Happy Melon Day!

Today is Melon Day in Turkmenistan, where, according to President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, "since ancient times Turkmenistan has been considered the homeland of the best melons in the world."

Dem's fightin' words across the Turkic empire. I don't expect the Uzbeks to take such smack talk lying down.

Here in the Carpetblog family, we try to celebrate Melon Day every year, and have been enjoying  our share this summer. We buy them from the Karpuzci  Karpuzcu (I did not make that word up, as originally suspected, but wrote in violation of the most basic principle of Turkish grammar), who sells them -- sheltered from the sun by their own leaves-- from a horse -drawn cart.

Because we lived in Azerbaijan, we know there are dangers associated with watermelon consumption. No matter how orgiastic your Melon Day celebrations may get, be sure not to drink water while eating them or mix them with honey.

Comments

[Kim H]

That list is hilarious!

[Vagabondblogger]

You've actually learned a new word. Karpuzi is the Greek word for melon too. So go congratulate yourself! Here in Cairo, they had really nice mini-melons earlier in the summer. I love melon, but I'm too lazy to cut it up myself.

[Ian]

Not just Turkic--Tajikistan also produces a fine kharbuza. I want to bring a crate back to the US.

[Pat Temiz]

You didn't make up the word but did spell it wrong. Should be 'Karpuzcu' - didn't they do vowel harmony yet on that Turkish course you're doing? Or does that come in at Level 3?

[carpetblogger]

Pat, I think you now see the problem.

[varske]

Arbuzy in Russian. And also Lithuanian I think.