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The history of Kayseri: a gem in Turkey’s history and culture
Kayseri Province and region have always been an important center of culture and trade for the Anatolian Civilization throughout the centuries. The city is situated on a plain between the ample curves of the Kızılırmak River and the wide skirts of Mount Erciyes. Today, it is a modern, well-organized industrial city set in beautiful surroundings, with rich history and tourist sites. Industrial enterprises, which began as small workshops, became modern factories quickly. New educational centers like Erciyes University and recent town planning activities added much to its touristic and commercial value. Being a settlement, which carries the cultural inheritance of the ages, Kayseri also has various handicrafts, primarily consisting of…
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Kültepe: one of the World’s most amazing open-air museums
Kültepe (Kanesh), the largest city mound in Anatolia, is located 22 km northeast of modern Kayseri on the road leading to Sivas. This worldwide famous open-air museum first attracted attention in 1881. The primary importance of Kültepe lies in the fact that the earliest written documents in Anatolia were discovered here. The clay tablets were written in an ancient dialect, using cuneiform script, the majority being commercial and economic. Karum, one of the most important divisions of Kültepe, was discovered in 1925. Excavations have been carried out by the Institute of Turkish History and the Headquarters of Museums and Monuments since 1948. Ancient monuments dating back to Assyrian, Late Hittite,…
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A short gastro-cultural tour through Valencia: enjoy it like a real Valencian!
Start the day by wandering through the streets of the Mercado Central, just like the Valencians do – comparing prices, buying local products, and later having a snack in the best tapa bar of the Mercado Central: Central Bar, owned by one of the most reputed chefs in Valencia. The Mercado Central is not only an architectural gem but also a gastronomic and sociological one. After a light snack, leave the Mercado to stroll through the old quarter and get to know the history and evolution of the city from its foundation by the Romans to the present day. Make sure to visit the Lonja de la Seda, the shrine…
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Agirnas: a home to rock-carved dwellings, historical houses, linseed oil factories, tunnels, and rock tombstones
Ağırnas means “Land of the Altar” in the Luwian language and “Earnest Man” in Arabic. The history of the settlement begins around 2000 B.C. Layers of Hittite, Cappadocian, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman settlements in Ağırnas compose the cultural heritage of different ages. The underground cities, rock-carved dwellings, arches, historical houses, linseed oil factories, labyrinths, tunnels, and rock tombstones reflect the historical identity of Ağırnas. Valley of Ağınas The valley begins from Büyük Bürüngüz village. The river in the valley runs towards the wetland of Engir Lagoon after making its way through the towns of Subaşı, Küçük Bürüngüz, Turan, and Özlüce. The 16 km-long valley is a wonder of nature like…
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Walk, discover, taste, and feel Valencia in Cabanyal: the trendy maritime district
The Cabanyal-Canyamelar is the fishermen’s maritime district in Valencia by the sea. Its popular and modernist architecture, with colorful low-rise little houses and facades covered in tiles, make it one of the most attractive areas in the city, and it was declared a Heritage of Cultural Asset. The houses were built facing the sea, starting from the fishermen’s huts. Start your day by visiting the Market, which is 60 years old and has become one of the most important buildings. It is regarded as both the nerve center and the meeting point for the neighbors and an icon in El Cabanyal. It is reputed to sell the best fresh fish…
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Vilnius: art in public places and permanent exhibitions
Vilnius is full of art. It would be best to let your eyes wander, and the images will pop up from the buildings. You will also meet modern sculptures and incredible interiors dedicated to beloved Lithuanians and foreigners or the free spirit of the world. Hooked by Mindaugas Navakas Mindaugas Navakas loved and still loves surprising others with his urbanistic inventions, and his “Kablys” (the Hook, 1995) on the old Railway Cultural Center building has earned him a national prize. It’s somewhat puzzling because, during that time, the center served as a cradle for contra-culture. You surely get hooked. Kauno st. 52. The Frank Zappa fan club The idea to…