Lifestyle & Commentary

“Habitash! Habitash!” The unfamiliar deckhand appeared as a silhouette, repeatedly emphasizing this made-up word as though I would finally understand what it meant the sixth...

The man who runs the corner shop next to my apartment building has a very strange approach to business, whereby he literally just changes...

The timeless column feels cold and rough to the touch. I like to visit things that are a lot older than I am. It...

South Asians love spice in everything – life, movies and of course, food. South Asian food is truly so spectacular; the complexity of flavors,...

In Turkish, the word ‘korkma’ means ‘don’t be scared.’ How I learned this makes for an interesting story—one which strengthened my belief that people,...

In a time of increasing disregard for the environment within Turkey, the conservation work being undertaken to protect endangered marine turtles on the southwest...

Finding out that I was pregnant came as a complete surprise, my husband actually found out before I did, but that's a whole other...

Editor's Note: The application window has been extended through Saturday 21 September. NADAS Istanbul is excited to announce its upcoming art residency programme, Nadas’a Bırak,...

What’s left behind becomes a faded memory, one that will be carried long distances no matter how tough it gets. Life becomes what’s packed...

Whenever I see Özgecan Arın she’s in costume, a long black evening gown complementing her height as she steps elegantly up to the top...

Editor's Note: We asked Smilja Brown, the driving force behind last year's "We Are ALL Refugees" benefit concert, to reflect on last year's event. Below, she...

This weekend has seen the country suffer its worst terror attack to date, with two bomb blasts in Ankara leaving over 95 dead and 240 injured. The tragic...

If you ever feel like having a quick tour of Istanbul from the Asian to the European side (or vice versa), just buy an...

After a few years in Istanbul and a very yabancı life, it is time for us to go on a big adventure in 2020!...

From the organizer: We created Friendly Speed Dating because we believe in the power of human connection. We understand that dating can be difficult and...

I have been living in Istanbul for four years. Just writing that sentence makes me dizzy. As a Spanish expat living in this amazing city,...

Three weeks ago, I was taking the metrobüs with my brother from Şirinevler, on a very rainy day. Being as crowded as it was...

OK, I’ll admit it: I hate these lists. They’re usually a shortcut to thinking. Besides, I’ve always fancied myself more an impressionist than medievalist,...

In the era of digital nomads, Turkey has proven itself an idyllic destination for freelancers from all over the world. Whether settling in for...

In the heart of Istanbul, in the historic district of Beyoğlu—more precisely, in the ancient streets of Çukurcuma—lies a museum that is out of...

Being an expat is difficult. You start a new life somewhere you probably have very limited knowledge about. All your old habits and automatized...

Located in the quiet northern suburb of Sarıyer, Tarabya is home to the modern, chic amenities of downtown life as well as the natural...

I arrived in Istanbul with little knowledge of the country, its culture or language. Straight from the vacation in Japan with my boyfriend and...

The gas mask is definitely too tight. When the three soldiers fly over Istanbul aboard the camouflage helicopter, the condensation almost stops Cem from...