Christmas Food with a Turkish Twist: A Fusion of Tradition and Flavour
While Christmas dinner traditions vary around the world, Turkey offers a unique culinary twist on holiday feasts, blending rich flavours and time-honoured dishes with a distinct cultural flair. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas in Turkey or looking to add something different to your holiday table, here are some delicious ideas for a festive meal with a […]
Hypnotic and Transcendent – The Whirling Dervishes
Imagine a hall filled with the soft rustle of flowing white skirts, the steady rhythm of a drum, and a circle of figures spinning in perfect harmony, their movements both hypnotic and transcendent. This is the world of the Whirling Dervishes, a mesmerizing spiritual practice that has captivated audiences for centuries. Origins of the Mevlevi […]
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 […]
Mosques and Minarets in Turkey: Architectural Marvels and Symbols of Faith
Turkey, a land where East meets West, is a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, striking landscapes, and diverse history. One of its most prominent and captivating features is its mosques, often accompanied by towering minarets, which stand tall across the skyline of both ancient cities and modern metropolises. These structures not only reflect […]
Bread: More than just a food
“It is essential to have bread during the meal” is the first principle laid down by Turkey’s Association of Cuisine Professionals. That bread is present when eating be done is as binding as a religious commandment. Bread holds a revered place in Turkish culture, both as a dietary staple and as a symbol of divine blessing. The […]
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – the creator of modern Turkey
The founder of the Turkish Republic and its first President, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, remains one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. Few historical figures have accomplished so much within such a brief span, profoundly transforming their country’s destiny and inspiring the world on a grand scale. Modern Turkey owes much of its […]
Small but Sweet: Turkish Bananas – A Taste of Sunshine
One of the wonderful things about living in Turkey is the year-round supply of fresh, flavoursome fruit and vegetables. And at this time of year, market stalls are piled high with bunches of Turkish bananas — or muz. Turkish bananas are smaller than their imported counterparts, but what they lack in size, they more than […]
Cooking with Çıntar: Fethiye’s autumn delicacy
As autumn arrives in Fethiye, it’s time to enjoy one of the region’s most prized seasonal delicacies: the Çıntar mushroom. Known for its rich flavour and versatility, this wild mushroom is an integral part of the local cuisine and a staple in many kitchens. Whether fried, roasted, baked, or used in soups, there’s no shortage […]
Celebrating 102 years of the Republic of Turkey
Republic Day, or Cumhuriyet Bayramı, commemorates the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey on 29 October 1923 and is one of the most important official public holidays and national festivals in the country. History of Turkish Republic Day On October 29, 1923, the newly recognized Turkish parliament proclaimed the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, […]
Pumpkins – from Jack-o-Lanterns to delicious desserts
It’s autumn! Pumpkins are ripe and plentiful … and Halloween is just around the corner. People have been carving Jack-o’-Lanterns for centuries — a Halloween tradition with roots in an old Irish legend about a trickster named Stingy Jack. According to the tale, Stingy Jack once invited the Devil for a drink but, true to […]