Thursday, February 03, 2011

THE SILK ROAD TURKEY

A Grand Bazarr Carpet Shop

People ask me where among my travels most surprized and delighted me and I always name Turkey. Where else offers a magic carpet of textiles so rich, I covet them all, or a historical landscape so multilayered that every town has a story centuries long? And I have yet to mention the food, which is simply amazing, and the scenery that spans the mysterious fairy chimnies of Capadoccia right to the sparkling shores of the Mediterranean Sea (or the Agean or the Black Sea). Nowhere in the world have I seen so many bead stores overflowing with Baltic amber, lapis, and a myriad of rare and lovely stones or such innovative and creative jewellers. Istanbul's Grand Bazarr alone is a world of wonders and that's not counting the city's Egyptian Spice market where I stocked up on fabulous teas and spice packets and textiles which have entertained our senses ever since. My husband was so inspired, he went home and built himself a Turkish barbecue grill I affectionately call 'the kabobulator'.

Civilization upon civilization have thrived in this strategic location spanning two continents and at least a half dozen trade routes—spice and silk, lapis lazuli and amber. And yet, this amazingly ancient city just happens to be simultaneously modern with a friendly and social population eager to share life stories over cups of coffee or apple tea. The shops swell with edgy fashion while the spice markets go on as they have for eons. Heaps of rich color line the streets in carpets, shawls, bags, scarves—a dizzying array of color and texture for the fiber lover. In fact, this city also appeals to the lover of history, art, jewelry, fiber, color, food and shopping not to mention the lover of love itself. Every street is a discovery, whether it be strolling down a cobbled alley to explore bead shops or a trek through the warren of wonders in the Grand Bazarr. Here is a voyage of the senses across thousands of years and multiple cultures.

But we can't go all the way to Turkey for just one city so how about adding Capadoccia, Epheseus, and towns on the Mediteranean famous for weaving, pottery and dyeing silk? How about a cooking course? How about knitting something rich in Turkish hues while staying right in the heart of this magical country? Oh, and all along the way, markets, demonstrations of the local textile culture and, yes, even knitting a 'Silk Road Wrap' with me (pattern and yarn included—shipped to you in advance). Take a deep breath and read on:

This year, we're partnering with a Turkish tour company, Talisman Tours. On tour begins in Istanbul where we will meet a lovely hotel overlooking the Bosphorous.

FOR MORE ON THE SILK ROAD TURKEY EXCURSION, CLICK HERE: http://www.janethornley.com/blog/index.php/site/Istanbul/

Hagia Sophia interior