Ayasofya

Started in A.D. 527 by Justinian in the first year of his reign, the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus was an important stage in the process of Byzantine building, particularly in the support of the dome atop an octagonal base. The church is now a mosque. The church took its name from two martyred Roman soldiers later elevated to the status of patron saints. The edifice later assumed the name of “Little Ayasofya” (Küçük Ayasofya) due to its resemblance to the greater church, which was started not long after this one (532 AD)The church was converted into a mosque in the 16th century by the chief eunuch under Beyazit II, who is buried in the garden.
We know from the ancient historian Procopius that the interior of the church was covered in marble and mosaics; however, none of this remains.
Opposite the entrance to the mosque is a medrese that encloses an uncharacteristically serene and leafy garden. An on-site eatery as well as teahouses share the arcade with a number of bookshops and calligraphy boutiques, genuine finds offering samples at some of the most competitive prices in the city.

Rafting in Turkey

It’s a little known fact, but Turkey has some excellent rivers for white water rafting, including one that is rated by professional rafters as one of the top ten in the world, the Çoruh River.
The beauty of rafting is that no previous experience at all is required to experience this exhilarating outdoor sport. Each raft, which carries 4-8 people, is under the full control of a professional guide. You, the crew, paddle in accordance with the guide’s instructions and like magic, the raft goes exactly where it is supposed to. All that is required from you is to be able to swim, and to be prepared to get wet! You are fitted out with a lifejacket and helmet, and if the weather is on the cool side, jackets, wet suits and bootees will also be provided. After a briefing from the guide, you are all set to challenge the rapids, and to experience the beauty of the mountain scenery during calmer stretches of the river.
As well as being an thrilling action sport, rafting in Turkey is also an excellent way to see aspects of the country that most visitors never see. The routes are generally in remote areas which require a drive off the beaten track, through forests, mountain passes and traditional villages, before reaching the river. The local people are friendly and welcoming, and on camping trips in particular you have the chance for more interaction with the local way of life.
For those who are new to the sport, it is probably best to try a one day tour as a taster. Once you get the bug, longer tours are available, from weekend trips to one week long.
Rivers that are commercially rafted in Turkey include:
The Dalaman River (SW Turkey, near to Marmaris, Fethiye and Dalyan) Grade 3-4, April - October. There is also a grade 5 section which is run April-July. One day, and overnight camping trips
The Köprülü River, near Antalya - grade 3, April - October One day trips
The Çoruh River, North-east Turkey - grade 5 and 4, May - July 4 day and 8 day trips, camping
The Zamanti River, near Cappadocia - grade 3, one day trips
(Rivers are graded on an international scale from 1 to 6, 1 being flat water, 6 being impassable rapids!)
Whether you’ve already tried and enjoyed rafting, or you have never experienced it before but are tempted, now is the time to raft Turkey’s rivers. After the winter rains, the water levels are high, the rapids exciting, and the weather is starting to warm up especially in the south; and in a couple of months time the rafting season on the awesome Çoruh River will be starting.

Historical Places of Turkey - Cappadocia / Nevşehir

Cappadocian region is the place where nature and history come together most beautifully within the world. While geographic events are forming Peribacaları (fairy chimneys), during the historical period, humans had carried the signs of thousand years old civilizations with carving houses and churches within these earth pillars and decorating them with frisks.During the Roman Emperor, Augustus period, territories of Cappadocian Region as a wide region lying till to the Toros Mountains at south, Aksaray at west, Malatya at east and Eastern Black Sea shores at north within the 17 volume book named ‘Geographika’ of Strabon, one of the Antic Period writers. Today’s Cappadocian Region is the area covered by Nevşehir, Aksaray, Niğde, Kayseri, and Kırşehir cities. More limited area, rocky Cappadocian Region is composed of Üçhisar, Göreme, Avanos, Ürgüp, Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı, Ihlara and environment.
Traditional Cappadocian houses and dovecotes carved into stones are showing the uniqueness of the region. These houses are constructed on the feet of the mountain via rocks or cut stones. Rock, which is the only construction material of the region, as it is very soft after quarry due to the structure of the region, can be easily processed but after contact with air it hardens and turns into a very strong construction material. Due to being plentiful and easy to process of the used material, regional unique masonry is developed and turned into an architectural tradition. Materials of neither courtyard nor house doors is wood. Upper parts of the doors built with arches are decorated with stylized ivy or rosette motifs.
Dovecotes within the region are small structures constructed within 18th century and end of 19th century. Some of the dovecotes, which are important for showing Islamic picture art are constructed as monastery or church. Surfaces of dovecotes are decorated with rich inscriptions and adornments by regional artists.
It’s name was probably derived from Katpatuka, land of the beautiful horses, in Hittite language. Cappadocia is generally regarded as the plains and the mountainous region of eastern central Anatolia around the upper and middle reaches of the river Kizilirmak (Red River). It was here that several ancient highways crossed and different cultures came into contact with each other. It was also the land of the Hittites. The sparsely inhabited landscape of Cappadocia is characterized by red sandstone and salt deposits of the Miocene (Tertiary) period. However, the relatively small areas of fertile soil on volcanic tuff is where the population tends to concentrate. This southern part of Cappadocia, the more densely populated, is often spoken of as the heart of the region and yet it lies in the extreme south-western corner. As well as cereals, Cappadocia is best known for potatoes, fruits and wine. Here you can taste some of the best examples of Turkish Cuisine.
The origins of this unusual region can be traced to the Tertiary period some 50million years ago, when craters and chimneys dominated the landscape. Since then huge quantities of volcanic material have spewed out of the many volcanoes. Forces of erosion have shaped the incredible and unique Cappadocian tuff-coned landscape. For hundreds of years men have dug into the soft but firm tuff to create dwellings, monasteries, churches and underground cities.
The history of Cappadocia began in prehistoric times. Hatti culture (2500-2000 BC.) had its way during the Bronze Age and in about the 2nd Millenium BC. the Hittites settled in the region. Soon the Assyrians (2000-1800 BC.) had established their trading posts. Phrygians probably ruled Cappadocia from 1250 BC., but the Lydians were expelled by the middle of the 6th century BC by the Persians who ruled until 334 BC. In AD 17 the region became a Roman province, trade and military routes were built and urban centers and settlements were encourage. Once Asia Minor came under Christian influence, the first Christian communities appeared in Cappadocia and those persecuted for their religious beliefs elsewhere sought refuge in the region. Cappadocia thus became a melting pot of a variety of ethnic groups, all of which have influenced the culture and religious beliefs. Basilius the Great (329-379 AD), bishop of Caesarea (Kayseri), inspired many religious colonies and for a thousand years an active monastic way of life endured throughout Cappadocia. Invasions first from Turkmenistan and Mongolia and then from Seljuks and Ottomans put an end to the movement.
There are many places to “must see” in Cappadocia like; Fairy Chimneys, Göreme Valley National Park and rock churches, underground cities of Kaymakli, Derinkuyu or Ozkonak, Zelve Valley, Avanos with its pottery and carpets, Uçhisar rock fortress, Ürgüp, Ihlara valley, Soganli, Sinasos and Hacibektas. In the summer (from May to November) several alternative tours can be arranged: Hot air balloon trip over the chimneys, trekking, walking, horse riding, motorbike or mountain biking around the valleys.

Budgetsailing

Budgetsailing is represented by Karayel Yachting Ltd., a small family company owned on a fifty-fifty base by Hasan Simsek and Wilma de Haan-Simsek.A valuable partner in the company is the youngest brother of the Simsek family, Aziz Simsek.Following Hasan and Wilma's marriage they settled down in Gocek in 1989 where Hasan became base-manager for a well-known Turkish yacht charter company. For years he has also been the Gocek representative of the Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally.He has been doing this kind of work with much pleasure and enthusiasm."During a short step out from the yachting world" he got his endorsement as a second mate on a Dutch tanker and has obtained various certificates such as advanced fire fighting, first aid, basic survival training etc.With his experience and breadth of nautical knowledge they finally found an opportunity to start their own business: Budget Sailing Turkey
In the idyllic town of Gocek Wilma also became part of the boating world. Firstly, as a hostess for OCC Yachting, then as co-manager in one of Gocek's marinas, then first-mate on a prestigious American yacht and finally as a partner of the family company.She speaks Dutch, English, German, French and Turkish (some Greek and Italian) and will most probably answer all your mail in your mother tongue!Aziz has been studying tourism management at the university of Mersin from where he graduated in 1996. He has been working in one of Göcek's marina's, afterwards in Marti Marina in Orhaniye until he decided to go to London to improve his English and follow several English language courses. He finally stayed, worked and lived there until he came back to Turkey in 2003 to join Budget Sailing Turkey.We would like to share our experience and love of sailing and Turkey by offering you www.budgetsailingturkey.comWe wish you a hearty and warm welcome to Budget Sailing Turkey.Gocek'te goruselim! (See you in Gocek!)

WHY VISIT TURKEY

There are a lot off reason for visiting in Turkey ;
Turkey is a country located at a point where the 3 continents of the old world (Asia, Africa and Europe) are closest to each other and where Asia and Europe meet. Because of its geographical location, Anatolia has always been important throughout history and is the birthplace of many great civilizations.
Surrounded by seas on three sides, it is covered by mountains, forests, steppes and all sorts of land varitations.Thegenuine friendliness and traditional hospitality of the Turkish people towards visitors is justly renowned world wide. Our country includes the famous holiday cities,beautiful resorts, museums, comfortable hotels and motels, sincere people, magnificent landscapes and etc..
There are many fantastic regions in TurkeyThe Hittits, Hellens, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and the Ottomans as well as a great number of other civilisations rose and fell here through thousands of years, leaving behind a multitude of historical and archeological sites. It is in fact called the cradle of civilisations, harbouring in its bosom an incredible blend of cultures, history, archaeological sites.
To seethis geografhicalsituation and for living this athmoshpere you must be visit in Turkey.
When you come in Turkey you will enjoy..
In Turkey, as a country teeming with heritages of Mouslim,Christian and Jewish religions,much more than any other place in the world,we have started to organize tours of faith as atravelling agency specialized extensively in this particular field of tourism when the second millenium is two years ahead of us.
Each year thousands of people discover that Turkey is the home of legends and history taught in classrooms the world over.Visit the legendary Troy of Homer's ' Iliad', exotic Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.Travel to the reputed landing place of Noah's Ark or Garden of Eden.Or the place where Mark Antony and Cleopatra met and married, Saint Clause lived, Home of Virgin Mary, Seven Churches mentioned in the testament are located.
Travel along the Old Silk Road of Marco Polo,Sail the in comparable turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and sample food fit for a sultan.And do it all in style and comfort. Modern,sophisticated resorts and casinos are plentiful.
These things are here to be shared in a way that only the Turkish people can.The people of Turkey are as varied as their landscape,from black hair to red.from brown eyes to blue;all combine to make Turkey unique.The one thing that is uniform throughoutthis fascinating country is the hospitality of its people.
We hereby assure you that as devouted visitors of any of the aforesaid religions,you will be guided to so many sites of faith abounding within the borders of Turkey at a scale unparalled in any other parts of the world.During such cultivating and exiting tours,you will enjoy the opportunity of visiting following sites,each of which manifests unique features of heritages of different faiths;
Ankara - Modern capital of Turkish Republic as declared by Ataturk in 1923.Dates back to the Hittites,4000-3000 B.C.Antalya - A seaport founded by Attalus,King of Pergamum,in 160 B.C.Now a lovely resort city,South Aegean Coast.Aphrodisias - Named for the Goddness of Love, Aphrodite,in the 6TH century B.C.Also the site of one of the three sculpture schools in the ancient world.South Aegean Coast.Aspendos - Roman city of the second century B.C.Site of the best-preserved theater in Asia Minor.Cappodocia - An area of bizarre volcanic land formations.Although never formally a nation,was regocnized as a kingdom in 600 B.C. Became a Roman province in 17 A.D.Also recognized as a refuge for the early Christians.Demre - Ancient Myra.Site of St.Nicholas Church.St.Nicholas lived here and was ordained Bishop in the 4th century A.D.South Coast.Ephesus - By the 11th century B.C.Ephesuswas already a thriving seaport.Second-largest city of the ancient world,with a population of approximately 300.000.Hiearapolis - Site of an early therapeutic center with Roman baths.Reached the height of its prosperity in the second / third centuries B.C.Istanbul -The only city to bridge two continents,Europe and Asia.Istanbul , or Constantinople, as it was called in the past,is approximately 2600 years old Muslim capital.Izmir - Ancient Smyrna, a vital trading port dating back approximately to the tenth century B.C. Homer was born here.Alexander the Great a citadel here.Konya - Home of the whirling Dervishes, a mystical sect founded by the poet Calaleddin Rumi,Mevlana.This area has a history dating to the times of the Hittites.Kusadasi - Resort town close to ancient Romans.Amazing cascades of shallow pools formed by limestone-laden thermal springs.Called the "Cotton Castle."Pamukkale - Discovered by the ancient Romans.Amazing cascades of shallow pools formed by limestone-laden thermal springs.Called the ' Cotton Castle'.Perge - Pre-Hellenic city dating to 333 B.C.Site of St.Paul's first sermon.Phaselis - Founded in the 7th century B.C. by settlers from the Island of Rhodes.Trading port and ancient pirate haunt situated on three natural harbors.Trabzon - Founded in the eighth century B.C.Later became the furthest outpost of the Greek Empire.Major trading city in the Byzatine era.It is on black Sea Coast...
WHY TURKEY IS SO IMPORTANT FOR THE CHRISTIANS ?
During the early days of christianity,this new religion found the territory of Anatolia,where a significant portion of it was materialized,to be very suitable medium facilitating its expansion and therefore it settled in there. Some of noteworthy events of this particular period of time are as described below:
Istanbul : In Istanbul which is one of 4 largest patriarchal center of the Orthodox, the 5th meeting Consuls was held. Istanbul has become quite important because of the Church High Sophia situated there as one of the most well known church which has managed to remain intact until the present time.Furthermore, the Patriarchate of Fener situated presently in Istanbul is of great interest from the angle of the World of Orthodox.
Içel -Tarsus : The place of birth of St. Paul who was one of the 12 Apostles of Christ and who exerted great efforts in order to spread out christianity and to make it an internationally recognized religion is Tarsus. The Church of St.Paul and the Water Well of St. Paul are located in Tarsus. Besides,in Içel there are many works of arts such as the church of Mary (High Techia),the church of Olba Temple and the churches of Holy Mother and Alahan Monestry.
Seven Churches : The Seven Churches where the christians,during those period of time when The Chistianity was banned, gatherd together in order to perform religious services and which were mentioned in the Juanna's Revelations (Apocolyps ) are all situated in Anatolia (The churhes Ephesus, Symirna ,Bergamus ,Thyatira ,Saint Philedelphia,Laodecea)
Bursa-Iznik : Out of the meeting of the Consuls which were held 19 times ,8 of them took place in Turkey. In particular,the 1st and the 7th meeting which led to the adoption of the traditon for the Consuls Meetings were held in the High Sophia Church and the Palace of Consuls located at Iznik
FOUNDATION OF THE CHRISTIANTITY
Antakya : In the first century of the Chistianity, Antakya occupies a special position. According to the traditional belief, " The Bible of Malta " was written here. Those who believed in Jesus Christ was first named as the christians in Antakya.(The Deeds of the Apostles 11-22-26) Saint Paulus, setting out from Antakya , made three trips in order to proclaim the Bible to the idolaters.All those facts that Saint Juanna , nicknamed as "The Golden Mouthed "was originally from Antakya ,the school of the Holy Book was located here and the churh of St. Pierre,one of the first churches of the world being situated here contribute to the fame of Antakya from religious aspects.
Saint Pierre Church : This is one the oldest churches in the world. Those who believed in Jesus Christ were named as " The Christians" in this church . This place was proclaimed as a site for pilgrimage in 1963 by the Pope 6th Paul . Every year on 29th day of June , ritual ceremonies are organised by the Catholic Church to be performed here. Furthermore,works of arts such as the stilist Monastry of St.Simon and the ruins of Seleucia Port from where Saint Pavlus has set sails in order to proclaim the Bible....
VIRGINMARY
Izmir- Ephesus House of Virgin Mary : Located at 9 kilometers away from Selcuk town on the top of Bullbul Mountain with a height of 420 meters, the holy place called " Panaia Capulu" by the Christians is thought to have been built in IV. Century A.D.Following crucifixation of Jesus Christ, his close friend and apostle St. Jean brought the Holy Mother to Ephesus by arranging her flight from Jerusalem and concealed her in a hut that he constructed in a corner at the outskirts of Bulbul Mountain under the cover thick woods. It is known that the Holy Mother lived until she was 101 years of age and died at this place on Bulbul Mountain. After the christianity has spred out, a church in the shape of cross was built at this location by the Christians.
In the house of Holy Mother which was proclaimed as a sacred site in 1967 by the popedom, on first Sunday following 15th day of August every year a special ritual ceremony is performed and the visitors then become pilgrims.
Besides, situated in the vicinity of Izmir, are ancient works of arts such as the Basilica of St.Jean (The tomb of St. Jean who was one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ ) , the Seven Sleepers, three of the Seven Churches (Church of Symirna, Church of Ephesus ).
FEATURES OF CAPODOCIA
Capodocia :Capodocia as an interesting valley which combines the natural beauty with the abundance of historical background and an influential region is one of the most interesting locations of Turkey as one of the sites where St.Paul stopped during his 30 years trip of missionary and selected as a site to set up the first church, being the most attractive stop in Turkey with the biggest number of churches and murals decorating these churches.The number of churches carved into stones as situated at Nevsehir, particularly around Goreme valley, at Zelve Chavushin, Ortahisar, Acikhisar, Mustafapasha, Yesiloz and Aciksaray is over 200.
Isparta : The church of St. Paul situated in the ancient city of Antiochelia in Yalvac is one of the first churches of the Christianity. Saint Paul, after he was awarded with the right of citizenship of Rome, he was baptized by Soul and Hanania. St Paul came to visit this city accompanied by St. Barnabas in the year 46 A.D. and gave his first formal sermon in the sinagogue located in here. Later on, over this sinagogue was built the church of Saint Paul.
SANTACLAUS St. Nicholas who is known as Santa Claus in the world of the christianity lived at Demre and died here. Every year international festivals of Santa Clause are held at Demre and at Kas on 6th and 7th days of December . Additionally, there exist many more interesting religous sites for the Christians such as the Monastry of Der - Ul-Zaferan at Malatya, Surmeli monastry at Trabzon, Akdamar Island and Chapanak Churches at Van , Deyne and Derbe and Binbir Churches at Karaman , Ani ruins and Mount Ararat at Kars.
Anatolia with Interesting Sites for the Jews
When Ottoman sultan Orhan Gazi conquered Bursa in year 1324, permission was granted to the community of Jews to build the sinagogue of Et- Ahaim (The three of life). The Jews who were expelled from France by Charles VI in 1324 took asylum in Edirne.In 1492, King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isebellan of Castilia banished the Jews out of Spain. The Jews who were expelled from Spain because of their faiths and traditons and thus were turned out to be people belonging to no country , were embraced by Bayazid , the sultan of Ottoman Empire, being accepted for settlement in Anatolia.
In the meantime, the jews have since been maintaining their way of worshiping until present times in their own sinagoguers situated in Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara and Bursa...
" GREAT LOVES START ON JOURNEYS "
The God called Abraham and asked him to leave his father's house,his relatives,his country and start his journey Why ? Couldn't God called on him before he departed his country. The answer to this question is in the 11th verse written in the Letter to the Hebrews.
'By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance:he went out,not knowing where he was to go.By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country...They did not receive what had been promised but saw it and greeted it from afar and acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth,for those who speak thus show that they are seeking a homeland.If they had been thinking of the land from which they had come, they would have had opportunity to return.But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one.Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God,for he has prepared a city for them.'
So, Abraham left the place he used to live,he was now looking for a new homeland.But as described in the Bible this homeland was a heavenly one ruled by God.However,in order to reach this mentioned land they were asked to leave behind everthing they owned and Abraham listening to the voice of God, for love of God and faith, Abraham left behind everthing without hesitation.In fact,doesn't Jesus Christ wants you to fallow him leaving everthing behind that carrying only the cross. Because it is written,where ever your treasure is,your heart will be there.Why did God invited Abraham to this journey and Why Abraham left everthing behind and took up the road ? Because great loves start on journeys!
'It was on that occasion that the Lord made a covenant with Abraham,saying'To your descendants I give this land,from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River, Euphrates, the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hitites, the Perrizites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Gigashites, and Jebusites' Genesis,15/18-21 It is here the New Testament mentions about the land of Hitites for the first time Holly Book at least said a few things about the Hitites while the Greeks and Roman world stood complete strange.In fact,excavations in Anatolia. So,in the verses of Genesis we meet the shadow of God's spirit on this land.This spirit will later surrender this land and would freely travel from one end to another and glorify this country.After all,the God had promised this land to its own people. During the expansion period of the Bible and even before that we have information about the colonies of the Jewish societies in Anatolia,St.Paul is one of them.When the holly spirit has coasted its spell on the Apostles it guided them towards Anatolia, the spirit of Jesus Christ showed them the way which was like a wind whose voice was heard from everywhere which did not know where it come from and where it headed to.But this wind has blown on his land.People travelling on this land say that they still hear the sound.The Apocalypse and certain letters were written directly to communities in Anatolia.In other letters and in the acts of Apostles Anatolia is again frequently mentioned.And the followers of Jesus Christ were named as ' Christians' for the first time in Anatolia. (The Acts of the Apostles )
A lot has changed in Anatolia since the day of Apostles,but the spirit here has never changed.Today the warm and sensitive Muslim people the Anatolia still breath the air that the Apostles have left on his land.The same mystical winds blows on the mountains and plains of Anatolia,it is true that the sipirit here has not changed.Because Jesus Christ is very much the same in yesterday, today, tomorrow and the infinitive.
God called Abraham then,hundreds year later Apostles are called and today Gods call you; ' I,Jesus,sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.I am the root and offspring of David,the bright morning star. The Spirit and the bride say,'Come.'Let the hearer say,'Come'. Let the one who thirsts come forward, and the one who wants it receive the gift of life-giving water. Revelation, 22/16-17.Today,those living in Anatolia like the very first believers call on you to join and embraces in the Christian Love,they are your Christian Brethren in Anatolia that has listened to the echoing call on this land since the last 2000 years.You can share the joy and happiness with these brethren that still bare the excitement thatresembles to the one that was witnessed in the period when the God's massage was first heard.Because we drank from the same sipirit.Do not forget that this isnot a commercial ar touristic but is a spiritual organization.Moreover,the revenues to be gained from this journey will be used for the realization of the similar spiritual services.
Abraham,and Apostles 100 years later..what was the reason that blow them from one corner to another and today,the believers.Perhaps a song gives us the reply that is frequently sang in Anatolia today'They do not have addresses,they do not have any sanctuaries except love,yet they still live in four corners of the world.During this journey you will fallow the footsteps of Apostles and you willbe able to listen the message with a new understanding in places where the Bible was first announced.You will have around you brothers and sisters that enjoy the same spirit. the same in yesterday,today,tomorrow and the infinitive