Having visited Yalikavak in Bodrum many times, it has become my favourite holiday destination in Turkey. This charming seaside town draws both foreign and Turkish visitors for good reason. Below I outline five compelling reasons to return—and provide practical tips that first-time visitors will find useful. Things to do in Yalikavak Sandy Beaches in Yalikavak … Read more

I love both writing and reading. One of life’s great pleasures is opening a book—fiction or nonfiction—that moves you, sparks curiosity, and inspires you to make the most of each day. With that in mind, here is my curated list of books about the country of Turkey. I have read each title on this list … Read more

Thinking about visiting Beylerbeyi Palace in Istanbul? This guide has everything you need to know! With a name that literally means “Palace of the Lord of Lords,” it’s an easy choice for a visit. Located beneath the Bosphorus Bridge on the Asian side of Istanbul, Beylerbeyi Palace is one of the city’s most elegant and … Read more

Many travellers have been shocked by enormous mobile phone bills after using their phones abroad. The main cause is data roaming — charges that apply when your device uses a foreign mobile network. Even if you avoid making calls, receiving texts or voicemail, or using obvious apps, background data and internet use can still incur … Read more

A few months ago, Lisa Morrow, an experienced travel writer based in Istanbul, contacted me. She had just published a book about Turkish culture and asked if she could send a copy for a review. I agreed and, a week later, a 162-page book arrived by cargo. As a quick reader, I expected to finish … Read more

Istanbul is a city of colour and life, but for this series I chose to present my recent images in black and white. I debated the decision, since the city often bursts with vibrant tones, but a January visit brought rain and occasional snow, leaving overcast skies that suited monochrome well. The darker skies and … Read more

Skip the crowds, avoid tourist traps, and discover a different side of Istanbul with this list of non‑touristy things to do. If you’ve already checked off the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, İstiklal Avenue and Galata Tower and want fresh alternatives with the same wow factor, this guide is for you. Maybe the ticket … Read more

Deyrulzafaran Monastery is often overlooked in mainstream guides to Turkey, yet it is an essential visit when exploring the Mardin region. Founded in 493 AD for Syriac Orthodox (Assyrian) Christians, the monastery — also known as Mor Hananyo or the Saffron Monastery — served as the patriarchal seat of the Syriac Orthodox Church until 1932. … Read more

Signs of summer are appearing all over Turkey. For me, that is a welcome change after five months of wearing two jumpers and pacing around my flat as if the Antarctic had moved in next door. Those early warm days have put a big smile on my face, so I put together a brief guide … Read more

When Turkey emerged as a major travel destination in the early 2000s, many visitors were drawn by its long, beautiful coastlines. Surrounded by the Aegean, Mediterranean, and the lesser-known Black Sea shores, Turkey offers a wide range of beach experiences to suit every taste. The praise is deserved: Turkey ranks third worldwide for official Blue … Read more