The Stories Behind reflect’s ‘Collection Zero’

Well over a year has passed since we first sat down at ATÖLYE with reflect co-founders Ece Altunmaral and Edipcan Yıldız to discuss their...

ATÖLYE Spotlight: In Conversation with Emilie Kleding Rasmussen, Freelance Journalist

The allure of freelance journalism is one based on notions of freedom, travel, excitement, new experiences, and perhaps even danger... anything to get that...

Observatory Time: With Man Ray in Anamur

It’s always a good idea to get out of Istanbul, to escape the traffic, the noise and endless grind of people and machines. My wife...

A (Satirical) Guide to Some Proposed New Turkish Laws

The yabancı tries to keep a vigilant eye on the news, especially given the turbulent events of the past couple years here in the...

(Past Event) We Call It Home: Istanbul Dialogues – Women’s Issues...

We Call It Home: Istanbul Dialogues is a monthly series from Yabangee/Settle Turkey and ATÖLYE showcasing the inspiring contributions being made by Istanbul’s diverse...

Take 5: Üsküdar (Merkez Edition)

When I moved to Üsküdar 3 years ago it was still vilified as a conservative and religious neighborhood with virtually no social life. Over...

Awkward Tales from the ‘Bul #3: On Teaching English

On my first day of teaching English in Istanbul, I was thrust into the classroom without so much as a book or a clue. I...

Remembering Bowie: An Occidental Ode to the Original ‘Space Oddity’

My first memory involving David Bowie is from when my Aunt took me, at age 4, to a screening of “Labyrinth”. The details are...

The Lazy Olive: Book Your Mountain Getaway Near Olympos and Lycia’s...

We created the Lazy Olive (Tembel Zeytin) as our special getaway from living in the heart of Istanbul’s concrete jungle. It’s a spacious four-bedroom...

Thanksgiving for Expats in Istanbul: A Taste of Home Away from...

Thanksgiving is a beloved tradition, a time for gathering with family and friends, sharing a festive meal, and reflecting on the things we’re grateful...

Assos: Turkey’s Best Kept Aegean Secret and Once Home to Aristotle

Aristotle, roasted almond mezes, and a tortured history… Of all Turkey’s hidden treasures, Assos (Behramkale in Turkish) is an insiders’ favorite, conveniently located between...

Walk Across Turkey: Fatih and Feridun

On Friday morning, my fourth morning in Horsunlu this time around, I woke up and got ready to begin another day of working my...

In Conversation with Cognitive Scientist Lance G. Powell Jr. on Virtual...

If you asked me how many yabancı came to Turkey as students, I’d tell you “a lot”. But, if you asked me how many...

Istanbul Healthy Eating Tips on a Budget

It's been a long day in Istanbul, and here you are, going back from work, school, or an anime world portal. In addition, you're...

A Long Weekend on the Lycian Way: Kaş to Üçağız

The Lycian Way is heaven for hikers. Its 540 kilometres following the ancient Lycian route between Antalya and Fethiye and provides plenty of chances...

Issues with Joint Bank Accounts in Turkey

If you have lived in Turkey for a while, you’ve probably got an account with a local bank. It is easy enough to open...

Bizim Hikaye: ‘Shameless,’ Minus the Shame

It can be revealing, if moot, to compare an original series to an adaption, especially in terms of culture. But what stands out immediately upon...

A Moment for Istanbul

This weekend has seen the country suffer yet another senseless terror attack, leaving 5 dead and 39 injured in the heart of our beautiful,...

Earthquake Donations, Volunteering, Needs, and Resources: Help Those Impacted in Turkey...

On Monday 06 February, 2023 two massive earthquakes (7.5 and 7.8 in magnitude) devastated Turkey and Syria, with aftershocks being felt hundreds of miles...

Jazz it Up with the 25th Istanbul Jazz Festival

It’s that time of the year again when the countdown to the Istanbul Jazz Festival begins and our anticipation heightens as the promised day...

Take 5: Beşiktaş

After living in Beşiktaş for about three years, on and off, I’ve come to realize that it is regarded as a hate or love...

Out Now: In The Void Compilation

We're a bit late to the party on this one, but In The Void has recently released a compilation of their own showcasing some...

Luxembourg Philharmonic & Yuja Wang at the 47th Istanbul Music Festival

The 47th Istanbul Music Festival, organized by IKSV, has come to an end (and now starts the Jazz Festival). This year, the festival really...

Five Tips for Learning Turkish as a Native English Speaker

I've found myself having the same conversation with various people over the past few months. It generally goes like this: "It's just different for native...