Turkey

From Psychedelic Traveller

Turkey (Turkish: Türkiye), known officially as the Republic of Turkey ( Türkiye Cumhuriyeti), is a Eurasian country that stretches across the Anatolian peninsula in western Asia and Thrace (Rumelia) in the Balkan region of southeastern Europe. Turkey is bordered by eight countries: Bulgaria to the northwest; Greece to the west; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, Azerbaijan (the exclave of Nakhichevan) and Iran to the east; and Iraq and Syria to the southeast. The Mediterranean Sea and Cyprus are to the south; the Aegean Sea to the west; and the Black Sea is to the north. Separating Anatolia and Thrace are the Sea of Marmara and the Turkish Straits (the Bosporus and the Dardanelles), which are commonly reckoned to delineate the boundary between Europe and Asia, thereby making Turkey transcontinental.

History

We walked a little, yet travelled too far; have crossed overhill and plains apart; and when we looked back, indeed; The road left behind, was no bigger than a barley seed... Thus begins the ancient Turkish fairy tales.. The first trance dance experience on these lands was probably held in Catalhoyuk around 6500 BC.

Ancient Anatolia, the cradle of the mother goddess cult, has been home to countless civilizations, from neolithic Crane Dancers, to the Sema of Sufi whirling derwishes, from Dionysiac celebrations of Thrace to Alevi Semah dances.. With a history of musical healing practices and trance dance, our Shamanic ancestors have been stomping on these lands for thousands of years. Combined with a long established tradition of psychedelic rock from the 60’s; and a strong scene of house, techno and trance that bore many international talents, Turkey was destined to get in touch with its shamanic legacy through a psy-eye.

The first sprouts of Psychedelic Trance appeared around mid 90’s with small indoor and outdoor gatherings. By 2001, pioneers of the scene were throwing legendary parties such as LOVE, Isik Mountain Parties, Love Sun Dance and Ida Experience. The same year a venue called Saklikent in Ankara began to host psy-events with international headliners. Thanks to Saklikent; Talamasca, Nissimiani, Psysex, Astrix, Astral Projection, Filteria, Infected Mushroom, Kindzadza, Star Sounds Orchestra, and many others have rocked their beats in Turkey to the day. By 2005, Intelligent Monkey opened the first psy-club in Istanbul and has brought artists such as Delirious, Black&White, MFG and Quantum Leap until it was closed in the same year. Meanwhile, Electric Blue was making psy-radioshows on a regular basis.

However, Soulclipse 2006 was a turning point for everyone. With 200 artists and 12.000 participants, this massive event left Turkey literally “eclipsed”. The already expanding psytrance scene gained an immense momentum, commercial events and frequency of the parties increased. 2006 saw great free outdoor events such as God On Acid I – II, Perseid Gathering, and two street parties in the heart of Istanbul titled Psystreet and Magic Lamp.

[2007] Souls of The Ancient in TURKEY

Article from "Trancer's Guide To The Galaxy"

Today local dj’s such as Kodomo, Mute (Metaphysic Records), Tao-Sen, Psysarı, Moonchild, s o n a, Virtualien, Fantasma, Murat, Djhan, Chillom and Underto Project are spinning in Turkey and some do shine around the world. Among many other talented artists, producers such as Lucid Picnic (Peak Records), Mindsphere (Metaphysic Records) and Travma (Metaphysic Records) are releasing their tunes through international labels. Mute is producing a psy-radioshow called Cosmic Pillow on Acik Radio 94.9. Children of Mu and Adam&Alien are the two leading deco teams. Mushamba is known for their deco-chai-and party organisations. And Habehabe Tribe keeps the Goa spirit alive with its free outdoor parties, or rather say.. purities.

We know that change is the essence of existence; that we cannot live on memories of the old days. So let’s hope that the commercial expanding will bring promoters to perform magnificent events, and for tribes to enhance their existing skills. Lets keep the magic alive in secret shores, forests and hills.

Facts

Istanbul is the capital of culture and nightlife. However, you’ll need a guide to discover it’s secrets. You can find friendly freaks at psyturk.
The southern parts are warmer. Very nice from March to September. Make sure you visit traveller havens such as Olympos, Butterfly Valley and Kabak. But best try to make it before or after high season. (July-August)
Be smart, do not go public, »Midnight Express« is a lie, but drugs are illegal. Keep in mind though Turkey is a country famous for its nature and natural products!
Turkey is still very cheap, both to eat and to stay. But you can also volunteer in ecological farms all over Turkey within the TaTuTa project held by Bugday Association, or just stay in these farms for a reasonable price.
If you need any toys you can find them in Lotus Art Factory in Istanbul.

special thanks to sona shine for text