Kurban Bayrami/Sacrifice festival

The day before Kurban Bayram starts is called Arefe. This is a day when people visits the graves of those who are not among them anymore and plant flowers on the graves. In Alanya the municipality provides it's inhabitants with free flowers to be planted on the graves. 

During the four-day holiday, which takes place from Nov. 6-9 of this year, Muslims worldwide remember and celebrates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. God saw this, intervened and provided him with a ram to be sacrificed in his son's stead.

There are special places for the sacrifices of animals (usually a cow or a sheep). As there are not enough butchers for a day like this the sacrifices take place at special appointed places. It can be a warehouse, a car-wash or some other empty premises. In Turkey it is forbidden to sacrifice animals in places that are not appointed for this purpose. Unfortunately there are still many doing the sacrifice in their own gardens!

The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three parts. The family keeps one third of the share, another third is given to friends and neighbors and the last third is being donated to the less fortunate. For many people this is the one time per year when they can have meal with meat!

During Bayram people are not meant to fight. You have to be nice to everyone! The first day of Bayram is normally spent with family. The other days with relatives and friends. This is also a time when people dress in new clothes, meaning that it boosts sales in Turkey! 

Iyi Bayramlar!

Turkey cancels Republic Day parades after deadly quake

Turkish officials have cancelled parades traditionally held every year to celebrate the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the province of Van on Sunday, plunging the nation into grief over a disaster that has left at least 570 people dead. President Abdullah Gül had also earlier cancelled an Oct. 29 reception commemorating the founding of the Turkish Republic due to the earthquake. A statement released by the Office of the President on Monday declared that the reception had been cancelled “while work continues to save any citizens found under the rubble and while our people continue to suffer deep grief.” Republic Day commemorates the day Mustafa Kemal Atatürk proclaimed Turkey a republic. Source: Todayszaman.com

29 Ekim Cumhuriyet Bayramı / 29 October Republic Day

The Turkish Republic was officially recognized on October 29 1923. Since that day it is a public holiday. The celebrations will start already after lunch on October 28. You will see the Turkish flag with the picture of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on it everywhere. The Turkish Republic was founded by Mustafa Kemal Paşa, later known by everyone as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk meaning the father of the Turks. (More interesting reading about Atatürk: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustafa_Kemal_Atat%C3%BCrk ) 

The way the Turks do! #3

Why not do like the Turks do and have a soup for breakfast!

A common soup for breakfast is the red lentil soup! Here's a recipe like the Turks like to prepare it

Sebzeli mercimek çorbası

1 glass of red lenses
1 tbsp rice
1-2 onion
1 carrot
1 potato
3-4 capsicum
1 tsp red pepper paste
garlic
1-1,5 beef bouillon or vegetable bouillon
2 tbsp butter
water
salt, pepper

Put all the ingredients in a pot and cover with water. Let cook for about 20-25 minutes. Then mix everything with a blender. If the soup is too thick then add some hot water. Serve with fresh bread, lemon and why not some hot pepper!

Afiyet Olsun! (Bon appetit!)

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Hamam; turkish bath!

A visit to a Hamam while you are in Turkey is a must! You will get cleaner than you have ever been before!

The procedure starts with being provided a loin cloth by the personnel that you should use all the time while in the hamam. Women are recommended to wear a bikini. You will first be asked to take a shower and after that to lay down on the hot marble, working up some sweat to open the pores and loosen up the muscles. In some hamam's they have a sauna where you can go in first before laying on the marble.

Then the treatment begins! Either by a woman with a strength like a man or by a man. They will start by rubbing you with a rough glove. You will see all the dirty skin coming off you, all black and nasty, like you never washed your body before! After that treatment they will pour lots and lots of foam on you, washing and massaging you at the same time. Be prepared at some unexpected reverses of your body! After that time for a shower again and then maybe relaxing in a cool pool. Then it all ends by a traditional oil massage. You will be feeling like a new person.

Have a look at the video where friends gathered in a hamam to spend some fun time together and at the same time getting clean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCC37cEkU5k&feature=fvst

Rain!

We have been longing for it! This is just unusual during this time of year but very welcome!

Have a virtual view!

http://www.alanya360.com/en/

When talking about good Turkish manners....

Yesterday a popular Turkish singer, Hande Yener, performed outside Alanya. A person in the crowd called her Abla, whereupon the singer answered: "Don't call me Abla! My own son doesn't even say mother to me!"

http://www.sondakika.com/haber-hayrani-abla-deyince-2983929

Respect and good manners: Turks vs Europeans

First of all it would be better to state that this is a general point of view!

Respect in Turkey
For many decades ago we would all address persons we didn't know with You! In English there is no difference like in French: tu or vous, or like in German: Du or Sie/Ihr. This is still common in some countries in Europe, but in the majority it's fading out and is being less and less used. In Europe when being formal one also uses Mr/Mrs followed by the surname.

In Turkey this varies but it's still most common to address people you don't know or elderly people with You. In Turkish it would be Siz and when you are familiar then you can say Sen. The Turks have another way of being formal or rather showing respect towards each other. That is by using the words Abi (big brother), Abla (big sister), Teyze (aunt), Amca (uncle), Baba (father), Anne, (mother), usually followed after the first name of the person being addressed. E.g Mehmet abi or Sinem abla.

When to use which one then?
Abi or Abla is used when the person is slightly younger than yourself or older. Teyze and Amca will be used when they are in an age they might have been your uncle or aunt. Anne and Baba are used as they are named but can also be used instead of Teyze and Amca when one wants to show more respect to the person. Of course a married couple will call their parents-in-law for anne and baba.

I guess that we all have come across the word Arkadaş when in Turkey. As you might know the general meaning is friend and it's often used among Turks. It can also have the meaning of a boy-/girlfriend. But often then combined with erkek/bayan arkadaş.

Good Manners
This struck me the other day when taking a public bus in Alanya. The bus was crowded with tourists from different countries, mainly younger in their mid-twenties. I was trying to make my way to the back and then saw a Turkish woman with a small child standing. All seats were taken by younger persons. Noone, among the young tourists, even tried to offer her a seat. Then a young Turkish boy from the back came and told her to have his seat! I later changed bus to go outside the city. When I jumped on that one it was full and already many persons standing. I payed once on and then I felt a small knock on my shoulder and someone saying abla. It was a young schoolboy offering me his seat. There were older men there too but women come first.

That is just one example. Other manners that are still practised here in Turkey is opening doors for women, carrying her bags, pulling out the chair, helping older, and other, persons that are obviously in need for help even if you don't know them. All these things are taught to children at a very early age. Children rarely oppose to their parents.

There are many more things that we Europeans have forgotten but that is still alive here in Turkey.

Bayram gifts/Sugar festivity gifts from Alanya to its inhabitants!

All around Turkey, in connection to every Bayram, the municipalities offers to its inhabitants various gifts.

The municipality of Alanya, together with the sub-municipalities, gave yesterday flowers to place on the graves. It's a tradition here that the night before Bayram people visit graves of relatives, plant flowers, pray and read from the Qu'ran.

Another thing which also happens every Bayram is that all the public transports within the municipality is free during 3 days. So during these days you can travel several kilometres and visit other towns for free! The free transport is valid from Tuesday until Thursday midnight.

Today, Tuesday 30 August, it's also the official day of the Army!
There will be an official ceremony for the army in the city centre where representatives from the municipality, political parties and the army will place wreath of flowers by the statue of  Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The national hymn will be sang and speeches will be held. This ceremony will celebrate both the Turkish army as well as the first day of Bayram. This ceremony starts at 09.00.

Sugar Festival knocking on the door!

Tomorrow, Monday, is the day before the 1st Bayram day. This starts after noon and it's called Arefe. 

All official places will be closed after that. So if you need to go the bank it'll have to be done before lunch!


This is also the time to prepare for Bayram, or the Sugar Festival! 


Because tomorrow evening will be the last break of the fast, for those who's fasting!

Iyi Bayramlar!

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The way the Turks do! #2

Or in this case the way they say.

There are many expressions used in the daily life where Allah is included. This doesn't necessarily mean you are religious, it's rather the way we use the expressions like "Oh my god" or "Jesus Christ".

• Allah korusun - May God protect you. Often seen on the back of buses and trucks. Also expressed if someone is explaining something bad that could have happened.
• Allah kolaylik versin - May God make it easy for you. In day-to-day life the expression "Kolay gelsin - may it go smoothly" is often used when entering/leaving a shop or said to someone who is working.
• Allah sağlık versin - May God bring you health
• Allah kabul etsin - May God accept it
• Allah'a emanet ol - Be entrusted in God. Often used when leaving someone.
• Allah göstermesin - God forbid
• Allah bereket versin - May God bring you wealth
• Allah rahatlik versin - May God give you peace. Often used when saying good-night to someone.

There are also expressions of a more punitive character:

• Allah cezanı versin - May God punish you
• Allah kahretsin - Damn it
• Allah belanı versin - Damn you or May God curse you. Often used when a lover leaves you or if someone made a really bad thing to you. This expression is stronger than Allan cezanı versin.

Other common expressions that you will come across are "Allah allah" and "Aman tanrım" which both have the meaning of  "Oh my God".

Places to visit in and around Alanya!

According to this article, http://economicsnewspaper.com/economics/culture-would-be-good-for-health-and-happiness-28515.html, we can get both healthier and happier by being cultural. So let's visit some historical places in Alanya. In the attached link you will find all the information you need!

http://www.alanya.com.tr/g/discover

We are here for you in Alanya and surroundings!

If you need assistance we are here to provide that for you. We will assist you in your own language; Svenska, Norsk, Dansk, Suomi, Français, Deutsch and of course English!

Buying your own home, going to the dentist, arranging with Tapu, electrics, water, finding an appropriate lawyer, furnishing your home and why not let us take you out for excursions!

Your problems are our solutions!

Music and theatre at the harbour in Alanya!

During the month of Ramadan the municipality of Alanya invites everyone on Tuesday and Friday evening to theatre and music performances. The events are free of charge and will take place in the harbour by the "waterfall".

New teeth in Alanya?

Why not combine your holiday with getting fresh new teeth? Within one week you can have new crowns and a nice white smile! Prices from 120 €! For a complete price-list check under Health.

Turks prepare for Ramadan!

On Monday the fasting month begins! Meaning no eating nor drinking, not even water, while the sun is up for a period of 30 days. Here in Turkey it will be a tough month for those fasting because of the heat. Pregnant women, diabetic or those with heart- or blood-pressure problems are not fasting, or persons with other illness
where the doctors dissuades them to fast. There are also many people not fasting because of type of work.

Here in Alanya, as well as in whole Turkey, cities and municipalities are preparing food-packs to give away to the ones who are in need. The municipality of Alanya organises Iftar meal every day, the meal you have after sunset, which is free and attended to poor people. They will serve 350 meals every evening during the Ramadan.

In every city you can see this type of charity, either organised in restaurants or like in Istanbul in large tents where people are queueing for a delicious Iftar meal. There are also organisations in Turkey who will provide more than 50 countries with Iftar food.

If you are not fasting avoid drinking or eating in front of someone fasting during daytime. Just imagine if you were the one fasting under 40 degrees and are not even allowed water. Let's show respect for those who are following Ramadan!

The way the Turks do it! #1

In Europe when meeting new persons one of the (mostly) first questions are "what do you do for a living?". Here in Turkey people will ask, if you are Turkish, "where do you and your parents come from?" For the Turks it is very important where one comes from, also it could mean that maybe they are from the same area and therefore connected in a certain way. It might also mean that you will get advantages i.e. prices or faster help in certain matters.

In Turkey when you meet someone for the first time you normally just shake hands firmly. When getting more acquainted then you first shake the hand followed by a kiss on each cheek. This regardless of men and women. Men greeting other men usually just put their fore-heads together while men-women, women-women make the cheek-kiss. When greeting a significantly older person then you take that persons hand, kiss it and then bring it to your fore-head. This is a gesture of showing respect to the elder!

In rural areas though, especially in the east, a woman will not even shake the hand of a man. Women normally  have to sit in another room.

Apartment for sale!

Check it out and please e-mail for pictures and more info! A wish from the seller!

Turkish natural viagra! Carob and its benefits!

Maybe you have heard of the St Johns Bread or also known as Carob. This legume grows in the south of Turkey from Antalya to Mersin and is made into a syrup called Pekmez in Turkish. It's a very healthy syrup containing lots of vitamins and minerals. It's recommended by doctors. One famous Prof. Dr. recommending it here in Turkey is Ibrahim Saraçoğlu.

Here are some of the benefits drinking this syrup:

• Lowers cholesterol and normalizes blood pressure
• Strengthens the heart 
• Increases sexual lust and the number of sperm
• Strengthens the body 
• Strengthens bones and teeth thanks to the hight amount of calcium (3 times more than milk) 
• Makes the gut work properly
• Beneficial for lung diseases 
• Keeps the body warm in cold climates
• Renews the blood

To buy or not to buy off-plan!

When wanting to buy off-plan there are many aspects to think about!

First of all is it a well-known constructor? Does the company have the solidity to construct and finish the project without the need of money from buyers. You can't know! But there are ways to check it up! History of the constructor, gossips (yes, that is a good way of finding out things), talking to previous buyers ETC.

Always be careful when buying off-plan. Constructor or the real estate office may tell you it'll be finished within a year or two! But the fact is that sometimes it might take 5 years or worst case not finished at all!

Would you like more advise before buying? Contact us!

Beware of scammers!

There are many foreigners who bought what they thought their dream-home in the sun, only to end up with nothing and lost all their savings! This is a sad but a true fact! Even though taking the scammers to court they have lost their case! This is not an easy situation to cope with. Therefore there are some things to think about before buying.

First of all please remember that it is the responsibility of the buyer to check up on the property! Even if you are buying from a real estate agency it is still your responsibility, unless you have stated in a notarised contract what the real estate should do.

Then what is there to think about? Here are some of it:

• Does the property have any debts connected to it
• Does the seller have any debts that are related to the property or that could be in case of a law-suite
• Is the title deed genuine, i.e. does it belong to the seller or are there others involved
• Is the building legally built and does the Tapu, title deed, state true facts
• Is the property in accordance to what have been advertised

And remember, it is the buyers market! No need to rush!

Today!

Weather is warm now but still not the heat that we will have in a short time. I guess that you who have found this site loves Alanya as much as we do, with it pros and cons. There is a bit for everyone here. A regular life as anywhere else in the world as well as the tourist life!

The sun is about to set and in a few minutes the imams will call out for evening prayer. Sundays here in Alanya is when the Turkish families go out for a picnic the whole day, now in summertime mostly to the mountains where the air is clean and fresh. While tourists spend their time on the beach working on their suntan!

Welcome to this site and we hope you will continue to follow us. There will be local news, new ads from property-/land-owners, tips on on-going things, health stuff and much more!

See you soon!