couthrs: June 2011

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Photo

One-way ticket to Neverland (Taken with Instagram at ?TÜ - Ayaza?a Metro ?stasyonu)

Isabel and I working-out in Sile, Turkey

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

As Turkish property for sale has come to be the most popular investment preference in the real estate market, there are still plenty of inquiries that take place from prospective buyers specifically those living outside Turkey. Listed here are some of the most commonly asked issues pertaining to buying real estate in Turkey:

Q1. What makes Turkey appealing in the property investment sector?

A1. According to the recent record, Turkey has now turned out to be among the most profitable investment markets in the whole world. It’s constantly developing high demands and growth from its unique real estate properties. Remarkable increase of medium to long-term investment opportunities and the potential income from rental business allures a lot more buyers to the country’s property market.

Furthermore, with the help of the country’s localized market, real estate property requirements is currently going beyond supply that lead to intensify property prices. Also, Turkey has vibrant demographic elements having skilled professionals that have great choice to work in the property sector and financial institutions. These are undoubtedly perfect indicators of the good future in the property buying industry.

Q2. Can there be sort of prohibitive stipulations to buy property for foreigners?

A2. A foreign national, whose nation of source provides a reciprocity regulations with that of Turkey, could acquire property in Turkey. A foreigner who belong to the restricted category may still be allowed to buy provided that a letter of Invitation to Purchase have already been legally furnished by the embassy or the consulate general.

On the other hand, foreign investors will not be permitted to own a home close to or in the restricted areas like military services regions and property or home having total calculated areas of greater than thirty thousand square meters. In that case, the purchasing foreign national will likely to be asked to obtain a special permit in the government of Turkey.

Q3. Are there any relevant fees in handling the transaction to purchase?

A3. Yes there is, normally attorney’s fees are collected at two percent depending on the cost of purchase. Though, it will differ from different law firms that will handle the job. However, while in the signing of the contract, 1 / 2 of the payment is gathered and the outstanding to get paid off right after completing the job.

Q4. What specific taxes to get settled?

A4. According to Turkish real estate property law, a real estate that is put up for sale prior to reaching ownership for 5 years will be charge a 20% capital gains tax. In contrast, when it hits 5 years ownership and when sold it can get totally free from this type of tax. Furthermore, a real estate having a floor area greater than a hundred and fifty meter square would be charge a one percent VAT (value added tax). A residence tax of 0.1% derived from the property value is likewise gathered. Charges from rental income can vary between 15.6%-24.8% that’s to be settled through the deduction method, subtracting any administrative cost, insurance, etc.

Q5. Are there any resources available to help the funding of a property purchase?

A5. Among the principal cause for the thriving economy of Turkey is the property finance loan program made available to its international investors. A foreigner may purchase a home or property through a home loan backed up by the commercial lender or any finance companies. This will give real estate buyers encouragement to own one of Turkish property for sale that has minimal rates.

Q6. Can there be any travel permit needed to go to Turkey?

A6. A passport visa may be essential depends upon the nationality of the guest and the length of stay in Turkey. Nonetheless, it could be safe to consult the embassy or consulate before doing any travel preparations to acquire complete information on required documents. It will guarantee you comprehensive as well as updated facts for you to prevent hassle in the long run.

Learning the above mentioned facts will aid you in your investment choice to acquire Turkish property for sale. Make sure they become part of your knowledge to get a financially rewarding venture in an appealing place like Turkey.

Melinda Lee

This can be a light but creamy sauce, or a thicker, hearty gravy, depending on how you choose to finish it. In either case, it will have a full rich flavor.

turkey neck
1 to 2 tablespoons butter, or more, as needed
2 onions, medium size - coarsely chopped
2 carrots, medium size - coarsely chopped
1 celery, large rib - coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons flour
6 sprigs fresh thyme, or 3 teaspoons, dried thyme leaves
1 to 2 bay leaves
2 quarts water
salt and pepper, as needed
Cheese ClothCut the turkey neck into three or four pieces, for easier handling. Trim the tough membrane from the gizzard. Rinse all neck pieces and giblets, and pat them very dry with paper towels.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter, and when its foaming begins to subside, add the neck and gizzard pieces. Season with salt and pepper, and saute over medium heat until golden brown - about 15-20 minutes.
Add the coarsely chopped vegetables and garlic, season again with salt and pepper, andcontinue sauteing (add small bits of butter if necessary to prevent scorching) until vegetables begin to color slightly - about 5 minutes. [The sauteing of the vegetables, develops sweetness, and prevents bitterness.]
Sprinkle over the flour over the sauteed vegetables, and continue sauteing stirring constantly, until the floured vegetables turn brown - about 10 minutes. [This browning adds a nice depth of flavor.
Add the thyme, bay leaves and water to the vegetables, whisking or stirring briskly to incorporate flavors and prevent lumps. When the liquid begins to boil, lower the heat and allow to simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Strain the sauce and discard the solids. Reserve the sauce. you should have about 4 cups of sauce.

Ingredients:

Directions

***This sauce may be made ahead to this point. It may be served as-is, OR thickened before serving by adding small bits of beurre manie (equal parts flour and butter rubbed together into a paste) to the simmering sauce.

Alternatively, pan drippings may be added before serving and additional thickening may be added at that time. [See * below for thickening using pan drippings mixture.]

TO ADD PAN DRIPPINGS TO GRAVY:

Remove the roasted turkey and the cooking rack from the roasting pan; place the pan over two burners on the stove, heat adjusted to medium-high. Pour one cup of dry white wine (or dry vermouth) into the pan and bring the liquid to a simmer. With a wooden spoon or spatula, scrape the pan bottom to loosen the browned bits. Remove the roasting pan from the heat, and strain the liquid into a measuring cup, discarding the solids left in the strainer.

Allow the liquid in the cup to stand so that the fat separates to the top - then, tilting the measuring cup, skim off the fat with a shallow spoon. Reserve the fat if you intend to thicken the gravy further while adding the pan drippings!

De-fatted pan drippings (in the measuring cup above) may simply be added to the sauce, if no further thickening is desired. Whisk in the drippings, and allow sauce to simmer for a few minutes to develop flavors.

*TO ADD DRIPPINGS AND ALSO THICKEN THE SAUCE AT THE SAME TIME:

Heat 4 tablespoons* of reserved turkey fat in a large sauce pan until bubbling, then stir in an equal amount of flour (*use only half this amount of fat and flour if less thickening is desired for a thinner final gravy). Heat and stir the fat and flour mixture until bubbling - about 1 full minutes, then gradually whisk in the defatted pan drippings, and finally, whisk in the finished sauce made ahead as described above. Reduce heat to a simmer, and simmer the drippings mixture with the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste for seasoning with salt and pepper.

NOTE: As the finished gravy is allowed to stand and cool, it will become thicker. To

correct gravy that has become too thick, simply re-heat the gravy, adding water, turkey broth or chicken broth until it has thinned to desired consistency. Taste again for seasonings. A good idea: serve gravy in a warmed gravy boat or serving

BLUE MOSQUE

picture taken by me Istanbul, Turkey 2011

Turkey & Bacon Pesto Panini

200808-Turkey-Pamukkale 06 by visualimperative on Flickr.

200808-Turkey-Gallipoli 01 by visualimperative on Flickr.

Classmate: So you're Turkish? That is so cool can you speak it?!

Gertrud Hegelund | Vogue Turkey

Gertrud Hegelund | Vogue Turkey

view of turkey from the plane.

IMG_9066 by themorningtrain on Flickr.

A well-earned smoke.

Protect Yourself With A Nazar

If you’ve ever traveled to Turkey, you will see blue glass beads with an eye painted on it just about anywhere you turn. The Nazar, or evil eye stone, protects against the evil eye, so a lot of people wear them as jewelry, have them on a key chain, or hanging somewhere in the house. I have even seen them mixed into the cement on sidewalks. What exactly does “the evil eye” mean? According to Wikipedia, “The evil eye is a look that is believed by many cultures to be able to cause injury or bad luck for the person at whom it is directed for reasons of envy or dislike.”

I figure it can’t hurt to have a few on hand! You don’t have to travel to Turkey, the Mediterranean, or the Middle East to get one, either – I have seen them in kiosks in malls, and you can order them online on places like Amazon and eBay.

Have you seen one, or do you wear one? Share your comment by clicking on “Your Thoughts” above the picture.

view of turkey from the plane.

A’jia Hotel

Pamucak Beach, Izmir

“Not a pleasant night… My dreams wouldn’t shut up…”

K L M | Harper’s Bazaar | July 2011

. by tikktakk on Flickr.

http://shiroishades.tumblr.com/

A’jia Hotel

Istanbul, Turkey

Photo from Tablet Hotels

. by tikktakk on Flickr.http://shiroishades.tumblr.com/

K L M | Harper’s Bazaar | July 2011

. by tikktakk on Flickr.

http://shiroishades.tumblr.com/

Monday, June 27, 2011

Photo

i catch him in the strangest places / positions!

Old Man Newberger leaves his front porch from time to time to keep his shooting skills sharp.

Istanbul, Turkey

Pamucak Beach, Izmir

Bergama

“IF HE’S A CHICKEN, THEN YOU’RE A TURKEY!”

-CM Punk to The Big Show

I am listening to a teaching on Colossians from David Pawson, and he was talking about the geography of this area in Turkey that Paul wrote several letters, and Jesus in Revelation wrote to too. He mentioned the “Cotton Castle” and my, it is pretty superb looking. I think it’s on my list of places to visit. :D (You can take a dip in the pools of water hehe)

You can listen to his awesome British accent and wonderful knowledge on Colossians here. :D