The first cool winds of autumn have begun to move through the Belgrad Forest of Istanbul. The air is crisp, but the sunlight still carries the last warmth of summer – that golden, mellow light that filters gently through the…
Every song has a story, often reflecting a hidden tale of love, longing, or loss. Gamzedeyim Deva Bulmam (“I Am Wounded, I Find No Cure”) is one such composition, born from the sorrows of Kemani* Tatyos Efendi, one of the…
Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is one of the oldest known infectious diseases, almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but entirely preventable through timely vaccination.
As Istanbul begins to thaw from the chill of winter, Belgrad Forest (or the Belgrade Forest) awakens with a quiet, almost magical transformation. By April, this vast woodland, located just north of the city, erupts into a symphony of greens.…
Lady was a stray dog my father had been taking care of since 2016. He had built a kennel for her in the garden of his house in Silivri. Lady would spend the nights in that kennel and roam the…
Before the Ottoman conquest of 1453, Constantinople was a predominantly Christian city, serving as the heart of the Byzantine Empire. Yet historical records reveal moments of Muslim presence within its walls-diplomatic, commercial, and even religious. A small number of Muslims…
Istanbul, one of the most populous cities in the world (its population is over 15 million as of 2025), where the continents of Europe and Asia seamlessly blend, is not just a historical and cultural gem but also one of…
Istanbul, the vibrant city that bridges Europe and Asia, follows Turkey Time (TRT, UTC+3) all year round, with no daylight-saving changes. Whether you’re planning a trip, scheduling a meeting, or just curious about the local time, this page provides the…
For nearly a decade, I have been dedicated to rescuing, feeding, and providing medical care to stray cats and dogs in Bahçeköy, Istanbul. My efforts began in 2015 after I unknowingly rescued a pregnant stray cat who frequently visited my…
This morning (Sunday, February 23, 2025), Istanbul was once again covered in heavy snowfall (it has been snowing since Wednesday). Belgrad Forest (Belgrade Forest), which is just a 5-minute walk from my home, looks stunning under the snow. So, I…
Istanbul Technical University (ITU), one of the most prestigious institutions in Turkey, transforms into a winter wonderland when covered in snow. The tree-lined paths, modern buildings, and serene campus roads take on a peaceful, almost surreal quality under a fresh…
On February 19, 2025, Bahçeköy was blanketed in a thick layer of snow, transforming the quiet streets and old buildings into a picturesque winter scene. From my window, I watched as heavy snowflakes fell steadily, covering the rooftops, parked cars,…