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Published: October 18th 2014
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Budak home stay -- our bedroom.
Beds were like lying directly on a board. Traveled to Lake Beysehir on the Silk Route. Stopped at a Sultan Hani (early version of a truck stop or motel) for the Caravans. These were about 25 miles apart and offered a place to rest and restock for animals and people. There was a mosque in the middle of the courtyard and surrounded by rooms for the travelers.
Visited one of the most popular tourist spots for the Turkish people -- Mevlana Museum which honors the Sufi order of the Mevlevi, Whirling Dervishes. The famous 13th century poet and lyricist, Rumi preached of tolerance, forgiveness and enlightenment. He died in 1273. The museum has tombs of several Dervish abbots. Muslim's hold this order in very high regard by visitors from all over Turkey (much more than international travelers). Visiting the museum was meaningful after witnessing the rituals last evening. The Whirling Dervishes were compared to Buddhists by our guide. Buddhists overcome being rich by begging and going barefoot. Whirling Dervishes overcome pride by whirling and going into a trance-like state of being. They must "suffer" for 41days (also, something about 1000 days) before allowed into the sect. They are not like a monastery for they may continue to keep
Mevlana Museum of Whirling Dervishes
Sufi Order of Mevlevi museum. Founded by Rumi their job and be married with family. They earn the shape of their hat. The museum showed practice boards. They also have short doors for them to bend over to enter, showing humility. December 12 is their day each year where they receive union with God -- high holy day. The men twirl so fast they almost leave the ground, twirling on one foot --- nirvana for them. The right hand is open skyward to God, the left faces the earth to share God's blessing with the earth and us all. They start the ritual with a black robe, representing death (tomb). This opens to the white shroud (skirt has weights to help it open up for twirling) and the conical hat is fitted to the head with a band.
Visited another UNESCO site, a mosque in Beysehir Lake town. Met personally with the Iman who answered our questions. He wrote a book about the mosque a couple years ago.
Stayed overnight with a family in Budak. This was definitely a highlight of our trip. Fishermen turned farmers due to low level of fish in the lake. That should change in another couple years. Took a walking tour
of the town and watched the cows come home from the pasture. A shepherd takes them each morning after they are milked. Stays with them all day then brings them home. The cows know exactly where they live. By themselves, they individually walk home and in the a.m., walk to the gathering place. We witnessed this -- incredible!!! One cow got mixed up, went past his home then had to return --- by herself -- she got confused and a little panic set in but finally, made it past us and back to her home. Also, saw a shepherd with his sheep, talked with him too. Home stay -- we slept on futons -- like sleeping on a hard board. Had a very large quilt which I doubled up and slept on top of it for more comfort. The family was wonderful. The father is 60, mother 54 with 2 sons, their wives and together, 4 children. Ages 1 month to 10 years. We took Polaroid pics of the children and family and gave them the pictures. Beanie Babies for the children and Jelly Bellies for the family. This was a wonderful evening with the walking tour, dinner, talking and
tea, sleep, morning cow milking and breakfast. The father has a saying that I don't want to forget. "Your Child Is Your Capital, Your Grandchildren Are Your Profit". He doesn't speak English, this was translated to us from our Guide.
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Marg Oliver
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I've just spent the past half hour reading your reports to Day 8--took me back to my trip to turkey in '94 (twenty years ago!)--all very familiar. Cheers! Marg