The visit to Turkey

The Report of the visit to Turkey

Report of the fifth visit of the  Comenius Project

‘Europe in a Museum’ held in Turkey

 from 23rd to 27th February 2015

23^rd February Monday

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All partners met at the hotel lobby in the morning. We boarded the bus and went to the Private Altas College. There we were welcomed by some musicians and singers. They were singing folklore songs and the lady in traditional costume gave us candies. We were impressed by the labels on the stairs with words welcome in each partners’ languages. Owner of the college welcomed us in his office where we had a Turkish tea.

Then we came to Fera’s office and we had project meeting where Olympia addressed to the group her remarks. We discussed the next project activities and changed ideas for them.

 Welcome ceremony at Altas conference hall started with national hymns of all partners and continued with welcome speeches from some of the guests and artistic programme.

After ceremony we visited town hall and mayor of Ordu. 

We came back to school and had lunch at Altas College.

We continued our tour by using the ropeway at the top of Boztepe Hill, which affords a panoramic view of the city from 450 metres above sea level. We could have a spectacular view of the black sea port city Ordu. While we were coming back the journalist from TV programme at Altas TV interviewed the partners for their first impressions of Turkey and Ordu.

24^th February Tuesday

In the morning of the second day, we boarded the bus for the all day trip to Samsun. First, we visited the museum of Ataturk’s house. Between 25 May 1919 and 12 June 1919 Atatürk stayed and worked in this building which was known as Mesudiye Hotel. The room that Atatürk stayed was in the second floor.

Later we visited to streamer Bandirma Ship. One of the important actors in the historical date of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, May 19, 1919, was the Bandırma Ship. It carried Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the spark of sovereignty to Anatolia.

Our next stop was Samsun ethnography and archaeology   museum.   It is located at the centre of the city. There we saw exhibited numerous pieces belonging to the Bronze Age, Hittite, Hellenistic, Rome, Seljuk and Ottoman Periods such as sarcophagus, stelas, loamy stones, various architectural masterpieces and embossments.

Additionally, the valuable museum is divided into two as archaeology and ethnographic parts; while in archaeology section, there are displayed the works dating back from chalcolithic period to Rome Era, the ethnographic section includes traditional Turkish costumes like bindallı, pesgir and coins, clock bags, manuscript Korans, knickknacks, guns, kitchen utensils, rugs and carpets. On the other hand, that miraculous museum consists of two saloons (halls).In the middle of the hall, it is located a special mosaic belonging to the Rome Emperor Alexander Severus (B.C 222-235) Period. This original mosaic contains different mythological figures, famous Trojan War scene with heroes of Achilles and Thetis, the portraits symbolizing the seasons, geometrical and botanical motives.

When we stepped into here, the dreamy and magical atmosphere grabbed us and those amazing materials, works and pieces left our breathless.

The next thing we did was a guided tour around Amazon Village Museum. This artificial village reflects the ancient time; especially the story of life style of Amazon. Women also called as Tupi is represented here. Moreover, within that section, there are situated slaves in the prison. All slaves are exhibited as men, which shows that in that period, men were abused, manipulated by Amazon women. Thus this area laying a bridge between past and future provides the visitors to observe the prehistoric times and History of Amazons who are the fearless, powerful women warriors. Glorious, symbol of Amazon female warriors and their courage, one of the very valuable masterpieces in Samsun, Amazon Sculpture meets the visitors within the entry section of Amazon Island. This gigantic statue consists of three parts like female warrior, her shield and lance.

After visiting Amazon village we went up to Amisos hill by the ropeways. Amisos Hill offered us a sea view, Hellanistic era tombs. We had a lunch there and we tasted some local dishes. They were so delicious!

Our trip continued with visiting to Mintika Palace (Gazi Museum) where Atatürk stayed for 6 days in this building during his first arrival to Samsun on 19 May 1919. In that time this building was known as “Mintika Palace” (hotel).

25^TH February Wednesday

At 09:00 am we met at the hotel lobby for a tour to Persembe town along the seaside.

We enjoyed the curvy road leading to Persembe and our first stop was Hoyt Island. In the old times, this place was used as a harbour. And today it still is but this time for the European Shag. It is the only place that they nest in all over Turkey. We enjoyed this journey more and more after each stop. We felt the smell of the sea and once again remembered where we are.

Jason's Church was our second stop. The 19th century Byzantine Jason Church located at Yason cape in Persembe district, now converted into an archaeological museum.

Next we had a lunch at Bolaman . We had the opportunity to taste delicious Turkish dish “pide”. After lunch we visited Tasbasi church and culture centre. The church was built in the middle of the 19th Century in white stones. It has been restored by the department of culture and is now used as a culture centre. Then we came back to Ordu and visited Pasaoglu mansion and ethnography museum.

Pasaoglu Mansion and Ethnography Museum is located at the centre of the city, Ordu on Boztepe Road. This glorious structure was built by Pashaoglu Hüseyin Efendi well known as richest and noble person in Ordu in 1896. It emphasizes the Ottoman famous history both its architecture and the materials belonging to period hence, the magnificent building provides to the visitors a slice of Ottoman Life. When we came into here, we made a historical journey thanks to the vital ambiance of the mansion.

26^th February Thursday

In the morning of the third day, we boarded the bus for the all day trip to Trabzon. First, we visited Ayasofya museum. The historic Hagia Sophia in Trabzon is an impressive 13th century Byzantine church which now operates as a museum boasting a range of fascinating ancient frescoes. We could explore the unique art and architecture found writhing. Built in the thirteenth century, the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) of Trabzon is an example of byzantine architecture with the typical dome structure in the middle. The Hagia Sophia of Trabzon might be smaller than the one in Istanbul but it can hold its own and is a “must visit,” if you are in the region.

Later we visited Ataturk Pavilion. The house was given as a "gift" to Atatürk in 1924. He stayed in the house three times during his trips to Trabzon. The small room on the first floor was set with various photographs taken during his life and during his visits to Trabzon. In the next room we saw the armchairs and the sofas that Atatürk rested. On one of them, the following sentence was written on a plate: “In here Atatürk signed the document stating the donation of all his belongings to the people”. The other room was furnished as the dining room of Atatürk.
The house was built in 1903 and much of the furniture pre dates 1937. It is well kept and in excellent condition, so we got a good idea of domestic history at that time. In the third floor of the lodge there were Atatürk’s bedroom, bathroom, aide's rooms and the study room. The lodge, with its large flower garden, is one of the most beautiful houses we have ever seen.

Later we went to a restaurant for lunch, where we tasted some local dishes like: fish, meatball, salad and rice.

The next place we visited was Sumela Monastery. It is absolutely amazing! Perched high on a cliff in the mountains south of the city, it's got fantastic views and a rich history. All the more fun driving up the side of the mountain on a one lane unprotected road in the snow. We cannot even imagine how they built that monastery there many centuries ago. Walking up to entrance was already a very tiring experience. However it worth so much to climb there and see the amazing view and structure. We reached the entrance, out of breath but our first view of the inside courtyard, confirmed that this was a worthwhile visit. A long flight of steps led down to the main courtyard, passing living quarters on the way.

On the way come back we stopped at the restaurant for a dinner - traditional akcabat meatball, salad, rice, dessert.

27^th February Friday

For the last day, our Turkish partners have organized a bus trip to Giresun. We departed from the hotel in the morning. First, we visited Sagra Special chocolate Café and we bought delicious products of the chocolate factory. Next we went to Giresun. Our first stop was in Giresun Castle

Its location a top a hill gets nice views out to Black Sea and one of its few islands. We took many photos and continued our trip with visiting Giresun Museum (Gogora Church). This 18th century Orthodox Greek church has been transformed to the archaeological museum displaying an impressive collection of Ottoman artifacts.  There are plenty of materials being displayed from Bronze Age to Ottoman Empire Time.

After delicious lunch we came back to Ordu and went to school to say Good bay to some of our Turkish friends.

At the evening we had farewell party.  We watched and listened to the band playing the traditional instruments, singing traditional songs and even we tried to dance traditional dances. They were difficult for us but we enjoyed so much!

We all had a fantastic time in Turkey! We are looking forward the next meeting in Poland.