Discovering Myths and Legends on Turkey Tours

Discovering Myths and Legends on Turkey Tours
Article by Gordon Trevennan






You can learn a lot about the Turkish culture and people even on the short time you may spend on your Turkey tours. Visiting the incredible ancient monuments of the Ottoman empire inspires you to visualise how life might have been played out back then. The Turkish culture has a rich and exciting history that is interwoven with myths and legends. Here are some of the intriguing tales you may discover while exploring the country on your Turkey tours.The FlagWhile you are travelling the country on your Turkey tours, you will probably, more times than you can count, see the Turkish flag proudly flying on civic buildings and houses, and in the form of souvenirs and gifts. But do you know the legends surrounding the flag? There are a few differing accounts, but the story most people will tell is that of Alp Arslan - the Seljuk Khan - in 1071. It is said that after the Battle of Manzikert, where the Byzantine army was crushed, he was wandering, dazed, around the battlefield and glanced into a pool of blood spilled by the Turkish warriors. In its depths he saw the reflection of the crescent moon and stars and decided that this would represent the Turkish empire.Geyik MountainsIf you find yourself near the Geyik Mountains on your Turkey tours, then you may be regaled with the legend of Sultan. Sultan was a young girl who lived in one of the villages close to the range of mountains. A husband was chosen for her by her family, but she did not wish to marry this man. She was in love with another and so, in a desperate bid for freedom, she ran away.She eventually found herself on the summit of a high mountain and cried out, "Open up, oh rock!". The mountain, hearing her plea and taking pity on her split the rock from which it was made and created an opening. Sultan did not hesitate and she leapt into the hole, knowing what lay on the other side was better than her fate back in the village. She was never seen again and all that was left was a small scrap of fabric clinging to the rock at the entrance. The entrance is still there for you to visit while on your Turkey tours, though the legend is now disappearing and only the elder members of the community can remember the story. No one knows where the entrance leads, and no one has felt the urge to explore - who knows what they will find, the entrance to paradise or hell?


About the Author
Gordon Trevennan works for Peter Sommer Travels, a company specialising in cultural, educational, and historical Turkey tours as well as gulet cruises and charters in Turkey, Greece, and Italy. Our experienced guides bring the past to life on all of the Turkey tours that we offer.


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