Gobeklitepe. Catalhoyuk. Land of the Fairy Chimneys. Ephesus. These names evoke destinations mysterious, hidden, far away. But if you are ready to take the path less traveled, why not begin that journey in Turkey? The country is studded with secret places to discover, says Serif Yenen, a Turkish tour guide, guidebook author, and filmmaker. He’ll tell you that Gobeklitepe is home to the oldest temple in the world, dating back roughly 12,000 years. That Catalhoyuk offers the largest and best-preserved Neolithic site found to date. And that Cappadocia is the land of the “fairy chimneys”—rock formations formed by the elements that, over time, sculpted volcanic lava flow into sinuous valleys with pointy outcroppings.
Yenen explores these destinations and more, including Antioch, a mecca for traders along the Silk Route and a stopover for the ancient spice trade.
By the program’s end, don’t blame us if you’re ready to grab your backpack and passport and discover Turkey’s secrets yourself.
Reception provided by the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office, DC.
Other Connections
Can't get enough of Turkish culture? Gain a sense of the different traditional instruments of Turkey including the baglama or saz, and wooden spoons, through Smithsonian Folklife's 'Folk and Traditional Music of Turkey.'
