Turkey has developed rapidly over the past 15 years, prompting debate about whether modern urban growth threatens traditional culture. Such discussions are familiar to me from my upbringing in the UK, so I tend to listen more than argue. One encouraging response to these concerns is that many older generations are actively preserving traditional arts—one … Read more

Kayakoy ghost village sits a short distance from the busy resorts of Fethiye and Olu Deniz. Today it is deserted: houses crumble, streets lie empty and the place has a still, haunting atmosphere. Despite the silence, Kayakoy carries a strong presence. Some visitors may not notice it, but those who read about the village’s history … Read more

Trying to decide where to stay in Istanbul before your cruise? This guide compares the three most popular neighborhoods near Galataport and offers clear recommendations to help you choose the best area—and the right hotel—for your pre-cruise stay. You’ve booked your Mediterranean cruise, planned excursions, checked embarkation times, and maybe added a traditional Turkish hamam … Read more

Trabzon may not rank among my favorite Turkish cities, but it is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. While Western tourists are relatively rare, travelers from the Middle East and neighboring countries are common. In the 1990s the city prospered as a center of suitcase trade: with the opening of borders after the … Read more

Turkish cooks are famously resourceful with food: nothing is wasted and nearly every part of an animal or plant finds a use. Dishes that once sounded odd to me are now familiar. For example, reading “brain soup” on a menu no longer makes me laugh, and one of my favourite dishes in Urfa was dalak, … Read more

This morning I found myself torn between the tourist bustle of Altinkum and the quiet of a nearby village. After a breakfast of familiar comforts and a few minutes of people-watching, I headed inland with two friends to explore Akkoy, a small settlement between Soke and Didim on the Aegean coast. I’ve driven past Akkoy … Read more

You’ve packed your bags and planned your trip to Istanbul — but how do you get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Kadıköy? This guide explains five reliable ways to travel between SAW Airport and Kadıköy: the M4 metro, the Havabus airport shuttle, taxi, private transfer, and regular public bus. Both SAW and Kadıköy are … Read more

Tucked inside a quiet stone courtyard was a small, dusty workshop. I peered through the age-darkened windows, unsure whether the shop was open. The door creaked, and an elderly man greeted me with a warm smile. His lined face and stooped posture showed his years, yet he moved with a steady, practiced grace. When I … Read more

Welcome to the Turkish Travel Blog and an extensive guide to things to do in Turkey. You’re spoiled for choice: Turkey ranks among the world’s most visited countries because it offers something for everyone, whether your interests lie in history, culture, nightlife, or lifestyle. Combine these attractions with delicious cuisine, warm hospitality, pleasant weather, beautiful … Read more

Due to circumstances, I must return to dear old Blighty in two months — that small, often gloomy island in the middle of the Atlantic. England prompts memories of people who grumble about their lives and complain about their government. I don’t want to go, but needs must, so I started hunting for plane tickets … Read more