Turkish men often capture the hearts of travelers, and many foreign women enjoy short-term romances while visiting Turkey. Holiday relationships can be exciting and meaningful, but they can also end in disappointment when expectations and realities don’t match. It’s important to avoid blanket judgments: many mixed relationships thrive, while some seasonal romances simply aren’t built … Read more

A couple of weeks ago I was browsing blogs and realized how much my appreciation for Turkey has grown because of other people’s experiences. I’ve met travelers who shared their Turkish holiday stories with laughter. I’ve read candid blog posts from visitors who described their impressions and discoveries along Turkey’s shores. I’ve also been struck … Read more

Opened in late 2021, Galataport is one of Istanbul’s newest and most vibrant attractions. This redeveloped waterfront neighborhood combines a modern cruise terminal, more than 250 shops and restaurants, a luxury hotel, cultural venues, entertainment facilities, and the Istanbul Modern art museum. Sitting where the Bosphorus meets the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara, … Read more

Drawing and painting have never been strong suits for me. I consider myself a creative person, but for most of my life I couldn’t use a pencil or brush to produce work worth displaying. That’s probably why I gravitated toward photography—because so much of the image is already there to capture. Still, the urge to … Read more

Yalıkavak in Bodrum is a genuine coastal gem. The town centers around four main streets, traditional windmills, a pleasant beachfront and a working harbour, and its relaxed atmosphere invites visitors to slow down and enjoy life at an easy pace. Once a small fishing village dependent largely on British tourists, Yalıkavak gradually attracted foreign buyers … Read more

Ramadan is a sacred period that tests the resolve, discipline and compassion of Muslims everywhere. Observant men and women undertake a daily fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food, drink and intimate relations as an act of spiritual discipline and devotion. Under the blazing sun, fasting people carry on with their routines while resisting … Read more

Kasimiye Medresesi stands on the edge of old Mardin, overlooking the flat plains of Mesopotamia. Completed in 1502, the complex is remarkably well preserved for its age and offers a clear window into Ottoman-era architecture and learning. We reached the medrese after a short downhill walk. The street was quiet and the large wooden door … Read more

The Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Galata Tower will always be there — but if you’re craving something different, try one of these off-the-beaten-path tours in Istanbul. This guide highlights alternative experiences across Istanbul that focus on local neighborhoods, hands-on activities, and quieter corners of the city. These tours are ideal for travelers who … Read more

Close to Göreme in Cappadocia lies a spot known as the Panoramic View. It’s well worth the short trip: the viewpoint overlooks the whole town of Göreme and offers exceptional opportunities for travel photography. Whether you prefer wide landscape shots at sunrise or detailed compositions of the fairy chimneys, you’re likely to capture memorable images. … Read more

Laodicea was a place I had long wanted to visit in the Aegean region of Turkey. Known as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation mentioned in the New Testament, Laodicea prospered as a major trading centre in antiquity. The surrounding plains were ideal for grazing, and the city became particularly well known for its … Read more