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Simena Castle Ruins: Spectacular Coastal Views and Boat Access

I had visited Simena before, back in 2010 while touring Turkey’s southwest coast. The village is charming and traditionally simple, and I wanted to explore more…

Cavuşin Village and the Historic Church of Saint John, Cappadocia

Cavusin, the old Greek village in Cappadocia, Turkey, is often overlooked in travel writing. When it is mentioned, it typically receives only a few sentences before…

4 Common Myths About Living as an Expat in Turkey

I have written before about expat life in Turkey and how foreigners often cluster into their own communities. Turkey today hosts a diverse multinational expat population.…

Soganli Valley: Abandoned Village and Ancient Rock-Cut Churches

I did not expect much from Soğanlı Valley in Cappadocia. Guidebooks and popular routes tend to highlight places like Ihlara or Pigeon Valley, leaving Soğanlı off…

Altinkum Boat Trips: Relaxing Day Cruises Along the Coast

Altinkum boat trips offered the perfect escape from the monotonous routine that had crept into my life. For months I had been glued to my computer,…

Top Hotels Near Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), Istanbul

Looking for a hotel near SAW Airport Istanbul? Whether you have an overnight layover, an early morning flight, or a long transit between Europe and Asia,…

Phaselis, Turkey: Explore Ancient Ruins and Stunning Beaches

Phaselis sits beneath impressive mountains and faces the clear waters of the Mediterranean. It’s an ideal place to spend a day relaxing on a beach and…

Was John the Apostle Really Buried at Selçuk’s Basilica?

Saint John’s Basilica in Selçuk remains a compelling site long after a visit. The wider area around Selçuk is rich in early Christian history: the nearby…

Inside the Life of an Imam: Voices from an Islamic Community Leader

Have you ever put someone on a high pedestal because of their social position? Have you ever assumed they wouldn’t be interested in your presence or…

Mobile Internet in Turkey: SIM, eSIM, Pocket WiFi & Plans

Staying connected while visiting Turkey is a common concern for travelers. We rely on the internet for everything from messaging and social media to maps and…