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 […]
Hıdırellez – Turkey’s spring festival
Hıdırellez, a traditional festival to usher in spring, falls on May 6 each year and celebrations start on May 5 around the country, especially among the Roma community … Hıdırellez is regarded as one of the most important seasonal festivals in both Turkey and parts of the Middle East. Called the Day of Hızır (Ruz-ı Hızır) in […]
Turkey marks Anzac Day
Thousands of people gather at locations across Turkey and in cities and towns in Australia and New Zealand every year to honour the soldiers who lost their lives during a tragic campaign in 1915. Ceremonies are held near the former World War I battlefields on Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula, as well as in other areas, where […]
Fethiye celebrates National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
The 23rd of April is a unique and very special international celebration. The founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, dedicated this day to the children of the country to emphasize that they are the future of the new nation. National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı) commemorates the inauguration of the […]
The Çalış Boat Cooperative
This article was written for Fethiye Times by Steve Parsley and updated by Lyn Ward on 16 April 2025 The Çalış Boat Cooperative has come a long way since a handful of captains started working together taking tourists out fishing in Fethiye Bay in 1987. In the early days, there were no tables or chairs […]
60th Presidential Bicycle Tour of Turkey
The 60th Presidential Bicycle Tour of Turkey will take place from April 27 to May 4, 2025. Organised by the Turkish Bicycle Federation under the auspices of the Presidency and supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the event is the only bicycle race in Turkey classified under the UCI ProSeries category. The tour […]
Exploring the enigmatic beauty of Altınbeşik Lake Cavern in Antalya
Nestled within the captivating landscapes of Antalya, Türkiye, lies a hidden gem that has intrigued adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike for centuries – the Altınbeşik Lake Cavern. Tucked away beneath the Taurus Mountains, this natural wonder beckons explorers to uncover its mysteries and immerse themselves in its mesmerizing beauty. Altınbeşik Lake Cavern, also known as […]