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Love of Gevher Nesibe

Gevher Nesibe is the daughter of II. Kılıçaslan, one of the Seljuk rulers. This Turkish girl, with black eyebrows, black eyes, black hair, and a fair face, captures the heart of a commander in the Seljuk army. However, Nesibe’s brother, Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev I, is against this love. He looks for ways to keep the commander away from Kayseri and sends …

Şavşat Karagöl

Located in the northeastern corner of Turkey, Artvin is one of the country’s last untouched paradises. Known for its unspoiled nature and breathtaking landscapes, Artvin is home to many natural wonders, and one of the most captivating among them is Şavşat Karagöl. Just 25 kilometers from Şavşat district, Karagöl sits within Sahara Karagöl National Park, an area divided into two …

Nostalgic Notes on Istanbul Ferries

“The ferry gleams at the pier, reflecting the soft morning light.A gentle chill hangs in the air,The sea smells of tar and fish,I’ve crossed to the other side in a rowboat from the bridge,And in one breath, climbed our familiar hill…” So begins Turgut Uyar’s poem “Ver Elini Haydarpaşa”, evoking memories that every İstanblue carries. The ferry is more than …

Turkish Bread: A Heritage of Turkey

If you ever visited Turkey, you know that bread is a key component of in Turkish cuisine. Bread has always held a central place in Anatolian and Ottoman societies; cutting across all social layers, from the humble peasant to the imperial sultan. Beyond sustenance, it symbolizes loyalty, gratitude, sacred bond, and self‑reliance. The Turkish language reflects this depth with idioms …

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. …

Tülütabaklar: Leather-Clad Heroes of Turkey’s National War

Who Were the Tülütabaklar? Tülütabaklar were local heroes in Balıkesir during the Turkish War of Independence. These brave leatherworkers  -called debbağ in Turkish- used fear and theatrical performance to disrupt Greek occupation forces and support underground national meetings. Clad in goat or sheepskin, soot, horse tails, bells, and sticks, they frightened enemy soldiers, creating an atmosphere of psychological resistance. Etymology: …

Ilgaz Mountain National Park

Ilgaz Mountain and its surrounding region, designated a national park in 1976, is the highest point in the Western Black Sea Region. This natural wonder is renowned for its year-round recreational appeal. Situated between Kastamonu and Çankırı, and accessed through a mountain pass at 1,875 meters altitude, Ilgaz forms a 50 km circular massif. The national park not only boasts …

Turkey’s Fairy Chimneys Are Not Limited to Cappadocia

We’re sure many people reading this title are thinking, “No way!” right now. But there are probably just as many saying, “I knew that.” Of course, we have nothing to say to those who already know, but for those who want to remember that our country has such a unique geography, let’s dive into this trip plan and discover fairy …

The Top Extreme Sports to Try in Turkey

Whether you’re gliding through the air, screaming down rapids, or conquering icy summits, Turkey offers an extreme sports adventure for every thrill seeker. Ready to take the leap? Turkey’s stunning geographic diversity -mountains, canyons, coastlines, rivers- makes it a top destination for adrenaline junkies. From soaring heights to roaring waters, here are the top extreme sports in Turkey you shouldn’t …

Istanbul as a Novel’s Protagonist: A Literary Journey Through Time

Politics, football, art, cinema, love, passion, anger, wealth, poverty, and history; Istanbul embodies all aspects of life and naturally becomes an indispensable setting in Turkish literature. Since the Tanzimat literary era, countless novels have been set in this culturally rich city. However, in some novels, Istanbul transcends its role as a backdrop and emerges as a central character; almost the protagonist of …