A Brief History of “Pleasant Village” Şirince’s roots date back centuries. Known as Kirkice or Çirkince during the Greek era, the village was once home to about 1,800 Greek households and thrived as a center of wine production and olive cultivation in the 19th century. The name “Çirkince,” meaning “ugly” in Turkish, was humorously ironic; locals wanted to deter outsiders …
Istanbul’s Beloved Street Cats: A City Where Felines Reign Supreme Istanbul is a city of immense cultural wealth, steeped in history and overflowing with charm. From its iconic historical peninsula and scenic Bosphorus waterfront mansions to world-renowned museums, bustling bazaars like the Grand Bazaar, and awe-inspiring natural beauty, every corner of Istanbul reflects the city’s grandeur. It’s no surprise that …
The Meaning and Origin of Ezan The word “Ezan” comes from the Arabic root “adhana“, meaning “to announce” or “to proclaim.” It is stated in the Quran, particularly in the Surah Al-Ma’idah and Surah Al-Jumu’ah, not just as a call to prayer but also as a declaration of divine truth. Ezan proclaims the three core beliefs of Islam: The Oneness …
Birth, marriage, and death, which constitute the three main stages of human life, are marked by different events, rituals, and traditions in all cultures and eras. For the Turks, with a history spanning thousands of years, death has been accompanied by various emotions and traditions. Among these, tombstones serve as crucial documents that also reveal the spiritual identities of Turkish …
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 …
Göbeklitepe is known as one of the first temples of the world, and has been very recently cited as UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to archaeological investigations, the temple is located 10 to 15 kilometers from Şanlıurfa. Round structures were found there, built on the elevation, that date to 12,000 years old. These findings were first detected in surface investigations …
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 …
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 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’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 …