Istanbul is famously known as the “City on the Seven Hills” (Yedi Tepeli Şehir in Turkish), a title inherited from Byzantine Constantinople. Like ancient Rome, Constantinople was traditionally regarded as a city built on seven hills, reflecting its historical connection…
Among the many origin stories attached to Istanbul, few are as durable as the tale of Byzas and the “land of the blind.” According to the familiar version, Byzas, the legendary founder of Byzantium, consulted the Oracle at Delphi before…
Istanbul, one of the most populous cities in the world (its population is over 15 million as of 2026), where the continents of Europe and Asia seamlessly blend, is not just a historical and cultural gem but also one of…
Few stories capture the imagination of Istanbul as powerfully as the tale of Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi (or Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi), the man said to have flown across the Bosphorus in the 17th century. According to the legend, Hezarfen launched himself…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
During the reign of Emperor Justinian I (527-565 CE), one of the most devastating pandemics in history, known as the Plague of Justinian, swept across vast regions, claiming the lives of millions. The disease first appeared in the outer provinces…
Ivan Aivazovsky, a celebrated Russian-Armenian artist, holds a special place in the hearts of Turkish art lovers. With over 200 paintings dedicated to Istanbul, Aivazovsky’s works form one of the most comprehensive visual records of the Ottoman capital during the…
This morning, I stood on the subway bridge stretching over the Golden Horn to watch the sunrise, when the city of Istanbul unfolded in a serene yet mesmerizing canvas. The soft light of the rising sun pierced through the morning…
In 2021, the Republic of Turkey officially began encouraging the use of Türkiye in international contexts, a move solidified by recognition from the United Nations in 2022. While this change might seem sudden to the outside world, the name Türkiye…