Art

Jewelry, mother of pearl, the evil eye, writers and mapmakers: articles on the arts and crafts of Turkey and the people behind them.

Travel and Tunes: Top 10 Best Places to Listen to Jazz in Istanbul

Istanbul, once known as Constantinople, is a major city that’s rich with history. It’s seen the rise and fall of many empires,…
Traveler’s Guide: 10 Can’t-Miss Modern Art Galleries in Istanbul

There are few places in the world that have the history, culture, and atmosphere of Istanbul. As a cultural hub joining east…
The Top Things to See and Do in Nisantasi – Istanbul for the Best Trip

Did you know that Istanbul is one of Europe’s most affordable cities to visit? This gorgeous city, resting between Asia and Europe,…
10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Antalya, Turkey

Are you planning a trip to Antalya Turkey? There is something there for all of your travel companions no matter if they…
Astonishing Sights: World’s Largest Mosaic at Antakya Museum Hotel

Unless you’re a well-versed traveler of the world, you may not be familiar with the Hotel Antakya in Turkey. The building was…
Beylerbeyi Palace Museum, Istanbul

The beautiful terraced gardens behind Beylerbeyi Palace used to be known as the Gardens of the Cross because of a cross erected…
Visiting the Neighborhoods of Fatih, Fener, and Balat, Istanbul

While the neighborhood of Balat Istanbul has a rich history and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, less than 1% of…
Don’t Look Away: Discover the Meaning and History of the Evil Eye

You’ve probably seen the iconic evil eye symbol a hundred different times and paid no mind to it. Or, you’ve pondered its…
Your Ultimate Travel Guide: 15 Things to Do in Istanbul

Istanbul has been called “the city of the future.” Turkey’s biggest city is known for its culture, beauty and complex history. It’s…
Out of the Earth’s Origins: Gemstones

They began to form as the red-hot ball of the infant planet Earth gradually cooled. Stones were the first permanent substances, preceding…
Princess Ada of Caria

Four years ago, while digging the foundations of a new building at Yokusbasi in Bodrum, an ancient tomb was discovered. When archaeologists…
A Traditional Turkish Sport “Archery”

Archery was for centuries Turkey’s traditional sport, and also played a central role in Islamic culture. The use of the bow and…
Aziz Nesin (1915-1995) | My Own Story

My father, an Anatolian village boy, came to Istanbul at the age of thirteen. My mother, from another Anatolian village, also came…
Joys of the Ottoman Tulip Age

Dating from 1718 to 1730, the Tulip Era of the Ottoman Empire was a momentary period that the Sultan and the public…
Mimar Sinan

Also called Mimar Koca Sinan (“Great Architect Sinan”) (b. April 15, 1489, Agirnaz, Kayseri – d. July 17, 1588, Istanbul), most celebrated…
Ancient Anatolian Jewelry

Back in Neolithic Era, when the adventure began for hunter-gatherers and made its way for better civil life, the inhabitants of Anatolia…
Piri Reis

We do not exactly know the date of his birth, but we presume it to be between 1465-1470. Piri Reis was born…
Asik Veysel | The Life

The Life | The Art | The Tradition “I came to this world in three hundred and ten.” Veysel Satiroglu was born…
Discovering the Wonders of Birgi

Once you have made the acquaintance of provincial Turkey, you will be hooked. You will fall asleep dreaming of Asia Minor’s hidden…
Turkey’s National Shadow Theater: Hacivat & Karagoz

(Turkish: Black Eyes, or Gypsy), type of Turkish shadow play, named for its stock hero, Karagoz. The comical plays are improvised from…
Silver Filigree (Telkari)

Silver filigree work has its origins in Mesopotamia and Egypt from where it spread to Turkey and other parts of Asia. From…
What Is Meerschaum

Meerschaum is a German word meaning, sea-foam, alluding to the belief that it was the compressed whitecaps of waves, just as it…
Decoration with the Mother of Pearl

Shells could be regarded as a symbol of longevity since they survive for millions of years as fossils. At the same time…