Ince Minare -- finally my visit to history

The marvel that is the Ince Minare (The Thin Minaret) is something I treated myself to today. I really got a lot from the visit. It was so quiet. Just me and my camera for a long while, and afterwards only
a few people. I loved the opportunity to go by to see the stoneworks, and read about the history of one of Konya's oldest buildings.

December 26 in Konya, Turkey - on Alaadin Hil

I was surprised by the warmth of the day. People were happy to be out and about on a lovely cloudy day. Many people were whispering and theorizing about me, whether I was 'Saudi' or 'Sudan' or 'Tourist' or 'Somali' or what was I doing? Some already knew 'Amerikali' but I still am curious as to why it is always done so loudly, --is it intentional, to get my attention, or is it just a normal audio-level musing?

Nevertheless it was a beautiful day, and I had to take off my jacket, since I was now overdressed. Some 12-13 year olds were following me around, trying to quietly get my attention, until I turned to say hello, right after I took this picture. They asked if I spoke Turkish, and wanted to take a photo with me. I agreed, and asked if I could take theirs. The boys chickened out, so Merve (the leader) and her friend took one, and a few minutes later, the boys who were feeling they missed the opportunity, and were hovering, agreed to a quick photo. Then they were happy.

I am really wanting to think quietly outside, but the new visitors to Konya are still fascinated by me.

They, however, are so sweet, that I am only pleased they are go glad to meet with me, talk with me, if only for brief moments.

What I learned by visiting Shams-i-Tabrizi today in Konya

I was thinking about my life, what I have learned, what relationships I have cultivated and nurtured in my days here on the planet, and I wanted to do something to develop myself. Near our home is the resting place of Shams-i-Tabrizi, the illuminator of Mevlana Jalalluddin Rumi. Recently I began a study of his works, and was touched by his mention that not many people understood his methods, despite the fact that so many were attracted to his most famous student. I understand the process of not wanting to be the center of attention, but still desiring to elevate one's own understanding, and that of one's beloveds.

I sat quietly outside his turbeh (tomb), even walked around it to be closer to the actual resting place, and said a short prayer, giving thanks to being close to the echo of one who set aflame the spirit of another who is still so highly valued by so many hearts of this world. Mevlana Caddessi (street) is famous here, but not as many tourists come to visit Shams, and perhaps that is what he would want, not craving the attention of the multitude, and perhaps not wanting to deal with them, if the book I am reading is true. After my short meditation two elder men came by to shake my hand. First one, "As salaam alaikum," and my response. A smile, then -- "Dua?" <"Prayer"?> I nodded, and he put his hand to his heart and bowed. I mirrored the smile, the sentiment, and the gesture. Later, another elder, with cane, softly stepped by. "As salaam alaikum," and a smile, and the gesture so familiar to me, the hand over the heart. It is nice to be in a place that I can move the way I have always moved, and see it offered back to me without any thoughts of how unusual it looked (in the West, people think my greeting is too formal and affected, but that is just what I have always done. Perhaps part of my DNA has passed through here, centuries ago, and my atavism is more comfortable in this place.

I didn't want to go inside at the time, it was prayer time and it was (to my surprise) busy with the movement of local people. But it was comforting just to be in the presence of the echo of Shams, whose works still move the masses, but quietly, in the personage of Mevlana, who loved him so.

For my part, I learned I like the quiet as well, and the company of those who understand me and love me. So I write this to you who do, and I offer my gratitude and a smile, and a hand over my heart. Thank you so much.

Sah Mat in Konya--Abdurrahman's the greatest!

He has fashioned a warm, friendly atmosphere in this spacious place. We enjoy our games indoors and out, and can even get internet opponents if we need. A cup of tea, and a 'tost', and good company. First class. The new incarnation of Cafe Satranc only blocks from my home. Walking distance!

In the Ottoman-style office, from Ottoman times.

Tea in an Ottoman General's home

What a wonderful time Aundreta and I had visiting Cathy in her old Ottoman office behind Ince Minare in Zafer, downtown Konya. We saw the rooms the old generals used in the 1800s, and the beautiful restoration of paint and artwork of the day. To look out the window and see young students drinking tea, from Osmanli Cafe, I was reminded of the rich history of the city. Much of what we learn is passed by word-of-mouth, in bits and pieces--yet what we learn is not easy to forget, as it is clothed in warm thoughts, and joy of sharing. Maybe that is a better way to learn things, sometimes. Small bites, easy to digest, pleasant to experience.

What I have with my MOLESKINE notebook

I see this style of photo online a good deal at Tumblr.com. I want to add to the collection--my bag, a brown utility book-sized canvas bag, is helpful to me. I have run it into the ground, but it is a sturdy thing. I really like books. As a child I wanted to be a kangaroo, so I could always keep my books close by. My grandfather and father helped instill in me a great love for books.

Konak - great place to eat

 

Konya makes me happy--I was just walking around and found a new connection in my mental map.

I have been to this restaurant, Konak (originally Kosk, pronounced /Kyosk/, with 2 dots over the 'o')a few times: first with my wife Aundreta, with Nezih Agabey (although I call him Nezih, on his request, sans honorific), with John Miller and Robert Bixler, and with Fevzi, Rabia, and Hasan.

The food is delicious, and it is hailed as a great place for local cuisine. Turkish 'soul food', so to say. Firin kebap, yogurt kebap, patlican (pronounced PAt'luh jan) kebap, and wonderful desserts. Hosmerim (pr. HOSH' mer im), which is a rich dish with sugar, honey, butter, walnuts and pistachio paste, served HOT and it is akin in texture to peanut butter, and so flavorful!

Please come and visit here, and we will eat here together.