My little trip to Selçuk was actually a fantastic photo opportunity for me. I resolutely left my old familiar camera back home and took my new one with me determined to experiment with as many new settings as I could.
Saturday, a bright, beautiful day, was the big weekly pazar or market in the centre of Selçuk, so off we went. This region of Turkey is remarkably fertile and, being near the Aegean, I knew I would see many ot or green herbs as it’s renowned for them.
All the market produce, while not strictly organic perhaps, was as doğal or natural as you can get – the climate is so mild that everything grows. I would hate to think they’re using fertilizers and pesticides on their lovely vegetables and salads.
As for my photography, it’s all a question of light, I can see that!
What a bounty of beautiful veggies. The Arabs hair looks very similar to dill. I would have bought a bunch of those artichokes and fixed them three or four ways; we love them. Have a great day.
I agree, it does look like dill, Michel. I would love to learn what you would do with this particular type of artichoke – I think the taste anyway is fantastic!
Wow – what an amazing looking market! Some very unique things. Great photo opportunities.
Well, I was trying with my camera, Meeling!
Lovely post Claudia! Great photos and I love the title of this post too. 🙂
Hi dear Joy! Thanks for coming by with your lovely comment esp the one about the title … how are you doing? Are you OK?
Merhaba Claudia, what a bountiful market, and gorgeous photos!! I loved the new look of your blog and the photos : ) We have travelled some wonderful artichoke fields, olive growth at the Aegean, and again the richness of the land fascinated me. Enjoy spring!
Ozlem
Dear Özlem, it sounds as if you have had an amazing trip. Turkey is amazing and especially at this time of year! xxx
I miss living in Selcuk, and particularly the Saturday market. Those are lovely photos Claudia.
Hi Ayak! I was really hoping to bump into you in the Selcuk market or something. Where are you living right now, just so that I know? Thanks for yr comments!
We are still living in the village outside Milas where we moved 4 years ago. My husband was expecting to work in Kusadasi this season but it didn't work out, which would have meant I might well have been in Selcuk last week. I have friends there but don't get to visit as often as I'd like
I would have loved to have met up with you! We are going to Bodrum next week – are you anywhere near there?
Claudia, Your photos were lovely and very well illustrate the 50 shades of green and then some! This time of year is so terrific – it makes you happy just to see all those spring greens. Also, I looove Selçuk.
Oh how I agree and I have lived here how many years?? So you know Selçuk too? At this time of year, it is entrancing.
Ahh, our local market. So beautifully captured by camera…
şevket-i bostan is delicious though I haven't yet dared try to cook it. A Turkish friend cooked some for us. Research on the Internet suggests it might be known in English as Spanish Oyster Thistle (or something like that). We've been eating quite a lot of the Kohl Rabi. Can never find it on the Saturday market but it's on the Wednesday market pretty regularly.
We were a little wary of the enginar, but I seem to have learned to cut the hearts out of them…. I'm not sure how much of the rest is actually edible but they do sell them by the unit, rather than by weight.
I was so happy to actually meet up with you guys!! I think you are doing just great with your settling into life here – good for you! Interesting to hear that this funny veg is known as spanish oyster thistle!! Good name for it! you cld just try boiling those enginar and then when cool, eating it leaf by leaf, each dipped in a lemony vinaigrette.
Let me know when you come to Istanbul!
I'm not too sure what to do with the Arab's hair. It tastes like fennel and is good with fish, but part from that and cooking it with diced potatoes, I have drawn a blank. Do you have any recipes using it.
Just had a quick look at the internet and nothing there. We must ask around! Anyway, it sounds great with fish..
Lovely photos Claudia and I really like your slightly naughty tongue in cheek title, too!
OMG!!! I was in Selcuk around that weekend….you captured the bazaar beautifully. Went to see Efes.