Search Results for: mus

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, …

Hagia Sophia’s History

Hagia Sophia has experienced many construction processes from past to present. The first construction was started by Emperor Constantius in the Byzantine period. After this was finished, Hagia Sophia was opened for worshiping. The building was built on the Temple of Artemis with the name Hagia Sophia; it was designed with a wooden roof and had traditional Latin architecture. When …

Zeugma: The Ancient City of Mosaics and Roman Heritage in Gaziantep

Zeugma’s history dates back to ancient times. It is an ancient city, established by the generals of serving Alexander the Great, around 300 AD. Today, the city is located within the borders of Belkıs Village of Nizip County of Gaziantep Province. The city was named Selevkaya Euphrates when it was first established. Shortly after that, the city came under the …

What is Ramadan? Understanding the Significance of the Islamic Holy Month

Accepted as sacred, Ramadan is the ninth month of the year according to the Muslim calendar. This month is of great importance and has distinct features compared to other months in our religion. The reason is that our holy book, the Koran, started its descent to the earth in this month. Qadr Night during Ramadan is believed to be more …

Exploring Turkish Philosophers: From Classical Thinkers to Modern Intellectuals

Countries gain distinction with people who can make contributions that can lead the history of civilization. In Turkish history, there are many commanders, padishahs and sultans who redrew the world map, started a new era with unique ideas, etc.. However, the number of people who universally broke new grounds in science, art and culture is not high.  Although there are …

Exploring Turkish Bath Culture: Traditions, Etiquette, and Historical Significance

The Turkish bath culture holds an important place Turkish culture in general. As the most globally known Turkish practice, the heritage of the Turkish bath phenomenon has survived since the Ottoman Period. Dating back to the Roman Period, Turkish bath culture settled into Turkish culture after the acceptance of Islam due to the importance Islam gives to hygiene. Turkish bath …

Ottoman Bird Houses: Architectural Symbols of Compassion and Craftsmanship

The history of bird houses goes way back. The construction of bird palaces and houses, which has been developing since the 15th century in accordance with classical Ottoman architecture, reached different aesthetic dimensions through the 19th century. In fact, the purpose of making bird palaces is to provide shelter to freely flying birds, to protect them from burning sun and …

Anzac Day at Gallipoli: Honouring Sacrifice and Shared History

When someone mentions the Battles of Gallipoli, March 18th comes to mind first. This date is so important because of the victory won, but besides this, April 25th, a.k.a Anzac Day, is also important. Civils and soldiers who fought on behalf of New Zealand and Australia and died in these wars are memorialized in the Day of Anzac. One part …

Tarzan of Manisa: The Environmental Pioneer Who Reforested a City

Many people may be surprised when we say that environmentalism was actually around in 1930 in Turkey. Turkey’s first environmentalist lived in the Manisa Spil Mountain in the 1920s. With his passion for a green lifestyle and appearance, Tarzan of Manisa is an unforgettable and noble figure who was the first environmental activist in our country. Tarzan of Manisa took …

Exploring Turkey’s Islamic Treasures: Historic Mosques & Timeless Artifacts

One of the most fertile geographies for Islamic tourism is Anatolia, especially during the month of Ramadan, where you can make different plans for Islamic sightseeing tours. We have identified different routes related to Islamic artifacts, mosques, and shrines that you can see in Anatolia, both during and not during Ramadan.