April 25th is ANZAC Day, a special day for New Zealanders and Australians. This day commemorates the soldiers who fought in Turkey and this year marks the 100th anniversary that the troops landed at Gallipoli on April 25th, 1915.

See also ANZAC Day 2014
Article from the Guardian

Here’s the triple ‘F’ on Turkey

Fitness
Hiking in Turkey allows you to take in the stunning scenery and go where no tour bus is able to go. Some of the most popular hikes are the Lycian Way, (a bit of a trek as the full trail is 500km) and the other-wordly formations in Cappadocia (pictured below).

Photo by Kimberley (c)2011

Photo by Kimberley (c)2011

Photo by Kimberley (c)2011

Fragrance
Turkey produces rose oil, also known as rose otto or its botanical name rosa damascena. Due to its price and potency it is used in minute quantities in aromatherapy, perfume and cosmetics. Rose can be either steam distilled or extracted in an absolute (mainly used for perfumes). This oil lives up to its reputation as a ‘love oil’. It is aphrodisiac, calming and helps “heal emotional wounds“¹. It is also used in topical formulations for mature, dry and sensitive skin.

Photo by Kimberley (c)20111

Food
Turkish cuisine is rich in colour and flavour utilizing a variety of vegetables and meats. Two items you will often find in many Turkish dishes are eggplant and yogurt.

• Eggplant contains a number of nutrients, most notably fiber, copper and vitamin B1. They also contain phytonutrients with antioxidant capabilities.  More health benefits of eggplant.
• Not only does yogurt contain calcium but the natural kind also contains active cultures and probiotics. These help to maintain healthy intestinal flora and many a traveller attests to this food as a natural remedy for a mild case of  traveller’s tummy (aka traveller’s diarrhea).

Eggplant on the grill
Photo by Kimberley (c)2011

¹Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils by Gabriel Mojay