Rumeli Feneri: Paradise Lost
Feeling as if in a dream, I watched the thick fog swirl around on the forest floor as we raced through a breathtaking canopy...
Camel Wrestling in the Land of the Efe
Camel wrestling is, in a word, raucous. Smoke permeates every inch of the earthen amphitheater, so much so that it is difficult to make...
Istanbul’s Hidden Architecture: The Camondo Stairs
Strolling through Istanbul requires two basic skills: a good sense of direction and a strong pair of legs. The steep hills and windy streets...
Getting Married in Turkey: Frequently Asked Questions
So you’re thinking about getting married in Turkey. If you’re a foreigner, you probably have quite a few questions about the process. I’m a...
A Long Weekend on the Lycian Way: Kaş to Üçağız
The Lycian Way is heaven for hikers. Its 540 kilometres following the ancient Lycian route between Antalya and Fethiye and provides plenty of chances...
Turkish Customs and Etiquettes: Görücü and Kız İsteme
Back in the day, mothers with unwed sons would often be on the look out for a good single girl to wed their sons...
Istanbul on a Budget: Free Culture, Art, & History Offerings
To which public places can we go to, if we do not want to spend any money at all? At first, it seems like...
Introducing: English Legal Support in Turkey via Yabangee
An unfortunate reality of simply being a foreigner living abroad is that certain aspects of one's life are inherently more complicated. From getting one's...
A List and Map of Consulates and Embassies in Turkey
Turkey maintains strong foreign relations with most countries around the world, and many have dedicated missions to foster diplomatic relationships and provide services to...
How to Get a HES Code and Link an Istanbulkart
As of 15 January 2021, an Istanbulkart (used predominantly for public transportation within the city) will need to be linked to a HES (Hayat...
Assos: Turkey’s Best Kept Aegean Secret and Once Home to Aristotle
Aristotle, roasted almond mezes, and a tortured history… Of all Turkey’s hidden treasures, Assos (Behramkale in Turkish) is an insiders’ favorite, conveniently located between...
University Guide: Yıldız Technical University
Yıldız Technical University (Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi) commonly shortened as YTU or Yıldız, is one of the top public technical universities in Turkey. It was...
Life under Occupation: A Review of Eleni by Nicholas Gage
When Mosul was invaded in June, one of the first announcements made by ISIS was that the civilians within their territory would be treated...
Real Student Comments
In all facets of daily, human life, the divide between what is expressed to others and what is in truth thought in one’s own,...
2018 Resolutions for the Common Yabancı in Istanbul
Old-school followers of Yabangee will likely have noted that we love starting the year off with resolutions (How to Stop Being Such a Yabancı:...
Yabangee Recommends: “Where can I find the best falafel in town?”
“Where can I find the best falafel in town?”
Nestled in the heart of Beyoğlu is a chicken; a chicken wearing a bright, red cowboy...
Jacqueline Cookies: A Sweet Taste of Home in Cihangir
Long-term residents of Turkey know that buying cookies here can be a fraught activity. Turkish kurabiye (cookies), while delicious, are typically dry and biscuity, quite different from...
Insider Trading: St. John of Stoudios
In a city whose skyline is spiked with thousands of minarets, it is sometimes forgotten just how many churches are snuggled in the back...
Yabangee Recommends: Traveling to Denizli? Stay at the Yıldırım Hotel!
Yıldırım Hotel in Denizli, Turkey, has reopened under new management after being closed for 3 months for refurbishments. Selin Uçman Herman, granddaughter of one...
Cappadocia: Just Go Already!
By Tas Anjarwalla
So, thousands of years ago two volcanoes erupted and created two layers of malleable rock in central Turkey. The rock slowly eroded...
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...
Review: Dismantling the Archive @ SALT Galata
The years between 1900 and 1940 were more than a little eventful for the Turks. The period saw numerous wars fought on many fronts,...
My Big Fat Turkish Wedding Dress: An Istanbul Guide
If I knew then what I know now:
Which neighborhood has the best, cheapest or most fashionable dresses? How much should I pay? Should I...
Insider Trading: Museum of Turkish Jews in Karaköy
You may not be aware that there is either a museum or a synagogue in central Karaköy, downhill from Galata Tower and directly facing the tram stop....