Heavy Downpours and Thunderstorms Disrupt Daily Life in Istanbul

Severe downpours and local thunderstorms have brought Istanbul to a standstill, causing widespread traffic disruptions and significantly impacting daily life. The heavy rains began on September 15, flooding city streets and forcing pedestrians to seek shelter under business awnings. The downpours slowed traffic to a crawl across many parts of the city. The worst-hit areas […]

Explore the vibrant charm of Kadıköy with Mick & Trudie

Welcome to the third part of our series with Mick and Trudie. In this video, they take you to Kadıköy, a fashionable district in Istanbul that has become a popular residential area. Known for its lively nightlife, Kadıköy offers an array of entertainment options, from vibrant bars and clubs to cozy cafes and theaters. The […]

Taksim and Beyoğlu: the vibrant heart of Istanbul

Welcome to the second part of our series with Mick & Trudie. In this video, they take you through the vibrant heart of Istanbul: Taksim and Beyoğlu. Mick & Trudie explore famous landmarks and uncover the rich history behind this unique district. Once as renowned as Trafalgar Square in London, Taksim continues to captivate visitors […]

The very best of Istanbul with Mick & Trudie

Welcome to Istanbul, a city where history and culture intertwine seamlessly. In this video, the first part of the series, Mick & Trudie explore the enchanting Sultanahmet region, home to some of Istanbul’s most iconic touristic sites. They’ll guide you on how to navigate this historic area, suggest the best places to stay, and provide […]

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 […]

Secrets of the Hagia Sophia

Not only does Istanbul sit on the Bosphorous Strait—precisely where the continents of Europe and Asia converge—but it also seems to be a crossroads for the ancient and modern worlds. The city has been greatly influenced by various waves of powers and people of all cultural backgrounds. Hagia Sophia is one of the historical architectural […]

UNESCO World Heritage sites in Türkiye – part two

Welcome to part two of our article on UNESCO World Heritage sites in Türkiye. If you missed part one, you can read it here: https://fethiyetimes.com/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-turkey-part-one/ Sites on the World Heritage List (Cultural) – continued … Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği The stunning Divriği mosque and madrasa (seminary) complex has been declared by UNESCO to […]

The foodie’s guide to Istanbul

This article was written for Fethiye Times by Ola Khamitsevich Some people might be in love with Istanbul – as I am. Others may find it polluted and overpopulated and some are just not city people at all.  But there’s one thing everyone is agreed on, FOOD! It’s so delicious! Vegetarians, vegans or meat-eating Iranians like myself […]

Are you dreaming of an authentic Istanbul experience?

If the earth was a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.”- Napoleon Bonaparte Introduction and photographs by Julia Bayne Have you fallen in love with Istanbul yet?  Previously known as Constantinople and before that Byzantium, the largest city and principal seaport of contemporary Türkiye is now waiting for you!  As an imperial power for […]

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 […]