Search Results for: Ottoman Empire

Classic Turkish Music: Exploring the Rich Traditions of Ottoman Court Music and Its Legacy

The trend of nostalgia in the consumption of contemporary culture has been experiencing intense popularity in recent years. The styles of past times are sought in many scenes, from clothing to artificial architecture to music. In this respect, Classic Turkish Music draws attention with both its source and its inhabitants. Though historians and musicologists cannot agree on many points, the …

Muvakkithane: Ottoman Timekeeping Rooms and Their Role in Islamic Astronomy

Although it is known in geography and astronomy education that Greenwich is the starter meridian, it was the Million Stone in Sultanahmet during the Roman Empire era. Later, Hagia Sophia served as the starting meridian to determine the time. While the information about time and astronomy changes day by day, the institutions we call timing rooms draw attention as the …

Exploring Ottoman Architecture Through the Balyan Family: Masterpieces in Istanbul

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 …

Turkish Coffee and Tea Culture: From Ottoman Traditions to Modern Cafes: Turkish Coffee and Tea Culture: From Ottoman Traditions to Modern Cafes

The value of coffee and tea in human life cannot be underestimated. The plants that produce these commodities are not grown in every country, but it is known that tea was first used in China about 2000 years ago BC, and generally, British society is known for its tea. But the Turks also deserve credit! Turks have a Turkish tea …

The Karaites: The Jewish Turks of Europe and the Middle East

From the 13th century onward in Europe, being Turkish often meant being Muslim, and vice versa. This association became so prominent that Turks were recognized as Muslims not just in their own lands but throughout Europe and beyond. However, the Turkish identity spans thousands of years, encompassing diverse religious traditions. While Islam is the predominant faith among Turks, there are …

The Golden Horn: Istanbul’s Historical Waterway

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 …

Truly Very Turkish Winter Drinks: Salep and Boza

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 in …