Turkish street foods you need to try
Turkey’s vibrant street food culture offers a rich and diverse culinary experience. From savoury snacks to hearty meals, here are some must-try Turkish street foods: 1. Fish Sandwiches (Balık Ekmek) A tradition born from Istanbul’s fishing culture, fish sandwiches feature freshly caught fish cooked and served right by the Marmara Sea. A visit to Eminönü […]
Heybeliada’s New Era
By Haluk Direskeneli A Delicate Balance Between Cultural Revival and Carrying Capacity One of Istanbul’s most distinctive island communities, Heybeliada has recently returned to public attention through two major developments. Statements indicating that the long-closed Heybeliada Greek Orthodox Seminary may reopen following extensive restoration work, together with ongoing plans to repurpose the historic Heybeliada Sanatorium for Islamic […]
Flower Passage: A Glimpse into Istanbul’s Elegant Past
Çiçek Pasajı, known in English as Flower Passage, is one of Istanbul’s most enchanting hidden treasures — a place where the city’s layered history, architecture, and lively social culture come together beneath a magnificent glass-covered arcade. Located just off the famous İstiklal Avenue in the bustling Beyoğlu district, the passage has long been a meeting […]
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 […]
Julie Lin Explores Istanbul’s Food Scene in BBC’s Discovering The World’s Table
Chef and food influencer Julie Lin meets the new generation of female chefs at the heart of Istanbul’s vibrant food scene in new episode of Discovering The World’s Table on BBC News On June 28th and 29th, BBC News Channel’s flagship food programme Discovering The World’s Table follows chef and food influencer Julie Lin (@julielincooks) as she journeys to […]
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 […]
Istiklal Avenue: The Heart of Istanbul
Istiklal Avenue (İstiklal Caddesi) is one of Istanbul’s most famous streets, offering a vibrant mix of history, culture, shopping, and entertainment. Located in the historic Beyoğlu district, it stretches from Taksim Square to the iconic Galata Tower, covering 1.4 kilometers of pure energy. What Makes Istiklal Special? Historic Trams: The nostalgic red trams are a […]
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 […]