Lifestyle & Commentary

Longing for Istanbul doubles as a sociological reflection on modernization processes in Turkish culture and a personal memoir that articulates what it means to...

“İnek var!” an alien called to the driver. “İnek mi var?” I replied to her great surprise then suddenly as if by pure magic inek appeared in...

After five years in this fascinating city, the need to finish a master’s is calling me back stateside. I have known about the move...

Moving to Istanbul was an exciting thought. I get to live in a new country, surrounded by people of a different culture. Oh, the...

The first time I came across the signature 'Yabancı' was when I stepped out of my house to do the privileged walk during the...

In all facets of daily, human life, the divide between what is expressed to others and what is in truth thought in one’s own,...

Moving from Poland to Turkey was definitely a big cultural shock for me – people, living conditions, working etiquette, and even foods were (and...

1) You might have thought it would never happen, but here it is: Istanbul Airport We knew they were building it. We knew they planned...

For over a year, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a major factor shaping our lives. This year again, the holy month of Ramadan began...

You barely catch the bus. You jump on, and it’s crowded, of course. But you squeeze your way in. Stuck in between strangers invading...

Flight volunteering for Cihangir Cool for Cats and our network of rescuers is easy and will cost you nothing! We will take care of...

We've all been there, haven't we? You are in a foreign country and some strangers approach you. You immediately think: "Whatever they are they selling,...

In a city buzzing with nightlife, the electronic music scene is a changing tapestry as the nightclubs of Istanbul past ebb and evolve into...

When Tas decided to share her cheeky and genuinely pretty accurate list of worst Turkish foods (looking at you leblebi!), my inner Turk compelled...

It was a bright, sunny Saturday, during my very first trip to Istanbul, when I went where very few tourists would dare – Yedikule...

Recently my friends and I have created a rule. We are not allowed to have more than 3 cocktails when we’re out. Whoever is...

Turkey is one of the few countries in the world where the rate of HIV/AIDS cases has been increasing in the past decade. Despite...

To better foster a sense of community, help people network, and facilitate sharing advice, we've put together some Whatsapp groups. If you're interested in...

“At no other time (than autumn) does the earth let itself be inhaled in one smell, the ripe earth; in a smell that is...

This article was adapted from Yesilist.com Turkey is constantly being nudged to get on board with the worldwide trend to reduce emissions and pursue renewable energy...

Yesterday Turkey was rocked by a horrific suicide bombing targeting a group of people traveling to Syria on a humanitarian mission. The victims were bright, selfless...

Istanbul beats Paris any day when it comes to experiencing romantic moments, as far as I am convinced. Even logistically it is superior to...

It's with great sadness today that we've learned of the passing of long-time friend and contributor Barış Mumyakmaz. A graduate of Galatasaray University and the...

If you or a loved one are thinking of quitting smoking this summer, and you've got a basic handle on Turkish (or want to...