Presumably, all members have been drawn to this site because of their love for Turkey. So . . . I'm starting this thread because I want to know what it is that people love about Turkey. What do Turkish people love best about their country? What made non Turks settle in Turkey? What makes visitors to Turkey return again and again? For non Turks, what is your best and most abiding memory of Turkey?
Remember, this is a celebration.

I myself remember the many wonderful meals in Turkish homes, especially one notable breakfast. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the table laden with so many different types of food! The added bonus was I was constantly asked if I would like more .

Oh and please share your plans for future visits.

Looking forward to a good read!

I had planned on being in Turkey now but due to the backlog of passport renewal/applications etc the us govt is waaaaaaaaaaay behind and didn't get it done in time .. hopefully I will have it in 3 months

What i love about Turkey is THE BREAD, i have never tasted bread like it and then i like the sun,sea,sand,history,nightlife,the relaxed atmosphere and the people and all this for a very good price.

The mere thought of Turkish food makes me drool at the mouth. But it's not only food that I love about Turkey. I think people are very open (I can't say anything about Dudus as I managed not to meet any), much more open than here. I love the way you talk to somebody and within a few moments you feel as if you've known them for a long time.

I have been lucky enough to be living in Turkey for six months now and I love everything about the place. I love the weather (even the November storms we had - so spectacular!), the food (especially the wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables from the pazar), the people (our neighbours who never stop trying to feed us!), the beautiful scenery.

I love the fact I can find the type of shops that used to exist in the UK years ago - the ironmonger who sells everything from nails to casserole dishes (and you can buy just 2 nails if that's all you want!), the tailor who will fix a zip or turn up a skirt for a couple of lira, the carpenter who will build you a custom made cupboard in a week at half the price of an MFI one!

I am well aware of the problems that exist here in Turkey and many Turkish have said to us 'why on earth do you want to be here - we just want to get out' but thanks peacetrain for trying to bring back a bit of positivity and remind people that - presumably - they originally joined this site because they love Turkey.

(btw I am now taking bets on how soon your thread will be ruined!!)

I have only been to Istanbul and Izmir so I dont have much experience from the inland....

Istanbul was like home to me...perhaps due to the fact that my family used to live there...I loved the city, I loved the mingle between greek and turkish culture (and to be honest I couldnt really understand other greeks complaining about that....) I loved the people (although it made me sad considering how greek people have changed the last years....but then I moved to the UK and was glad we still keep the eastern way of life at some extend...looool) I loved the fact that it was so easy for me to communicate with my poor turkish and their poor greek of course I love the food but most of all I loved the fact that I felt like home, cosy and relaxed with very friednly people with which I was able to share many thing (I could easily move to Istanbul )

Izmir on the other hand I was kind of a tourist there....I wish more of the houses were saved I hade a lovely time there as well though

Lady in Red, thank you too. Another observation about Turkey that I agree with. I could have written all of these sentiments, but obviously I wanted to leave room for evryone else's thoughts. I have said to many friends that Turkey reminds me of what life was like in England during the 60s. Men, giving up their seats on public transport, the small speciality shops etc etc. It was that sort of atmosphere that took me back to my childhood. Oh and something else, which has probably not much to do with Turkey as I could have been anywhere. I was in Sultanahmet one day, and I passed a tree in blossom. The scent took me right back to my childhood. I found the nearest vacant seat and sat and breathed it all in for quite some time, it was so lovely. It also brought back many memories and made me quite tearful. I will go to that tree again next summer .

I think this thread will be fine Lady in Red.

Smiles from the heart...

I Lived in Turkey for a few months , and I fell in Love BIG TIME..

The people, so charming and helpful. The old fashioned feeling of the place. The smells evoke all sorts of memories.
The children..so respectful.
I will retire to Turkey, it is my dream.
I have seen the different seasons, and the beauty of that is..there are actual seasons !!
Now , whenever I get off the plane ..at whichever airport..I sigh
and think "I'm Home "

Yes, there is so much in life to celebrate.

As I regularly say to Turks who ask "which is best: England or Turkey" every place has good points and bad points. The important thing is to learn to be content wherever you are.

I agree with peacetrain about Turkey being what England was in the 60s (or some other time, I was born at the very end of that decade!), but we need to recognise that this also means some of the negative things about the past. When my mum first came to visit she was in floods of tears. She saw the young boys going through the rubbish containers for cardboard, and people trying to eke out a living without very much. This reminded her of her childhood in the 1920s which was very deprived. "I never thought I would see such things in my lifetime again" she said.

YES: Turkey has an exciting air because 50% of the population are under 25 and 75% of the population are under 35.

YES: friendship, family ties and neighbourliness are at a level that we have long since lost in London

YES: a Turkish proverb says a cup of coffee commits you to 40 years of friendship

YES: the Turks are very helpful and kind

YES: I want to be here right now and have made roots and a life for myself here, and don't inend to leave in the near future

but, we do need to recognise that there are things (mainly legal and economic) that Turks living here, and those of us who live here long-term, suffer that the short-term visitor does not experience because they can go back home.

I am not trying to ruin the thread, I am a long-term supporter of Turkey and have become a Turkish citizen. I just wanted to add a touch of reality for those who are thinking of moving here permanently, not a short-term or even medium-term romance with the country.

Remember, there are three stages to culture shock.
In stage one everything about the country is wonderful.
In stage two everything about the country is terrible.
In stage three you can have a more balanced view and see both the good and the bad.
Different people go through these stages at different speeds.

If, when you go back to the tree, you can't smell the same scent and experience the same emotions it just may mean you are at a different stage. If you think everything in Turkey is just awful for you right now, then hold on - you are just stuck in stage two.

Let us enjoy celebrating the wonderful good, but not deny the problems of unemployment and other societal ills that make this a part of earth, not a part of heaven.

My first experience of Turkey was in fact in Hong Kong! Although my grandmother was half Turkish, we never talked about Turkey at home. It was not until I met 5 Turkish business men in Hong Kong that I started to want to know more.

Later that year we made my first trip to Istanbul to meet with one of these men, having invited us to stay. Within a few months of this first trip, we were then invited to his wedding. From that day on I have loved Turkey.

Since then we have been to Turkey a few times. I find Turkish people to be very hospitable and welcoming. The food is fantastic, the scenary is to die for.

We will return time and time again.

My romance with Turkey began when I was a child. My family befriended a Turkish family when I was very young. I was very close with the two daughters who where close to my age. Every summer their family would go to Istanbul. One summer I was lucky enough to go with them. Thru this friendship I met my husband. To articulate what it is I love most about Turkey is impossible. It is as much a part of my life as my own country. I do love that when I am there, I am reminded of how things used to be in my own country when I was little....before the age of Walmart and chain restaurants.

Good points Marion,
I think what I love about Turkey is the culture and people first. I have had a lot of Turkish friends a long time before going to Turkey,thus I had an introduction to the culture prior to actual visits.
Once there it lived up to what I expected. Many in this thread mention the fact that Turkey reminds them of how life was where they currently are, be that US, UK or other more "modern" Western country. I'm in the same boat, so to speak.

When I was a child we had chickens ducks and rabbits and a few fruit trees, Then they were zoned out of existence.
"Zoning is a term used in urban planning for a system of land-use regulation in various parts of the world, including North America, the United Kingdom,[1] and Australia. The word is derived from the practice of designating permitted uses of land based on mapped zones which separate one set of land uses from another."

Zoning

The break up of the family by people having to move far away from the family for work. People purchasing homes not to have a home, but rather for an "investment property" with no intention to actually invest in the community is another sad trend in the US. It seems the current mortgage crisis has shown Europe involved in this as well.
I've seen the breakup of not only families, but whole communities as real estate increases in value.

It is very possible this same thing can happen in Turkey, in fact it looks like it is starting already as foreigners purchase property as investments.

Another thing many mentioned in this thread is the ability to find people who actually make things, like tailors, shoemakers, tinsmiths and more. In the US, it's hardly possible to find anyone who can do any type of manual skill. In fact there does not seem to be pride in being able to use ones hands in a skilled manner.

I saw the area I grew up in not only loose our chickens and fruit trees, but all the beautiful Victorian houses to new concrete cracker box apartment buildings. Orhan Pamuk mentions this in some of his books, but it's not unique to Turkey, and it's worse other places IHMO.

It seems this is a World Wide trend. Hopefully it will slow down in Turkey.

Thanks for that Alameda. Turkey has an opportunity perhaps, to study what has happened in such western countries and try and avoid making the same mistakes.

Almeda you are one of those people guilty of viewing the past with rose tinted glasses. You want to re-live the REAL past or the "Little House on the Prairie" past?

You are welcome to your all white American "past" where you had slaves, civil war, prohibition, poverty from the depression, poor education, mafia rule, racism and segregation....

Can I just clarify that Alemda's description of zoning does not apply to the UK. If you want to grow fruit trees (or any other plant) ANYWHERE in the UK you are more than welcome and you do not need permission or to live in a special zone to keep chickens.

The land restrictions are of a positive benefit in the UK. For example they prevent development of important "green belts" and areas of outstanding beauty and countryside areas. They promote the building of new housing and industrial areas in "brown sites" (previously developed sites) and this scheme has benefited many inner cities - Manchester is a good example.

These restrictions also protect old and important buildings as planning permission can be refused if proposed developments are not in keeping with the original style of the building. "Listed" buildings have severe restrictions.

I would have thought such things would appeal to your old fashioned tastes .

OK, this thread is on the verge of developing a political thread. Sorry. So I will tell you an embarrassing story from one of my visits to Istanbul (I have many).

I was due to meet with a friend in the late afternoon but decided to go on a boat trip beforehand. This I did and I very much enjoyed it. I referred to my map as I was on the boat but seemed to lose my bearings. I didn't worry too much as I am in urgent need of having SatNav fitted to my brain, so I simply enjoyed the views.

My friend texted me to ask where we should meet and also suggested we take a boat trip. When we met I explained I had been up the Golden Horn but I wouldn't mind a trip on the Bosphrus, as it would be lovely in the evening and it would give us a chance to chat too.

Well we got on the boat and I soon realised that I was making the exact same trip. I finally admitted this to my friend, who had wondered if a new boat trip had been established when I mentioned the trip I had been on in the morning, but didn't like to question me about it. Anyway the evening scene was even more wonderful and I had my own personal tour guide.

This was not the first time I had been the wrong way. On two occasions I got on a bus going the wrong way and ended up in the middle of nowhere late at night. If it hadn't been for the helpful Turkish bus drivers making detours (huge ones)and calls from my mobile to my Turkish flat mates, I might still be there. But I was given the opportunity to pass these good deeds on. But the night I helped two unknown Turkish men push a car 500 metres along a slight upward incline, along a busy road between Davut Pasa station and the apartment I was staying in, is another story entirely.

And before you say anything AEnigma I began my last post immediately after the one I made prior to that, so I am referring to nothing you have said, only what I had put there myself.

No AEnigma I'm not scared. This is a harmless thread about celebrating Turkey not a boxing ring.

Mafia Rule

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1FgpBxXho4

Can we get back to the celebration thread now pretty please?

What i love about Turkey are...tulips,scent of tea...Istanbul barques and amount of hair gel on men's hair)))

Everything the people are friendly the culture is amazing. Turkey is beautiful. I plan to visit sometime in 2009 when I finally learn and master the language.

Can anyone enlighten me? On one of my cruises along the Bosphorus I'm sure I saw a dolphin. The friends I was with didn't see it and they didn't say I couldn't have. Was this Turkish politeness or are there dolphins in that area?

Thank you umut_umut . Doesn't matter how big it was, it was a dolphin

Dolphins are indeed beautiful creatures.

In the news this week a dead seal was found with a huge bite taken from it. Experts are saying it is the work of a huge shark! I didn't know such huge ones could be found arounf English shores.

Sharks and Dolphins do not normally bother each other...Until American missionaries interfere...

http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/topics/b_corner.htm

A lovely T-shirt present I received this New Year is very significant...

On the front side is printed "ALWAYS RIGHT",
and on the back it says, "NEVER WRONG".

all in beautiful calligraphy..)))))))))))))))))))

My modesty prevents me from replying your question ..

The point was that it was all in beautiful calligraphy...)))))))

the best thing about turkey is its culture and especially tradional music and ofcourse its people with thier different roots and back grounds.
i am just in love with turkey, just that simple.

Ortaköy, Istanbul - I remember buying the most huge baked potato I ever saw and it came with numerous toppings. I defy anyone to finish one of these monsters .

A nice memory for me, in Istanbul, is sitting at a little Kebab cafe, by the Galata bridge, eating a 2YTL chicken doner kebab, drinking Nescafe (yuk!!) and watching the hustle and bustle! Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beam me there Scotty

We sat down outside a fasıl cafe with my parents and Kadir, in one of the small outgoing-streets of Alsancak in İzmir. We ordered rakı and they brought us all kinds of fruit. After some time, they gave the violin to my sister who also plays violon. I dont think I need to mention that the note-system of Turkish violins is way different than ours But it didnt matter that what sheplayed sounded funny, it wsa a night to never forget!

Getting a special invitation to see the Bosphorus: Turkish Captain on regular Ferry Boat invites us to join him while cruising his passenger boat. A special and unusual treat from a nice Turk who,at the same time treated us for Simit.

lovely!

Just got back last week and find it harder to leave each time.

I love walking in Istanbul, and ridding the ferry. I love walking by the ocean in Tuzla and eating my future mother- in- law's food (stuffed peppers, grape leaves, etc.)

I love to watch the people and hear the sounds of Turkey!!!

I just love Turkey!!!

I am dreaming to go back to Turkia soon.

I was fortunte and quite privileged to visit this incredible ancient cistern below Nakkas's Oriental Rug store: The Binbirdirek Cistern

Binbirdirek Cistern which is the second largest of the covered Byzantine cisterns in Istanbul was built during the time of Justinian the Great in the 6th century. This amazing cistern with 224 columns had the capacity of holding 50.000 cu. meters water.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcpSS79EcDM

Mix the rice (I use bulgur though) with a little ground beef (not too much or it will get that meatloaf feeling you were talking about), some chopped onion, salça and spices and it's delicious. To make it extra extra delicious use lemon juice in the sauce.
Afiyet olsun!
I absolutely love stuffed bell peppers and it's fun to make, too

Who can make homemade Ayran?

it is one of my favorite Turkish drinks

Hello everyone,

I couldnt stop myself from writing you the recipe I use for the stuffed pepper. You can use it for grape leaves as well.
Soak plain rice at least 1 hour before you make the mix.
Chop an onion, stir it in olive oil in a wide pan on the stove. Add some salt, ground mint, a little ground cinnamon, cumin, dark pepper, pine nuts (optional, but i love it.
Drain the rice and add in the mix above. Stir a little and add
some water (1 glass of water, if you have used 1 glass of rice) and cook until water is reduced. This is your mix to fill the peppers. Do not fill them too much just until the end as while it is cooking, rice will get bigger and come out of the pepper if its stuffed too much. Close the top of the pepper with a piece of tomato and cook all in a deep pan half full of water and some olive oil in a low heat. Cool before you eat them if you can wait bon apetit.

Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice, just before you eat them...

Also, I have been living in the UK for a short while, now I realize why people here like Turkey. I do miss the lovely weather first, and the local shops, people and the simplicity of life as most of you have mentioned in your posts. However, I do enjoy it here as well. Things are different but still good. I have met couple of British who have bought houses in Turkey and I teach them Turkish, we practise Turkish language and talk about the life there with them, and I have seen that people do like almost everything about Turkey which makes me proud and happy.

I always put in meat when I make them. And, spicy like Azade. Actually, f you wanna give it a twist, you could even sprinkle a little of tabasco on it, but just a bit otherwise it will start to taste a bit ekşi.

And I dont cook them on the stove, I cook them in the oven untill they get wrinkly and the tops start to become darker.

Thank for all the information
Is the yogurt you make somewhat liquid or more "hard" with water at the bottom? I'm not sure if I'm making myself clear. I'm asking because there is a huge difference from the yogurt I buy in Turkey and in Denmark. It seems to be like that with all those products, eg. the "long life" milk in Turkey is disgusting in my opinion while I drink loads of milk in Denmark. I would never eat cereal in Turkey

This is a little too complicated for me, I'm really not much of a genie in the kitchen. Maybe that's why my husband used to cook most of out meals At least I have now learnt some cooking from my brother in law which is the reason I make tasty stuffed peppers
But I wish I was a better cook and I will definitely experiment with these things when I hopefully get some more time on my hands. It's fascinating to see an "old school" turkish kitchen with all the home made products.

I dont know.. I do like to make or cook things myself. I didnt realize I did until I taste the butter that Kadirs mum makes herself. ıt it just so great. I wouldnt be bothered to make it every day or often, but every once in a while I wouldnt mind to make it. If I were to have guests for example (if it tastes fine ofcourse and if it doesnt, for the guest you dont wish to stay ).

An Iraqi friend of mine covers the bottom of the pan with sliced potato when cooking large amounts of rice. This is so that if the water runs dry, the rice doesn't get burned. It would probably work with the cabbage leaf dish too. The potatoes taste good too