Mozart Sunday In Turkey

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In Vienna there is a park called "Türkenschanzpark", means Turkish trench park. The words inscribed in Turkish and German on the fountain that was erected in this green area exhibit the traces of Ottoman influence: "The heart is the home of the friend, I came to give heart."




Combing the golden pages of our great history, of our great the Ottoman Empire.

Beginning of the 17th century. Stretching from southern Hungary to Jerusalem, to Mecca, to Cairo, and to the earternmost frontier in Algeria. The most powerful state in the world, the Ottoman Empire reached its largest historical size! Famed for its strong and efficient central government, military power and extraordinary wealth at its height. The Ottoman's ambitions extended all the way to Austria...

The 1st Siege of Vienna in 1529, led by Sultan Suleiman l the Magnificent.

1600's... Sadly those years marked the beginning of a long and slow decline that would lead to the dissolution of the Empire 300 years later, after World War I.

Then again in 1683, the 2nd Siege of Vienna. Ottoman leaders was hoping a new victory might restore the Empire to its full glory. After this 2nd siege of Vienna City, the figure of Turk and also Turkish Culture -exotic clothes, harems, to waterpipes- became popular throughout Europe. Turkish characters cropped up in all sorts of plays and operas.

Although in Mozart's time (Salzburg, Jan 27, 1756 - Vienna, Dec TODAY, 1791), the Ottomans ["Turks"] were no longer a serious threat to the Viennese or all Europe, it was still a recent memory. Made Mozart inspired by the Ottoman siege, above you played his famous Turkish March.

I like our March, the great Musician's piano sonata A major, a gift to Turks in highest value. So Turks are important for Mozart. And, Mozart for us. TODAY remarks the day of a man's 219th death anniversary that is highly avant-garde piece of music. Thank you, Mozart, we all love you.

Red Brush

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名前も知らなかったけれど
あの日僕に笑顔をくれた

I never knew the name but
that day it made me smile

誰も気づかないような場所で
咲いてた花のように

We too are like flowers that bloom in places
where noone pays no attention

そうさ 僕らも
世界に一つだけの花

Yes, we too are each..
a flower unlike any other in the world

一人一人違う種を持つ
その花を咲かせることだけに
一生懸命になればいい

Each and everyone of us carries a different seed
we should focus all our efforts on
trying to make that flower bloom

小さい花や大きな花
一つとして同じものはないから
NO.1にならなくてもいい
もともと特別なOnly one.

Small flowers and big flowers,
none are the same as one another,
there's no need to be NO.1
you've always been a very special Only one.

When I was walking to the parking area after shopping in an outlet center, my eyes suddenly met this bright-red colored beautiful brush-like flower! I often come-and-go there but not noticed before, interestingly! My mind seriously locked on to the name of this November Beauty, what it could be, what..? As I shared the lyrics of a japanese song above that I love so much "I never knew the name but one thing for sure is it made me smile". I came back to home with two specimen and also many compliments from the folks like: "(1) Hey, your flower is very beautiful. (2) Wow really lovely, where did you find it? (3) Oh is it live or you made it?..."

I learned that brush is called Callistemon, very close to Eucalyptus. Mostly found in Australia. Thanks to my friend, Research Scientist and Lecturer in botanical science. You might listen this great song "Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana (A Flower Unlike Any Other in the World)" by SMAP, five-men japanese group and popular in Japan:





While you get the message that SMAP gave in the song, I am hopping offline to read newly arrived 4-postcards one day ago:



Yes, 4-in-1-day, past Saturday. All in japanese. Different scenic views of beautiful Japan. I am getting closer to the idea of opening up a PM -postcard museum-:) Thanks for not asking me the number of my p/cards 'cus too many!

Has My Place Been Filled?

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He kept us waiting for three years but made a great return. This summer he released his newest ohh-so-wonderful album. The songs as romantic, inspiring, emotional, easy to lo♥e. When I was in Bodrum, he gave a concert at Bianca Beach. Here's Tarkan, one of the most popular singers at home, and his song "Adımı Kalbine Yaz" [eng: Write My Name On Your Heart]; being the most lo♥ed of 2010 summer, most listening, most selling, still #1 on Turkish music charts:

(Lyrics translated in english)

Once a month... once a year... even just once, absolutely call..
Give a moment from your time every now and then ask to:
are you still alive or not?
Write my name on your heart... don't forget me..
The friends that smile at your face today...
Will they be on your side tomorrow as well?
In your good days they are nice.. but when they run away
from you in your bad days...
Won't you get hurt?
In that case.. be strong, don't stray from your way
And appreciate those who love you from the heart..
Always remember.

And, I am literally addicted this song since August!!! What about you? Which song you enjoy listening to? Like Tarkan says, let's give a call to our lo♥ed ones without waiting. Check often the lo♥e roses you sown in her/his way have not been forgotten, have not been died. Show your lo♥e. Don't wait, don't:)

Evli, Mutlu, Çocuklu

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Obviously I am thinking different from what Demet says...

Marriage with kids, or not. Being single or getting married. Resolution came to me during listening the song: Accept what you can not change, make the best of it, and keep on track towards your destiny.





One of the rising pop stars of Turkish music industry, Demet sings in a beautiful song called as "My dream life in three words: Married, Happy, with Children (Turkish: Evli, Mutlu, Çocuklu)".

Demet came to a country-wide success with catchiest songs. This is newly released one of the summer season, and I really love her song! It is incredibly rainy the Istanbul, oh again, but nice just at home, my candles giving a dim light and shutters put up to keep clean my all windows, and.. thinking what summer should be;)

In the last seconds of the video, her handsome husband Önder is also taking part. The newly wed yet have no kids. Meet the pretty couple and enjoy the sun streaming fantastic video. I thought you might like it.

If you were, how would you sum up your life in three words?

posted for Sunday Songs

Join the ♪♫♬ fun each Sunday

at Natasha's 5 Minutes Just For Me:)

All Originality Lost

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Eight reasons why I dislike Eurovision song contest:


ONE: Politically motivated voting! The most political results ever was seen in this year's 55th Eurovision Song Contest.
Remember, in particular Germany.

TWO: Started fairly common: bloc voting! Again this year was no exception. Former Soviet bloc countries supporting each other as well as Balkan countries.

THREE: If your country is in economical crisis or simply need money, then go to participate in Eurovision! Your friends will help you. Absolutely!

FOUR: She could be a winner of Junior Eurovision Song Contest!
Remember Germany. The 19 year-old Lena won.

FIVE: Why can't you be yourself?
Remember Germany. Their song written by american musicians, Julie Frost and John Gordon.

SIX: Don't re-boil the old soup! Be creative.
Remember Germany. Won with the same formula after 28-years:
1982~ Ein Bisschen Frieden by Nicole, age: 17
2010~ Satellite by Lena, age: 19

SEVEN: Be original!
Remember Denmark? Abba-smelling song.
Remember Moldova? A good reminder of Madonna style and music.
Remember France? Joined in with Club Med animation group:)

EIGHT: Be clear!
Remember Armenia's song "Apricot Stone".
A few lines from their song:
"Momma gave me apricots/ Kisses of the Earth/ Fruits of the sun/ Apricot Stone/ Hidden in my hand/ Given back to me/ From the motherland.. .. .."
May I ask, where's the motherland? Does Armenia want to say something? I am not sure what is meant.

maNga's singer Ferman and
Nathalie, British dancer taking part in the show

Belgium won the first semi-final on May 25. Our rock band, maNga won the second semi-final on May 27. As for grand Final, following Germany's winning, Turkey came second, and Romania as third. Our competing song, listen right here "We could be the same", was written and composed by the group's lead singer, Ferman Akgül. Not an imported song.

We went there to be winner. We wanted to give an important message to the world with our song. We knew we are different. We knew our song is about "peace and love" that the world is really hungry for. But as always politics won, again.

Congratulations maNga even though the blockages and unfair results.

we could be the maNga

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And I feel I'm turning the page,
And I feel the world is a stage,
I don't think that drama will stop,
I don't think they'll give up the rage
But I know the world could be great
I can love you more than they hate
Doesn't matter who they will blame
We can beat them at their own game.

No matter what they say,

WE COULD BE THE SAME!

After our winning the 4th place in the Song Contest last year 2009 in Moscow with Hadise's up tempo song Düm Tek Tek getting 177 points; now we are going to Oslo for an upbeat news of 2010. With maNga.

maNga, the Turkish rock band and one of my most favorites, will be representing us at the 55th Eurovision. The song has a very strong "power" in it with the message given. Did you, could you, would you feel it?

We all could be a very good manga about being the rarest good in this pathetic world and imagine yourself awakening. I believe in maNga's "power"ful song. They are great, the song is awesome, both of them rocks!

Your voting would be highly appreciated! Read how to vote for maNga here

Pls note:
May 25, tuesday~ semi-final 1
May 27, thursday~ semi-final 2
May 29, saturday~ final

Oh my, I will relinquish all what makes me busy along this week! Go maNga go!!!

King Night I Show I Red Carpet

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Not only did the guy take home his award of the night for... the dresses, accessories, gowns were great, too! For a little inspiration check out now:










The fairest and objective annual Turkish music awards ceremony! Winners for the 16th edition of Kral TV (English: King TV) were announced on May 18th night, and given to the best composers and singers in the country. The gorgeous dresses worn by the celebrities and stars give us big hints as to what the forthcoming fashion trends will be for the next season. Now most of our fashion magazines and the newspapers enjoy running best and worst of the dresses, most loved and most hated who worn.

Very frustrating Red Carpet talks in my opinion..



photo courtesy of hürriyet

Rise of The Slave Girl

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"Throne of my lonely niche, my wealth, my love, my moonlight,
My most sincere friend, my confidant, my very existence, my Sultan, my one and only love,
The most beautiful among the beautiful..
My springtime, my merry faced love, my daytime, my sweetheart, laughing leaf..
My plants, my sweet, my rose, the one only who does not distress me in this world..
My Istanbul, my Caraman, the earth of my Anatolia,
My Badakhshan, my Baghdad and Khorasan,
My woman of the beautiful hair, my love of the slanted brow, my love of eyes full of mischief..
I'll sing your praises always,
I, lover of the tormented heart, my eyes full of tears, I am happy."


What a deep love and devotion of the ruler to the empire's first sultana!

The tenth Ottoman Sultan, as known in our history 'Kanuni' (meaning "the Lawgiver), to the world historians as 'the Magnificent', Suleiman I (1494~1566) penned it for his unique love of Roxelana after she died in 1558, eight years before he do. Suleiman did not marry again.

The rise of this slave girl in the Ottoman Empire was a first. Ukrainia born this young girl was a daughter of a Ruthenian Orthodox priest. She was a teenager when she was captured by Crimean tatars and sold as a slave, brought to Istanbul into a major centre of the slave trade. She was selected from Istanbul slave market to Suleiman's harem. In his harem she was given the name of Hürrem because of her laughing and cheerful character. In a short time, she became Sultan's most favorite, and he broke with the Ottoman tradition and legally married her. During her life, Sultan's most beloved wife played a significant role in political decisions taken by the Suleiman, managed to change all that, and so became the successful and extremely powerful woman in our Turkish history of the 16th century!

We think of there was an intense love in that period that we did not bear witness, that was impossible but we can imagine. So many thanks to our great musician Can Atilla, that he gave us this imagination with an awesome song dedicated for Hürrem's extraordinary life story. When Hürrem was abducted and brought to the boat, she starts to sing the lullaby which her mother sang her.. is the theme of this song written by Can:

At the bright blue skies,
The lost northern star,
Banished dreams to the moonlight,
The past will be lost and gone.

In Rogatina, under the rain
I am taking an oath
on a little girl who is dancing
that her dreams are to become real.
...
...
...

Really exciting and gives the feeling about our history! This nice Sunday morning you can open out your dream world through this sensual and emotional song of "Love for Hürrem (Turkish: Aşk-ı Hürrem)", and take a journey to the time of Sultan Magnificent:





[On a side note] Being the recipient of numerous stage and music awards, his music is being appreciated widely both at home and abroad. Queen Elizabeth is also known as one of his fans. And, his new album 'Golden Age' to be released from next month, in April. For more about new age symphonic composer Can Atilla, visit www.canatilla.com

Unfettered Day

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A day of snow means a day of plenty for me:

. Outside of the window -looks like a postcard...




. Freshness of a loaf of bread


. Creative expression and 3G internet



Shows, designers, brands and actress Meg Ryan's participation as honorary guest. Istanbul Fashion Week (IFW) rocks the city with fashion, and will be taking place for one week, on 3-6 feb.

. Tea


. Dreams, wishes


Europe appointed first Innovation Minister, and working on the first European innovation act. Ireland's Maire Geoghegan Quinn. When will Innovation be moving up on Turkish agenda? W h e n I'll be delighted to hear such an announce for this country and we'll embrace change creatively? Read the rest of article here

image- şebnem scheffer; turkish top model, actress, tv presenter.

. And, Vivaldi -an early taste of spring...

Unseasonal sunny days stayed one week, and nature said I'm going to snow. Again. In Istanbul:)

The speed of moving weather. Exploration. Wind. Change in the air. On the ground. I like Istanbul.


Can you tell me what means snow to you?

I'll Go With You.

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Not an exceptionally nice and romantic song, but the reason that my need for this song is irresistible! I really don't know what truth lies in me to listen it for every second that I can:

I know when love dies under the sun the magic does not leave us, and does not forget us. How sweet it would be if we could change our look at love, opening ourselves much more and hearts to the experiences, and joys that life has to offer and to know that love is very much possible as long as we show everyone our hearts at the windows... Ahh bir görebilsek, bir yapabilsek bunu!

Since Nov 1996, I am really not/and/won't be tired listening this italian duet Time To Say Goodbye "Con Te Partirò", sung by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman!


...su navi per mari
...che io lo so,
...no, no, non esistono più,
...con te io li rivivrò,
...con te partirò

Io con te.

...I'll go with you

You and me.

Hope Before The Morning Come

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Who sings it; Gimme Hope Jo'anna by Eddy Grant? No;) Click on the video, and listen this very restless song, in which our western exteriors smile at our internal easternness:

Even though some might see them as a group that "takes the great western hit songs and adapts them to oyun havasi style (English: Folk music) ", Dolapdere Big Gang's music is firmly rooted in forty years of painstaking effort. They have explored the depths of the impassioned crowds to find the heart of their energy, and mastered the art of merging two different worlds, the east and the west, with equal respect for and acceptance of both.

Isn't as artistically as it is entertaining, with each spirited and talented young musician bringing the most out of his instrument. One of my fave groups.

Interested for more?
Take a look at here www.dolapderebiggang.com

Baby, Feel The Rhythm In My Heart?

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Heart of this nation beats Düm Tek Tek since Crazy For You aired during very first minutes of 2009! Help yourself to feeling better and allow your heart to see the great... energy, touching and doing dance a little:)

Oh wait, let me say nothing is guaranteed what will happen to you after two seconds;) Now play this 'risky' song:)

Can you tell me, how does your heart beat now;)

Pop singer Hadise will represent Turkey with this up-tempo song, also known by its english name 'Crazy For You' in this year's 54th annual Eurovision song contest which will take place May 12-16 in Moscow, Russia. Düm tek tek is a phrase formed by the Turkish music instrument darbuka (English: Goblet drum), so it can't be translated to other languages. You can also describe it as a rhythmic pattern of Turkish music which is similar to vals.

{Style, choreography, belly dancing, image, originality, and Hadise by herself}

The elements of this song really deserve all twelve points go to Turkey owing to the fact that Eurovision is a visuality show rather than a real song contest. To my view, very nice and cool song with great tone and visual fascination as well.

To be strictly accurate, I just can't understand why there is no place which does not contain enough politics. Keeping in mind that Eurovision is also some kind of competition where politics talks, so I'll keep my fingers tightly crossed for the best luck to find her.

Having sang ''Every way that I can'', Sertab Erener made Turkey the Eurovision winner in 2003. Now we want to be conducive, especially for the hearts stopped beating;)

Do Not Forget This Day

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Do not forget this day and date
Words can't describe the joy
I have beaten my luck finally
Aynen oyle aynen oyle / Exactly like that exactly like that

A pen writes burns out
Only fate can write endlessly
Our love shall not end
Aynen oyle aynen oyle / Exactly like that exactly like that

View the video clip for full:

Ajda Pekkan, a.k.a. ''The Superstar'', the icon of the Turkish music and the most popular woman. Diva. Her career spans over more than four decades. And her unusual amazing performance, beauty, visual affluence inexpressible -if I remind you she's born in 1946 -older than my mother:)

Her song 'Aynen Oyle', one of my favorites to sing and listen every, every, every time, especially my preference now when we are getting ready to leave the year 2008.

You have any song or album that remind you of 2008?

MACRO Weekend

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What are you up to this weekend? Here are a few great links from the web, news and reasons why I want to stay at home especially today:

(1) Gray skies. Not as nice here, with rain forecasted, a chance of 85 percent. Cooler than yesterday.


(2) Geometry never lies. I love it! It's interestingly possible to measure his feeling, her thought, our emotion and your dreams if you go with geo=earth, metria=measure


(3) Red always Red. Show your heart, dress red and place any red object where you live/work. As it's got some great selections for homes and lifestyle, I bought this lovely red bowl from Mudo Concept *com.tr


(4) What is the quote that describes you and your the life? Ella Fitzgerald's quite fitting for my life:) ''Don't give up trying to do what you are really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration I don't think you can ever go wrong.''


(5) There's nothing wrong with wishful thinking. Nine times out of ten, my wishes upon stars are going for world peace. An interesting architecture, different from those in Istanbul. Mosque in Hong Kong, built in 1890.


(6) I've never seen like these before! The Cyprus-born artist's intricate cut-paper artwork is a kind of wildly romantic imagination. Be warned, you'll be amazed. Jump in Ryan's painstakingly beautiful works of art


(7) Ladies'... what things are really rocking your 'Holidays and New Year Eve' shopping world these days? I like on-line shopping as it's economic and really good discounts available while year ending. Today I'll have to place my order because I'm so crazy for chic night dresses at Elf&E *com.tr



(8) Santa Santa is comming... Brotherhood, love, tolerance, peace and benevolence all of these humanistic values are symbolized by Noel Baba as we Turks call, and were diffused by him in the 4th century from Anatolia, mainland of the country, to the rest of the world. Besides ours, there is also a heritage of culture and history in Turkey which belongs to the world. For more read my post about St Nicholas; born in Patara, a Lykian neigborhood city of Myra in the southwest. 'Tis the season to give gifts, spread festive cheer to those less fortunate than ourself. I think you'll enjoy this Noel Baba song in Turkish:



(9) I love, love, love designs that empower the creative world, if from Philip Toledano



(10) Do you pay for lunch? But I don't;) Here's my best free lunch, this two, Condé for my travel passion and Google for my explore passion:)


May be you've already tried those top three winners:
. Mykonos (Greece) 76.1 pts
.. Capri 73 pts and
... Sicily 72.1 pts (Italia)

A new one emerges to tempt you: Bozcaada is the 4th winner with 71.0 pts, swooped into the poll for the first time! Condé Nast Traveller anounced the results of its 2008 Readers' Choice Awards in Nov issue, ranking the Europe Islands. 32,633 readers voted in many categories. Posted a short time ago, read Bottled Love: Bozcaada -if you're a new reader at CrossRoads. Many, many THANKS for this superrrr deserved result! As stated well Turkey is the Med's best value without the Euro -for now!


(11) View vs Read. Are you really reading or more like viewing? Visually wonderful, working with world's most recognizable brands, check out Istanbulian NYC resident Hulya Kolabas photography



(12) Cinema in, tv out? No. For me, tv in:) The concert of tonight will cost me 0 cent because one of my, my, my all-time favorites rapper 50 Cent in Ist'l! He'll participate in a live programme (Show TV - Time: 8:00 PM), and I'm so crazy happy... Oh music! I CAN'T go one day without it, a very important element of my life.


(13) How I love pompoms everywhere:) Will I be able to wear my long-waited long suéde boots this season as it gives no signal of snowing here? I see awesome views under white blanket just like upperhalf of USA Seattle, Idaho, Oregon, and also Nederland, Norway, Italia that they get snow. I wish some snow here in Istanbul, per favore...

Original ''Pretty Woman''

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Every element was stupendous.

That is the genius that Verdi created for us to contemplate through his music.

Another fantastic and bravissimo production by the Sureyya Opera House.

I talk about La Traviata. Before telling here a few of my insights, listen some of Verdi's most memorable music in this video:

Last Saturday night we had the pleasure of seeing ''La Traviata'', sung in Italian. It's undoubtedly the greatest Italian opéra composer Giuseppe Verdi's (1813-1901) loveliest, scandalous and cross class romance.

I was amazed by soprano Otilia Maria Ipek's (Violetta Valéry) divine performance. Her exceptional singing capabilities and her heartfelt acting was indeed touching! I particularly liked the treatment of Violetta's death scene.

In this opéra, I saw all of Verdi's remarkable qualities, ravishing melodies, sumptuous customes, gorgeous choruses, filled with an astonishing variety of colors and nuance combining with the powerful story of love sacrificed that all made La Traviata one of the most treasured of all opéras.

As far as the story...

It tells us a story of beautiful Violetta Valéry, a courtesan gives up her life of turning tricks when she meets Mr Right, the rich aristocrat Alfredo. The treat of scandal causes Alfredo's father to put the brakes on this relationship. She finds true love but is then forced to make a terrible sacrifice by an unforgiving society, death.

You can read the full story here

We loved it, as we hoped:)

I am extremely ready to see this masterwork again...

Turn Volume Up

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The 15th Annual MTV Europe Music Awards were handed out last week -on Thursday- in an awards ceremony held in Liverpool, UK. Ceremony was attended by 10,000 and generated 30 million viewers through its worldwide television broadcast.

We are so honoured that Turkey wins the BEST Europe's Favourite Act. Majored in economics 27-yrs-old Emre Aydin -above left- beats Finley from Italy, Leona Lewis from the UK and Shiri Maimon (of Israel-Eurovision 2005) to the big prize.

The award for 'Best Album' went to Britney Spears with her album 'Blackout' while also claiming the award for 'Act of 2008'.

Being my favorite rock singer-song writer and holder a lot of awards, you might enter his space and listen his songs:)

If you don't like falling behind...