In a cuneiform tablet describing the Assyrian campaign of 856 BCE, it is recorded that the Assyrian army halted at Tushpa –the city that would later become the capital of Urartu- and there received tribute. Assyrian sources of the period refer to Lake Van as the “Upper Sea”. On the eastern shore of this great inland lake -1,665 meters above …
Situated in the heart of the Lycus Plain, on the southwestern border of the Phrygia region, the ancient city of Laodicea was once one of Anatolia’s largest and most prosperous metropolises. Located just 6 km north of modern-day Denizli, within the boundaries of the villages of Eskihisar, Goncalı, Korucuk, and Bozburun, Laodicea lies on the road to Pamukkale (ancient Hierapolis), …
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 …
When the Turks established their rule over Anatolian lands, they demonstrated examples of civilization that would still be considered significant today in many fields. The matter of standardization is among these achievements. Nearly five centuries ago, standardized regulations were established and strictly enforced according to the local characteristics and production varieties of cities such as Bursa, Edirne, Sivas, Erzurum, Diyarbakır, …
Located in Niğde province, Gümüşler Monastery is one of the most important historical structures in the Cappadocia region. Carved directly into the rock, this monastery dates back to the Byzantine Empire period and is believed to have been built between the 8th and 12th centuries. With its architecture, frescoes, and underground structures, Gümüşler Monastery provides significant insights into the religious …
Although he lived only 49 years, Sultan Mehmet II left an indelible mark on history. As the seventh sultan of the Ottoman Empire, he ascended the throne at the age of 19 and earned the title “The Conqueror of Istanbul” with his extraordinary vision and achievements. Known in the West as “Grand Turco”, Mehmet II was a military genius, a …
Located in the Serik district of Antalya, Aspendos is a magnificent ancient city that has survived to the present day. Famous for its ancient theater, the city was established by the Achaeans. Positioned on two hills, one large and one small, Aspendos is visited by thousands of tourists every year. It is believed that the city was one of the …
“Without a doubt, Antalya is the most beautiful city in the world,” said Atatürk. With these words, he wasn’t only praising the region’s natural beauty but also its deep-rooted historical heritage. Among the most striking remnants of this heritage is Perge Ancient City, once one of the grandest cities of antiquity. And the Antalya Museum stands as a guardian of …
Every year, 23rd of April marks the feast day of Saint George ,known by various names such as Sankt Jordi in Catalonia and Aya Yorgi in Turkey, who is revered as a holy figure in both Eastern and Western Christianity. Originating from Cappadocia, this saint is globally recognized and honored, especially for the legendary tale of his battle with a …
Straddling the continents of Asia and Europe and serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul has been a major hub of trade and culture for centuries, with its islands, architecture, and natural beauty. The city’s impact on artists can be seen in countless works of art. In this article, you can explore Old Istanbul paintings …