The Story of Kandil

The five holy evenings on the Muslim calendar are called Kandil, which means Candle. It is so called because all the mosques are illuminated and those are the nights on which Muslims pray for forgi...

Started by Hilkat Ozgun May. 7, 2008.

Sacred Flower of the East – The Tulip

It is a flawless symbol! Clad in ottoman splendour and wearing a city’s history as its badge, it will stand forever erect, gazing at the sky… A tall green stem rises between two leaves shaped like...

Started by Hilkat Ozgun May. 7, 2008.

Tulips: the light of the East

Tulips were revered throughout the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, found in artworks and poetry dating back thousands of years. Tulips were seen as more valuable than human life. Turkey was the fir...

Tagged: tulips, history, ideas

Started by Pip Shea Apr. 17, 2008.

Henna Night (Kina Gecesi)

The ceremony held one day before the wedding in the home of bride and groom is called the henna night. It generally takes place at the girl’s home and among women. Usually dry henna brought by the...

Tagged: circles, ceremony, love

Started by Pip Shea Apr. 9, 2008.