Let’s not say impossible; because they exist. The Kipchaks, who spoke Turkic, were like this. Russians called them Polovets, Byzantines Kumans, Hungarians Kun, and the Mongols and Chinese called them Kipchak. The blond Turks themselves used the names Kıpçak or Kıbçak. In Islamic history, they’re also known as Kipchaks. Russian historian Gumilev traces their blondness to Europoid ancestors, suggesting that …
Reaching the tomb of Yavaşça Şahin Paşa -who famously marched ships over land during the conquest of Istanbul– is nearly as difficult as marching ships over land itself. As the roads rose over the years and the mosque courtyard shrank, it has become almost impossible to reach his grave. Yavaşça Şahin Paşa (Mehmet Ali Paşa) is one of the lesser-known …
Ankara and its surrounding areas have been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times. The known history of Ankara stretches back to the Paleolithic Age. With a history spanning approximately 5,000 years, urban life in Ankara is believed to have continued uninterrupted. Its significance, which began due to its position on the ancient Royal Road, continues today as the capital of modern …
Have you heard about the brief Norman kingdom that once existed in Anatolia? Discover the remarkable story of Roussel de Bailleul; a saga filled with bold ambition, betrayal, and intrigue. Who Was Roussel de Bailleul? Roussel de Bailleul was a Norman mercenary who served both the Normans in Italy and later the Byzantine Empire. Gaining fame for his bravery and …
With its thousands of legends, Istanbul is one of the most talked-about cities among world travelers. And the Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is among the first places that come to mind when Istanbul is mentioned. This elegant tower, located 200 meters off the Asian shores of the city, directly opposite Üsküdar, remains a mystery in many ways; why and when …
A High-Tech Network of the Middle Ages Centuries ago, during the height of the Byzantine Empire’s power, the state operated a remarkably efficient communication system that spanned vast territories. This system, based on strategically placed beacon towers (called Byzantine beacon communication system), enabled rapid message transmission across great distances; long before the age of modern technology. The Beacon Line from …
One of the most fascinating and unique parts of Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula is undoubtedly the Golden Horn. Once polluted by industrial and domestic waste, it lost much of its charm for decades. However, with major cleanup efforts beginning in the mid-1990s, the Golden Horn has gradually reclaimed its former glory. Today, it ranks among the top destinations preferred by international …
Located in the Western Black Sea region and a charming and beautiful district of Bartın province, Amasra has been attracting a significant number of domestic and foreign tourists recently. According to archaeological excavations, Amasra’s history dates back 3,000 years. Around the 13th century, the city was dominated by the Genoese and later taken over by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1460 …
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 …
This picturesque coastal town, once ruled by Romans, Byzantines, and later the Seljuks, holds a rich legacy as a strategic port city. The Seljuk-era shipyards and its enduring Ottoman significance highlight deep historical roots of Alanya. Climate & Cuisine This town boasts a Mediterranean climate, with hot, sunny summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for year-round travel. …