Grand Hotel de Londres: A Glimpse into 19th-Century Istanbul’s Hospitality
In the 19th century, when the Ottoman Empire was heavily influenced by innovation and westernization, Beyoğlu formed a Western class called the Levantines.
Skiing in the Morning, Swimming in the Afternoon: Turkey’s Epic Dual‑Sport Cities
Have you ever tried to fit four seasons in a day before? Our country has rare places where you can live in four different seasons, all in a single day. How about sipping hot tea on a hill with white snow in the morning and enjoying the skiing, and then walking around on the beach and swimming in the afternoon? …
Life of Sinan the Architect
Sinan (1488-1588) is one of the greatest building artists in the world and lived during the most powerful period of the Ottoman Empire. His many works have lasted through today. He was very famous throughout all of the Ottoman Empire, officially serving as chief architect at the time a role that meant he was technically the architect of the state. …
From Silk to Rifles: The Epic Story of Turk–China Relations Through Time
The relationship between the Turks and the Chinese dates back to the early period of our histories. These two races have fought many times and have also engaged in commercial and cultural interactions. As the Turks became stronger and more powerful in the world after a certain period so the Turks began to put the pressure on the Chinese. China …
Unlocking Istanbul’s Past: A Journey Through the City’s Iconic Gates and Fortifications
Protecting what is precious is the most important and meaningful task of a gate. The gates behind the walls protected cities of the past, just like gates protect our homes today. Thus, the gates of Istanbul, which witnessed important events in history, are now valued as historical monuments. The gates in the cities are evidence of how valuable the cities …
Exploring the 300 Spartans’ Victory and the Obelisk in Istanbul’s Hippodrome
Sultanahmet Square (Sultanahmet Meydanı) had been the center of three different emperor periods. Sultanahmet Square’s name was “Hippodrome” (Hipodrom) during the Byzantine and Roman Empires and it was called “Horse Square” (At Meydanı) during the Ottoman Empire. In this region, the most magnificent structures, like Serpentine Column, and Obelisk, were built by these empires thanks to this feature. Hippodrome was …
Motivating the Army with Music: Mehterân
Mehterân (in Ottoman Turkish) is the first and only band in the world that ever motivated the army with music. A look at history shows us that the band, which consisted of percussion and woodwind instruments, was called “Tuğ” in the Huns period and later that changed to “Mehter” after Fatih. The band existed to announce the voice to the …
Kırşehir City Guide: Kırşehir City Guide
Kırşehir is located in the center of Anatolia. Having a history dating back to the time of the Hittites, the city became an important settlement during the time of Emperor Justinian I and was one of the spiritual bases of the Ottoman Empire, hosting the Ahi organization in the 13th century. Kırşehir is surrounded by Kırıkkale, Yozgat, Ankara, Nevşehir and …
2025 Cittaslow Towns of Turkey: 2025 Cittaslow Towns of Turkey
Cittaslow, which first appeared in the Italian capital of Rome in 1986, means “slow city” with a broader meaning that includes untouched nature, away from the noise, distant from the metropolitan life, and reminiscent of a resort. Thus, there is no traffic problem, and the crowds and the noise is far away. Cittaslow towns for our country are almost heaven. …
Best Itineraries for Retirees in Turkey: Best Itineraries for Retirees in Turkey
It is not surprising that many European retirees live in Turkey, especially around the Mediterranean region, as the cost of living is low and the atmosphere is pleasant. Visiting retirees, can reward themselves in Turkey for your years of work by spending some time. For this purpose, we are presenting to you the most beautiful, economic, and stress-free travel plans …