As travel journalists we sometimes visit a country that captures our hearts and Türkiye did just that. In December 2022, we traveled to Istanbul. Before we landed, we knew our journey in this ancient country would be transformative. We entered the country with no expectations but what we experienced was beyond anything we could have hoped for.
It’s hard imagining the massive earthquakes that have thrown this beautiful land, and its neighbor Syria, into chaos and agony. As of this writing the death toll has climbed to over 47,000 from the massive 7.8 earthquake and subsequent 6.4 earthquake that hit the province of Hatay and bordering Syria. It is heartbreaking watching the tragedy unfold and knowing our new friends may be impacted from a distance.
The earthquakes impacted the southeastern territory of Türkiye–nearly 500 miles from Istanbul, so our friends and their immediate family members are not directly impacted. (According to the state department, Turkey will be spelled Türkiye as per the country’s request.) Not knowing the status of the other beautiful souls we met has made us reflect on them and the many things that made us fall in love with the country–from the generous Turkish hospitality and rich history to the beautiful landscape and food.
Turkish people are renowned for their hospitality, warmth and kindness towards visitors. We remember the beautiful and extraordinary designer of haute couture, Simay Bülbül, and her husband who spent three weeks researching ancient recipes with her chef in preparation for a unique private dinner at her incredible home. She hired a quartet of talented musicians who accompanied our six course meal (with exquisite wine pairings); Simay and her husband performed a traditional dance while we enjoyed dessert and coffee. This night was magical.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF TÜRKIYE
From the Hittites to the Byzantines, Türkiye is a country steeped in the deep culture of ancient civilizations. But don’t discredit its contemporary modernization offerings which are a melting pot of East and West. Istanbul’s bustling streets are artfully split by crossing from the European side to the Asian side of the city. My husband and I enjoyed iconic attractions like the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower and Hagia Sophia.
The flavors of Türkiye and those who shared their dishes were proud of the flavors and aromas that graced our table.. Every meal from a kebab to a meze platter was a feast for our senses and we savored every bite.
We ate our way through Türkiye. Every meal from a kebab to a meze platter was a feast for our senses and we savored every bite. Much of the Turkish food we consumed included dishes made with ancient grains, accompanied by plates of vegetables, hummus and fruit that rivals the freshness of fruit from the Caribbean. Sitting down for dinner was not the standard 3 or 4-course meal we typically enjoy in America. A Turkish meal consists of several small plates that begin with pickles, soup, cold and hot starter, then the main course (or two), dessert and coffee or tea. For our last dinner, 10 different tapas-like dishes were served family style: lamb chops and meatballs to salads and grilled vegetables. The food was delicious but it kept coming and coming. Each time we thought we tasted the last plate we’d be served another dish. We finally told the chef we couldn’t eat another bite and he seemed surprised and sad.
HOW TO HELP TÜRKIYE Türkiye
long captured our imagination and after visiting it deeply touched our spirits as well. But our hearts are heavy as we witness the pain, loss and devastation Türkiye is enduring.
Our thoughts are with the people of Türkiye and Syria in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes. We are thankful our friends are safe, but our hearts are breaking for those who were not spared the devastation and continue to endure the aftermath of tremors.
As global citizens, we are reminded about our responsibility to lend a helping hand to those in need. We’re doing our part. If you feel led, please consider donating to a reputable charity supporting the relief efforts. USAID.gov has a list of vetted organizations, and the following have a 100 percent rating on Charity Navigator:
Syrian American Medical Society Foundation
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Plan International Inc.
Direct Relief
The world is a big place. But it’s events like these that remind us we are all in this together. May we continue to find ways to show love, compassion and aid to our neighbors both near and far.
Source : Miami Herald