Sea of Marmara, Canakkale, Troy

Yesterday we were at the Archelogical museum in Istanbul. We saw these lions and other animals that were along the entryway to Nebuchadnezzar 's palace.

 

Leaving Istanbul. It took 40 minutes to get out of the city. We will see fields of wheat, corn, canola and sunflowers.

Just had our first experience of a pay bathroom - 1 lira. At least it was fairly clean, had tp, soap and paper towels. Some ordered coffee and didn't appreciate the cultural experience!

Gas prices about 10.50 per gallon! 800% tax! They are trying to reduce the use of cars. People resist using public transportation. Sound familiar?

Attaturk was the commander of Turkish forces under the Ottoman Empire.

During his college years he was involved in Illegal activities and was formulating plans for a Democratic Republic. He postponed his ideas because of the war in Balkans (1908-12). The war caused the Ottomans to lose all but a small portion of the land in Turkey. The Germans promised them their property back so the Ottomans became Germany's ally. Because of Attaturk's skills in the political and military arena he became hero.

 

Women could vote and be voted for before most of the rest of the world. It was the third country after New Zealand and Australia to give women this right. Too many men had died in the war so the economy depended on women.

Attaturk introduced the use of sir names use before then only titles. In 1923 the use of sir names was adopted as law. Attaturk died at 57. This Democracy is only 80 years old. Currently 65% of the country is under the age of 35. Turkey is a secular country not ruled by religion. A few examples: they can drink wine, women don't have to wear burkas, they can or can not celebrate Ramadan. Father Attaturk means Father Turk. His picture is on the Turkish Lira.

Galipoli - British attack were helping Russian with ships on the Black Sea. Stopped by Turks so landed on Galipoli to get control of Dardanelles.

Had red lentil soup for lunch, delicious! Next stop, the ferry across the Dardanelles! Went from Europe to Asia! Lapseki is the docking city. Now on our way to Troy! There is an actual wooden horse there. Must prepare for pictures in the horse!

European city where we caught the ferry

 

We toured the city of Troy. They had a replica of the Trojan horse that we could climb in and get our picture taken.Troy used to sit on the water but now it is about 4 miles inland. They are building a new Museum to house the artifacts that they are finding. The city of Troy has nine different layers. The sixth layer was when the city had the most population of about 10,000 people.

Father TurkLutfen = pleas

 

Entry gate at Troy

 

 

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