Antalya: Dive into the World of the East

What to expect

In 3 hours you will:

• Stroll through the Old Town Kaleici, where you will see the ancient baths Yenikapi and the mosque Tekeli Mehmet Pasha. You will also visit shops selling famous Ottoman Empire goods such as ceramics and carpets.

• Explore Balbey - the first urban quarter outside the fortress. You will visit the caravanserai that hosted merchants and travelers in the Middle Ages. And you will find the Ottoman hammam of the 15th century with incredible domes on Bazaar Square.

• Visit a real eastern bazaar and the coppers' market, where you will uncover the secrets of the medieval craft guild 'Ahilik'.

• Enter a cozy eastern pastry shop and try local sweets with a cup of aromatic Turkish coffee.

I will tell you:

• How Turkish carpets were used in Medieval Europe and who owned the largest collection of carpets from the Ottoman Empire

• Why the tulip became a favorite motif in Turkish ceramics and what designs on the dishes served as talismans

• How one could open a stall in the market and what sellers threw on the roof of those with poor-quality goods

• Why Turkish bread has one slit and which spice cures all diseases except death

• Which Ottoman sultan had a sweet tooth and what sweets were prepared in the sultan's kitchen

• How a bath attendant identified wealthy clients and what bathing supplies were used by harem beauties

• How travelers entertained themselves in caravanserais and what specific services were provided in laundries

• Which type of Turkish coffee prolongs youth and which helps to lose weight