My Turkish Neighbours Who Taught Me What ‘Korkma’ Means
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,...
The Art of Solitude
It comes on suddenly. One moment you’re experiencing an exciting roller coaster of new experiences, emotions, thoughts, and people. You’re learning to become more...
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...
New Year Bibliotherapy: 10 Turkish Books to Read in 2021
Even though decades pass, some stories and books are ageless. Reading is more than just a hobby, as books also help us manage mental...
Exploring Istanbul’s Museum of Innocence: Where Fiction Meets Reality
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...
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,...
Life in Lockdown: Married with Kid vs Single with Cat
While regular weekend lockdowns in Istanbul have been a unifying experience in a myriad of ways, so much of our experience is tied to...
Open Call: Istanbulspor Season Ticket & Passolig Giveaway!
Aligning oneself with an Istanbul football club is a right of passage when living in Turkey's most populous city. There are plenty of clubs...
We Are With Istanbul
This week has been one of sadness and deep reflection for all of us in Turkey. These heinous, tragic attacks are all too frequent and...
Dispatches from Cappadocia: Börek, Mini Türks And Homesickness
There is nothing more sacred to an expat than the taste of food from home, although this is the kind of truth we only...
A Five Star Toilet – Bathroom Tales in Turkey
Back in 1990 when I first visited Turkey, toilets, whether squat or what we think of as ‘normal’ but the Turks call Ala Franga,...
Istanbul Adrift
It was bound to happen sooner or later. But it happened much sooner than the citizens of Istanbul were ready for. And it happened in...
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,...
Remembering Prince: A Purple Paisley Park in My Heart
'The girl on the seesaw is laughing
For love is the color this place imparts...
Admission is easy, just say you believe
And come to this place...
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...
Bike Riding from Kadıköy to Pendik Along the Sahil
The 20+ kilometer bike ride from Kadıköy to Pendik is one of the best places to take advantage of the sahil, featuring wide paths,...
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...
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...
Open Call – ‘We Call It Home: Istanbul Dialogues’ Speaker Suggestions
We Call It Home: Istanbul Dialogues is a new monthly series showcasing the inspiring contributions being made by Istanbul’s diverse international community to the...
That Pink Elephant Mystique: A Celebration of International Women’s Day, in...
“Silence is the worst. Whenever a thick cloud of silence descends, the yapping voices inside me become all the more audible, rising to the...
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...
The Heat of Summers Present and Past
I’m pretty sure we hit traffic the first time I visited Ortaköy. I distinctly remember being in a taxi for what felt like ages,...
Confessions of a Dumbphone Devotee
Thus with a text, I die. If any spark of life be yet remaining amongst Dumbphone owners in this developéd world, it will by...
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...