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…
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…
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,…
Did you know you can watch Istanbul live 24/7 via Live Stream? The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality provides a live streaming service through its “İstanbul’u Seyret” website, featuring a total of 19 cameras across the city. The 24-hour, 360-degree live stream…
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…
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…