Visitors to Istanbul immediately notice that the city is a ‘city of cats.’ But is it safe to pet stray cats in Istanbul? What kind of health risks does interacting with these adorable friends pose? As someone who has spent…
Recently, I watched a video filmed by an American couple who visited Istanbul as tourists. The video was titled Turkish Street Food, BEST in the WORLD? Throughout the video, they explore the streets of Istanbul, tasting various Turkish dishes. It’s…
Neranțula, (also known as Nerranțsula), one of Panait Istrati’s most poignant and heartfelt works, is a novella that forms part of his larger literary universe revolving around themes of friendship, love, and social struggle. The story reflects Istrati’s unique ability…
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…
Istanbul is a city of contrasts and surprises, where history and modernity, and also two continents, collide. Here are 5 fun facts about Istanbul.
On Istiklal Avenue at night, Istanbul’s nostalgic tram glides gracefully along the tracks, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city. The glowing lights of the bustling street and the red tram create a timeless scene, drawing locals and tourists…
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…
The reason why the bird turkey and the country Turkey (currently Türkiye) share the same name is rooted in historical confusion and trade routes. The story is an interesting mix of misidentification, global trade, and colonial exploration.
Hagia Sophia was completed in 537 AD, and it must have been a magnificent sight for the people of that era. Let’s try to imagine what a passenger aboard a ship approaching Constantinople might have experienced when seeing the Hagia…
In the mid-19th century, the Ottoman Empire was undergoing a period of transformative change known as the Tanzimat, or “Reorganization” era, which introduced sweeping efforts toward modernization and Westernization. Sultan Abdülmecid I, who reigned from 1839 to 1861, was a…
Thousands of websites, blogs, and social media posts cite the quote, “If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital,” attributing it to Napoleon Bonaparte. Despite its widespread popularity, no historical evidence exists that Napoleon ever said…