Escape from the Big City

Iznik is a small town on the shores of a lake, guarded by ancient, crumbling walls and ringed by hills. Surrounded by olive groves and herds of sheep, the busy streets of Istanbul feel much farther than two hours away. I found some temporary companions (French and Belgian), and went on my first hike in what feels like forever. It was a cold, grey day, but fun to get into the hills nevertheless. Iznik has been a well-known center of tile production for hundreds of years, but all the shops were closed for Kurban Bayram. This is a four-day holiday on par with Christmas in importance, where each family ritually sacrifices a ram and invites guests to participate in the subsequent feasting. Meat and sheepskins are also donated to charity. For almost a week, I have been surrounded by holiday cheer, frenzied shopping, and sheep massacring. Interesting combination.

Here the sad things wait for the fun to begin. These impromptu pens were everywhere, often near mosques. I have spared you all (and myself) after photos.

With love,
Deborah



For more photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/dnemens/BursaIznikBandirma