Who would have thought that there were still single communities with 20 people. Coming from a huge city like Chicago, I was baffled at the thought that a beautiful and very small village of Kadriye could consist of so few. However within the limits of this small town, they had everything: water, shelter, a mosque, a lot of love, their family and great food. Things are simple, and it seems that they love it that way. The village was within the limits of Koceili, a section of Turkey with many provinces and undergoing fortification of its water systems, and surrounding areas. However, the only fortification that this village may see is of the earth’s natural doing. We arrived in the village and we were charmed by its character. The houses, though sometimes damaged, had amazing life and one could tell that there was history within every wall. One of our hosts from the village was so hospitable that he roasted a fresh lamb for us. We paired the meat with great tasting vegetables. The lamb and veggies were totally organic and were derived from the local area. We also tried fresh strawberries right out of his garden. The were a bright beautiful red, with a taste of freshness the blew you away. Another breath taking element of this experience was the scenic views. This village was very close to the top of one of the Samanli mountain, and the rolling hills beneath and near it were astonishing. Why can’t life always be this simple. Our host had a son whom he obviously loved very much, and it seemed like they were happy living life in a place where they could trust every thing they eat and everyone they see. There were no strangers there. Even though we entered as visitors, we felt as though we left as family.
Check out Tracy Lord and her work in Balikesir and Istanbul to conserve native seed stock of many local varieties of fruit and vegetable.