In October our members were transported by a real-life “Shirley Valentine” from wet Reepham to a magical place time has forgotten.
This was Jenny Gibbs’ second visit, continuing her story of how in 1993 she went to Turkey on holiday and fell in love – with a man and the country.
Jenny detailed traditional Turkish village life. On her first evening in Mustafa’s family home, they had prepared a feast to be enjoyed by sitting cross-legged on beautiful rugs. Multiple dishes on copper salvers kept coming. Jenny was provided with a bowl and spoon, others used fingers and bread to scoop up delicious sauces.
A particular memory of Jenny’s was to hear, in the early hours, the approaching sound of music, stopping by their window before the troupe moved to the next house. She explained that during Ramadan, musicians travel around before dawn to wake folk for breakfast, before observing strict fasting during daylight hours. During this month-long period the high-protein diet must include a stone or pip; dates are a favourite staple.
To this day meals are cooked outside over an open fire. More complex dishes, such as flaky baklava, are taken to communal ovens. Women transport their baking on trays perched on top of their heads, with kindling for the ovens tied to their backs.
Keeping livestock for the family’s own use is the norm, with cows, goats and sheep supplying milk, hens for eggs and the odd cockerel for the pot. In summer the ritual of “transhumance” takes place, where families, with their livestock, migrate to “yalyas” – mountainside terraces where grass is plentiful and air cooler.
These fertile areas are also used for growing grains: wheat, rye, chickpeas, couscous as well as every conceivable vegetable and fruits such as pomegranates and oranges. The ground is tilled by donkeys pulling a simple plough.
Jenny’s first experience of a summer decampment was a culture shock to discover everyone slept and lived in a basic, one-room stone dwelling, where at bedtime mattresses, piled in a corner during the day, are laid out dormitory-style at night. Similar simple houses are also found scattered throughout olive groves, where families stay between November to March, harvesting olives.
We hope Jenny will return in future to talk about Turkish crafts and culture: a very informative and entertaining speaker.
Reepham WI meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm at St Michael’s, Reepham. On 16 November Georgette Vale will be giving a presentation on “Nativity Sets”.
Dee Taylor
Jenny Gibbs wearing traditional headdress, still worn today. Photo: Jenny Gibbs