Overlooking the vast Mesopotamian plain from just 4 kilometers east of Mardin, Deyrulzafaran Monastery stands as one of the oldest and most revered Syriac Christian sites in the world. Also known as the Saffron Monastery (from the Turkish “Safran”), this extraordinary spiritual complex is not only a religious pilgrimage site but also a powerful symbol of cultural resilience. Originally constructed …
From the 13th century onward in Europe, being Turkish often meant being Muslim, and vice versa. This association became so prominent that Turks were recognized as Muslims not just in their own lands but throughout Europe and beyond. However, the Turkish identity spans thousands of years, encompassing diverse religious traditions. While Islam is the predominant faith among Turks, there are …
Roses, which have become symbols of love, passion, separation, longing, and even hatred, come in various colors like yellow, red, and pink and are admired all around the world. However, black roses, which grow only in Halfeti, a town in Turkey’s Şanlıurfa, and lose their color and texture when taken away from this region, might be a variety of roses …
“The ferry gleams at the pier, reflecting the soft morning light.A gentle chill hangs in the air,The sea smells of tar and fish,I’ve crossed to the other side in a rowboat from the bridge,And in one breath, climbed our familiar hill…” So begins Turgut Uyar’s poem “Ver Elini Haydarpaşa”, evoking memories that every İstanblue carries. The ferry is more than …
Karabük, located in the heart of Anatolia, is home to some of the most stunning natural and historical landscapes in Turkey. Positioned along the historic Silk Road, this city draws travelers for both its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Among its most iconic attractions is Safranbolu, a district renowned for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status. …
Located in the historic city of Hatay (Antakya), Turkey, Habibi Neccar Mosque is one of the most significant religious and architectural landmarks in Anatolia. Built in 638 AD by Muslim Arabs, it is believed to be the first mosque constructed within the borders of Anatolia. Beyond its historical value in Islam, the site also holds deep importance for Christianity due to its …
Standing proudly on a panoramic hill overlooking the plains of Old Beyazıt in Doğubayazıt, the Ishak Pasha Palace is one of the most striking architectural masterpieces in Eastern Anatolia. A blend of Ottoman, Seljuk, and even Baroque influences, this palace, unique in both structure and story, has captivated historians, architects, and travelers alike. Constructed over 99 years, Ishak Pasha Palace …
One of the most fascinating and unique parts of Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula is undoubtedly the Golden Horn. Once polluted by industrial and domestic waste, it lost much of its charm for decades. However, with major cleanup efforts beginning in the mid-1990s, the Golden Horn has gradually reclaimed its former glory. Today, it ranks among the top destinations preferred by international …
If you ever visited Turkey, you know that bread is a key component of in Turkish cuisine. Bread has always held a central place in Anatolian and Ottoman societies; cutting across all social layers, from the humble peasant to the imperial sultan. Beyond sustenance, it symbolizes loyalty, gratitude, sacred bond, and self‑reliance. The Turkish language reflects this depth with idioms …
Just hearing the names salep and boza is enough to stir up warm waves of nostalgia in many hearts. But these aren’t just sentimental relics of the past, they are timeless beverages packed with health benefits, rich in flavor, and perfect for warming the body and soul on cold winter days. Let’s explore these traditional winter drinks of Turkish culture …