The concept of time is both directly relevant to human life and broad enough to evade universal definitions. Our perception of time relates to the dimensions we interact with, leading to the emergence of multiple and differing understandings of time. While there are numerous and diverse narratives about such a vast concept, for Muslims, the foundation of their understanding of …
Ankara and its surrounding areas have been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times. The known history of Ankara stretches back to the Paleolithic Age. With a history spanning approximately 5,000 years, urban life in Ankara is believed to have continued uninterrupted. Its significance, which began due to its position on the ancient Royal Road, continues today as the capital of modern …
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 …
Located in the Bakırçay Basin in the northern part of İzmir, the ancient city of Bergama, historically known as Pergamon, is a unique site where multiple layers of civilization intersect. With roots in the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, Bergama stands today as a rich cultural and historical destination. In 2014, it was officially recognized as a UNESCO World …
Straddling the continents of Asia and Europe and serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul has been a major hub of trade and culture for centuries, with its islands, architecture, and natural beauty. The city’s impact on artists can be seen in countless works of art. In this article, you can explore Old Istanbul paintings …
Istanbul… More than just a city; it is a magical stage where history, culture, and architecture intertwine. The waters of the Bosphorus, the legends of the Maiden’s Tower, the majesty of the Blue Mosque, the bustling Grand Bazaar… But among its many wonders, few capture the grandeur of the city as vividly as Istanbul palaces and pavilions. From the Ottoman Empire …
While people across the country are turning to rain prayers in response to drought, in the highlands of Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea region, locals perform an old ritual called “Kuçkucura” to chase away fog and call for sunshine. One of the still-practiced traditions of the Eastern Black Sea is the fog-dispelling prayer; Kuçkucura. In his 1945 book Collections from the …
One of the most brilliant figures in Ottoman maritime history, Piri Reis was not only a captain but also an explorer, scholar, and cartographer who helped shape the world. His works are timeless legacies that carry the nautical knowledge of the 16th century into the present, reflecting the spirit of the Age of Discovery. Even today, maritime historians, cartographers, and …
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 …