20 Skills Every Yabancı in Istanbul Should Have
To be a true yabancı, there are certain skills you have to master...
1. Become a teaholic. Drinking copious amounts of black tea is an...
Ramazan Dos and Don’ts for Yabangees
The Holy month of Ramadan aka Ramazan has started here in Turkey and over this thirty day period devout Muslims fast during daylight hours....
Through the Lens: Turkey’s Hidden Gem – the Southeast
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Many a visitor to Turkey sees only Istanbul. As for those those who go beyond Turkey's largest city,...
Exhibition: “Horizon of Things” by Yunus Emre Erdoğan
When searching for new exhibitions online I came across “Horizon of Things”, currently taking place at Sanatorium, and the title captured my attention instantly....
Awkward Tales from the ‘Bul #2: On Cleanliness
A few years ago, on a freezing, snowy day, my roommate and I climbed our way up one of Istanbul's steep hills and hopped...
In Conversation with Denizalp Şimşek, Soloist of Siyah Tavşan Band
Recently, Yabangee had a delightful conversation with the talented young musician Denizalp Şimşek, composer and singer of alternative rock band “Siyah Tavşan”. Their upcoming event “Radiohead Tribute Night” will...
Electronica Festival Istanbul — A Monument of the City’s Summer Landscape
In an era when so many of the city's music festivals are struggling to maintain momentum, it's reassuring to see 100% Music: Electronica Festival...
Weekend Getaway: Muğla
Looking to experience a city with a mellow vibe? Head to southwest Turkey, away from the crowds, to the picturesque city of Muğla, located...
Winter Days in Istanbul: Exploring the City’s Museums
There are many ways to find solace during these damp days in Istanbul. As winter settles on the city, streets come alive with the...
Take 5: Beşiktaş
After living in Beşiktaş for about three years, on and off, I’ve come to realize that it is regarded as a hate or love...
Street Market Smarts: Dolapdere Flea Market
Visiting the flea market of Dolapdere is a unique experience, especially at night. Rumor has it some of the products sold there are stolen,...
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...
A Glimpse at the Magic of Turkish Tea
When you traverse the streets of Turkey you can see it all around. Everyone is sitting around consuming it. It’s red, it’s hot and...
Lost in Turkey: Antalya at Altitude
When most of us think of Antalya, we think of long sandy beaches and warm, blue waters. But during these scorching summer months when...
(PAST EVENT) We Call It Home: Istanbul Dialogues – Local Flavors...
We Call It Home: Istanbul Dialogues is a new monthly series from Yabangee/Settle Turkey and ATÖLYE showcasing the inspiring contributions being made by Istanbul’s...
Want a Romantic Evening? Try Kuzguncuk
When you first arrive in the city, you feel drawn to the riotous spectacle of Taksim, or to the multitudes of the street markets...
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...
Yabangee Presents: Trivia Night #5 @ Bunk Roof
In a city eager for more pub quizzes/trivia nights, we thought we'd try our hand at organizing some sessions. So come join us at...
Six Tips For Foreigners To Blend Into Turkish Society
I cried. I cried for weeks and it went on around two months. I even questioned my decision of moving to Istanbul and contemplated...
Get Your Residence Permit in 10 (Somewhat) Easy Steps
Editor's Note: This piece was first published in 2015, and was most recently updated in May of 2022.
Important Note: The Covid-19 pandemic had a...
Diaries of a Couch Potato: How to Learn Turkish via Kiralık...
I have received a mixed bag of reactions from Turkish people when I explain that Kiralık Aşk is “my dizi.” It’s a barely-realistic technicolor drama...
Behind the Scenes at the IKSV 38th Istanbul Film Festival: Daily...
The film that best describes Lynne Ramsay: Ratcatcher
The president of this year’s International Competition Lynne Ramsay attended the screening of her 1999 film Ratcatcher...
The Tulip Pilgrimage: 12 Reasons to Visit Emirgan Park ASAP
The spring air has awoken the residents of Istanbul out of the drudgery of rainy winter cold. With great gusto, the masses emerge from...
Moovment Festival: An Energetic EDM Celebration in the Heart of Istanbul
Summer is slowly coming to an end. This means a few things – beach days and vacations are becoming distant memories, all the foreign...