I would like to say Gocek is my top recommendation, and that I was swept away by its beauty. The truth is different: I found this southwest Turkish resort unwelcoming. Some called it pretentious; a friend called it upmarket. Either way, it wasn’t the right fit for us. About Gocek on the southwest coast of … Read more

Ramadan in Turkey can seem unfamiliar to travelers who have not visited during this holy month. Ramadan—also called Ramazan—is the Islamic month of fasting, when observant Muslims refrain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. How Ramadan affects your trip largely depends on where you are in Turkey: big coastal resorts and cities often … Read more

I have written about Avanos before. This small town in Cappadocia, Turkey, did not impress me on my first visit. Back then I described it as deserted and eerie, a place that felt forgotten: “Avanos reminded me of the Wild West films showing deserted streets while playing an eerie whistling tune. I looked up and … Read more

As you set out to explore Istanbul’s hilly streets or Turkey’s dramatic landscapes, it pays to be prepared. Turkey is famous for its warm hospitality and welcoming people, but like any major tourist destination, there are scams to watch for. This guide highlights common tourist scams across Istanbul and other popular destinations in Turkey, with … Read more

Sanliurfa is one of my favorite cities in Turkey, even though I originally went there for a specific reason: to see the Pool of Abraham, known in Turkish as Balıklı Göl. This famous site is a major landmark in the region and attracts both local visitors and international tourists. The pool’s significance comes from a … Read more

The Dara Mesopotamia ruins rarely feature in Turkey’s mainstream tourism guides, despite their significance in regional history. Once a fortified and densely populated city in ancient Mesopotamia, Dara served as an important Roman stronghold. Part of the reason for limited recognition is the site’s proximity to the Syrian–Turkish border. While staying in Mardin, locals told … Read more

This Safranbolu guide covers everything from historic Ottoman houses and bazaars to food, day trips, and where to stay. If you’re planning a trip to Turkey and want to know what to do in Safranbolu, this is a concise, practical travel guide with tips on getting there, what to see, where to eat, and where … Read more

Today’s post is by Ash Clark, a writer from Australia, who traveled to Turkey to take part in the Gallipoli and Anzac Cove remembrance day, a poignant reminder of the innocent casualties of war. Brighton Beach, on the Turkish shore of the Dardanelles, is an unassuming stretch of sand. From the waterline to the land … Read more

By 2012 I began to question my choice to keep my travel writing focused on a single country. After a decade as an expat in Turkey, the thrill of discovering new details had started to fade. Daily life felt familiar and fresh experiences were increasingly rare. Based on the Aegean coast, I found much of … Read more

I recently spent time reflecting on the question, should animals be kept in zoos? The conversation started after I mentioned a planned visit to Izmir Wildlife Park to a few friends. They refused to make the two‑hour trip, insisting zoos are inherently cruel and have no place in modern society. Zoos and wildlife parks, however, … Read more