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@ Kas Bay, Antalya
Kaplan begins his tour of "Turkey: Mediterranean". Merhaba nasılsınız!
Kas Bay, Antalya
Kas is a Unesco world heritage site. Kas means eyebrow in Turkish, Meis Island looks like an eye, and Kas Bay looks like the eyebrow over it. Kas was founded by the Lycians. In Kas, you can visit a Lycian tomb and other ancient ruins. A popular sport in Kas Bay is scuba diving.

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@ Old Fortress Walls, Antalya Old Town
"Hey, Kaplan, it says here that although coffee doesn't come from Turkey, the Turks brought coffee to Europe in the 16th century. 'Try their classic mocha coffee, brewed in a cezve, a small copper pot.'"
"Mmm, I had some for breakfast this morning, Pera!"
Old Fortress Walls, Antalya Old Town
This photograph shows some of the remaining ancient fortress walls. Most of the walls have been torn down as the city expanded. The stunning blue of the water has earned this area the name of The Turquoise Coast, and Turquoise is Old French for Turkish Stone.

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@ Eagle And Tazi Canyon, Antalya
İztuzu Beach, just west of Fethiye, is a major breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. The turtles arrive between May and October, climbing ashore at the exact site of their birth to lay a new generation of eggs. The beach sees around 300 nests dug each year.
Eagle And Tazi Canyon, Antalya
Considered to be one of the most beautiful canyons in the Mediterranean. Eagle and Tazi Canyon is located in the national park Köprülü Canyon, which is between the districts of Serik and Manavgat. The depth of the Tazi Canyon ranges from 200 to 500 meters, Kopruchay River.

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@ Olympos Beydaglari National Park
"Hey, Kaplan, did you know Santa Claus originated in Turkey? It says: 'Born to wealthy parents, Nicholas was a Christian saint and Greek bishop of Myra, who was born in Patara'—there's an amazing beach there, by the way. Anyway—'he received a large amount of wealth, which he would give away to the poor and needy. Legend has it that he would drop bags of gold coins down the chimneys of houses, and provide fruits to children. His good deeds spread through Europe, and locals began integrating it with their myths and legends.'"
"That's a lovely story about St Nicholas, Breeanna!"
Olympos Beydaglari National Park
Located southwest of Antalya this national park was established in 1972. Within the park are the ancient ruins of Olympos (Olympus), Phaselis, and Idyros. The park encompasses an area of 34,425 ha (132.92 sq mi). From the coastline to mountains this park is popular with tourists looking to hike, camp, paraglide, or engage in water sports. Pack up a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

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@ Moon And Sea, Antalya
"It says here that the colour turquoise is from the French word turquois, which represents the amazing colour of Turkey’s Mediterranean sea coast," remarked BOB.
"It certainly is a very beautiful, brightly coloured sea," replied Kaplan.
Moon And Sea, Antalya
After a busy day of sightseeing, you and your pets take a few moments to appreciate the splendour that is a moonlit sea. A cooling breeze, gentle light from the moon, the sound of the sea telling you it is time to relax. Goodnight dear pets, tomorrow will be another fun-filled day.

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@ Caves, Antalya
"It says here that the colour turquoise is from the French word turquois, which represents the amazing colour of Turkey’s Mediterranean sea coast," remarked Daisy.
"It certainly is a very beautiful, brightly coloured sea," replied Kaplan.
Caves, Antalya
If you wish to go cave exploring, Antalya is a perfect place to visit. There are many caves, and Antalya has the world's third-longest underwater cave, Altinbesik Cave. Karain Cave, at 500,000 years old, is considered to be the oldest human habitation in Anatolia, inhabited from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age. Blue cave (Mavi Magara) is located in the Kekova region, a small Turkish Island in Antalya province. The Blue Cave has gained its name from the sapphire walls as light bounces off the bright blue water of the sea.

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@ Tip Of Alanya Peninsula
"'The Nazar boncuğu, or “evil eye”, is the best-selling souvenir in Turkey. It's a stone made from molten glass, iron and copper. A 3000-year old tradition, it is worn to protect the wearer from evil forces. The belief is that the blue colour of the stone has the power to shield from negative energy,'" read out Rico from the local brochure.
"I think we need to drop in at the bazaar again!" suggested Kaplan.
Tip Of Alanya Peninsula
Alanya Castle stands atop this peninsula, a Seljuk-era citadel dating from 1226. This area is popular with boaters and partiers who wish to spend the day admiring the lovely views.

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@ The Sea, Antalya
Oh look ... you found a picturesque rock!
The Sea, Antalya
As far as the eye can see, nothing but blue ocean, waves and clouds. Maybe you and your pets would like to take a dip in that blue water, or perhaps you would prefer to just sit and read a good book or think your thoughts without any distractions.

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@ Palm Trees And Distant Mountains
“I can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Kaplan,” mused Fred Bear, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of his pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Kaplan. “You just need to remember it’s got ‘terra’ in the middle, which is Latin for ‘earth’, and the ‘Medi’ bit means ‘middle’. Put the two together and Bob’s your uncle.”
“Middle Earth!” cried Fred Bear.
Palm Trees And Distant Mountains
The Phoenix theophrasti is the only native palm tree to Turkey, other species were introduced. The tree is purely ornamental, but when you see a scene like this you are not thinking about anything other than how relaxing this is.

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@ Termessos Theatre, Antalya
"What does our travel brochure recommend for local food, Zazzle?" queried Kaplan.
Zazzle consulted the document. "It recommends a spicy Adana kebab and to accompany it, Şalgam, a popular drink originating from Adana and Mersin. The drink is made from purple carrots, ground bulgur, salt, yeast and water, flavoured with fermented aromatic turnip. The drink is traditionally served cold in glasses with pickled carrots, or tane, cut into long slices, and sometimes a spoonful of red hot pepper relish stirred into the drink just before serving."
"Wow! Sounds great, Zazzle, let's find ourselves a vendor!"
Termessos Theatre, Antalya
Termessos is one of the best-preserved ancient cities of Turkey. It lies 34 kilometers to the north-west of Antalya, soaring over 1,000 meters above the sea, and is located in the Güllük Dagi National Park. What thoughts would go through your mind as you sit atop the stone seats?

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@ Mountain View, Antalya
"Did you know the oldest shipwreck in the world was discovered off the shore at Uluburun, Kas Kaş in 1982?" asked Kaplan.
"Really?" responded Rocko. "How old was the ship?"
"It is believed that the ship dates back to the late 14th century BCE. It's on display at the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Just think, the sailors that once navigated this ancient vessel belonged to the Bronze Age!"
Mountain View, Antalya
Looking out over the rugged mountains. This view is either taken from Falex park 2, a park on the coast of Antalya or overlooking the green space on the other side.
The Beydaglari Mountains, is the western extension of the Taurus Mountains, lie to the west of the Bay of Antalya.

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@ Ancient Ruins, Manavgat, Turkey
"'The Nazar boncuğu, or “evil eye”, is the best-selling souvenir in Turkey. It's a stone made from molten glass, iron and copper. A 3000-year old tradition, it is worn to protect the wearer from evil forces. The belief is that the blue colour of the stone has the power to shield from negative energy,'" read out Ebony from the local brochure.
"I think we need to drop in at the bazaar again!" suggested Kaplan.
Ancient Ruins, Manavgat, Turkey
Manavgat is famous for the ancient city of Side which has the best known classical sites in the country, some of the ruins are world-famous, such as The Temple of Apollo. There is also a Greek Amphitheater, Side Antik Kenti, Monumental Fountain (Nymphaeum), Seleukia (Lybre) and many more.

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@ Düden Waterfalls, Antalya
"I've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said BOB.
"Me too!" said Kaplan. "It's great on this tour, isn't it?"
Düden Waterfalls, Antalya
The Düden Waterfalls are a group of waterfalls that were formed by the recycle station water, 12 kilometers (7.5 mi) northeast of Antalya. A park has been created around the waterfalls.

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@ Manavgat Waterfall, Antalya, Turkey
"What does our travel brochure recommend for local food, Ozzie?" queried Kaplan.
Ozzie consulted the document. "It recommends a spicy Adana kebab and to accompany it, Şalgam, a popular drink originating from Adana and Mersin. The drink is made from purple carrots, ground bulgur, salt, yeast and water, flavoured with fermented aromatic turnip. The drink is traditionally served cold in glasses with pickled carrots, or tane, cut into long slices, and sometimes a spoonful of red hot pepper relish stirred into the drink just before serving."
"Wow! Sounds great, Ozzie, let's find ourselves a vendor!"
Manavgat Waterfall, Antalya, Turkey
The Manavgat Waterfall on the Manavgat River is close to the city of Side, a city on the southern Mediterranean coast. Shady tea gardens near the waterfall provide a great place to rest. During the flood season, the waterfall may disappear.

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@ Alanya, Turkey
Oh look ... you found a picturesque rock!
Alanya, Turkey
Alanya is a beach resort city on Turkey’s central Mediterranean coast and a district in the Antalya province. A popular tourist destination spot that accounts for over 9 percent of Turkey’s tourism. Finds in the nearby Karain Cave, 27 km/ 17 miles Northwest of Alanya City, indicate occupation during the Paleolithic era as far back as 20,000 BC.

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@ Kleopatra Plaji, Alanya City
"What does our travel brochure recommend for local food, Zimzom?" queried Kaplan.
Zimzom consulted the document. "It recommends a spicy Adana kebab and to accompany it, Şalgam, a popular drink originating from Adana and Mersin. The drink is made from purple carrots, ground bulgur, salt, yeast and water, flavoured with fermented aromatic turnip. The drink is traditionally served cold in glasses with pickled carrots, or tane, cut into long slices, and sometimes a spoonful of red hot pepper relish stirred into the drink just before serving."
"Wow! Sounds great, Zimzom, let's find ourselves a vendor!"
Kleopatra Plaji, Alanya City
Alanya is a resort town featuring Cleopatra Beach (Kleopatra Plaji) on the southern coast of Turkey, which is considered to be one of the best beaches in Turkey. The area also offers Alanya Castle, a giant Seljuk-era fort turned open-air museum.

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@ Turkish Cuisine
"Shall we have the Gözleme for lunch, Kaplan?" queried DORTE.
"What is it made of, DORTE?"
"It's a Turkish flatbread made with olive oil and yogurt, which gives it more of a pancake texture. Then the dough is filled with, say, vegetables, eggs, cheese or mushrooms, and is then baked on a griddle."
"It sounds yummy, DORTE! I'll have mushrooms in mine, I think!"
Turkish Cuisine
Turkish cuisine is based on Ottoman cuisine, a fusion of many different countries such as Egypt, Armenia, Greece. The Turkish people believe eating a heavy breakfast is healthier than eating a heavy lunch or dinner. A selection of foods you may find on a typical Turkish breakfast is bread, cheese, eggs, butter, honey, olives, walnuts, perhaps beginning breakfast with soup. Each area of Turkey has regional food preferences. Around the Black Sea, fish is used extensively, and corn dishes. In the southeast, kebabs, mezes (many small dishes), and baklava.

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@ Rainbow On The Water, Alanya
"'The Nazar boncuğu, or “evil eye”, is the best-selling souvenir in Turkey. It's a stone made from molten glass, iron and copper. A 3000-year old tradition, it is worn to protect the wearer from evil forces. The belief is that the blue colour of the stone has the power to shield from negative energy,'" read out Spoty from the local brochure.
"I think we need to drop in at the bazaar again!" suggested Kaplan.
Rainbow On The Water, Alanya
The lights from boats on the Gulf of Antalya form a rainbow of colour across the water at night. You can take a boat tour or just sit on the beach and dream as the sun goes down.

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@ Red Tower At Night, Alanya
"Shall we have the Gözleme for lunch, Kaplan?" queried Faylene.
"What is it made of, Faylene?"
"It's a Turkish flatbread made with olive oil and yogurt, which gives it more of a pancake texture. Then the dough is filled with, say, vegetables, eggs, cheese or mushrooms, and is then baked on a griddle."
"It sounds yummy, Faylene! I'll have mushrooms in mine, I think!"
Red Tower At Night, Alanya
The Red Tower, a historical tower in Alanya was completed in 1226 and it protects the Tersane shipyard, located south of Kleopatra Beach. The name is derived from the red bricks used in its construction. The tower is a symbol of Alanya and is the best-preserved Seljuk building in the city.

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@ Zeus Temple In Silifke
“I can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Kaplan,” mused Abby, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of her pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Kaplan. “You just need to remember it’s got ‘terra’ in the middle, which is Latin for ‘earth’, and the ‘Medi’ bit means ‘middle’. Put the two together and Bob’s your uncle.”
“Middle Earth!” cried Abby.
Zeus Temple In Silifke
In the center of Silifke—a town in south-central Turkey, there are modest remains of an ancient temple, built in the 2nd or 3rd century CE. The temple is thought to be dedicated to Zeus. Now the ruins are known as the Temple of Storks because these birds have built a nest on top of the only remaining standing column.

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@ Orange Poppy, Atatürk Parki
"Hey, Kaplan, did you know Santa Claus originated in Turkey? It says: 'Born to wealthy parents, Nicholas was a Christian saint and Greek bishop of Myra, who was born in Patara'—there's an amazing beach there, by the way. Anyway—'he received a large amount of wealth, which he would give away to the poor and needy. Legend has it that he would drop bags of gold coins down the chimneys of houses, and provide fruits to children. His good deeds spread through Europe, and locals began integrating it with their myths and legends.'"
"That's a lovely story about St Nicholas, Tilly ♡!"
Orange Poppy, Atatürk Parki
Orange poppies, native to Turkey, are one of the many flowers to be found in the Atatürk Park in the city of Adana. A large green space in the city center. A popular place to relax after a day of work, with many varieties of trees, some statues and fountains.

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@ Sabanci Central Mosque, Adana
Oh look ... you found a picturesque rock!
Sabanci Central Mosque, Adana
Sabanci Merkez Camii in Adana is the second largest mosque in Turkey. With six minarets similar to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, it is built on 52,600 square meters (566,000 square feet) of land.

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@ Adana, Old Stone Bridge
"'The Nazar boncuğu, or “evil eye”, is the best-selling souvenir in Turkey. It's a stone made from molten glass, iron and copper. A 3000-year old tradition, it is worn to protect the wearer from evil forces. The belief is that the blue colour of the stone has the power to shield from negative energy,'" read out Brownie from the local brochure.
"I think we need to drop in at the bazaar again!" suggested Kaplan.
Adana, Old Stone Bridge
Taskopru, this 16th century Roman stone bridge, with 21 arches spanning the Seyhan River, is known as the oldest bridge in the world that is still in use. The bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists, and the surrounding park is popular with people wanting to stroll amongst plants and take tea for a relaxing break.

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@ Kilgen River at Kozan, Adana Province
“I can never remember how to spell ‘Mediterranean’, Kaplan,” mused Lunaray, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of her pen. “Is it two ts and one r?”
“Simples,” grinned Kaplan. “You just need to remember it’s got ‘terra’ in the middle, which is Latin for ‘earth’, and the ‘Medi’ bit means ‘middle’. Put the two together and Bob’s your uncle.”
“Middle Earth!” cried Lunaray.
Kilgen River at Kozan, Adana Province
The Kozen Dam on the Kilgen River was constructed between 1967 and 1972, and it helps irrigate 10,220 hectares (25,254 acres) of land. The Kilgen River, a tributary of the Ceyhan, flows through Kozan and crosses the plain south into the Mediterranean.

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@ Kozan, Adana Province, Turkey
As Kaplan's tour of "Turkey: Mediterranean" comes to an end, he receives a wonderful gift!
Grey Mountain, Sharp Peak
Jagged, steep, rounded, tree-filled or bare, snow-covered or subject to torrential rains—mountains are an outstanding feature on the landscape, they draw the eye, they inspire artists and climbers. Mountains affect the weather and can enclose an area of land creating valleys that are rich agricultural areas. Poems are written about mountains. Mountains are a haven for eagles and many forms of wildlife.

These marvellous mountain decorations will be perfect in your art slides whether you are making a mountain retreat for yourself or a home for your pets. Perhaps you have a pet who has always dreamed of going on a climbing expedition and making it to the top of the highest mountain. Used singly as a point of interest, or in multiples to create a whole mountain range, let your imagination soar.
Kozan, Adana Province, Turkey
Kozan, formally Sis or Siskia (Armenian) is located 68 km (42 miles) northeast of Adana in the northern Cukurova Plain. From 3000 BC onwards, there were Hittite settlements in these plains behind the Mediterranean coast, based on farming and grazing animals. Today Kozan is a city surrounded by vineyards, gardens and groves of cypress, sycamore, fig, orange and lemon trees.
Kaplan has completed his tour of "Turkey: Mediterranean"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour Turkey!