East meets West

Thursday 29 August 2024

When we first drove out to Turkey in the 80’s (and again in 2013) our route would take us to Eceabat on the western side of the historic Dardanelles Strait from where we would catch a ferry to Çanakkale. On board we would have a glass of tea and a simit - similar to a bagel encrusted with sesame seeds. No sooner had you consumed them then you’d be back in your vehicle ready to disembark and set off on your route again. 

But this year another crossing option was available to us. The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, was opened two years ago and became the world's longest suspension bridge - its main span stretching 2023 meters (surpassing the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan by 32 meters).

The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge took 5 years to build at a cost of around 2.5 billion euros. The unmanned toll booth didn’t seem to recognise our UK number plates and wouldn’t spit out a ticket, but that was sorted on payment of £14 at the other end. The new bridge symbolises not only a connection between the European and Asian sides of Turkey but also commemorates a crucial Ottoman naval victory during WWI, hence its name. Whilst impressive it lacks the elegance and beauty of the Millau bridge in France which we crossed over in our spring road trip. 

We’ve been coming back to Turkey for years, it has a unique and diverse culture, influenced and shaped by its history. Whether that be the ancient civilisations of Anatolia, the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires or the modern blending of east and west. It’s a lovely mix of ancient traditions and contemporary influences.

Since arriving at our friend’s house on the outskirts of a small village on the Bodrum peninsula, miles from anywhere, we haven’t done much other than swim, eat, drink and sleep. We did head out one day for brunch in a garden cafe - a traditional Turkish breakfast & then some!! Over 35 different plates of food were brought to our table!

Next door to the cafe we wandered into the Turkish rug shop where the local women in their headscarfs and şalvar (baggy trousers) sat next to a young lady working on the loom. There were thousands of colourful carpets and kilims, made and sourced from areas across the country, available to buy. If we weren’t limited on space in the van we could have been sorely tempted to while away a few hours choosing a rug to take home.