| |
|
Anatolian
Civilisations |
The
immense ochre plateau of Anatolia, with the vast
depression of the Salt Lake, cut of valleys and
dominated by high volcanoes, is the heart of Turkey.
Covered with cereals fields and poplars plantations that
dissimulate small villages, this steppe is as harsh as
attaching.
Called "the cradle of Civilisations" this plateau is the
native earth of many populations as well as their battle
fields: in this lands Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians,
Galates, Romans, Byzantines, Seldjuks and Ottomans
fought each in turn, to establish their domination.
The cultural heritage
of Southern Anatolia and the richness of its past, still
alive, invite |
 |
|
 |
you to
the discovery of the wonderful works belonging to
various periods. The steps of History begins in early
ages and goes back up till 7000 B.C. The Tiger and
l'Euphrates surround the saint land that saw the father
of the religions, Abraham, to be born and to grow up.
The prophet Abraham was born and lived in the city of
Sanliurfa then Ur, and immigrated for Harran that was
the most important cultural and historic centre of
Mesopotamia. With the archaeological works, it is
necessary there to see there the remains of one of the
oldest Islamic universities. From the plains of
Mesopotamia, going towards the north the first highest
impressive mountain that one can see is the mount
Nemrut. On its summit, at 2150 meters of altitude, sets
the ruins of the spectacular sanctuary of the king
Antiochos. In an extraordinary site, the |
gigantic statues
contemplate the eternity in silence.
Turkey is one of the rare countries in the world
offering such a density of historic sites. Prestigious
or anonymous, they present harmoniously a subtle mixture
of historic and biblical past; mystical and ethnic
cultures. A voyage through the time…
Itinerary: 15 days
Some interest of this trip are the following ones:
Ankara:
Chosen by Ataturk to become the capital of the country,
this city has today the Turkish government in the
strategic heart of Turkey. In an old bazaar transformed
into a museum, you will discover a precious collection
of handcrafts from Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Hattis,
Hittite, Phrygian, ourarteans, Roman… the summary of
rich passed.
Cappadocia:
The heart of vast anatolian steppe hides a strange land
which was born from fire, generated by the ashes of two
volcanoes. With its unique geological formations in the
world, it is unquestionably the eighth wonder… It became
the first settlement of the Christianity…
Kayseri:
Set at the foot of the majestic mount Erciyes, this city
also famous for its mausoleums, knew to keep traces of
its strategic position on the caravan road.
Mount Nemrut:
As a proof of fascinating genius, the gigantic funeral
sanctuary edified by Antiochos the 1st, king of
Commagene, is standing at the summit of the highest
mountain of Mesopotamia.
Diyarbakir:
Formerly known as Amida, this city will make you get
beyond some invisible frontiers, in a different world,
on the confine of the biblical lands, as if the black
walls that still round this city had contributed to its
situation outside the time.
Mardin:
A city at the confluence of three ethnic groups:
Turkish, Arabic and Kurdish; beautiful abodes with
dressed stones terraces reminding the Middle-Age, often
reveal an architectural treasure and finely worked
Islamic monuments: the Ulu mosque, The medressa of
Sulatn Isa… We will do an excursion to the "Deyrul
Zafaran" monastery, still occupied by Syrian orthodox
monks.
Sanliurfa (Harran) :
This city of the prophet Abraham, the ancient Ur and
Edesse proudly exposes the heritage of all the
civilisations that went through it. Not far away, Harran
is the city to the strange and typical houses ant hills.
Antakya:
The ancient Antiochos is very rich culturally. In this
biblical city set on the edges of Oronte, in a fertile
plain surrounded by fabulous mountains, the communities
of St Bernabe and St Peter were called for the first
time "Christians".
Adana:
Fourth biggest city of Turkey and capital of Cilicia,
Adana presents an occidental aspect contradicted by the
oriental animation of its streets. |
|
