Lifestyle

In this village, the engagement celebrations include a special event known as “Bringing the Gifts of the Engagement.” Witnessed by the community head and others, the gifts intended for the bride are opened on the square. These gifts, ranging from dresses to gold jewelry, are meticulously counted and handed over to the bride’s parents. The gold jewelry presented often weighs between two and four kilos. The bride is then invited to the square, where the jewelry is offered to her. The symbolic wedding on the first day concludes with joyful dancing.

“Sheer Paralama” – Cutting and Distributing Candies

On the second day of the wedding festivities, a delightful tradition known as “Sheer Paralama” takes place. The bride and groom leave the bride’s house, with the bride’s face covered. Candies brought from the groom’s house are cut into pieces over the bride’s head. Following this sweet gesture, the groom

In this village, a special tradition is upheld during weddings: the pounding of wheat for the main dish called “kek” in a historical stone mortar. As this happens, men engage in the lively zeybek dance, a traditional dance of Western Anatolia.

Unique Musical Traditions at Symbolic Weddings

During weddings, the bride’s and groom’s houses play different music. Even at symbolic weddings, this tradition remains intact, with the music of the hosting house taking center stage. The musical instruments used in the bride’s house are known as “soft instruments” and include the violin Traditional Wedding Horse Ride and Celebration, cumbiig (a mandolin with a metal body), and darbuka (a drum-shaped instrument with a skin covering the top). In contrast, the groom’s musical instruments consist of the zurna (a primitive double-reed instrument) and a drum.

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Preserving Heritage Homes

Architectural Charm in the City Center

The distinctive feature of Kars’ old houses, located in the city center, is their composition of multiple buildings surrounding a courtyard. Noteworthy structures such as the Government Mansion, utilized in the early years of the Republic, and primary schools still stand today. While some old houses remain in good condition, others await restoration, having hosted events like balls and theater plays since the Republic’s inception Read More about THE SILK ROAD. Preserving these historical buildings is vital for passing on their legacy to future generations.

AGRICULTURE AND TOURISM

Kars’ Dual Growth Engine

Cultivating Tourism and Agriculture

Kars’ progress hinges on the synergy between tourism and agriculture. Yusuf I§ik, General Manager of Himalaya Tourism, underscores Kars’ tourism potential, citing its rich

Crafting Organic Gruyere in Kars

Gruyere’s Tale An Organic Delight

Gruyere, a specialty of the Caucasian countries, finds its organic roots on the high plateaus of Kars, making it a crucial product for the region. Giiven Yildirimturk, the proprietor of Borluk Farm, shares the story behind their annually produced gruyere, drawing inspiration from Holland and Switzerland.

Exploring Gruyere’s History

Q: Can you shed light on the history of gruyere Read More about HORSES OF KARS?

Giiven Yildirimturk: Gruyere was first crafted in 1936 at Kars Dogulu Farm. Unfortunately, this exquisite cheese is not well-promoted. The fully organic gruyere of Kars stands out as a product exclusive to the high plateaus of the region, cherished worldwide.

Borluk Farm: A Natural Haven

Q: Could you provide information about the farm?

Guven Yildirimturk: Situated naturally, our farm is located 10 km from Kars

Bridging East and West

Exploring the Ancient Trade Routes

The Silk Road, originating in China and weaving through Anatolia to finally extend into Europe, has served as a vital connection, uniting diverse cultures and races across Middle Asia to Europe for millennia.

Renovation for Tourism A Silk Road Initiative

Approximately 1100 inns and caravanserais along the Silk Road in Turkey are set to undergo renovation for tourism purposes. The “Silk Road Project,” spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, aims to breathe new life into these historical sites Read More about BORLUK FARM.

Historical Significance of Silk Trade

Silk trade has held immense significance for numerous nations throughout history. The trade of silk and spices from the Far East played a crucial role in international relations, contributing to the rise of the Eastern world. The Silk Road, evolvi

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

Key Moments in Turkey’s War of Independence

On June 22nd, 1919, in Amasya, and later on September 4th, 1919, in Sivas, pivotal events unfolded, shaping the course of the War of Independence in Turkey. The significance of these moments is underscored by the adage, “He who knows not where he comes from, cannot know where he is going.”

The backdrop is the aftermath of the Ottoman Empire’s decline, culminating in its fragmentation by foreign forces. In this turbulent period, Mustafa Kemal emerges as the voice of a resolute nation unwilling to succumb to the partition of its land.

As Greek forces occupy Western Anatolia, Mustafa Kemal takes swift action. His objective is to establish military and civil administrations Kazdag, rallying support to resist the conditions imposed by the Mondros Armistice and foreign occupation. Arriving in Amasya on June 12th, 1919, he communicates with various cities in Anatolia and Thrace

A Tapestry of Mythology, Beauty Contests, and Olive Oil Miracles

Mount Ida, extending 40 km in the east-west direction in the North Aegean region, holds the ‘firsts’ of civilization history on its breezy slopes. Nestled in the north of Edremit Bay, this lofty peak is named Ida, meaning “with many springs” in mythology. The temple of Zeus Gargaron is situated on Ida, where gods descended from Mount Olympus due to the area’s breathtaking beauty.

The First Beauty Contest in History

In a mythical feast organized at Olympus The Past as a Mirror to the Future, “the goddess of discord,” not invited, leaves an apple marked “to be offered to the most beautiful.” The goddesses, curious about who will receive the apple, report the matter to Zeus. Aware that offering the apple to his wife Hera would anger the other goddesses, Zeus entrusts the handsome shepherd Paris