Search Results for: ottoman

Gökçeada (Imbros) Travel Guide

Holding the distinction of being Turkey’s largest island, Gökçeada encompasses numerous important historical and natural beauties within its 286 square kilometers of land and a coastline stretching for 95 kilometers. Situated north of the Aegean Sea, Gökçeada has been within the borders of the Republic of Turkey since 1923, belonging to Çanakkale. With its rich history, natural beauty, and several …

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: Founder of Modern Türkiye

Born in 1881 in Thessaloniki, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk continues to hold a special place in the hearts as the founder of modern Turkey. At a time when the Ottoman Empire, which had lasted for six centuries, was beginning to crumble due to various reasons such as politics, economy, and education, and when many parts of Anatolia were under occupation, Atatürk …

Topkapı Palace

Topkapı Palace, once the administrative and residential heart of the Ottoman Empire for over 600 years, now stands as one of Istanbul’s most iconic museums. Built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror after the conquest of Constantinople, the palace was originally known as the “New Palace.” Unlike many other royal residences, it is recognized for its modest architecture and close connection to …

İznik Travel Guide

Iznik, a village of Bursa, stands as a testament to our historical legacy. From mythological times, it has been a focal point of attraction and remains one of the most distinguished cities today. Enriched with both nature and historically significant sites, Iznik reflects a thousand years of Anatolian history. Located northeast of Bursa and housing 50,000 inhabitants, this little town …

Side Travel Guide

Side, a neighborhood of Manavgat in the beautiful province of Antalya, is known for its historic ruins and monumental structures that have survived to this day. The word “Side” means pomegranate, and the area hosts a history that dates back to the 7th century BC. The region, believed to have first been settled during the Hittite period, saw ancient cities …

Ürgüp Travel Guide

Ürgüp, located 20 kilometers from the city center of Nevşehir, is one of the most touristic districts in the region. Situated in Cappadocia, it has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The history of Ürgüp reaches back to the Byzantine period and has seen influences from various civilizations. The region, which became part of Turkish territory during the …

Döner Kebab: The Origins

Istanbul and the Kebab Culture In the 1980s, tourists visiting Istanbul often associated the city with three essential experiences: rakı, shish kebabs, and the city’s vibrant atmosphere. From an Orientalist perspective, kebabs were considered the quintessential dish of Istanbul and Anatolia, representing the culinary soul of the East. Today, kebab culture is stronger than ever. With the rise of fast …

Datça Travel Guide

Datça, one of the most beautiful tourist districts of Muğla, Turkey, is built on a peninsula extending into the Aegean Sea. With its mountainous and rugged terrain, Datça is completely surrounded by the Aegean Sea. Archaeological excavations have revealed that Datça dates back to 2000 BC, with the ancient city of Knidos established there. The city later came under Hittite …

Urla Travel Guide

Guide to Urla, İzmir Urla, nestled in the province of İzmir, has emerged over recent years as a premier tourism destination. It is flanked by towns such as Güzelbahçe and Seferihisar to the east, Karaburun to the northwest, and boasts proximity to the stunning Çeşme to the west, overlooking the mesmerizing Aegean sea. Even though Urla is about 35 km …

Boris Johnson’s Ancestral Ties to a Turkish Village

Nestled in the vast Anatolian plateau lies Kalfat in Çankırı, a quaint Turkish village. This unassuming spot, a considerable distance from the bustling streets of Westminster, surprisingly holds a deep connection to the UK’s political scene. Kalfat proudly considers itself as the ancestral origin of Boris Johnson, the notable UK politician. Mr. Johnson’s association with the village, situated approximately 110 …