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 …
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 …
Straddling the continents of Asia and Europe and serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul has been a major hub of trade and culture for centuries, with its islands, architecture, and natural beauty. The city’s impact on artists can be seen in countless works of art. In this article, you can explore Old Istanbul paintings …
One of the most brilliant figures in Ottoman maritime history, Piri Reis was not only a captain but also an explorer, scholar, and cartographer who helped shape the world. His works are timeless legacies that carry the nautical knowledge of the 16th century into the present, reflecting the spirit of the Age of Discovery. Even today, maritime historians, cartographers, and …
In Bergama, there lies an ancient city where the most advanced medical techniques of its time were practiced, healing both body and mind: Asklepion. Located in the Bergama district of İzmir, this center is known as one of the most important health and healing temples of the Ancient Era. Dedicated to Asklepios, the god of medicine in Ancient Greece, Asklepion …
The “rooftop churches,” built on the inns constructed at the end of the 1800s in Istanbul to accommodate Russians traveling to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, still open their doors today to those who wish to worship. Throughout the ages, Istanbul has been known by many names. After becoming a settlement during the Roman Empire, it turned into one of the most …
The Middle East, a region known for rarely reaching consensus on anything, couldn’t agree on one more thing: Who owns hummus as their “national dish”? Is it Egypt’s? Lebanon’s? Israel’s? Syria’s? Iran’s? Ask any of them, and the answer will be: “It’s ours.” Hummus, which means chickpea in Arabic, is one of Antakya’s beloved staples; served sometimes at breakfast, sometimes …
The dish that is dearly loved by the people of Menemen (town in İzmir) gradually began to be tasted by newcomers to the town, and their appreciation of it spread to other cities across Anatolia. If you ask what the staple of Anatolian cuisine is, one would say it’s the tomato. Tomato adds flavor to almost every Turkish recipe. Turkey is …
“Meat in a dessert?” Yes, tavukgöğsü! The answer to this question comes from the famous gourmet of ancient Rome, Marcus Gavius Apicius. In his cookbook, known in short as De re Coquinaria and in full as De Opsoniis et Condimentis sive de re Culinaria Libri Decem, attributed to Apicius who is believed to have lived in the 1st century BC, …
Türkiye is home to countless archaeological sites from different historical periods. While some sites like Ephesus, Göbeklitepe, and Hierapolis are widely known, other ancient cities in Türkiye remain relatively obscure despite their incredible beauty and historical significance. Below, we present a list of these lesser-known archaeological treasures, hoping that one day, you too will explore these hidden paradises. 1. Termessos …