It’s getting colder now. Late last night the thermometer went into single figures (9 degrees) for the first time. But most days are pleasant and sunny, and we’re pushing on with a long list of projects. Small steps, but we’re getting there. For example, we had a solar hot water system installed on the roof today, and I spent the afternoon pulling down the last of the old shed so we can re-use the bricks to make raised beds in the garden.
Still, that kind of activity doesn’t necessarily lead to good photos. So I’ve decided to use this post to show you more of the beautiful towns and landscapes we’ve found on our days off, touring around what was once Ionia.
First, Şirince: this pretty town in the mountains is very popular and worth the drive up from Selçuk. Local mythology says it was founded by escaped slaves from Ephesus. Until 1926 it was called Çirkince (“ugly”) which was apparently a strategy to discourage too many visitors.
Distinctive Greek architectural influences.
View from the window of the old Byzantine church.
Looking across the rooftops as the sun sets.
Shop selling fabric.
On another trip we visited some friends who were staying in the much quieter village of Eski Doğanbey, on the south side of the Dilek National Park peninsula. This place has a similar Greek heritage to Şirince. Both villages were inhabited by Greeks during Ottoman times, and it was only in the earliest days of the new Turkish state, during the population exchanges of 1923, that Turkish farmers first moved in. In Eski Doğanbey those farmers found that they preferred working the flatter, more fertile land down in the Menderes valley, and so the town was abandoned for many years. In recent decades people have started restoring the traditional stone houses, but the village remains a quiet place to get away from everything.
Looking south from Eski Doğanbey to the mouth of the Menderes and the Aegean sea.
Restored house with fantastic bay window.
Streets of Eski Doğanbey by moonlight.
We also returned to the mountains behind our house. We tried a different road this time, east to İncirliova (halfway to Aydın) and then north, across the hills to Tire. It is very special up there.
Pine forest, lake, and sweeping views in the mountains.
Top left shows geological strata in a road cutting; bottom right there’s a tiny farmhouse.
And finally, the latest animal-related drama: we always suspected that Sütlaç had had a litter of kittens in summer. They must have been under our noses all along, as the three of them are now living in the field across from our house, and we’re feeding them regularly. Aydın has a shelter for dogs, but there’s nowhere to take cats, so the responsibility is on us.
They’re just a bit too timid to allow themselves to be picked up (yet), but are very sweet nevertheless.
More kittens.
This is just so lovely – the fabric looks great *love* imagining what to do with new fabrics!
I love that your eye went straight to the fabric shop out of those photos. :) Definitely lots of possibilities around here for buying cheap but nice fabrics and making your own cushions, curtains, etc.
I love the streets of Eski photo, would be perfect as a large canvas print for a humble wall.
I’m flattered; thanks. You know, I keep meaning to print some of my better photos but still haven’t gotten around to it. If you or anyone else wants to print one, just say the word and I will put the full-sized image up on Google+ or somewhere.
Hi Jason and Sirem
Jason: your newly developed skills continue to impress us. First an expert concreter; then making a genuine Turkish sofa; then demolishing a shed so as to reuse the bricks. The countryside near your place seems full of great views and historical sites. We hope to get over there to see your development before too long.
Hope this continues to find you both well.
Cheers
Marg and John
Thanks, both of you. You’re very kind. The trick is, I am not showing you the photos of the things I screw up. :)
We look forward to your visit. Every time we go for a drive, it seems, we’re adding to the list of potential places to show you.
Hey Jason, just wanted to share that it’s very satisfactory to read a blog by someone who can make such excellent photographs!
Best, JP
PS. Have you considered neutering some of you animals?
Thanks, JP. It’s all down to you: you’re my photography Yoda, you know that. :)
And of course we neuter them! We just had Şurup and Sütlaç, two of the former street cats, done last week. The problem is that not everyone who owns animals in the area is similarly minded.
Beautiful pictures and one more reason to visit: fabric shopping!!
Thanks, Bonny. Definitely lots of fabric opportunities around.
hello
That nicest places. The third picture looks like the Albaicin.
Hola, Julio. I agree, there’s a resemblance to the Albaicin for sure. And we’re very lucky — some great places around here. Hope to see you soon, so you can check them out for yourself.