Osman Hamdi Bey, an archaeologist, museum curator, painter, and the first mayor (Şehremini) of Kadıköy, was the first person to take official steps to protect Turkey’s cultural heritage. Born on December 30, 1842, in Istanbul, he holds a distinguished place in Ottoman history for his contributions to culture, art, and science. He was the son of Ibrahim Edhem Pasha; one …
Every Turkish child of the 80s and 90s knows him well. The moment he appeared on screen, all the ‘children who would become good people’ would sit in front of the TV to watch him, each dreaming of the day they would join his show and be with their ‘Brother Barış.’ But it wasn’t just the children of that era: …
For centuries, Istanbul has been not only a crossroads of trade and culture but also a meeting point for lovers of sweets. The refinement of the Ottoman palace kitchen, the craftsmanship of neighborhood confectioners, and the elegance of Levantine patisseries have all come together in this city. As you stroll through its historic streets, the confectionery shops you encounter are …
If you ever feel overwhelmed by Istanbul’s endless traffic and crowds, just know that peace is only a ferry ride away. Welcome to the Princes’ Islands;a charming archipelago in the Sea of Marmara where cars are banned, time slows down, and every street feels like a postcard. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend getaway or a traveler hoping …
Football in Turkey dates back to the late 19th century, and over the decades, the sport has witnessed the rise of unforgettable names, players who changed the course of matches with their goals, saves, and passes. These legends are not just remembered for their on-field brilliance but also for the passion and pride they instilled in millions. As the famous …
Afife Jale, born in 1902 in Kadıköy, Istanbul, holds a pioneering place in Turkish theater history as the first Muslim woman to perform on stage. Her father was Hidayet Bey and her mother Methiye Hanım; she had two siblings, Behiye Hanım and Salâh Bey. She studied at Istanbul Girls’ Industrial School and later passed an exam at Darülbedayi (Istanbul City …
Just hearing the names salep and boza is enough to stir up warm waves of nostalgia in many hearts. But these aren’t just sentimental relics of the past, they are timeless beverages packed with health benefits, rich in flavor, and perfect for warming the body and soul on cold winter days. Let’s explore these traditional winter drinks of Turkish culture …
This guide combines Istanbul’s major annual festivals with district-specific cultural events. Each entry includes name, location, topic, organizer, and website (if available). Major Annual Festivals in Istanbul 📅 January – March 2026 Artists’ Film International & BIENALSUR – Istanbul Modern When: 23 Dec 2025 – 16 Jan 2026 Where: Istanbul Modern (new building, Karaköy) About: International artists’ film/video programs from …
Turkey, a country favored by visitors not only for its tourism but also for its artistic appeal, has provided stunning cinematic backdrops to numerous foreign films. Sometimes featured in a single scene, sometimes serving as the setting for an entire film, Turkey’s landscapes have captivated global audiences. Let’s take a tour through foreign films shot in Turkey and explore their …
Politics, football, art, cinema, love, passion, anger, wealth, poverty, and history; Istanbul embodies all aspects of life and naturally becomes an indispensable setting in Turkish literature. Since the Tanzimat literary era, countless novels have been set in this culturally rich city. However, in some novels, Istanbul transcends its role as a backdrop and emerges as a central character; almost the protagonist of …