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Boris Johnson’s Ancestral Ties to a Turkish Village

Nestled in the vast Anatolian plateau lies Kalfat in Çankırı, a quaint Turkish village. This unassuming spot, a considerable distance from the bustling streets of Westminster, surprisingly holds a deep connection to the UK’s political scene. Kalfat proudly considers itself as the ancestral origin of Boris Johnson, the notable UK politician. Mr. Johnson’s association with the village, situated approximately 110 …

Marmaris Travel Guide

Marmaris, one of the beautiful districts of Muğla, is recognized as a tourism paradise. It is bordered by the Datça Peninsula and the Gulf of Gökova to the west, Karadağ and Günlük Hills to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The town, with settlements dating back to 1200 BC, has always been a center of attraction. It …

Bâleybelen: Unveiling the World’s First Constructed Language from Turkey

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 …

Kaş Travel Guide

Kaş has a rich history with ancient cities such as Apollonia, Isinda, Istlada, and Kyaenai. Nearby Patara was one of the most important centers of the Lydian era. Traces of Hittite civilization dating back to 2000 BC can also be found in the area. Climate and Cuisine The town exhibits all characteristic features of the Mediterranean climate. Summers are very …

Bodrum Travel Guide

Bodrum, a picturesque district in Muğla Province, stands as one of the most beloved tourist destinations in Turkey, and a globally recognized hub for sun, sea, history, and culture. Famed for its crystal-clear waters, ancient ruins, bustling nightlife, and Mediterranean cuisine, Bodrum is a top pick for both domestic and international travelers. Once known as Halicarnassus in antiquity and later …

Bozcaada Travel Guide

Bozcaada is an island district of Çanakkale Province, located in the Aegean Sea. It is the third largest island in Turkey after Gökçeada and Marmara Island. Bozcaada is easily accessible from major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Bursa, making it a popular weekend getaway destination. A Brief History of Bozcaada With roots stretching back to the Trojan Wars, Bozcaada has …

Foça Travel Guide

The Aegean’s Hidden Gem on the Coast of İzmir Nestled on the scenic coastline of İzmir, Foça is a stunning blend of ancient heritage, natural beauty, and culinary richness. Known for its crystal-clear waters, charming harbor, and deep historical roots, Foça is one of Turkey’s most captivating coastal destinations. Foça’s history dates back to the ancient Ionian period, when it …

The History of Beer in the Ottoman Empire: From Imperial Breweries to Cultural Shifts

History of Beer in the Ottoman Empire The history of beer in the Ottoman Empire can be traced back to the 19th century. Sultan Abdulhamid II ruled the empire from 1876 to 1909, a period marked by both modernization and increased centralization of power in the hands of the sultan. During his reign, Western cultural influences permeated various aspects of …

Jewish Culture in Turkey: A Journey Through History, Heritage, and Community

Turkey has a unique multi-cultural structure, and yet it boasts a legitimate unity, which proves to be quite an important element. Jewish culture, adapted to contemporary life while preserving the religion, constitutes one link in this chain. The history of Jewish people in Turkey dates back almost 2,400 years. Turkish Jews are one of the biggest non-Muslim communities in the …

Scandinavians in Constantinople: The Role of Vikings in the Byzantine Empire

The Scandinavians (or Vikings) are not at all distant for Turks, especially for the people in Constantinople with tattooed, large bodies and fighter identities. Scandinavia, home of the Vikings, is the common name of countries in the cold north, including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Faroe Islands and Greenland. Scandinavia nurtures the film industry today with its stories and legends, …