Most travelers have never heard of Kastamonu, Turkey, or know very little about it. That’s understandable — Kastamonu is one of the Black Sea region’s best-kept secrets. What makes Kastamonu special is that it offers everything you want from a destination — great food, historic architecture, and warm local character — without the crowds. The … Read more

While visiting Trabzon, I was eager to see the Atatürk Pavilion, also called Atatürk’s House. (For context: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk led the Turkish War of Independence and founded the Republic of Turkey in 1923.) About Atatürk’s Pavilion in Trabzon Despite its name, Atatürk spent very little time in this house. That mirrors another Atatürk house … Read more

Ah, the Galata Bridge in Istanbul — a place that instantly captures the imagination. For many visitors arriving in this remarkable city, the question is often: “Where are the lively spots to go?” That same question runs through my mind whenever I travel in Turkey. I want to find the places where locals gather, to … Read more

Turks often give places names that translate directly into everyday meanings. For example, the busy resort of Marmaris literally translates as “hang the architect,” a reference to an Ottoman sultan, Suleyman the Magnificent, who in 1522 ordered a new fortress and was furious with the result. Altinkum, another coastal name, means “golden sands,” a nod … Read more

I believe the best way to learn about a destination, its culture, and its traditions is to meet the people who live there. Approaching strangers isn’t always simple or appropriate, so I wait for the right moment or for someone local to make introductions. On a recent visit to Beypazarı I was fortunate: the staff … Read more

Looking for the best areas to stay in Bodrum? You’ve come to the right place! We visit Bodrum often, so we understand how confusing it can be to choose where to stay. The name “Bodrum” actually refers to more than 20 towns and neighborhoods scattered around the Bodrum Peninsula, each offering a different experience. This … Read more

No one is certain of the exact construction date of the Tarihi Yenihan, though a stone arch inscription suggests 1557. The building exemplifies classic Ottoman architecture: a two-storey structure organized around a single courtyard with a fountain at its centre. The original rooms, once stables and lodgings for travelers, have been converted into small shops … Read more

The stunning coastline of Antalya is a string of seaside resorts and the vibrant city centre that together form Turkey’s second most visited holiday region after Istanbul. Founded in 159 BC by the king of Pergamum and known in antiquity as Pamphylia, Antalya draws visitors from many countries. Expats also favour the area, using the … Read more

Miniatürk in Istanbul brought out the child in me. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to return. If you’re traveling through Istanbul, make time to visit the Miniatürk park. It may not carry the same historic weight as the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, but it offers a charming and relaxed day out … Read more

The Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, once the heart of Constantinople and Byzantium, is one of Turkey’s most visited neighbourhoods. As the historic centre where Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans ruled, Sultanahmet is part of a UNESCO World Heritage area and attracts visitors who want to stay within easy walking distance of the city’s major sites. … Read more