In a heartwarming example of compassion, Imam Mustafa Efe, the imam of Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi Mosque in Üsküdar, Istanbul, became a global symbol of kindness when he opened the mosque’s doors to street cats. His gentle embrace of these animals -allowing them to roam freely even during prayers and sermons- struck a chord not only in Turkey but around the …
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 …
Istanbul’s Beloved Street Cats: A City Where Felines Reign Supreme Istanbul is a city of immense cultural wealth, steeped in history and overflowing with charm. From its iconic historical peninsula and scenic Bosphorus waterfront mansions to world-renowned museums, bustling bazaars like the Grand Bazaar, and awe-inspiring natural beauty, every corner of Istanbul reflects the city’s grandeur. It’s no surprise that …
Although nowadays when we think of fish, the Black Sea comes to mind first, in fact, Istanbul has historically been the most important city in terms of both the variety of fish and the taste of fish. Except for the last 40 years, the abundance of fish in Istanbul has even made its way into history books. Istanbul has not …
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.
Many people are turning to alternative economic plans while on vacation, but if you want to pamper yourself, the luxury hotels in Turkey are waiting for you. Thus, you can accumulate unforgettable memories with expensive holiday plans.
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 …
The First World War revealed a huge devastation that caused both the winner and the loser to face a great economic storm. Before the end of the First World War, Russia, in 1917, gave up and found itself in the middle of internal conflicts. On the one side were the Tsar and the defenders, on the other side, the communists. …
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. …
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.