So one correction from the last post: the title says Second Post from Turkche and Jack informs me that, turkche means turkish (the language) and that Türkiye mean Turkey (the country). And just as a bit of interest turkey the bird is hindi. So now you know.
Last Saturday we went back to Ulus, but this time we explored the Citadel & Castle.
Here is some wikipedia info for ya:
The foundations of the Ankara castle and citadel were laid by the Galatians on a prominent lava outcrop, and the rest was completed by the Romans. The Byzantines and Seljuks further made restorations and additions. The area around and inside the citadel, being the oldest part of Ankara, contains many fine examples of traditional architecture. There are also recreational areas to relax. Many restored traditional Turkish houses inside the citadel area have found new life as restaurants, serving local cuisine.
It is a really cool area of the city and we had fun, despite the heat and the hike.
In the wall you can see ancient blocks that are recycled from other buildings. This block has Greek lettering on it. |
You can kind of see behind me where the wall went all the way over to where the flag is, and that these old houses were built right up against it. Also notice, no safety precautions whatsoever. |
We would NEVER actually drink this water. Trum is just pretending. |
Some nineler (grandmas) setting up their wares. |
Hey! There's a band! |
You know, just go ahead and touch that artifact. No one cares. |
Old cradle turned into a planter. |
Traditional Craftsmen:
How's about a hand made drum, or a huge bag of wool, or a concussion from something falling off that building onto your head? All good options. |
Apparently storks nest on top, but not that day. |
Hacı Bayram Mosque, built in the 15th century to honor of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli, whose tomb, you
can see in the picture above. It is built right next to the Temple of Augustus, built around 25 BC. You can see the ruins in the picture below.
4th of July celebration at the base.
It was meant to be fun, there was music, food and people to chat with. To be followed by fireworks.
Instead we got rain, thunder and lightening and a wait in the gymn. We skinned out of there early, and we don't regret it, since the rain didn't stop and the fireworks got cancelled. Boo-hoo, sad.
Here is a little fun Turkish fact for you. See these neat-o outfits you can buy for your little boy? Well, if you got one you would want it for a special occasion right? Well how about his circumcision? Yikes! That's right, this is how big boys are when they are circumcised here and how they get dressed. It is kind of a big deal, but I don't think getting to be dressed in this outfit would make the procedure any more bearable.
2 comments:
it's so fun to follow your adventures. pb
I really don't know which I enjoy more- your pictures or your comments!It is a good thing Truman had "that" taken care of at birth...or so I assume! Can't you just imagine me with my kids on that wall yelling at them to stay away from the edge?? Bummer about the fireworks! Have you met any crazy high maintenance American's yet?
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