Reflections on Konya, time and experience

 

I remember.

That is the beginning of a photo in the mind, tempered with time, and softened with distance. This photo in my mind includes scents of grasses on the wind, feeling of heavy legs walking uphill, tastes of recently-downed tea, moistened lips, and a sense of openness that Cappadocia brought to me with such immediacy.

Being married and living internationally is a learning experience.

We have so many friends who are so good to us (me-Michael; &-Aundreta) and teach us good things about ourselves. Sevilay, Aundreta's student, loves her so much and is so inspired by Aundreta's story. We had a meal together before her trip to Gaziantep, where she is now teaching. Such a kind heart--and very artistic. One thing she showed us was the vase she had designed. The detail was so delicate and beautiful. I mention that to bring my thoughts to this: We have an opportunity to build something like that ourselves with this relationship--the metaphysical version of a vase, to hold something beautiful, to decorate with experiences, and to cook in a kiln to make it strong and durable.

Doing that abroad is difficult, but so strengthening.

Feb 17 2010 in Zafer in front of Ince Minare

 

I had the most wonderful baglama practice. The song was so difficult, like a puzzle to me, but I mastered it somewhat. I left my instrument to be restringed, and then I walked back to get ready for my afternoon students. This was a shot in front of Ince Minare I hadn't considered before, so I am glad I stopped to take it.

Allah Hu!

 
Going to Sema (the service for the Whirling Dervishes), I met one of the Semazen (Dervishes) at Erdogan Bey's Ceramic Shop near the Culture Center. We really made a good pair. He was so peaceful.

For those who are learning, "Huu" is the sound of the breath when the Semazen are putting their minds at peace. I learned today (Jan 06 2010) that the Semazen consider the energy that moves them the Divine Fire, and they dance because of the energy of that fire burning through them. It brings new understanding for me about the phrase by Rumi, talking about burning: "There are three ways to understand fire:--to hear about it, to see it, and to be burned by it." The "Huu" is also a greeting they use for each other. It is soft, and in the throat.

'Allah Huu' is the title of several songs, some from here, one that springs to my mind is from Pakistan, by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Look it up sometime. Beautiful spiritual piece.

Man on Camii Dome--musings on my favorite places

 

I love that I can see sights like this one. The time we spent today seeing some American young filmmakers who have to leave this wonderful place, and it reminded us that we have been very blessed to be here in Konya and seeing Turkey-at-large for such a time. The tears in the visitors' eyes and those of the Turkish friends that they met while they were here made me grieve for my own departure, whether it be permanent or only (insha'llah) just a good long visit with family before we return to learn and share more.

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.