July 16th 2008
Trip Start
Jul 09, 2008
1
9
13
Trip End
Jul 21, 2008
Sanliurfa,
Sanliurfa,
Turkey
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Road to Haraan
We boarded the bus and headed out of the city toward Syria. Before the day was over we would be within 10 miles of that border. This area has been a target for Kurd separatists in their attempt to recruit support. The government has responded with an effort to improve education, increase tourism and build the economy through increased irrigation in what was once a part of the fertile crescent but over time had become dessert. It seems to be working. As we drove along it seemed we were driving into the set for the movie Babel. The small adobe like structures surrounded by desolation with the new irrigation turning once parched fields into lush fields of veggies with families in the field doing the work. Tractors were also moving through the fields, while ever so often a horse drawn cart would slow our progress along what was once The Silk Road as we made our way to the ancient city of Harran.
The city served as a stopping point along the silk road. We toured the ruins of this city while a recent graduate of a university who was waiting to be appointed to a teaching position, shared its history with us. This 3 story structure was where the king lived and the caravans stayed on the Silk Road. Christian signs had been plastered over and Moslem symbols replaced as times changed . We viewed the ruins of a Mosque which had been the site of great scientific study,focusing on astronomy
Ancient City of Haraan
. It had a large tower and a reflecting pool which allowed them to study the movement of the stars and moon. This Mosque was from the 7th Century AD.We were then taken to the home of a man whose family has lived in the home for over 200 years. He had 14 children, was a farmer and sold things to tourists, and was 57 years old (my age). He looked much older. He was a gracious host serving us tea and allowing the women in our group to visit with his wife. They found her seated on a rug in a garage behind an automobile. She never got up during the entire visit-the women suggested after 14 children she was entitled to stay seated.
The adobelike structures they live in are very cool. The roofs are cone shaped with a hole at the top. Structures like this are found in three locations-Greece, Italy and here.
Back on the bus for the return trip to Urfa.We were met by the pharmacists at a private high school, Murat High School. We ate at the school and later toured it. The principal joined us. We asked lots of questions about the educational system in Turkey and at this private school. It was very interesting, had a great lunch with the best baklavi I have ever eaten.
In Turkey you take a college entrance exam. 1.5 million take it. 300,000 are admitted
Harran Children
. This is a gifted and talented high school. They give scholarships to poor students. This school had the number 1 student on the test lastyear with a perfect score. This year they had several students in the top 100.We then toured a new hospital set to open in September. A state of the art facility that will not turn anyone away . It will provide treatments and surgies no one else in Urfa provides like cancer treatments
It was farewell to Urfa and off to the airport for an uneventful flight to Ankara. We were met at the Ankara airport yesterday by Umit Cakici. He told us
a story about two fetus in the womb which was an allegory of life
itself. He left the bus before our dinner because his wife was to undergo surgery the next day.
We went to dinner at the lovely home of Osman Nuri Sahin. He was the owner of a factory which will make dry wall after selling what must have been a very profitable concrete company. His home was the most lavish condo we had been in since the trip began. Kamil found out that it cost over $400,000 to build. The front door had a built in camera and sixteen point dead bolts. He spent the entire evening serving us our food and drink. Our co-host for the evening was a young man who had received his Phd from American schools, spoke excellent English and was a major in the Turkish State Police serving as director of the anti-terrorist division. He shared the book he has written for first responders in America.
The meal, like so many, was excellent. We had an opportunity to quiz his two high school age daughters on their educational experience, as well as getting inside information regarding the recent shooting by terrorists at the American Embassy in Istanbul.
We spent the night at a very modern hotel, built in the shape of an "A".
Comments
Enjoying Your Blog
What memories I am having as you update your blog each day! I have been moved to tears several times and am anxious to see what each new day brings you. Stay safe, can't wait to see pictures!