History

People, places and events from the long history of Anatolia, from the ancient world to the Ottomans and the Republic.

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…
The Great Queen Puduhepa & the Great King Hattusili III

The documents which give information about the 13th century Queen Puduhepa, wife of the Great King Hattusili III (1275-1250 BC) are prolific.…
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…
Simit: The Turkish Bagel

Known as the most common street food of Turkey; Simit; the Turkish Bagel is definitely one of the best matches with a…
A Journey Through the Foothills of Kaz Dagi (Mt. Ida)

The yearning to leave daily life far behind and take to the road tempts us all occasionally. We dream of driving through…
Nasreddin Hodja

If Nasreddin Hodja was a real person, he lived in 13th century Turkey in and around Aksehir in the Konya area. In…
Pisidia Antiocheia: Yalvac

Among 17 antique cities named “Antioch” in Turkey, only two of them are remembered well by the scholars, one is called “Antakya”…
Cirit – Turkey’s Traditional Equestrian Sport

When the Turkish people poured westwards from their Central Asian homelands in the 11th century, they came on horseback into Anatolia, the…
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…
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey

Nowadays it is recognized by nearly the whole world that cultural and Natural treasures do not belong just to the countries in…
The Warm of Angora Goats’ Wool

Until the mid-19th century, the angora goat was to be found only in Central Anatolia, particularly the province of Ankara, transcribed by…
The Yoruk Nomads

Today the Yoruk nomads are confined mainly to the Taurus Mountains, with their mist-shrouded peaks and vast high pastures. A people passionately…
Mimar Sinan

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

As most of us know; the name of King Midas is linked to Gordion; the capital city of ancient Phrygia. While mostly…
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…
Turkish Raki

Alcohol has been drunk in Turkey for thousands of years, which perhaps explains why the Turks have a more relaxed attitude to…
Justinian I (483-565)

The most famous of all the emperors of the Byzantine, or Eastern Roman, Empire was Justinian the Great. Born a barbarian, he…
A Turkmen Wedding in Tokat

The road leading east from Tokat towards Almus runs through the valley of the Yesilirmak River, and at a small crossroads, 13…
Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum

I Georgios am the captain of this ship belonging to the Church and priest in that same Church. We set sail from…
Lokum (Turkish Delight)

When I walked into Hadji Bekir’s shop on Hamidiye Street near Istanbul’s Golden Horn, it was like entering a child’s dream. Wherever…
Winter’s Tale of Cappadocia & Erciyes Ski Center

Enjoy a wonderful long weekend in Cappadocia with an extension of Erciyes Ski Center exploring this dramatic Anatolian ancient volcano, once active…
Last Stop in the Southeast: Siirt

Siirt is a city and province in Southeast Turkey where legend and fact are mingled in the colorful story of its past.…
Turkish Ravioli: Manti

One of the most memorable dishes of Turkish Cuisine is Manti (known also as Turkish Ravioli), tiny dumplings stuffed with minced meat…