FOCUSING ON CULTURAL HERITAGE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF TURKEY ASUDE BİLGİN AND AYNUR OKSAL

Virgin Mary

The gravesite of Virgin Mary in Turkey is a project in the interests of Christians and Muslims alike, both of whom have a deep respect for St. Mary. Many suras (chapters) in the Holy Koran speak of the Virgin Mary, and of the miraculo.

Piri Reis

Admiral Piri Reis is still the subject of intense study by Turkish and non-Turkish scholars around the world. In the 16th century Piri Reis is accepted as one of the biggest geography scientists. Born on the Gallipoli Peninsula c.1465, Admiral Piri Reis is one of the most famous figures of Turkish naval history. An Ottoman naval captain and a cartographer, he is best known in the West for his map of 1513--the first surviving map that shows the Americas, including North America, South America, Greenland, Antarctica, as well as the western coast of Africa.

This map, now preserved in the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul, was not Piri Reis' only contribution to cartography. The unparelleled cartographer of history also left behind 16th century maps of the Gallipoli Peninsula and the Dardanelles. In 1521 he also wrote a mariner's guide to the coasts and islands of the Mediterranean ("Book of the Mariner," or "The Naval Handbook").

Ephesus

It was through the Jews that Christianity was first introduced into Ephesus. Ephesus, once, the trade centre of the ancient world, a religious centre of the early Christianity and today, Ephesus is an important tourism centre in Turkey.

Did you know Ephesus is considered one of the great outdoor museums of Turkey?

Did you know the toilets in Ephesus were ranged side by side with no partition between them? Did you know before the rich people used the toilets their slaves sat and heated toilets’ stone for their masters?

Mevlana

His phylosophy reflects universal principles for humanity “ Come, come whatever you are, it doesn't matter whether you are an infidel, an idolater or a fire-worshiper, Come, our convent is not a place of despair. Come, even if you violated your swear a hundred times,come again. Hz. Mevlana”

Most of his works, particularly his Mesnevi and Divan, have been translated into many languages around the world.

Iznik Ceramics and Tiles

The art of Turkish tiles and ceramics occupies a place of prominence in the history of Islamic art. The art of Turkish tile and ceramic-making developed over the centuries incorporating many different techniques and styles. Efforts are also being made in private workshops and educational institutions in Iznik, Istanbul, and Bursa to keep the art of traditional Turkish tiles and ceramics alive and develop it so that it can address the demands of modern-day life.

The art of Turkish tiles and ceramics occupies a place of prominence in the history of Islamic art.

The art of Turkish tile and ceramic-making developed over the centuries incorporating many different techniques and styles. Efforts are also being made in private workshops and educational institutions in Iznik, Istanbul, and Bursa to keep the art of traditional Turkish tiles and ceramics alive and develop it so that it can address the demands of modern-day life.

Iznik ceramics and tiles

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia, which is considered as one of the eight wonders of the world, also occupies a prominent place in the history of art and architecture

After serving two different religions with the same god, 916 years as a church and 477 years as a mosque, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum on Ataturk's orders. Between 1930 and 1935 the whitewash on the walls was cleaned to reveal mosaics, which are among the most important examples of Byzantine art.