Turkish coffee -“bir fıncan kahvenin kırk yıllık hatırı vardır”
Caffeinated sorcery that begins with the aroma, hitting your nostrils and cranking your heartbeat up a notch to two … The regard given to coffee in Turkey is expressed in the saying “Bir fıncan kahvenin kırk yıllık hatırı vardır” (One cup of coffee assures – and is worth – 40 years of friendship). The history of coffee […]
Turkish surnames – a look behind the names
When you think that in England surnames have been used since the 11th century, it is amazing that until 87 years ago the Turkish people didn’t have them The Surname Law The Surname Law was introduced in 1934 as part of Atatürk’s Reforms and required all citizens of Turkey to choose a formal, legal family […]
Tesbih – Islamic prayer beads
Tesbih, a small string of prayer beads that are carried around by many Turkish men, is one of the most common sights in Turkey. Used as a sign of faith as well as an accessory, these small beads are the embodiment of centuries-old craftsmanship. When you visit Turkey you are certain to notice that the […]
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Turkey – part two
Welcome to part two of our article on UNESCO World Heritage sites in Turkey. If you missed part one, you can read it here: Sites on the World Heritage List (Cultural) – continued … Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği The stunning Divriği mosque and madrasa (seminary) complex has been declared by UNESCO to be […]
Pamukkale and Hierapolis: a paradise of history and wellbeing
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. The surreal, brilliant white terraces and warm, limpid pools of Pamukkale hang, like the petrified cascade of a mighty waterfall, from the rim of a steep valley side in Turkiye’s […]
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Turkey – part one
Did you know that there are 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey? There are 17 cultural heritage sites and 2 mixed heritage sites. Mixed heritage sites contain elements of both natural and cultural significance. If you enjoy visiting cultural and historic sites, here’s part one of two articles that may help you to choose the ones for […]
Ephesus – the most complete ancient city in the eastern Mediterranean
This article was written for Fethiye Times by Steve Parsley and was first published on 22 September 2021. Walk through the preserved streets and explore the opulent houses of Ephesus, the most visited attraction in Turkey… Once through the security checkpoints on the road to Ephesus, the first sight of the ancient city isn’t that salubrious. If […]
Are you dreaming of an authentic Istanbul experience?
If the earth was a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.”- Napoleon Bonaparte Introduction and photographs by Julia Bayne Have you fallen in love with Istanbul yet? Previously known as Constantinople and before that Byzantium, the largest city and principal seaport of contemporary Türkiye is now waiting for you! As an imperial power for […]