Want to avoid Sultanahmet’s tourist crowds and discover a more local, lively side of Istanbul? Consider staying in Kadıköy. On the Asian shore of Istanbul, Kadıköy offers an authentic neighborhood vibe often missed by typical visitors. It’s a large district that feels like a city within a city—bohemian, vibrant and full of character. Think of … Read more

Note – The shoe shiners shown in the photographs for this article did not scam me and never used any of the techniques described below. They were friendly professionals who agreed to be photographed. This article does not imply they were involved in any scam. One Turkish tradition I have always admired is the shoe … Read more

You might expect this post to recount the day I finally climbed into one of the many hot air balloons that drift over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys. Before I traveled there I read countless blog posts and saw photographs celebrating those incredible aerial views. I was excited and convinced I would take the ride of a … Read more

Uyku Vadisi, which literally means “Sleeping Valley” in Turkish, is a peaceful, scenic retreat that perfectly lives up to its name. My visit on a spontaneous Sunday reinforced my belief that the best days are often unplanned. I joined some Turkish friends who were heading to Bafa Lake for breakfast, and their suggestion to continue … Read more

There is one advantage to joining tours with Turkish companions: they often ignore strict schedules and planned itineraries. While this can frustrate travelers from cultures that live by timetables, I appreciate it. The looseness creates room for unexpected encounters, new friendships, and a deeper glimpse into village life in Turkey. The Turkish Village of Ani … Read more

I faced a tough decision: where to stay overnight in Cappadocia — Göreme or Ürgüp. In the end I chose Ürgüp but spent a day there to make sure I’d made the right call. Both towns have distinct characters. Within half an hour in Ürgüp I understood why it attracts a different kind of traveler. … Read more

I received an email from a reader asking where to stay in Cappadocia. D wrote: “I was wondering, which town in Cappadocia should I make my base? Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar, or…? Which would be the quaintest town to stay in, although I would love to see all three and more if possible. I am also … Read more

If you’ve come here wondering about the colours of Turkey’s flag, it’s a red field with a white crescent moon and star. This article, however, isn’t about the flag. It’s a short visual reflection on the colours I encountered while travelling around Turkey and some of the most beautiful scenes I photographed during my trips. … Read more

One of my favorite Turkish dishes is menemen, a flavorful combination of onions, peppers, tomatoes and eggs. Menemen is highly adaptable — you can easily tailor it to your taste by adding ingredients such as spices, potatoes, or cured meats. Its versatility is similar to English bubble and squeak: comforting, simple, and open to variation. … Read more

With a lifelong interest in exploring Turkey’s historical sites, I thought I knew most of the major ancient ruins. The Mediterranean coast in particular is rich in remains and gives Turkey its best-known long-distance trail, the Lycian Way. So I was surprised when I came across an article about the ancient city of Tlos—I read … Read more