Saksagan

Mosques, Tombs, and Citadel

Ulu Jami (The Big Mosque)

Ulu Jami, also known as The Big Mosque, stands as a testament to the contributions of three successive sultans—Murad I, Bayazid I, and Muhammad I. The pulpit, crafted by an Egyptian sculptor, rivals that of the Sinope mosque. Although the mosque’s current appearance is modern, its historical significance is undeniable. Admission for a party of up to three people costs 5 piastres (10d.).

Teshil Jami (The Green Mosque)

Built in 1418 by Muhammad I A Glimpse into Ottoman History, The Green Mosque is a prominent ornament in Brusa. Notable for its meticulous design, elegant structure, and exquisite marble-work, the mosque’s gate is a striking feature, adorned with the first chapter of the Koran and intricate floral designs. The elaborate inscription took three years to complete, costing Muhammad I 4000 ducats. The mosque derives its name from

Towards the end of the eleventh century, Brusa came under the control of the Seljuk Turks. However, they abandoned the city following the Crusaders’ capture of Nicsea in 1097 A.D. During Theodore Lascaris’s retreat to Brusa after the Latin capture of Constantinople, the town faced an unsuccessful siege in 1204 A.D. by around 100 French forces led by Pierre de Bracheux and Payen d’Orleans. In 1326, the Turks, under Orkhan I., successfully took Brusa after a ten-year siege, establishing it as the capital of their Empire. Brusa thrived under Turkish rule, attracting poets, tile-makers, and dervishes from various parts of Asia. Many churches and monasteries were transformed into mosques and mausoleums, while new charitable institutions, public buildings, and mosques were constructed. Notably, Brusa was where the formidable Janissaries were first organized during Osman’s reign.

Modern Brusa is the principal town in the Hudavendighiar province, governed by a Yal

A Journey Through Time

Corum A Cultural Bridge Between East and West

Corum, with its 7000-year-long history, stands as a significant gateway between Central Anatolia and the Black Sea regions. The city embodies a cultural bridge that connects the East to the West.

The Oldest Peace Treaty Kadesh Treaty

The “Kadesh Treaty,” discovered in the excavations in Bogazkoy in 1906, is a historic agreement between the Hittites and Egyptians, two prominent civilizations. Carved on clay tablets, this treaty is recognized as the world’s oldest international peace treaty. A copy of the Kadesh Treaty is proudly exhibited in the New York office of the United Nations Read More about Exploring Ottoman Traditions The Role of Bathhouses.

Corum Museum A Time Capsule of Ages

Originally constructed as a health school in 1914, the Corum Museum exemplifies 19th-century archi

Social Hubs and Matchmaking Spots

In the Ottoman era, bathhouses, or hamams, played a central role in daily life. While men visited hamams after prayers at the mosque, women frequented these social hubs for gossip and community. Baths served as places for women to showcase embroidered towels and personal belongings. Ritual preparations, such as bridal and birth baths, were significant occasions.

Mothers-in-law often inspected potential brides in the bath before weddings, emphasizing the Turkish saying, “Now let’s see the bride in the bath!” The bath became a space for matchmaking, allowing mothers to assess the health of potential daughters-in-law.

Ottoman Baths A Cultural Tradition

According to 17th-century traveler Evliya Çelebi, the Ottoman Empire had 4536 hamams. Influenced by Roman baths, the Ottomans incorporated bathing into their cultural tradition. Bathing ceremonies were elaborate, lasting for several hours. Trained staff,

A Sweet Journey

The Traditional ‘Lokum’ Process

Step inside to witness the entire ‘lokum’ (Turkish delight) making process. A blend of water, sugar, and cornflour is meticulously mixed for 2.5 hours at 150-160 degrees, using the most traditional devices reminiscent of techniques from 600 years ago. The mixture is then poured onto trays, left to cool for 24 hours, and later enriched with additional ingredients. After another round of cooling, the final product is cut into delectable pieces for serving.

Interactive Tasting Experience

Pause and indulge in tasting at each step of the process. The clean and cool factory opens its wooden doors to a bazaar enclosed by tile walls, creating an immersive experience. Ideal for those seeking unmissable tastes or searching for unique gifts to bring back from Marmaris, the place offers a variety of options. From playing cards featuring Ottoman images to bath essentials, natural oils, soaps

Exploring the Echoes of the First “World War”

TroyCatalyst of Transformation

The Troy War, often deemed the first “world war,” holds profound significance in shaping the landscape of both its region and Europe. Emerging from the aftermath of this war, new civilizations rose, transforming Troy into the richest city of its time. The migrations that followed paved the way for the birth of the Roman Empire, a force that would influence the world. Troy Read More about Troy Bridging Reality and Dream, existing in the realms of dream and reality, became a unifying force for two prominent heroes: Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Atatürk.

Troy’s Uniting Influence

Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Atatürk, instrumental figures in the history of these lands, found a common bond in Troy. During his conquest of the Mitylene Island, Fatih conquered the lands near Çanakkale, including Troy, proclaiming,

Unlocking Homeric Epics with “Dus ve Gercek Troia”

The world’s most extensive exhibition, “Dus ve Gercek Troia” (Troy, The Reality and The Dream), offers an enriched understanding of Homeric epics, Iliad and Odyssey. These literary masterpieces, born from the artistic legacy of a civilization crafted three millennia ago, come to life within its pages. In this narrative, legendary figures like Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Atatürk converge in Troy, blurring the lines between reality and dream.

Living the 3,000-Year-Old Legend

Troy, both a historical reality and a mythic dream, provides a backdrop for the 3,000-year-old legend. Without the existence of Troy and the Trojan War, the timeless “Iliad and Odyssey” by Homer would not have manifested. This literary monument seamlessly weaves reality and dream, showcasing a profound creative aptitude. Amidst the Troy War, gods and goddesses of the pagan era engaged in acts of eatin

The results from seismic research, conducted by the Mine Detection Institute (MTA) and Istanbul Technical University, have revealed that the Underground City is a five-story marvel. Impressively, it connects to a second underground city 130 km eastward through a vestibule. As excavation efforts continue, more hidden places are anticipated to be revealed, leading many to consider this city as the potential “8th wonder of the world.”

Legacy of Loss and Pride in Dulkadirli

“In this region, both the Cappadocian kingdom (332 B.C.–18 A.D.), known as the ‘Country of the Beautiful Horses,’ and the Hittite Empire (1650-1200 B.C.) once held sway Read More about Fatih Atatürk and the Legacy of Troy. Archaeologists have also identified its use as a refuge and defense site by the early Christians. The Dulkadirli Underground City isn’t merely a settlement; it’s believed to be an ̵

While the European Union (EU) may appear primarily as an economic union, it is, in reality, a union of civilizations. Particularly in Turkey today, it symbolizes progress, development, and modern life. When countries join the EU, they bring their histories and cultures, turning it into a melting pot of diverse backgrounds. Reflecting on the War of Independence holds significance not only in the history of the Republic of Turkey but also in European history. The yearning for independence and, more crucially, the right to independence, which is at the core of this war, should be remembered.

As human beings, it is our duty to carry the values of the past into the future. The initial three steps of the Republic of Turkey should be eternally remembered, and their fundamental ideas should be passed down to future generations. The struggles for independence and freedom in Amasya, Sivas, and Erzurum need to be studied and internalized. In a genuine civilization, there is no place for