Didn't get these posted last night.... so here we go.....There were olive groves everywhere today..... and stores that sold nothing but olives... 30 varieties or more.... when we had lunch at a little hole in the wall, just ordering fast food, this came before our food.. free. They were quite possibly the best olives I've had in 25 years.
Another kitty...kedi, that is. I haven't seen a single mosque without one or more.. and there are tons everywhere. Some are a bit scruffy, but they must not be mistreated, because they all come to be patted and have their ears scritched. This particular one has good taste in dishes.... she is eating from a dish with a traditional Iznik pattern.....
Iznik was the center of the art world in the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century (for a couple hundred years before that) making the wonderful glazed tiles and other pottery and porcelain. Here are samples of vases and tankards. BIG tankards.
Ataturk thought of Bursa as home and his image is everywhere. He was and is highly revered as the father of Turkey.... and his vision helped shape a remarkably functional society. He was the first non-Ottoman in over 1000 years to lead the area when he led the fight for independent status (mostly against Greece) in the nasty years following WWI.
The gentleman looking at the pictures on the sidewalk is actually a Turkish biology teacher who paints as a sideline. I bought two of his little pictures and he proudly signed them. I guess all teachers have to do something to supplement the income. He was pleased since several of our group bought his work.
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