Christianity carries with it traces from several other religions and belief systems. It earned its first traces from 3 Pagan gods: Mitra, Dionysos, and Attis. Interaction among these three mysterious cultures exercised a direct influence over this.
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Skiing in the Morning, Swimming in the Afternoon
Have you ever tried to fit four seasons in a day before? Our country has rare places where you can live in four different seasons, all in a single day. How about sipping hot tea on a hill with white snow in the morning and enjoying the skiing, and then walking around on the beach and swimming in the afternoon? …
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Life of Sinan the Architect
Sinan (1488-1588) is one of the greatest building artists in the world and lived during the most powerful period of the Ottoman Empire. His many works have lasted through today. He was very famous throughout all of the Ottoman Empire, officially serving as chief architect at the time a role that meant he was technically the architect of the state. …
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Mevlânâ with Teachings Exceeding the Ages
Undoubtedly, Mevlânâ Celaleddin Rumî is one of the greatest philosophers of not only his time but also modern world. His teachings exceed the age, and clear the path of people who have been lost in the fast and busy lives of our modern world.
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Underground Cities of Cappadocia
Cappadocia is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey that manages to integrate history and nature. It offers unique travel possibilities with its cultural, natural, and historical traces. Cappadocia shows the mysterious side to not only visitors from Turkey, but also visitors from all around the world. The Cappadocia region emerged thanks to the erosion of soft layers formed …
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Pamukkale
Pamukkale is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is an uncommon natural areas. Denizli‘s history refers to Pamukkale’s history. Denizli was established by the King of Syria II, Antiochustheos, between 261-245 BC . At that time, it was known as Loadikya, the name of King’s wife. In 1070, this city was recognized by the Turks. Over time, and after …
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Once Upon a Time We were Neighbors with China
The relationship between the Turks and the Chinese dates back to the early period of our histories. These two races have fought many times and have also engaged in commercial and cultural interactions. As the Turks became stronger and more powerful in the world after a certain period so the Turks began to put the pressure on the Chinese. China …
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Ruins of Ephesus
The Ruins of Ephesus that have survived for hundreds of years will fascinate you with their peaceful, historical atmosphere. Ephesus is located in İzmir, in Turkey’s western region. Legend has it that İzmir was built by female warriors called “Amazons”. In the Hittite texts, it is referred as the capital city “Arpasa” of Arzawa. In the 12th and 11th centuries …
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Ani Ruins
The beginning of the Ani Ruins dates back to 350-300 B.C. It is about 40 kilometers away from Kars province and regarded as sacred, according to Armenian and Christian beliefs. Ani City was first discovered in 1880s. There are 823 buildings and caves within Ani Ruins, which is also called 1001 Church City or the 40-Door City. Ani City is an …
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Troy Antique City
Çanakkale region, which has been over time under the rule of different civilizations, has evidence of both historical and cultural events. Troy, one of the most famous archaeological cities in the world, is one of them. Troy was discovered by Heinrich Schliemann in the Hisarlik region in the 1870s. Troy is mentioned in many legends. We can say that the …
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Mevleviyeh in Turkey
Mevleviyeh started with Mevlânâ Celâleddin Rûmi during the Seljuk period. Later, Mevleviyeh spread from Anatolia all over the country during the Ottoman period. After the death of Mevlânâ Celâleddin Rûmi in 1273, his son Sultan Veled systematized his father’s thoughts and created semâ ceremonies. In fact, this has been regarded as a religious order and the name of the dervishes …
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Eastern Black Sea Region with its People and Accents
Written history documentaries bring light to extant ethnic origins of the Eastern Black Sea origins. In the archaic age, the cultural structure of the Eastern Black Sea was expressed by the term “kolhi” After about 1,000 years had passed, in the Byzantine period, the “Lazi” terminology took over. In history, these names were represented not only as tribes but also …
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Findings in Göbeklitepe
Göbeklitepe is known as one of the first temples of the world, and has been very recently cited as UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to archaeological investigations, the temple is located 10 to 15 kilometers from Şanlıurfa. Round structures were found there, built on the elevation, that date to 12,000 years old. These findings were first detected in surface investigations …
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Göreme Open Air Museum
Göreme, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is well known for its cultural, historical, and natural beauty. If you want to see the fairy chimneys, you can explore this charming town of about 2,000 inhabitants. The Göreme Open Air Museum is one of the most popular places in Turkey. It is located approximately 2 kilometers away from the …
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A Stone Art City: Kayaköy
Fethiye is one the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey. Fethiye/Kayaköy has been home to many civilizations in the past, including Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Hellenistic Kingdoms, Romans, and Byzantines. According to the findings obtained around Kayaköy, it was used as a settlement in ancient times, too. Rock tomb structures prove that this region also existed in the Phrygian period. Kayaköy, …
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Hagia Sophia’s History
Hagia Sophia has experienced many construction processes from past to present. The first construction was started by Emperor Constantius in the Byzantine period. After this was finished, Hagia Sophia was opened for worshiping. The building was built on the Temple of Artemis with the name Hagia Sophia; it was designed with a wooden roof and had traditional Latin architecture. When …
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Zeugma
Zeugma’s history dates back to ancient times. It is an ancient city, established by the generals of serving Alexander the Great, around 300 AD. Today, the city is located within the borders of Belkıs Village of Nizip County of Gaziantep Province. The city was named Selevkaya Euphrates when it was first established. Shortly after that, the city came under the …
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What is Ramadan?
Accepted as sacred, Ramadan is the ninth month of the year according to the Muslim calendar. This month is of great importance and has distinct features compared to other months in our religion. The reason is that our holy book, the Koran, started its descent to the earth in this month. Qadr Night during Ramadan is believed to be more …
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Turkish Philosophers
Countries gain distinction with people who can make contributions that can lead the history of civilization. In Turkish history, there are many commanders, padishahs and sultans who redrew the world map, started a new era with unique ideas, etc.. However, the number of people who universally broke new grounds in science, art and culture is not high. Although there are …
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Turkish Bath Culture
The Turkish bath culture holds an important place Turkish culture in general. As the most globally known Turkish practice, the heritage of the Turkish bath phenomenon has survived since the Ottoman Period. Dating back to the Roman Period, Turkish bath culture settled into Turkish culture after the acceptance of Islam due to the importance Islam gives to hygiene. Turkish bath …
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Butterflies Valley
Butterflies Valley is located in Fethiye / Muğla. We do not have exact information about the geological age of the valley yet, but it is known that the valley has been used as a pier of the Faralya town during the Lycian period between 300 and 400 BC. The first tourist establishment was opened in 1987, and that was when …
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Bird Houses of Ottomans
The history of bird houses goes way back. The construction of bird palaces and houses, which has been developing since the 15th century in accordance with classical Ottoman architecture, reached different aesthetic dimensions through the 19th century. In fact, the purpose of making bird palaces is to provide shelter to freely flying birds, to protect them from burning sun and …
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Where is Noah’s Ark?
Noah’s Ark is a legendary ship. In the Torah, it is said that Noah’s Ark was related to events that happened after the biblical flood. God created the flood to wipe out humans, animals, and all living things he had created. Human behavior had changed: men were committing acts of evil against one another and God was disappointed. God was, …
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Jewish Culture in Turkey
Turkey has a unique multi-cultural structure, and yet it boasts a legitimate unity, which proves to be quite an important element. Jewish culture, adapted to contemporary life while preserving the religion, constitutes one link in this chain. The history of Jewish people in Turkey dates back almost 2,400 years. Turkish Jews are one of the biggest non-Muslim communities in the …
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The Story of Jet Stone
Oltu county of Erzurum is rich in culture and history. Jet stone processing is carried out as a beautiful handicraft in this county. As a highly precious commodity, jet is extracted from mines only in this area.
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Biblical Seven Churches in Turkey
Seven Churches of Revelation (or Asia, or Apocalypse) are in the Aegean Region in Turkey. According to belief, John the Apostle came to Ephesus with The Virgin Mary who was entrusted to him after Jesus died. Here, John spent most of his time serving Jesus and working at the Ephesus Church.
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Witness the Old Times in Safranbolu
Safranbolu is a typical and preserved Ottoman town in the northwestern part of Turkey. With its cobbled streets, narrow passes and centuries-old houses, the town is a popular destination for tourists in Karabük. It had been on the trade route between Black Sea and big cities like Constantinople in 17th. Century. Accumulating enough wealth, local traders built beautiful mansions, not …
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Tarzan of Manisa
Many people may be surprised when we say that environmentalism was actually around in 1930 in Turkey. Turkey’s first environmentalist lived in the Manisa Spil Mountain in the 1920s. With his passion for a green lifestyle and appearance, Tarzan of Manisa is an unforgettable and noble figure who was the first environmental activist in our country. Tarzan of Manisa took …
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Islamic Artifacts and Beautiful Mosques in Turkey
One of the most fertile geographies for Islamic tourism is Anatolia, especially during the month of Ramadan, where you can make different plans for Islamic sightseeing tours. We have identified different routes related to Islamic artifacts, mosques, and shrines that you can see in Anatolia, both during and not during Ramadan.
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Turkey’s Blue Flagged Beaches
Turkey has favorable geography for both summer and winter tourism. The summer months in particular offer foreign tourists the chance to relax on “blue flagged beaches”. Certain provisions have been made, as a result of tests that determine the quality standard for sea and lake waters, to make them suitable for swimming. The Blue Flag Campaign was initiated in 1987 …
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Cittaslow Towns of Turkey
Cittaslow, which first appeared in the Italian capital of Rome in 1986, means “slow city” with a broader meaning that includes untouched nature, away from the noise, distant from the metropolitan life, and reminiscent of a resort. Thus, there is no traffic problem, and the crowds and the noise is far away. Cittaslow towns for our country are almost heaven. …
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey
Turkey’s name is in the World Heritage list, a compilation determined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); its natural and cultural assets are under protection. The natural and cultural sites in Turkey number 19 total, according to UNESCO.
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Street Foods in Istanbul
The food culture of a city actually includes both food and beverage. That’s why the more varied and complex settlement pockets there are in a city, the more ethnic varieties in food and beverages that one can find there. Istanbul has many different street foods a visitor can try and feel the culture.
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Turkish Coffee and Tea Culture
The value of coffee and tea in human life cannot be underestimated. The plants that produce these commodities are not grown in every country, but it is known that tea was first used in China about 2000 years ago BC, and generally, British society is known for its tea. But the Turks also deserve credit! Turks have a Turkish tea …
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Sea, Sand and Sun Destinations in Turkey
If you are a sea, sand and sun aficionado, you should note the following destinations for the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. As most of them are blue flagged, you can enjoy the beautiful sand, crystal clear water, and sunbathing.
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Scenic Train Routes in Turkey
In the last couple of years, the advertisement of the East Express, which once again attracted popularity of scenic train routes, brought the train trip back to the agenda. We have compiled the best routes you can take by train. Thus, you can get rid of the hustle and bustle of highway traffic and make an unforgettable journey with your …
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Hidden Gems of Turkey
If the usual routes and cities are no longer of interest to you, we have a unique compilation of 15 beautiful places waiting to be discovered. These are not the usual places that you may find in a typical Turkey itinerary. These are hidden gems of Turkey.
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Discover Turkey from the Sea
Turkey has rich experiences and beauty not only on land, but also at sea. You can make a spectacular voyage with different routes for sea cruises, as described below. You will enjoy it, “discover Turkey from the Sea” posting!
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Assertive Foods in Turkish Cuisine
The economical and socio-cultural structure of the country has a cuisine that is shaped by both nutritional habit and its agricultural structure and production.
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Turkish Crash Course 101
English is taught even in kindergartens now in our country, however, there are not a lot of people who can speak English. In fact, we encounter many flaws in the education of our own language, let alone foreign language education. Turkish language that we describe as Istanbul Turkish found its most beautiful form with artists like Zeki Müren, but is …
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Development of Classic Turkish Music
The trend of nostalgia in the consumption of contemporary culture has been experiencing intense popularity in recent years. The styles of past times are sought in many scenes, from clothing to artificial architecture to music. In this respect, Classic Turkish Music draws attention with both its source and its inhabitants. Though historians and musicologists cannot agree on many points, the …
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Turkish Carpets
The Turkish carpets, especially the ones on which Anatolian women have woven their secrets, loves, aspirations, homesickness and suffering, are on the top of the most valuable carpets in the world. It is a handicraft tradition that has passed to Anatolia as a Turkish culture of Central Asia, and Turkish carpet carries different meanings with its colorful fabric as well …
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Traditional Turkish Handicrafts
Allowing the Anatolian people to express the elegance, imagination, intelligence, and perspective of the world with its own unique structure, the traditional Turkish handicrafts shed light on the past with its heritage and products. Many handcrafts are transformed into a work of art as a result of our approach to everything with a fine point of view, while emerging from …
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The Ottoman Architecture Seen Around Balyan Family
In the 19th century, which was described as the most fervent period of the Ottoman for opening to the west, an Armenian family greatly influenced the architecture, which is still seen in present day.The Armenian architects called as the Balyan Family were held in high honor by the high state officials of the Ottoman in the 19th century. An enormous …
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The Best Thermal Springs in Turkey
While our country fascinates many people with its surface richness, the underground richness of our country is also very important. As part of Turkish bath culture, the thermal springs, which are known for body recovery, take attention among this richness. The thermal springs have healing water that attracts many people in Turkey and are also hot spots for health tourism.
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Social Etiquette in Turkey
Although each country and culture has its own rules of etiquette, many customary behaviors have emerged from a blending of cultures. When we look from this point of view, it is seen that our country’s rules of good manners have been created by the accumulation of centuries of individual and social experiences.
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Scandinavians in Constantinople
The Scandinavians (or Vikings) are not at all distant for Turks, especially for the people in Constantinople with tattooed, large bodies and fighter identities. Scandinavia, home of the Vikings, is the common name of countries in the cold north, including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Faroe Islands and Greenland. Scandinavia nurtures the film industry today with its stories and legends, …
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Most Beautiful Islands of Turkey
If you are tired of crowded cities, traffic intensity and rushing around, and you would like to find peace, you should definitely have a look at Turkey’s most beautiful islands. Islands in gorgeous resort areas such as the Aegean and Mediterranean offer relaxing holiday opportunities and an abundance of natural beauty.
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Origin of Vampires: Ottoman Vampires
The vampire myth is believed to have originated in the west by the great influence of popular culture. While witches and ghouls are popular in the East, the “vampire” is seen as a product of western culture. However, one of the biggest symbols of the vampire cult, Count Dracula, was also sourced from Vlad III, who was a prince that …
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Best Nightclubs in Turkey
In addition to enjoying historic centers and beautiful locations during the daytime, why not have fun at night? If you are a nighthawk, see our recommendations for nightclubs in Turkey.
Continue reading 15 Highlights of Turkey for Beginners
With thousands of years of history, Turkey is home to many interesting locations to visit. We accumulated 15 highlights of Turkey that come to mind when Turkey is mentioned.
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World’s First Stock Market in Kütahya
Today, the stock market, which determines the economic agenda with some terms such as bonds, stocks, foreign exchanges and valuable papers, actually dates back to very old times. The first stock market of the world was established in our land in Kütahya.
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Serpent Mansion
The Ottoman Empire managed to add its own features to every region it reached, and it reached its peak with civil architecture. The most important and the most beautiful examples of civilian architecture are dispersed in different parts of Istanbul. Hundreds of different books have been written about the architectural structures and stories of the proverbial mansions around the Bosporus. …
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The Local Handcrafts in Anatolia
Known as the memory of the World, Anatolia enlightens the present day with a history that spans thousands of years. Shaped by the Anatolian people, the art and culture is quite colorful. The Local Handcrafts in Anatolia live in workshops, cultural centers, fine art academies and non-governmental organizations. Some of the arts maintain their life and commercial activities through serial …
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The Murder on the Orient Express
Istanbul is the last stop on the Orient Express or Eastern Express, which had its first expedition in 1883 from Paris. Between the years of 1883 and 1977, the train expeditions, which were initiated for Europeans to recognize the Eastern civilization and to be informed about its authentic values, especially attracted the attention of authors, artists and the cinema industry.
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Salda Lake
If you are planning an authentic vacation and setting up Maldivian dreams, you do not have to go far. Described as the Maldives of Turkey and located 4 kilometers north of the Yeşilova district of Burdur, the Salda Lake attracts attention as a part of exceptional geography.
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Most Instagrammable Spots in Turkey
As Turkey has one of the most Instagrammed locations in the World, we would like to suggest hot spots for livening up your Instagram.
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Unkapanı and Old Bazaars
Technology is rapidly evolving in the present day; even the concept of tape reminiscent of ancient times is unknown to today’s youth. For this reason, we need to explain what a long play record is to today’s youngsters who do not even know the tape in order to tell where the name of Unkapanı Plakçılar Çarşısı (Unkapanı Bazaar of Music …
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Beautiful Lakes to See in Turkey
The geography of Anatolia spans thousands of years and is one of the most fortunate regions of the world in terms of nature. Many beautiful mountains, rivers, and lakes are located in Anatolia. We have compiled a list of Turkey’s most beautiful lakes, which provide the perfect setting for camping or spending a weekend break at the water’s edge.
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Was Santa Claus a Turk?
Saint Nicholas, known as Santa Claus, was born in Patara, an important Lycian city on the Mediterranean coast of our country. While Patara was living well into the 300s AD, a rich merchant had a child. They called him as Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas came to the world as a gift from the sky and savior of the …
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Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival of Edirne
The Edirne Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, which is held every July, attracts the whole world. In recent years, tourists from many countries have flocked to Turkey to watch this festival. Kırkpınar Wrestling, which is described as oily wrestling, is both a sporting and cultural activity that takes place on a meadow by lubricated wrestlers who show very intense effort. Historical …
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Birdwatching in Turkey
Birdwatching, known as “looking at nature through the world of birds” by those who are interested in wildlife observation, is attracting the attention of a growing population. It is especially famous in the ecotourism spots of Turkey. Our country is the permanent home to 465 kinds of birds, which is equal to the total number in Europe. Therefore, Turkey has …
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Istanbul Earthquakes
The settlement of civilizations in Istanbul date back to 7th century B.C. When it was conquered by Sultan Mehmet in 1453, a new era started, as did a lot of catastrophe, including fire, flood, and plague. In recent times, when mentioning catastrophe in Istanbul, earthquakes top the list. This is not something new, though. The Istanbul Earthquakes actually go back …
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Kamondo Family of Istanbul
During the Ottoman period, there was a great deal of tolerance among people. Many individuals from different nations lived happily together, especially the Jews, who settled in Istanbul after escaping the oppression and inquisition in Spain. They made many contributions to the Ottomans in terms of culture, art, and economy. The Kamondo family was one of the families that brought …
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Fatih Mosque & Havariyyun Church
Fatih, which is one of the districts where conservatism is most intense in Istanbul, embodies a different structure, which is shaped around Fatih Mosque. After the conquest of Istanbul, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, built the mosque on top of the remains of the Havariyyun Church (the Holy Apostles Church), considered highly sacred to Rome.
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Istanbul Grand Bazaar
One of the most renowned attractions of Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar, which is indispensable for travelers and writers. The Grand Bazaar is a trade center that began construction in the 1460s at the time of Fatih Sultan Mehmet.
Continue reading Turkish Series’ Filming Locations for Enthusiasts
Especially in the last ten years, Turkish series have been in high demand in the Balkans, and the Middle East. The filming locations of those highly popular series attract tourists as well, so we have prepared trip tips for Turkish series fans.
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Kekova Sunken City
The Mediterranean is an important tourism center bearing the traces of the Lycia, Hellenistic and Roman periods and attracting attention with its historical accumulation. Antalya, located here, is home to many ancient cities and ruins. One of them is Kekova Sunken city and it is located in the Demre district of Antalya. Especially in recent years, the Kekova Ruins have …
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Historical Bey District in Gaziantep
Gaziantep‘s historical Bey district is a neighborhood that has hosted Armenians, Turks, Jews, and Syrians. Today, the neighborhood manages to keep its history alive with its narrow streets, museums, and traditional Gaziantep houses. For these reasons, the town of Bey has always been the center of attention for those who come to visit.
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Hezarfen the First Flying Person
Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi was born in 1609 in Ottoman Empire, and is the first flying person. He lived in Murat IV period, which marked the 17th century in Ottoman history. He is still quite renowned for his scientific works as well as his flight from Galata Tower to Üsküdar with his artificial wings. In order to realize the dream of …
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Grand Hotel de Londres and Its History
In the 19th century, when the Ottoman Empire was heavily influenced by innovation and westernization, Beyoğlu formed a Western class called the Levantines.
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Bibliopole Culture in Turkey
If you are fond of rare books and visiting a bibliopole, the first place you will want to visit in Turkey, especially in Istanbul is the Used-book Bazaar (Sahaflar Çarşısı). The Used-book Bazaar is a sanctuary amidst the noisy confusion of the Grand Bazaar. It will provide you with tranquility and has been the meeting place for bookworms for centuries, …
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Funny Turkish Idioms
Idioms, like the proverbs, have come from the past to the present. Turkish idioms are patterns which describe a situation or concept that is far from their true meaning, by addressing a situation in Turkish culture. In Turkish history, idioms have great importance. While some reflect the correct words to us, some conjoined phrases also have a very funny meaning. …
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Roman Ruins in Turkey
Anatolia is described as the cradle of civilizations. Indeed, many ancient tribes and civilizations prevailed in Anatolia, and they were erased from the stage of history, leaving only their ruins. Roman Empire is obviously one of the most spread and developed state of its time, leaving many ruins in its geography, including Turkey.
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Manisa Mesir Paste Festival
Different activities and festivals have been going on for a long time on all sides of Anatolia. The Mesir Paste Festival, which has been held for almost 500 years, is one of the longest-running traditions among these festivals. The Manisa Mesir Paste Festival was included on UNESCO’s list of cultural heritage in 2012 and is celebrated with great enthusiasm annually …
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Midyat Houses and Architectural Features
People of various religions and tribes settled in Anatolia, so different civilizations have lived there together for thousands of years. Today’s Anatolia, especially around Mardin, Midyat, is exceptional geography that is home to a cultural mosaic of different religions and ethnicity. The most important and prominent part of this mosaic is the historical Midyat houses. As a result of research, …
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Local Festivals in Turkey
Many different activities are held in our country, in both the East and West, reflecting each area’s geography, culture, and lifestyle. Festivals are organized periodically in important cities and towns that hold significance from a historical perspective and in contemporary times. We have compiled a list of Turkey’s local festivals, which contribute to the country’s most active periods of tourism. …
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Gondola & Boat: A Comparison of Istanbul and Venice
The two historic cities of Venice and Istanbul are often mentioned together, especially regarding the Middle Ages, although the distance between them is 1719 kilometers. These two old cities become an inseparable whole when the relations between the Ottoman and Venetian are examined. This relationship is almost like love which unites great friendships as well as great enmity. Many similarities …
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Turkish Dairy Products and Kanlıca Yoghurt
Dairy products in Turkish Cuisine continue to decorate not only the tables of our country but the tables of the whole world. The discussions on butter are continuous. Milk, the source of healing, is considered as the cornerstone of growth which is indispensable for Turks from Central Asia. There are many different products obtained from milk to increase the body’s …
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Maraş Battered Ice Cream
With its magnificent aroma, unique texture, gummy consistency, and non-melting form even on the hottest days, Maraş battered ice cream is a magnificent treat that is native to Turkey and exported to many countries. Tourists in İstanbul quickly find ice cream in their hands after seeing the ice cream seller. Both the story and the recipe of the cold and …
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Istanbul Museums and Modern Arts
Modern art was born by an urge to show the painter’s depth of imagination and firstborn of that philosophy. The trend was later integrated beyond paintings to other social spaces, with the aim of destroying traditional artistic confines. Historical, political, and social events play a major role in the formation of modern art, where the painter actually expresses his feelings …
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Historical Fountains of İstanbul
Istanbul, which hosts different civilizations, is also famous for its historical fountains which have survived the test of time. We can say that the importance of the fountains has increased, especially after being conquered in 1453. Turkish civilizations have given importance to water much since ancient times; each fountain is presented to us as a different artwork. Unfortunately, the number …
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The Gates of Istanbul
Protecting what is precious is the most important and meaningful task of a gate. The gates behind the walls protected cities of the past, just like gates protect our homes today. Thus, the gates of Istanbul, which witnessed important events in history, are now valued as historical monuments. The gates in the cities are evidence of how valuable the cities …
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Flamboyant Istanbul Visits of Mr. Bond
İstanbul is a strategic city that has for generations been the center of states and empires. After it has been conquered by the Ottomans, the city attracted attention not only with its political position but also with its works in historical and modern areas, such that over time, poems have been about on the city, songs have been composed about …
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300 Spartans’ Victory and Obelisk in Hippodrome
Sultanahmet Square (Sultanahmet Meydanı) had been the center of three different emperor periods. Sultanahmet Square’s name was “Hippodrome” (Hipodrom) during the Byzantine and Roman Empires and it was called “Horse Square” (At Meydanı) during the Ottoman Empire. In this region, the most magnificent structures, like Serpentine Column, and Obelisk, were built by these empires thanks to this feature. Hippodrome was …
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Diogenes of Sinop City
An ancient philosopher, Diogenes lived between 412-323 BC. It is known that Diogenes was born in Sinop and he was regarded as a pioneer of the Cynic Philosophy. According to this philosophy, knowledge is something that must be experienced in concrete life rather than in abstraction. A human should endure by himself and be self-sufficient. When Diogenes’ father was a …
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Trekking Routes in Turkey
Although the spring months are considered ideal for trekking, one can choose any season to get face to face with nature in Turkey. Trekking outside in the open, fresh air is necessary to remain healthy. Turkey has many areas for exploration of natural beauty. There are many trekking routes in Turkey, in addition to known routes. If you want to …
Continue reading Tale of Seven Hills: A Brief History of Istanbul
Istanbul has a history of about 3,000 years. Throughout history, this city has been known by different names: Byzantium, Constantinople, and Istanbul. In 638 BC, the King Byzas came to the Sarayburnu region. The migrating Greek colony had settled here. The founder of the city, Byzas, gave it the name Byzantium. During the time of the Roman Empire (324 AD), …
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Motivating the Army with Music: Mehterân
Mehterân (in Ottoman Turkish) is the first and only band in the world that ever motivated the army with music. A look at history shows us that the band, which consisted of percussion and woodwind instruments, was called “Tuğ” in the Huns period and later that changed to “Mehter” after Fatih. The band existed to announce the voice to the …
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