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 […]
Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
Every year on May 19, Turkey celebrates the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day (Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı), which marks Mustafa Kemal’s landing at Samsun on May 19, 1919, which is regarded as the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence and the emergence of modern Turkey. Mustafa Kemal is now more commonly known as Atatürk. His precise birthday […]
Recipe: Roasted cherry tomatoes, feta and avocado on Turkish bread
Adding avocado to this open sandwich not only adds a rich creamy flavour, it also increases its nutritional value. Avocados are a rich source of potassium and healthy monounsaturated fats that help to lower cholesterol. Ingredients 250 gram cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 loaf turkish bread (215g), halved (use a loaf of ciabatta bread if Turkish […]
The irresistible allure of Turkish Delight
“It is dull, Son of Adam, to drink without eating,” said the Queen presently. “What would you like best to eat?” “Turkish Delight, please, your Majesty,” said Edmund.”~ C.S. Lewis Turkish delight or lokum is a family of deliciously sweet confections based on a gel of starch and sugar. Until the arrival of refined sugar in […]
Karadağ: the city of a “Thousand and One Churches”
Nestled 45 kilometres from the bustling city centre, on the border between Konya and Karaman, lies the dormant volcanic marvel of Karadağ. While its geological grandeur may first capture attention, it is the surrounding historical treasures that truly reveal the essence of Anatolian culture. Karadağ is home to numerous churches, monasteries, and tombs, forming what […]