This bright little cafe is situated just opposite the site of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
The Mausoleum was built by Artemisia II as a giant tomb for her late brother and husband Mausolus, the satrap of Caria. It’s through his name that the word ‘mausoleum’ entered many languages, by the way. Then, in the mid-nineteenth century, following the search led by the British archaeologist Charles Thomas Newman, many of the artifacts found on the excavation site were shipped to Britain with the Ottoman sultan’s consent. These can now be seen in the British Museum in London. The Turks have since wanted them back, but apparently there’s the sultan’s signature confirming the gift.
Now back to the cafe, the beautiful lady who runs the place makes a gorgeous-looking tiramisu cake and apple tarts, as well as many other sweets. Unable to choose (which often happens to me, particularly with British and Turkish desserts), I went for Turkish coffee, which was served in a cup matching the tiles on the floor. As I was finishing my drink, I also spotted a plate on the wall saying: ‘Life is a kitchen. Put on your prettiest apron and whip up something incredible’…
