Brusa’s Natural Beauty and Cultural Gems
Mount Olympus (Keshish Dagh)
Mount Olympus, known as Keshish Dagh (Mount Monk) in Turkish, stands at 7600 feet above sea level. For a successful ascent, a good guide and a few soldiers, arranged through the Consul, are essential. The journey takes about six hours, with the last part on foot due to steep terrain. The descent typically takes four hours. Travelers need to bring provisions from Brusa, as there are no amenities along the way. Costs include horse fare (50 piastres), guide fee (20 piastres), and soldiers’ fees (20 piastres each). The summit provides a splendid panoramic view on clear days, encompassing the Marmora and Bosporus, Mount Ida, the plains of Troy, Mysia, Phrygia, and Pergamo and Kutahieh.
Return trains to Mudania depart from Brusa around 7:30 A.M. Exploring Brusa’s Landmarks and Industries, connecting to the steamer to Constantinople, where travelers disembark at Galata pier.
Exploring Brusa’s Landmarks and Industries
The Mosque of Murad I.
Located on Chekirieh Hill just outside Brusa, near the Medicinal Hot Springs and Baths, the Mosque of Murad I is a prominent structure. Opposite stands the Mausoleum of Murad I, also known as Ghazl Hudavendighiar (‘Conquering Sovereign’). The mausoleum displays Murad’s blood-stained breastplate Mausoleums of Brusa, turbans, and other relics. A bronze bowl near the tomb holds blessed corn for distribution to the local people.
The ablutionary fountain near Murad’s tomb features mineral water, with some nearby springs being hot. The terrace offers a splendid view of the mountains and Ulfer Chaee valley, where visitors can enjoy chairs and coffee from a nearby coffee-house.
Silk Factories
Brusa’s Silk Factories are a worthwhile visit, with courteous proprietors willing to guide visitors. The Manufacture Brotte, located behind the Hotel d’Anatolie, houses the largest and
Mausoleums of Brusa
History and Artistry
The Mausoleum of Orkhan
Situated to the right upon entering the esplanade, the Mausoleum of Orkhan houses the tomb of his elder brother, Allah-ed-Din, along with those of several princes and princesses. Entrance fee: 5 piastres per party.
Muradieh Quarter
Adjacent to the Mosque of Murad II, the Muradieh quarter hosts various mausoleums dedicated to sultans and princes. Artists and enthusiasts should explore this area. The most intriguing is the Mausoleum of Murad II, unique as a sultan’s final resting place. Murad II desired simplicity Brusa’s Natural Beauty and Cultural Gems, evident in the plain grass-planted mound edged with marble. The dome, intentionally pierced, allows rain and snow to fall on it, fulfilling Murad II’s wish for exposure to the weather like that of a common man. Two turbans worn by Murad II are displayed, including one for Fridays and ano
Journeying into Asia
A Scenic Voyage through the Bosporus
Beyond Karibjeh Kalesi, the straits widen significantly towards the Black Sea, extending to Phanaraci, a promontory that hosts Kumeli Battery and Lighthouse. Off the latter are the Gyanean or Blue Bocks, the mythical Bymplegades, believed by the ancients to crush all passing ships.
Contrasting Shores: European vs. Asiatic
The most breathtaking view of the Black Sea unfolds from the steamer during its passage across the Strait to the Asiatic Shore The Tranquil Beauty of Bumeli Kavak and Surroundings. This side stands in stark contrast to the European shore, not only in lush vegetation but also in the architecture of houses and buildings, the condition of villages, and the distinctly Oriental character of the people seen at the landing-stages. One quickly realizes that crossing the Bosporus to the Asiatic side is more than a transition within Constantinopl
The Tranquil Beauty of Bumeli Kavak and Surroundings
The Tranquil Beauty of Bumeli Kavak and Surroundings
Mezar Burnu (Cemetery Point) stands on the site of the ancient Simas, and was in olden times notorious for its fane to Yenus of the Eorum, to which sailors resorted with votive offerings; it is now only noted for the large Moslem cemetery from which the cliff and village take their name.
Mezar Burnu, once known for its ancient worship site, is now recognized for the expansive Muslim cemetery that shares its name with the cliff and village.
Yeni Mahalleh – A Quaint Fishing Village
Yeni Mahalleh, the next place the steamer calls at, is merely a small fishing village, and is the point where the fortifications on the European side begin, with Fort Deli Tabia, built by M. Meunier, a French engineer, 1794.
Yeni Mahalleh, the next stop, is a small fishing village marking the start of fortifications on the European side, including Fort Deli Tabia, constructed by French engineer M. Meunier in 17
Scenic Delights Beyond Therapia
Exploring Buyukdereh
From Kir etch Burnu (Lime Point), a promontory just beyond Therapia, the first view of the Black Sea is obtained. This place, called Glethra (‘ key ’), was regarded by the ancients as the key to the Black Sea.
Explanation: Lime Point, beyond Therapia, offers the first glimpse of the Black Sea. Known as Glethra, meaning ‘key,’ it was historically considered the gateway to the Black Sea.
Buyukdereh – Ambassadors’ Retreat and Villas
The steamer does not call here Journeying into Asia, but crosses a deep bay, whence there is a good view of the Aqueducts, and arrives at Buyukclereh, where are the summer residences of the Spanish and Bussian ambassadors, and several fine villas belonging to wealthy inhabitants of Constantinople.
The steamer doesn’t stop, but as it crosses a deep bay, one can admire the Aqueducts. The destination is Buyukdereh, housing the summ
Greek Houses and Monuments
Embark on a historical journey starting at Cumhuriyet Square, strolling through Uzunqargi. Capture the charm of old Greek houses adorned with begonias. At the street’s end stands the impressive Monumental Mausoleum, featuring an epitaph in the Lycian language. The sarcophagus portrays an old man in a contemplative pose and a woman, reflecting the body language of Anatolian people today. Lion heads on the monument serve as handles, believed to ward off evil spirits The Aromatic Breeze of Kas.
Graveyards and Epitaphs around Yeni Mosque
Graveyards with epitaphs grace the West and North sides of the Yeni Mosque, an ancient church. Some feature single rooms, while others boast double rooms, offering a glimpse into the region’s historical burial practices.
Nighttime Magic Unfolds
Antique Theater A Moonlit Marvel
Head right towards the Clukurbag Peninsula to discover the Antique Theater. Crafted f
The Aromatic Breeze of Kas
Aromatic Atmosphere by the Mountains
In Kas, the air carries the sweet scent of thyme, thanks to the winds from the mountains. The low humidity and high oxygen levels make it a delightful experience for visitors. You might even spot an Italian tourist washing their linen at the fountain in the small square facing the port.
Shopping and Souvenirs at the Seaside
The shops along the sea offer a variety of gifts, catering to those seeking souvenirs. In the evenings, the bustling “Street of Restaurants,” particularly popular among young tourists, comes alive. For a quieter dinner experience, visitors can opt for the fish restaurants by the seaside, adorned with colorful and elegant clothing.
Evenings by the Port
After dinner, people gather at the port. Some continue conversations at cafes, while others enjoy the evening sea breeze. The port exudes a unique charm, creating a serene atmosphere Kas.
Kas Morning
Kas
A Coastal Gem with Mountainous Essence
Kas’s Aromatic Aura
Kas is embraced by the scents of thyme carried by mountain winds, while the sea breezes echo the melodies of Meis Island at the port. With each visit, you delve deeper into its rich history. For diving enthusiasts, the sea around Kas is a paradise, making it a passionate destination.
From Antiphellos to Kas
Originally known as Antiphellos during antiquity, the city built by the Lycians now goes by the name Kas. “Phellos” in Greek translates to “Stony Place,” a fitting description for Kas. The locals humorously define their village: “The upper side is stone, the down side is sea Greek Houses and Monuments, and the middle is Kas.”
A Blend of Mountain Culture and Coastal Living
Following the exodus of Greek villagers to Greece or the Islands after World War I, Turkoman settlers embraced the vill
Harran School of Thought
The University of Harran, with roots dating back to the earliest centuries, housed the renowned “Harran School of Thought,” one of the world’s three significant philosophical schools. This esteemed center of learning nurtured numerous globally acclaimed scientists. Among them were Sabir bin Kurra, a leading mathematician; Battani, who accurately calculated the distance between the moon and Earth; and Jabir Bin Hayyan, often credited as the inventor of the atom due to his groundbreaking discoveries on the smallest particles’ energy.
The Legend of Job (Hi. Eyup)
The prophet Job, blessed with seven sons and three children, earned God’s favor through his diligence, honesty, and unwavering faith. Despite adversities orchestrated by evil, Job remained steadfast in his worship. The narrative unfolds as God, confident in Job’s loyalty, allows the testing of his faith by stripping him of his possessions. Job, undeterred, continues his worsh