Avanos, Cappadocia, TR

After the long trip on the bus from Istanbul to Cappadocia, which is almost 12 hours on the road, dragging the suit case of two weeks clothes, the calvario had to carry them up to the room.  The stairs are covered with carpet, old frames and antique displays makes me feel living in an haunted house.

Kirkit Pansion

The stairs

Antique decors

Hallway decors

Bergama Room

My eyes studied the room, feeling the vibes ... bad soul please spare us

Felt relief upon seeing the modern bathroom :-).  I now appreciated the pansion's antiquity style.  Now, ready to freshen' up while charging batteries.

Exploring Avanos

Avanos is known for the pottery-making.

Kizilirmak River is the longest river in Anatolia, also know as Red River which gets it's name from the red clay deposites which is being used on their potteries.

This small town of Avanos though it is inwards, it is dominated by merchants.  Supermarkets, banks, mosque, restaurants are just a few steps away. 

Avanos town

Cave restaurant

Avanos Park

Municipality of Avanos

Avanos mosque

Bridge

Avanos bridge, mosque, Red River and view of the valley. 

Avanos Market

The bridge leads us to the market, which is on every Friday this large market is open.  Showcasing everything from fruits, foot wear, dresses, school uniforms, household items, vegetables, pet needs, spices, potteries and carpets.  I bought a kilo of chikerdek (sunflower seeds)  for only TL5 ($2.5) as per my colleague's request :-).  Would love to buy more but that would hurt my luggage.

Blouses and footwear

Fruits, veggies and seeds

Starving! now starving.  Have to walk back and cross the bridge to find restaurants.  It's kebab, kebab and shawarma...sick of it.  I miss rice :-(.  So what else we got? Kebab again for lunch! 

Carpet Industry

Aside from the pottery, Avanos town is also known for carpet and kilims industry, then and now.

Carpet shop

Kirkit is an iron carpet comb which our tour agency and pansion got their company name. 

Kilim making and kirkit

Kilim  are flat woven carpets for decorative purposes or prayer rugs .  Women who wants to get married in their ancient time, must know how to make carpet.  They have to produce pieces of carpets and give as dowry.

We finished the day with the sunset view and overlooking Cappadocia from Mt. Idis on our horse riding. See more on Horse Riding.

Avanos

Cappadocia

September 2011