Search Results for: Turkish cuisine

2026 Michelin Guide: Turkey’s Culinary Map Expands

The Michelin Guide 2026 for Türkiye was officially unveiled in December 2025, marking a significant moment for the country’s gastronomic scene. The announcement brought a broader geographic coverage, new starred restaurants, and greater international attention to local cuisine. Key Figures from the 2026 Selection Total restaurants listed: 171 Restaurants with Michelin Stars: 17 Two Michelin Stars: 2 One Michelin Star: …

Traditional Ankara Houses

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 …

The Dish of Rich and Poor: Menemen

The dish that is dearly loved by the people of Menemen (town in İzmir) gradually began to be tasted by newcomers to the town, and their appreciation of it spread to other cities across Anatolia. If you ask what the staple of Anatolian cuisine is, one would say it’s the tomato. Tomato adds flavor to almost every Turkish recipe. Turkey is …

Deyrulzafaran Monastery: A Living Sanctuary in Mardin

Overlooking the vast Mesopotamian plain from just 4 kilometers east of Mardin, Deyrulzafaran Monastery stands as one of the oldest and most revered Syriac Christian sites in the world. Also known as the Saffron Monastery (from the Turkish “Safran”), this extraordinary spiritual complex is not only a religious pilgrimage site but also a powerful symbol of cultural resilience. Originally constructed …

Izmir Annual Festival Guide (2026 Edition)

Izmir, the pearl of the Aegean, is not only famous for its turquoise coastline and rich history but also for its vibrant calendar of festivals that celebrate art, music, food, and local traditions. From spring to winter, the city and its surrounding districts host a variety of events, some grand and international, others intimate and deeply rooted in local culture. …

Mount Hasan: A Volcanic Marvel in Anatolia

Mount Hasan (Hasan Dağı) stands majestically at 3,268 meters, marking the boundary between Niğde and Aksaray provinces in central Anatolia, Turkey. As one of the most prominent volcanic mountains in Anatolia, its awe-inspiring presence dominates the flat landscapes surrounding it, creating a dramatic natural contrast that fascinates geologists, climbers, and nature lovers alike. Home to some of the most accessible and scenic climbing …

Amasra Travel Guide

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 …

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 …

Döner Kebab: The Origins

Istanbul and the Kebab Culture In the 1980s, tourists visiting Istanbul often associated the city with three essential experiences: rakı, shish kebabs, and the city’s vibrant atmosphere. From an Orientalist perspective, kebabs were considered the quintessential dish of Istanbul and Anatolia, representing the culinary soul of the East. Today, kebab culture is stronger than ever. With the rise of fast …

Fethiye Travel Guide

Fethiye, the second-largest district of Muğla after Bodrum, is located in a very active location in terms of tourism. Surrounded by the province of Antalya to the east and southeast, the Mediterranean Sea to the southwest and west, and Dalaman to the northwest and Denizli and Burdur to the north, Fethiye is also home to very important ancient cities like …