Sheker Bayram

Last Wednesday marked the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is the holy month of Islam and is observed by fasting from sunrise to sunset everyday for an entire month. Here in Turkey, and particularly in Istanbul, not everyone fasts. But everyone celebrates the holiday at the end of the month, including me. "Sheker Bayram" (Sugar Holiday) is, from what I gathered, all about eating. I spent the holiday first in Iznik, and then in Izmir.

Iznik was formely Nicaea, site of the ecumenical councils way back during the beginnings of Christianity. A friend of mine from my teaching certification course has a summer home on a lake close to Iznik. I spent an evening at her house along with some other friends. The house lacks electricity, but makes up for this shortcoming by being located in the middle of nature. We picked pomegranates, carrots, fresh herbs, and quince to name a few. It was a welcome change to the craziness of Istanbul, and it felt good to get out of the city for the first time. Other highlights included swimmming in a natural hot spring and sitting by the fire.

After Iznik, I departed for Izmir (about 9 hours from Istanbul), but not before stopping in the city of Bursa for the famous "Iskender Kebab." Iskender Kebab consists of layered bread, lamb kebab, and tomato sauce. Doesn't sound like much, but the dish is finished with hot melted butter that is poured at the table. It is fantastic, but then again so are most things with hot melted butter.

I arrived in Izmir and eventually connected with the Zoral family. The Zoral's are friends of the manager (Colleen) I worked for at Pisces restaurant this past summer. They were wonderful hosts, and introduced me to Turkish hospitality. I spent the weekend relaxing, eating and enjoying the beautiful weather of Izmir.