June 2020 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 08:04

June of 2020 saw a gradual revival of cultural tourism in Turkey. Archaeological sites, such as Sagalassos and Ephesus as well as Sümela Monastery, were re-opened, even if on a limited scale. Moreover, several restoration projects were announced, including the beautiful and unique theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi.

Ekmekçizade Ahmet Pasha Caravanserai in Edirne

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 06/24/2020 - 09:48

Ekmekçizade Ahmet Paşa Caravanserai is one of the most precious historical and cultural assets of Edirne. It is also known as the Ayşe Kadın or Eşe Kadın Hanı because it was erected in a place where an older inn had stood. That predecessor of Ekmekçizade Caravanserai was built on the orders of Ayşe Kadın, the daughter of Sultan Mehmed I. She also had a mosque constructed nearby that is known as Ayşe Kadın Mosque. The neighbourhood where the mosque and the caravanserai were erected is still called Ayşekadın.

Ekmekçizade Ahmet Pasha Caravanserai in Edirne - during the renovation in June, 2019

A safer and ambient alternative

Submitted by Iza on Fri, 06/19/2020 - 12:05

What a feeling of freedom invades the senses now that we have the option of self-determination as to our movements and actions once again. Naturally, there are guidelines to be adhered to if we are to be further free of this virulent Coronavirus, therefore, with freedoms come responsibilities. ‘Caution’ and ‘social distancing’ must be the bywords along this path to safety.

Text by Glenn Maffia

Citadel and Megaron of Troy II/III

Submitted by Iza on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 11:09

The first structure that you can see in this location is the fortification wall. Unlike the walls of Troy VI, erected from massive limestone blocks, these fortifications were constructed of handmade mud-bricks. They date back to the period of 2250 to 2200 BCE, known as Troy II.

This text is a fragment of a guidebook to Troy "The Secrets of Troy (TAN Travel Guide)".

Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque in Fatih

Submitted by Iza on Fri, 06/05/2020 - 18:43

There are two mosques bearing the same name - Sokollu Mehmed Pasha - in Istanbul. This text is devoted to the building located in Kadırga neighbourhood of Fatih District. The second mosque is located in Beyoğlu, on the other shore of the Golden Horn. Who was the person whose merits required not one but two mosques erected in his name in the city that was once the capital of the vast Ottoman Empire? Was he a member of the ruling family? How did he get to the very top of the ruling elite of the empire? His story started at the beginning of the 16th century, from very humble origins deep in the Balkans, in Bosnia, then controlled by the Turks.