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 village of Eskiköy. The horses were very well loved and
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 hot springs and mud baths. There is another thermal water
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 you can find; their looks are irrelevant as they will
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 – please adjust according to your taste- 60ml/4 tablespoon extra
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 runny honey…….. Serves 4-6. Ingredients: 300g aubergines, cut into 7-8mm-
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 countryside are still rich with wildlife such as brown bears,
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 few of the benefits. They also retain fragrance, taste and
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 of the oldest references of the sacred tree comes from
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 pepper and onions. Cook until softened. Add the tomatoes and red
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 eggs, beaten 3 tablespoons all purpose plain flour Pinch of
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 tbsp olive oil black pepper, to taste 1 tbsp chopped flat
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 owned. My mum, step dad and I would stumble out
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 cup butter 1/2 cup caster sugar 3 eggs 1/4 cup milk
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 mighty Ottoman Empire. The Lale Devri, literally the Tulip Era.
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 are fourteen natural reserves with this status, of which Pamukkale is probably
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 Dalyan’s turtles is looking good. Caretta caretta Caretta caretta sea
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 a huge country, the majority of the troubled areas are
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 slices of zest from the lemon; add to the pan.
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 and the daily boat trips. The water is often icy
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 national park and extremely rich in bird life. Below is
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 coves around Dalyan. Devils Bays bays are located at the
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 here. The prime months for migration tend to be April,
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, finely chopped 520g of spinach leaves teaspoon of Turkish pepper
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 Reserve is 35km northeast of the centre of Karatas, 30km
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 of Minister Mrs. Fatma Güldemet Sarı, stating that DALCEV’s invasion
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 this. You can read about the arguments arouse last week
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 notification, DALCEV is given 7 days notice to leave
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 Flag International Jury announced its 2016 awards last week. Turkey
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 organisation of Oruc Travel) came to Iztuzu Beach to put
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 very delicious, afiyet olsun! Recipe type: Turkish Style Kebabs to make
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; 1 medium zucchini 1 medium red bell pepper 1 medium
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 to name a few. You will either be picked up
A Brief History of Turkish Horses 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. Horses used for food: 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 surrounding area are a prime agricultural region with many fruit
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 often appear illogical or unreasonable, they are still an integral
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 region within Aydin. Yet another sweet-gum forest is situated in Burdur. The
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 an international trade in bulbs. Fortunately, Turkey has one of
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 close to extinction that the Turkish government has banned their
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 where mosquitos would lay their eggs. All sewage channels, watering
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 dishes. I have even heard that the Turks invented pizza,
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, boats operate in Akyaka’s Azmak River will also be managed
This week’s recipe is a meze (starter) from Southeastern Turkish town Hatay: Spinach Borani. Hope you will enjoy it. Afiyet Olsun 😉 Ingredients; 1 kg spinach 1 medium onion – Grated 2 cloves garlic – finely chopped Olive oil Salt Pepper 4 table spoon yogurt For the top; Handful pine nuts 2 table spoons butter Pinch of chili pepper Pinch of paprika Directions; In a pan
Icli Kofte (pronounced: each-lee koefthe) meaning stuffed meatballs is one of my favourite dishes. As you may already know and explained before on our Traditional Recipes from Turkish Cuisine post, Turkish Cuisine is a mixture of recipes inherited from many different regions. Icli Kofte, as its known in Turkish, is more widely know as Kibbe, Kibbeh or Kebbah around the world and it is a Levantine dish made of bulgur,
Members of DOHAKDER (Nature and Animals Protection Association) in Ortaca, Mugla have started a campaign called “A Paw Per Entity” Mrs. Mebrure Kuzey Blom, the president of DOHAKDER, has said that “We started a this campaign with aim to save the dogs in the Dalyan Animal Shelter by integrating them to live peacefully and freely on Dalyan streets. Our intention is to complete the health
Mücver is generally a vegetable patty that can be prepared with different choices of vegetable. The most common way is to use zucchinis and than fried. However today we will share a Mücver recipe that is prepared with cauliflowers and baked instead of fried. Mücver, using different ingredients and vegetables, can be found in almost every region in Turkey. However it is widely and mostly
Is it safe to go to Turkey? Is there a war in Turkey? Would i jeopardise safety of my family if we holidayed in Turkey? How safe is Dalyan?
Yes, you read it right. If visiting Turkey this summer or ever is in your holiday agenda, you should hear what i have to say and think twice before you jump on that plane. And oh, if you are not planning to come to Turkey for any reason or if the thought had never crossed your mind, you should read this post to the end so you know what you are not missing.
I finally arrived home this morning around 5.30 am after a long journey from Istanbul. I have been gone since I left Dalyan on Christmas Eve and went to Istanbul to meet with my lovely friends Alan and Sunny from Scotland and my brother Leigh and his lovely lady Sandra from England.
Dalyan will be home to International Likya Dalyan Open Waters Swimming Competition. Interest in participating in the competition is rising every day. More than 100 swimmers has enrolled for the competition since enrolment started in February 1st. Organised by Likya Dalyan Sports Club and supported by Ortaca Municipality, the competitions will be organised in “We Are Swimming With Turtles” theme. Both licensed and non-licenced swimmers
Bringing Service to Mugla Foundation held a sealed bid for operating a ferry on Dalyan River between Dalyan and Candir villages and Dalyan Boats Cooperation has won the bid. With this project the two sides of Dalyan will be connected with a ferry service that will allow cars and tractors cross to the other side of the river. The project has also been approved by Mugla