Travel

Q: Could you elaborate on your efforts to encourage a reading society?

Nevzat Bayhan: Fostering a “society who reads” is integral to civilization, yet certain obstacles hinder this ideal in our country. Despite having suitable conditions, excuses prevail. The stark reality is that our country has one coffee house per 95 persons and one library per 64,600 persons, placing us at the bottom of reading rankings A Conversation with Nevzat Bayhan. We’ve identified three main excuses: financial constraints, lack of time, and the overwhelming choice among thousands of books.

To address these challenges, our project, “Free Books for a Society Who Reads,” in collaboration with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, aims to provide accessible reading materials. We plan to publish pocket-sized books, comprising 100-120 pages made from newspaper-grade paper with visually appealing designs. These books

Setting Goals for Miniaturk A Conversation with Nevzat Bayhan

Q: Can you share the objectives behind the Miniaturk project?

Nevzat Bayhan: Miniaturk, initiated in 2003, aimed to attract 1 million visitors annually. Currently featuring 105 mockups with a capacity for 300, our initial goal is to expand to 120 pieces in the upcoming years. Simultaneously, we aspire to introduce dynamic mockups. Miniaturk is evolving into a cultural space where children can enjoy puppet shows and experience panoramic views with a single ticket Free Books for a Society Who Reads Project.

Q: What are the new projects at Miniaturk in 2006?

N. Bayhan: Sponsored by the Istanbul Water and Sewage Corporation, our latest project delves into Istanbul’s historical water shortages Istanbul Daily Tour. Mimar Sinan’s ingen

Q: Could you discuss Kultur Company’s endeavors?

Nevzat Bayhan: Kultur Company engages in both cultural activities and tourism-related initiatives. Notably, Miniaturk and Yerebatan Cistern are two prominent projects. We explore museums abroad, conceive projects, and actively promote Turkey and Istanbul at international fairs. Additionally, our publishing efforts, including the Istanbul Kitapgisi (Library) in Beyoglu, serve tourism and aim to expand with affiliated branches for wider accessibility. Our Mecidiyekoy Culture Center offers education to individuals who couldn’t pursue formal training in theater, cinema, or television, culminating in a two-year certificate program. We also host children’s chorus and cartoon courses at the center Journey Through Culture at Miniaturk.

Q: Can you share details about the “Culture Valley” project?

N. Bayhan: Istanbul is not just the cultural

Seeking Stability

The events surrounding the Balkan situation have prompted considerations of international law and the need for confirmation by the signatory powers of the Treaty of Berlin in 1878. The treaty stated that no nation could free itself from treaty commitments or modify stipulations without the consent of the contracting powers through amicable arrangements. To give legal sanction to various acts, confirmation by the signatory powers appears necessary, potentially through a logical and hoped-for conference.

The recent chapter of the Balkan situation, initiated in October 1908, concluded in March. Servia, influenced by Russia’s conciliatory stance, accepted Austria-Hungary’s annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Servia agreed to demobilize its military forces and officially declared that Austria-Hungary’s actions provided no grounds for complaint. Turkey had already accepted compensation and concessions from Austria, foregoing the nomina

The recent developments in the Balkans have reignited tensions in Europe, with Bulgaria declaring independence on October 5, 1908, in Tirnovo, the historical capital. Simultaneously, Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Crete raised the Greek flag. These actions violate the status established by the Treaty of Berlin on July 13, 1878.

According to the Treaty of Berlin, Bulgaria was to be an autonomous and tributary principality under the suzerainty of the Ottoman Sultan. The annexation of Eastern Boumelia by Bulgaria in 1885 was already a breach of the treaty. Now Cholera Status in Austria-Hungary, the recognition of Bulgarian independence threatens not only the loss of that autonomy but also the loss of Eastern Boumelia.

Similarly, the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary directly contradicts the terms of the treaty. Crete, while acknowledging Turkish suzerainty, has operated with a h

Cholera Status in Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and France

AUSTRIA-HUNGARY

As of September 24, one fatal case of cholera was officially reported in Austrian territory. The case occurred in Prellenkirchen. In Hungary, for the week ending September 23, 19 cholera cases with 9 deaths were reported. Notably, the disease seemed initially limited to personnel on Danube vessels, but since medical inspection, no further cases emerged among them. An update on October 9 indicated 29 new cholera cases with 14 deaths in Hungary from September 24 to 30, including 14 cases in Ujpest Reflections on Balkan Affairs.

BULGARIA

Sosopolis, a Black Sea port, reported five bacteriologically verified cholera cases from September 18 to 29. Rigorous measures, including isolation, were implemented to prevent the disease’s spread. By October 7, a total of 12 cholera cases with 4 deaths were reported in Sosopolis.

FRANCE<

Exploring Enchanting Valleys and Historic Stops Along the Bosporus

Along the south side of the village, a river known as Ghiock-suyu, anciently Aretas and more commonly recognized as The Sweet Waters of Asia, flows through the valley. This picturesque setting, adorned with plane-trees and cypresses, is hailed as one of the most charming corners on the Bosporus. Although an Oriental poet, Melhemi, claims its beauty surpasses renowned spots in Asia, such as the Plain of Damascus and the Plain of Abullah, one must consider Eastern exaggeration and the poet’s limited travels Legends Along the Bosporus.

The Sweet Waters Valley A Tranquil Retreat

The valley is a favored picnic destination in summer and autumn. For those seeking a glimpse into the private life of the Turkish elite, a visit on a Friday afternoon is recommended. Turkish ladies and gentlemen can be observed in their private caiques or seated on the shor

Exploring Historic Villages and Legends Along the Bosporus

Beikos, the largest village on the Bosporus, is renowned for its vast vineyards and high-quality water. In Beikos Bay, abundant with swordfish, the British and French fleets gathered in 1854 at the onset of the Crimean War. The palace amid the trees, constructed by Mehmed Ali Pasha of Egypt, was later gifted by his son, Ismael Pasha, to the Sultan.

Beikos A Village with Vineyards and Naval History

Pasha-Baghcheh, the station following Beikos, is primarily recognized for its impressive mosque, Kebir Jamesi, erected in 1763 by Mustapha III. Then comes Chibukli, named after the sticks Sultan Bayazid II allegedly used to strike his son and successor, Selim, predicting Selim’s eight-year reign. The significant building, now the town’s petroleum depot Palaces Along the Bosporus, stands on the site of the Monastery of the Order of Vigilants, founded in

Exploring Ancient Legends

Beyond Anadoli Kavak lies another heavily-armed battery, and just above this is The Giant’s Mount, known as Yosha Daghl (Joshua’s Mount) by the Turks. According to tradition, the grave on the top is believed to be that of Joshua. The mountain, the highest on the Bosporus, reaches 650 feet above sea level, offering a splendid view. It was formerly called the Couch of Hercules, but the legend connected with it tells of the burial site of the giant Amycus, King of the Bebryces, slain by Pollux during the return of the mythical Argonauts. Dervishes watch over the grave, measuring 24 feet in length and 4 feet in width. The small mosque among the surrounding trees, built by a grand vizier of Sultan Osman III., stands on the site of the church erected by Justinian to St. Pantaleon Exploring Enchanting Valleys of Bosporus. The quaint village at the bay’s foot is named Umraniye, where th

Exploring the Meaning Behind Engravings

Symbolic Trees Life and Immortality

The foot sahides of Ottoman tombstones often feature engravings of trees. Prominent among these are roses, date-palms, cypress, and pomegranates. Date-palms symbolize life and immortality, portraying fruitfulness and reproduction when adorned with multiple fruits. Pomegranates signify monotheism, supernatural powers, and are symbolic of reproduction. Cypress trees, symbolizing beauty and immortality, gained popularity during the Ottoman era, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries. Cypress implantation ceremonies were held during this period, emphasizing eternity and stability against the wind. The evergreen nature of cypresses, along with their symbolization of patience and humility Read More about Ottoman Tombstone Symbols, is found on both male and female graves.

Golden Apple, Orange, and Grapes: Symbols of Immortality

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