5 faculties, 15 departments of Fine Arts, 2 training departments for female crafts, 1 Division for mixed artistic training, 1 Division of Music.

In the artistic education at the universities are 41.41% of teachers were female.

To the artistic training to improve until today, various laws have been adopted. Approximately in 1948 Law No. 5245, for the two "miracle children" İdil Biret and Suna Kan condition to a training abroad created. Later in 1956 acknowledged Act No. 6660 talented students of all art the chance to further abroad to study. In this way, e.g. Many musicians such as Idil Birit, Gülsin Onay, Ayla Erduran, Suna Kan, Suna Korat, Ferhat Onat, Leyla Gencer, Tombul Yildiz, Süher and Güher Pekinel and siblings Bahar and Ufuk Dördüncü abroad to successful ambassadors of art.







Yildiz Kenter
Theater Actress





In the first years of the Republic, there were also so famous theater actresses such as Afife Jale, Neyyire Neyyip, Bedia Muvahhit, Halide Piskin and Cahide Sonku. Today it is in the field of theater Yildiz Kenter, Ayten Gokcen, Gülsen Alniacik and as ballerinas and choreographers meldu Aykal and Meriç Summer mention that artistically at home and abroad have demonstrated










Suna Kan,
Violinist





Moreover, the sculptor Interior Lezzan Bengisu, Neriman Faruhi, Füsun Onat, the painters Hale Asaf, Sühendan Firat, Timur Alagök, the interior decorator Filiz Balkir, Bedia Bektas, the ceramist Interior Jale Yilmabasar, Füreyya channel, Müfide Calik, Aleve Ebuzziya, Hamiye Çolakoglu the Interior designer such as Mürside Içmeli than women to name the Turkish art with success have served and serve.

In addition, the Turkish film actresses successful record, which is also not just domestically but also abroad, eg Hülya Koçyiğit and Fatma Girik.

As you can see, there is art in all directions a number of Turkish women who make significant contributions.

Not to forget the women who, especially in rural areas, in the crafts of various kinds, such as crochet, knitting, cutting and sewing, carpet making and the like, the effort of their hands and their eyes light and sacrifice in this way creative work .

One can say that the Turkish woman, quite unlike in the West is the widespread image corresponds - through laws and international treaties - in a modern environment in each area will be accepted.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Ephesus Turkey Tourism Guide History & Photos



The second pilgrimage center for Christians to the Virgin Mary and St. John.
There is also a basilica, where St. John was buried and near the Bülbül Mountain, where the House of the Virgin Mary is located.

The Higgins House, now small Byzantine church is a place of pilgrimage for Christians and Muslims alike. Mary lived there during their stay in Ephesus. ''Benoit Pope John came to Ephesus and brought Maria with this happy mother rose from here to heaven.''

The holy site is located on the Aladag (Solmissos) and is updated daily by thousands of people attended. In the surrounding buildings, Catholic priests reside.

Even the pope has this place as holy ground recognized.




Christians are surprised that even at this pilgrimage Muslims pray. This is easily explained:

In the Islamic world, one speaks of Mary with fear of God, love and devotion. The prayer niche in the mosque (Mihrab) is reminiscent of their cell (in the Koran as "Mihrab" which is). The nineteenth Sura of the Koran carries the name "Meryem." Many Koranic verses speak of her and of her son Jesus, both "before the wickedness of the stoning of Satan" are preserved. Jesus is a "messenger", his mother a "true", but both are just "people who eat and drink." The Koran speaks from the fact that Mary saved her chastity and that they are from Allah a "word" received. The fact that fatherless by Maria Jesus was born, Allah is a sign of his omnipotence. Mary was a mother from trans strain, chosen, pure and sublime of all women, devout, obedient, virtuous and a special diet.


Mother Mary Fountain:

Mother Mary extended its last years of life (30-35 AD). By the healing waters of the fountain trank. This is considered by many miracles of this water and the ashes of the outbreak of the Virgin Mary reported. This water fountain that brought many terminally ill Healing.














Saturday, October 11, 2008

Where to Buy Turkish Coffee in US

Being a big Turkish Coffee fan, I was having my daily Turkish Coffee last week with a couple of friends. One of my friends was introduced to Turkish Coffee first time in her life that day. It was a fantastic experience to witness somebody trying Turkish Coffee first time in their life, and loving it.

After a brief history I've told about Turkish Coffee, she was really interested in buying some Turkish Coffee, and required equipment to make this delicious coffee at home. Since I have explained her step by step what she needed, and where she can get these, I wanted to write a blog post about it and share with our readers. It might help you save some time if you are a new Turkish Coffee Fan.

By the way, if you don't know how to make Turkish Coffee at home, I've found this Turkish Coffee Recipe on another website which tells how to make Turkish Coffee the authentic Turkish Style.

If you live in the United States like myself, you might ask yourself the same question: "Where to Buy Turkish Coffee in US"?

You have so many choices; Local ethnic groceries, online ethnic stores, etc. But to be honest, Amazon, which is a trusted source for all of us, has everything you need to make authentic Turkish Coffee.

List of Things You Need to Make Authentic Turkish Coffee at your home:
Mehmet Efendi Turkish Coffee - Click for more info
  1. Ground Turkish Coffee:

  2. I'd highly recommend Mehmet Efendi Brand. This is the #1 selling brand in Turkey for so many years.

    Mehmet Efendi Coffee is the oldest Turkish Coffee brand, and it's still a family run business. Their coffee is absolutely delicious. It comes in a vacuum tin box.

    Amazon carries it, and it has either 17.6 oz or 8.8 oz size options.

    The best part is the price, you can buy this coffee at amazon for less than $9.00, which is an absolute bargain.


  3. Turkish Coffee Pot:

  4. Copper Turkish Coffee Pot - Click for more infoYou can either get an authentic copper Turkish Cofee Pot which is less than $20.00 at Amazon, or you can get an 18/10 Stainless Steel Cuisinox Turkish Coffee Pot for $21.95.

    If you visit a regular household in Turkey, you will see that stainless steel coffee pots are used more often. But many hardcore coffee lovers prefer the authentic copper coffee pots.

    In the old days, Turkish Coffee was made with the authentic copper coffee pot on coal flame.

    Cuisinox Stainless Steel Turkish Coffee Pot - Click for more infoEither will do the work, but copper one will have a less life time. (p.s. copper turkish coffee pots are safe to cook since they have tinned copper inside)

    Personally, I prefer the copper coffee pots. But as I said, either will make great Turkish Coffee.

  5. Turkish Coffee Cup & Saucer:

  6. Turkish Coffee Cup - Click for more info
    You can drink Turkish Coffee in any Espresso style small cups. But if you want to enjoy the authentic coffee, you will need an authentic Turkish Coffee Cup.

    You can buy a single set of cup and saucer for $9.99 or a 12 piece set for $45.99.


That's all. Turkish Coffee, Coffee Pot and Coffee Cups are all you need to make authentic Turkish Coffee at your home.

You can check some of the Turkish Coffee Sets which include everything you need.

Enjoy your delicious Turkish Coffee.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Turkish Folkloric Dolls - Hand Craft Art

The manufacture of Turkish Folkloric dolls is in close cooperation with, the economic, social, cultural and ritual importance.

Dolls, which a variety of functions, but as most toys are known and used, there were at all times. Excavations have among other things, Egyptian, Roman grechischen and Kindergraebern dolls made of wood, bone and ivory were discovered. Even in Anatolia, there are findings of the opinion that puppets have been used as a toy, dispatched.



Dolls had ritual significance in shamanism. The word 'Dodu, gade', which in some places in Anatolia today is used, this comes from ancient times of Schamentums. This faith, lived under the very soul of a deceased premature girls in the form of a doll continues. It was the face of the girl in a doll displayed. These dolls were depending on the assets of the family dressed and adorned with fur. This' KIZ Tangara 'fortified in the tents to be to protect against disaster. Today doll called 'Bebek', but in Anatolian villages, they are also 'Gelin', 'güççe', 'korçak' or 'kurçak' monument. In Turkish folk culture is very different applications of dolls. In some places, such as in Eskisehir, it is women who wish a baby, a doll made of fabric manufactured at the navel bound. In the vicinity of Tokat vo women who wish a child, a substance produced dolls and in a small cradle to the grave on the rocks Mürsel Dede. Until recently, in the outskirts of Ankara, in the village of Çankaya-Üregil of pregnant women who wished beautiful children, dolls worn on the lap.






Even with prayers for rain are cloth dolls of two children on a long rod before the Regenbetern hergetragen. This song is often sung following:

Teknede hamur (dough in the trough)

Tarlada Çamur (on the arable slush)

Ver Allahim ver (Allah give Gib)

Bir Yagmur Sulu (aqueous rain)

The people are a little spray water on the doll, what the request for rain will increase.

Even at weddings played a role dolls. It was formerly a doll with flowers and colored ribbons on the bride and wagons attached. The doll symbolized fertility, the presumption of innocence and desire that the bride and groom in the shortest time possible, a healthy child might have. Even today this custom is still widespread.

Dolls are in Turkey and around the world toys for little girls. In many villages, the 'Gelin' dolls of little girls have produced. They lead the girls in their future role as a mother. In the Konya region, there is a tradition, with a Zermonie puberty in the puppet show ended. This means Zermonie 'güççe dügünü', so beloved of wedding dolls. And, really like a wedding, the women from around the neighborhood invited: ^ Today, our güççe - daughter wedding. On this day the doll is decorated like a bride and to a high place in the room. It will be sung and danced, like a wedding celebration, and thereafter is no longer the girl child, but gillt as a young girl. Certainly a tradition that the transition from child to woman unforgettable and facilitate want.



In Turkey, handmade dolls have a long and rich tradition. Sun was the first Dolls of the World Expo 1936 with the participation of Kizilay, Kizilhac (Red Cross), and the Kizilarslan Günes club in the gardens of the city administration Taksim instead. 20 countries were represented at the event. The production of handmade dolls from cotton, a natural glue and wire, is as follows:

1st The head part is covered with fabric and the facial contours with a needle-shaped.

2nd Quite fine cotton layers are coated with a natural adhesive and with the care of a sculptor appropriate part of the face. After drying the cotton, the face painted.

3rd For hands and feet of the dolls are preformed pieces of fine wire, with glue on the cotton is drawn. The recent corrections on the fingers are affixed with cotton wool, so that the fingers are also flexible. After the dry parts will also be painted.

4th For the legs of the dolls will be slightly more wire for the arms slightly thinner wire is used. These are sent to the already completed hands and feet and added with a 'pelür' said, fine paper wrapped.

5th Thus, head, legs and arms manufactures. Now, the parts together. These are the natural proportions of the people (body ratio: head = 7:1) attends. The upper body is supported with paper, after drying and then painted the clothing produced.



The dolls from Derinkuyu and Sogane be bought very preferred, because the doll craft there in the family has been for centuries nurtured and beherscht is masterful. These dolls have a typical facial expression and reflect the country Turkish woman in their natural appearance again.

Turkish Harem Culture

The word harem comes from the Arabic Haram back, which means''prohibited''and then the new importance of' protected has booked. The incomparable and varied life in the harem, over the many Speculation is fantastic, despite various sources is not accurate to describe, because nobody behind the scenes was: It was a world for themselves.
The harem was the woman wing of the ruling Padischah. In the Ottoman social life was the harem for outsiders naturally inaccessible and for all men except the Padischah forbidden territory. Only certain areas were allowed by some women, in which the Sultan mother was the undisputed leader. When Turkish people, it has always been the custom, the big mother Respect in them. As a mother of Padischah she was therefore the highest-ranking of harems. She could the whole harem district dominate because they are all former favorite here intrigues kannte.Ihr room was most valuable furnished. It was the highest of palace servants and elders service operated. In the harem, seven masters with their deputy interior employs. The service was the highest treasurer, all slaves were placed under the authority. It was for the safety of the Treasury responsible. Besides her work clothes champion here, the coffee champion who Swimming pool attendant etc.


The masters were from Padischah themselves. They were second or third, the Padischah operate and were surrounded. They ordered the others and made the guards around the little finger. All were pretty, well trained, educated, simply and beautifully dressed.


It could either slaves or the daughters of the families make in the harem favorite to ascend. The
Slaves were bought for the sultan, his gift or women, always not muslim origin, since it is the Muslims are banned, religious brothers to enslave. If it tastes corresponded to the sultan, they got their own room and waited for a night with the Sultan. The system with the daughters of the families was carried out differently, and while they were aged 10-12 years in the harem, and after the decision of the sultan on their inclusion in certain areas of the Upper trained educator. They practically grew up in the harem had a girl on his training ended and did not want to stay longer in the harem, so it was perfectly allowed to marry. It was for them a suitable husband sought, and mostly under the high palace officials. She received a dowry and a house of Sultan, in this moment, the role of the father over. The Sultan was considered the successor of the prophet and was therefore sacred. If he is a girl for the night was selected as it lost in the eyes of subordinates, not his innocence. The Liaison with the Sultan was no obstacle to marriage.


All favorite women had the desire to give birth to the first son of the Sultan. Only the first son gave her the chance one day as the parent of the new sultan the whole harem under their control, as the first son after the death of his father, Sultan would take over ''the title''. Their beauty and intelligence were their only capital they use deliberately and prudently in order to stay alive, and in order to reach power. All women were among each other in bitter rivalry for this Chance for themselves and to shy also not returned before the murder.




It is noteworthy that the sultans rarely married, and there was therefore no royal weddings, as in Christian countries. Almost all the sultans were therefore of slaves from abroad, but the royal blood could have.


The third person was the chief black woman, his living quarters in comparison to the other beautiful woman and were bigger. The simple black and the other one slept in small rooms layers one after another. The functions of the Supreme eunuch is passed, the black eunuch to control the money matters to regulate the harems and the women the Sultan allocated They were responsible for the women and girls to swim to depilate to attract and makeup. (In the Orient had any rich man in his harem eunuch as guardians). Most of the slave traders worried for the harem eunuch. They bought the boys from poor parents in Africa, Asia and Europe. Afterwards, they were 'surgery', some were even sex organs completely removed, but because of the risk of infection a high mortality risk involved. Some of the eunuch, from the palace service were dismissed, have even married in order not to have to live alone.

In large harem complex, which e.g. Topkapi Palace in 400 rooms, 10 bathrooms, 2 mosques, a hospital and a prison included not only lived the sultan and the harem women, the sultan's mother, the eunuch, and the servants. Here lived the prince, Sultan, the unmarried daughters and in recent centuries, even the Sultan brothers. After the law was the Ottoman sultan, when it comes to the throne acted, his sons and brothers to murder, purpose was to avoid a civil war after the death of the sultan.

Fore more information about turkish harems, please visit this link;
http://www.topkapisarayi.gov.tr/eng/Harem.html

Konyaalti Beach, Antalya Turkey

Konyaalti beach and coastal and shore-band is an important place where Turkish locals and tourists can go swimming.

Since Konyaalti beach is the common property of the people of Antalya, it services to people from all economic and social classes.



It is a 7-km-long sand and pebble shore public beach within 3 km west of Antalya. Inside the beach, there are cafes, restaurants, hotels and guesthouses.

In the Mini City park built on a plot of 55 hectares before Konyaalti beach 1 / 25 scale Maquettes of 73 important historical monuments in Turkey can be seen.

Caretta Caretta Dalyan, Turkey Travel Guide

Dalyan is a town in the province of Muğla located between the famous districts of Marmaris and Fethiye on the southwest coast of Turkey. The city is an independent community within the district Ortaca.



Dalyan achieved international fame in 1986 when developers wanted a luxury hotel near İztuzu Beach, a breeding ground for the endangered sea turtle species head logger. The incident created major international storm when David Bellamy Liebeserklärung the cause of conservationists. The development project was stopped and the beach is now a protected area.

Living in Dalyan revolves around the Dalyan River flows past the town. The boats ply up and down the river, navigating the maze of reed, are the preferred means of transport for all locals.



Dalyan means "fishing weir" in Turkish. Bass, mullet and sea bream swim upstream from the ocean to Köyceğiz Lake, where another large city in the region, Köyceğiz located. The fish spawn there, and when they return to the sea, they are caught in the "Dalyan".

Over the river to the steep cliffs are the weathered facades of the Lycian tombs of stone cut, about 400 AC. The ruins of the ancient city Kaunos trade are just a short boat ride across the river.

The south of Dalyan in the Mediterranean coast, lies İztuzu Beach, near the village of the same name is a popular area for sunbathing and swimming. There are regular boat and minibus (dolmuş) services on the beach. Visitors should be aware of the wooden piles into the beach to mark nesting sites. The road route is particularly Scenic, offers views of Sülüngür lake. Iztuzu, Dalyan's Turtle Beach, was voted the best beach in the world in 1995.



Baywatch star David Hasselhoff is the co-owner and occasional spot when Gerdes Ice Cream Bar, which lies on the main east-west road from the city center.


Caretta Caretta Heaven - Dalyan

The beach is known for the Caretta caretta (Logger Head sea turtle), since there are already 95 million years ago. International animal welfare organizations to monitor and protect the turtles' nesting grounds in Turkey. The beach is closed during the time that the turtles lay their boys. On the other side of the beach, less known and less protected turtles, which are illegally fed and coaxed into the river, which has a small salt (Dalyan), and therefore these turtles have to adapt. Fortunately, only a few turtle deaths have ever occurred.

Read more about Dalyan here.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Shopping For Turkish Food Online

If you are a big fan of Turkish Food and live in the US, it's fairly hard to find the supplies you need from your local grocery store.

Turkish Cuisine is unique with its hundreds years of history. For instance, Turkish Breakfast includes Turkish Feta Cheese (not dry as Greek feta cheese), Black Olives, Honey & Jams, Turkish Pepperoni (sucuk), and more varieties. Turkish Tea with your breakfast for a traditional one.

You can check out Amazon's Turkish Food section. They have some authentic, and delicious Turkish Food Products, and they all come with Amazon's quality guarantee.

Good luck finding the right products for your taste.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Turkish Famous Photographer, Ara Guler

He was born in Istanbul in 1928.In the year of 1951 he was graduated from Gentronagan High School.When he was in High School he worked in film studios in all aspects of cinema business.In the same years he went on Muhsin Ertuğrul’s theatre courses.He was aiming to be a stage director or a play wright.

He began to his journalistic life in Yeni İstanbul newspaper in 1950.In these years his stories was published in Armenian journals and literary reviews.At the same time, he was studying in Economics in İstanbul University.He worked in Hayat Magazine as a photografy department chief until the year of 1961.Photografy Annual that was published in England defined him as one of the seven best photographers in the world in 1961.In the same year he was accepted ASMP(American Magazine Photographers Association) and he became the only member of that association in Istanbul.

His photographs were used in the most important publications in photography world,also he was talked about by that areas.He opened exhibitions in USA,Germany,Paris.By the way he made interviews and took photagraphs a great many of famous people like Bertrand Russel, Winston Churchill, Arnold Toynbee, Picasso, Salvador Dali.He obtained the firstplace in the competition of photojournalism that was aranged by Türkiye Journalists Association.

In 1980 some of his phographs published as a book by Karacan Yayıncılık.He photographed Mimar Sinan book thas was written by Prof. Abdullah Kuran and published by Hürriyet Vakfı(Hürriyet Cognizant) in 1986.This book was published in english in 1987 by the Institute of Turkish Studies.In 1989 Hil publishing house published the book Ara Güler’s Cinema Actors/Actresses.The photographs of Mimar Sinan Works that he was dealing with for long years was published by Edition Arthaud in France in 1992,by Thomas and Hudson in USA and England,by Archipelago Press in Singapore under the name of Turkish Style and also in France by Albin Michel publishing house by the name of Demeures Ottomanes de Turquie.The World Companies Group published “Eski İstanbul Anıları” in 1994,”Yitirilmiş Renkler” in 1995.Also Ana publishing house published “Bir Devir Böyle Geçti” and ” Kalanlara Selam Olsun” in 1994,” Yüzlerinde Yeryüz” in 1995.

A many great of Ara Güler’s photographs are on exhibition in varios museums in USA,France and Germany.