A Turkish Christmas sounds unlikely to many, especially those who haven’t visited Turkey. “After all, Turkey is a Muslim country,” friends and family often say. While the country is predominantly Muslim, Turkish people are pragmatic: where there is demand and opportunity, businesses respond. Since the early 2000s, Turkey’s growing popularity with expatriates and tourists has … Read more

A visit to Sinop, Turkey — still under the radar for many travelers — deserves a place on any Black Sea itinerary. This coastal city blends the rugged scenery typical of the Black Sea with a comforting, hearty cuisine, a friendly small-town atmosphere, and a proud local culture. Visitors often remark on how warm and … Read more

The guide called it a gentle stroll to Göksu Waterfall. “It will only take an hour,” he promised. That sounded perfect. Göksu Waterfall is known as a beautiful natural landmark in the Black Sea region, and I was eager to see it. It didn’t take long to realize that our definitions of “gentle stroll” were … Read more

Visiting the Cave of the Seven Sleepers near the ancient ruins of Ephesus — once one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire — proved to be a disappointment. Before my trip I had read numerous accounts describing graves, a church and ancient inscriptions on the walls. Instead I found three walls of rust-colored … Read more

Turks have some everyday mannerisms that can be easy for visitors to miss. Certain social rituals are so embedded in daily life that unless you notice them or ask questions, they may go unseen. One such ritual is the frequent use of terms of endearment. Turks use these expressions regularly, choosing the form depending on … Read more

Every country develops myths that outsiders often accept as fact. In this article I will challenge some common travel myths about Turkey and explain the reality behind them. If you still disagree after reading, I welcome your counterarguments. 1 – Midnight Express. Many people planning a trip to Turkey are warned with the familiar line, … Read more

You’ve likely heard the familiar saying that Istanbul sits on two continents: Europe and Asia. If you’re wondering how to actually travel between those two sides and want clear, practical options for getting to the Asian side of Istanbul, you’re in the right place. We live on the Asian side and have crossed between Europe … Read more

Turkey is a vast country with varied landscapes and climates. Snow blankets the mountains in the northeast, while sun-drenched beaches in the southwest fill with swimmers in summer. Its long, complex history has left deep culinary influences from many empires, dynasties and ethnic groups, creating a rich and diverse food culture that is a daily … Read more

Antalya, Turkey’s second most popular holiday destination and a cosmopolitan hub for many nationalities, offers an endless array of attractions. From ancient ruins and dramatic natural landscapes to vibrant markets, sailing trips and cultural festivals, deciding what to do first can be overwhelming. Many guidebooks highlight the old town and the historical site of Aspendos, … Read more

Congratulations on your engagement or marriage! If you want a honeymoon as memorable as your love story, Turkey is an excellent choice. With dramatic landscapes, romantic resorts, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Turkey has become one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. Whether you imagine sun-soaked beaches, magical hot air balloon flights, ancient ruins, or … Read more