CONCERT – HAKAN AYSEV (TENOR)
Saturday 11 October 21.00

An unmissable opportunity to see Turkey’s finest tenor, Hakan Aysev, in concert in spectacular surroundings. The concert will be held, weather permitting, in the ancient open-air amphitheatre in Pamukkale. Attendees are advised to wear or bring a jacket and also may wish to bring something to sit on such as a jumper or newspaper. If the weather is poor, the concert will be held in the Richmond Hotel. This concert is included in the price of registration to the conference and everyone is invited. Do not miss this chance to attend what will be a truly unforgettable evening.

HAKAN AYSEV

Hakan Aysev was born in Ankara in 1968 and began his artistic education in 1981. In 1987, his talent as a tenor was recognised when he won the ‘Best Young Singer Award’ in the 6th Belvedere International Singing Competition in Vienna. Following graduation in 1988, Mr Aysev took leading roles in Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte and Strauss’ Rosenkavalier. In 1990 he became a resident artist with the Vienna State Opera where he worked and studied with the late Luciano Pavarotti. From 1991 he worked with the Koblenz State Opera and became a popular guest artist to Dusseldorff, Basel, Texas, Bern and Mannheim State Operas. From 2000-2002, Mr Aysev was Manager and Director of the Izmir State Opera. Following roles and performances in Buenos Aires and Barcelona, he is currently a leading and much sought-after soloist with the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet. Due to his resemblance to the late tenor, Mr Aysev is affectionately known to Turkish people as ‘the Turkish Pavarotti.’

DENIZLI CITY TOUR (09.00-12.00 Friday 10th October)

This excursion is designed as an extra excursion for accompanying persons (or those not wishing to join the Scientific Programme!) and will be available according to demand.

We will drive through the city of Denizli, and stop at the main textile shopping area where you will have a chance to view and buy the famous Denizli bathrobes, towels and other textiles which are exported all over the world. If time allows, on the way back to Pamukkale, we may stop at an oynx workshop where there is a fine selection of ornaments and other items made from local stone or a winery (according to available time and the majority preference).

PAMUKKALE/LAODICEIA (15.45-18.30 Friday 10th October)

This excursion is a must for people who love both natural and man-made history alike. The Pamukkale travertines, formed on a plateau are a collection of stunning white pools, naturally formed over thousands of years from the precipitation of calcium carbonate originating from nearby hot spring water. Its name means ‘cotton castle’ in English and it is considered to be one of the wonders of the natural world. You will have a chance to walk in the pools and paddle in the hot spring water as well as visit the ancient town of Hierapolis which grew up in 2 B.C around the travertines and is mentioned in the Bible.
If enough daylight remains, we will also travel to bus to nearby Laodiceia.
Laodiceia is an ancient town formed in the 3rd century B.C at the junction of two trade routes and was famous in its time for locally produced black wool. It was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 60 A.D and was rebuilt and ruled by the Romans. Much of its ruins remain today and include a 350m long stadium, a baths complex, a temple and two amphitheatres. The town was deserted at the time of the Selçuk conquest in favour of nearby Denizli.

KAKLIK CAVE (09.00-12.00 Saturday 11th October)

This excursion is designed as an extra excursion for accompanying persons (or those not wishing to join the Scientific Programme!) and will be available according to demand.

Kaklik Cave (30 km from Denizli) was formed around 2 million years ago by an underground stream eating away the limestone and sulphurous rock of the region. The calcium deposits have formed a stunning display of hanging stalactites and pools and is sometimes known as the ‘little Pamukkale’. We will enter the cave and descend by stairs 14 metres underground to view this sight from the specially constructed and floodlit walkway.

BULDAN (15.45-18.30 Saturday 11th October)

Come with us to the charming, traditional village of Buldan, located 45km from Denizli. Here you will see authentic houses and workshops which once were responsible for producing cloth so fine it was worn by many Ottoman Sultans.The traditional practice of weaving continues today, much of it still by hand, and Buldan is internationally famous for its exports of hand-woven, hand-embroidered fabrics. Cotton for weaving is grown locally and wool comes from local sheep. Fabrics and threads are dyed using natural dyes produced from pine and oak trees grown in the local forest. You will have a chance to learn exactly how the fabric is made and have a chance to see and purchase beautiful hand-produced crafts such as tablecloths, bedspreads, shawls and cushion covers.