These days, society often sends mixed messages about women who travel alone. Some see them as reckless, others as confrontational, and many admire them as confident role models. A striking historic example of a pioneering solo female traveller is Gertrude Bell, who explored large parts of the Middle East — including regions of present-day Turkey … Read more

Out of all my travel memories from around Turkey, the Ayder Plateau stands out for an odd but memorable reason. It was late June, and while friends on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts were dining outdoors in warm summer evenings, I found myself bundled up inside my hotel room. Despite wearing two pairs of socks, … Read more

Turkey offers a rich historical tapestry, varied Mediterranean and inland climates, abundant sunshine, and a coastline of sea and sand. Combined with a strong nomadic heritage and outstanding cuisine, camping in Turkey is an appealing way to travel. Although not widely promoted internationally, the country has many well-equipped and scenic caravan and camping sites worth … Read more

A recent search for the phrase “mental health of expats in Turkey” brought a reader to my blog and prompted this post. I wondered what motivated that search: had the reader encountered some eccentric expats while traveling in Turkey, or were they considering a move and worried about how expatriate life might affect mental health … Read more

The Bosphorus, the narrow strait that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia, has been a strategic and cultural crossroads for centuries. Linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, it attracted empires that sought control for trade and military advantage. Today the shores are lined with lively urban neighbourhoods on both sides, while the … Read more

Ask anyone who knows Cihangir and they’ll probably mention three things: charming antique shops, cozy coffeehouses, and a creative community of artists. We’d add a fourth: effortlessly cool hotels that combine style, comfort, and local character. Despite its compact size, Cihangir offers a wide range of places to stay to suit different tastes and budgets. … Read more

In Turkey’s eastern Black Sea region, the coastal city of Trabzon combines a proud history with vibrant local life. Once an important trading port on the Silk Road, the city still carries echoes of that past in its architecture, streets and markets. Throughout history, notable travellers such as Marco Polo and Evliya Çelebi described the … Read more

The idea of taking a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul didn’t thrill me at first. In winter, sitting on a boat and feeling the cold isn’t ideal. Still, every Istanbul guide I read insisted a Bosphorus trip was a must. I planned to see it, but budget concerns made me wary—organized tours advertised by local agents … Read more

I have discovered a new haven: a quiet beach in Bozbuk. This small, unassuming stretch of sand has become my escape from the noise of everyday life. When work and routine feel overwhelming, Bozbuk beach is where I go to relax, unwind and restore calm. What surprised me most is how the beach stole my … Read more

Throughout my life I carried a persistent question I could not shake: what is the point of my existence? What is the meaning of life? I refused to accept that life was merely a repeat of eating, sleeping, working, cleaning and repeating it all again, so I kept searching for an answer. Note: If this … Read more