Mandabatmaz

image via evimistanbul.com

I read lots of stuff about Turkey. Lots. Of. Stuff. Sometimes I come across things I don't understand. Maybe someone out there does. I usually ask my husband.

Mandabatmaz? WTF is a manda and why doesn't it sink? Clearly there's an idiom in this word.

His response: Shrug. IDK.

Google translate: Buoyant Buffalo.

Picture: Buffalo in a coffee cup? Still not making any sense. Feel free to chime in now, if you have any ideas...

aysun-tinypiccomrakcw0y.blogspot.com

Whatever the word means, the Mandabatmaz coffee shop is the epitome of a "hole in the wall". So if you're in Istanbul, find Beyoglu, Istiklal Caddesi and look for an alleyway with unusual amounts of foot traffic, and follow the incredible coffee aroma.

Custom roasted coffee beans, a copper cezve, combined with a careful twist of the wrist and you have what is known to be the best Turkish coffee in the city. The shop is featured in all sorts of guides and it's a must-do. Coffee readings not included.


The first scene of Burnt Amber is in a place kind of like Mandabatmaz, but I took plenty of creative liberties with the decor. My coffee shop was purely my imagination. It's nice to see the vision isn't so far from reality.

Related Articles:

$100 Weekend in Istanbul Frugal Traveler, The New York Times
Mandabatmaz: Grounds for Celebration IstanbulEats.com

Rules of Engagement

Methods of courtship everywhere have changed over time, but something about the rite makes us pine for tradition. In Turkey, even the most progressive families stick to the old standard to some degree.

The söz kesme, or promise, is the first stage. The man’s family visits for coffee to request the hand of the bride. They bring flowers, usually roses, and a silver tray of chocolates or sweets. Traditionally the girl would serve the coffee. These days everybody has most likely met before and it's just an occasion for a pleasant social call with some friends and family. Some people combine this step with the engagement party.

An engagement ceremony is like a mini-wedding. Two bands, bound by a red ribbon, are placed on the right hand of the couple. The ribbon is cut by a witness and the man's family gives the bride some more gold jewelry, a necklace, bracelets, etc. Some gifts are given to the woman for her wardrobe. If the engagement is broken, the jewelry is usually returned. Sometimes a western influenced solitaire might be given.

A popular band for the woman is the interlocking promise ring (above). If the puzzle ring is removed, the bands fall apart, meaning the wearer has been unfaithful.

http://www.jewelrypuzzlerings.com/products

This is a clip of a ribbon cutting. Notice the blending of East and West. The girl wears a scarf, but gets a solitaire and the dress of the show host is less than traditional.: