Sebi Arus Night and Whirling Dervishes Ceremony

Last Friday, we were able to attend Seb-i Arus Ceremonies in Istanbul. "Seb-i Arus" means Wedding Day as its the day of his reunion with his Beloved with the Divine.

Whirling Dervishes

Mevlana is very important Philosopher for us. Even today, the wisdom of this man who lived in the 13th century has earned him a place as one of the world’s bestselling poets.

The Ceremony started with the concert of Tasavvuf Musicians, who were dressed in traditional clothes.

Tasavvuf Musicians

Dervishes Greeted each other before the ceremony...

Then they started to whirl...

Then amazing ritual of the Dervishes started ...

Visit Konya The Land Of Whirling Dervishes

December 17th is the night of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi's death who was the founder of Sufi Philosophy. On that day "Seb-i Arus" means "Wedding Day" celebrated as Mevlana believed his reunion with his Beloved, with the Divine. Ceremonies held in Konya and it was very good chance to watch a real Whirling Dervishes Ceremony.

Tomb of Mevlana and Mosque

Konya was one of the first inhabited cities in the world and to this day, it still contains traces of many ancient civilizations that have earned it the nickname of a museum city.

Its location in the middle of the barren Anatolian plains is significant because it was a major stopping point on the ancient and exotic Silk Road.

Spice and cotton traders traveling from the Middle East to Europe used to stop there overnight in one of the many stone caravansaries of which a few can be seen today.

The main reason for anyone to visit is to see the shrine of the famous poet, philosopher, and ancient Sufi master called Rumi. 

The Konya Alaeddin Mosque was constructed between the 12th and 13th century. It is in perfectly preserved condition and is a major landmark of the city. It was originally a Christian basilica but was converted in 1080 when Seljuk Turks captured the city. The grounds hold the gravestones of a number of sultans of the Seljuk dynasty.

Konya Alaaddin Mosque 

Konya Archaeological Museum opened in 1962 and has many artefacts from civilization up to the Byzantine era. They include Greek artefacts and sarcophagus from Roman times.

Konya Museum

Konya is also well known for its traditional carpets, made painstaking by hand for many months by local women. They first came to the attention of the traveller Marco Polo when he said, “they are the most beautiful carpets I have ever seen”. Carpets shops are situated in the city however we advise you take your guide with you to ensure you are buying an authentic and genuine carpet.

Day Trip to Meis (Kastellorizo) from Kas

If you are staying in Kas or Kalkan you should not miss a day trip to the Greek island of Meis is a beautiful and quite island with colorful houses. Its chance for you to experience Greek Breeze on the Mediterranean.

Meis Island

A day trip to Meis is more than enough as you can explore the island in few hours. You can book your ferry tickets from Meis express around 25-20 EUROs per person for return ticket. Don't forget that you need a schengen visa to as Meis is part of Greece.

Meis Express Ferry office in Kas

The trip around half an hour and you have free time (5-6 hours) to spend in the island. Although in 30 minutes you can explore the center, you may walk in back streets to discover colorful architecture.

Colorful Houses of Meis

The island is paradise for photographers and you can take wonderful pictures.

Dolphins

There are few hotels in the island and some bed and breakfasts owned by locals. However, I would not suggest an overnight in Meis if you are a party lover. 

Pension in Meis

Another attraction in the island is Blue Cave, you can hire a boat for a round trip journey. You may enjoy 15 minutes swim or take wonderful pictures.

Blue Cave

Dont forget to taste delicious Greek food in one of the restaurants. It can be a good escape from Turkish kebabs.

Fresh Calamari

Discover Kas and Olympos "Hidden Resorts of Turkey"

Among the amazing resorts of Antalya, my favorites are Cirali (Olympos) and Kas because of their untouched nature. They are still not effected by mass tourism and recently discovered by some knowledgeable people. So you must be hurry to to enjoy them.

Olympos Beach

Cirali is a small, one street rustic village with cheap accommodation and the area is ideal for hikers and trekkers. The long beach is also protected because of loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs in the sand.

Flowers in Kas

Kaş (pronounced cash) is everything that a typical Mediterranean seaside resort in Turkey should be. White washed houses cascade down the winding mountain roads to show the way to beautiful beaches and a harbor.

Things to do in Antalya

Antalya offers everything from the history to nature, archaeology to beach holiday. Beautiful Mediterranean sea, wonderful beaches and amazing hotels meet with Lycian history. Of course there are lots to do in the region but do not miss these activities listed below if you stay in Antalya.

Aspendos Theatre

The ancient Greco-Roman ruins of Aspendos is a must see. Suspected to date from 1000BC, it was often the focus of invasion, specifically by Alexander the Great and the Romans. 

History lovers should head to the city centre to view the impressive Hadrian’s Gate that is the entrance into the old town. Nearby, the large archaeological museum holds many artifacts from across Turkey while the local landmark of Hidirlik tower is said to date from the second century .A day should be spent in this old part of the city known as Kaleici.

Antalya Museum

Visit the Ancient City of Perge, the place where most of the statues on display in Antalya Museum were unearthed.

The theater stage has finely carved marble reliefs, and other carvings from around the city are displayed in the stadium.

Amateur archaeologists will want to see the handsome city gate flanked by two lofty towers, a long colonnaded road once paved with mosaics and lined with shops, a large agora, the public baths and a gymnasium.

Manavgat Waterfalls

Gushing waterfalls are plentiful in Antalya with the most popular being Duden that flows into the sea. Manavgat also features on most daily excursions and it has a traditional Turkish tea garden to relax in.

Mount Tahtali cable car ride should be first on the list because it gives an amazing panoramic view over the coastline and backing Taurus Mountains. During high season, be prepared for long queues.

Explore "Turkish Riviera" Antalya

Looking for a riviera holiday in Turkey? My recommendation will be The Antalya region is the second most popular holiday destination in Turkey after Istanbul. 

Walking in Antalya

It attracts everyone from rich and influential millionaires to budget holidaymakers. The long sandy beaches and typical Mediterranean climate lure all nationalities from British, Russians, Scandinavians, and Americans. 

While Antalya city centre has many attractions, hotels, bar and restaurants, people tend to flock to the nearby coastal resorts of which a few include…

Alanya is popular because of its long, sandy beaches, landmark historical castle, and the nearby mountain regions. The resort is open all year round although in winter, sunbathing is definitely off the agenda.

Mediterranean Coast of Antalya

Kemer is typically a manmade resort that heavily features five star all inclusive hotels and large nightclubs. This destination is a favorite for Russians.

Side has the added bonus of the historical amphitheater and structures in the heart of the resort. At the end of the harbour stands the ancient temple of Apollo and the nighttime bars here, make ideal environments for relaxing with close company, while dining on fine food and wine.

Temple of Apollo in Side

Belek is the golfing capital of Turkey. Tiger Woods and other big names have played in many golf courses. This resort is small but ideal if you want luxury at no cost.

Luxury Hotel in Belek 

Gulet Cruising in Turkey

Throughout history and all around the coastline of Turkey, locals have taken to fishing or sponge diving as their main trade. In the beginning, they built small boats but over time, these grew bigger to accommodate sleeping and cooking quarters.

Gulet Cruise

Life was good and then one day, a stranger landed in the small coastal village of Bodrum. His name was Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı and he had been exiled to the region as punishment for his writing work that went against government protocol.

First signs showed he was depressed at this move but gradually, he started venturing out, meeting the locals and exploring the coastline. One day he decided to hire a local fishingman and his boat to sail around the coastline.

Cevat was so excited at this newfound hobby so he invited friends to join him. They left for weeks at a time, visiting ancient ruins and small coastal villages that were at that time, relatively unknown. He also started selling excursions and the beginning of the gulet cruise industry had begun.

Cevat is widely credited with boosting tourism to the region and through his writing work, bringing Turkey to the attention of scholars and historians. Even after his exile was over, he remained in Bodrum, having only spent a brief time in Istanbul. His legacy is of the Fisherman of Halicarnassus.

Today, the coastline regions that are included in all major gulet cruises are named the Turkish Riviera. It receives thousands of visitors every year from the rich and elite who sail in their private yachts to the budget traveller, boarding multipurpose cabin boats.

Standart Cabin in a Gulet

Stretching from Antalya on the Mediterranean coast, to Izmir on the Aegean, the routes visit a variety of natural landmarks, ancient ruins such as Phaseslis and Patara as well as small fishing villages, where tourists can still gain an insight into traditional Turkish life away from tourist and man made destinations.

Gulet Deck

The season traditionally runs from May to October although July to September are considered the best months to sail because this is the height of summer. Most major gullet cruise companies have also extended their routes to cover the Greek islands as well.

Turquoise Coast