Search Results for: roman

Titus Tunnel and Cradle Cave: A Roman Engineering Marvel

Hatay, a region often described as a cultural mosaic, has been home to many civilizations and diverse cultures over millennia. Known for its tolerance, multicultural fabric, and religious harmony, Hatay continues to captivate history lovers and travelers alike. One of its most impressive historical landmarks is the Titus Tunnel, located in the Samandağ district. This ancient Roman structure is not …

Zeugma: The Ancient City of Mosaics and Roman Heritage in Gaziantep

Zeugma’s history dates back to ancient times. It is an ancient city, established by the generals of serving Alexander the Great, around 300 AD. Today, the city is located within the borders of Belkıs Village of Nizip County of Gaziantep Province. The city was named Selevkaya Euphrates when it was first established. Shortly after that, the city came under the …

Why Do All Roads Lead to Rome? Uncovering the Ancient Power of Roman Roads

The Roman Empire was built on a piece of land which extends toward the Mediterranean. It was strategically positioned to be protected from the enemy and to be advantageous to trade. However, its main strength was the great network of Roman stone roads. The Empire created thousands of kilometers of stone roads to Rome, which depicted an idiom “all roads …

Murder on the Orient Express: Poirot, Istanbul & the Romance of the Golden‑Age Train

Istanbul is the last stop on the Orient Express or Eastern Express, which had its first expedition in 1883 from Paris. Between the years of 1883 and 1977, the train expeditions, which were initiated for Europeans to recognize the Eastern civilization and to be informed about its authentic values, especially attracted the attention of authors, artists and the cinema industry.

Roman Ruins in Turkey

Anatolia is described as the cradle of civilizations. Indeed, many ancient tribes and civilizations prevailed in Anatolia, and they were erased from the stage of history, leaving only their ruins. Roman Empire is obviously one of the most spread and developed state of its time, leaving many ruins in its geography, including Turkey.

The Karaites: The Jewish Turks of Europe and the Middle East

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 …

Fratricide in Ottomans: History, Politics, and Drama

Introduction: A Bloodline Secured by Bloodshed The Ottoman Empire, one of the most powerful dynasties in history, spanned over six centuries. But behind the grandeur of its palaces and military conquests lay a brutal political reality: the systematic elimination of male relatives to secure the throne. Known as **fratricide**, this practice was not only accepted but legalized, institutionalized, and, at …

Sarıkaya Hot Springs in Yozgat

Located 79 kilometers from Yozgat city center, the Sarıkaya Hot Springs are among Turkey’s most important health tourism destinations. With a history stretching back to the Hittite era, the region has witnessed civilizations from the Assyrians to the Romans, all drawn to its therapeutic thermal waters. During the Roman period, Sarıkaya became a well-known spa town, and to this day, …

Habibi Neccar Mosque: The Oldest Mosque in Anatolia

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 …

The Golden Horn: Istanbul’s Historical Waterway

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 …