İzmir, the third largest city in our country, is located in the Aegean region. Extremely modern, the city is also one of the important destinations that holds the pulse of tourism. As a harbor city, it has hosted many different civilizations throughout history and undertook the task of being the most important city center in the Ionian and Roman periods. …
Whether you’re gliding through the air, screaming down rapids, or conquering icy summits, Turkey offers an extreme sports adventure for every thrill seeker. Ready to take the leap? Turkey’s stunning geographic diversity—mountains, canyons, coastlines, rivers—makes it a top destination for adrenaline junkies. From soaring heights to roaring waters, here are the top extreme sports in Turkey you shouldn’t miss: 1. …
Istanbul and the Kebab Culture In the 1980s, tourists visiting Istanbul often associated the city with three essential experiences: rakı, shish kebabs, and the city’s vibrant atmosphere. From an Orientalist perspective, kebabs were considered the quintessential dish of Istanbul and Anatolia, representing the culinary soul of the East. Today, kebab culture is stronger than ever. With the rise of fast …
Guide to Urla, İzmir Urla, nestled in the province of İzmir, has emerged over recent years as a premier tourism destination. It is flanked by towns such as Güzelbahçe and Seferihisar to the east, Karaburun to the northwest, and boasts proximity to the stunning Çeşme to the west, overlooking the mesmerizing Aegean sea. Even though Urla is about 35 km …
Çeşme, a charming holiday resort known for its healing thermal waters, golden sands, and sunny climate, is located 94 kilometers west of İzmir, at the tip of the peninsula that shares its name. While sailors once referred to it as a small harbor, the name “Çeşme” — meaning “fountain” or “spring” in Turkish — originates from the abundance of natural …
History of Kuşadası extends back to ancient times. It was once under the control of the Venetians and Genoese and was conquered by the Ionians in the 11th century BC. It encountered the Roman civilization in the 2nd century BC and came under Turkish rule in 1086 with the movement of I. Süleyman Şah. In 1413, Mehmet Çelebi annexed it …
A Brief History of “Pleasant Village” Şirince’s roots date back centuries. Known as Kirkice or Çirkince during the Greek era, the village was once home to about 1,800 Greek households and thrived as a center of wine production and olive cultivation in the 19th century. The name “Çirkince,” meaning “ugly” in Turkish, was humorously ironic—locals wanted to deter outsiders from …
The Aegean’s Hidden Gem on the Coast of İzmir Nestled on the scenic coastline of İzmir, Foça is a stunning blend of ancient heritage, natural beauty, and culinary richness. Known for its crystal-clear waters, charming harbor, and deep historical roots, Foça is one of Turkey’s most captivating coastal destinations. Foça’s history dates back to the ancient Ionian period, when it …
History of Beer in the Ottoman Empire The history of beer in the Ottoman Empire can be traced back to the 19th century. Sultan Abdulhamid II ruled the empire from 1876 to 1909, a period marked by both modernization and increased centralization of power in the hands of the sultan. During his reign, Western cultural influences permeated various aspects of …
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 …