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 …
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 …
Located on Serdar-ı Ekrem Street near Şişhane, the Crimean Memorial English Church stands on land that was once a Greek Orthodox cemetery. Sultan Abdülmecit granted the land to the British to commemorate the Crimean War. The foundation was laid on October 19, 1858, and the church was inaugurated on October 22, 1868, with the British ambassador Lord Stratford de Redcliffe …
The Divânu Lügati’t-Türk is one of the most important works in the history of the Turkish language. Compiled by Kaşgarlı Mahmud between 1072 and 1074, it is far more than a dictionary; it offers a detailed cultural, literary, and geographical portrait of the 11th-century Turkic world. Written in Arabic to introduce Turkic languages to the Arab world, it contains over …
While people across the country are turning to rain prayers in response to drought, in the highlands of Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea region, locals perform an old ritual called “Kuçkucura” to chase away fog and call for sunshine. One of the still-practiced traditions of the Eastern Black Sea is the fog-dispelling prayer; Kuçkucura. In his 1945 book Collections from the …
Turkey’s rich culinary heritage is filled with distinctive flavors, and cheese holds a special place among them. Whether it’s served on breakfast tables or used as a core ingredient in traditional dishes, cheese is woven into the fabric of Turkish food culture. Thanks to the country’s deep-rooted livestock traditions and regional diversity, a wide array of cheeses; each with unique …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …