Local Pride

Cappadocia is never short of surprises.

It's either the natural or the man-made.

We asked and considered about the group's decision to visit Anatolia in winter. Why did we not come in Spring or Summer? We concluded that we cannot find snow-capped tuff except in winter.
So, it is best to visit in Winter.

Do you not agree that we can see and touch snow only in winter? 

Winter does create an ethos that no other season can. 

We are so used to the heat in tropical lands that it is really the snow that makes the difference. 

So, we had no regrets. 

Winter-land is surely beautiful.
That was the Uchisar situated at the highest point of Cappadocia.

I wonder it is appropriate that I term these animals as the species from the yak family. Long-haired and long-horned ; it may just be it. We strolled through the tuff-filled Pasabag Valley.

The Anatolian flag flying high over a sign that read- church. Yes, Nur told us that it used to house the St Simeon Chapel built into the fairy chimneys with the 3 heads.

They say the chapel is inside that cave. It was too challenging for us to comb around it. So we looked from afar; already so satisfied.

Cappadocia has much to show with its natural features.

Next, we were given a first hand knowledge of some of the artistry here. We went to the banks of Kizillirmak to the Avanos Pottery Village where the finest products are created.

In this valley, you are only deem a man if you know the pottery trade; to make and sell. Pottery of all shapes and sizes are created both for local use and export.

It is often a trade that runs in the family with the father passing down his skill to his sons.

The trade is as old as the country and the best quality ones are handled with skill and splendour. Yes, the ones shown here are allowed photography so they are still not the best. Later, we were ushered into inner quarters where no camera is allowed. So the best is not exposed.

Over here, they are more expensive than some of those sold outside. But believe me, there is a difference in quality. So, the English saying 'penny wise pound foolish' is very true. When you want to acquire for long term display, purchase the original ones. They look better and last longer.

Next, we were told we cannot leave the land without first have a taste of local carpets. It's like having 'longin tea ' in Hangchow and wearing south sea pearls when in Sabah. So, the carpet story.

We were entertained at an education centre for carpets.

There are apparently 3566 ( I don't know how the figure came about) weavers in this cottage industry. The government is fully supporting it by subsidising electricity and shipping charges. 

Even on a small piece of carpet, there are 144 knots and it needs 10 months to weave it. Carpets here have double knots not found anywhere else in the world. I asked about those sold over in Malaysia to which the man quickly replied " Turkey doesn't send her carpets to anywhere in the world except by order". Real turkish carpets can only be bought in Turkey itself. Believable?

So the carpet weaving industry is mostly dominated by the womenfolk and the expert earnestly explaining the authenticity of a local Turkish product.

This piece will take 10  months to complete and it changes its hue as one turns it around. The most expensive one is silk followed by cotton or a mixture.

Silk farms are cultivated to rear silk cocoons. A cocoon is a mile of silk ! It is known that the spider web is the strongest of all material followed by silk. They are inflammable and silk is 6 times stronger than steel...

Cappadocia is a local term which connotes beautiful horses. People from the south and south eastern parts often bring their beautiful horses for trade and competition. So it is not surprising that images of horses are carved on them to signify the role of the animal in this kingdom. The Hittite tribe is especially versatile in the horse connected carpets.

Everyone has an Achilles' heel. The best salesman will look for it in his clients so dad was no exception. Dad is not into buying things. But when he sees the worth in a choice, he gets it. 

Do you see anything in this carpet?

Ask him why he bought it.

Let's not remember the price attached to it.

In the hills of Cappadocia, a group of ladies diligently knitted this runner in front of me and I also fell prey to it. But I think it is beautifully hand -woven, so it's running across the coffee table in the house now.

Yes, much is found in the land of the arty people.

Much to buy.