By Meredith Southard
The city of Istanbul, Turkey, is the only city in the world built on two continents, according to the Worthington Libraries’ Culturegrams database. As a land bridge between Europe and Asia, Turkey has been the site of great migrations, battles and innovations throughout recorded history.
On Tuesday, March 12, Worthington Libraries will host Carol Gray and Nancy Staley — the Two Wandering Women — who will take participants on a multimedia tour of this monumental culture. The two traveled over 2,000 miles throughout the country, and during the program, Turkey Top 10, they’ll share some of the memorable sights of Turkey’s cities and natural wonders.
In the Topkapi Palace, home to the Sultans for centuries, the tour will travel behind the walls of the Harem, where you’ll learn about the hidden lifestyle within. Also on the itinerary is Istanbul’s magnificent Blue Mosque, where tens of thousands of blue tiles line the walls of the 17th century structure.
Those attending will also wander through Istanbul’s colorful Grand Bazaar, as well as the Spice Market and Fish Market, and see the natural wonder of Pamukkale, where huge limestone terraces — formed by natural mineral springs –line the hillsides.
The tour will include the sights of Ephesus, one of the oldest Greek settlements on the Aegean Sea, and a dance of the Whirling Dervishes.
Next, pay a visit to the moonlike landscapes of Cappadocia where, from the sixth through 10th centuries, persecuted Christians found refuge. You’ll see aerial photographs of the city and views of its underground cities and rock chapels.
Gray and Staley are former educators who met in 1988 and discovered a shared passion for travel and photography. Since then they have traveled the world, documenting their journeys through countries like Peru, Italy, China and Romania.
Turkey Top Ten, which will start at 7 p.m. at Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., is presented in partnership with the Worthington International Friendship Association.
Meredith Southard is an adult services librarian for Worthington Libraries.