For most of the time we live in Istanbul but frequently we go away to our stone house in the ancient 4th century BC village of Assos, now known as Behramkale, overlooking the beautiful Aegean and the Greek island of Lesbos.
We have had our house for the last twenty years so over time, the villagers have accepted us and we are included in the various ceremonies that mark village life such as circumcisions, engagements and weddings. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have this window into such traditional and special events: these are things that in the normal course of things, one would never see.
The posts that I am including here will also mention the village of Paşaköy. This is a neighbouring village with a staggering view over the sea and island. It also happens to be where our wonderful Mehmet and Hatice live with their three sons. They are the people who help us to manage our lives in the village. It is mostly thanks to Hatice that I know so much about village life in this part of the world.
- Ramazan Reflections
- I’m in Assos!
- New Year in an Aegean Village 1
- New Year in an Aegean Village 2
- New Year in an Aegean Village 3
- Beautiful Turkish Olives
- Planting a Herb Garden in Assos
- Assos Cows Update
- All Cooked Out in Assos
- Lunch in Heraclia, today’s Kapıkırı
- An Insider’s View of a Traditional Aegean Wedding
- Breadmaking in a Turkish Village for a Circumcision
- Life in a Turkish Village
- Bread: its place on the Turkish Table and the wonders of the fırın
- End of Ramazan in Sight! Leyla makes pişi in the garden!
Check out the links to get an idea of our part of the world!
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