The Turquoise Coast – as stunning as its name suggests
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. A turquoise given by a loving hand carries with it happiness and good fortune.” – Arabic proverb Stretching from Antalya to Marmaris, the Turquoise Coast is the most dramatic, varied […]
“Very superstitious” – a guide to Turkish superstitions – the sequel
When we published an article on Turkish superstitions, we had such a great response from our readers when we asked what other superstitions they were aware of that we just had to bring you the sequel. Here’s the first article if you missed it. “Very superstitious” – a guide to Turkish superstitions – the sequel Always […]
Macun – a sweet, colourful candy and more
When you hear the words “street food” in Turkey they conjure up images of döner kebab (meat or chicken cooked on a vertical rotisserie), simit (circular sesame-crusted bread), balık ekmek (fried or grilled fish inside a loaf of bread), midye dolma (stuffed mussels) lokma (fried sweet dough covered in syrup), mısır (freshly boiled or grilled corn on the cob) to name a few. There’s another […]
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 […]
İstiklal Marşı – Turkey’s National Anthem
A motivational musical saga for the troops fighting in the Turkish War of Independence and an aspirational anthem for a Republic that was yet to be established … Frequent visitors to Turkey will have come across examples of how patriotic the Turkish people are. The Turkish flag, for example, is absolutely everywhere and is treated […]
The natural wonder of Turkey’s waterfalls
Turkey is a country that offers breathtaking scenery wherever you go, from Mediterranean beaches to remote mountain villages, with beautiful countryside offering a luxurious vista that stretches away to meet the sky. Amongst these natural wonders is an array of waterfalls (the Turkish for waterfall is şelale)that can almost be overlooked – and they are just […]
Turkish Bananas: where size isn’t everything
One of the wonderful things about living in Turkey is the continuous supply of fresh, flavoursome fruit and vegetables and at this time of year, the markets are full of Turkish bananas or muz. Sweet and delicate Turkish bananas are smaller than their European counterparts but what they lack in size they more than make up […]
Turkey – a magical winter wonderland
Different seasons are one of nature’s greatest gifts. At the moment, Turkey is in the grip of harsh winter weather with snow blanketing much of the country and below-freeing temperatures making moving from the warmth of a soba a challenge to say the least! It’s worth the effort! The Turkish landscape is stunning all year […]
Tulips – Turkey’s gift to the world
“When it’s Spring again I’ll bring again, Tulips from Amsterdam” Or are they? Originating in the Pamir Mountains of the Turkic homeland in Central Asia before spreading to Anatolia and worldwide, tulips continue to be a defining theme for spring events in Turkey. Tulips were brought by the Turks from Central Asia to Anatolia during […]