A historical building visit, part three...

Welcome back!

I'll be sharing the 3rd installment of the photos from Izmir (Smyrna) today, so let's get started right away!

Below you see the first floor of the Kizlaragasi Complex ( the bazaar part) which continues upstairs, where you can see the windows. The second floor was used as the hotel area centuries ago... Right now the first floor courtyard is being used as a cafe, with some seating upstairs as well.

 My kids showing the way to the stairs!

 You can see the structure with all it's stonework better in these two pictures. You can just make out the tiny doors with arches that were once the entrance to individual hotel rooms, but are now used as door to shops, above.

 Here's the view from the cafe area upstairs...We enjoyed some Turkish tea in dainty tea glasses, which really warmed us up on a cold winter day!

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 Traditional Turkish kaftan dress in burgundy velvet and gold decorations for women, and traditional Iznik designs on a beautiful tablecloth, above...

 The ironwork is very pretty on all the windows.

 There was so much to see in the shops upstairs as well! I especailly loved the huge glass jugs in metal and rattan baskets sold at one of the antique shops upstairs, but I didn't ask the price. Maybe next time...

This one shop was very interesting...The owner is an expert at making "Ney"s, a Turkish reed instrument which produces a very transcendental sound...Very relaxing, and especailly good to listen to while meditating, which is probably why the whirling dervishes dance to it's music.

 The finished instrument displayed below...

 Let's not forget all the beautiful jewelry sold in most of the shops here. The ones above are silver (some gold-plated) with semi-precious stones, all in traditional Ottoman designs. You can see how the tulip motif, which has a significant place in Turkish culture, is used in some of the pieces...

 ...And this shop just outside the complex was filled with pretty glass votive holders in many different exotic colors...

I can't wait to show you the rest of the photos soon!

Enjoy your day!

all images by me, 2014