This is the guidebook to Turkey's new long-distance Cultural Route, complete with route description, map, historical background, and places to see. The route follows the Ottoman gentleman adventurer Evliya Celibi on his way to Mecca in 1671; it runs for 600km from the Sea of Marmara via Bursa, Kutahya and Afyon to Usak and Simav. The route follows, as far as possible, ancient paved roads and visits the cities, sights and tiny villages that Evliya rode through and recorded in his "Seyatname" ("Book of Travels"). It can be explored by walkers, horse-riders and bikers. The UN has declared Evliya 'Man of the Year' for 2011, the 400th anniversary of his birth. This route is a practical addition to these celebrations - it enables modern travellers to directly experience Evliya's life, times and travels. It is brought to you by the noted Ottoman historian and author of "Osman's Dream", Caroline Finkel, and the originator of 'The Lycian Way', Kate Clow.
