TURKISH DELIGHTS - A few Concluding Thoughts
Turkish Delights are more then just a famed national dessert, they are the bite-size embodiment of Turkey today. These jellylike cubes are sometimes rolled in pistachios, other times in hazelnut. Some arrive wrapped in coconut flakes, others in buttery sesame seeds. And still more, finished with a simple dusting of fine confectioner sugar. From the outside they all look a bit different but from the inside, flavors taste surprisingly similar. This is the key to understanding Turkey. An exterior as varied as the hundreds of civilizations that once inhabited the region with a core substance of the same flavor. We know this flavor as national pride! Pride is on the tip of every Turkish persons tongue, whether they recognize it or not. Boasting their democratic accomplishments in the past one hundred years, their religious and cultural acceptance efforts and their excitement for Turkeys continued success on the global stage. 5 weeks have gone by quicker then a New York minute and I have yet to find one bad thing to say. Instead, I’ll focus on my favorite “Turkish delights". _____________________________________________________________________________ |
1. Culture & History – A jigsaw puzzle of civilizations, cultures, empires, religions, sultans, gods and battles, you would need an on-call historian, 24 hours a day to explain how every piece fits together. I recommend not only reading up on the history before arriving but also constructing a basic timeline of historical events. If only I had taken my own advice…
2. Cuisine – I’ve proven woman can live on KEPAB alone – variations anyways. From the pottery fired, stew-style Kepabs of the North to the towering plates of shaved kepab meat and crisp cucumber salads in the south, to the classic charbroiled kepab skewer and pita kepab found on literally every corner in Istanbul. Other delicacies include MEZES, assorted breads and spreads for dipping, HAMSI, anchovy-style fish found on the Black Sea coast, KOFTE, tenderized meat pounded into fried patties, and my favorite of all, pan after pan of fresh BAKLAVA. I promise you will not return thinner then when you left.
2. Cuisine – I’ve proven woman can live on KEPAB alone – variations anyways. From the pottery fired, stew-style Kepabs of the North to the towering plates of shaved kepab meat and crisp cucumber salads in the south, to the classic charbroiled kepab skewer and pita kepab found on literally every corner in Istanbul. Other delicacies include MEZES, assorted breads and spreads for dipping, HAMSI, anchovy-style fish found on the Black Sea coast, KOFTE, tenderized meat pounded into fried patties, and my favorite of all, pan after pan of fresh BAKLAVA. I promise you will not return thinner then when you left.
3. Ease of Travel - Flights are often cheaper then bus journeys and can shave your travel time immensely. Airports are easily accessed and tickets can be booked the same day for a minimal rise in price. I do recommend a few character building bus rides, of course. A chance to see the countryside stream past from the comfort of your air-conditioned, wifi enabled, meal on board coach. Travel has never been easier!
4. Geographical Diversity - Whether you’re into the rugged mountain terrains of the East, the sunny beaches of the South, unique moon-like terrains of the interior, religious and historical geological sights in the southeast or miles of verdant green Black Sea coast, Turkey has something for everyone.
4. Geographical Diversity - Whether you’re into the rugged mountain terrains of the East, the sunny beaches of the South, unique moon-like terrains of the interior, religious and historical geological sights in the southeast or miles of verdant green Black Sea coast, Turkey has something for everyone.
5. Hospitality – This final Turkish delight is the most delicious of them all - the people! Turkish hospitality exceeds any other country I’ve ever visited! No ulterior motives, no plots to rip off tourists, just a genuine willingness to help. I felt safe, respected and always looked out for.
These are my primary delights but don't forget a sweet isn’t complete without tea. Be sure to build in a few hours everyday to simply drink Çay at the local tea house and listen to the town sentries (i.e. old men) argue, laugh and fight over round after round of backgarmmon.
Turkey truly is where East meets West. Asia meets Europe. Tradition meets Today. If you haven't already added Turkey to your bucket list, don't delay. Turkish Delights await!
These are my primary delights but don't forget a sweet isn’t complete without tea. Be sure to build in a few hours everyday to simply drink Çay at the local tea house and listen to the town sentries (i.e. old men) argue, laugh and fight over round after round of backgarmmon.
Turkey truly is where East meets West. Asia meets Europe. Tradition meets Today. If you haven't already added Turkey to your bucket list, don't delay. Turkish Delights await!