Ankara & the Anatolia Region - Turkey with Your Family: From Bustling Bazaars to Historic Sites - page 220

Arts & Crafts
The Anatolia region of Turkey is
known for its crafts, and one of
the best ways to find some
authentic versions is to head for
the town's bazaars and market.
You will see copperware , beauti-
ful handmade jewellery and, if
you are in the Cappadocia region,
look out for the little cloth dolls
that can be seen everywhere.
They are the work of the crafts-
people of the So g anli Valley, near
Ürgüp and make a really unusual
souvenir to take home. Another
town known for its handicrafts is
Avanos - its townspeople have
made pots for centuries and the
tradition is continued today in
the numerous little studios that
line its streets. In the southwest-
ern Anatolia region the town of
Gazi Antep is known for its cop-
perware and beautiful furniture
inlaid with mother of pearl.
While you may not want to take
a piece of furniture back with you
as a souvenir, you will find lovely
little boxes for jewellery and
knick-knacks made in a similar
style.

balls going into the gutter and
help ensure they hit the pins.
There's nothing worse than a
child getting frustrated at not
being able to hit the pins when
learning to bowl. The Bilkent
Rollhouse organises birthday par-
ties for children, so if your
youngsters are celebrating while
on your visit to Turkey this could
be the ideal place to head for. It
also hosts tournaments especially
for children and if you are lucky
you and your children will be
able to catch one and join in.
Open 12 noon to 12 midnight
Admission Free with the hire of bowl-
ing lanes at 6 YTL in the morning, 7
YTL in the afternoon and 8 YTL on the
evening. No reduction for children.

Forest Walks
The Baynam Forest, just off the
Kir @ ehir Highway, and the
Kizilcahamam So g uksu National
Park and Çamkoru Forest, both
just off the Istanbul to Ankara
highway, all offer superb walking
areas for active families. While
amenities are few, there are
nature routes and picnic areas.
The areas give you the chance to
see Turkey's flora and fauna at its
best. Go to your nearest tourist
information office (see p. 200)
for a booklet detailing some of
the best walking areas in the
Ankara district.
Hot Air Balloons

For Active Families
Bilkent Rollhouse, Ankara ★

FIND

Bilkent Rollhouse, Bilkent, Ankara.
b [phone].
Housed in a large colourful
building in the Bilkent area of
Ankara, the Bilkent Rollhouse is
Turkey's largest bowling alley . It
is ideal for children as it provides
special lanes just for under-12s
with guard rails that stop the

★★
One of the best ways to see the
Cappadocia region is from
above. Several companies offer
hot air balloon rides, which are
an experience that shouldn't be
missed. Children of most ages
should find it enjoyable,

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