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...
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...
In Memory of Barış Mumyakmaz
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...
Aliens On The Minibus (Poem)
“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...
Living Abroad Blues: Coping with Loneliness
When I first moved to Istanbul in 2016, I too experienced loneliness. After all, I was a foreigner in a new country, who did...
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...
Strangers on Istanbul’s Walls: A Glimpse Into Istanbul Street Art
The first time I came across the signature 'Yabancı' was when I stepped out of my house to do the privileged walk during the...
How to Cope with Grief
On the morning of February 6th 2023, the citizens of Turkey woke up to the tragic news of a 7.6 magnitude earthquake affecting major...
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,...
The Istanbul Incident: The Case of the Spinning Dolphins
The day the spinning dolphins appeared in the Bosphorus, Laura understood that Istanbul would never be the same again. Of course, in a city...
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...
Tips for Living Eco-Friendly in Istanbul
Moving from Poland to Turkey was definitely a big cultural shock for me – people, living conditions, working etiquette, and even foods were (and...
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...
Just for Fun: Seven “Best” Turkish Foods
When Tas decided to share her cheeky and genuinely pretty accurate list of worst Turkish foods (looking at you leblebi!), my inner Turk compelled...
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...
Introducing RIFA: Robert’s International Football Academy
RIFA - Robert’s International Football Academy was started by Robert Mullally in 2012, with the dream to change lives and perspectives through sport. How?...
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...
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...
Istanbul: What Your Senses Can Expect
Before I left for Istanbul, I had many friends promise that they would come and visit me. Unfortunately - since life gets in the...
166 Reasons Not to Leave Istanbul
These last months have not been easy. Our hearts ache for the country that has been a welcoming home away from home for so many of us....
Dispatches from Cappadocia: The Soup Of Shame – A Late Night...
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...
Fig Season
My favorite season in Istanbul is fig season. Never having seen or eaten a fresh fig in my life, I was fascinated by this...
The Consequences of Overstaying in Turkey
Turkey is a fantastic country all year round, very popular amongst tourists around the world for its historic mosques, various street vendors and its...
Expat Life: Why I chose to give birth in Turkey
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...