Kuyucak: Turkey’s Lavender Village
Kuyucak, a small village in the Keçiborlu district of Isparta province, has become one of Turkey’s most enchanting eco-tourism destinations—affectionately known as The Lavender Village. Each summer, over 80,000 visitors are drawn to Kuyucak to experience the breathtaking beauty, colour, and fragrance of its lavender fields in full bloom. For nearly half a century, lavender […]
A chorus of cicadas
I’m a Cicada, I can sing the same old thing, the same old thing. I’m a Cicada, I can sing the same old thing, the same old thing all day – Kevin Gilbert Summer is here and if we couldn’t tell that by the long hot sunny days, we would know by the cicadas and […]
Exploring the mysterious depths of Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern
Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Istanbul is the vast underground Basilica Cistern, a beautiful piece of Byzantine engineering and the most unusual tourist attraction in the city. A captivating testament to the ingenuity of Byzantine architects and the rich history of this vibrant city. A Glimpse into History Built in the 6th century during […]
Turkey’s Airbnb Law and Tax Regulations
Turkey’s New Airbnb Law and Tax Regulations All rentals less than 100 days fall under short-term rental status. To rent out your property in Turkey a ‘tourism house’ certificate is required. What is a Tourism House? What is a Tourism House Certificate? The document required to carry out short-term rentals in your property for periods […]
World Oceans Day – time to put the ocean first!
The Ocean Project was first declared in 1992 as part of a United Nations initiative following the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro—also known as the Earth Summit—which set in motion key climate change goals. In 2008, 8 June was officially designated as World Oceans Day, with a new theme introduced […]
World Environment Day 2025- #BeatPlasticPollution
Plastic pollution permeates every corner of the planet—even in our bodies in the form of microplastics. World Environment Day 2025 calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution. Plastic pollution has reached every corner of the planet – even entering our bodies in the form of microplastics. This World Environment Day 2025, the call is […]
Kurban Bayramı (Feast of Sacrifice)
Kurban Bayramı, Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, which occurs 70 days after the end of Ramazan, is a spectacular day of slaughter and feasting throughout the Muslim world. This year, Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of the hajj and the second most important religious festivity after Eid al-Fitr, starts on the evening […]
AKUT: Earthquake Preparedness and Survival
In 1995, an unsuccessful search for two university students lost in the Bolkar Mountains prompted a small group of professional mountaineers to establish AKUT. Realising the earthquake risk in Turkey, they underwent additional training and have since become a key organisation in raising awareness and preparing for emergencies. All members of the AKUT team are […]
In Photos: Chora Church / Kariye Camii
Written for Fethiye Times and with photographs by Sue Fockner-Aşık I had the good fortune to visit Chora Church (Church of the Holy Saviour of Chora) in Istanbul before it was re-converted to a mosque (Kariye Camii) last year. Built as part of a monastery in the 4th century, Chora Church suffered from the ravages […]
Turtle Alert – make a positive difference for sea turtles
And the turtles, of course… All the turtles are free – as turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be. – Dr. Seuss World Turtle Day (23 May each year) celebrates sea turtles and their place in the world and encourages people to take action to help protect the habitats of this ever-endangered species. A bit […]