Gourmet treasure hunt: local farmers’ markets in Istanbul
When hunting for a culinary treat, a visit to the local farmers’ market is a must, and there is no better time to do it than during the summer when…
How to trick fate: the long history of the Evil Eye
Understand the 5,000 year old tradition and why millions of people around the world believe in this magical power. Have you ever wished that you could kill with a single…
The ultimate guide to Beyoğlu: what to do and where to eat
No other neighborhood of Istanbul reflects the city’s centuries-old, diverse history, better than Beyoğlu. In between the new, yet not necessarily well-executed ideas, it is still possible to find places…
Seat of the sultans: a complete tour of Topkapı Palace
For 400 years, Topkapı Palace was the center of an empire that straddled three continents. Its historical, architectural, literary, and artistic value cannot be exaggerated. Among all the myths and…
Unlocking the Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia has served as both a shrine of peace and an everlasting fountain of mystery through the centuries. By Aslıgül Armağan As one of the oldest surviving churches…
Iznik ceramics: relighting the kilns of history
The tiles of Iznik can be found decorating monuments and religious structures; not only in Turkey, but in Cairo, Damascus, Jerusalem, and many other cities, and are proudly displayed in…
Silk in Turkey: threads of nobility from the past to the present
The art of silk-making was a secret for thousands of years, and it has never lost its luxurious mystique. Take a trip along the Silk Road that stretches from Turkey…
Magical protectors: talismans of Istanbul left by the Romans
The Romans built more than 20 columns to protect the city against everything from flies to earthquakes. A few of them are still standing today. By Joshua Bruce Allen Istanbul…
Get a new hobby: ceramics workshops in Istanbul
Considered a wellness activity that significantly reduces stress levels, ceramics is currently one of Istanbul’s favorite hobbies. All over town, there are individual and group classes led by talented craftsmen…
The dazzling legacy of Ottoman jewelry
The Ottoman Empire’s bejeweled masterpieces give us tantalizing glimpses into Istanbul’s multi-ethnic past, and its cultural legacy is the exquisite jewelry being made by the city’s contemporary designers and craftsmen.…