Since Turkey is a big country, I felt the need to write a second travel article. In my previous article, I added the places you must see in Istanbul, Izmir, Karabük, Nevşehir, and Şanlıurfa while wandering the streets of Turkey. Now I continue with the destinations on the rest of that list. These will be Çanakkale, Mardin, Bursa, Ortakoy, and the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. The explanations about Turkey were made in the previous article; in addition to this, the following can be said: It has different geographical and climatic characteristics with its coasts to the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Marmara, and Aegean Seas. It is divided into seven regions with these characteristics. Each region is different in terms of economic development and culture. Turkey is a country with a very rich cultural heritage because it has been influenced by different civilizations and their cultures.
Troy Ancient City – Çanakkale | Streets of Turkey
Although the Bosphorus is very well known, there are two straits in Turkey. These straits separate Anatolia from Thrace, so Asia from Europe. The other is the Dardanelles in Çanakkale. It is the second city in Turkey to have land on two continents. Although it has lush nature, Biga and Gallipoli peninsulas, and a deep blue sea, it played a vital role in the founding periods of the Republic of Turkey during the First World War, which distinguishes it from other cities. That’s why historical parks, cemeteries, and monuments abound here. Also, it is home to the two most important cities of the ancient world, the Ancient City of Troy and the Ancient City of Assos.
Canakkale BC… Its history, which dates back to 3000 years, dates back to the Trojan state. The ancient city of Troy was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998. Important archaeological excavations are being carried out, many of which are in the Museum of Troy. During the Trojan War, the idea of the Trojan Horse was invented by the legendary character Odysseus, according to the famous writer, Homer. It was a war strategy that was filled with soldiers and given to the city as a gift. The famous icon Trojan Horse statue is located in Çanakkale Kordon.
Mardin Houses and Streets – Mardin
It is an interesting settlement with a distinctive urban structure. They look like they’re stacked on top of each other, but it’s a city-specific compact urban structure. “It shows the character of a closed region, completely different from the urban structure of Şanlıurfa, which is closely connected to the architecture of Northern Syria, and Diyarbakır, which is mixed with northern influences.” (Mardin Governorate, 2021). The stone architecture and terraced houses are influenced by the climate of the region. The material of the houses located on the slope of the hill is light-coloured Mardin stone with a yellowish structure. Stones keep summers cool and winters warm. In addition to the terrace, semi-open spaces such as iwan and portico were preferred here. The orientation of the houses is planned to create shade against the sun. You will not burn yourself from the sun as the streets are narrow, and the shadows of the houses will fall on you as you walk.
Cumalıkızık – Bursa | Streets of Turkey
Cumalıkızık Village, which has a 700-year history with its narrow stone-paved streets filled with houses made of adobe, wood, and stone, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014. Kızık is the name given to the nomadic Oghuz Turks. There were fifteen Kızık villages, but they disappeared for various reasons. Cumalıkızık is important because it took place in Bursa and witnessed the establishment of the Ottoman Empire, and survived the war. It is the Kızık village that has managed to protect it in the best way. The first floor of the houses and the courtyard are surrounded by high walls made of rubble stone. The double-wing doors and bay windows of the houses symbolize Ottoman architecture. While walking on the streets, you can feel yourself in the past with the historical texture of the houses and the stone-covered roads.
Ortakoy – Istanbul
Ortakoy is a district known for its mosque by the water in a square on the shore of the Bosphorus. Ortakoy Mosque is the symbol of the district. Because of the Çırağan Palace, which was built by Sultan Abdülaziz in 1871, the mansions in the past were removed. With the arrangement made between 1989 and 1992, it has become a place of interest. Part of the reason it is an interesting place is the coexistence of three monumental structures important to the three religions. These are Ortakoy Mosque, Ayios Fokas Church, and Etz Ahayim Synagogue. Another reason is that it is a lively meeting centre day and night.
Grand Bazaar – Istanbul | Streets of Turkey
The Grand Bazaar is one of the symbols of Istanbul. It is an important shopping and cultural travel destination. When you wander inside, you will witness that it reflects eastern life in the best way. One of the largest covered bazaars in the world, the Grand Bazaar has 4,000 shops, 500 stalls, and 21 gates. You can feel like you are in a labyrinth and get lost in the streets that you will always find full despite the shopping malls. Each street in it serves different professions. Street names such as jewellers, painters, tailors, and quilters come from here.
References:
- Mardin Governorate, (2021), Mardin houses where stone comes to life, [online]. Available at: http://www.mardin.gov.tr/yeni-mardin-evleri.[Accessed 25 April 2022].
