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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Discover Side: Turkey’s Sun-Kissed Mediterranean Gem
Pronounced see-deh, Side sits gracefully on Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast, blending the charms of a modern resort town with some of the country’s most famous classical sites. Stroll through the ancient ruins, and you’ll feel the whispers of history mingling with the vibrant buzz of contemporary life—no wonder legend says Cleopatra and Mark Antony chose […]
Ölüdeniz in winter – a spectacular turquoise paradise
“Mother Nature at her finest” is often the first thought that comes to mind when you set eyes on Ölüdeniz in Fethiye, Muğla. Tucked away in southwestern Turkey, Fethiye enjoys a milder winter than many other regions. Towering cliffs, some reaching 350 metres, rise dramatically above the coastline, making the area not only a haven […]
Green Lanes: Discover North London’s Turkish Community
According to Wikipedia, around 500,000 people of Turkish origin live in the United Kingdom. The Turkish community is largely concentrated in Greater London, rather than being evenly spread across the country. Most Turkish neighbourhoods can be found in North and North-East London, although there are also established communities in South London and the City of […]