Top 10 Worst Things About Living in Taksim
Up until last year I was a happy man, a contented man, living in that commercial hub cum residential suburb of Bakırköy. Bakırköy’s unique...
Coming to your senses: The Olfactor
“At no other time (than autumn) does the earth let itself be inhaled in one smell, the ripe earth; in a smell that is...
Arrested as a Spy, Caught in a Major Earthquake, & More:...
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,...
Terrorism in Turkey
Let’s first and foremost acknowledge the great privilege of being able to choose your place of residence. Most people are not granted the luxury...
What I’ll Miss about Istanbul
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...
Swipe & Skype: How to Social Distance Date in Istanbul
It’s Tuesday, May 26, 2020, the final day of lockdown in Istanbul. Some of you spent your days indoors working on your bodies. Many...
Istanbul Productivity: Six Cafes to Head with Your Laptop Near Taksim
Taksim Square is a place that is planned into almost every trip to Istanbul, one way or another. The name “Taksim” means “division”, from...
Top 10 Best Things About Living in Taksim
I lived in Mecidiyeköy for my first few months in Istanbul. That part of town is interesting in its own right, and it was...
Fires Across Turkey: Relief Organizations You Can Support
We recently made an open call to our community for suggestions and have since compiled a list of organizations that are currently taking part...
Awkward Tales from the ‘Bul #2: A Bit of Football Never...
I went and played my first game of football for a team in Turkey, adding to several other nations around the world in which...
TIYYD: Building a Better Tomorrow for Refugees
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...
Romance of the Roma: Hıdırellez, Spring time and the ‘Gypsy’ culture...
Perhaps there is no word more loaded and simultaneously mythologized yet scorned than the term “gypsy”. From Fleetwood Mac to Cher to Lady Gaga...
“Dialogue Tableware” Ceramic Studio Ortaköy
Since i love to learn new skills and to keep my hands busy doing and creating things, it wasn't so far to participate in...
Six Alternative Valentine’s Events for English Speakers in Istanbul
Valentine's Day in Istanbul isn't necessarily for everyone, but it's got much to offer for those in love and plenty of potential for romantic...
Five Best Walking Spots in Busy Istanbul
Aah, walking. It's that thing we do every time we're not sleeping or laying on the couch gazing at the beauty of the wall....
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...
Permaculture: A Growing Trend in Istanbul
By Abdelrahman Mahmoud
Permaculture. Does the word ring any bells? If yes, and you are already well acquainted with the concept, then hold on a minute...
Fall Resolutions for Yabangees in Istanbul
There is no better time to start working on your resolutions than the Fall season! Don’t believe me? Let me show you why.
Most people...
Istanbul Z
The gas mask is definitely too tight. When the three soldiers fly over Istanbul aboard the camouflage helicopter, the condensation almost stops Cem from...
Ramazan Dos and Don’ts for Yabangees
The Holy month of Ramadan aka Ramazan has started here in Turkey and over this thirty day period devout Muslims fast during daylight hours....
An Ode to Yabangee
Well this isn’t technically an ode seeing as poetry intimidates me. What it is though, is a giant shout-out to all you Yabangee-ers out...
In Conversation with Christian Feiland, Aiding Istanbul’s Street Animal Helpers with...
Anyone who has spent time in Turkey, especially Istanbul, will have noted the condition of street animals here. For all the compassion that exists...
Turkey’s trek to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
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...
Five Must-Visit Istanbul Streets After Coronavirus
Walk. Breathe. Eat. Drink. Consume. Repeat.
Wasn’t life nice and easy in Istanbul before coronavirus? We didn’t realize how fortunate we were back then. Thankfully,...