Search Results for: black

Halfeti’s Gift to the World: Black Roses

Roses, which have become symbols of love, passion, separation, longing, and even hatred, come in various colors like yellow, red, and pink and are admired all around the world. However, black roses, which grow only in Halfeti, a town in Turkey’s Şanlıurfa, and lose their color and texture when taken away from this region, might be a variety of roses …

Black Sea Chronicles: Exploring Eastern Black Sea Traditions, People & Dialects

Written history documentaries bring light to extant ethnic origins of the Eastern Black Sea origins. In the archaic age, the cultural structure of the Eastern Black Sea was expressed by the term “kolhi” After about 1,000 years had passed, in the Byzantine period, the “Lazi” terminology took over. In history, these names were represented not only as tribes but also …

White Russians in Istanbul: Smirnoff’s Legacy and the Black Russian Connection

The First World War revealed a huge devastation that caused both the winner and the loser to face a great economic storm. Before the end of the First World War, Russia, in 1917, gave up and found itself in the middle of internal conflicts. On the one side were the Tsar and the defenders, on the other side, the communists. …

The Evil Eye Bead: A Timeless Protector Against Malice

The evil eye bead (“nazar boncuğu” in Turkish), is a deeply rooted symbol in Turkish culture that appears in nearly every aspect of daily life. Hung on both the interior and exterior walls of homes, it is believed to protect the household and its inhabitants from malicious stares. It’s fastened onto babies’ clothes, worn as jewelry, used in accessories, and …

The Historical Journey of Börek: From Central Asia to the World

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 …

Legendary Aegean Cuisine: From Wild Greens to Iconic Dishes

The Aegean Region of Türkiye is a treasure trove of culinary heritage, where fertile lands and a mild climate give rise to an abundance of fresh produce, fragrant herbs, and unique wild greens. This centuries-old gastronomic tradition blends light, olive oil–based dishes with the natural bounty of the region. In the Aegean, the cuisine is not only about satisfying the …

The Phenomenon of Migration and the Jewish Diaspora in Anatolia

Collective housing specific to the Jewish diaspora is one of the accommodation methods developed by a community facing exile pressure, shaped by the experiences gained across different geographies. The Jewish exile and mass Jewish migrations, which resulted in intensive Jewish settlement in Anatolia, took place over three distinct periods under different conditions. The first was the great Jewish exile that began …

A Glimpse into Turkey’s Aviation History

Turkey’s aviation history is woven with stories of courage, pioneering spirit, and remarkable diversity. Starting with Bandirma Rocket Club and reaching new heights with modern jet fighters, Turkish aviation grows rapidly. This article brings together some of the nation’s most significant aviation heroes: from Ahmet Ali Çelikten, one of the world’s rare early Black pilots, to pioneering female aviators like …

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 …