Discussion about entry: On the trail of civilization: historical legacy and contemporary lifestyles

by FILIZ HOSUKOGLU | Apr 15, 2008
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This is discussion about On the trail of civilization: historical legacy and contemporary lifestyles.

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by Loti Spencer | Apr 17, 2008

I have read many of the projects posted and have learned about great places to vacation but this project is extremely impressive. Your web page is fantastic! I am sold! Now, I desire to explore the fantastic wonders of your region. I never knew that Turkey/ your region has so much to offer. I hope your project will have a continued success

by FILIZ HOSUKOGLU | Apr 20, 2008

I have also read many of the projects posted, learned about great places. and found out that we all are on the same track. Each participant/ project/ initiative has a different approach in order to present the culture, provide sustainability and benefit to the people of the region. We all have the same common denominator. Our web page is still under construction. We hope we will sustain the project by a user friendly and inteactive website.Please do come to the region and share your experiences with us.

by Julie Hartman | Apr 17, 2008

I TOTALLY agree with you. Who would of known that Turkey was so beautiful and had this much to offer. I would love to take my family to Turkey on vacation. The knowledge they would gain from such a historical and cultural region.

by FILIZ HOSUKOGLU | Apr 20, 2008

If we do not tell what we have, how can we expect others to know what we can offer. The region has so much to offer for families, for groups, for academics, for individuals. The authenticity of the region; food, architecture, handicrafts, archeological sites, natural beauties, so many diversities, colors and sounds integrate in such a unique harmony to give the visitor an incredible experince.

by Larry Jessop | Apr 17, 2008

YES, I have to agree with you both. I am truly amazed by this project. NEVER in a million years would I of thought or wanted to go to Turkey but I have to admit, after seeing the pictures from the web site, I would LOVE to go. Turkey is now at the top of my list for places to go. The historical sites look fascinating. GREAT WORK on this project! CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE!

by FILIZ HOSUKOGLU | Apr 20, 2008

The presentation of the region through our guide, local songs and the film; which are all available on our website, http://www.guneydogumirasi.org/eng/ will hopefully reach more visitors, and inform them about the region. Our web site is under construction. When it is properly done, it will be interactive and user friendly. We as a team worked very hard with a certain budget and at a scheduled time. Fortunately we are happy to receive positive feedback from visitors, and hopefully this number will increase as more people keep visiting the site, and spread the word.

by Samuel Ozer | Apr 17, 2008

I am happy to read such positive feedback regarding your project. Your dedication seems to be paying off. Many people are unaware of other cultures and history outside there own Countries. I hope your project will encourage them the desire to come to your region. Your region has suffered much over the centuries and now I feel it is time to see it flourish. It certainly is deserving. The pictures are gorgeous. 15 Years ago I had the privilege in coming to Turkey on business but never ventured South. I think its time to explore the Southern regions. I didn’t realize how much Turkey has to offer.

by FILIZ HOSUKOGLU | Apr 19, 2008

Dear Samuel, I just downloaded some pictures from my archive for our entry. I am sure you downloaded the guidebook; where nine cities, a general overview, and useful information( hotels, restaurants, transportation) are available. http://www.guneydogumirasi.org/eng/ And the photos in Southeastern Anatolia guide book are from different sources. We had professional photographers who worked with us during the implementation of the project. Plus we received donations from many volunteers. Those professional national and local photographers have opened their archives, and let us use the appropriate photographs for the guide book. I am sure you noticed different art of photography as you read our guidebook. There is a Turkish saying which goes" One is able to perceive the message/ information as much as you are able to give". In other words the more we tell about our region, the more the tourist is informed. I hope you will visit T?rkey and South East Anatolia again, and see the difference.

by Ayse Ersoyer | Apr 19, 2008

Thank you for introducing the unknown part of Turkey. I looked at your guide book, watched your film and listened to your songs from the villages. All reflect the colors of the region.I think your guide book is the first guidebook published for the region by the participation of the local people. I beleive in more people will visit your region after reading your wonderful guidebook.Good work. Congratulations !!!

by FILIZ HOSUKOGLU | Apr 19, 2008

Dear Ayse, Thank you for visiting our website, reading our entry and dropping your comment. http://www.guneydogumirasi.org/eng/ Yes, I totally agree with you. We collaborated with the local people while we collected the data,photos and the songs of the region. During shooting the area we received generous contribution from the local people. In fact the success of this project is the success of the people of the region. Hoping our visitors will identify with me when they visit South East Anatolia, and meet the hospitable local people who are ready to share their bread with them.

by Dirk Alejandro König | Apr 19, 2008

Dear Ms Hosukoglu, It is just great to see such an initiative promoting Southeastern Anatolia. However, Turkey is known as a low-cost, sun&sand tourism destination in Germany - I am confident that your commitment will appeal the FORUM ANDERS REISEN - a federation of 130 small and medium-sized German tour operators with the aim to promote sustainability in tourism. Best regards, Dirk Alejandro König Munich, Germany Master of Arts in Sustainable Tourism Management Ashoka-Volunteer "Geotourism Challenge" ECPAT-Trainer

by FILIZ HOSUKOGLU | Apr 19, 2008

Dear Dirk, Thank you so much for your valuable comment. When one looks at our " Southeastern Anatolia Guidebook, tour overs the pages, watches Mesopotamia film, and listens to our village songs, one can easily say that Turkey is more than sea, sand and sun. Various forms of tourism are available in this region of Turkey; gastro, eco, rural, pilgrimage, health, belief, handicraft. I will contact FORUM ANDERS REISEN in order to promote sustainability in South East Anatolia. Best regards, Filiz Hosukoglu

by FILIZ HOSUKOGLU | Apr 26, 2008

I would like to give little explanations of the photos at "On the trail of civilization: historical legacy and contemporary lifestyles" entry. On the left; 1. The Mars statue holding spear in one hand symbolizing war, and holding a plant from Euphrates symbolizing peace 2. A detail of the stonework from the minaret 3. A regional dessert called “sobiyet” with emerald green Gaziantep pistachio and clotted cream in it 4. Needle work made by counting and combining the threads on pure silk 5. A regional dish prepared with eggplant, almond, pistachio nuts and rice 6. A dessert prepared with bulgur, cracked wheat and grape molasses garnished with organic pistacio nuts by unique photographer Monica Fritz On the right; 1. Gaziantep Archeological Museum, with columns and floor mosaics from Zeugma, a pre Roman town situated at the banks of Euphrates 2. A floor mosaic with wall frescos from Zeugma 3. Baklava (It is a pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped pistachios and sweetened with syrup) and its derivatives in a traditional copper plate 4. Whole flour flat bread prepared by village women 5. Traditional breakfast dish called “ beyran”, boiled rice served with meat, cooked 12 hours, chili pepper and crushed garlic 6. Semolina helva with local cheese and organic pistachio in clay pot by unique photographer Monica Fritz

by Gary Grossman | Apr 20, 2008

This is a superlative entry and effectively embraces the purposes of the Geotourism Challenge program. The website gives a very complete and very beautiful presentation of this incredible region, while still containing accurate information in the context of a highly sustainable project. This will attract people to the region who will be well informed about the things they will see, which are among the most magnificent on the planet. I especially appreciated the opportunity to listen to the folk music of southeastern Anatolia while I looked over the website. It made me feel like I was there already. This is a wonderful project and the degree to which it received support from the citizens of the region underscores its excellence and its promise for the future. I always encourage people to go to the region, but the website provides me something useful to show them as I talk about what they can see. Southeastern Anatolia is one of my favorite areas of the world and this project helps show others why I feel about it as I do. Thanks to all who made it possible.

by FILIZ HOSUKOGLU | Apr 20, 2008

Our website has three main sections; first- the guide of nine cities of the region, a general outlook to the region with all cultural aspects, second our promotional film of the region, and third section, 18 songs from the villages of the region. We have so much to do next in our website. We will have the story of the songs, next to the songs section. Thanks to EU, Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce, both of them supported us financially. Thanks to Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Southeastern Anatolia Project Regional Development Administration GAP BKI, since both supported us logistically and providing all kind of assistance when required. So many actors and participants created this project. The saying “Many hands make light work” describes our project implementation format perfectly. I owe a” big thank you” to those who contributed voluntarily,and whose names are in my heart. Now this guide will help you to show others why Southeastern Anatolia is one of your favorite areas in the world.

by Özhan Yi?itler | Apr 20, 2008

I have been traveling the Southern Anatolia for the time being and always amazed to see tremendous heritage of the civilizations those passed hundreds of years ago. To my dismay, whenever I had to ask for information about a mosque or a local dish, the response was not so equipped with knowledge and wisdom as I expected. So, I had to refer to "foreign" point of views, those who traveled the area, and had more different ways of looking at the subjects, may be influenced by various sources and lacking the local interpretation. Seeing this project, and especially reading the guide that covers such a vast cultural elements, achieving universal point of view, without falling into the trap of self-glorification, I was satisfied to see that it is possible to learn and understand who, why and when things are done in the area in terms of cultural elements. My wish is that this project is turned into a living and up-to-date web site, where people interact with each other and share their own experience with their peers.

by FILIZ HOSUKOGLU | Apr 20, 2008

Thank you for your valuable evaluation. Since you have been traveling the Southern Anatolia for the time being, the guide will be very handy for you. It is not easy to get the right information at the right time. There are various guides written about this region. Most of them lacked the participation of the local people, and are the resaerch of one or two people. Of course this situation means that different ways of looking at the subject is missing in the guides. In this guide in addition to experts; archeologist, historian, city planner, music expert, handicraft expert, gastronomist, phorographers, tourism experts,we had local researchers who provided local data plus local volenteers who participated in all steps of our project, such as helping the crew filming the area, data collecting, reaching local archives of documents and photographs. We tried to cover all cultural aspects of the region with universal point of view. I join in your wish; preparing a living and up-to-date web site where people will interact with each other, and share their own experinces. The Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce is in the process of devising such a web site, since all the outputs of the project have just been produced.

by Judy Lipp | Apr 20, 2008

I really enjoyed the beautiful pictures and information presented about the region. Having lived in Gaziantep for 10 months my husband and I experienced this beautiful culture and friendly people. Unfortunately, we did not have the time to visit some of the areas on the website but maybe someday will return to continue exploring this beautiful and historic area. We will always have fantastic memories of the beauty, people, food, music, architecture and handicrafts of this beautiful area. Very impressive presentation!

by esra basak | Apr 21, 2008

I was lucky enough to visit the Gaziantep region quite recently with the aid of the superb guidebook which is the output of the above mentioned project. It is a brilliant resource to get to know Southeastern Anatolia, its hidden treasures, its customs and culinary culture. As far as I know, it is the most extensive guidebook yet to have been produced about the region. Anatolian Mesopotamia is the ancestral home of many of our actual crops (wheat, some fruits etc), an amazing global heritage naturally, archeologically... Thank you for all of your efforts to inspire and engage so many people to conserve it.

by LinDee Rochelle | Apr 21, 2008

(LinDee Rochelle formerly of Phoenix to my tourmates.) I am one of this project’s American success stories! It was my great pleasure to meet Filiz Hosukoglu and members of her team on a trip to Turkey in May 2006. Filiz organized the trip with Jeni Grossman and her husband, Dr. Gary Grossman, our tour coordinators in the United States. We traveled throughout Turkey, but concentrated on the southeast. It was obvious to all 22 of us on the tour that because of the Southeastern Anatolia project, we were introduced on a much more personal level, to the sights and sounds of Turkey and its rich culture, than we may have otherwise received. In addition to acquainting us with the incredible history, magnificent art and fascinating sights, Filiz even arranged for some of us to stay a few days in the homes of gracious Gaziantep residents. It was amazing! From the mosaics being excavated at Zeugma to an evening at a wonderful bulgar family farm, we learned so much about Turkey and its people. This was no ordinary "touristy" trip. This is what a journey to another country should be about--how are we to create peace if we do not truly know each other? I am still in contact with Nesrin, my house host in Gaziantep. This trip was for me, a life-altering experience that I continue to share with my friends, family, and business associates. Thank you, Filiz! The Southeastern Anatolia Promotion Project is a perfect example of people changing people.

by lottie spencer | Apr 22, 2008

It has been a pleasure and an honor to have the privilege to meet Mrs. Filiz Hosukoglu. I am proud to call her a friend. I met Mrs. 5 years ago and have personally seen her hard word and dedication on this project. Mrs. Filiz Hosukoglu is personally responsible for introducing Gaziantep and the surrounding region to me and my friends. Every time I have needed any help while in the area/Country she has taken the responsibility in being our personal tour guide and introducing all the fantastic flavors Gaziantep has and showing us the amazing sites of the region. Zeugma and the surrounding area is my personal favorite and has became a complete package each time having Filiz Hosukoglu guide us through the sites, the markets, the restaurant . I still crave the baklava and the kebabs from that region. Not only are the sites fantastic the food is also fantastic! I hope this project will introduce to the world what a wondrous region this is. Once you go, you will continue to return. I know I havent been able to get enough of the region

by Said Ozer | Apr 22, 2008

I am a Turk who was born and raised in the USA. My family are from Istanbul and of course throughout my life we would come to Turkey to visit family. On a trip to Turkey 3 years ago, my wife met Filiz Hosukoglu who invited us to Gaziantep. My wife fell in love with Filiz and her sparkling personality and insisted we accept her invitation. On that trip I was amazed to see what my Country has. Mrs. Hosukoglu took the time off from her busy schedule, her hospitality was perfect and spent a week showing my family and friends the spectacular sites this region has. I am proud of Turkey and amazed that I never ventured to the Southern region. I also have to admit Gaziantep has the BEST food. Since that trip, we have been back to Gaziantep and the region 2 times!

by Cheryl Cobern-Browne | Apr 22, 2008

So glad to know about you! I take group to Turkey every couple of years and would love to visit your area! I have taken note of you information and will be in touch sometime. I think what you are doing is important for all the reasons you have stated, but also for sharing such a historically rich part of the world with the rest of us! Cheryl Cobern-Browne Beadventures

by Ahmet KARATAS | Apr 22, 2008

Hoping the local initiatives will provide sustainability for this successful project. Once the people start flowing to the region the word of mouth and interactive web site will help the researchers to find out more about the region. Good work. Congratulations !!

by Ahmet KARATAS | Apr 22, 2008

I visited your website , read your guide ,watched your film and listened to regional songs . Congratulations for your wonderful contribution to the region.

by Murat Ozguler | Apr 23, 2008

As a resident of Gaziantep, I am pleased to see this entry which promotes my city in a positive way. Until now so much of the publicity we have received has been to do with terrorism. Historical interest has largely been confined to Istanbul and the western tourist and historical sites. This guidebook gives detailed historical information about a fascinating but much neglected area of my country - and not just historical but about traditions and cuisine! As a restaurant owner, this last area is of special importance to me!

by Mark Bartholomew | Apr 23, 2008

I have been really impressed by the quality of the pictures in your guidebook and the wealth of information you have included about this little-known area of Turkey. I had never really heard anything about some of the cities you describe, although I have been to Turkey many times and would have called myself something of an expert on your part of the world. I really look forward to coming to see your region because - you're right - I had avoided it as a trouble spot ... but you are fast changing my impression!

by Duygu Erten | Apr 23, 2008

I am lucky enough to be born in Gaziantep. I recently got that wonderful guidebook which is the output of the above mentioned project. It is an amazing book! We needed such a book in that region since a long time. Now, I can comfortably tell all my foreign friends to visit the region. All I need to do is tell them to get a copy of the book. Thank you for all of your efforts to bring out the beauty of the region.

by vandana pagar | Apr 23, 2008

I am a resident of India and a teacher by profession. Next month I will be visiting Turkey with three of my students to participate in a cultural program at Gaziantep. Your guidebook is wonderful and has given us thorough knowledge about the regions in Turkey. I did not know that Gaziantep is such a wonderful place to visit untill I read the guidebook. I studied the project carefully and must mention that the efforts taken to promote various aspects of the regions are worth appreciating. ---------- vandana

by Sarojesh Mukerjee | Apr 23, 2008

Wonderful project and innovative ways of accomplishing the objectives. Wish you the best.

by shilpa ahire | Apr 24, 2008

I had never thought that Turkey would be such an interesting place to visit.I especially wanted to know about Gaziantep,as my friend is visiting the place. The project is very informative and can attract tourists towards Turkey. Great Project!!!

by darshana bhamray | Apr 24, 2008

I am from India. I knew very little about Turkey & your guide book is a great help.any one visiting for the first time will have no problem at all.The region has so much to offer and it will be an incredible experience to one & all.congratulations for your wonderful contributions to the region. Darshana

by Laurie Jessop | Apr 24, 2008

I have enjoying reading the comments from all the participants of the Geotourism challenge. As an American living in a fairly new country, I am intrigued by other countries that have so much history. I have had the opportunity to travel abroad to 12 counties but admittedly never thought to travel to Turkey. Now, since looking at your project, brochure and travel guide I have already contacted my travel agent and will be traveling to Turkey this summer. Thank you for sharing your Country and region with us. It certainly was a hidden treasure that you have generously unveiled to the world.

by Yusuf Yava? | Apr 24, 2008

Great project. Great team work. I believe especially sustainability of it. Good luck... Yusuf Yava?

by rubina ahmed | Apr 24, 2008

I am a teacher of English in Bangladesh and found the given information fascinating. After going through the detailed information given on your web page, I feel this Promotion Project on Southern Anatolia will be a success. The picture painted here seems to bring the region to life and the details (recipes, songs, pictures etc) add much to the overall view. As mentioned, this is not a 'chocolate box stereotype' but the real thing. I congratulate you and expect the results predicted in your promotion to come true in the very near future. Good Luck.

by richard jarvis | Apr 24, 2008

What makes this project unique is its 'home grown' nature. Too many 'development projects' funded by international donors and NGOs ultimately fail because they impose external values, goals and standards on an uncommitted local community. But this project has insisted on local involvement from the outset. And it will benefit an area that has seen little attention from either the international tourists who throng the capital and the Aegean and Turquoise coasts or the business community. Yet without economic advance the old cultural rivalries and ethnic differences will continue to fester. Turkey cannot afford this. But an increase in communication skills is a sine qua non... courses for residents in English for specific purposes are vital and language schools of international standard need establishing throughout the nine cities.

by ruby karmakar | Apr 25, 2008

It is a very good project to increase tourism, share knowledge of historical sites, culture, increase economics.The guide book is going to help tourists to plan their holiday in better way. all the best. Ruby

by James Ngonkai | Apr 25, 2008

As a tourist who has visited this area of Turkey, I can tell you that the pictures really do justice to the place. This really is a wonderful region of the world and one that is so little known. It's good to see so much about the people and their lifestyles in the write up because that, for me, made the place!

by James Ngonkai | Apr 25, 2008

And one more thing to add: it is not as hard to get around the southeast of Turkey as people imagine. The guidebook makes reference to areas which are restricted, but these are really few and far between. Transport infrastructure is great.

by Aysegul Demirsel | Apr 25, 2008

It is really refreshing to read about this project. Filiz hanim is absolutely right: everyone knows about Istanbul, the Aegean and Mediterranean tourist resorts and Ephesus, but the east and south east of Turkey is so little known and has so many treasures. I cannot wait until the Black Sea area gets the same treatment!

by Abrudurrahman Avci | Apr 25, 2008

We are all so pleased to be associated with this project because it has shown our place in a new way. Already we are getting increased interest from the media about our culture and our history. We are on TV and on the radio not just because of terrorism but because we have beautiful sites. Thank you so much. Everyone in the south east supports this entry.

by Adalet Soylu | Apr 25, 2008

It is so good to read about my beautiful home area. I am so proud to be a part of a National Geographic competition. I often watch the Nat Geo programs on TV but I never thought I would be reading about my region. Maybe some day soon on the TV too!

by Adil Ozyazgan | Apr 25, 2008

Like everyone, I am very proud that my region is involved in this competition. We all like the Nat Geographic magazines that we can get from any bookshop or newspaper stand here. But we get them in our own language. I hope that in the next years, we can write comments in the language of the country and that we can read about future projects in Turkish. Then many more people can contribute.

by Adil Saribas | Apr 25, 2008

It is a strange thing to live in one of the oldest regions in the world. (I know that many towns dispute this.) Sitting in my modern Turkish office, I can look over Byzantine castles, old Ottoman mosques and Hittite, Greek, Roman ruins are only a bus ride away. It gives a strange sense of continuity although our religions, ethnicity and so on are so very different. Until now though, very few people could share this feeling. We all hope that this project will change that!

by Adnan Demircioglu | Apr 25, 2008

I know that we have a wonderful region, full of historical sites. But for me the greatest thing is that we have delicious food, beautiful scenery and really hospitable people. I really hope that this competition will encourage more people to appreciate the place.

by Ahmet Yagci | Apr 25, 2008

I wonder if Nat Geo realises quite how popular it is here - the magazine and the TV channel. It is an amazing thing that the east of Turkey is in a competition organised by this organization. I am hope that you will feature us on your TV and in your magazine because it will make everyone understand how interesting my home is. Turkey is not just Istanbul!

by Ahmet Karatas | Apr 25, 2008

Cherry trees in bloom, the smell of roasting lamb, the castle on the hill and the taste of raki. Come and see what it is like to live here.

by Ali Dogan | Apr 25, 2008

I have read some of the comments about this region. My colleagues have mentioned food but most writers have talked about the history. Sure, Zeugma, the walls of Diyarbakir, the houses of Mardin ... but lets not forget the incredible countryside in this region. This is an rea of extremes: very hot summers, freezing snow in winter and ever changing scenery to go with the climate.

by Ayhan Tiryaki | Apr 25, 2008

I am very proud that there is so much about my region to write about. But there should be more about the traditional handicrafts. Already we are seeing the revival of some of the traditional crafts as a result of the guidebook and the CD. Copperware and Yemeni slippers are all in evidence in the shops now that summer approcahes and tourists are expected. This project has made a real difference to peoples livelihoods in my town.

by Ayla Gulin | Apr 25, 2008

Many commentators on this site have talked about the history - of course, they are right although my children wouldnt agree. The next popular thing is the food. Again, everyone in Turkey would agree that Antep food in particular is delicious. But nobody has mentioned the music. The CD contains some very special music - songs that you do not hear everyday anymore. My father was involved in helping the researchers choose traditional songs. What a privilege!

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IMPRESSIVE!

IMPRESSIVE !

AGREED!

AGREED

CONGRATULATIONS!

CONGRATULATIONS !

gorgeous pictures

gorgeous pictures

South East of Turkey

South East of Turkey

The other Turkey...More than a low-cost tourism destination

The other Turkey...More than a low-cost tourism destination

The photos at " On the trail of civilization" entry

Southeastern Anatolia Promotion Project

Southeastern Anatolia Promotion Project

A Fresh Look At the Region

A Fresh Look At The Region

Brought back wonderful memories!

A living heritage

Thank you - Southeastern Anatolia Promotion Project

great job Filiz

thank you!

Visiting Turkey

Sustainability

Wonderful Project

Southeastern Anatolia Project

A stunning contribution to the development of SE Turkey

what a wonderful project

Amazing Turkey!

Southern Anatolia

Great Project !!!

Amazing

thank you for sharing your hidden treasure

On the trail of civilization: historical legacy and contemporary

Southern Anatolia Promotion Project

Southeastern Anatolia Promotion Project

Congratulation for the useful project

Gaziantep and the South East is Wonderful

Easy to get around the southeast

South eastern Turkey

Living in the south east of Turkey

My Home Place

Writing in Turkish about Turkey

Continuous Civilisation

Mesopotamia

My City in a Nat Geo Competition

I am so happy

The Best Thing is The Countryside

Photographs

Traditional Dances and Songs