Saksagan
Traditional Silk Journey in Milas Village
In Milas Village, a captivating journey unfolds, starting with the ancient art of silk production. Women with years of expertise demonstrate the intricate process, from the silkworm emerging from its cocoon to silk drawing, creating balls using a tool called “gekuli,” and finally, spinning with a spindle to transform it into a ball.
An 80-year-old woman, radiating a timeless grace, skillfully spins thread with a spindle before weaving on a loom. The silk, twisted around a pencil and arranged on sticks in a row, is then placed in wood with a hole. The warp is aligned according to the desired measure, fixed to the weaver’s reed, and attached to the loom. As the weaving commences, the silk twists around the bobbin, attached inside the weaving shuttle. Tourists are even invited to try their hand at this fascinating process A Hidden Gem in the Aegean Region.
According to Nuray Agagarasi, an expert in weaving, o
A Hidden Gem in the Aegean Region
Milas, a province often overlooked during travels through the bustling region of Izmir, reveals its hidden beauty when explored off the beaten path. Those who chance upon Milas or learn about it later regret missing out on this stunning province.
A Historical Star with Antique Cities
Milas, once the capital city of the Karye civilization, shines as a historical star in the Aegean region. Formerly known as Mylasa, its name change over time reflects the province’s rich history. The monuments, crafted from marble sourced from the nearby Sodra Mountain, stand resilient, silently awaiting visitors.
Comakdag Village’s Wedding Tradition
In Milas, a unique excitement surrounds the traditional weddings in Comakdag Village. Locals, proud of their history and culture, eagerly share their richness with tourists. The residents of Comakdag, preserving centuries-old traditions, extend invitations to tourists to partake in their weddings and envision orga
Anatolia’s Largest Preserved Hot Spring
Allianoi stands as Anatolia’s most extensive and well-preserved hot spring, housed within a spacious closed area of 70,000 square meters. In 1908, an enthusiastic team of young excavators initiated efforts to uncover the mysteries of Allianoi before its potential inundation. Seeking sponsorship, they established the Association of the Dam of Yortanli Pergamum to support their cause.
Restoration and Conservation Efforts
To safeguard Allianoi from impending submersion, a dedicated restoration and conservation team was assembled. Their meticulous examination of each find, documented through drawings, black-and-white, transparent, colorful, and digital registrations Traditional Silk Journey in Milas Village, set a model for archaeological excavations. Scientific criteria guided the classification of materials, and selected pieces were transported to the Museum of Pergamum for exhibition. The archaeological d
The Golden Age of Calligraphy
17th Century Marvels
In the 17th century, calligraphy reached its zenith, not only elevating Ottoman art but also permeating beyond palace confines to cultivate aesthetic tastes among the people. Ahmed Karahisari and his disciple Hasan Qelebi, who followed the Yakut School in the 18th century, left an indelible mark on calligraphy. Revered as “Karahisari, the victory of calligraphy,” their magnificent works surpassed all styles.
Sultans Embrace Calligraphy 19th Century Renaissance
Even in the 19th century, calligraphy retained its significance within the Ottoman Empire, drawing interest from Sultans themselves. Notably, Sultan Mahmut II Read More about Calligraphy The Dance of Pen and Ink, mentored by Mustafa Rasim Efendi, produced masterpieces for the Chief of Religious Officials building in Topkapi Palace, earning him the title “the Sultan of Calligraphers.”
Turkish Artist
Calligraphy The Dance of Pen and Ink
Calligraphy The Dance of Pen and Ink
In a historical encounter, Sheikh Hamdullah meets Beyazid II, then the governor of Amasya, and is tasked with creating an original inscription for the Ottomans. Vanishing for forty days, Sheikh Hamdullah returns with the art of calligraphy, a dance of solid and ink.
Letters, emerging from a poet’s pen, transform into expressions of longing or love, edicts, or even reflections on death. These inscriptions traverse through centuries, conjuring memories and stories that endure.
Flowing from the calligrapher’s heart onto the awaiting pages, calligraphy transforms into a form of art. In the early Islamic periods, Arabic letters evolved from a primitive alphabet called “magili” to the “kufi” style originating from the city of Kufe. Kufi, initially used for Korans and hadiths, later became a decorative art form in Seljuk architecture.
The Yakut School
Yakut, a Turkish calligraphe
Enchanting Sanliurfa
City of Inns and Markets
Sanliurfa holds the distinction of being the Turkish city with the highest number of inns and covered markets, known for its picturesque houses resembling small palaces. Boasting 309 registered houses, the city’s charm is set to receive a tourism boost with the opening of the international airport and strengthened relations with neighboring Syria.
The Tale of Prophet Abraham and the Sacred Fish Pool (Balikli Gol)
The narrative unfolds with the cruel King Nimrod Read More about The Golden Age of Calligraphy, driven by fear of a prophecy that foretells his demise at the hands of a child born that year. Ordering the execution of all newborns, Sara Hatun escapes, giving birth to Abraham in a cave. Abandoned and suckled by a female gazelle, Abraham is discovered by soldiers. Nimrod, lacking an heir, adopts the child. As Abraham grows, he questions the oppressive rule and challenges the w