More guides

Follow Gertrude Bell’s Trail Through Turkey: Historic Sites & Routes

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…

Memories from Ayder Plateau: Stories and Photos of the Highlands

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…

Top Caravan and Camping Sites to Visit in Turkey

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…

Living as an Expat in Turkey: Challenges and Surprises

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…

Bosphorus Attractions: Should You Cruise or Walk the Strait?

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…

Top 17 Hotels in Cihangir: Boutique, Family & Romantic Picks in Istanbul

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:…

Black-and-White Photos of Trabzon, Turkey: Timeless Street Scenes

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…

Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise: Top Tips, Routes & What to See

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.…

Bozbuk Beach: Guide to Sun, Sea, and Local Eats

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…

Why I Moved to Turkey — And Why I Never Left

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…