Visiting Barry, Meltem, Ozan and iftar with Kelepir family

We arrived in Istanbul on Friday, September 5th in time to visit that evening and all day Saturday. What a delight to have time with Meltem, Barry and 7-month old Ozan.
Ozan responded with his concentrated gaze and smile to seeing his grandfather.

Dave took this picture of Ozan on his playmat.

Ozan and his mother, Meltem.

He loves to laugh with mom.

Neşe - Ozan's nanny, while Barry and Meltem teach at Bosphorus University.



Barry on a Skype call with Kim and Mitchell in Durham.

Skype call, Meltem and Barry on with Kim and Mitch.

On returning to Istanbul after our land tour and Blue Voyage, on Saturday, September 20th, we had "iftar" with Meltem's family. Iftar is breaking the fast, during Ramadan. At about 7:30 p.m., it begins with a prayer, then the fast is broken by eating a date. Breakfast food (tomatoes, cucumbers, cheeses, yogurt) follows. Then soup. Another prayer. And dinner, in this case kebap. Tea and dessert of small sweets like baklava ends the convivial meal.
Meltem's parents Sadan and Ertan join us for a picture of the happy grandparents.

Meltem and Barry with us. The baby is Melek, Meltem's brother Hasan and his wife Elif's daughter, born in March.

Barry and Sadan

We enjoyed seeing all the relatives - last seen at Barry and Meltem's wedding in August 2001. I won't list all the names, although there are many that begin with N: Nurten, Nabite, Naşide, Nacize. Then Ahu, Berrak, Gökhan and more!

Meltem's brother Hasan is on the right, with his aunt (Naşide, I believe) and cousin Nabite on the left.

This is Nurten in the middle with her two daughters, Ahu and Berrak. Gökhan and Meltem on right.

Barry and his adorable niece, Melek.

Babies lack no attention from aunts, uncles cousins and grandparents in Turkey! Melek's mother Elif (on right) is eats quickly while others attend to Melek.

We left with gift packages of Turkish chocolate - almonds and turkish delight, which remind us of the wonderful tastes of Turkey.