Image via WikipediaFYI: There's a contest near the bottom of this post! Enter to win a signed copy of Across the Universe by Beth Revis. Some of you may have noticed there's a new badge on my sidebar. I'm part of The Rachael Harrie Writers' Platform Building Crusade. Yup! I'm a crusader! Kind of fitting for me, don't you think? With me writing about crusader states and all?
Don't know what a crusader state is? Ooo..lovely idea for a post just popped in! (I'm not as talented as the Monty Python crew, but I'll give it a go.)
Crusader States:
An unofficial guide to your pilgrimage
Your travels will take you along the Mediterranean coast, through many crusader states to the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Crusader states are supported by the Pope and his peeps for your safety. You will pass dangerously close to the Assassins (between Antioch and Tripoli), so please stick to the designated road and try not to get sick along the way. Crusader castles are not made for fairy princesses. They are drafty, stone fortresses designed to keep out the
Let's visit one, shall we?
Here we have Yilankale, in the lovely Principality of Armenia.
Why's it ni named for a snake?
Oh, there's some local tale about a ni pagan serpent queen...Shahmeran or something... Don't worry, we've got it ni under control. Anyway, they killed her in ni Tarsus a while back. What ni did you say? You heard that her daughters are ni pissed? Yes...well...you might want to stay away from the ni vipers in your complementary ni fruit basket. Ni.
Sorry, couldn't resist a kinigit opportunity. :)
AND for those of you who suffered through my insanity today...I have a nice surprise! Beth Revis was at my WNBA (Women's National Book Association) meeting this week and I have a signed copy of Across the Universe to GIVE AWAY!
Rules:
1. You must be a follower.
2. In a comment below, name another interesting castle in Turkey - doesn't have to be from the crusades - can be in ruins. Try not to use one someone else used. I've written about several and there are a few clues right on this page.
I'll announce the winner next Wednesday! Good luck!
And for those who want to appreciate Ni again:
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Wow! A fellow crusader in Istanbul. I love Istanbul and all of Turkey. We spent several weeks in Western Turkey a few years back, and didn't get enough time in Istanbul. I've promised my partner I'll take her back once she takes me to Paris. See you on the crusade!
ReplyDeleteI love the things I learn on this blog--and I especially love the pictures. Oh, and I was wondering what that #amcrusading thing was about. Thanks, Carolyn!
ReplyDeleteHey Carolyn, love your guided tour, very entertaining :) This Crusade is shaping up to be some awesome fun!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Rach
Carry on crusader! My castle Anadoluhisar. No I cheated and Googled one :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend :D
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
In my family we love ruined castles. We've visited all the local ones (there are lots in the south of France) and the ones where my mother was brought up in south Wales. Love them!
ReplyDeleteAnother castle in Turkey is Anavarsa Castle, 50 miles from Adana.
Yay, Monty Python! (I'm sorry, I'm in a random state of mind and unable to think of anything more profound than that :) )
ReplyDeleteI love the Knights of Ni ala Monty Python!!!! Brilliant!!!!
ReplyDeleteYay for you Crusading - You Go Girrrl!!!! Take care
x
Veru coll site. Welcome to the crusade.
ReplyDeleteThat castle is VERY cool. I love your unofficial guide to the pilgrimage. AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteOh, this was fabulous! I got to learn something and then cackle madly when you started sayin NI! So if one were a Shrubber, would it be safe to assume it might be easier to get by the Assassins? That castle ruin though, is FABULOUS!
ReplyDeleteHey there fellow crusader! You must bring us... a shrubbery!
ReplyDeleteJust to be fun, I'm going to go with the Kale in Bodrum, even though I've never seen it because, come to think of it, I don't think I've visited any of the castles in Turkey! Or wait, does Rumeli Hisari count?
I absolutely LOVE that photo!! THAT'S what I'm thinking of when Sybil and Haydon are underground and they get pushed in... to be non-spoilerish... :D And you go, crusader girl! I'll attempt to stay well and not get off the beaten path~ <3
ReplyDeleteHey fellow crusader! Love your posts, and your work sounds SO interesting. Can't wait to get to know you better.
ReplyDeleteAfter Googling I found the castle Harput. Really lovely!
Hi fellow crusader! It's nice to meet you!! Your work sounds awesome. Can't wait to get to know you better!
ReplyDeleteHi fellow crusader! Do I ever know what a Crusader State is! I have multiple history degrees and specialized in the Middle Ages. Your blog rocks!
ReplyDeleteHi Crusader. I'm making the rounds and wanted to drop in to meet you. Will be back soon as I have a ton of Crusaders to visit.
ReplyDeleteLoved this, learned a lot, have never been to Turkey and have no idea about castles. Fellow Crusader, looking forward!
ReplyDeleteHello crusader - pleased to meet you. Turkey fascinates me, but I've never been there. So much amazing cultural history. We have a Turkish friend here in the UK so maybe we'll go there sometime.
ReplyDeleteGreetings fellow crusader! I'm a new follower and really enjoy looking and learning on your blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post and beautiful picture. Fellow crusader also following. Looking forward to more crusading posts.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how many times I've watched the Knights who say Ni. I have passed on the love to my children. Good luck to all those in the contest for Beth's book. No need to put my name in. I already have 2 copies.
ReplyDeleteHello! I'm in your crusader group and wanted to stop by! I decided to do some researching of my own on castles and googled Castles in Turkey. I'm sharing the Alanya Castle as the one I found because it looks beautiful! I hope I made it in time to enter the contest...I haven't gotten my hands on ACROSS THE UNIVERSE yet and am dying to read it! I'm looking forward to hanging out at your blog more! :)
ReplyDelete