Nestled in the southwestern region of Turkey, in the district of Ağlasun in Burdur province, lies Sagalassos Ancient City, one of the best-preserved ancient cities from the Roman era. Although most of the standing remains date back to Roman times, the origins of settlement in the area stretch as far back as the 3rd century BCE, during the Hellenistic period. …
Every year, 23rd of April marks the feast day of Saint George ,known by various names such as Sankt Jordi in Catalonia and Aya Yorgi in Turkey, who is revered as a holy figure in both Eastern and Western Christianity. Originating from Cappadocia, this saint is globally recognized and honored, especially for the legendary tale of his battle with a …
Straddling the continents of Asia and Europe and serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul has been a major hub of trade and culture for centuries, with its islands, architecture, and natural beauty. The city’s impact on artists can be seen in countless works of art. In this article, you can explore Old Istanbul paintings …
Pope Francis’s recent pilgrimage to Iznik, modern-day Turkey, has cast a brilliant spotlight on one of Christianity’s most foundational texts: the Nicene Creed. Once known as Nicaea, this historic city was the crucible where the early Church wrestled with profound theological questions, culminating in the formulation of the Creed that defines Christian doctrine to this day. This papal visit is …
In 1958, the famous photojournalist Ara Güler, while lost on the roads of Geyre village in Aydın, stumbled upon a mesmerizing ancient city from the Roman era. This is the intriguing discovery story that introduced Aphrodisias Ancient City to the world, along with a practical visitor guide. Ara Güler and the Accidental Discovery Ara Güler had gone to the region …
While a visit to the hammam; where one bathes with the help of a tellak (male attendant) or natır (female attendant); is no longer a regular part of daily life for most modern Turks, these steamy bathhouses remain deeply symbolic in Turkish culture. With their kurna (marble basins), heated göbek taşı (central massage stone), wooden clogs, copper bowls, peştemals (bath …
Chingiz Garasharly (Professor, Doctor of Philological Sciences) was a prominent Azerbaijani linguist and historian. In his 2011 work “The Turkic Civilization Lost in the Mediterranean Basin”, Garasharly offers a radical rethinking of Mediterranean prehistory: one where Turkic roots of peoples were not only present, but foundational. The Thesis: Turks as Early Mediterranean Civilizers Garasharly challenges the mainstream idea that Turkic …
Phaselis Ancient City, believed to have been founded in the 7th century BC on a small peninsula extending into the Mediterranean, was discovered in 1811. It takes every visitor on a journey back in time, right into the heart of nature. Some sources identify Phaselis as a Lycian city, while others consider it part of Pamphylia. Founded by Rhodian traders, …
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 …
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 …