‘World Theme Travel – famous scenes from world history are here, Turkiye’ Part 3 ‘Flavorful! The ‘turkye’ episode will be broadcast on EBS1 TV at 8:40 pm today (4th).
This is a story you may have heard at least once in world history class. Heroic stories in myths and legends, fierce wars that changed human history, and even the birthplace of ancient civilization.ah! was this the right place? Let’s go to a site of surprising history.
A dreamy landscape amidst vast nature and a feast of flavors that are considered one of the world’s top three gourmets. An exciting travelogue of Turkiye introduced by Kim Jong-il, a professor of Middle Eastern history!
Imperial history from Byzantine to Ottoman, Istanbul
The scenery everyone dreams of, Canakkale, Pamukkale, Cappadocia
Turkiye, the gastronomic capital of Izmir and Konya
The beginning of human civilization, Gaziantep and Mardin
After driving along the Aegean Sea on the west coast of Türkiye, we arrived at Ephesus, which was built as a colonial city in ancient Greece. From grand ruins such as the Library of Celsus (Celsus Kütüphanesi),one of the three great libraries of ancient times,to public toilets of the time! Have an exciting time in Ephesus,a city filled with diverse heritage.
One thing you would be sad to miss in izmir on the Aegean Sea coast is mussel rice (Midye dolma).Mussels are steamed with spices and stir-fried rice. It is a Turkiye dish that is very popular among Korean travelers these days. Mussel rice is cheap and delicious! I’m having a hard time because it’s not easy to eat. Find out the secret to eating mussel rice learned from locals.
Bergama, a city on the Aegean Sea, is where the best luxury carpets in Turkiye are made. The price of a silk carpet that was hand-woven over four years is 20 million won! You can’t help but fall in love with those stunning, colorful colors.
Enjoy your time in Şirince, a small Greek-style village famous for wine and olives! We talk as if we were talking to an old olive tree, and after the harvest, we give thanks and say that it is an abundance given by God. After harvesting, it’s time to get hungry. Taste a table of Turkiye home-cooked meals filled with cute-sized Turkic-style dumplings, mantı, and Gözleme, a thin dough filled with vegetables and grilled on both sides with oil.
Konya, a plain in the central inland area called the bread basket of Turkiye. From here, we head to Kadınlar Pazarı Market, where all the agricultural products grown here are gathered. Taste unique dairy products, from cheese full of green mold to sheepskin cheese with the sheep’s wool visible.
Konya’s specialty is Etli Ekmek. It is indeed a food made by placing meat and various vegetables on a long piece of dough and baking it in the oven, making it feel like eating a long stretched pizza. What is the taste of this Atli Ekmek, which boasts an unrivaled length of 1m 30cm?
The next place we headed to was the Mevlana Museum (Mevlana Müzesi), where Rumi, the founder of Mevlana, a sect of Islam, is enshrined. This place is full of exhibits from the mysterious Mevlana Order,including the sarcophagus where Rumi is enshrined and an exhibit of koranic calligraphy. They say ther are other things you must see at the Mevlana Museum! This is the Mevlevî Semâ performance, also known as ‘Sema’. A sense of mystery is felt in the movement of quickly rotating to reach God.
I fell in love with the magnificent scenery while looking at Göksu Şelalesi, the water stream that brought prosperity to Konya. We visit Yağcı village, which grows grapes not far away, and learn the process of making grape molasses. Afterwards,we share a meal and have a heart-warming time.
Economy Queen Reporter Park Yu-mi Photo provided by EBS World Theme Travel
What are some of the must-visit historical sites in Turkiye that you recommend?
Time.news Interview: Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Turkiye with Expert Park Yu-mi
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good evening, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Park Yu-mi, a recognized expert in cultural history and the host of the engaging program “World Theme Travel” airing on EBS1. Park, welcome!
Park Yu-mi (PY): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to delve into the captivating history and culture of Turkiye with you.
TNE: Your latest episode focuses on Turkiye,highlighting its famous historical scenes. What are some of the stories that we can expect to hear in this segment?
PY: The episode showcases a variety of themes—from heroic myths and legends to critically important wars that reshaped human history. We explore everything from the ancient civilizations that flourished in Anatolia to more contemporary narratives that illustrate Turkiye’s pivotal role as a bridge between east and West.
TNE: Fascinating! Turkiye has a rich mosaic of cultures. How do you approach such a diverse history in your storytelling?
PY: I believe it’s essential to present a balanced view that honors all aspects of Turkiye’s past. I try to weave personal anecdotes and local legends alongside academic insights to create an engaging narrative that resonates with viewers.This way, we not only inform but also inspire curiosity about these historical places.
TNE: One of the highlights of your show is the emphasis on “flavorful” aspects of the culture. Can you elaborate on that?
PY: Absolutely! When I say “flavorful,” I’m not just referring to cuisine, although that’s a big part of it. I mean the rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and even the storytelling techniques that have been passed down through generations.Each location has its unique flavor, influenced by its history and the melding of various cultures over time.
TNE: That sounds incredible. Is there a specific location in turkiye that stands out to you as a must-visit, particularly in terms of its historical significance?
PY: Without hesitation, I’d say Troy. It’s often romanticized in literature and film but has real archaeological significance. Visiting the ruins of troy allows one to walk through a site that was once a pivotal point in myth and history—a true blend of legend and reality.
TNE: It’s intriguing to think about walking through such a storied location! In terms of current tourism trends, how do you see interest in historical travel evolving, especially concerning places like Turkiye?
PY: The trend is definitely leaning towards experiential travel—people want to immerse themselves in the culture rather than just observe. They are looking for authenticity and connection to history, wich places like Turkiye offer in abundance. As the world opens up post-pandemic, I believe more travelers will seek out these enriching experiences.
TNE: It’s heartening to hear that! For our viewers who may be planning their own journeys—what advice would you give them to enhance their exploration of historical sites?
PY: Stay curious and open-minded! Engage with local guides, participate in cultural events, and, if possible, learn a few phrases in Turkish.It not only enriches your experience but also shows respect for the culture. Lastly, make sure to savor the local cuisine—it’s a flavorful gateway to understanding a place’s history!
TNE: Excellent advice, Park! Thank you for sharing your expertise and passion for Turkiye with us today.We look forward to your next episode!
PY: Thank you! I’m thrilled to share these stories and hope viewers find a deeper connection with the history and beauty of Turkiye.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for joining us.Don’t forget to tune in tonight at 8:40 PM for the latest episode of “World Theme Travel” on EBS1!