Nail Çakırhan was born in 1910 in the Ula district of Muğla, Turkey. His father traced their lineage back twelve generations through gravestones and discovered that their roots extended to Arabia. Çakırhan believed that his ancestors may have descended from Janissaries who passed through Ula during Suleiman the Magnificent’s 1522 Rhodes campaign and decided to settle in the area. When …
When we think of global pop sensations, we rarely expect a Turkish singer to dominate the Latin American charts. Yet in the late 1990s, Tarkan, Turkey’s pop icon, did just that, bridging continents, languages, and cultures with a single hit. From Istanbul to International Fame Born Tarkan Tevetoğlu in 1972 in Germany, Tarkan moved to Turkey in his teens and …
Endemic plants are species that grow naturally in a specific region and nowhere else in the world. Thanks to its geographical diversity and climate variety, Turkey is one of the countries with the highest number of endemic plants in the world. The country hosts approximately 12,000 plant species, around 3,000 of which are endemic. In this article, you will discover …
Istanbul, as the capital of the Ottoman Empire, had grown into a densely populated city. Wars, migrations, and the concentration of soldiers and bureaucrats significantly increased the demand for bread, making the establishment of bread factories a necessity. Bread is one of the oldest, most fundamental, and essential food items known to humanity. During the Ottoman period, the need for …
With its thousands of legends, Istanbul is one of the most talked-about cities among world travelers. And the Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is among the first places that come to mind when Istanbul is mentioned. This elegant tower, located 200 meters off the Asian shores of the city, directly opposite Üsküdar, remains a mystery in many ways; why and when …
Despite the fast pace of modern life and the rise of apartment living, Diyarbakır has preserved a unique and deeply rooted pigeon-keeping culture. Thousands in the city continue to care for pigeons they lovingly call their “silent confidants.” Diyarbakır Pigeon Hotels: A Shelter in the City As apartment life restricts keeping birds at home, pigeon enthusiasts rent space in “pigeon …
Evliya Çelebi, the greatest traveler in Turkish and world history and the author of the greatest travel book, was born in Istanbul on March 25, 1611. His ancestors were from Kütahya, and his father was Derviş Mehmed Zıllî Efendi, the head jeweler of the Imperial Palace (Saray-ı Âmire). His mother was of Abkhaz origin and related to Grand Vizier Melek …
Melceü’t-Tabbâhîn, one of the earliest written sources reflecting the richness and elegance of Ottoman culinary culture, is among the most valuable works in the history of Turkish cuisine. Written by Mehmed Kâmil in the mid-19th century, this work is not merely a cookbook; it is also an important source that describes the social life and culinary habits of the period. …
Football in Turkey dates back to the late 19th century, and over the decades, the sport has witnessed the rise of unforgettable names, players who changed the course of matches with their goals, saves, and passes. These legends are not just remembered for their on-field brilliance but also for the passion and pride they instilled in millions. As the famous …
Simit, known as simid-i halka during the Ottoman era, has transformed over centuries from a humble bread ring into one of Turkey’s most beloved snacks. Far more than just food, it is an integral part of Turkish culture, evoking warmth, nostalgia, and simple joys. The Perfect Companion for Tea Breaks Throughout Turkey, simit is inseparable from tea. A cup of …