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 …
Located in Eyüpsultan, Istanbul, Rami Library was redesigned as a library in 2023, transforming into a massive center of knowledge. Spanning 220,000 square meters, it features a 36,000-square-meter indoor area, a 1,000-square-meter artificial pond, walking and cycling paths, and lush greenery. With over two million books, Rami Library not only caters to knowledge seekers but also provides a serene environment …
The Importance of Water in Istanbul’s Urban History Water is one of the primary indicators of whether a place has evolved into a proper city. Throughout history, settlements have typically formed near water sources. Though Istanbul lacks significant rivers, its unique geography necessitated innovative solutions to water supply. For centuries, water was brought to the city via aqueducts from as …
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 …
“…There are many notable citizens and cavalrymen… The city has 17 neighborhoods. Its houses are connected, with gardens, and prosperous… Surrounded by roses, flower gardens, orchards, and fields, it is a city with abundant grains…” This observation comes from the famous traveler Evliya Çelebi in the 16th century. While Odunpazarı today looks very different from the thriving settlement described back …
Few works in Turkish cultural history blur the boundary between scholarship and personal obsession as vividly as Reşad Ekrem Koçu’s İstanbul Ansiklopedisi (Encyclopedia of Istanbul). Begun in 1944 and left unfinished three decades later, the encyclopedia was envisioned as a definitive record of the city but grew into something far more eccentric: a mosaic of forgotten trades, neighborhood stories, eccentric …
From the Aegean coast to the Black Sea mountains, Turkey is home to picturesque villages rich in history, nature, and authentic local cuisine. Below is a curated list of 11 must-visit beautiful Turkish villages, with details on why they attract tourists, how to get there, what to eat, and where to explore. Şirince, İzmir Why Visit: Known for its stone …
One of the greatest travelers in the world, Ibn Battuta, traveled to various parts of the world for 28 years. Surpassing even Marco Polo in both the scope of his travels and his detailed accounts, one of the regions he visited was Anatolia. He praised Anatolia with the words: “This land known as the Land of the Romans (Rum) is …
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 …
Despite the fast pace of modern life and the rise of apartment living, Diyarbakır has preserved a unique and deeply rooted pigeon-keeping culture. Thousands in the city continue to care for pigeons they lovingly call their “silent confidants.” Diyarbakır Pigeon Hotels: A Shelter in the City As apartment life restricts keeping birds at home, pigeon enthusiasts rent space in “pigeon …