Yedigoller
A Mesmerizing Autumn Retreat”
A Symphony of Colors
As fall unfolds its enchanting palette, imagine standing in a forest where shades of green transition to hues of yellow, red, and finally brown. Picture a realm of smoky mountains, crystalline lakes, towering trees, and endless blossoms. Now, envision not just one lake but many, adorned with a sea of leaves in a myriad of colors that seamlessly blend into one another. Such is the magic of Yedigoller, a place where an ordinary autumn day transforms into a child-like fantasy.
Embarking on the Journey
After a brisk 42-km drive from Bolu city center, fatigue dissipates as we arrive at the Seven Lakes, stepping into an autumn fairytale where nature’s diverse colors harmonize Back to History Exploring the Second Courtyard. The Kapankaya Viewing Terraces provide an eagle’s eyrie perspective of the lakes, setting the stage for
Back to History Exploring the Second Courtyard
Back to History Exploring the Second Courtyard
Unveiling the Second Courtyard
Emerging into the daylight, my gaze shifts to the second courtyard. A towering 10-meter gate, intricately adorned with cypress motifs, captivates my attention. Pausing to appreciate this exquisite detail, I step into the second courtyard, revealing the inner sanctums of the palace. Among them, the ‘Selamlik’ or Men’s Quarters Courtyard unfolds, housing surprises like the palace mosque, a mausoleum for Colak Abdi Pasa and ishak Pasa, and the majestic main building Seven Lakes.
Palatial Splendor Unveiled
The second courtyard unfolds the mesmerizing interiors of the palace, boasting a colossal harem, a soup kitchen, entertainment halls, rooms for workers and guests, a library, and a court of law. Each area traversed adds new dreams to a visitor’s experience, reviving the splendid days of the past. The palace’s grandeur
Traditional Wedding Horse Ride and Celebration
In this village, the wedding celebrations continue as the father and uncle escort the bride to where the horse awaits. Once the bride mounts the horse, they head to the groom’s home. A customary route takes them around the mosque, and tourists can join the bride’s group if interested. Upon arriving at the groom’s home, they inquire about the groom’s whereabouts. After a brief wait, the groom arrives, passing under the horse’s neck to symbolize unity. Coins and wheat are thrown over the bride’s head, and the groom embraces her, marking the start of the festivities.
Festive Entertainment and Local Cuisine
The celebration kicks off with a dance between the bride and groom in the center. Local dishes, including keşkek, sarma, pilaf, otlubörek, helva Gift Presentation Ceremony at the Engagement, and salad, are served on copper plates and trays. The drink options range from t
Gift Presentation Ceremony at the Engagement
In this village, the engagement celebrations include a special event known as “Bringing the Gifts of the Engagement.” Witnessed by the community head and others, the gifts intended for the bride are opened on the square. These gifts, ranging from dresses to gold jewelry, are meticulously counted and handed over to the bride’s parents. The gold jewelry presented often weighs between two and four kilos. The bride is then invited to the square, where the jewelry is offered to her. The symbolic wedding on the first day concludes with joyful dancing.
“Sheer Paralama” – Cutting and Distributing Candies
On the second day of the wedding festivities, a delightful tradition known as “Sheer Paralama” takes place. The bride and groom leave the bride’s house, with the bride’s face covered. Candies brought from the groom’s house are cut into pieces over the bride’s head. Following this sweet gesture, the groom
Traditional Wheat Pounding and Dance Celebration
In this village, a special tradition is upheld during weddings: the pounding of wheat for the main dish called “kek” in a historical stone mortar. As this happens, men engage in the lively zeybek dance, a traditional dance of Western Anatolia.
Unique Musical Traditions at Symbolic Weddings
During weddings, the bride’s and groom’s houses play different music. Even at symbolic weddings, this tradition remains intact, with the music of the hosting house taking center stage. The musical instruments used in the bride’s house are known as “soft instruments” and include the violin Traditional Wedding Horse Ride and Celebration, cumbiig (a mandolin with a metal body), and darbuka (a drum-shaped instrument with a skin covering the top). In contrast, the groom’s musical instruments consist of the zurna (a primitive double-reed instrument) and a drum.
Henna Cer
Squares and Domes
Now, step outside and ascend from the street you came from. Be mindful that the streets you traversed were a crucial center of Istanbul life thousands of years ago as well. The Byzantine palaces and residences of high-ranking palace officials have always existed in this area, where wealth from around the world congregated. Ascend with the Marmara Sea behind you. Take a moment to breathe near Arasta, at the base of the Byzantine Palace walls. Enter, either for shopping or to enjoy coffee or tea. If it’s summer, refresh yourself with cold drinks.
Afterward, exit and stroll towards Sultanahmet Square. Let yourself be captivated by the splendor of the square where imperial ceremonies were once held. Try to envision the ceremonies in the Byzantine era when Emperor Justinianus rarely appeared in the square, which was once the Hippodrome. Picture Suleiman the Magnificent observing the parade organized in the area known as At Meydani (The Horse Square) during the Ottoman era
Elgihan
Hotels, in the modern sense, began to be constructed in the mid-19th century. With the frequent calls of passenger ships in Istanbul and the establishment of the Sirkeci Train Station, the number of travelers between Istanbul and Europe increased. Many hotels, such as Hotel de Pera, Hotel de France, London Hotel, and Pera Palace, were opened during this period.
Starting from the mid-15th century, although in small numbers, European travelers visiting Istanbul were accommodated in churches, monasteries, and imarethanes (charitable institutions) of large mosques after their journeys lasting months, as there were no accommodation centers in the modern sense. Considering that transportation was only provided overland by horses, we can deduce that the number of those coming to Istanbul from foreign countries was limited.
Atik Ali Pasa Caravansary
In the 16th century, diplomatic relations between the Ottoman Empire and European countries developed, leading to freque
The Caravansary with Three Doors
According to information provided by travelers and ambassadors, Elgihan’s architectural structure, with a courtyard in the middle, is square.
The well located in the middle of the courtyard served as a water source for humans, animals, and the caravansary. The courtyard featured three entrance doors for wagons. The ceilings of the rooms were domed and covered with lead for waterproofing. Although the rooms were not very comfortable, Elgihan also had ten shops located on the street at the caravansary’s entrance. These shops had windows opening to the outside and to the courtyard with a porch.
“Kiyamet-i Surra”
Representatives staying in Istanbul sometimes for months and sometimes for years used this caravansary to meet the Sultan. The lead covering the domes of the caravansary, with a significant place in Istanbul’s cultural history Elgihan, melted due to a fire at Qemberlita§ in 1587, but the caravansary s
Guided Istanbul Tour Dervishes
