Suspected Sumo Hazing Death...

On June 26, Tokitaizan, a 17 year old sumo wrestler, collapsed and died after practising for the Nagoya Grand Sumo basho. His autopsy showed numerous bruises and wounds which the Coroner listed as the likely cause of death. At the time, his fellow wrestlers told authorities that he had injured himself during training. Police have since questioned his trainer Tokitsukaze and the other wrestlers in his stable since the injuries do not appear consistent with those sustained in training. Tokitsukaze has admitted to hitting Tokitaizan in the head with a beer bottle the day before he died, as well as forcing him to train so hard that he could barely stand on the day of his death, and several other wrestlers have also admitted to beating him and kicking him days before his death according to public broadcaster NHK. Tokitaizan had entered sumo this spring and was ranked 39th in the lower rankings before his untimely demise. Japanese police are now considering whether to charge Tokitsukaze.

Unfortunately hazing is widespread in Japan. It is considered a form of "training" in the sumo world and is also actively practised in junior high and high school sport clubs. It is justified as teaching gaman (fighting spirit, hierarchal relationships, obedience to authority, group cooperation and, especially, respect for tradition). This Japan Times article has more information.

Photo taken by me in September 2001.

Pucker Up...Or Not?!

While watching Japanese TV tonight - always an interesting and edifying experience - a programme claimed that Japanese couples only kiss each other a measly 0.56 times per day! Aussies claimed third place with an average smooch rate of 5.91 times per day. One of the guests - a middle aged man - claimed he hadn't kissed his wife in 12 years! So, it's time to 'fess up - how many kisses do you get in one day?

(Image from here )

Homestay Dinner...

Testi Kebab...

Q: What is Testi Kebab?

A: A Goreme specialty consisting of

a combination of meat and vegetables

cooked slowly in a sealed terracotta pot

which is broken open before serving.

The result - the perfect antidote to a long, tiring day on the road.

Alexander Sarcophagus...

Thought to have been carved for King Abdalonymos of Sidon, the Alexander Sarcophagus is located in room 3 of the Archaeological Museum.

Alexander himself:

There are still remnants of the original paintwork visible:

Persians battling the Greeks:

A faithful rendering of how the sarcophagus would have looked:

Treaty of Kadesh...

The Museum of the Ancient Orient within the Istanbul Archaeological Museum contains a remarkable piece of history - the Treaty of Kadesh:

The Treaty of Kadesh is the world's earliest surviving peace treaty, agreed between the Egyptians and the Hittites in 1269 BC:

Among its clauses are provisions for the return of political refugees!

Museum of the Ancient Orient...

Main Door Mirrors...

These 2 mirrors are on opposite walls of the main door of the Harem. The eunuchs kept a continuous watch here:

Favourites' Courtyard and Apartments...

Twin Pavilions...

Murat III Chamber...

Random Shots of the Harem...

Imperial Hall...

Sultan's Hamam & Valide Sultan's Hamam...