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Visit Istanbul
Ottoman Intrigue at Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul
If there were ever a home with juicy untold secrets, it is the 15th Century BC Topkapi palace museum in the Fatih district of Istanbul city. Here, the Ottoman sultans courted concubine slaves, harem fights for power took place, castrated eunuchs served their master, and sibling rivalry over the throne cut some family members’ lives short. Topkapi’s importance existed for nearly four hundred years until…
The Hagia Sophia Mosque of Istanbul and Why You Should Visit
Ah, the Hagia Sophia grand mosque of Istanbul – Turkey. The former great church, Ottoman Mosque, official museum and now mosque again has saintly ambiences combined with Islamic and Byzantine architecture. Sitting in Istanbul’s old city part known as Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia joins nearby significant historical buildings belonging to Turkey’s UNESCO World Heritage list. The large building portrays the history of 3 cities; Istanbul, Constantinople,…
Grand Bazaar of Istanbul : Shopping and Souvenir Guide
The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, Turkey, is a lot more than an average shopping mall. The market dates from the 15th century after the Ottomans conquered Constantinople (former Istanbul.) Markets like this were traditional throughout the world where they reigned. Sultan Mehmet the 2nd ordered the construction. The Grand Bazaar shop rents were then sent to the Hagia Sophia of Istanbul, which had been converted…
Galata Tower in Istanbul and a Beautiful 360-Degree View
Galata tower in Istanbul is the best place for a marvellous panoramic view over the Golden Horn, Bosphorus and city. Six years before, I went to Galata tower to attend a Turkish show at night-time. I could see lights from buildings, dotted across the horizon, and the lights of traffic moving, but that was it, and I wanted to return during the day. So, a…
ABOUT CAppadocia in Turkey
5 Good Reasons to Visit Cappadocia
I like to think of Cappadocia as my second home. Even though I get a buzz from going to new places, I adore the familiarity of the region and I’m not the only one because there are many good reasons to visit. Sitting in the central Anatolian region of Turkey, Cappadocia is the country’s third most visited destination. Attracting an international audience of fans, travel…
Secrets of Yüksek Monastery & Church
Wherever I go, when locals tell me about an attraction or landmark that isn’t in my guidebooks, I fill up with frenzied excitement, and an intense urge to get there. That was my initial feeling when I found out about Yüksek Monastery and Church. On this occasion, my private guide and driver was taking me to the small district of Güzelyurt in the Cappadocia region.…
The Best Photography Spots in Cappadocia
When I started travel blogging, I was quite naive because I thought it was purely about writing. However, it involves a lot more than that, and good photography is part of it. Indeed even the whole world of travel writing has progressed in that if you pitch any publication, famous or not, they generally ask for high-resolution photographs as well. Therefore, over the years, as…
The Stunning Saruhan Caravanserai of Cappadocia
The travel industry of Turkey in years gone by was very different to what we see now. People didn’t travel for leisure unless they were of the upper-class members of society such as the literary great Mark Twain, the female pioneer Gertrude Bell or the Ottoman version of Marco Polo, who was Evliya Çelebi. Aside from the affluent members of society, people mainly traveled for…
The aegean coast of turkey
The Majestic Ephesus Ancient City and Ruins
To see Ephesus’ ancient city ruins in Turkey is to see one of the world’s largest Roman archaeological sites. The colourful timeline of Turkey’s history means the country is awash with historical sites dating from many civilizations. But Ephesus is…
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Beautiful Pamukkale in Turkey: Thermal Pools and Ancient Hierapolis City
Pamukkale in Turkey is a top visited attraction and a sight to wow at. Pamukkale in the Denizli region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is nicknamed “Cotton Castle” because of solidified white calcium thermal pools that cascade down the side…
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mediterranean Turkey
Saklikent Gorge : The Hidden City of Turkey
My visit to Saklikent Gorge preys on my mind as a big travel mistake. I had read about it before in guidebooks, that called the 300 meter-high and 18 kilometer-long canyon, one of the deepest in the world; hence its name translates into hidden city. The formation of the canyon walls, means that even in…
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Seeking out Secluded Beaches of South-West Turkey
Jessie is an avid traveller who visits Turkey every year. She has visited many destinations within the country, but prefers the Mediterranean coast, mainly because she is a fan of beaches. However the problem with a beautiful beach is that it does not stay secluded for long, especially in the height of summer, when the…
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Turkish Food and Drink
Traditional Food in Southeast Turkey
I do not normally focus on food while traveling. I have a love / hate relationship with it and mostly eat more out of necessity rather than desire. My visit to Gaziantep, Mardin and Urfa changed that though. When comparing the region to the west, I recognized a huge difference in culture, traditions, and even…
Turkish Wines
A lot of people are surprised when they first come to Turkey and they discover that it is a wine producing country. There is nothing better after a long day of sightseeing to sit on your balcony and enjoy a glass of Turkish wine, while doing so you can be amazed to learn that Turkey…
Turkish Culture and Traditions
Turkish Culture – A Guide to Social Traditions
One thing you will soon realize when visiting Turkey is part of the Turkish culture involves being very sociable. Turkish people love to meet new friends and think nothing of spending half the day talking to a complete stranger while putting the world to rights. People who come from countries that are reserved may be…
Learn How To Speak Turkish : The Beginner Guide
Despite my love for Turkey, one aspect of living in the country that I absolutely hate is learning how to speak Turkish. Do I need to know it? Well, not really. Many expats live in Turkey without speaking the language but I believe that life is a lot easier when you know the lingo. So…
Explore
Ottoman Intrigue at Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul
If there were ever a home with juicy untold secrets, it is the 15th Century BC Topkapi palace museum in the Fatih district of Istanbul city. Here, the Ottoman sultans courted concubine slaves, harem fights for power took place, castrated…
The Hagia Sophia Mosque of Istanbul and Why You Should Visit
Ah, the Hagia Sophia grand mosque of Istanbul – Turkey. The former great church, Ottoman Mosque, official museum and now mosque again has saintly ambiences combined with Islamic and Byzantine architecture. Sitting in Istanbul’s old city part known as Sultanahmet,…
The Majestic Ephesus Ancient City and Ruins
To see Ephesus’ ancient city ruins in Turkey is to see one of the world’s largest Roman archaeological sites. The colourful timeline of Turkey’s history means the country is awash with historical sites dating from many civilizations. But Ephesus is…
Living in Turkey Permanently and What to Know Before Moving
With Turkey’s rising fame as an ideal expat destination, many people want to know about living in Turkey permanently. I understand the lure, and while it is not all roses and sunlight, my lifestyle in Turkey is better than if…
Beautiful Pamukkale in Turkey: Thermal Pools and Ancient Hierapolis City
Pamukkale in Turkey is a top visited attraction and a sight to wow at. Pamukkale in the Denizli region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is nicknamed “Cotton Castle” because of solidified white calcium thermal pools that cascade down the side…
23 of the Best Places To Visit in Turkey
When choosing the best places to visit in Turkey, get ready for an avalanche of choices. Repeatedly called the bridge between East and West, I often say the country of Turkey is the world’s most beautiful place. However, I admit…
Grand Bazaar of Istanbul : Shopping and Souvenir Guide
The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, Turkey, is a lot more than an average shopping mall. The market dates from the 15th century after the Ottomans conquered Constantinople (former Istanbul.) Markets like this were traditional throughout the world where they reigned.…
Galata Tower in Istanbul and a Beautiful 360-Degree View
Galata tower in Istanbul is the best place for a marvellous panoramic view over the Golden Horn, Bosphorus and city. Six years before, I went to Galata tower to attend a Turkish show at night-time. I could see lights from…
