Gevher Nesibe is the daughter of II. Kılıçaslan, one of the Seljuk rulers. This Turkish girl, with black eyebrows, black eyes, black hair, and a fair face, captures the heart of a commander in the Seljuk army. However, Nesibe’s brother, Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev I, is against this love. He looks for ways to keep the commander away from Kayseri and sends …
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, …
Located in the northeastern corner of Turkey, Artvin is one of the country’s last untouched paradises. Known for its unspoiled nature and breathtaking landscapes, Artvin is home to many natural wonders, and one of the most captivating among them is Şavşat Karagöl. Just 25 kilometers from Şavşat district, Karagöl sits within Sahara Karagöl National Park, an area divided into two …
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. …
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 is not …
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 like: …
The origin of famous Turkish foods is an indispensable topic at international “food nights” where there is at least one Turk present… For example, if there is döner on the table, a Turk, a Greek, and an Arab will each claim that this dish originally belongs to their own culture (not even citing Germans who recently joined the race!). The …
Who Were the Tülütabaklar? Tülütabaklar were local heroes in Balıkesir during the Turkish War of Independence. These brave leatherworkers—called debbağ in Turkish—used fear and theatrical performance to disrupt Greek occupation forces and support underground national meetings. Clad in goat or sheepskin, soot, horse tails, bells, and sticks, they frightened enemy soldiers, creating an atmosphere of psychological resistance. Etymology: The Origins …
Türkiye is home to countless archaeological sites from different historical periods. While some sites like Ephesus, Göbeklitepe, and Hierapolis are widely known, other ancient cities in Türkiye remain relatively obscure despite their incredible beauty and historical significance. Below, we present a list of these lesser-known archaeological treasures, hoping that one day, you too will explore these hidden paradises. 1. Termessos …
As is well known, Sultan Abdülaziz was the first and only sultan of the Ottoman Empire to undertake a trip abroad. That journey not only brought us a romantic tale but also gave birth to the dish Hünkarbeğendi. Let’s go back to the year 1867, 154 years ago, when this story began. A Captivating Encounter in Paris: When Abdülaziz Met …