Belgrade Forest (also known as the Belgrad Forest) is one of Istanbul’s oldest and most treasured natural refuges; a place where the city’s noise fades into birdsong, shifting wind, and the rustle of oak and chestnut trees. Watching this forest…
In April 2025, I wrote about Lady, a gentle dog my father had been caring for since 2016. When she was about to be taken away by the municipal teams in Silivri, my brother and I rushed to rescue her…
Cities around the world form formal partnerships known as sister cities or twin towns, long-term relationships designed to promote cultural exchange, cooperation, and mutual understanding. These agreements often grow out of shared history, economic interests, or a desire to strengthen…
Previously, I wrote an article titled “Road Cycling in Istanbul” for the website Cycling Passion. The article was predominantly in a Q&A format. Now, for 2025, I wanted to revisit and expand on that article. A lot has changed in…
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…