Search Results for: izmir

Izmir Annual Festival Guide (2025 Edition)

Izmir, the pearl of the Aegean, is not only famous for its turquoise coastline and rich history but also for its vibrant calendar of festivals that celebrate art, music, food, and local traditions. From spring to winter, the city and its surrounding districts host a variety of events — some grand and international, others intimate and deeply rooted in local …

Izmir City Guide: Izmir City Guide

İzmir, the third largest city in our country, is located in the Aegean region. Extremely modern, the city is also one of the important destinations that holds the pulse of tourism. As a harbor city, it has hosted many different civilizations throughout history and undertook the task of being the most important city center in the Ionian and Roman periods. …

The World’s First Psychiatric Hospital: Asklepion

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 …

11 Beautiful Turkish Villages You Should Visit

From the Aegean coast to the Black Sea mountains, Turkey is home to picturesque villages rich in history, nature, and authentic local cuisine. Below is a curated list of 11 must-visit beautiful Turkish villages, with details on why they attract tourists, how to get there, what to eat, and where to explore. Şirince, İzmir Why Visit: Known for its stone …

Ibn Battuta Journeys Through Anatolia

One of the greatest travelers in the world, Ibn Battuta, traveled to various parts of the world for 28 years. Surpassing even Marco Polo in both the scope of his travels and his detailed accounts, one of the regions he visited was Anatolia. He praised Anatolia with the words: “This land known as the Land of the Romans (Rum) is …

Why is Turkish Simit So Popular?

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 …

The Dish of Rich and Poor: Menemen

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 …

Tülütabaklar: Leather-Clad Heroes of Turkey’s National War

Who Were the Tülütabaklar? Tülütabaklar were local heroes in Balıkesir during the Turkish War of Independence. These brave leatherworkers—called debbağ in Turkish—used fear and theatrical performance to disrupt Greek occupation forces and support underground national meetings. Clad in goat or sheepskin, soot, horse tails, bells, and sticks, they frightened enemy soldiers, creating an atmosphere of psychological resistance. Etymology: The Origins …

Temple of Artemis in Ephesus: History, Architecture, and Mythology

The Temple of Artemis (Greek: Artemision; Latin: Artemisium) is also known as the Temple of Diana. Dedicated to the goddess Artemis, the temple was completed around 550 BCE in Ephesus. The temple was built entirely of marble. Today, only a few marble fragments remain from the temple, which was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The …

Turkey’s Fairy Chimneys Are Not Limited to Cappadocia

We’re sure many people reading this title are thinking, “No way!” right now. But there are probably just as many saying, “I knew that.” Of course, we have nothing to say to those who already know, but for those who want to remember that our country has such a unique geography, let’s dive into this trip plan and discover fairy …