This book is dedicated to the incredible students and teachers who poured their hearts and souls into this project for nine months. Your unwavering commitment and relentless efforts have shown the power of collaboration and the beauty of shared achievements.

 Thank you for your dedication, perseverance, and the lasting impact you've made. This book stands as a tribute to our collective journey and an inspiration to all who dare to pursue their dreams.

With gratitude and admiration...

1. Second-hand Book Market                              4

2. Two life                                                                  9

3.  Harmantepe Castle                                         11

4. Story of Akyazı                                                  16

5. Grand Bazaar                                                     26 

6. Sirkeci Train Station                                         31

7. Love of Pickle                                                     43

8. The Blue Makes me Cold                                 54              

9.  Memories on Homecoming                           60

10. I fell in Love in Augusta Street                    67        

TABLE OF CONTENT 

11. German Foundation                                  76

12. A Solved Mystery                                        82

13. A Pinky Promise                                          87

14. Savory Story                                                 91

15. A Vehicle                                                        93

16. A Concert                                                       96

17 A walk into the Past                                     99

18. Galata Tower                                               108

19 People And Obelisk                                    114

20 The Legend of Sakar Baba                        128

 I am doing a master's degree at the Faculty of Economics at İstanbul University in 1990. 

The subject of the class is Economics. 

I am sitting in the lecture hall, waiting for the professor, and I take off my leather jacket and place it on the chair. 

SECOND-HAND BOOK MARKET 

Just then, Prof. Dr. Mükerrem Hiç enters the room. 

He is wearing a black fabric jacket, black pants, and a striped tie. He walks slowly towards the desk, tapping his shoes on the floor, and places his books down. After putting down his books, he clears his throat and says in a loud voice,

 "Do you know the responsibility of being an economist?"

After this question, there is complete silence in the classroom. Everyone is waiting anxiously, and then one of the students, wearing a yellow shirt and fabric pants, breaks the silence and asks, "What kind of responsibility could that be?"

 Mükerrem Hoca answers this question perfectly and utters the sentences that will influence me for the rest of my life: "If you are a doctor, you can cause someone's death. If you are an engineer, you bear the responsibility for those who cross a collapsing bridge. If you are an economist, you carry the responsibility of millions."

After this sentence, I pondered about the perfection of that statement and what it conveyed throughout the remainder of the class. When the class ended, I left the faculty and started wandering around the second-hand book market. Walking down those narrow streets with different books in my hands, I entered a shop made of wood, emanating an Ottoman atmosphere. As I entered the shop, I noticed the shop owner sitting and sipping his tea while reading his newspaper. 

When the shop owner realized that I had come in, he raised his head from the newspaper and looked at me, asking, "Were you looking for something?" I replied, "No, I'm just browsing," and the shop owner went back to reading his newspaper. I continued looking at the old, worn-out shelves until one book caught my eye. It was Mr. Mükerrem's book. I immediately took the book from the shelf and started examining it. The book was written in 1980, titled "Analysis of the Turkish Economy." The cover was worn out, and the pages had turned yellow. I turned to the shop owner and asked, "Excuse me, how much is this book?" The shop owner raised his head from the newspaper and said, "The book looks quite old. And since it has been here for a long time, I can give it to you at a lower price." With a big smile on my face, I said, "Thank you," and handed the shop owner the requested amount. I left the shop and started walking towards the faculty. 

Now, I am writing this story after Mr. Mükerrem's funeral. I have read all of Mr. Mükerrem's books until now, but the book I bought from the second-hand book market that day holds a special place in my heart. In conclusion, in the last sentence of this writing, I remember Mr. Mükerrem with mercy and respect. 

MEHMET EMRE K. from  iSTANBUL,TÜRKİYE

TWO LIFE

Mustafa moved to Hatay due to his financial situation while living with his family in a house inherited from his grandfather in Istanbul at a young age.His father makes a living by running a grocery store in Hatay. Mustafa, who settled in Hatay, helps his father in his business. Prayer has become a very important worship for Mustafa, as his father constantly prayed in the mosque

Working with his father all day on February 6, Mustafa left the shop by asking his father's permission because he was very tired. On the way home, Mustafa felt something, the weather was different that day, the birds were singing unusually, the animals were wandering around the street as if stunned.He went                   home    and retired to rest. Mustafa had a                           different feeling, as if something was going to                      happen.  Mustafa went to bed around 11 o'clock.                 They woke up   trembling at night. 

the shaking stopped, Mustafa left the building with his mother. Mustafa left his mother in a safe place and went to the Warehouse.The warehouse was destroyed.At that moment, Mustafa collapsed              to the ground in pain. He realized that his                  father was under the rubble. For the first           3 days, he waited by the wreckage.

With the help of the teams, they removed the lifeless body of his father. Mustafa had literally fallen into the void. He didn't know what to do. But he had to stay strong. His mother was still alive. They needed to support him and get back together. They stayed in the tent until the 10th day of the earthquake. At the end of the day, they moved to Istanbul, the house they used to live in. 

The environment has changed a lot, new buildings have risen. It took 1 year for Mustafa to get rid of the effects of the events. In the summer, Mustafa starts working in a greengrocer by the beach in order to have a job and to buy a nice gift for his mother on her birthday.He worked and saved his money. 

It's her mother's birthday. In the morning of that day, he took permission from his master and left the shop.He was very happy to buy a present for his mother. He just walked out of the shop and walking down the street everything felt so good. On his way to the Grand Bazaar, a minaret caught his attention. The birds made their nests in the window of the minaret.

At that time, the noon call to prayer began.Tourists wanted to learn about its history while leaving the mosque. It was as if Mustafa was prepared for that moment. And he started to                                        explain.This mosque was built by Mesleme bin                                     Abdulmelik, who came for the conquest of                                          Istanbul. When the Arab army returned to                                         suppress the rebellion, the mosque was converted into a church by the priest.

After the conquest of Istanbul, it was converted into a mosque again.Tourists thank Mustafa.He is leaving Mustafa Mosque happily.The paper in the courtyard of the mosque attracts his attention. Hafiz records have started in the mosque. Mustafa also registers. Mustafa starts going to the mosque when school starts. Mustafa becomes Hafiz.

Alparslan T. from ISTANBUL,TÜRKİYE

            Harmantepe Castle

          Harmantepe Castle          

Harmantepe Castle was built in the 12th and 13th centuries to protect the borders of Byzantium. It is one of the defensive structures that have the characteristics of outposts and watchtowers facing each other along the western bank of the Sakarya River.Harmantepe Castle, located in the north of Adapazarı Harmantepe Village, was built on a small natural hill.

My father says that this place received more attention before and says it looks much older than in the past. He went there once and saw that it was swampy all over. He said it was really suitable for agriculture. He also said that it was very functional in terms of surveillance and defense if it was built on a hill. I thought that people in the past had a hard time attacking because they did not have as powerful weapons as they are today. By the way, my father is a very good historian and he immediately understood that the castle belongs to the Byzantine period due to the similarities of its architecture.

          Harmantepe Castle

Its columns and stones were destroyed due to the earthquake.

In its new state, ivy and grass are everywhere.The castle is covered with plants and trees.It is a place where people who are interested in historical places can go and see it.

       Harmantepe Castle

Hazar U. T.,Enes B. U. from Sakarya,TÜRKİYE

https://sakarya.ktb.gov.tr/TR-340202/tarihi-harmantepe-kalesi.html

Story Of Akyazı

Gather around,  for I have a story to share with you about a remarkable place in Sakarya that has stood the test of time. Let me take you on a journey through the ages, as my father once told me about this remarkable town.Years ago there existed a humble village in Sakarya. This village was called Akyazı, and it held within its boundaries a wealth of history and beauty. Nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant forests, Akyazı was a place where nature flourished and the whispers of the past echoed through the air. In ancient times, Akyazı was a vital trading post along the historic Silk Road. Merchants from distant lands would traverse these very lands, their caravans laden with precious silks, spices, and other exotic goods. The village bustled with activity as traders haggled and bartered, their voices mingling with the melodies of local musicians and the tantalizing aromas of spices that filled the air.

Story Of Akyazı

https://www.gezilesiyer.com/suluklu-gol-tabiat-parki.html

As the centuries passed, Akyazı evolved, yet it remained rooted in its rich history. It became a crossroads where cultures converged and traditions intertwined. The town flourished under the Ottoman Empire, witnessing the construction of grand mosques, stunning caravanserais, and beautiful palaces that spoke of an era long gone. These architectural marvels still stand tall today, reminding us of the legacy that was left behind.Also,my father still gets emotional looking at the old photos of Akyazı.

But it was not only the history and architecture that made Akyazı special.It was the natural wonders that embraced the town.The sparkling waters of the Sakarya River flowed through its heart,providing life and sustenance to the lands.The forests surrounding the town were a haven for wildlife,and the locals lived in harmony with nature,nurturing the land that had nurtured them for generations.

Over time, Akyazı's importance as a trading post faded, and the village transformed into a

tranquil  retreat. Its historical sites and breathtaking landscapes drew in visitors seeking respite from the chaos of modern life. Families would come to picnic by the riverside, children would run and play in the vast meadows, and hikers would embark on adventures through the surrounding hills, their spirits lifted by the beauty that surrounded them.

And now, Akyazı continues to thrive, preserving its history while embracing the present. Today,it has become a popular destination for camping enthusiasts, offering a chance to experience the outdoors and reconnect with nature. People come from far and wide,setting up their tents under the starry sky, sharing stories around crackling campfires, and falling asleep to the gentle sounds of the Sakarya River. And my dad always tells me: "Remember as you embark on your own journey through life, that every place carries within it a story waiting to be discovered"

Selman B. from Sakarya,TÜRKİYE

"Hurry, bring water! The flames are growing bigger!" These voices began to echo in my ears. My father's old pudding shop, a prominent spot in the Grand Bazaar, was being engulfed in flames.

In the Grand Bazaar, different sounds were rising from every corner. Everyone was making their living, trying to bring home some money. I also had a pudding shop, passed down from my father, towards the end of the bazaar. It earned me just enough to make a living, around three to five dinars.

GRAND BAZAAR

During those times, I had a daughter, a daughter, and we lived happily. On Tuesdays and Fridays, she would take care of the shop until I arrived. As was my habit, on Tuesdays, I would have breakfast with my wife, mother, and father a few hours before sunrise, perform the noon prayer, and then head to the shop. That was my life. Until these events started unfolding...

One Wednesday evening, I came home from the shop, and we had dinner together. While sitting at the tea table, my daughter suddenly said, "Dad, I want to ask you something, but don't get mad." I was genuinely surprised. "Ask," I said. She seemed hesitant to ask. "Ask?!" I repeated. Finally, she told me that there was a ball in Bayrampaşa tomorrow, and she wanted to attend. Although I was initially cold to the idea, I couldn't resist her persistence and gave permission.

After the Friday prayer, when I went to the shop, my daughter's mood was still low, and on top of that, she was crying. When I asked her what happened at the ball, she said, "Nothing." Then she quickly left the shop. I needed to find out what happened at that ball.

In the late afternoon, while having coffee with İsmail Abi from the neighboring shop, I remembered what happened in the morning. "İsmail Abi, did anything happen in front of the shop this morning?" I asked. "Well, Ali, a young man came to the front of your shop this morning, but it seemed like he didn't come for shopping. And, by the way, he gave a letter to your daughter," he said. As soon as I finished my coffee, I closed the shop early and went home. I immediately called my daughter to come to me. "Give me the letter," I said. "What letter, Dad? I don't understand," she said, ignoring me. I yelled the same sentence again, and she finally handed it over. It was not a letter but a check...

I immediately got up and rushed to the shop. Who would set the Grand Bazaar on fire and why? I was stunned. When I reached the shop, it was engulfed in flames. Voices were rising from all around. "Hurry, bring water! The flames are growing!" These voices started echoing in my ears. My father's shop, the legacy he left behind, was burning right in front of my eyes...

İbarhim E.M. from İSTANBUL,TÜRKİYE

  SIRKECI TRAIN STATION 

Second Abdülhamit asked a German architect, August Jachmund, to design a train station on the European Side and had a unique train station built between 1887 and 1889. The two clock towers on the front of this oriental and gothic style station fascinated those who see it.

In addition, as a design on the side of the building, the date the station was put into service was written according to the Gregorian and Rumi calendars. The building, which was also built to serve passengers from Europe, is now entered through a modern entrance.

 I would like to point out for its lovers and enthusiasts, in the small museum inside this magnificent building, there are photographs of the station in its original form and memorabilia from the Orient Express in its golden age.

The Turkish Premiere of the movie directed by Kenneth Branagah, adapted from Agatha Christie’s novel “Murder on the Orient Express” at Sirkeci Train Station. The gala was held at Sirkeci Train Station, which is the starting stop of the journey with the eastern express, which is the subject of the movie.

Before the premiere in the USA, the film featured people such as Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Penélope Cruz, Judi Dench, William Dafoe and Olivia Colman, who met with their fans and fans and whom I love very much, these famous names once again with their legendary acting. I had the opportunity to see I suggest you watch the movie too.

Sirkeci Station also hosted world-famous dancer and singer Josephine Baker of the USA, who came to Istanbul to take the stage in January 1934, Western travelers and Jewish scientists fleeing Hitler's fascism.

One of the things that made it unique was that it was the place where many farewells were experienced, perhaps the last time that the people who sent their loved one off, had memories that they could not get out of their minds, as it is true for many people, including myself. 

The station, which bid farewell to the beauties of Turkey and the world such as Mübeccel Namık or Keriman Halis, also welcomed the pioneer of the international oil industry and the famous billionaire of the time, Calouste Gulbenkian, the spy Mata Hari, and the British crime writer Agatha Christie. 

While completing my article with the last few sentences, I wanted to talk about the story of İsa Bilecen, who saw the photo of Sirkeci Train Station on social media and briefly talked about his memory. He said, “I've been on these trains a lot, and I spent my best times traveling with the door open in the summer months, we had adventures on our own and had a good time.

At that time there was a station where the train stopped. I would see it when I was passing by, there was the famous actor Erol Taş's coffee shop right across the street. My friends wanted to go, but I could not spare any time to go.

I'd love to too, but unfortunately we don't always get what we want, I regret it now. Sometimes I say to myself that I wish I had gone back then, and now I can't go even if I wanted to." He said as an example of one of the memories he lived here.

Yağız T. from İstanbul,TÜRKİYE

LOVE OF PICKLES

Today is Eid, one of the most beautiful days of the year. I got up early in the morning, but I was sleepy because I couldn't sleep at night. Do you know the excitement given by the desire to wear a festive dress that is placed at the beginning of the night? I dressed up for my holidays and celebrated with my family. 

Then we all went to my grandparents' house to have a holiday with our relatives. Our eldest in the family, that is, my grandparents, is the gathering place on special 

When we arrived at my grandparents, my aunts had already arrived. After we all had a holiday together, I received my pocket 

money from my relatives. When I received the allowance, I immediately thought about how I would spend this money in my head.  I was going to use 

part of this allowance to buy a new one for my broken lightning pellet, and the rest to buy snacks. Speaking of snacks, why wasn't I buying pickles 

with this money from the store of Brother Pickles, who won the traditional pickles competition in Istanbul in our neighborhood? I immediately went to my cousin and said, “Mehmet, let's buy pickles with our pocket money, and besides,  haven't been eating  for a a while, so that 

the taste of our mouth will come back.” And my cousin has never been from there: "Ahmet, what pickle, are you sour on our holiday feast stomach? If you're going, 

go, I'm not coming.” These words of my cousin could not break my enthusiasm for eating pickles. If he's not coming, I'll call the Khan from the neighborhood. I left my 

grandparents, came to the front of the building where the Khagans lived and knocked on the door. I knocked once, I knocked twice, I knocked and knocked, but no one answered. In fact, they should

have gone to their relatives too. I was all alone now, but that didn't stop me from eating delicious pickles. I started walking towards Pickle Can by 

myself. As for the Şişhane slope, the colorful pickle jars in front of Pickle brother's shop had already started to appear. I immediately went in, bought a plate of mixed pickles and sat down at the table. The table I'm sitting at, Beyoğlu 6. The apartment faced the City hall, against  

 such a beautiful and modern building during my lifetime, my taste for eating pickles was increasing. When the pickles were finished, I paid the bill and left the store. As I was walking by the side of the 

the tramway, suddenly a sound rose up. When I turned around, I saw that there were a few meters between me and a Decayed tram and I immediately jumped across. 

When I fell to the ground, I felt a pain in my leg and my eyes closed. When I opened my eyes, I was in the hospital and I had bandages on my leg. I immediately asked the nurse what had happened. He said, "You have small cracks in your leg. You survived the accident 

cheaply, get well soon,"he said. My cousin next to my bed was laughing at me. When I asked what it was, 

he laughed and said, “Pickles, pickles. Here's a pickle for you,” he said. I could only say “it was worth it” from the bottom of my heart...

Mehmet A. O. from  İstanbul,TÜRKİYE

The blue make me cold

Sunday! Family outing day!

 And what a beautiful 

day it was!

We decide to visit Queluz Palace. It was no far away and we walked there. The streets were pratically desert. At the end of the street we could see the centenary trees and we could

already guess the chirping of the birds.

 My childhood memories came back to me.

I used play with my friends in those gardens after school. We played without fear and only came back at the end of the day, when the sun was already hidden!

There were no mobiles phones and ours parents didn´t call us to find out where we were.

 The Palace could be

 seen at the end of 

the  street. It also

represents  memories

of a  past, memories

 of National history.

My memory, the one belonged  to me, see me so alive. I felt like a child again and i  felt running with bare feet.

-Mum?! Mum?! Can´t hear us? - My children were shouting for me, but i was so deep in my memories that i couldn´t hear them

-Are you travelling?! - they asked.

- Yes! I´m travelling through memories

 of my childhoot! The Palace makes

 me relive. I went to school here!

                           But, what i did not say is  

                            that in my memories the                                 Queluz Palace had other                                 colour!

                            I shuddered! The blue color                              of the Palace makes me                                 cold! I always Knew it as                                pink and in my childhoot                                   always be pink.  

                               Eva Marques - Portugal

An old lady touches my arm!

- Don't be worried! It's just a glitch!

In  other times, oh, in other times it

 wasn't  like that!

- In the old days - said the old lady - everything was different!The stations were old and not much protection. People crossed the line running and sometimes....

Flávio Bom Jesus - Portugal

I fell in love on Augusta Street

 We used to go to Belém. We strolled through the Jerónimos gardens and had a snack there. I remember the smell of freshly baked “Pasteis de Belém”.

I was a boy and, with my parents, I lived in Lisbon. 

- Sugar or cinnamon? - Asked the young man who served us at the  pastry table.

There are so many memories... On the way back, by bus, we walked along the road in silence, but happy.

Suddenly, I seemed to smell that time. The smell of jacaranda flowers.

- Are you listening to me? Laura asked beside me.

Laura! I think back to the day I met her. 

She hurried down Rua Augusta towards

the Arch. 

I well remember the shine of your 

hair  in the sun's rays.

I looked at her and smiled!

- Do you remember how we met? 

- Sure! As if it is today – she answer.

That day, I followed that young woman. She would stop window shop, talk to people, tip the young man playing guitar on the sidewalk. Suddenly, he took the bus towards Belém.

Hoping to find her, I got on the next bus. I took off to Belem. In the background, 

next to the Tower, on the old wooden

 bench, there she was.

I went down! I stopped by your side!

He looked up and smiled!

                     They were the deep black eyes he had ever seen.

- What a beautiful day! - I shot!

- Yes! The sun shines on the water of the Tagus River. I like to look at the river! . She said smiling.

We were both silent, looking at the river. 

Suddenly, he got up and without 

saying  anything started walking.

- What is your name? I screamed.

- Laura! My name is Laura.

 I started taking the bus every day to Belém, hoping to find her.

And one day, there she was!

- Hello!

 Hello! - She responded. - I know you!

- YesI We were looking at the sun's rays reflecting on the water one of these days.

- Well, it was! You must

be special! Not everyone 

is watching the sunshine

 on the water.

The weeks passed and we stood cside by side looking at the river. One day, her hand found mine.

We stayed hand in hand and today we continue to live life hand in hand and walk along Rua Augusta towards the to Arch the bus to Belém.

Rua Augusta is my favorite because that's where I fell in love.

Diogo Martins - Portugal

It was one of the harsh winter days of 1901, and as the first anniversary of the opening of the German Fountain approached,

 I saw the prominent journalist of the time, Hüseyin Cahit Yalçın, taking photographs of the fountain.

GERMAN FOUNTAIN

 On that winter day, Hüseyin Cahit Yalçın captured images of the fountain for 

 hours while children were waiting in line to ride the swing on the hill where the German Fountain was located

The joyous screams of the children riding the swing accompanied the clicking of his camera.

He took photographs from every angle, with his mustache and eyebrows covered in snow, his glasses fogged up, and sweat dripping down his face. Finally, he exclaimed

"That's enough for today," and left the fountain.

As the birthday of Kaiser Wilhelm II, January 20, approached,

Hüseyin Cahit Yalçın started visiting the fountain more frequently, but he didn't come after January 15.

Finally, January 20 arrived, the scheduled opening date of the fountain, and the hill where the

German Fountain was located was completely filled with people from the public.

The ceremony was planned under my leadership, II. Abdülhamit Han,

but I wanted Hüseyin Cahit Yalçın to carry out this task considering his dedication and efforts.

Sefa K. from  İstanbul,TÜRKİYE

A Solved Mystery 

Rother's Mills - originally used for grinding grain into flour. Now it's an exhibition facility. My friends and I always wanted to go there and see ourselves the place where a long, long time ago people and animals worked really hard to make flour. But the tickets were really expensive so we had to wait and save some money to go there. And then it came, the day we all had been waiting for. We finally had enough money to buy the tickets. All of us were thrilled, all the way to the mills we were talking about the exhibitions we were about to see. But when we got there were really surprised. The building was surrounded by onlookers. Apparently something must have happened there. As we got closer we could hear all sorts of stories. They all had one thing in common, the exhibition was closed. Nobody knew why, but we decided that we wouldn’t give up. 

We came back home and brainstormed what we could do to find out what had happened. We couldn't ask the staff, everyone else had already tried that. Suddenly one of my friends got an idea "what if we asked the ghosts?" she asked. "Ghosts?" we replied confused. "Look, nobody wants to tell us what happened, this is a real mystery! Maybe there was a murder! Or they found something! And the ghosts are always there to watch! We could ask them" she continued. "Okay, but how are you planning to do that?" I asked. "I have an ouija board!" she replied happily. It was done. We all decided to ask the ghosts what had happened. At night we met up in front of the building and walked towards the exhibition with our ouija board and a couple of candles in our hands. As we got closer I became scared. "Maybe we shouldn't do this?" I asked, but it was too late to go back. We set up the board, surrounded it with candles, lit them up. "So, what do we do now?" I asked. 

"Each of us will place one of their fingers on the planchet and we will ask the spirits what happened" my friend answered. We did as she said and began asking the spirits. At first nothing happened but as soon as we asked "was it positive?" the planchet moved to "yes". We felt relieved but still curious about what exactly had happened. I got impatient and said "just tell us what happened!". We felt a warm wind brushing our shoulders as the planchet begun to move again. It spelled  the word "kittens" , "break" and "glass". Then suddenly the wind got stronger and blew out the candles. The session was over. We got up, took our stuff and went home. On the way back we tried to figure out what the ghosts meant by those words. Well, the answer came in the morning. As I was getting ready to school my friends called. "Have you heard the news?" they asked, "No, why?" I said. 

They explained to me that in today's morning news they talked about what had happened at the Rothers Mills. It turned out that a pregnant cat had hidden somewhere in the exhibition and gave birth to 6 baby kittens, and the exhibition staff found them when one of them broke a vase, so they needed a break to find the rest of the kittens, their mother and find them a great home.

Weronika P. from Bydgoszcz/Poland

             A PINKY PROMISE

One day I decided to go for a walk in the old town of Bydgoszcz, when I was crossing the bridge on Mostowa street I noticed a cute little bunny next to a large willow by the river Brda. I couldn't help myself and went over there. Suddenly the animal disappeared, I started looking around for it. I leaned against a willow tree and felt a strange tingling sensation. Just as it had been quiet and peaceful a moment before, now the chatter and clatter of hooves could be heard. I was very confused. For a moment I didn't know where I was, but then I realized that I was still in Mostowa street but only in the 17th century. As in the 21st century, the street was bustling with activity. It was lined with merchants and traders. There were barges plying the river and mooring there.

By chance I bumped into a man. He looked at me in horror and shouted "witch!" across the bridge. There was a stir and a moment later I was running away from a cluster of men holding torches. Running blindly I fell into one barge. Fortunately, I met a boy there who, after hearing my story, promised to help me. In order not to encounter those who tried to catch me, we passed between beautiful townhouses belonging to the nobility. When we reached the willow, they spotted me from the other end of the bridge. That's why we hurriedly made a pinky promise to each other that we would meet in my time. 

Returning to the 21st century, I felt that funny tingle again. By the time I was walking home along Mostowa Street, I had a horrible confusion in my head. Forgetting the rest of the world I bumped into a person for the second time. After looking at each other, we knew immediately that the promise under the willow had come true.

Zuzanna B. from Bydgoszcz/Poland

                       SAVOY STORY

We were going down Gdańska Street in Bydgoszcz city. We saw someone in a car that looked like Lightning McQueen. The man in a black coat got out of the car, came to us and said "I am giving you this car. I am sure you can take care of it". We took it and went to the Savoy Club, we ordered lemonade and something to eat. When we finished eating we went to the dance floor and we were having the best time in our lives but suddenly we heard some screams and sound of breaking glass. It turned out that the bank nearby was robbed. We saw the robbers - Professor Zundapp* and his gang so we tried to catch them. After a few minutes we stopped the criminals. The owner of the bank gave us a lot of money for our help with stopping the crime. We went out and decided to go to the shopping centre to buy a car that looks like Tow Mater from movie "Cars". 

Oliwia O and Julia G from Bydgoszcz, Poland

                              A VEHICLE

Once upon a time, there was an old vehicle in the empty field near Myślęcinek. A mechanic who has just lost his job stumbled towards a bench, sighing loudly. He was devastated, he didn't have any way to make money and to his bad luck he wasn't rich either. He didn't know what to do.. Until he saw the vehicle. It was covered in moss, it was obvious that no one took care of it. He felt it was a sign. He approached the ruins of the machine and swept some of the dirt away, revealing that it was a locomotive. He was stunned, staring at it in awe. "Why would a locomotive be here?" he thought. He couldn't believe it! The mechanic knew that repairing it would take a long time, but he saw it as his last resort. The man beganrepairing the locomotive for a few days, spending all his time on the vehicle. Eventually.. He did it! He fixed it! He was so proud, seeing that the train started working. 

As it started to move for the first time, all of the kids squealed happily, wanting to get on board, seeing the new locomotive running. The man was proud of himself, but it didn't last for long.. After a few years of tending to the vehicle, even earning money and respect for fixing it, something horrible happened. One day when the man came to steer the locomotive, he noticed that it's completely ruined. It was burnt! He was devastated.. Fortunately though, during his job he made many friends. They all tried their best to help the mechanic. They assisted him in getting a new job as a conductor in the "Las Gdański" station in Myślęcinek! The story ended happily for the man, but he still misses the locomotive that made it all happen - the locomotive of Myślęcinek.

Julia P from Bydgoszcz/Poland

                               A CONCERT

It was 1958, and I was thrilled to attend the premiere of the Philharmonie. The building looked stunning, and I felt lucky to have a ticket. I made sure to dress up in my best outfit and styled my hair to look pretty. I felt beautiful as I approached the building. However, a man approached me and inquired if I was attending the event. I replied affirmatively, but his reaction sent shivers down my spine since he appeared to be terrified. Despite my curiosity, I decided to ignore his behavior and walked away. After brushing off the uncomfortable encounter, I got excited again and entered the performance hall. The music was familiar, and I found myself closing my eyes and enjoying the melody. 

Suddenly, I felt someone sit beside me, and it was the same man I had met earlier. He introduced himself as Stefan Klajbor, the architect of the building. Stefan asked me to close my eyes and listen closely to the music. I did as he instructed. After a few minutes, I opened my eyes and noticed that the room had transformed, and everything appeared new. Unfortunately, Stefan had disappeared, and I found my phone in my purse, indicating that it was now 2023. I realized that I had just experienced a dream where I had travelled through time.

Karolina Ż from Bydgoszcz/Poland

A walk into the Past

I walked in the Art Nouveaux town of Oradea, a splendid town at the border of Romania and Hungary.

While downtown I noticed many people taking photos next to an old but redone building , called The Black Eagle Palace. 

Very attracted by the building itself I googled the history and found a lot of info about this very interesting façade I am standing near.

About the Black Eagle Palace

The Black Eagle Palace is the most spectacular Secession style architectural achievement in Oradea and Transylvania.

The story of the Black Eagle Palace is linked to the new urban development vision of the city, given the reorganization of the Small Square (St. Ladislau Square), today Union Square.

 In 1714, on the site of the building located at the intersection of Independence street (strada Independenței) with the Square, there was a one-storey venue, called the Eagle Inn or the Town’s Beer House.

The old inn hosted most of the city’s major public events: balls, meetings, theatre shows or political events.

Until 1861 it was only a small building with three rooms that accommodated the town hall. 

Then, in 1807 it was rebuilt, extended and it was added another floor, and after a second modification, in 1835, it became an important hotel in the city.

The architecture

In 1903 the City Hall started a design competition for the reconstruction of the Eagle Hotel. 

3 projects were awarded out of 13 that were submitted. 

The first prize was won by the project called “Champagne”, belonging to architects Jakab D and Komor M, but the costs of construction were too high so the project was abandoned. 

Kurländer E and Adorján E, two lawyers, entrepreneurs and leading journalists bought in 1906 the Eagle Hotel and the Green Tree Inn. 

Builder Sztarill F began the construction of the Black Eagle architectural complex on 6th of April 1907. 

In November 1907 the building was already covered, and it was finished in December 1908. 

The reception was made on 16th of November 1908, and the festive opening took place in 1909.

I wished to be there when this beautiful building was on its glory.

Who knows how many love affairs, betrayal and love stories had the rooms seen over decades. 

That is why I do invite you to come and discover the beauties of Oradea, one of the 15 Art Nouveau cities of Europe.

Eduard G from Oradea, Romania

GALATA TOWER

I had 80 sheep in the previous holiday, but I was able to sell almost half of them. The money I earned from the sale of sheep this year would have been able to support me for a long time. Eid al-Adha coincided with the end of the summer days, although the rains decreased in the summer months, the precipitation increased in the autumn, but the rain that fell that year caused floods.

 Ömer F. Ö. from İSTANBUL,TÜRKİYE

PEOPLE AND OBELISK

In his spare time, Constantine decided to watch one of his favorite activities, the hippodrome races.

When he came to the hippodrome, he wanted to sit on the top seats, but realized that it was a specially set up box for the state and clergy to watch, and gave up. He sat in an empty seat and started watching the races.

Constantine, who loves the rivalry of the horses with each other, decided to wander the racecourse after this long and enjoyable activity. 

While walking around the Hippodrome, he noticed a crowd gathered around the Obelisk.

This Obelisk was the Theodosius Obelisk brought to Constantinople by the Great Emperor Theodosius I. Although Constantine had seen the Obelisk many times before, something about the Obelisk caught his attention that day.

It was much more crowded than usual. As he approached the Obelisk, the crowd began to listen to the group's conversation.

Some in the crowd said that the Obelisk was a tribute to the city's grandeur and that its meanings should be preserved for future generations, while others argued that it was an outdated old stone monument that had to be demolished to make room for brand new structures. 

Constantine could not understand those who disparaged the stone. Because, according to him, some drawings along with the Greek and Latin alphabet inscriptions on this obelisk reminded the old emperor Theodosius.

 In addition, the Obelisk was decorated with various reliefs on all four sides, and also influenced the horse races that entertained people.

After some thought, Konstantin decided to speak:

“Friends, the Theodosius Obelisk is more than just a stone structure. This obelisk, which was brought here from Egypt, in the middle of the hippodrome, represents the power and heritage of our city. It has stood in this place for centuries, hosting many events of the city. It is a reminder of our past and a harbinger of the future.”

The words of Konstantin, who spoke, impressed people. They realized that the Obelisk represented the history and identity of their city and was more than just a piece of stone. Over the years, the Obelisk, seemingly a simple stone, was actually a reminder of many events,

a testament to the city's perseverance and strength. He reflected the Emperor Theodosius, who appeared from his throne at the reception of the ambassadors, the imposing appearance of the horses in the races, the excitement of the ceremonies and the historical games staged.

The labors of the workers whose hands were drawn, who spent their night and day in its sewing, said, “I was brought, I was planted here in 32 days.”

He wrote it in his inscription. As the years passed, people traveling from all over the world who saw the Obelisk and marveled at its splendor also thought of that wise old man who spoke for him in the past and emphasized the value of preserving their city's heritage every time they looked at the Obelisk.

Ömer S. K. from  İstanbul,TÜRKİYE

As my mother told me,one day, a saint named Sakar Baba went to Adapazarı. While passing through Beşköprü on the river, he was stopped and a "toll tax" was requested from him. Sakar Baba asked for a pass, stating that he could not give it because he had no money. But nobody cared. Even curses were made. Sakar Baba made a prayer and showed the direction of the water with his hand.

The Legend of Sakar Baba

As his prayer was finished, the river began to flow from the plain where he had changed beds. After that day, the river began to be called Sakar Baba, later this name changed to "Sakarya". It is believed that this person is known and believed to be the saint lying in the Sakar Baba Tomb on the skirts of Erenler Hill today. It is a small, modest and clean place. There is a fountain and a small fountain outside. There is a masjid right next to the tomb for praying.

Legend of Sakar Baba

Mehlika Y.from Sakarya,Türkiye

https://erenlersakarya.wordpress.com/sakar-baba-ve-turbesi/

APPENDIX*        

                                                                                              page

1. SECOND-HAND BOOK MARKET- Esra B.                    4

2.TWO LIFE - Mustafa S.                                                       9

3.HARMANTEPE CASTLE-Ufuk T.                                     11

4.STORY OF AKYAZI- Mustafa B.                                      16

5. GRAND BAZAAR - Ayşegül Y.                                         26            

6.SIRKECI TRAIN STATION - ISA B.                                   31

7.Love Of Pickles - Rümeysa Ş.                                         43

8. BLUE MAKE ME COLD -  Gabriela N.                            54

9. MEMORIES ON HOMECOMING - José C.França      60

10. I fell in love on Augusta Street - Luisa N.                67

APPENDIX*                                                             page

11. German Foundation-Mehtap G.                              76

12. A Solved Mystery - Gariel G.                                      82

13. A Pinky Promise - Anabel J.                                        87

14. Savoy Story - Tom G.                                                   91

15. A Vehicle - Wojciech S.                                                93

16. A Concert - Marianna T                                              96

17. A walk into the Past - Florian G                                99

18.Galata Tower-İsmail İ.                                                 108

19.Peole and Obelisk- Gülnar Er.                                    114

20.The Legend of Sakar Baba-Kevser Y.                        128

*The names on this page are the individuals who serve as the sources of the stories and represent the older generation. Our students have adapted the memories they heard from these individuals and transformed them into stories that are relevant to modern life.