Our last Rest Day before Istanbul and our first full day in Turkey. As expected it’s very vey hot but the same northeast wind is blowing as we had yesterday.
Some of the group took a bus to the Black Sea just 35 km east of here but I elected to stay in town and explore its interesting spots. I’m glad I did. I would like that the organisers/tour leaders would highlight more the Points of Interest in the towns we pass through. I always like to make one visit each day to some attraction.
Before 10 this morning I was on the go up through the Main St. We are in a hotel (Otel Trek) in the centre and right next door you can have cement, corrugated iron or whatever you fancy. The whole length of the street is similar; produce on the pavement, tradesmen at their craft outside premises in a truly Asian fashion. Could even source some water-meters here in case there is a shortage!
This town is different from all previous ones along our route. And as expected in a Muslim country supermarkets don’t stock alcohol. But it can be procured in any of the off-licences. And, I noted the price of vegetables (Rem: I Euro = 3.3 Lira). Potatoes and onions seem very reasonable.
My target was to visit the hill in the north-west of the town. I turned uphill too soon and passed through the suburbs. Plenty of nice airy houses with play facilities for kids and stores more ’normal’ looking than those in towns of Romania and Bulgaria. Some old traditional masonry work at every turn and of course the tiled roofs. A granny and grandchild out enjoying the air put me on the correct path to my target.
Near to my target the streets were cobbled recently and I noted that an amount of work up here is actually European funded. Yesterday I intimated that no European money would be available to Turkey. You learn something new every day!
Vize has a long history in defensive and ecclesiastical matters. It was the ecclesiastical centre of Byzantium and the first defensive barrier for Istanbul against Balkan invasions. The remains of the fortress and city walls (built by Romans around 70 BC) remain on top of the hill. Just some of the cut stone and rubble masonry still stand on this summit. The surrounding area is well maintained for visitors much to the satisfaction of two of my Rhode Island Red friends.
Just down from the fortress is Suleyman Pasha Mosque, remarkable in that it’s a Muslim mosque but built in the shape of a cross. Originally it was an orthodox Byzantine Church but after the Ottoman incursions of 15 century was converted to a mosque. In later years it fell into disrepair but restored in 2006. Unfortunately it was closed as the inside of its dome is a feature.
Earlier I had visited a mosque in the town, shoes removed and afterwards had a great chat with a fellow-worshiper. Living in Vize but had spent 4 years in Egypt. He directed me to the attractions mentioned above.
On the slopes I diverted to visit the Roman (2nd century) amphitheatre only unearthed in 1998. Ot’s the only one in Thrace (the original name for all this countryside). For a recent unique discovery, pity that it’s not better maintained; completely fenced off with chainlink and overgrown.
With my historical walking trip completed, I deserved lunch and resorted to Uger Lokantasi for a tasty chicken pasta and salad. Very tasty and for 6 Euro (including drink).
Not a bad mornings investigation. Definitely a better choice than a day at the beach.
Thank God for a lovely day
Spuds, onions, chicken, water meters, you might as well be at home!
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