The Black Sea Region - Turkey with Your Family: From Bustling Bazaars to Historic Sites - page 183

6 Laughing as you join in the
dancing at the Golden Hazelnut
Festival in Ordu and sampling
some of the delicious chocolate
nut candy. See p. 183
7 Cycling in the lanes around
Akçakoca and looking out for
orchards full to the brim with
hazelnuts, and then heading off
to the market to buy some. See
p. 184
8 Learning the steps of tradi-
tional dances as you join in the
dernekfestivities around the
region, especially in Trabzon. See
p. 183
9 Studying the brilliant frescos
on the side of the ghostly Sümela
Monastery, which sits high up on
the side of a sheer rock face near
Trabzon. See p. 191
0 Sailing the waters off Sinop
and seeing the lush forest areas,
the coves and the little harbours
from a new perspective, and
then dropping anchor for a
swim. See p. 186

musical events, and has three art
workshops-cum-galleries where
collections of work by local and
international artists are dis-
played. There are often events
that are designed with children
very much in mind, such as the
summer festival of dance.
All year.

★ Dernek Festivals

FIND

ALL AGES

Trabzon residents have long had a
tradition whereby friends, family
and neighbours gather for a festi-
val known as a 'dernek'. It usually
takes place towards the end of
July at homes or venues through-
out the city. Everyone gathers for
a feast and enjoys dancing into
the small hours. There is usually
lots of traditional music played
on a type of small violin accom-
panied by flutes. If you manage
to get invited be sure to go. The
events are always lively and you
and your children will get to see
the 'real' Turkey. One of the
dances performed by everyone,
whatever their age, is known as
the ' Horon'. It is a folk dance
symbolising happiness or sorrow
that dates back centuries.
End July. Venues throughout Trabzon.

Child-friendly Events &
Entertainment
Cultural Events in
Kastamonu
Kastamonu Cultural Centre, Cebrail
Mah., 2 Hükümet Caddesi No 2,
Kastamonu. b [phone].
Be sure to call into the tourist
information office (see p. 180) as
soon as you arrive in the town to
get an up-to-date programme of
events at the Kastamonu Cultural
Centre. This 200-seat theatre
regularly hosts exhibitions and

ALL AGES

The Golden Hazelnut Festival
in Ordu ★

Every September the north coast
town of Ordu hosts the hugely
popular Golden Hazelnut
Festival which attracts people
from miles around. It coincides
with the harvest of the hazelnuts
for which the area is known.
Parades, music and dancing go

ALL AGES

VALUE

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