Category: History – Fact & Fiction

Visiting the World War I Gallipoli Battlefield

 In 1915, Winston Churchill, then 1st Lord of the Admiralty, promoted an invasion of ‘Byzantium’ by way of the Dardanelles, with a joint amphibious and naval force speeding up to the Bosphorus to capture Istanbul . His aim was to cut German supply lines to the Middle East, while knocking Turkey out of the war. Nothing went as planned — bad luck, inept and even cowardly commanders had already doomed the ANZAC forces when a young officer named Mustafa Kemal (later known as Ataturk) led the counterattack that trapped the Allies on their tiny beachhead spread along the narrow peninsula.

India – Coconut Coriander Chicken Wings

Coconut coriander chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a rich coconut and cilantro/coriander finish. The chicken is marinated with a blend of spices and then cooked in a creamy coconut sauce. The dish is known for its delightful balance of creamy and spicy elements, creating a delicious… Continue reading India – Coconut Coriander Chicken Wings

Janissaries – Elite Warriors and First Military band

The Janissary corps, originally established by the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century, was a highly skilled and disciplined infantry unit. They were known for their loyalty to the sultan and their effectiveness in battle. The Janissaries had a significant impact on the enemies they faced, and their presence on the battlefield often struck fear… Continue reading Janissaries – Elite Warriors and First Military band

Power Adapters for International Travelers

Travel power adapters are devices used to convert the electrical input from one type of outlet to another so that electronic devices from one country can be used in another country where the electrical outlets are different. This mainly a concern for non-European travelers. Different countries use different electrical standards, including different plug shapes, voltages,… Continue reading Power Adapters for International Travelers

The Fall of Constantinople in 1453

The fall of Constantinople in 1453 was a major turning point in world history, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Ottoman Empire’s ascendancy. Constantinople, which had been the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years, was one of the most heavily fortified cities in the world, with walls that had withstood multiple sieges.

Cascoly Europe Travels – Photos & Journals

Europe is a diverse and fascinating continent, offering an incredible array of cultures, landscapes, and experiences to those who visit. Europe travel is a great way to immerse oneself in history, art, architecture, and cuisine, as well as to explore the beauty of the natural environment. In earlier days, a trip to Europe for me… Continue reading Cascoly Europe Travels – Photos & Journals

Christianity in Cappadocia – Art and Underground Cities

Cappadocia has been an important area for Christian Art for hundreds of years . The terrain is well suited to defense, with cave dwellings and underground cities easily carved from the volcanic tufa. This stone is easy to excavate, but then hardens with exposure to air. With plentiful water and hiding places, various waves of Christian emigrants and… Continue reading Christianity in Cappadocia – Art and Underground Cities