Delights of Turkey

I have never seen a more wonderous place; and I have traveled a lot. It's not that there aren't incredible sights to see in many other places, its just that nothing is as varied, as historical, as wonderous, as is Turkey. And believe me, there is something for everyone. From the beaches of Antalya, Marmaris or the Black Sea; from the high plateau of Ankara to the gateway to the Orient at the Bosphorous; whether watching the Prince Islands slipping into the sea, or gazing in wonder at the limestone deposits of Pamukkale; the wonder of Ararat; the hustle and bustle of Kapilicarsi in Istanbul; Topkapi, Aya Sophia, the Blue Mosque; Samsun; Trabzon; Alanya; Adana; everywhere: It's marvelous; it's wonderful!

If you haven't visited, then I suggest you do. If you have or are from there, go back; relive some happy memories. And when your not filling your eyes with the enchanting sights; or filling your mind with the history; then fill your stomach with delicious Turkish food. It truly is some of the best food in the world.

And as you think about it; whether your contemplating going for the first time or going again, take a second to enjoy the slide show on the right. There are sixty pictures from all around Turkey for your enjoyment. We have more and will change them every so often; so come back again and again for your virtual sightseeing tour through the most wonderful place on earth. And if you have some digital pictures you would like displayed, please attach them to an Email and send them on in.

The Turkish Sofra

Sis Kofte Broad flat skewers about 1cm wide are best for this dish. ----------------------------------- 2 lbs minced lamb (or beef) 2 medium onions 1 egg 1 tsp salt pepper to taste ----------------------------------- 1. The meat should have been put through the mincer twice, and be only moderately fat. 2. Mix all the ingredients together and knead for 10 minutes. then divide into egg-sized pieces and set aside. 3. Take a little of the mixture, squeeze it in your hand and rub it over the skewers until they are sticky. 4. Taking one egg-sized piece at a time into your palm, work it around the skewer, gradually squeezing it lengthwise. 5. Cook on a barbecue, 2 minutes for each side. Serve like shish kebab with pita bread and salad.

Yoghurtlu Patlican Salatasi
(Eggplant Salad with Yoghurt)
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2 large eggplant
3 cloves of garlic
3/4 cup yoghurt
1 tblsp olive oil
sprigs of parsley (to garnish)
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1. Char the eggplant over an open flame (gas ring or barbecue) until they are soft and the peel flakes. Scrape off the peel, rinsing off any remaining pieces, and cut off the stalks.
2. As each eggplant is ready, place it in a bowl containing the oil and sprinkle with lemon juice. Finally add the yoghurt and beat well with a fork.
3. Crush the garlic with the salt, add to the mixture and stir well. Garnish with parsley.


Sema Karaoglu