Latest news with #Anatolia
CTV News
13 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
The underwater city where black roses bloom
Over lunch of grilled shabout, or freshwater carp, at one of Halfeti's floating restaurants, visitors might ponder what life was once like on the old streets, now abandoned several feet below the surface of the water. Halfeti is one of several settlements in the Şanlıurfa Province of southeastern Turkiye that lie on the bank of the Euphrates river, relatively near its source. In 2000, two such towns and 10 smaller villages were completely submerged by the river, following the construction of the 200-foot-high, 1.5 mile-wide Birecik Dam. Over 6,000 locals had to be relocated. Around 40% of Halfeti — a town with a population of around 2,600 before the dam — was engulfed by the water. Many of its stone houses, shops and a significant part of its 19th-century Merkez Camii (Central Mosque) in the 'old town' were lost. Some higher-elevation residences were spared, however, and many still live in the town above the water line today. Halfeti Turkiye Partly submerged mosque of Eski Halfeti due to the construction of the Birecik Dam on the Euphrates River, Old Halfeti, Turkiye (G&M Therin-Weise/robertharding/Getty Images via CNN Newsource) The Birecik dam was one of several built along the Euphrates and neighboring Tigris rivers in an attempt to develop the region of southeast Anatolia. The hydroelectric dam generates around 2,500 GWh (gigawatt hours) of electricity per year — enough to power almost one million Turkish households — and its 20-square-mile reservoir was planned to irrigate 70,000 hectares of farmland. Despite these apparent benefits, the Birecik dam was originally met with mixed responses from locals. 'Of course, it's not easy, because many cemeteries, many houses stayed under the water,' says Erhan Yildirim, local researcher, historian and professional guide. 'You cannot bring back the culture again; culture stays under the water.' Muslum Karaman, a local boat operator, says that 'people in Halfeti used to make a living from animal husbandry and agriculture' — the town was once known for its pistachio production. 'Now it has changed completely towards tourism,' he continues, adding that many have embraced this change by turning 'their houses to boutique restaurants and cafeterias' in a bid to improve their overall quality of life. Today, visitors flock to the 'sunken city' to zip around the submerged architecture by boat, jet ski or even flyboard. Diving in Halfeti has also become a tourist favorite, popularized by Şahika Ercümen, a world record-holding female Turkish freediver, who dived in the town in 2020 to raise awareness about plastic pollution. 'You feel history,' says Yildirim, as he describes the plethora of river fish species and an extensive network of ancient, natural limestone caves that lie just below the surface. Black roses — or are they? There's life above the water as well as under, however. Halfeti is equally famous for its 'black' roses, which are farmed around the town on the banks of the Euphrates river. Legend has it that Halfeti is the only place in the world where the flowers bloom truly black. 'If you [grow] the black rose in any different location, they never give you the same color,' Yildirim claims. Halfeti Turkiye Halfeti is well known for its "black roses." (Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty Images via CNN Newsource) Experts say that the color isn't a pure black — it's more of a very dark red. 'I don't think any so-called black flower is truly black,' says internationally acclaimed rose expert Michael Marriott. But he says that some very dark crimsons can appear black, especially at the bud stage, before they turn lighter as they blossom. Additionally, the darker the rose petal, the more likely it is to burn in the sun — meaning that in sunny climes, flowers can appear darker. Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the UK's Royal Horticultural Society agrees. 'Black roses and black flowers in general are seldom pure black but rather a very deep maroon or, as in this case, a very very dark red,' he says. But while denizens of the internet have called Halfeti's roses fakes, Barter adds a word of caution. 'Deep maroon or dark red flowers are black enough for all practical purposes and only very picky people would carp about what are lovely and intriguing flowers,' he says. It's thought that the dark color is due to Halfeti's unique soil conditions. Although most roses are grafted onto common root stock, which prefers a neutral balance between acidity and alkalinity, Marriott says that it's possible that Halfeti's farmers might use the roses' original roots, which could survive better in acidic conditions that darken the petals. 'It must be due to the climate conditions here,' says Birsen Aşağı, who works at the Floating Gift Shop, which sells black rose products. Locals like Aşağı offer a host of black rose-infused products, from ice creams to soaps and teas, while international brands have also capitalized on the flower's allure. British perfumier Penhaligon's has even named its black rose fragrance 'Halfeti.' Explaining the significance of the dark rose, Aşağı shares a local legend. The story begins with Adir, a renowned local architect, who was said to have built the city's mosque. His granddaughter, Vartuhi, is said to have grown the most beautiful roses in the region. She fell in love with an orphaned boy from across the river named Firat but, tragically, their love was forbidden by her grandfather. Heartbroken, the pair leapt into the Euphrates together and drowned. According to legend, from that day onwards every single rose in Halfeti bloomed 'black,' instead of red. Yildirim tells a different tale, in which the black rose belonged to the Devil, who, upset by the murder of an innocent girl, declared that it would bloom only in the place where she died — forever acting as a symbol of sorrow, revenge and tragic love. History on the water Visitors to Halfeti can also take an hour-long boat trip along the river to the nearby Rumkale Fortress — an ancient site that reflects the region's complex and often turbulent history. Rumkale Fortress Rumkale Fortress's foundations date back to the Byzantine period. (KenanOlgun/iStockphoto/Getty Images via CNN Newsource) By boat, the fortress' foundations can be seen dramatically overhanging the reportedly date back to the Byzantine empire in the 5th and 6th centuries CE, though some sources suggest that earlier structures may have existed on the site. On foot, visitors can explore remnants of Armenian fortifications built during the 12th and 13th centuries, when Rumkale became the residence of the Catholicos, the spiritual leader of the Armenian Church. The fortress later fell to the Mamluks, a powerful Islamic knightly class, in 1292, before being taken over by the Ottoman empire over two centuries later. Rumkale's impressive architecture acts as a striking reminder of the whole region's layered, complex and often bloody history — one which has left its mark on local religion and culture. In 2013, Halfeti was recognized as part of the Cittaslow ('slow city') network, honoring its commitment to a high quality of life through preserving its local culture and traditions. 'People in Halfeti feel a deep connection to their town's rich history,' says Yildirim.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Archaeologists Make New Trojan War Discovery That May Rewrite History
The Trojan War was celebrated by legendary authors like Homer, who told the tale of the large wooden horse that tricked the soldiers of Troy. In the stories, Paris, the son of a Trojan King, ran away with a Spartan's wife named Helen; the Spartan's brother then "led a Greek expedition against Troy," according to Britannica. War raged for a decade before the Greeks pretended to withdraw, hiding soldiers in the horse. But was the Trojan War real? It's described by Britannica as a "legendary conflict between the early Greeks and the people of Troy in western Anatolia," probably in the 12th or 13th century. That's present-day Turkey. According to BBC, it's generally believed that the Trojan War was a real event, despite its appearance in various works of literature. Now a new excavation is shedding more light on that. The dig has already unearthed 3,500-year-old "sling stones" that match the right time frame, and that's not all. They're providing clues that could flesh out the storyline of the Trojan War, and, thus, illuminate and potentially even rewrite history. The sling stones "offer valuable insights into Bronze Age defense and attack strategies," according to Hurriyet Daily News. Archaeologists have "resumed excavations at the ancient city of Troy in modern-day Turkey, hoping to uncover new evidence" of the Trojan War, according to a July 9 article in Greek Reporter. According to Greek Reporter, the lead archaeologist Rustem Aslan is focusing on "layers from the Late Bronze Age, specifically those associated with the city's destruction around 1200 B.C." That's the time period of the Trojan War, and the archaeologists want to "investigate areas between the agora, palace, and city walls," the site reports. The X page Arkeolojihaber (or "Archaeology Talks") shared photos and wrote, "At the Troy Ancient City, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this year's excavations focused on the Late Bronze Age and traces of the famous Trojan War." The site quoted Aslan as saying, "Our main goal this year is to uncover archaeological findings that point to the Trojan War, which everyone talks about and has been debated for centuries." The earliest days of the excavations produced "3,500-year-old sling stones" in front of a "palace structure," the site reported, adding that "archaeologists are now searching for more evidence of the war in a destruction layer dated to around 1200 BC, which bears traces of fire. Arrowheads, war tools, and hastily buried skeletons carry traces of Troy's dramatic past." According to Indian Defence Review, the excavation has discovered "destruction layers, filled with war tools and human remains that suggest signs of conflict," quoting Aslan as saying, 'These destruction layers contain war tools and disturbed human remains that could indicate conflict.' Unearthed "weapons, charred remains, and other destruction debris" provide clues that "a violent event that may have led to Troy's fall," the site Make New Trojan War Discovery That May Rewrite History first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 15, 2025
The Guardian
14-07-2025
- The Guardian
A hidden delight on Turkey's Turquoise Coast: my cabin stay amid olive trees and mountains
Aged seven or eight, planting onions on his father's land above Kabak Bay, Fatih Canözü saw his first foreigner. Before the road came in 1980, his village on the jagged coast of south-west Turkey's Lycia region was extremely remote, isolated by steep valleys and mountains plunging into the sea. It took his family two days to get to the city of Fethiye on winding donkey tracks, to sell their apricots, vegetables and honey at the market. Despite his shock at seeing the outside world intrude for the first time, Canözü remembers thinking even then that tourism was the future. Four decades on and having trained as a chef, Canözü has not only built a restaurant and 14 tourist cabins in Kabak, he has married a foreigner too: a former Middle East correspondent from England, who came here to research a novel and ended up falling in love. Now they are raising their family on this wild fringe of Anatolia's Turquoise Coast, a region that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founding father of the Republic of Turkey, is said to have called the most beautiful in the country. The Olive Garden takes its name from the 200 to 300 olive trees growing on the terraced hillside above the sea. Canözü's father dug them up in the mountains and lugged them here on his back, a testament to the years of hard work it took to make this place. Canözü designed the cabins himself, building them in wood and stone to minimise the environmental footprint. Then he installed an infinity pool where his family once threshed grain. When the restaurant opened in 2005, he waited a nerve-racking 45 days for his first customer. Slowly, people came. My wife and I stay here for four nights, sleeping first in a standard cabin and then in one of two luxury cabins overlooking the sea. The room is airy, glass and pine, but we spend most of our time sitting on the deck outside, continually astonished at the view. On the far side of the forested valley rise immense limestone walls that mark the southern reaches of the Taurus mountain range – the summit nearby is slightly lower than Ben Nevis. On the beach below, a sliver of sand meets startlingly blue water. Kabak beach has long been known for its alternative vibes, a place where groups of hippies sunbathe alongside Muslim families, women in burkinis and dogs dozing on the sand. This sense of coexistence – something that many see as the heart of modern Turkishness – extends to the marine life: at sunset, half the beach is cleared for nesting loggerhead turtles. By road, the village of Kabak is literally the end of the line, which, along with the rugged terrain, has helped shield it from the overdevelopment suffered by resorts elsewhere. On foot, it is a resting place on a longer, slower journey. One of the things that brings travellers here is the 470-mile Lycian Way, established in 1999 by a British-Turkish woman called Kate Clow, who still lives locally. We hike sections of this world-renowned walking trail, first along a rocky path through pine forest and strawberry trees to visit a nearby waterfall. Some beach party stragglers have landed after a long night, so we take our plunge to the thump of techno. A few minutes' scramble and the trail brings us back to wild silence. The following day I walk south for two hours while others go ahead by boat; we meet on Cennet Koyu, which translates as Paradise Bay. No road has made its way to this beach, and it fully deserves its name. Swimming here, in water as clear as glass with steep green mountains rising behind, is as close to paradise as can be imagined. Up in the forest is one of the 'camps' that were founded before gentrified tourism arrived – vaguely piratical travellers' outposts that keep things reassuringly scruffy. Dogs, chickens and donkeys wander among the trees. The boat, steered by a local man with an anchor tattooed behind his ear, takes us around the next headland to the site of a ruined village. Its archway and collapsed stone walls, half swallowed by greenery, are a testament to the darker history of this stretch of coastline. Kalabantia was once inhabited by Greeks, forced to abandon their beautiful home during the brutal 'population exchange' that followed the Turkish war of independence in the 1920s. No one came to take their place – it was too remote even for local Turks – so now its stones are sinking back into the land from which they came. A 45-minute drive away is the much larger settlement of Kayaköy, formerly Levissi, from which over 6,000 Greeks were deported in 1923 to a 'homeland' they had never seen. This melancholy ghost town of 500 roofless houses is almost entirely abandoned, but for roaming goats and tourists. There is something particularly tragic in its Orthodox chapels and churches, with their painted stars still pricking the ceilings. Strangely, I realise I've been here before: under the fictional name Eskibahçe, this was the setting of Louis de Bernières' novel Birds Without Wings, which describes how nationalism tore apart multicultural communities that had lived side by side under Ottoman rule for centuries. Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion The Greek influence is also apparent in Lycia's most famous ruins: the rock-carved tombs that we saw on our way here from Fethiye. They were made by the ancient Lycians, who blended Hellenic architecture with the Persian technique of hewing structures from the living rock. Smaller tombs, which resemble lidded caskets made of stone, are scattered throughout the mountains and along the Lycian Way, monuments to another of Anatolia's vanished cultures. Life has never been settled here. Kabak might still be remote but the road has inevitably brought change, and since the Olive Garden opened, trees have been bulldozed and concrete poured, although the pace of construction has apparently slowed in recent years. With increasing visitor numbers, the water supply is a big concern, followed closely, in this time of ever-rising temperatures, by the risk of forest fires. But other things stay much the same. Where the road terminates the mountains are still vast and wild, the forests are still full of boar, and the turtles still return to the beaches every year. As in other places where beauty masks a harder existence, there's a balance to be struck: without tourism – including the hikers slogging along the Lycian Way – many of Kabak's young people would be forced to move elsewhere instead of working locally, as the Olive Garden's staff do. At least for now, Kabak feels on the right side of that balance. On our last night we eat imam bayildi, which translates as 'the imam fainted' – presumably because the dish is so good – roasted aubergine stuffed with onions, tomatoes and garlic, drenched in olive oil and smothered with melted cheese. The food has been consistently fresh, local and delicious. The moon shines on the walls of the valley, which glow as bright as bone. We have learned a new word, yakamoz, my favourite in Turkish or any other language: it describes the sparkling of moonlight on dark water. There is poetry in this land. Any culture that has a word for this must be doing something right. Standard cabins at Olive Garden Kabak ( from £70, luxury cabins £120 (both sleep two), breakfast included
The Guardian
11-07-2025
- The Guardian
‘Dawn paints the statues gold': readers' favourite places in Turkey
Rising from the rugged heart of Anatolia, Mount Nemrut offers one of the world's most surreal sunrise experiences. Here, colossal stone heads of ancient gods and kings gaze silently across the highlands, remnants of a long-lost kingdom. As the first rays of dawn paint the statues gold, visitors are transported into an almost mythic realm. Begin your journey in Gaziantep, often called Turkey's culinary capital. Savour rich baklava and spicy kebabs before setting out through the hills toward Nemrut. After experiencing the mountain's majesty, continue to Göbekli Tepe – considered the world's oldest temple complex, predating Stonehenge by millennia. Ickin Vural It's become a little more expensive in Turkey recently, so my tip is: eat at the büfeler, where the taxi drivers eat. You find them at every bus station in every town and village. A light lunch of rice with kuru fasulye (beans) on top, perhaps a side of vegetable stew (despite all those kebab shops, Turkish people don't eat as much meat as we like to think), and an ayran (yoghurt drink) on the side would be my idea of a perfect lunch. Afiyet olsun! (enjoy your meal), as they say in Guardian Travel readers' tips Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage - Eskişehir is a vibrant, studenty city less than an hour and a half's train ride from Ankara. Its name ('old city') is a clue to the age of the place – it was founded around 1,000BC – but unlike some of the much more visited ruins and ancient cities in Turkey, it is very much a forward-looking, 21st-century place. The Odunpazarı houses in the oldest part of the city are beautifully multicoloured – it is a perfect area to enjoy an obligatory Turkish coffee and piece of lokum (Turkish delight).Michael Kuipers Discover two gems near exquisite Ephesus: Alaçatı, on the coast near İzmir, is a picturesque, sleepy village complete with fresh fish restaurants and sandy beaches; a bit further south is Şirince, a beautiful flower village that stays fresh even through July heatwaves. You can explore the coast, visit thermal baths in spectacular Pamukkale, and Ilıca, or head to the Greek island of Samos for the day, while still savouring the joy of a simpler and more authentic Just above the popular seaside town of Kaş, tucked high in the hills, lie the ancient ruins of Phellos. The steep hike can be tough – especially in the heat – but the reward is worth it. Massive Lycian tombs and weathered stone ruins appear unexpectedly, like a scene from Indiana Jones. With no crowds or noise, it's an off-the-beaten-track adventure into ancient history. If you're seeking something beyond beaches and tourist spots, Phellos offers solitude, mystery and a stunning glimpse into a forgotten Greenwood My top secret Turkey tip would be Mardin, in the south-east. Honey-coloured houses on a hilltop cascade down to the Mesopotamian plateau, and just about every hotel has a terrace with sweeping views across to Syria. The history is a mix of Assyrian, Armenian, Chaldean and, of course Turkish, with museums, medreses and narrow streets. It's a taste of the Middle East but with the safety of travel in Turkey. And the food … Ann Ozsivadjian Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion The Dim River lies on the outskirts of Alanya, in the Antalya region. A short taxi or bus ride will transport you from the bustling seaside town to a cascading waterfall which flows from the Taurus mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. Trees and natural vegetation provide shelter from the searing summer sun, while the waterside restaurants offer traditional Turkish food and drinks. Relax at tables nestled in the trees, perch at the water's edge, or take a dip in a pool filled with icy mountain water – if you dare! Natalie Sea kayaking along Turkey's wild south-west coast from Fethiye is an unforgettable experience. Paddle past hidden coves, ancient ruins and dramatic cliffs, before friendly local guides prepare delicious traditional Turkish meals, and the sunsets glow deep red over crystal waters. Fethiye is a culturally rich town nestled between mountains and the sea, and the perfect launch point for a trip. If you're after beauty, solitude and authentic connection, this is We visited Antalya in February, and viewing some of the ancient sites on a crisp, sunny day with snow on the mountains in the background was brilliant. But the highlight of our trip was taking a hike in the Mount Güllük-Termessos national park to see the ancient Solymi city of Termessos, and particularly the stunning theatre, set atop the mountain with panoramic views. You pass many interesting ruins on the way up, but this is the jewel in the crown. We went on our own, but if you want to make a day of it I'd suggest joining a hiking group for an in-depth On a spontaneous road trip through Turkey's south-west, I stumbled upon Akyaka – a peaceful, pine-fringed village untouched by mass tourism. The Azmak River, so clear it seemed unreal, flowed past riverside cafes where I watched turtles drift by. Locals welcomed me like family, and evenings meant fresh seafood and golden sunsets. The architecture – wooden houses with carved balconies – gave the town a timeless charm. Paddleboarding on the calm sea at sunrise was a moment I'll never forget. Debbie Skudra
The Guardian
11-07-2025
- The Guardian
‘Dawn paints the statues gold': readers' favourite places in Turkey
Rising from the rugged heart of Anatolia, Mount Nemrut offers one of the world's most surreal sunrise experiences. Here, colossal stone heads of ancient gods and kings gaze silently across the highlands, remnants of a long-lost kingdom. As the first rays of dawn paint the statues gold, visitors are transported into an almost mythic realm. Begin your journey in Gaziantep, often called Turkey's culinary capital. Savour rich baklava and spicy kebabs before setting out through the hills toward Nemrut. After experiencing the mountain's majesty, continue to Göbekli Tepe – considered the world's oldest temple complex, predating Stonehenge by millennia. Ickin Vural It's become a little more expensive in Turkey recently, so my tip is: eat at the büfeler, where the taxi drivers eat. You find them at every bus station in every town and village. A light lunch of rice with kuru fasulye (beans) on top, perhaps a side of vegetable stew (despite all those kebab shops, Turkish people don't eat as much meat as we like to think), and an ayran (yoghurt drink) on the side would be my idea of a perfect lunch. Afiyet olsun! (enjoy your meal), as they say in Guardian Travel readers' tips Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage - Eskişehir is a vibrant, studenty city less than an hour and a half's train ride from Ankara. Its name ('old city') is a clue to the age of the place – it was founded around 1,000BC – but unlike some of the much more visited ruins and ancient cities in Turkey, it is very much a forward-looking, 21st-century place. The Odunpazarı houses in the oldest part of the city are beautifully multicoloured – it is a perfect area to enjoy an obligatory Turkish coffee and piece of lokum (Turkish delight).Michael Kuipers Discover two gems near exquisite Ephesus: Alaçatı, on the coast near İzmir, is a picturesque, sleepy village complete with fresh fish restaurants and sandy beaches; a bit further south is Şirince, a beautiful flower village that stays fresh even through July heatwaves. You can explore the coast, visit thermal baths in spectacular Pamukkale, and Ilıca, or head to the Greek island of Samos for the day, while still savouring the joy of a simpler and more authentic Just above the popular seaside town of Kaş, tucked high in the hills, lie the ancient ruins of Phellos. The steep hike can be tough – especially in the heat – but the reward is worth it. Massive Lycian tombs and weathered stone ruins appear unexpectedly, like a scene from Indiana Jones. With no crowds or noise, it's an off-the-beaten-track adventure into ancient history. If you're seeking something beyond beaches and tourist spots, Phellos offers solitude, mystery and a stunning glimpse into a forgotten Greenwood My top secret Turkey tip would be Mardin, in the south-east. Honey-coloured houses on a hilltop cascade down to the Mesopotamian plateau, and just about every hotel has a terrace with sweeping views across to Syria. The history is a mix of Assyrian, Armenian, Chaldean and, of course Turkish, with museums, medreses and narrow streets. It's a taste of the Middle East but with the safety of travel in Turkey. And the food … Ann Ozsivadjian Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion The Dim River lies on the outskirts of Alanya, in the Antalya region. A short taxi or bus ride will transport you from the bustling seaside town to a cascading waterfall which flows from the Taurus mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. Trees and natural vegetation provide shelter from the searing summer sun, while the waterside restaurants offer traditional Turkish food and drinks. Relax at tables nestled in the trees, perch at the water's edge, or take a dip in a pool filled with icy mountain water – if you dare! Natalie Sea kayaking along Turkey's wild south-west coast from Fethiye is an unforgettable experience. Paddle past hidden coves, ancient ruins and dramatic cliffs, before friendly local guides prepare delicious traditional Turkish meals, and the sunsets glow deep red over crystal waters. Fethiye is a culturally rich town nestled between mountains and the sea, and the perfect launch point for a trip. If you're after beauty, solitude and authentic connection, this is We visited Antalya in February, and viewing some of the ancient sites on a crisp, sunny day with snow on the mountains in the background was brilliant. But the highlight of our trip was taking a hike in the Mount Güllük-Termessos national park to see the ancient Solymi city of Termessos, and particularly the stunning theatre, set atop the mountain with panoramic views. You pass many interesting ruins on the way up, but this is the jewel in the crown. We went on our own, but if you want to make a day of it I'd suggest joining a hiking group for an in-depth On a spontaneous road trip through Turkey's south-west, I stumbled upon Akyaka – a peaceful, pine-fringed village untouched by mass tourism. The Azmak River, so clear it seemed unreal, flowed past riverside cafes where I watched turtles drift by. Locals welcomed me like family, and evenings meant fresh seafood and golden sunsets. The architecture – wooden houses with carved balconies – gave the town a timeless charm. Paddleboarding on the calm sea at sunrise was a moment I'll never forget. Debbie Skudra
