We took the bus to town and walked the long way through town to enjoy it a little more. We bought some of the local bread because it smelled so good! Their bread is wonderful. And they give you a lot of bread for a reasonable price. We think it was about a 2 km walk from our bus stop to the museum area of town. As we were walking, we kept checking our map to see if we could find where we were. As we passed a mosque being built, we saw behind it one of the museums mentioned in my Lonely Planet book. Hooray! This area of Ankara is called Ulus. It is the older part of the city. As it was still daylight and a warm day, we decided to wait on exploring the museum and instead continue our quest for the Bazaar and, by now, some lunch.
We then came across an area of town with uniform housing selling predominately Muslim prayer mats. It seemed to be a more conservative area of Ankara. We found a local restaurant where we ordered Pide, Turkish pizza made on long, thin bread. We were escorted to the upstairs area, where we noticed that many women were sitting. The only time men came upstairs was if they were with their family. The downstairs was for men and the upstairs was for women. At this restaurant we found yet another Turkish person who spoke basic German, so my German friend was able to communicate and exchange friendly conversation. After lunch, we continued through this conservative area for a while longer, taking pictures of the beautiful view of the Ankara castle, which is what Ataturk faces in his tomb in order to see the Turkish flag waving every day.
This area led straight into the Bazaar. We found it! Hooray! This place was incredible. On one side was the most fresh looking fruits and vegetables I have ever seen, and on the other side was every type of meat imaginable, along with a few dessert shops. I think the produce was a bit cheaper here than in the supermarkets, but you have to enjoy this kind of shopping, where the vendors are advertising their product at the top of their lungs. This then led to a spice market. I wish I could capture smells as well as sights. It is so neat to be in an area where there are more pounds of spices than the weight of the people shopping. Imagine how that aroma would smell - all of the flavors mixing together in this concoction of smells. It was at this point that I really felt like I had arrived in Turkey. This was what I was expecting it to be like everywhere: locals selling their various products, bartering with the owners, out in the open. What I have now realized is that yes, Turkey has this, but it is so much more than its Bazaars. It is urban, modern, diverse, and above all, friendly. However, finding a Bazaar was still incredibly cool!
Continuing through this Bazaar of food leads to a Bazaar like area selling everything else imaginable, including refrigerators, washers and dryers, H-Vac systems, pottery, clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. Exiting the stuff Bazaar, we bought Turkish Delight at one of the local shops. It has the consistency of something between a marshmallow and jello. We tried a few that were covered in coconut flakes and a few fruit flavored ones. It is yummy, but not as good as the kind in Narnia, you know, because it was special Turkish Delight made by the white witch so that you always want more. Ours had no magic spell on it. At least, I don't think it did.....
We then returned to the museum, called Vakif Eserleri Muzesi, which is also called, in my guidebook, Ankara Museum of Religious Foundation Works. It mainly displayed carpets that had previously been in mosques from all over Turkey. Unfortunately, the descriptions were in Turkish, so I'm not sure how old these carpets are. But, regardless, Turkey is famous for its carpets, so, fittingly, they have a museum dedicated to their carpets. I noticed almost all of them had the color red in them. I'm not sure if red is a holy color in Islam, but either way, they like red. This museum also displayed pottery, metalwork, woodwork, and books. It was neat to see and appreciate artifacts even when we don't know much about them. This museum is free, so extra bonus!
Sunday I decided to have an adventure and try to find the church that I had been in contact with for many weeks. I called for a taxi from my dorm, showed him the address given to me by my contact, and he took me directly there! I was so thrilled! There was no complication, no language barrier. He took me exactly where I wanted to go! The church is held on the US Air Force base area. It's not technically an Air Force base, because, instead of being stationed here, you are deployed to this outpost. It seems to be a shared space between Turkish Air Force and American Air Force. This church, however, serves all those working for the US Embassy in Ankara, the international schools, and any military personnel. First there is a traditional Lutheran service, complete with LSB hymnal, followed by a more contemporary Protestant service. I believe an army chaplain gave the sermon for the Protestant service, while a Lutheran pastor lead the first service. Both the chaplain and the Lutheran pastor are relatively new to Turkey. I think both have moved here in the last two months. It is encouraging for me to see others who are having language barrier issues and having to adjust to a new, exciting life while they serve in Turkey.
It was so wonderful to be surrounded by Christians again. The joy within me has been bursting all day. I am so thankful for these faithful people who are serving God and their country while abroad. They were so welcoming. I feel so honored and blessed to have this encouragement while studying abroad. The Lord really is caring for me in unfathomable ways. Praise Jesus Always. They served lunch and then had a Bible Study time where they are currently watching a video series on marriage and how to love, honor, and respect your spouse.
So, yes, I had an amazing weekend. Two more fabulous days in Turkey!
I encourage you all to read Isaiah 40 when you get the chance. Here is the ending verse, which is one of my favorite verses:
Isaiah 40:31:
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Pictures are on Shutterfly website: https://experienceturkey2015.shutterfly.com/
What a wonderful weekend and how marvelous that you have found fellow Lutherans! The Lord is indeed good!
ReplyDeleteSoaring with you Hannah! Thanks for all the details...I think I can smell the spices.
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