Istanbul is a vibrant and historically rich city located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The largest city in Turkey it’s the country’s economic, cultural, and historical heart. With a population of over 15 million people, Istanbul is one of the most populous cities in the world.
Author: Cascoly
I've been exploring and leading trips for over 40 years. climbing & trekkng in the Alps, Andes, North American mountain ranges and the Himalaya. I'm retired from mountaineering now but world travels in Europe, Africa & Asia continue to expand my portfolio. Besides private travel, I now focus on escorting trips to India & Turkey. Other interests include wide reading in history and vegetable gardening / cooking. You can download digital images here, or find images at https://steve-estvanik.pixels.com. We have many thousands of images we haven't displayed yet; so, if you have a special need or request please contact us
From Bishop to Jolly Old Elf – The Tale of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus
One of the most famous stories about Saint Nicholas involves him secretly providing a dowry for three impoverished sisters. According to the legend, Nicholas heard about a poor man who could not afford dowries for his three daughters, which meant they might be forced into a life of destitution. Nicholas, wanting to help, threw three bags of gold through the man’s window at night, providing the dowries and saving the girls from a dire fate.
Cruising through Christmas Magic: AMAwaterways River Cruises
An AMAwaterways River Cruise through Christmas Markets is not just a vacation; it’s an immersion into the heart of European Christmas traditions. From the moment you step on board to the final farewell, every detail is meticulously planned to create an unforgettable experience. Your cruise celebrates the season, a journey of discovery, and a memory to cherish for a lifetime. So, step aboard and let the magic of Christmas unfold along the riverbanks of Europe.
Elevated Exposures: Mount Rainier’s Challenge to Photographers and Climbers
Mount Rainier at 14,410′, is an active volcano that formed around half a million years ago. It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its high volcanic activity. Rainier is a stratovolcano, indicating its explosive potential.While Mount Rainier is considered dormant, it’s still an active volcano. The last significant eruption occurred over a thousand years ago, but scientists closely monitor the mountain for any signs of renewed activity.
Echoes of Faith – Rila Monastery’s Timeless Frescoes
The Rila Monastery, also known as the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, is a prominent Eastern Orthodox monastery located in the Rila Mountains of Bulgaria.
Crossing Millenia in a Day – From Hittite Kultepe to Seljuk Sivas
These sites are crucial for understanding the early interactions and commerce between various ancient civilizations in the Near East. The cuneiform tablets found at Kaniš/Kültepe have been instrumental in reconstructing the history of the Hittite Empire and its relationships with neighboring powers.
The Seljuks of Rum, also known as the Anatolian Seljuks, were a medieval Turkish Sunni Muslim dynasty that ruled parts of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) from the 11th to the 13th century.
Building a Microstock Tracking System – Part 2
Building a Microstock Tracking System – Part 2 Implementation — putting it together The previous blog did a needs analysis for a microstock submission tracking system and found 2 requirements: From these we developed a simple list of tasks it had to do Now we’ll first set up the spreadsheet that will handle the 2nd and… Continue reading Building a Microstock Tracking System – Part 2
Seljuk Remains in Tokat and Ballica Cave
In 2024 we visit Ballıca Cave, Tokat Taşhan and Ali paşa Cami Ballıca Cave, (Ballıca Mağarası) is a natural wonder located in the Tokat province in the Black Sea region of Turkey, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Ballıca Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in Turkey,… Continue reading Seljuk Remains in Tokat and Ballica Cave
Ankara Where Modern Turkey Connects With Its Past
The Anatolian Civilizations Museum in Ankara, is one of my favorite museums in the world (as usual don’t ask me to rank anything – just accept it’s one of the best) In attractive displays it highlights the rich history and cultural heritage of the Anatolia (most of modern Turkey).
Gordium – When Alexander the Great met King Midas
When Alexander the Great visited Gordium he couldn’t unravel the knot conventionally. Frustrated(?), he simply cut it with his sword. This bold act was interpreted as fulfilling the prophecy,