Kaptan June and the Turtles – by June
Haimoff
(foreward by David Bellamy)
This book is a true
story of how June Haimoff, now in
her 80’s and still living in Dalyan, found herself in a fight
to save a Caretta caretta breeding site from exploitation for
mass tourism. Dalyan is a very special part of the world and
the, a spit of golden sand, is a beautiful part of the Turkish
coastline. A truly interesting and historical place with Lycian
Rock Tombs, and an ancient Roman City, Caunos, overlooking the
delta, beach and out to sea.
The
story of Kaptan June, as the locals called her, is gripping,
amusing and pragmatic account is firmly placed in its local
setting. When you read her account, and see Dalyan as it is
today, it’s hard to believe that she
moved to what then was a remote Turkish village in 1975. June
tell the story of the campaign, how it divided the locals,
together with stories of real Turkish village life and the
pleasures and pitfalls of life as a solitary woman in an
Eastern culture.
From
the Foreword by David Bellamy. 'dazzling, magnificent it
stretched away in a flawless white arc, losing itself into
the far distance under a summer haze. Serene, solitary and
mysterious' is a story of a passionate campaign - involving
local, national and international authorities - not only to
save the turtles from the imminent invasion to prepare for a
huge resort hotel (the bulldozers had already started work)
directly on the beach but also to conserve the paradise in
which they lived from the ravages of tourism's concrete
blocks.
June
Haimoff fell in love with Dalyan and was passionate to
preserve it, together with the turtles and other wild life
which she continues to do even today. She is a formidable
lady! June tells her story with courage, humour, compassion
and, above all, hope for a future in which all species may
live together in harmony.
Previously
published in 1997 as Kaptan June and the Turtles, the Second
Edition features a new Prologue, two additional Chapters,
bringing the story up to date, and an
Index.
June
has written another book that has been published (the public
wanted to know more about her), Breakfast With Kaptan June,
and is currently writing on another book about her life
prior to saving the turtles.
June
is a very talented lady, having written and performed her
own songs and we are fortunate to have a copy of the ones
she wrote for her campaign to protect Dalyan – it is now a
conservation area. Tom has performed with June and we have
had the privilege of sharing some special times with her, as
you will see from the photo’s of June in fancy dress! She
looks very glamorous and elegant, in fact I mistakenly
thought a portrait in June’s house was her from many years
ago but I recently learned that it’s actually one of Marilyn
Monroe!
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