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...
Five Cocktails to Make This Summer
It's an undeniable part of life in Istanbul that, while it has many things going for it, the city is somewhat lacking in resources...
Setting of Records: Istanbul’s New Mosque
Three years ago building of a new mosque began on one of the highest hills of the city, where roosters still crow and visitors...
Republic Day: A Last-Minute Guide
Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı) is this Wednesday, 29 October, and the holiday officially begins Tuesday afternoon. Republic Day commemorates the declaration of the Republic of...
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...
Aradolu: Organic and Homemade Turkish Goods
It seems safe to say that organic is now a thing in Turkey. This isn't that surprising, actually, as villagers all over the country...
The Sunken Palace: Basilica Cistern
Now if you have watched Dan Brown’s Inferno, the movie with Tom Hanks, and have been a diligent tourist in Istanbul, you’d recognize the...
Scent of Istanbul in Poetry
Turkish poetry often tells us stories of love, anger, sorrow, longing, agony, happiness, and excitement... many with a scent of Istanbul. These poems were...
A Daytrip to the Black Sea
It is not as though we've all been spoiled by the weather in recent months. Noses hidden and protected by thick scarves as well...
Anatolian Travel Archives: Zelve
The Zelve Valley is an extraordinary landscape located in the Cappadocia Region of Central Anatolia. Dusty, rose-colored spires with knobby crowns balance against a...
Ten Things I Have (and Have Not) Gotten Used to about...
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,...
Istanbul Toy Museum: Blast from the Past
Nestled deep in the back streets of Göztepe lies the Istanbul Toy Museum. The lovely white house is guarded by two giraffes ready to...
The A-Z of Turkish Music
Let me say straight away that this is not an encyclopedic or historical article on Turkish music. Rather, these are my observations on the...
Five Awesome Turkish TV Shows From the 90s
The 90s was a unique period all over the world and the same goes for Turkey. In Turkey, alongside its distinctive music genres and...
Tips for Eating Organic & Healthy in Istanbul
While eating healthy might not normally be a top priority, if you have kids like me, that opinion will likely change as you probably...
Kısmet in Gaziantep
Breakfast was served in the courtyard beneath the citadel. Little plates of olives, tomatoes, peppers, white cheese, bread, butter, jam, as well as piping...
Insider Trading: No. 41
You've probably never heard of No. 41 unless you live in Beşiktaş, but once you discover this gem of a coffee shop, you'll be...
Look Familiar? Five Movies Set in Istanbul
People say that cities have a personality. I disagree. For me, a city has a genre. A category of literature or movies that jumps...
Insider Trading: Atatürk Arboretum
Tired of over-crowded Istanbul parks? Want a larger natural space to walk through? Want to leave the city, but not go too far? Well,...
Turkish Destinations: Where Words Fail, Music Speaks
The title of my piece belongs to the aphorism of famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875). Andersen said long time ago “where words...
16 LGBT Friendly Cafes and Bars in Istanbul
With so many rapid changes happening in Turkey and the world, along with all the changes in our personal lives, the LGBT community needs...
Şahsiyet: A Must-See Turkish Cult Classic in the Making
If you watch Turkish TV to learn Turkish, you may feel that you've sacrificed part of your life for this language. The episodes usually...
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...
Lost in Turkey: Artvin Highlands
The Black Sea region of Turkey is somewhat of a misnomer. Better known for its rainforest-like climate, highland pastures and traditional culture, the seaside...