In Conversation with Selcen Öztürk of Duolingo Turkish
Most of us foreigners living in Turkey struggle with learning Turkish. It’s quite common to find internationals living here for five, ten or even...
How to Donate Blood in Istanbul as a Yabangee
One of the simplest and easiest ways to help others is to donate blood. Back in Barcelona I was a regular blood donor, donating...
Insider Trading: 80s, 90s Music with Capital Radio 101.0
Yabangee's most recent 90s party showed that while the 90s may be over time wise, the spirit and the music lives on. Who wouldn't...
Insider Trading: Tasty, Tangy Yogurt in Kanlıca
I've annoyed my friends a million times by repeating this, but I like to tell people that the reason I moved back to Turkey...
Small Projects Istanbul: Emphasizing Education
“They first need to learn Turkish to be better integrated into their Turkish communities -- namely, their schools,” stressed Anna Tuson, the communication manager...
In Conversation with Leeann Murphy of Moon Istanbul & the Turkish...
The recently released Moon Istanbul & the Turkish Coast is a not-so-ordinary guidebook. At 480 pages in full-color, it's the perfect companion for any trip...
In Conversation with Swedish Cultural Attaché Suzi Erşahin
As a dweller of Nişantaşı, I am lucky enough to be located in one of the centers of the Istanbul arts and cultural scene....
6 Permanent Istanbul Collections Worth (Re)visiting
What comes to your mind, when you hear the word Istanbul? After living here for almost four years, there are many words and associations which...
Izmir Chronicles: Izmir is Worth Visiting (Part I)
Having lived in Izmir for over a year, I can say that I truly love the expat life here. Many people ask what the city is...
Alo 171: Ministry of Health’s Support Line to Quit Smoking
If you or a loved one are thinking of quitting smoking this summer, and you've got a basic handle on Turkish (or want to...
Patara: Capital of the Lycians
When you hear of Patara Plajı, the 20 km stretch of sand just west of Kalkan, your first thoughts may be of swimming, suntanning,...
Discovering Barış Manço Museum
When I was about 12, I was bored to tears by rock music. My brother was in a band and practiced for hours. If...
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....
Anatolian Travel Archives: Mustafapaşa
In the midst of all the fairytale magic of Cappadocia, there lies an overlooked jewel embedded in the valley known as Mustafapaşa. Despite its...
Off In The Direction Of Tarabya (Poem)
cold, dark, eerie
leather soles staccato along pavements
avoiding cracks and stray van
İstanbul becalmed, again
street lamps whisper through hüzün
diesel engines growl like kangal
buses ready to depart
north...
A Multitude of Mosques: The Book Covers of Turkish Novels in...
Some time ago, I was discussing Elif Şafak with a Turkish friend. I mentioned that I was reading The Bastard of Istanbul, and after...
Yabangee Travel Blog: A Week In Georgia (The One Near Russia)
Article and photos by Louis Herman
My trip to Georgia (known locally as Sakartvelo) this January started with a quick flight to Trabzon from Istanbul,...
Lost in Turkey: Isparta
Located at the western end of the Taurus Mountains, Isparta is a little-visited province of pine, oak, and juniper covered slopes and abundant mountain...
Yabangee Recommends: “Where can I go when I’m the third wheel...
“Where can I go when I’m the awkward third wheel on a date?”
This unfortunate situation has been endured by many, myself included. To make...
Yabangee Recommends: “Where can I go for a set menu and...
“Where can I go for a set menu and cocktail in the middle of the week?”
If you’re quick on the RSVP and in-the-know, you...
Weekend Getaway: Ayvalık
With the weather improving and spring right around the corner, many of us are thinking about where to travel within Turkey. There is one...
Insider Trading: Kaset Restaurant & Cafe
Being betrothed to a Brit, I have quickly come to appreciate a good curry. Although I am normally enamored with Turkish cuisine, Fıccın being...
Hunting for Records in Istanbul, Part 1: Beyoğlu
For many commentators, the digital music revolution catalysed by iTunes over a decade ago signaled the end of all physical formats of music. With...
Discussing the Dönme with Artist and Researcher C.M. Kösemen (Part 1)
It is well known that the Ottoman Empire was a place of incredible cosmopolitanism. What is often overlooked is the existence of “syncretic” peoples,...