When travelers walk through today’s Istanbul -past Hagia Sophia, the Land Walls, or the quiet streets of Fatih– it is easy to forget that this city’s most dramatic transformation was once witnessed not by its conquerors, but by a defeated Greek aristocrat who chose to write rather than flee. His name was Michael Critobulus of Imbros. Writing only a few years …
There are plenty of beautiful islands in the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece, which share a common history. Especially with a nice two-day plan during a summer vacation, you can visit all the islands. Here are the details about the Turkish and Greek Islands.
In the autumn of 1865, two Ottoman corvettes – Bursa and İzmir – set sail from Istanbul on a mission that should have been unremarkable: a long but well-charted voyage around the Cape of Africa to reach Basra in the Persian Gulf. The Suez Canal had not yet been opened, so the route demanded sailing the full length of the Atlantic. Aboard …
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 …
Collective housing specific to the Jewish diaspora is one of the accommodation methods developed by a community facing exile pressure, shaped by the experiences gained across different geographies. The Jewish exile and mass Jewish migrations, which resulted in intensive Jewish settlement in Anatolia, took place over three distinct periods under different conditions. The first was the great Jewish exile that began …
Although he lived only 49 years, Sultan Mehmet II left an indelible mark on history. As the seventh sultan of the Ottoman Empire, he ascended the throne at the age of 19 and earned the title “The Conqueror of Istanbul” with his extraordinary vision and achievements. Known in the West as “Grand Turco”, Mehmet II was a military genius, a …
Turkey’s aviation history is woven with stories of courage, pioneering spirit, and remarkable diversity. Starting with Bandirma Rocket Club and reaching new heights with modern jet fighters, Turkish aviation grows rapidly. This article brings together some of the nation’s most significant aviation heroes: from Ahmet Ali Çelikten, one of the world’s rare early Black pilots, to pioneering female aviators like …
Every district in Istanbul is like a living history book, containing unique stories and authentic textures. Walking through this cosmopolitan metropolis, you can touch traces of many cultures that have lived here for centuries. Especially the shores of the Golden Horn stand out as a significant route that reveals the city’s most enchanting and colorful history. The jewel of this …
In his famous poem “Üsküdar, Witness to the Conquest of Istanbul,” Yahya Kemal gives Üsküdar a mystical importance, writing: “It saw a hundred thousand angels flying toward Istanbul And kept this vision, secretly, in its memory for centuries.” Indeed, as you walk the streets, avenues, and coastline of this historic district, it’s impossible not to feel the spiritual aura that …
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 …