AKUT: Earthquake Preparedness and Survival
In 1995, an unsuccessful search for two university students lost in the Bolkar Mountains prompted a small group of professional mountaineers to establish AKUT. Realising the earthquake risk in Turkey, they underwent additional training and have since become a key organisation in raising awareness and preparing for emergencies. All members of the AKUT team are […]
In Photos: Chora Church / Kariye Camii
Written for Fethiye Times and with photographs by Sue Fockner-Aşık I had the good fortune to visit Chora Church (Church of the Holy Saviour of Chora) in Istanbul before it was re-converted to a mosque (Kariye Camii) last year. Built as part of a monastery in the 4th century, Chora Church suffered from the ravages […]
Turtle Alert – make a positive difference for sea turtles
And the turtles, of course… All the turtles are free – as turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be. – Dr. Seuss World Turtle Day (23 May each year) celebrates sea turtles and their place in the world and encourages people to take action to help protect the habitats of this ever-endangered species. A bit […]
Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
Every year on May 19, Turkey celebrates the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day (Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı), which marks Mustafa Kemal’s landing at Samsun on May 19, 1919, which is regarded as the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence and the emergence of modern Turkey. Mustafa Kemal is now more commonly known as Atatürk. His precise birthday […]
Recipe: Roasted cherry tomatoes, feta and avocado on Turkish bread
Adding avocado to this open sandwich not only adds a rich creamy flavour, it also increases its nutritional value. Avocados are a rich source of potassium and healthy monounsaturated fats that help to lower cholesterol. Ingredients 250 gram cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 loaf turkish bread (215g), halved (use a loaf of ciabatta bread if Turkish […]
The irresistible allure of Turkish Delight
“It is dull, Son of Adam, to drink without eating,” said the Queen presently. “What would you like best to eat?” “Turkish Delight, please, your Majesty,” said Edmund.”~ C.S. Lewis Turkish delight or lokum is a family of deliciously sweet confections based on a gel of starch and sugar. Until the arrival of refined sugar in […]
Karadağ: the city of a “Thousand and One Churches”
Nestled 45 kilometres from the bustling city centre, on the border between Konya and Karaman, lies the dormant volcanic marvel of Karadağ. While its geological grandeur may first capture attention, it is the surrounding historical treasures that truly reveal the essence of Anatolian culture. Karadağ is home to numerous churches, monasteries, and tombs, forming what […]
Hıdırellez – Turkey’s spring festival
Hıdırellez, a traditional festival to usher in spring, falls on May 6 each year and celebrations start on May 5 around the country, especially among the Roma community … Hıdırellez is regarded as one of the most important seasonal festivals in both Turkey and parts of the Middle East. Called the Day of Hızır (Ruz-ı Hızır) in […]
Turkey marks Anzac Day
Thousands of people gather at locations across Turkey and in cities and towns in Australia and New Zealand every year to honour the soldiers who lost their lives during a tragic campaign in 1915. Ceremonies are held near the former World War I battlefields on Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula, as well as in other areas, where […]
Fethiye celebrates National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
The 23rd of April is a unique and very special international celebration. The founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, dedicated this day to the children of the country to emphasize that they are the future of the new nation. National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı) commemorates the inauguration of the […]