Tandır lamb is a dish that you can find in any Turkish restaurant. Here, I have taken the main principles but added some extras. It makes the perfect dish for New Year. Serve for a dinner party with added pitta, spiced rice and a pomegranate salad. As a big rustic stew after the fireworks or
This year I moved to Turkey and am therefore spending Christmas in a Muslim country. I have never been very good at Christmas. As a child with divorced parents no matter how hard everyone tries you are painfully aware of the missing parent. As an adult that issue never goes away but you have the added
My background is horticulture. For as long as I could walk and talk my mother dragged me around gardens, woodlands and parks drumming into the names of plants. I have worked everywhere from rundown nurseries to very high-end garden centres to huge landscaping contracts. Now I live in Turkey, one of the best and most
These hazelnut biscuits are delicious with a cup of çay or coffee. Store in an airtight box they will keep for a week. As long as you can resist! Ingredients 250 g salted butter 350 g caster sugar 2 eggs 300 g plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 50 g ground almonds 4 tbsp hazelnuts,
This recipe for Wedding Pilaf, Perde Pilaf, comes from the south east of Turkey. Roughly resembling a house, the final shape of the dish is meant to symbolise the building of a new home. The dough is filled with a variety of nuts, herbs and spices and chicken. Within the family the making of this celebratory dish falls to the women, they gather together and assemble the dish before the wedding dinner.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Turkey Turkey has 16 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These include the magnificent Ephesus, Istanbul and Pamukkale. Many of the sites are popular due to being located within well known tourist areas. Hierapolis – Pamukkale Pamukkale is situated in the Denizli Province in Southwestern Turkey. Because of the
History The history of Turkey goes back to the earliest known human cities. This is the country that gave us the mighty empires of the Hittite, the Lycian, the Roman and Ottomans. The land that witnessed the great wars of Troy, Crimea and Gallipoli. The birthplace of St Nicholas, St George, Prophet Abraham and the
Now is the time of year that Turkish families begin to stock up for winter. If you visit the small villages around Dalyan you will see village life in full flow. Vegetables are pickled , jams and chutneys are cooked. Plum chutney is the perfect way to use up fruit before it spoils. Plum Chutney
Last week I spent a perfect Saturday horse riding in Dalyan. I have loved horses and riding since I was a child. Weekends were always spent tearing around the countryside or mucking out stables. This was the second time I had ridden in Turkey and it is perfect. We set off from a smallholding, in the
Koycegiz Lake Köyceğiz Lake is situated between the small towns of Dalyan and Köyceğiz. It is the second largest coastal lake in the Aegean region and ıs formed in a deep depression, surrounded by mountains. To the south side of the lake, there is a fault line bordered by the Sultaniye and Rıza Çavuş sulphurous
This recipe is for a Turkish meze. Chili salad is delicious as a dip, paste or spread. Especially good wıth yoghurt and garlic! Turkish and Greek versions are very similar with the Turkish being much spicer. Ingredients (serves 4 as a side dish): 4 medium-sized tomatoes (it is important that you use the tastiest tomatoes
This is a delicious Turkish hummus recipe. Lovely in summer or winter. Recipe Serves 4 Preparation time – 15 minutes (add 1 hour if used dried chickpeas and soaking overnight) 225gr/8oz dried chickpeas, soaked in water overnight or for at least 6 hours or equivalent amount of precooked chickpeas in can 5ml /1 teaspoon salt
An honorary Turkish recipe! Turkish flora is extensive and varied. Turkey is one of only a handful of countries that self sufficient in it’s fruit and vegetable production. In a land of aubergines and honey this is a perfect addition to a plate of mezze. Especially good with Ezme. Crunchy aubergine crisps served with warm
There are thought to be over 80,000 species of fauna within Turkey whilst the number of species in Europe numbers approximately 60,000. As in the case of flora Turkey is the original homeland of many well-known species. The pheasant, fallow deer and domestic sheep to name a few. Today many of the national parks and
Turkey has some of the oldest varieties of cultivated plants in the world. The wild species of which are still found growing in Turkey. The original wild forms of plants retain many qualities that cultivated plants do not, frost hardiness, resistance to pests and diseases and ability to cope with fluctuating water levels are a
Tree of Life For thousands of years people across the world have been inspired by the Tree of Life. History of the Turkish flora is varied and mythical. Also called the tree of knowledge, tree of immortality or the world tree it is believed to connect heaven and the underworld and all living creations. One
Menemen – the best breakfast yet……. Recipe 1 red pepper, finely chopped 1 green pepper, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely sliced 4 medium tomatoes, finely diced 8 eggs 1 tablespoon olive oil 1-2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Salt and Pepper to taste Method Heat the olive oil in a frying pan then fry the
These courgette fritters are perfect as mezze or a snack. I have added red pepper flakes to my recipe as I like the kick it gives but this is not traditional! Recipe 3 courgettes 150 gr Turkish white cheese or feta cheese 1/2 medium onion 3 spring onions 3 garlic cloves 1 bunch dill 3
Abagannuc or baba ghanoush is a popular mezze from Southern Turkey. It can be used as a dip or as part of a table full of mezze. It is also delicious as a sauce for spaghetti. Recipe 2 aubergines 1 red pepper 3 tomatoes 2 garlic cloves, crushed with a teaspoon of salt Juice of half a lemon 3
Early mornings in Turkey are special. Particularly in the heat of the summer, very early mornings are the only time of day that it feels cool. Years ago when I used to stay at my mum’s house in Köyceğiz we used to get up at 4.30 every morning to walk the enormous Kangal that she
This recipe for honey cake is a mixture of a Greek and a Turkish recipe. I have elaborated on the similarities of the cuisines previously. Recipe You will need: 1 cup plain flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon crushed cardamom pods 1 teaspoon lemon zest 3/4
The Tulip The Tulip was originally a wild flower growing in Central Anatolia. Although most people believe that the Dutch first cultivated the Tulip. The plants were originally harvested, and subsequently, cultivated by the Turks as early as 1,000 AD. The Turkish word for Tulip ‘lale’ gave its name to the richest period of the
Köycegiz Dalyan Special Protected Area is located in the Province of Mugla, on the southern Aegean coast of Turkey. It was one of the first three SPAs declared in July 1988, as a consequence of the Genoa Declaration of the Mediterranean Action Plan. In 1990 the original SPA area was extended westwards. Up to now, there
Visit Dalyan and you will find yourself surrounded by Loggerhead Turtles. From the giants floating in the sea, hundreds of t-shirts, trınkets and cuddly toys to the large gold statue as you enter the small town. It is safe to say that Dalyan is obsessed with its turtles. Now a protected area the future of
Following the horrific attack on Istanbul’s Ataturk airport it is with a heavy heart that I write this. I am sure that many tourists will now be cancelling or worrying about their holiday plans. I can fully appreciate that it is frightening but please just stop for a minute. Breathe deeply and think. Turkey is
These delicious ice lollies should help cool you down this summer You will need: 125g of caster sugar 1 lemon 250g of mulberries (or other soft fruit) 400g of yoghurt 2 teaspoons of rose water (or a handful of rose petals) Pour the sugar into a small pan and add 100ml water. Peel 4 large
The small town of Akyaka, in south-western Turkey, is situated on the Azmak, the name of a short but deep stream which joins the sea in Akyaka. Formed by mountain springs, it extends approximately two miles from East to West. Due to its depth it has a wealth of underwater fauna. Pefect for scuba diving
Patara was a major trading port of the Lycian era, situated at the mouth of the Xanthos River. As so often happened the river silted up, meaning that Patara became located further from the sea and surrounded by marsh land. Not good for a port but brilliant for today’s wildlife. The Patara area is a
One of the main reasons why holiday makers choose Dalyan is to enjoy the golden sands next to the azure Aegean Sea. Throughout the Aegean coast there are hundreds of blue flagged beautiful beaches that are lesser known but just as perfect. Devils Bays consist of some of the most beautiful and lesser known bays and
The Islamic holy month, is expected to begin on Monday or Tuesday, depending on where you are situated. The dates of Ramadan, which are determined by the moon, move forward by 10 or 11 days each year in a 33-year cycle, following a lunar calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar.
During Ramadan, many Muslims fast between dawn and sunset, which is called “Oruç” in Turkish, abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sex. This year the daily fast could be as long 20 hours in some places, in previous years when Ramadan has taken place in the middle of winter the fast can be as short as eight hours.
Turkey straddles two continents with the mighty Bosphorus lying in between. It forms a landmass that lies beneath several important avian migration paths. The country encompasses two main routes for birds migrating en-mass. Twice a year, the land and water habitats of the country offer shelter and hospitality to migrating birds, many of which also breed
I first tried this recipe out on my friends a couple of weeks ago. Since then I have become a little bit obsessed. It is the perfect meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Healthy, quick and filling. What more could you want? This recipe serves 4 Olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove,
In addition to its national parks, Turkey has 35 areas that have been specifically preserved in order to protect endangered species of flora and fauna, and some are used for scientific research and educational studies. All the nature reserves in Turkey have been designated according to various biological characteristics. Yumurtalik (Yumurtalık) Nature Reserve – Adana Yumurtalik Nature
The argument that has been going over the Iztuzu Beach between Oruc Travel (Ramazan Oruc) and Mugla University and People of Dalyan has ended by Minstry’s order to gendarme to remove Oruc Travel from the Iztuzu Beach immediately. Counsellor of Ministry Mr. Mustafa Ozturk has send a notice to Mugla Governors Office with the signature
The argument that has been going on since May 11th 2016 as Oruc Travel has invaded the facilities in the beach regarding the management rights to Iztuzu Beach. They had claimed that the right of management of the facilities at the beach were granted to them in 2014 and that they had court order regarding
District Governor of Ortaca has delivered the notification regarding the ownership of the Iztuzu Beach belonging to Mugla Sitki Kocman University to DALCEV (Oruc Travel) DALCEV representatives were notified by the District Governor of Ortaca, with the court order that the management rights of the Iztuzu Beach belongs to Mugla Sitki Kocman University. As per
The Blue Flag award programme is operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is known throughout the world as a standard for beaches. In order to qualify for this prestigious award, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria must be met and maintained. The Blue
Dalyan Çevre Geliştirme Turizm İnşaat Emlak ve Otel A.Ş. (DALCEV)’s claim to have the management rights over Dalyan’s Iztuzu Beach and their attempt to put their personal belongings in one of the huts in the beach has roused a new argument. Tuesday night, a group of people whom claim to be “The Men of DALCEV” (The
Iskender Kebab is one of the most popular kebabs at home and a specialty of Bursa region. You can make this delicious Iskender Kebap at home; thin slices of lamb or beef in tomato based sauce, served over pide bread with yoghurt and grilled vegetables by the side. It is easier than you think and
Stuffed Vegetables (Dolma) is one of the most widely cooked and loved Turkish dish in Turkish home cooking. As it is the mothers day today in Turkey, with love and appreciation to all mothers around the world, we wanted to share the recipe of this delicious dish. Happy mothers day to all mothers 🙂 Ingredients;
One of my favourite ways to spend a day’s holiday is a boat trip from Dalyan. To me it doesn’t really matter where I go, although given the choice I do prefer the sea. There are hundreds are of little coves and bays to explore around the area. Bacardi Bay, Devils Bay, Asi Bay, Ekincik
Horses have been important to the Turks and Turkey for more than 5000 years. First used as food they were then used in war as cavalry and draught animals, then in agriculture and for transport and now largely for leisure and sport. They were first used as food in the form of meat and then
Cappadocia is a vast region between Ankara and Malatya. At its centre lies Kayseri, once the heart of the Hittite empire. Today, Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations, with thousands visiting the strange and enigmatic moonscape. Although the area appears barren, the mineral rich volcanic soil is very fertile. Cappadocia and the
Certain beliefs among the members of a society sometimes arise out of fear, sometimes from helplessness and sometimes by chance. These are generally referred to as “superstitions.” These beliefs have existed since the earliest days of mankind. Many of them have no scientific basis and are not linked to any particular religious faith. Although they
The Special Environmental Protected Area (SEPA) of Köyceğiz and Dalyan is well known for the Liquidambar forests where a 286 hectares zone is set aside as a nature reserve and arboretum for the preservation of the species. A large area also surrounds the town of Marmaris. Another large area covering nearly 100 hectares is also found in an inland
Where in the world can you still witness mile-wide crocus carpets, mountains smothered with snowdrops, and entire woodlands underlain by cyclamen? Right here in Turkey. Not surprisingly, this country’s richness of species, including 13 snowdrop species (two endemic) and ten cyclamen species (six endemic), has led to commercial harvesting of bulbs from the wild and
Walking around Istanbul a couple of years ago on a beautiful but freezing day, a street seller asked me if i would like to try Salep. I had heard of it but never tried it. A warm, traditional winter drink, made from the tubers of rare orchids. These Orchids have become so rare and so
Mugla Municipality has adapted new and advanced techniques to combat mosquitoes that is both effective and environmentally safe. The municipality has been effectively working and says that will continue working 12 months a year program to fight with the mosquitos and other harmful insects. Teams have been busy all winter taking effective precautions by spraying places
Two countries, located side by side in the Mediterranean sea. They share a similar climate, the Mediterranean sun, and many of the same landscapes. With overlapping histories, they both have a shared but unique heritage, which is reflected in their cuisine. I have visited both countries and each will forcibly claim to have invented national
Mugla Central Municipality’s 29.02.2016 dated Transportation Coordination Central Agency (UKOME) meeting, it is decided that all boats that operate on Dalyan River and Koycegiz Lake will be licensed by the Mugla Central Municipality. According to the new procedures, all boat owners have to apply for a license latest by 30.06.2016. According to same new regulations,