What makes balık ekmek an iconic dish of Istanbul?
Vendors call out to people taking a leisurely stroll along the Bosphorus shore, stopping on the way for a taste of “authentic” Turkish street food culture in the form of…
LIFE Project: it all starts with food
A project supported by international organizations that helps migrants and aspiring food entrepreneurs in Turkey. By Yao Hsiao Launched in September 2017, the LIFE project aims to improve the livelihood…
Eskişehir: the old city young at heart
While Eskişehir is laid back, with the placid Porsuk River running through it, the city exudes a youthful vibrancy from its vivid centuries-old homes, local delicacies, and thermal hammams. By…
Beyti Güler: a living legend of Istanbul’s culinary scene
An iconic part of the city’s social and cultural history, Beyti restaurant has a special place in the heart of every Istanbulite. It owes everything to its exceptional owner, Beyti…
Robert College: leading the way through 150 years of history
Overlooking the immortal Bosphorus, Robert College has been turning out some of Turkey’s best and brightest minds since the Ottoman Empire, remaining a haven for young education across 15 decades…
James Baldwin: finding freedom in Istanbul
James Baldwin, one of the most renowned twentieth century American writers, spent much of the 1960s in Istanbul. He produced some of his finest work while living in the city.…
Colorful strangers: the many lives of Istanbul’s birds
Birds has been an important part of Istanbul, bringing colors to the city and people’s daily life. By Joshua Bruce Allen “Isn’t it something of an adventure, the joy of…
Madonna in a Fur Coat: a lonely story finds unlikely fame
This short novel by this famed Turkish author barely made a splash when it hit the stands in 1943, but has seen a remarkable popularity with today’s younger generations. By…
Istanbul noir: Ahmet Ümit and the dark side of the city
Celebrated novelist Ahmet Ümit talks on the city’s vibrancy, its history, and its dark side. By Joshua Bruce Allen Ahmet Ümit’s novel, Farewell, My Beloved Homeland (Elveda Güzel Vatanım), has…
7 native Turkish fauna and flora you should know
Turkey has a wealth of flora and fauna that has occupied this land since before history began. Varied climates across the Anatolian, Mediterranean, and Black Sea zones have given Turkey…
Turkish food ABC’s
Turkey’s rich, fascinating culinary scene can be dazzling to beginners. With this essential glossary, go from Turkish food beginner to expert in no time. A for ayran – One of…