We began by gazing out at the wonderful view from the terrace of the
Istanbul University's Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Garden, belonging to Istanbul University, is the oldest and most diverse botanical garden in Turkey, housing more than 3,000 species of plants. This area, consisting of 17 hectares of gardens, is near to the Suleymaniye Mosque, with amazing views over the Golden Horn.
Hedges separate the different species of plants
It was fascinating looking around the Botanical Gardens. We saw all kinds of different plants, some of them quite new to us.
Fortunately, most of them were named, like this Marsileaceae, a form of water clover.
Did you know that this can thrive for more than 100 years by continually reseeding itself?
We wandered through some of the nine greenhouses, housing a large variety of plant species,
like palms, cacti and carnivorous flowers.
Many of the greenhouses had waterlily ponds, unfortunately it was too early in the season
for flowers to have developed
We could see the Galata Tower across the Golden Horn..
...as well as the Bosphorus...
In 1995, the plants and trees in the Istanbul University Botanical Gardens were placed under legal protection by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Despite this, there are reports that the government has plans to open this area to construction and development. It would be so sad if this oasis of tranquility in the midst of this bustling city, was to be buried under tons of concrete!
We finished our tour with lunch in a rooftop restaurant with a 360° view of Istanbul. What a great day out!
The colourful Hidrellez Festival in Edirne, Turkey
Together with a group of friends, I joined a tour to Edirne for the Hidrellez Festival, run by Oriental Istanbul. We joined up with tours from Japan and Australia, and had such fun that I think I will have to go again next year.
Our experience began with a two-hour dance class, given by Dalia Carella.
For me, two hours of continuous dancing was rather exhausting, so I ducked out to take some photos, and a video. Many of the Australian and Japanese attendees had studied this sort of dancing in their home countries, and were very proficient!
Later, ready to party, we crossed the bridge by the Justice Tower, a part of old Edirne Palace
We were greeted by this band, playing traditional Romani music
The Hidrellez Festival is observed in Turkey every May 6. It celebrates the day that the two prophets, Hizir (Al-Khdir) and Ilyas (Elijah), met each other on Earth in springtime, a time associated with planting and new life. The word "Hidrellez" is a fusion of the two prophets' names.
The festival in Turkey has become a joyous proclamation of the coming of spring. People prepare for Hidrellez by thoroughly cleaning their homes, buying new clothes and shoes to wear for the festival, and making special food, such as fresh lamb or lamb's liver.
Everywhere, there were groups of people dancing and singing
Suddenly, we heard the band, and the procession began. They came marching over the bridge.
We saw a man on stilts...
...and a beautiful lady, like a butterfly!
...followed by dancers, with tambourines.
These children were singing and dancing for the crowds
A stack of wood seemed to be the focal point, and a man threw petrol over the wood.
Then the fire was lit, and the crowd backed away from the incredible heat!
We went to dinner at a nearby restaurant, and were entertained by the
amazing clarinetist, Yuksel, and his band
Even they were impressed by Dalia's dancing, as we partied into the night!
We arose early next morning to join the dawn celebrations by the Fatih Bridge. Many Turks believe that Hizir drank the water of life and is immortal, and that he is able to bring health, happiness, and abundance. For this reason, celebrations are often held near water, and the people write their wishes on pieces of paper, and throw them into the river so they will flow to Hizir, who will make their wishes come true.
People lined the bridge to watch the proceedings.
This woman was selling votive offerings to cast into the water with a wish
As dawn approached, there was singing and dancing
...and lots of happy people
The dancers came back for the sunrise dance
Here is my video of the Hidrellez Festival. Enjoy!
It was lovely to host old friends, Margaret and Harry, in Istanbul recently. They were with us for such a short time, but we managed to race around and savour many of the iconic sights of this extraordinary city.
The first amazing sight was the tulip carpet, right outside the Hagia Sophia. 543,000 tulips were organised to replicate an Ottoman design. How fortunate we were there at that moment, as the carpet can only be seen for a short time during the annual tulip festival. This year, the carpet was only on view from April 18 to May 3.
Our next lucky break came when we visited the Topkapi Palace and found newly opened sections in the Harem. By the entrance, there are stairs leading down to the dormitory which housed the "Halberdiers with Tresses". These were guards, carrying halberds (axes mounted on the end of large spears). The "tresses" were two long curls hanging down either side of the face.
Two Halberdiers relaxing smoking their pipes in the Halberdiers' dormitory...
...and tending the barbecue?
Other newly opened sections in the Harem, are the Imperial Hall and Music Room.
Margaret taking photos of the beautiful Imperial Hall
The large-domed Imperial Hall in the Harem, is where ceremonies and receptions were held
Even the floors are exquisitely laid out in the Harem
Here, Harry stopped to check out his guide book, there is so much
to assimilate as you walk around this historic building
This was our view, as we looked out from the terraces of the Topkapi Palace
The newly restored kitchens also have extra added areas.
I previously complained that the kitchens didn't show how they cooked in Ottoman times.
Someone must have been listening!
...and here are cooking utensils.
This all goes to show, that no matter how much you think you know a place, it is worth going back to see if anything else has been changed since your last visit.
Of course, we did the Bosphorus cruise...
...all the way to Yoros Castle at Anadolu Kavagi
...and met up with friends on Buyukada, one of the Princes Islands.
I love taking friends around this wonderful city of Istanbul, There is always something new to discover.
This famous Istanbul landmark, with its unusual main tower jutting above the tree line,
was designed by the Italian architect Delfo Seminati in 1903.
Beautifully laid out flower beds among the trees
It's tulip time in Istanbul so we headed for Hidiv Kasri, with Maggie as our guide, to admire the gardens there. Hidiv Kasri, (or the Khedive's Villa) was formerly the residence of the Ottoman Governor of Egypt, and is a beautifully preserved remnant of Ottoman hiştory. Today, this Art Nouveau Villa serves as a public garden where you can enjoy the shady groves, and well-kept flower gardens, with their sweeping view of the Bosphorus.
We wandered along the pathways, straying off to photograph the tulips...
...which meandered among the trees
We also toured the villa. Here is the sumptuous dining room...
...and elegant bedroom...
...with its antique bath and shower...
...and its walls decorated in painted tiles.
After our tour, we were treated to a fabulous buffet lunch, courtesy of Maggie. Unfortunately, the food was so delicious, that I forgot to stop and take a photo before tucking in, but I can assure you that everyone thoroughly enjoyed her hospitality. Thank you, Maggie!
