2017 Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

EVENTS: Ballet at the Ancient Theater of Ephesus

In September, we attended 1 of the 3-part annual “İzmir Efes Opera and Ballet Days” (Devlet Opera ve Balesi Genal Müdürlüğü) sponsored by the T.C. Culture and Tourism Ministry (T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı). The festival is part of a country-wide initiative to preserve and promote opera and ballet arts in Turkey.  They are not only held in Ephesus but also other major cities throughout the country.

EphesusIzmirTurkeyStateOperaBalletFestivalProgram2017

The first of the 3 part series began with the  “Gala Concert”, on Saturday, September 16. At the concert, the İzmir State Opera Orchestra performed pieces as well as accompanied an Italian soloist, Soprano Daniela Cappiello, and tenor, Gianluca Terranova. The second part on September 19, the Istanbul State Opera performed compositions from the 18th century, influenced by Ottoman culture and life in Europe. The closing performance, a ballet of “Romeo and Juliet,” was held on September 22 accompanied by a live orchestra.

At 30 Turkish Lira (approximately $8) a ticket, an event in the ancient theater of Ephesus is actually affordable to the general public. We definitely took advantage of attending at least one event! While we purchased our tickets quite easily online, our seats were not specified to any location in the theater. I heard some of our friends purchased their tickets for 15 TL from another source. Even others were about to purchase tickets with reserved seating.

Tips and tricks: The performance is (literally) in a 2,000-year-old theater made of stones and marble, and I suggest for your comfort to bring pillows for your seats! Also, blankets will keep you warm if the evening becomes a little chilly and windy.  Since there is only 1 way in and out and limited parking in the lower arena of Ephesus, get there early and be patient when leaving! We had a rental car, but there are plenty of taxies available for transport.

Since the ballet didn’t start until 9 pm, we decided to make a weekend of it and stayed Friday night in the Ayasoluk Hotel and Restaurant in the nearby city of Selçuk. The next day, after a leisurely breakfast, we spent the day exploring the House of the Virgin Mary, the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers, and the Basilica of St. John before heading back to Izmir.

Seeing Ephesus at night was a rare treat I hope everyone can enjoy at least once!

 

2017Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

2017Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

2017 Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

2017 Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

2017 Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

2017 Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

2017 Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

2017 Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

2017 Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

2017 Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

2017 Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

2017 Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

2017 Catie Funk Travels Ephesus Ballet Izmir Turkey

For more information: 

İZMİR EFES OPERA AND BALLET DAYS

Website: http://www.dobgm.gov.tr/opera2013/menu.aspx

Address: Ephesus Antique Theater

When: Every September

 

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2017-FunkTravels-Izmir-Ephesus-Opera-and-Ballet-Days-Turkey

Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

EVENTS: 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival

Last October 2016, Jason and I attended the first ever Izmir Coffee Festival. In honor of the 2nd annual Izmir Coffee Festival which starts today, I am recapping our experience from the last one. The same organizers, Next Organization and Ateş Prodüksiyon, of private festivals, also planned the Izmir Chocolate Festival in March 2017.

Coffee is no stranger to Turkish culture. In fact, Turkish coffee is one of the oldest ways to drink coffee and has long been a tradition in many homes. I cannot justify all the history that comes with Turkish coffee but you can read more about it here. Maybe one day I will feel comfortable covering it!

Turkish coffee made from a coffee powder and water mixture (sugar can be added as well) that is boiled briefly to get a nice foam – double boiled if you want more! The coffee is then poured into a small traditional coffee cups and usually serve with a glass of water and a small piece of candy. Yes, it is like a strong espresso! But be careful not to drink to the bottom of the cup or you will end up with a mouth of coffee bean grit!

Oh, there is so much more. I will have to write another post just about Turkish coffee! Or maybe I’ll get my friend Michael to…

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

Specialty coffee, on the other hand, is fairly new to Turkey. I can remember 8 years ago when I lived in Istanbul the only filtered coffee you could find was made at home or at Starbucks. To be fair, I didn’t know a lot about filtered coffee itself, but I knew a lot about what fancy creamers I wanted to go in them! My friend Michael was saddened by my lack of knowledge of coffee and all that comes with it! Through his love for coffee, I learned over time to appreciate the taste of coffee and the many ways you can prepare it. I am definitely not a pro, but I can drink espresso and black coffee without sugar and milk like a champ now!

Almost 10 years later, Turkey is home to lots of little startups for coffee roasting and small coffee shops serving not only filtered coffee but also options for pour-overs, Chemex, and AeroPress. In our neighborhood alone I can find 5-6 different coffee shops to enjoy my favorite way to drink coffee! Many of them do their own roasting too.

The 2016 festival was much larger than I anticipated and well planned with many booths representing mostly coffee companies, but there were several other small businesses stands that are selling miscellaneous items to give the guests some diversity. We also found a large area to grab lunch or dinner. Along with purchasing items from the businesses (or free sampling at some of the more generous booths), the festival offered workshops and held seminars on different topics related to coffee like ‘How to make coffee with an Aeropress’.

For those who want to visit for the whole day, the festival has a list of performers such as DJs, dance instructors, and sports instructors. The program rotates performers on a central stage with a large area to sit and enjoy your purchases and free coffee samples.

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey

 

Here is a great video that walks you through the 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival. Don’t worry there is no Turkish (or even English) to worry about. Enjoy the music and check out the scenes.

 

This year’s 3-day festival starts Friday, October 13, 2017, and continues through Sunday, October 15, 2017, at the İzmir Arena. Pre-bought tickets are 38 TL each for 1-day or 76 TL for a 3-day entry. We are excited to head back to the 2017 festival and see what they have in store for guest this year!

For more information: 

Website: http://coffeefestivalizmir.com

Address: 1649 Sokak No: 107 Turan – Bayraklı / İZMİR

Telephone: 0 232 382 2 382 & 0 232 382 38 28

 

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Catie FunkTravels 2016 Izmir Coffee Festival Turkey Pinterest

 

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

TURKEY: Selçuk’s Ayasoluk Hotel and Restaurant

The grounds of Ayasoluk Hotel look as if they have always been there. The wooden gate entrance built into the stone wall opens up to a small courtyard with old sewing desks transformed into a sitting area.  The arching vines draped over the path as it curves around the first building, housing 8 rooms and the reception office, opens up to a large terrace complete with a pool, bar and restaurant, and an outdoor sitting area with a view overlooking the historic landmarks of Isabey Mosque, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis.

You would never guess that these homes weren’t here 100 years ago. The detail of design and choices of woodwork and masonry makes the home look extremely well renovated at best. But that is far from the truth. The owner started this mix of a modern and antique hotel from the foundation and worked slowly over four years to create his lifelong dream.

Since 5 years of age, the owner of Ayasoluk, Aydin Can, has been in the business of selling carpets through his father’s shop in eastern Turkey.  After leaving to attend school in Istanbul, he later wanted to continue his father’s carpet business in Selçuk near the Aegean coast and in 1999 started Black Sheep Carpets selling quality rugs to people all over the world. His specialty is working with clients to find the right rugs for their space and home.

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Our group, another couple and us, planned to attend the annual ballet at the 2,000-year-old antique theater in Ephesus. Having only made day trips to Ephesus, we decided to make a weekend of it and booked two rooms at the Ayasoluk hotel in the nearby city of Selçuk. After work on Friday, we drove an hour and a half hour down the hotel to drop off our belongings, enjoy dinner, and head to the ballet just five minutes away.

Before arriving at the hotel, Aydin’s wife, Sarah, who is also from the USA, was friendly and quick to respond to my emails. The staff is like their family and they consider any guests like family as well. I loved hearing Sarah’s story about how she met Aydin at his carpet shop on a field-study trip four years ago. She has been here through the last year of construction and first 3 years of the hotel. Now you can find her or one of the staff entertaining their newest family member, Aydin’s and Sarah’s joyful 6-month-old son. Their hard work and vision have paid off. The Ayasoluk family has a knack for making any guest feel at home in their well-loved and laid-back atmosphere.

Our deluxe queen rooms were a mix of modern with details of an older Greek style. The owner used stone throughout the hotel design including the outer wall of our room. Inset to the wall is a small arch design with custom painting, but it feels like it could have been used for candles to light the room in the evenings long ago. Even the self-regulated air-conditioner/heater is indiscrete and flows with the room design so you never even notice it.

The tinted windows and doors to our room opened up straight to the pool and outdoor sitting area allowing us to enjoy the serene waters and views without losing any privacy. Not normally said about a hotel, the best part about the room was our bed. Each room has a custom-made mattress, and we slept through the night like we were at home. Even though we didn’t use them, the flat screen TV, a desk, and safe are available for those who want to relax or work in their rooms.  

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

 

The hotel is larger than it seems with 17 rooms total, each created with its own flare and individual design. Some rooms are customized for families with children. The Cumbali, or Bay Window, Room has a perfect reading nook that also doubles as a child’s bed. Perhaps you don’t have children, but just want a little extra room, this would be your choice to book as it has more living area.

The mini fridge comes with 2 complimentary bottles of water and the bathrooms are stocked with toiletries. Free Wi-Fi access and parking are available for all guests. Additional services can be found throughout the hotel such as a private guided tours of Ephesus and a private airport shuttle. If you are looking for a weekend retreat, the hotel provides a complimentary breakfast from 7:30 am to 10:30 am in their Ayasoluk Restaurant which also is available for dinner from 5 pm to 11:30 pm.

Due to limited time, we were so thankful to have a restaurant at the hotel. With the sunset view and the cozy atmosphere, it was an easy choice to make. Our group decided to order family style and share from the traditionally styled Turkish menu. The mixed meze, or appetizer, a plate with bread and french fries was followed by a grilled chicken kebab and grilled lamb kebab plate, each served with grilled veggies and Turkish rice. The restaurant prides themselves on using only fresh and local produce. Local wines and other alcoholic beverages are available to accompany the meal as well. After enjoying our delicious meal, the customary offering of Turkish tea, or herbal tea for those who don’t drink caffeine at night, was enjoyed by all.

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey\Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

 

Our late night out at the ballet was rewarded with the soft, comfortable bed in a quiet neighborhood. We fell straight to sleep and enjoyed sleeping in the next morning thanks to the blackout curtains. The only downside was a lack of blankets for the size of the bed, but this was the first cool night of the season where one would have actually needed a blanket. Had we not been so tired, we may have called for more blankets, and they would have happily provided them.

The next morning, our group enjoyed a buffet of Turkish style breakfast. Boiled eggs, borek (a savory pastry), tomatoes, cucumber, an arrangement of cheese and olives, bread and jams, all greeted us ready to be self-served. I was delighted to find my favorite, sigora boreği, a fried savory pastry stuffed with cheese. While Turkish çay is the choice of drink for breakfast, our American choice of coffee was happily satisfied with fresh filtered coffee.

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

 

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

 

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

After breakfast, we toured the rug company, Black Sheep Carpet. The marble stairs led us down to the well-lit, high ceilings, and beautifully designed basement room displaying the diverse assortment of colors and types of rugs. Even now, after having graduated with two degrees in engineering, he continues his beloved rug business in his family operated hotel and restaurant. While we didn’t buy any rugs, I saw first hand how Aydin’s two businesses “combine his great taste in carpets with a great heart for hospitality.”

We were sad to see our morning come to an end when we said farewell to the staff. The hotel is a perfect location for exploring the town and we did just that. The rest of the day was spent exploring the open air museum of Ephesus by day, Mary’s house, Grotto and the Seven Sleepers, and St. John’s Church… which was much more work than any of our time at the hotel!

 

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey

To make a reservation, book via their website, email for questions about the rooms, or call the numbers below.  

Hotel Reservation:

+90 232 892 33 34

+90 541 565 35 45

Address:

  1. Sokak No: 12 Selçuk, Türkiye 35920

 

Continue exploring more in Turkey: 

Read more reviews of other hotels we have stayed at in Turkey.

Listen in to a podcast interview with the owner of Castle Inn in Cappadocia.

Spend a weekend exploring Bodrum, Turkey.

 

Save for your travels later! Pin the photo below!

 

Catie FunkTravels Ayasoluk Selcuk Izmir Turkey Pinterest

 

 

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[DISCLAIMER: I was not paid for this post. However, I did receive a media rate from the hotel as a travel writer. After our stay, I trust the owners, Aydin and Sarah, and am happy to recommend this hotel. One of the purposes of our website is to highlight Turkey, the local people, and try to help their businesses. At the same time we take the trust we have with our readers very seriously and will not recommend businesses/activities we do not think our readers will enjoy regardless of the friendship we create along the way.]

 

 

 

FOOD: Aşure – Noah’s Ark Pudding

Cheers to the first post about FOOD. Cheers to not just any food, but TURKISH food!

And yes, you read that right! We are here to chat about Aşure. So how do you say it properly? The ‘a’ is an ‘aah’ sound while the ‘new-to-you’ letter ‘ş’ is pronounced like the English ‘sh’ sound. The ş with the ‘ur’ is similar to ‘shur’. Finish it off by saying the ‘e’ like the letter ‘A’ and you basically speak Turkish now.

Ok, not really. But you at least learned a new Turkish word: ‘Aah-shOOr-EY’

First off, aşure is not just a Turkish dish. Other cultures throughout central Asia and the middle east share a similar type of dish. This dish is special to Turkey because the actual site of the historical Noah’s ark is said to be in eastern Turkey. Hence, aşure is also known as Noah’s Ark pudding. Originally a Jewish celebration, this dessert also marks the rescue of Moses from Pharaoh during which the Hebrews fasted. Sunni Muslims also connect this period during the year with the deliverance of Moses. Aşure is traditionally served on the 10th day of the Muslim month Muharrem, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

But before Moses and the deliverance of the Jews, the dessert come from the story of Noah and the great flood. When the waters receded after the great flood, Noah took whatever he had left from their food storage and toss it into one pot. As you will see below, there are quite the diversity of ingredients (some I would not normally put together!).  This large pot of food kept everyone well and alive until the waters finished receding. For this reason, aşure is usually made in large quantities and is shared with neighbors and friends standing as a symbol of friendship, diversity, and unity.

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What’s in it? Quite the assortment of grains, nuts, fruits, and sugar. It may contain but isn’t limited to: walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, apricots, raisins, currants, figs, chickpeas and navy beans. Depending on the family and region, ingredients like chestnuts, lima beans, bulgur wheat and pieces of fresh coconut will also be added. Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and another lesser known spice to westerners, cardamon, can be a main contributor to the sweet taste. So basically, anything goes.

FunkTravels Asure

The great plus about living in Turkey full-time is getting a home-cooked, traditional dish of aşure hand delivered by a neighbor. Just this last week, our 3rd-floor neighbors shared this sweet gift with us.  While I enjoyed it warm and cold, Jason wasn’t a big of a fan of it either way. The taste is a little … unique, but well worth the trying!

For recipes on how to make it yourself at home, click on some of the links below:

Ozlem’s Turkish Table Recipe

Turkish Food Recipe

All About Turkey Recipe

Video of the recipe

Questions for you:

Have you tried this before? Did you like it?

What do you think? Would you try this recipe at home?

If you do, let me know how it went and what you thought about it. You can always follow us through our move from the USA to Turkey via our 50 episodes of the FunkTravels Podcast.

See you next time!