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eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

Has anyone come across any Armenian stuff at all in Turkey? Like churches from the 4th century AD? Or Armenian restaurants? Just curious as I am a 2nd generation US-Armenian. It will be a real mind-blower to return to Bursa where my grandpa left in 1905 to come to New York. I would be the 1st person in my family to return after 104 years. Just wondering if anyone came across any signs of Armenian culture at all in Turkey.

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

You will be happy to hear that there are about 70,000 Armenians living mostly around Istanbul, with separate religious, cultural, social and educational institutions, and its own distinct media and newspapers.Loads of restaurants too.

There are Armenian primary schools and high schools and hospitals. You can visit the Armenian Apostolic Church, and Armenian Evangelical Church and the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan lives in Kumkapi, Istanbul.

There are churches in Kuzguncuk, Uskudar (Asian side in Istanbul) - St Gregory the Enlightened Church- and another on Buyukada, Adalar - Assumption Armenian Catholic Church. They are not 4th century though!

If you go to Hatay province, near the Syrian border, there is a lovely Armenian village - Vakifli Koyu, Samandag - which is overlooking the Mediterranean on the slopes of Musa Dag.

Certainly, plenty to see and enjoy.

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

that is an inspiring and welcoming thing to read, and I thank you so much for that info. I had heard of some Armenians in Ist., but had no idea it was near 70,000!!!!!!!!! Was thinking maybe 5,000-10,000. This is great for sure, esp. the restaurants!!!! Are those Armenian restaurants that much different than the Turkish food? Hard to imagine what those Armenians are eating differently than the Turks.

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

Hi Eclectic,

Many of the ingredients and recipes for both Armenian and Turkish food are very similar, such as mezze, salads (eetch, tabouleh and fattoush),boreks, grilled and skewered meat ([i]khorovat, shashlik). Even the flat bread (lavash) and pizza-like lahmajoun are similar.

Some of the best Armenian food can be eaten at the following restaurants:

Varujan's fish restaurant in Samatya (now called gunbilirbalik); see website : <www.gunbilirbalik.com>

Boncuk at 19. Nevizade Sokak in Beyoglu, Istanbul

Mekan at 3. Eski Cicekci Sokak, Beyoglu

Most of the fish restaurants in Kumkapi, near the Armenian Patriarchate.

Asir, about 300 metres from Istiklal Caddesi.

I feel hungry just thinking about them. Enjoy!

yaramaz · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 12:57 pm Post subject:

In Kayseri, in central Anatolia where I used to live, there were several old Armenian churches that were no longer used but still looked after. Beautiful, ornate interiors. I just asked around to find out who had the gate keys and was shown around happily.

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

Im drooling now just thinking about lahmajun and fish and kebobs! Thanks guys, I will look for those places when there, God willing. Im thinking to leave this Korean nonsense behind and just show up with my wife in Istanbul and look for a job. Do you thik it will take too long? I have a BA in English, 1 year teaching here in Korea, and no TEFL cert. I do have a MAsters-level advanced degree in Business as well and speak German and Italian and Spanish.

Is 1 month a reasonable time to get work? Where are the best jobs and can I get one with no cert. and only a BA and 1 year teaching exp.?