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Moda Burnu, the protruding promontory nestled between two bays, is a favored residence for the British colony in Constantinople. Offering a breathtaking panorama of Stambul, the Sea of Marmara, and the Islands, it serves as a tranquil escape.

Discovering the Princes’ Islands

The Princes’ Islands, known as Kizil Adalar by the Turks, comprise nine isles, but only four are inhabited and accessible by steamers—Proti, Antigoni, Halki, and Prinkipo Chalcedon.

Situated approximately 12 miles south of Constantinople, in the Sea of Marmara, these islands were formerly called Bemonesi and Papadonesi by the Byzantines. Historically, they functioned as places of exile for deposed emperors and troublesome princes. The Turks bestowed the name Kizil Adalar, referencing the islands’ red soil.

Exploring the Inhabited Islands

Proti, the closest to Constantinople, once hosted the British fleet under Vice-Admiral Duckw

Challenges and Opportunities

Importance of Rafting in Turkish Tourism

Rafting holds a significant place in Turkish tourism, providing visitors with a unique and original experience. This adventure adds a vibrant touch to Turkey’s destination appeal, increasing its overall value. Particularly attractive to thrill-seekers, rafting draws the attention of adventurous tourists visiting Turkey for the first time. Rivers like the Coruh River, known for its challenging rapids, attract adventure enthusiasts, contributing to Turkey’s position in the market.

Challenges Facing Rafting in Turkey

Despite its appeal, rafting in Turkey faces challenges, mainly due to dam construction threatening important rafting routes. Additionally, the rise of illegal tours poses a serious threat to the industry. Unfair competition from these unauthorized tours puts expert travel agencies in a difficult position, impacting service quality and diminishing the income p

Proposed Solutions

Ministry of Culture and Tourism Collaboration Needed

The pressing issues faced by rafting tourism in Turkey require a concerted effort from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, working in collaboration with the police force. Implementing strict measures to limit access to the national park exclusively for recognized travel agencies is crucial. Once this control is established, discussions on topics such as entrance fees can be initiated to ensure the sustainable growth of the industry.

Legalizing Rather Than Demolishing Illegal Buildings

Authorities in the travel agency sector argue that a radical solution involves legalizing rather than demolishing illegal buildings Rafting in Turkey. Many of these structures fulfill essential needs for rafters, making it more reasonable to find a way to legitimize their existence within the rafting ecosystem. Collaborative efforts can help strike a balance betwe

Ancient Heritage along the Bosporus

The bubbling spring surrounded by trees near the railway station marks the location of the ancient Hermagoras. Haidar Pasha Plain serves as the gathering point for troops heading to the front on the Asiatic side. This vast plain is a cherished spot for Moslems and Oriental Christians on St. George’s Day, following the Greek Calendar (corresponding to May 5th). On this day, people from neighboring suburbs converge to celebrate the arrival of spring with a picnic feast featuring roast lamb.

A Historic Meeting Ground

Kadi Keui, adjacent to Haidar Pasha, occupies the site of ancient Chalcedon and is a preferred residence for British and other European residents in Constantinople. Steamers regularly commute between Galata Bridge and Kadi Keui almost every half-hour, from sunrise to sunset.

Echoes of Chalcedon’s Past

Ancient Chalcedon, once a rival to Byzantium, dates back to 685 B.C. An oracle famously r

Maritime Landmarks and Legends along the Bosporus

The prominent square yellow structure neighboring the cemetery, visible from the sea, is Selimieh Barracks. It stands on the grounds where Sultan Murad IV’s summer palace once existed. Sultan Selim III transformed it into a barracks for his Nizam jedid (New Regulars) in 1807. The Janissaries, in their rebellion against Selim III, set fire to the palace, leading to the construction of the current building under Sultan Mahmud II.

From Royal Retreat to Military Hub

Leander’s Tower, known as Khiz Kuleh (the Maiden’s Tower) in Turkish, is a square lighthouse perched on a submerged rock off Skutari Princes’ Islands Tranquil Retreat near Constantinople, serving as a prominent landmark in Constantinople’s waters. The name ‘Leander’s Tower’ originated from the Crusaders and has no association with the l

Fish A Culinary Heritage

Throughout the history of Istanbul, fish has held the esteemed position of being the most consumed product in the city’s cuisine. Over time, various methods of preserving and preparing fish have been developed, with many fading into obscurity. However, Istanbul’s gastronomy, known for its perpetual reinvention, is now resuscitating these forgotten techniques. This culinary revival is exemplified by a book authored by Alan Davidson, a leading expert on eating and drinking worldwide, who notes Challenges in Black Sea Fishing, “Turkey is surrounded by a remarkably interesting and varied collection of waters… These varied waters yield rich crops of fish, and the Turks, whose cuisine is ranked by many among the finest in the world, do justice to it.”

Rediscovering Culinary Treasures Books and Expertise

For chefs and enthusiasts keen on exploring fish and its div

Heading North A Seasonal Journey

As the fishing season persists, fishermen across Turkey embark on maritime adventures, trying their luck in the bountiful seas. With the onset of summer, they bid farewell to the Mediterranean, the Aegean, and the Marmara, setting course for the cooler and nutrient-rich waters of the Black Sea. Much like their terrestrial counterparts, fish in these northern waters migrate to the highlands, where they feast throughout the summer. As autumn approaches, the aquatic journey begins, and schools of fish sweep down the Bosphorus in a natural migration that has unfolded for millennia.

Sonar Surveillance and Migration Interruption

However, a modern challenge has emerged at the entrance of the Black Sea into the Bosphorus. Fishermen equipped with giant sonar devices lie in wait, disrupting the traditional migration pattern by intercepting fish before they enter the strait Fish and Istanbul. This inter

A Culinary Legacy

A Timeless Duo Fish and the Bosphorus

Fish and the Bosphorus, a timeless duo that echoes through the heart of Istanbul. Beyond a mere slogan, this pairing represents a cherished legacy intertwining nature, taste, and culinary expertise. Once as abundant as bread, fish has been an integral part of Istanbul’s identity since ancient times. The city’s unique geography provides an ideal environment for fish breeding, growth, and capture. Fish that thrive in the Black Sea find their way into weirs along the undulating Bosphorus coastline. Along the Golden Horn, various processing techniques such as salting, pickling, drying, smoking, and brine curing transform these catches before they grace the market. Through the centuries Istanbul’s Culinary Rediscovery, fish, as evidenced by coins stamped with dolphins and bonito, has become an inseparable part of Istanbul life.

Culinary Tradit

Explore the wonders of the Gokgol Cave, boasting a total length of 3350 meters, including its branches. This captivating cave features a main gallery and two lateral branches, with halls titled Fossil Entry, Stalactites Gallery, Debris Hall, the Magnificent Hall, Grand Debris Hall, and the Hall of Wonders. Currently, 875 meters of the cave are open to tourists, offering trekking routes, bridges, and panorama terraces.

Nature’s Artistry Unveiled

Step into the mesmerizing Gokgol Cave, where the depth is complemented by a rich array of stalactite formations. Marvel at the upward and downward stalactites, along with intricate travertine formations. The cave is adorned with flag-shaped, curtain-style

Read More about Addressing Challenges in Rafting Tourism, and flowing dripstones, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle. While the cave boasts a remarkable collection of dripstones, its true wealth lies

Architectural Marvel of 1153

Constructed in 1153 by the Vizier of Saltuk Sultan Malik Izzeddin Salduk Firuz Akay, Kars Castle stands proudly on a steep rocky hill to the north of Kars. The castle, encompassed by 250-meter-high walls featuring three entrance doors, once housed a church that met its demise in 1386 under Timur’s rule. After restoration during the Ottoman Empire, the castle witnessed a period of Russian reign for 40 years following the Ottoman-Russian war. Offering a panoramic view of modern Kars, the castle is a testament to the city’s rich history.

APOSTLES CHURCH From Worship to Heritage

Bagratli King Abbas’s Legacy

Built to prominence by Bagratli King Abbas between 932 – 937 AD, the Apostles Church played a crucial role in making Kars the capital city Read More about KARS. Initially serving as a church, it underwent transformation into a mosque by Seljuks in 1064. Over the years, it alter