“Winged birds, geese, cranes,Flocks of long-necked swansRoam in herdsOn the Asian meadows,On both sides of Kaystros…” The train departing from İzmir towards Tire winds its way through the Asian meadows mentioned in Homer’s verse above. Beyond the crescent-and-star symbol stuck on the window, cloud-topped mountains accompany the view of the plain that juts inland like a gulf into Anatolia. It …
In Turkey, discussions around films like Nymphomaniac often stir controversy. While some can view such films as art or narrative exploration, others fear they might incite uncontrolled desires. Although the film was permitted at festivals, it was banned from public cinema screenings—even with age restrictions—on the grounds that it belonged to the “pornographic” category. But what if the very concept …
In a heartwarming example of compassion, Imam Mustafa Efe, the imam of Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi Mosque in Üsküdar, Istanbul, became a global symbol of kindness when he opened the mosque’s doors to street cats. His gentle embrace of these animals—allowing them to roam freely even during prayers and sermons—struck a chord not only in Turkey but around the world. Nicknamed …
Overview of Bursa Ulu Mosque The Bursa Ulu Mosque (Ulu Cami) is one of the most iconic religious structures in Turkey. While many mosques across Anatolia are named “Ulu Mosque,” this one in Bursa, commissioned by Ottoman Sultan Yıldırım Beyazıt, stands out for its historical, architectural, and spiritual significance. Built between 1396 and 1400, the mosque is a landmark of …
One of the prominent figures in archaeological collaboration between Turkey and Japan, Japanese archaeologist Sachihiro Omura, passed away last month in Kırşehir. Living in Turkey since 1972 and serving as the excavation director at Kalehöyük since 1985, Omura passed away at Kaman State Hospital, where he had been admitted due to illness. According to some sources, Omura was born in …
Gölyazı Village, nestled on the shores of Lake Uluabat in Bursa, Turkey, is an enchanting destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, deep historical roots, and tranquil village atmosphere. Recognized by the Association of Japanese Travel Agencies as one of Europe’s 30 most beautiful towns, Gölyazı blends Ottoman-era charm with ancient Roman heritage, making it a must-visit spot for travelers …
Politics, football, art, cinema, love, passion, anger, wealth, poverty, and history—Istanbul embodies all aspects of life and naturally becomes an indispensable setting in Turkish literature. Since the Tanzimat literary era, countless novels have been set in this culturally rich city. However, in some novels, Istanbul transcends its role as a backdrop and emerges as a central character—almost the protagonist of the story. …
Anatolia, a region shaped by civilizations dating back to the dawn of humanity, is a cultural melting pot. Among the many legacies embedded in its rich heritage, the influence of Byzantine (Eastern Roman) music on Classical Turkish Music—particularly the tradition that evolved during the Ottoman era—remains a subject of both academic debate and musical fascination. Despite nationalist arguments that sometimes obscure …
When speaking of the most iconic symbols of Ottoman civilization, the mind instantly turns to imperial mosques, majestic plane trees, and historical fountains—especially those built under the patronage of the sultans. Over the centuries, additions like bridges, caravanserais, and baths enriched this legacy. Yet among them, one monument stands as a timeless masterpiece: the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, built by Sinan the …
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 …