The Edirne Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, which is held every July, attracts the whole world. In recent years, tourists from many countries have flocked to Turkey to watch this festival. Kırkpınar Wrestling, which is described as oily wrestling, is both a sporting and cultural activity that takes place on a meadow by lubricated wrestlers who show very intense effort. Historical …
As one of the important places of historical times, Edirne offers many beautiful things for visitors. Having been the capital of the Ottoman Empire for years, it borders on Greece and Bulgaria. Established on a large plain area, Edirne ranked at one time as one of the seven largest cities of Europe.
Siyez wheat is considered one of the oldest cultivated crops in human history. Regarded as the ancestor of modern wheat, this precious grain has been grown on Anatolian soil for 10,000 years. With its unaltered genetic structure, high nutritional value, and distinctive flavor, it illuminates not only our kitchens but also our cultural heritage. Origins and Name Story The Latin …
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 …
While a visit to the hammam; where one bathes with the help of a tellak (male attendant) or natır (female attendant); is no longer a regular part of daily life for most modern Turks, these steamy bathhouses remain deeply symbolic in Turkish culture. With their kurna (marble basins), heated göbek taşı (central massage stone), wooden clogs, copper bowls, peştemals (bath …
When speaking of the most iconic symbols of Ottoman civilization, the mind instantly turns to imperial mosques, majestic plane trees, and historical fountains; especially those built under the patronage of the sultans. Over the centuries, additions like bridges, caravanserais, and baths enriched this legacy. Yet among them, one monument stands as a timeless masterpiece: the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, built by Sinan …
Topkapı Palace, once the administrative and residential heart of the Ottoman Empire for over 600 years, now stands as one of Istanbul’s most iconic museums. Built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror after the conquest of Constantinople, the palace was originally known as the “New Palace.” Unlike many other royal residences, it is recognized for its modest architecture and close connection to …
Muhyî-i Gülşenî, born in Edirne in 1528, was a prominent figure and the leader of the Gülşenî community in Cairo. The reason behind Muhyî-i Gülşenî’s creation of Bâleybelen, which was a result of the use of multiple languages in the region, was quite similar to Zamenhof’s creation of Esperanto. Additionally, one of his significant goals was to facilitate the transmission …
The history of bird houses goes way back. The construction of bird palaces and houses, which has been developing since the 15th century in accordance with classical Ottoman architecture, reached different aesthetic dimensions through the 19th century. In fact, the purpose of making bird palaces is to provide shelter to freely flying birds, to protect them from burning sun and …
One of the most fertile geographies for Islamic tourism is Anatolia, especially during the month of Ramadan, where you can make different plans for Islamic sightseeing tours. We have identified different routes related to Islamic artifacts, mosques, and shrines that you can see in Anatolia, both during and not during Ramadan.