Saudi Gazette Reporter Roberta Fedele (R) with villagers at a farm.Roberta Fedele Saudi Gazette Nestled between the lush green mountains in the heart of Anatolia lies the beautiful unexplored region of Turkey – Kastamonu. Home to rich cultural and historical heritage and exotic landscapes, Kastamonu is an ideal destination for all those who are willing to escape the heat and dryness of the Gulf countries. With the ongoing political instability in the Arab world, Turkey is by far the best place to visit as it not only enjoys strong economic and political stability, but commendable infrastructure, hospitable people and above all a peaceful and safe environment to relax and enjoy. This is what I experienced on my recent trip to Kastamonu. Journalists from the Middle East were invited by Governor of Kastamonu Erdogan Bektas in cooperation with the Turkish Airlines to discover the simple beauty of the region's traditions and cultures. As I was traveling from Jeddah, my eight-hour journey to Kastamonu was arduous albeit a pleasant one. I first flew to Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, then to Ankara before reaching my destination by bus. However, in the upcoming few months, Kastamonu will have an airport of its own, making the region easily accessible for all. Upon reaching Ankara, I along with other journalists were welcomed by a group of young Turkish Airline staff members, who were to be our companions and guides on our five-day tour, and whose kindness and hospitality I will never forget. Our first stop was Daday, a small picturesque village at an hour's distance from the city of Kastamonu, where we were provided with accommodation at Iksir Resort Hotel. The hotel with its traditional architectural style was well-equipped with all modern facilities, including a swimming pool, Turkish hammam, an equestrian center, Turkish music and Henna nights. In Daday, we met local villagers, witnessed their humble lifestyle, participated in some of their chores and enjoyed picking fresh berries from the trees. The next morning, we discovered the region's folklore and enjoyed the nature when we visited the district of Azdavay. There we sat facing the popular “Lovers' bridge" sipping Kara Cobra – a black soup known for its healing powers – and enjoying the melodious feet-tapping folk music and dance by the local children. From Azdavay we went to Pinarbasi's Kure Mountain National Park. The park is enlisted among Europe's 13 world Pan Parks (Protected Area Network of Parks) because of its enormous size, preserved wildlife and biodiversity. It also includes the magnificent Ilica waterfall, Horma canyon, and Valla canyon, which is one of the biggest canyons in the world. Excited by the rare opportunity to walk through the canyons guided by Turkish traveler, captain and explorer Umit Colako?lu, we witnessed the steep elevations and dangerous trenches that left us in awe. Known for having visited many places around the world, Colako?lu decided to settle in Pinerba?i in light of the area's variegated natural landscapes; and takes pleasure in offering himself as a tourist guide. Our adventurous expedition to the canyons was followed by a trip to Kasaba village, the city of Kastamonu, Ilica Farms and Arac's plateau to experience their history, culture and religious architecture, among others. Kasaba is a small village 17 km northwest of Kastamonu and it is home to one of Turkey's oldest wooden mosques –- Mahmut Bey Mosque which was constructed in 1366 and restored in 2007. The refurbished mosque still has an ancient touch which can be seen and admired in its four-painted wooden columns, five-painted rafters, and a gallery that one reaches after climbing the old wooden staircase to have a complete view of the interiors. The mosque's original entrance door, considered a masterpiece because of its intricate wooden engravings, is preserved and displayed at the Liva Pasa Manison Ethnography Museum. A trip to Kastamonu — a 7,000-year-old city has been home to many civilizations — surely takes you back in time. The city is a perfect blend of modernity and centuries-old traditions and cultures. In Kastamonu, we visited the Ismail Bey Islamic Social Complex comprising ancient mosque built in 1461, a mausoleum, a madrasah, an inn, a Turkish bath and a library dating to the Sultanates Era. Another Islamic Social Complex named Yakugapa, that we visited, also has a mosque dating back to 1547, a madrasah, cooper bazar, among others. There we sampled local appetizers and watched the complex process behind the preparation of the tasty and delicate Helva sweets. We also had the opportunity to visit a Wood Fair, hand weaving workshops, and other hidden treasures like Nasrullah Kadi Mosque, an old charming bazaar, Ottoman houses, the Archelogy and Ethnography Museums, the Governorate Palace built in 1901, the Vedat Tek Culture Center, an Ottoman clock tower, and 12-century castle by the Komenoz Byzantine Dynasty. The castle which is located on a hill can be reached by climbing the spiral staircase. Two cannons are placed on top of the castle and cannonballs are shot twice a year to mark the beginning and end of Ramadan. Next on our journey was Ilgaz Mountain National Park, known for its winter sports; and there we lodged at the Ilgaz Mountain Hotel. Our last day in Kastamonu was entirely dedicated to food and nature. We had a lavish Turkish breakfast at the Izbeli Farm which houses one of the best-preserved Ottoman country houses from the 17th century. The owner of the house, Sabiha Izbeli, told us fascinating tales about her family farm and how it has progressed and survived all these years. We then headed to Arac, where we were greeted by the city's mayor. Arac, a settlement immersed in the green Ilgaz Mountains comprises 119 villages and 21 plateaus, has unique wooden houses and colorful flora decorating the bucolic landscape. Before being treated to wonderful lunch in an open-air venue, we proceeded to learn how to make Kastamonu's traditional pancakes from the local villagers. Our joyous and hectic trip soon came to an end leaving us with no time to visit the Black Sea with its 170 km coastline, another major tourist attractions that Kasatmonu proudly boasts of.
