Let's Explore Konya, Turkey!

Want to go on an adventure without ever leaving your living room? The Konya Camping Boot is the perfect companion for exploring a different culture from the comfort of your couch! The Konya Camping Boot is named after Konya, a city in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, known for creating the Kilim textile. This city dates back more than 8,000 years, and today it combines elements of the old world and the new world seamlessly. Konya is both a modern university town, and a place where classic Turkish culture still thrives. Vibrant marketplaces line the streets, offering clothing and fabric, the most popular of which is the Kilim textile.

 (Bazaar in Konya, Turkey)

The Turkish Kilim textile offers an endless variety of patterns, each a unique combination of colors and style. Kilim is a tapestry or a woven rug with geometric designs which are often very intricate and bold. Each weaving method represents a different empire in ancient Turkish history. There are numerous uses for a Kilim -- many use them as prayer rugs, saddle covers, wall hangings, and even mule shoes. They are traditionally made of wool and they are pileless, which means that the threads are not cut and the fabric as a whole is reversible. 

(Kilim rugs on display in Konya marketplace)

One common motif is called the elibelinde, a variation of art depicting a female form in the shape of a broad triangle. The elibelinde represents motherhood and fertility, the woman's hands resting on her hips as she seemingly faces the world head on in a challenging stance. Many of these motifs express the desire for safety from dangerous threats in the natural world. Wolves, scorpions, and disease were often worrisome possibilities, and the tribal weavers incorporated symbols of silent prayer to serve as protection from such perils. 

 (Images of the elibelinde)

Spice stalls bustle with excitement as people select locally grown fruits and vegetables from produce halls. Within a market, or bazaar in Konya, a person can sense an atmosphere steeped in tradition, yet the bazaar remains lively with activity. Commonly used spices in present day Turkey include oregano, cinnamon, cumin, sumac, dried mint, and allspice. The crux of traditional Turkish cooking lies in nomadic tradition, meaning that historically, the ingredients for dishes that were prepared had to be able to travel well and be eaten communally. Flatbreads, stews, and grilled meats were at the center of this style of ancient cooking. 

(Konya spice market)

This is a flatbread recipe that you can try at home! It’s easy, and you probably already have all of the (3) ingredients in your pantry!

2 cups of flour

1 tsp salt

1 cup of water

Directions:

Add the flour and salt together in a large bowl. 

Pour water into the flour and salt mixture.

Mix together until it forms a dough ball.

Knead the dough ball for five minutes with your hands. The dough will be sticky, but you can add a bit more flour if you desire.

Roll out the dough and cut it into four equal portions. Form these portions into plum-sized balls and roll each out into ½ inch thick circles. 

Cook the dough circles in an ungreased non-stick frying pan until they are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. Enjoy! 

Wild ideas that are non-traditional:

- Smear with Nutella and top with sliced strawberries (divine!)

- Butter and dust with cinnamon sugar 

- Mix softened butter with garlic powder and minced parsley, and smear generously for a savory treat!

- Spread pizza sauce, mozzarella, and shredded basil on top and bake in the oven at 400 degrees until the cheese melts. Presto! You have a culinary fusion pizza!