Turkey

In a colorful retelling of a Turkish folktale, the wise man Nasrettin Hoca is invited to a banquet at the home a rich friend. When Nasrettin shows up in a tatty, worn coat, the other guests give him the cold shoulder, until they discover that “He who wears heaven in his heart is always well dressed.” Glowing illustrations, like miniaturist paintings. (Picture book)

Easy to read story of The Iliad – why the Greeks go to war with Troy, fighting for ten long years, trick to get inside the city, and destruction of Troy. The fortified city of Troy, surrounded by high stone walls, was invincible, until crafty Odysseus built a great wooden horse. The Trojans brought the horse inside the city, not knowing that the horse was filled with Greek soldiers. (Easy reader)

Heinrich Schliemann believed that Troy was a real city from ancient times and went about finding it. Not your usual archeologist, Schliemann ripped up the dirt at Hissarlik in Turkey, where he found buried treasure, lost cities, and the probable site of Homer’s Troy. (Illustrated chapter book)

12th century, Constantinople. Anna is a brilliant scholar, the daughter of the emperor, and heir to the throne. But when her father dies, Anna’s willful younger brother becomes the new emperor, and her life is in danger. Based on historical events, the Byzantine empire is vividly brought to life. (Chapter book)

How a typical 16th century mosque in Turkey was built, from the foundations, to the walls of the prayer hall, and eight huge piers supporting a great dome, topped with a bronze crescent. The mosque complex also included a school for religious education, public kitchen, baths and fountains, a tomb, and minaret for call to prayer. (Picture book)

Step into a mosque today – we take off our shoes, grandmothers read from the Qur'an and spread out prayer mats, grandfathers chant “Glory be to God,” muezzin calls us to prayer, iman tells us stories, we learn to help others, and end our prayers with “Peace and blessings on you.” Plus information about traditions and historic mosques worldwide. (Picture book)

Turkey in pictures from A to Z – from Ataturk (first president of Turkey), to delicious food (maras ice cream, rose jam, simit snacks), games, sports, school, to Zurna, a musical instrument. (Picture book)