So That's How The Ottomans Lived!

Birgi is a UNESCO town, about two hours from Selcuk.  It is known mostly to Turks as one of Turkey's prettiest towns for its preserved Ottoman structures. You can see centuries of civilization in this town just by walking around - ancient civilizations from several hundred BC are buried beneath Roman structures, Romans fountains are still providing water, the Great Mosque built in 1312, and the elaborate mansion called Çakırağa Konağı.  This town is so picturesque, it is being used as the backdrop for a weekly television show. 

typical stone house

you can see the mud/straw wall in house that has not been renovated

original kitchen

Ottoman house roof construction. the walls do not reach the roof

no lack of interesting fountains throughout town

the Turk was always looking for a fountain to cool himself off

The imam of the mosque gave us a tour to highlight the treasures it holds. He was very happy to be talking to an American and sharing his stories in broken English.

Great Mosque

cemetery behind mosque. most graves are for the family that built the mosque

turquoise tiles

hand carved wooden medallions built and placed without nails or glue

Inside the mosque

corner stone - lion - on back wall of the mosque

The Cakiraga Mansion was constructed by a wealthy leather merchant.  It was started in 1761 and lived in until the 1950's. It is considered the best representation of Ottoman design in the area. The murals of Istanbul and Izmir are historically correct for the mid 1800's.  The ceilings are detailed wood pieces and paintings. Even without furniture, there is so much to look at you find something different every time you look around.

entrance ceiling to room

ornate fireplace with cabinet behind colorful door

much of the wall painting included detailed olive and flower designs

view into the courtyard and surrounding mountains from inside the house

painted drapery above. alcove on left is the toilet

hallway mural

mural of Izmir

ceiling detail

ceiling detail

The Turk, his nephew Ali and wife Eda - our tour guides

mural of Istanbul

ceiling detail

ceiling and painted drapery on wall

pieced wood ceiling

We stayed at a traditional Turkish hotel that sits on a park beside the river.  It was relaxing to sit outside at night and enjoy the evening air. In Turkish manner, we removed our shoes when entering the hotel. Breakfast was in the park and was filling and delicious.  We also had lunch there - traditional kazatma - yum!

our bed with intricately embroidered sheets