Cats, carpets, and Turkish babas

On the night bus from Istanbul to Cappadocia I had time to reflect on several things. Of interest was the number of cats we saw in the city. Feral cats everywhere, and most notably in all the restaurants. Everywhere you would sit, within seconds some mangy cat would be on your lap or at your feet. They all seem to be well fed by the tourists...including me. We were at a fish market on the sea and the sweetest little kitten wandered into our restaurant. I scooped it up, and the owner came oveer and says to me "it is a gift for you"...smirking because to them, these mangy things are just pests and the fact I picked it up made him laugh. As I walked through the market with the kitten (only a few weeks old) in my arms, a small crowd of fisherman gathered - thinking it odd. Then one came over with a small fish for me to feed it, and then the spectacle of me trying to make the fish look appetizing so the kitten would eat it.

The making of Turkish carpets is an art that dates back to the 1300's. The Turks were the first to do it...later copied by the Persians, orientals, and others. Each woman when he marrys, makes a dowry carpet. The design tells her story, and the carpet comes with her to the new marriage home. The handmade, one of a kind carpets last for hundreds of years and are passed on from family to family. When a family has lots of carpets, they occasionally sell one to a carpet trader who sells it to a wholesaler who sells it to tourists or retailers around the world.

These used rugs are traded and sold here much like we would buy and sell antique furniture. The older and more artistic the rug, the more valuable. There are rugs made of cotton, called Killum and rugs of wool (camel or lamb) on cotton, or wool on wool. Then there is the silk carpets - usually the most expensive. There are many made today commercially - for the tourists, and one must be careful to know the difference. I found a beautiful one - not too old, so has many decades left in it, that was made in Azerbaijan. It was like a painting, full of detail, beautiful coloured flowers on a black, blue and brown background...stunning. I was so tempted to buy it...and might still :-)

We took the overnight train last night from Iatanbul. It stopped in many places along the way so it was tough to get a good sleep. Interesting though to see the density of population around Istanbul. We drove for 2 hours on a highway before leaving the city. The it was one densely populated city after another. When we awoke at 5 am this morning we were in the country side...the area looked much like the Kamloops area....dry and hilly. Agriculture here is mostly wheat, lentils, chickpeas and sunflowers. There is some fruit and grapes here. Around 7:30 we drove into a canyon, much like you would com9ng into Drumheller Alberta...and there was a valley full of rocky formations with windows and doors! Yes it is a city built in the rocks...cave houses and cave hotels. Possibly the coolest place I have ever been. Nathan and I are heading out on a 4-5 hour walkabout, so will have more to share later tonight.

Oh yeah...the babas...long story....maybe another day.