Ah, the Hagia Sophia, the grand mosque of Istanbul. This monumental building has served as a Byzantine cathedral, an Ottoman imperial mosque, a museum, and now a mosque again. Its atmosphere combines sacredness with a unique blend of Byzantine and Islamic architectural elements. Located in Sultanahmet in Istanbul’s historic district, Hagia Sophia stands among other … Read more

Soke is not a typical tourist town and shows little hurry to become one. Located on Turkey’s Aegean coast, it sits a short drive from holiday resorts such as Altinkum and Kusadasi. It’s also a convenient stop for travelers heading to Izmir, Ephesus or Selcuk thanks to a busy bus station that serves many regional … Read more

Meditation may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Turkish life, but it quietly appears in many traditions and practices. The tesbih (prayer beads) commonly seen with older men in tea houses serves as a simple counting tool to focus the mind and connect with a higher religious purpose. … Read more

Altinkum is a compact coastal resort on Turkey’s Aegean coast. Once a small fishing village, it has changed significantly to meet tourist demand and now caters to visitors seeking a classic sun-and-sea holiday. During a recent property boom the town received negative press when some expats were cheated by unscrupulous property agents, and a visiting … Read more

“Seek and find” were the first words I saw when I visited the town of Haci Bektas last week. The same sign also displayed the phrase “The feature of man lies in the beauty of his word.” Those opening lines seemed a perfect motto for any traveler or blogger. I was surprised to see them … Read more

The Gaziantep Culinary Museum is tucked into an old house on a narrow cobbled side street. I stepped into a small courtyard and took in the two-storey building. At first glance it did not look like much, but it proved to be one of the most complete and thoughtfully presented food museums I have visited. … Read more

Preparing for a holiday can be stressful. Between work deadlines, arranging pet care and packing, you also need to consider practical details like suncream and an out-of-office message. One task that often gets left until the last minute is exchanging foreign currency — but it’s an important step that can significantly affect how much spending … Read more

I have been rather critical of Kuşadası in the past, but recent developments have changed my view. The town’s growing international reputation is easy to appreciate, and there are plenty of unique things to do in Kuşadası that make it worth visiting. As a major cruise port, ships from around the world regularly dock here … Read more

Note: This is a guest post by Saskia from Alaturka Turkey. Turkey occupies a unique position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. That blend of influences shapes its history, culture, architecture, fashion and cuisine. Mosques stand alongside churches and cathedrals, while the landscape is dotted with ruins from Greek, Roman, Ottoman, … Read more

Exploring Pamukkale’s thermal pools is a must for many travelers to Türkiye, thanks to its striking blue pools, ancient ruins, and almost otherworldly landscape. But getting from İzmir to Pamukkale can feel confusing—this guide simplifies your options. Whether you’re planning a day trip from İzmir or adding Pamukkale to a longer route, this article explains … Read more