Search Results for: Anatolian

Turkey Ends Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ 65-Year Wait

The bronze statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, smuggled from the ancient city of Boubon, has been returned to Turkey after 65 years. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy described this significant return as a “historic success” in a statement shared on his social media account. In his post, Ersoy said: “It was a long struggle. We were …

Turkey’s Fairy Chimneys Are Not Limited to Cappadocia

We’re sure many people reading this title are thinking, “No way!” right now. But there are probably just as many saying, “I knew that.” Of course, we have nothing to say to those who already know, but for those who want to remember that our country has such a unique geography, let’s dive into this trip plan and discover fairy …

Fertile Lands of Anatolia: Tire

“Winged birds, geese, cranes,Flocks of long-necked swansRoam in herdsOn the Asian meadows,On both sides of Kaystros…” The train departing from İzmir towards Tire winds its way through the Asian meadows mentioned in Homer’s verse above. Beyond the crescent-and-star symbol stuck on the window, cloud-topped mountains accompany the view of the plain that juts inland like a gulf into Anatolia. It …

Aksaray Salt Lake: Discover Turkey’s Hidden Saline Wonder in Central Anatolia

Located right in the center of the Central Anatolia Region, in the region where the provinces of Ankara, Aksaray, and Konya intersect, Tuz Lake (salt lake) is Turkey’s second-largest lake after Lake Van. Nearly half of Turkey’s salt needs are met from this lake. Adjacent to the western entrance of Cappadocia, which is right next door, Tuz Lake is not …

Farewell to a Friend: Sachihiro Omura

One of the prominent figures in archaeological collaboration between Turkey and Japan, Japanese archaeologist Sachihiro Omura, passed away last month in Kırşehir. Living in Turkey since 1972 and serving as the excavation director at Kalehöyük since 1985, Omura passed away at Kaman State Hospital, where he had been admitted due to illness. According to some sources, Omura was born in …

Homosexuality in the Ottoman Empire: A Historical Perspective

Origins of Homosexuality in the Ottoman Empire According to historical records, homosexuality in the Ottoman Empire began during the reign of Orhan Bey, nearly at the time of the state’s founding. Influences from the Byzantine and Persian worlds introduced these practices to the Anatolian region, and by Orhan Bey’s time, relationships between men had already taken root in various social …

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: Founder of Modern Türkiye

Born in 1881 in Thessaloniki, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk continues to hold a special place in the hearts as the founder of modern Turkey. At a time when the Ottoman Empire, which had lasted for six centuries, was beginning to crumble due to various reasons such as politics, economy, and education, and when many parts of Anatolia were under occupation, Atatürk …

İznik Travel Guide

Iznik, a village of Bursa, stands as a testament to our historical legacy. From mythological times, it has been a focal point of attraction and remains one of the most distinguished cities today. Enriched with both nature and historically significant sites, Iznik reflects a thousand years of Anatolian history. Located northeast of Bursa and housing 50,000 inhabitants, this little town …

Ürgüp Travel Guide

Ürgüp, located 20 kilometers from the city center of Nevşehir, is one of the most touristic districts in the region. Situated in Cappadocia, it has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The history of Ürgüp reaches back to the Byzantine period and has seen influences from various civilizations. The region, which became part of Turkish territory during the …

Urla Travel Guide

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 …