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 …
In the autumn of 1865, two Ottoman corvettes – Bursa and İzmir – set sail from Istanbul on a mission that should have been unremarkable: a long but well-charted voyage around the Cape of Africa to reach Basra in the Persian Gulf. The Suez Canal had not yet been opened, so the route demanded sailing the full length of the Atlantic. Aboard …
Sultan Abdulhamid II, who took his personal passion for carpentry a step further after ascending to the throne, practically turned introducing and teaching Western-style furniture across the empire into a state policy. From Traditional Interiors to Western-style Furniture In the Ottoman Empire, which had sustained its traditional interior design identity for centuries, modernization brought a rupture: there was now a …
As the sun sets during Ramadan, a powerful sound breaks the silence: a cannon fires, signaling that it is time to break the fast. The iftar cannon tradition is more than a timekeeping method: it is a ritual rooted in history, empire, and communal identity. But where did this dramatic Ramadan custom begin? The exact origin of the Ramadan cannon …
The concept of time is both directly relevant to human life and broad enough to evade universal definitions. Our perception of time relates to the dimensions we interact with, leading to the emergence of multiple and differing understandings of time. While there are numerous and diverse narratives about such a vast concept, for Muslims, the foundation of their understanding of …
Every year on July 1st, Turkey observes Cabotage Day: a commemoration that many overlook or misunderstand. While most associate it with simple maritime festivities or boat races, the roots of this national day dig deep into Turkey’s struggle for sovereignty and economic independence. Cabotage Day is far more than a nautical celebration; it is the embodiment of Turkey’s reclaiming of its …
Traditional sports shaped by Turkish culture are the result of long-standing practices that reflect our history and values. One of the most iconic of these is atlı cirit (equestrian javelin); a mounted javelin game that blends physical mastery with honor and heritage. Here’s everything you need to know about this unique sport: Roots in Central Asia Atlı cirit originated during …
Börek, a savory pastry shaped with thin layers of dough filled with cheese, minced meat, spinach, or potatoes, has not only delighted palates for centuries but also served as a cultural bridge connecting civilizations. As ordinary as a street simit and as regal as a palace dish, börek has a far deeper and richer past than commonly assumed. From the …
In this article, we’ll take you to one of the world’s richest museum complexes in terms of artifacts: the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. The reason it is referred to in plural form is that it includes three distinct museums located side by side in Istanbul‘s Historical Peninsula: the Archaeological Museum, the Tiled Kiosk, and the Museum of the Ancient Orient. Let’s …
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 …