From Ephesus Ruins to the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, and from Zelve-Paşabağları to Galata Tower; many of us have explored these landmarks during the day. But how about seeing these silent witnesses of history under the stars? Thanks to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Night Museum Program, first launched in 2024 and expanded in 2025, select museums now remain open …
In this article, we’ll take you to one of the world’s richest museum complexes in terms of artifacts: the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. The reason it is referred to in plural form is that it includes three distinct museums located side by side in Istanbul‘s Historical Peninsula: the Archaeological Museum, the Tiled Kiosk, and the Museum of the Ancient Orient. Let’s …
Located in Niğde province, Gümüşler Monastery is one of the most important historical structures in the Cappadocia region. Carved directly into the rock, this monastery dates back to the Byzantine Empire period and is believed to have been built between the 8th and 12th centuries. With its architecture, frescoes, and underground structures, Gümüşler Monastery provides significant insights into the religious …
Turkey boasts a rich cultural heritage, having been home to numerous civilizations throughout history. Millions of artifacts are exhibited across museums nationwide, preserving the legacies of hundreds of diverse cultures that have inhabited this land. Central Anatolia stands out as a culturally vibrant region, where traces from prehistoric times to the Ottoman era are displayed in its many museums. If …
“Without a doubt, Antalya is the most beautiful city in the world,” said Atatürk. With these words, he wasn’t only praising the region’s natural beauty but also its deep-rooted historical heritage. Among the most striking remnants of this heritage is Perge Ancient City, once one of the grandest cities of antiquity. And the Antalya Museum stands as a guardian of …
Atatürk Arboretum is a lush green world in Istanbul… How about stepping into this world, where firs, lindens, magnolias, bamboos, weeping willows, black pines, and countless other trees provide a serene refuge? What is an Arboretum? First, let’s look at the meaning of a word we don’t encounter often in daily life: “arboretum.” Derived from Latin, it refers to a …
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 …
Afife Jale, born in 1902 in Kadıköy, Istanbul, holds a pioneering place in Turkish theater history as the first Muslim woman to perform on stage. Her father was Hidayet Bey and her mother Methiye Hanım; she had two siblings, Behiye Hanım and Salâh Bey. She studied at Istanbul Girls’ Industrial School and later passed an exam at Darülbedayi (Istanbul City …
Anatolia has a history spanning thousands of years and has hosted many significant civilizations throughout this period. Therefore, artifacts from past civilizations can be found in many parts of Anatolia. Among the most important museums where these artifacts are exhibited is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations located in Ankara. Situated southeast of Ankara Castle, the museum was established by converting …
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 …