Classic Turkish night: Istanbul’s meyhane culture and where to experience it
The meyhane is more than a mere place to eat and drink. It is where conversation takes center stage, where hearts are poured out as the rakı flows. Many traditional…
Ten beautiful Turkish words that don’t exist in English
From the Central Asian steppe to southeastern Europe, Turkish is a language that has absorbed many influences while retaining its own character. Most of the vocabulary comes from Turkic, Arabic,…
Right in time for Valentine’s Day: best Turkish designer jewelry
Building on centuries of jewelry-making know-how, Turkish designers transform precious materials into works of art that are suitable for daily wear as well special events. Check out our favorite Istanbul…
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What to do on Valentine’s Day Make a reservation for a romantic dinner or enjoy luxurious couple spa at some of the best restaurants and hotels in Istanbul. Check out our…
Five love stories from Turkish culture
Drawing on different cultures, Turkish literature has many great love stories that stem from legends, told and retold over centuries. These dramatic tales became something for people to hold onto…
How to celebrate Lunar New Year in Istanbul this week
On February 5, millions of people around the world will celebrate the Lunar New Year. The festival runs for a week, but the biggest celebration takes place during the day…
Best bookstores in Istanbul
There are many places for bookworms to shelter and read in this bustling megacity. Around Galatasaray, Homer Kitabevi is an established gem appreciated by book lovers since 1995. Besides academic…
Moda’s best kept secret: hidden mansions by Constantine Pappa
The Kadıköy neighborhood of Moda is home to several underrated architectural treasures. Many were designed by one man: the versatile, talented, but little known architect Constantine Pappa. n Moda Caddesi,…