Early in the morning, I said goodbye to the beautiful resort at which I would stay once again on my way back from Cappadocia.
From Antalya the highway crossed flat lands with poplar trees and it continued across the Taurus Mountains that separate the south Mediterranean coast from the center part of Turkey. It was a nice trip with very nice scenery through a pine forest and a good road through an 1800m high mountain. High enough to have snow at the top. You could also see picturesque villages perched on the landscape.
After a 'technical stop' at a restaurant next to a petrol station, the driving continued towards Konya - the second largest city in central Anatolia, after Ankara, founded by the Romans in the 2nd century - where I had lunch at a caravanserai. Caravanserais were camel stops on the silk route. Traders used to gather at these caravanserais built every 50 miles along the trade route, a resting place that provided food and shelter for men and animals. Rooms once served as stables, prayer rooms, baths, and bedrooms.
After lunch, I visited the Mevlana Museum, a small museum that is next to a 16th century mosque. The Museum used to be Mevlana's lodge, the founder of the Whirling Dervishes. The lodge was a very interesting place. Regretfully, camera shooting was not allowed inside.
I had time to give a quick look at a cemetery. Tombstones were beautiful examples of the language. I was told that dead people are buried in graves usually without coffin. However, sometimes a dead person may be buried with coffin. It is a widespread practice to inscribe and cut epitaphs and signs on tombstones for the purpose of describing identity, sex and destiny of the dead person.
From Konya to Nevsehir (Cappadocia), the highway crossed flat grasslands as far as the eye could see. Its infinite plains gave me the feeling that I was really far from home. After 6 hours of driving, I arrived at Nevsehir, the major city in Cappadocia. I checked into the hotel, went straight to my room and had rest... the following day would be a bit tough...
So interesting to see where other people live, isn't it? It looks like you are travelling through an area where you meet both wealth and poverty.
ReplyDeleteGoing by bus, if that't what you're doing, can be a challenge.
And beauty is found everywhere!
What a wonderful journey you are guiding us through! And you were able to see it up close. The Moorish influences must have reminded you of home. No, I have not forgotten to go by the Catholic Church to take a picture of the steeple. I had hoped they would be farther along with the new chapel, but construction is progressing very slowly, almost as if they are building it, themselves, with volunteer assistance. I'm only guessing. So, I will take my camera and take some pictures. I would like to go around town and take pictures of other steeples (more English colonial in design). Some are placed atop very bland, non-descript churches. I've never seen anything like it. Would make a good long-term project, I think.
ReplyDeletewhat a great slide show!~ I have traveled by bus back in 2000, but did so only overnight.... you got to see so very much! I love the ornate headstones.... your 'eye' does well to capture not only the beautiful but the very interesting too!
ReplyDeleteThis is the most interesting slide show I've seen from you. Belita.
ReplyDeleteThere are quite a few wonderful shots with lovely composition.
Konya, a cidade santa tem bairros muito novos, que não vi quando aí passei. Mas na essência, Mevlana, continua igual que então. Magnifica reportagem Belita. Gostei muito de rever esses sítios.
ReplyDeletebeautiful shots Belita , it was like being aside of you travelling on route , thanks Rosiex
ReplyDeleteWOOOW I didnt know that you were going to Konya as well , so became very happy .
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots dear!
ReplyDelete