Saksagan
KARS
A Gateway on the Silk Road
Kars, the Historic Crossroads
Kars, a city with roots tracing back to the Bulgarian Turks of the “Valatur” tribe, holds a distinct significance in Turkey’s history. Established around 130 – 127 BC by settlers from Dagistan, north of the Caucasian Mountains, Kars derives its name from the subdivision “Karsak.” Positioned along the Silk Road, Kars maintained its importance for centuries.
ANI ANTIQUE CITY A Treasure Trove of History
Ani Where Cultures Converge
Founded by Karsak Turks along the Arpagay River, Ani stands as a testament to cultural convergence between Turkey and Armenia. This ancient city boasts 10 churches, 1 bridge, 3 ruins, and numerous building foundations. In 1064, Seljuk Sultan Alparslan contributed significantly, constructing a palace, caravanserai, mosques, and Turkish baths. The lion relief at Ani Ruins’ main entrance symbolizes Seljuk triumph in 1064.<
Decoding Tombstone Symbols
Insights into Professions and Stories
Exploring Artistic Narratives on Tombstones
Nautical and Military Tributes
Discovering the profession of the deceased is often possible through elements on tombstones. Tombstones for fleet commanders, for instance, frequently take the form of a broken sail mast, symbolizing the loss of a sailor. Some tombstones feature reliefs of artillery cannons and cannonballs, indicating a military background. Even medals are engraved on certain tombstones Read More about KARS CASTLE. An intriguing example is a prince’s tombstone with a rope engraving on the neck portion, suggesting a tragic end by strangulation.
Bridal Veils and Broken Rose Buds Artistic Elegance
Tombstones also showcase artistic details, such as one at the Süleymaniye Mosque, planted in the grave of a girl who died at the age of marriage. A column-like tombstone with an engraved bridal veil resembling a real veil a
Houses in Harmony with Nature
Serene Dwellings
Kaleiçi, renowned for its distinctive houses, embodies a seamless connection between humanity and nature. The old city life ensures that no house obstructs the view of another. The narrow streets act as natural air-conditioning, providing relief during the hot summer months. Architects and builders in Kaleiçi found innovative solutions to combat the heat and humidity, incorporating exterior insulation made from a mixture of mud, straw, and wood. This construction not only repelled humidity effectively but also created homes suitable for both winter and summer.
Natural Ventilation and Tranquil Gardens
The narrow streets not only channel the sea breeze and mountain winds throughout the district but also lead to gardens at the back of the houses, serving as peaceful havens for family life. Sewage systems are discreetly managed within the cliffs, ensuring a clean environment Kaleici. Kaleiçi’s design promotes com
Kaleici
The Matryoshka of Antalya
Layers of History
Just like the Russian toy Matryoshka, the district of Antalya known as Kaleiçi is a unique blend of various elements. It’s a fortress, a port, a district, streets, gardens, a house, a bazaar, a hotel, a motel, a boardinghouse, a bar, a restaurant, and a cafe all nested within each other.
Historical Roots
The ancient name of the broader Antalya region is Pamphylia, meaning “the country of all tribes.” With its favorable features like the sea, fertile lands, mountains, forests, and rivers, Pamphylia has been a melting pot for various tribes. The city of Kaleiçi, looking out over the Mediterranean from the cliffs, has a history dating back two thousand years. Originally named Attaleia, it underwent several transformations – Stelai, Stalaya, Adalya – before becoming Antalya Transformations in Laleli’s Hotels A New Era, th
Transformations in Laleli’s Hotels A New Era
Hotels Embrace Change
Aysel Akkaynak, the Sales Director of Grand Hotel Gülsoy, highlights the shift in the hotel industry over the past four years. Previously, hotels had a steady stream of clients and didn’t require dedicated sales departments. However, with changes in the region’s dynamics, particularly the decline in luggage trade and the rise of larger-scale business visitors, hotels adapted. Aysel explains, “The number of clients naturally decreased, leading hotels to establish sales departments. Collaborating with travel agencies became a new strategy. Hotels, once catering mainly to Russian tourists, now attract European visitors. Our hotel is well-equipped for shopping tourism Houses in Harmony with Nature, providing comprehensive services, including meals, pastries, sauna, swimming pool, bar, disco, and sports centers. Proximity to cargo companies and historical sites is an added advantage. With the