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. …

11 Beautiful Turkish Villages You Should Visit

From the Aegean coast to the Black Sea mountains, Turkey is home to picturesque villages rich in history, nature, and authentic local cuisine. Below is a curated list of 11 must-visit beautiful Turkish villages, with details on why they attract tourists, how to get there, what to eat, and where to explore. Şirince, İzmir Why Visit: Known for its stone …

The Life of Evliya Çelebi and His Travelogues

Evliya Çelebi, the greatest traveler in Turkish and world history and the author of the greatest travel book, was born in Istanbul on March 25, 1611. His ancestors were from Kütahya, and his father was Derviş Mehmed Zıllî Efendi, the head jeweler of the Imperial Palace (Saray-ı Âmire). His mother was of Abkhaz origin and related to Grand Vizier Melek …

The First Turkish Cookbook: Melceü’t-Tabbâhîn

Melceü’t-Tabbâhîn, one of the earliest written sources reflecting the richness and elegance of Ottoman culinary culture, is among the most valuable works in the history of Turkish cuisine. Written by Mehmed Kâmil in the mid-19th century, this work is not merely a cookbook; it is also an important source that describes the social life and culinary habits of the period. …

Why is Turkish Simit So Popular?

Simit, known as simid-i halka during the Ottoman era, has transformed over centuries from a humble bread ring into one of Turkey’s most beloved snacks. Far more than just food, it is an integral part of Turkish culture, evoking warmth, nostalgia, and simple joys. The Perfect Companion for Tea Breaks Throughout Turkey, simit is inseparable from tea. A cup of …

The Mystery of Ottoman Harem Aghas

When people think of the Ottoman Empire, images of grand palaces, sultans, and the harem often come to mind. Yet, one of the most mysterious and misunderstood figures within this world is the Ottoman harem aghas —a eunuch who wielded significant power behind palace walls. The lives of these individuals, especially during the height of the Ottoman Empire, are full …

The Cretan Warriors of 1453 That Resisted the Ottomans

One of the lesser-known stories of the conquest of Constantinople is the brave resistance of 300 Cretan warriors and how Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror allowed them to leave—a story truly worth reading. Fatih Sultan Mehmed and His Respect for the Enemy Fatih Sultan Mehmed… he was undoubtedly a commander who earned the title “Conqueror” through his rationality, scientific approach, and …