Search Results for: anatolia

World’s First Standardization and Consumer Rights System

When the Turks established their rule over Anatolian lands, they demonstrated examples of civilization that would still be considered significant today in many fields. The matter of standardization is among these achievements. Nearly five centuries ago, standardized regulations were established and strictly enforced according to the local characteristics and production varieties of cities such as Bursa, Edirne, Sivas, Erzurum, Diyarbakır, …

Gümüşler Monastery: Cappadocia’s Ancient Rock-Cut Sanctuary

Located in Niğde province, Gümüşler Monastery is one of the most important historical structures in the Cappadocia region. Carved directly into the rock, this monastery dates back to the Byzantine Empire period and is believed to have been built between the 8th and 12th centuries. With its architecture, frescoes, and underground structures, Gümüşler Monastery provides significant insights into the religious …

The Conqueror of Istanbul: Sultan Mehmet II

Although he lived only 49 years, Sultan Mehmet II left an indelible mark on history. As the seventh sultan of the Ottoman Empire, he ascended the throne at the age of 19 and earned the title “The Conqueror of Istanbul” with his extraordinary vision and achievements. Known in the West as “Grand Turco”, Mehmet II was a military genius, a …

Symbol of Antalya: Aspendos Ancient City

Located in the Serik district of Antalya, Aspendos is a magnificent ancient city that has survived to the present day. Famous for its ancient theater, the city was established by the Achaeans. Positioned on two hills, one large and one small, Aspendos is visited by thousands of tourists every year. It is believed that the city was one of the …

Perge Ancient City & Antalya Museum: Echoes of a Glorious Civilization

“Without a doubt, Antalya is the most beautiful city in the world,” said Atatürk. With these words, he wasn’t only praising the region’s natural beauty but also its deep-rooted historical heritage. Among the most striking remnants of this heritage is Perge Ancient City, once one of the grandest cities of antiquity. And the Antalya Museum stands as a guardian of …

Saint George: A Sacred Figure from Cappadocia

Every year, 23rd of April marks the feast day of Saint George ,known by various names such as Sankt Jordi in Catalonia and Aya Yorgi in Turkey, who is revered as a holy figure in both Eastern and Western Christianity. Originating from Cappadocia, this saint is globally recognized and honored, especially for the legendary tale of his battle with a …

Old Istanbul Paintings Through the Eyes of 10 Artists

Straddling the continents of Asia and Europe and serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul has been a major hub of trade and culture for centuries, with its islands, architecture, and natural beauty. The city’s impact on artists can be seen in countless works of art. In this article, you can explore Old Istanbul paintings …

A Gift from the Turks to the World: The Dede Korkut Stories

The Dede Korkut Stories are among the oldest and most important works of the Turkish language and Turkish literature. Covering the vast region inhabited by the Oghuz Turks, these stories were inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2018. Submitted jointly by Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey under the title “Dede Qorqud / Korkyt …

Traditional Turkish Folk Dances

One of the most colorful and dynamic reflections of Turkish culture is undoubtedly traditional folk dances. These dances are not merely aesthetic performances; they are cultural heritage elements that reflect the lifestyle, history, nature, and social structure of each region. This rich dance tradition, collected from all corners of Anatolia, is passed down from generation to generation, contributing to the …

Late Ottoman Water Tasters: History and Elegance in a Glass

Today, wine, coffee, or chocolate tasting events are quite familiar to us. But what about water? And not just to quench thirst:imagine water that is carefully selected like a fine wine, proudly listed on a menu, and even replacing champagne in wedding toasts… It may sound surprising, but such waters promise far more than ordinary mineral or tap water, and …