Bulgaria

Social Hubs and Matchmaking Spots

In the Ottoman era, bathhouses, or hamams, played a central role in daily life. While men visited hamams after prayers at the mosque, women frequented these social hubs for gossip and community. Baths served as places for women to showcase embroidered towels and personal belongings. Ritual preparations, such as bridal and birth baths, were significant occasions.

Mothers-in-law often inspected potential brides in the bath before weddings, emphasizing the Turkish saying, “Now let’s see the bride in the bath!” The bath became a space for matchmaking, allowing mothers to assess the health of potential daughters-in-law.

Ottoman Baths A Cultural Tradition

According to 17th-century traveler Evliya Çelebi, the Ottoman Empire had 4536 hamams. Influenced by Roman baths, the Ottomans incorporated bathing into their cultural tradition. Bathing ceremonies were elaborate, lasting for several hours. Trained staff,

A Sweet Journey

The Traditional ‘Lokum’ Process

Step inside to witness the entire ‘lokum’ (Turkish delight) making process. A blend of water, sugar, and cornflour is meticulously mixed for 2.5 hours at 150-160 degrees, using the most traditional devices reminiscent of techniques from 600 years ago. The mixture is then poured onto trays, left to cool for 24 hours, and later enriched with additional ingredients. After another round of cooling, the final product is cut into delectable pieces for serving.

Interactive Tasting Experience

Pause and indulge in tasting at each step of the process. The clean and cool factory opens its wooden doors to a bazaar enclosed by tile walls, creating an immersive experience. Ideal for those seeking unmissable tastes or searching for unique gifts to bring back from Marmaris, the place offers a variety of options. From playing cards featuring Ottoman images to bath essentials, natural oils, soaps

Weaving History Through Collecting

Unveiling Bozcaada’s Rich Tapestry

In the pursuit of seashells, Hakan Guruney not only discovered the treasures of Bozcaada but also embarked on a profound journey into the island’s history. Through years of conversations and information gathering, he realized that the shells he found were not as rare as he initially thought; in fact, they were abundant on Bozcaada. This revelation transformed Bozcaada from a passing curiosity to Guruney’s new destination.

A Transformational Journey Guruney’s Dedication to Bozcaada

In 1997, Guruney, accompanied by friends from the association, returned to Bozcaada and eventually purchased a summer residence, marking the beginning of his deep connection with the island. Initially unaware of Bozcaada’s history, Guruney’s research led him to redirect his “unobstructed drive for collection” towards the cultural assets produced by Bozcaada&#

Unveiling the Treasures of the Island

Whispers of the Sea The Passionate Collector’s Journey

In the heart of Bozcaada, both floors of BOYTAM (Bozcaada Local History and Research Center) unfold a vibrant tapestry of the island’s history and experiences. Hakan Guruney, an avid collector with a deep connection to the island, has transformed his passion into a rich collection that now finds its home in this center.

A Collector’s Genesis Pursuit of Seashells

Hakan Guruney’s journey began in 1992 when he set foot on Bozcaada in search of a seashell. Little did he know that this visit would mark the inception of his captivating collection. In 1998, Guruney acquired his first island-related item and decided to weave a comprehensive collection intricately linked to Bozcaada’s identity. As his collection grew, the need for a dedicated space led to the establishment of BOYTAM.

Seashells as Jewels of the Sea

Guruney

Mugla’s Vision for Sustainable Development and Cultural Heritage

In the words of Mayor Dr. Osman Gurun, Mugla stands firm against the “hamburger culture and brutal tourism,” embracing its authentic identity and respecting its past. The mayor outlines three key priorities for the city:

University City and Cultural Tourism Hub: Mugla aims to maintain its status as a university city and foster cultural tourism. The focus is on preserving cultural values and steering clear of the negative impacts of mass tourism.

Cultural Center and Congress Tourism: The upcoming Cultural Center, set to open in the fall, positions Mugla as a candidate for congress tourism Life in Bozcaada. The goal is to attract domestic tourists, favoring small boutique hotels over larger, impersonal accommodations.

High-Tech Industrial Hub: If industry is to thrive in Mugla, the aspiration is to host high-technology developments akin to S