Yesterday, Saturday 17th April, saw the Nomadic walk from Delikemmer to Patara, organised by the Patara Muhtarliği and Patara Derneği.

On a hot, sunny day, hundreds of people turned out, and had a thoroughly good time.  

Included in the crowd were several people who are having an enforced extended holiday, due to the current flight restrictions across Europe.

There was a brief rest stop at Tavas (the place where the barbecue was held last year) and then the procession continued on its way to Patara village centre.

Everyone congregated in front of the nomadic tents and ambar, where speeches were made, music played and food was served.

The local village restaurants worked together to provide all of the food and the Patara Muğhtarli provided all of the drinks.

Thanks go to the following:
Arif Otlu (the village mayor); the Kaş Kaymakan, Süleyman Yılmaz, who kindly came along, as did the Kalkan Mayor, Saim Karakurt, and the mayors of several of the local villages. The Kaş tourism manager was also there (Mustafa Aydin).

The group of nomads dressed in traditional costume were:  Muzaffer Otlu from Patara, Turcan from Palamut village, Hassan from Çayköy, Süleyman from Fethiye and Emine Duru (who is the Kindergarten teacher at Patara ilköğretmen okul.)

The village elder who gave a passionate speech about his youth was Ali Riza Gorüt (known locally as Koreli).

The nomadic folk musicians were from Fethiye, and the Patara musicians playing the saz were Mehmet Akgul and Fethi Azak.

Kalkan Turkish Local News would also like to thank Anne-Louise, Muzaffer Otlu's partner, for her help in supplying some of the details for our report.

Patara is only a small village of 750 inhabitants, but once again the warmth of their hospitality was truly outstanding.  All in all, a really great day out.  Make a note in your diaries for next year.

Here are a few photos from the day in Patara.

Below: The walkers arrive in Patara village.

Below: Musicians, playing the saz.

Below: Colourful, traditional dress.

Below: Three local ladies find some shade.  To the lady on the left, geçmiş olsun.  [Editor: I know how she feels]

Below: A group of ladies from Kalkan, also seeking some shade.

Below: Asena, (standing), from Tufanlar clothes shop in Kalkan, smiling, as usual. The lady in pink is not eating the flowers, by the way.

Below: Traditional Turkish village dancing.

Below: A member of the audience shows her appreciation for the entertainers.  How cute is she!

Below:  In the middle, village elder, Ali Riza Gorüt (known locally as Koreli), who gave a passionate speech about his youth.