Iris Canakkale

... As an adjunct to a tour of Gallipoli, the trip is definitely worthwhile. But as a pilgrimage to the classical world, there are better-preserved and more representative sites on Turkish soil that are more conveniently accessible.Until 1871, when Heinrich Schliemann decided to go dig for buried treasure, finding Troy was about as likely as finding Atlantis. There was (and to a certain extent, still is) no concrete evidence that the civilization of Homer ...

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... nevertheless.<br><br>Beyond the Arch of Domitian is the Necropolis, stretching for over 1.5km (1 mile) and ending at the northern entrance to the site. Although people traveled from all over the empire to heal their ills, it's painfully obvious from this extensive burial ground that some diseases just can't be treated by a warm bath. There are various types of sarcophagi, layers of mausoleums designed as houses for the dead, and remarkable examples of ...

... on the front lines of the conflict. <br><br>ANZAC day is in Australia and New Zealand akin to our Veterens Day, only it is far more celebrated and important. In many ways Gallipoli is as major a memorial sight for the Aussies and Kiwis as it is for the Turks. <br><br>I am not sure I have ever been to a stranger place in my life.<br><br>Usually in war to the victors go the spoils. Well at Gallipoli there was a winner, a big winner, the Turks, even though they ...

... entertained. Unfortunately I still struggle to sleep on the bus. We have 2-3 hours sleep at night and the next day most people have a good sleep on the bus, while I sit wide awake... But I'm surviving:) I don't know if I have mentioned it or not, but we have what is called 'the booth of truth' and 'singing' on the bus. For anyone who is late or messes up, they are told to do one or the other. Singing is where you must wear full ear ...

... cosy in the van. Thursday 21st May. We packed up and left with no breakky and decided we would get some at Troy. Well troy is a little rural town perched on world famous ruins. We found a little café near the ruins entry and had a wonderful traditional Turkish breakky with loads of sweet Turkish tea and sitting in the morning sun was a perfect way to start the day. The Unesco site of Troy is where the fabled Trojan ...

... valleys, and mountainous Mediterranean landscapes. Part of the route is the old "caravanserai" for all you old Carlos Santana fans! Some areas are very poor with families living in 'yurts" and working the fields, interesting that it's the women who do all the manual work. We stayed one night on the way over and arrived here in Canakkale late on Monday afternoon. Turkish roads are appallingly badly made and maintained, they are certainly not up ...

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... of the boys assembled in silence in front of the imposing limestone monument preparing to do the Hakka. It was an amazing sight to see these impressive boys assembled so reverently and draped in a glow from a gently setting sun. It was a spine tingling moment and one that we will never forget. Everyone, Turk and tourist, watched on as the boys gave a most rousing, passionate and powerful performance of this age old ritual. It brought tears to almost all who were watching ...