Rumours that Leonardo DiCaprio might play Rumi in an upcoming biopic has prompted a surge of interest in the Persian poet. The Sufi scholar lived and worked quietly in Rum - modern-day Konya - until a chance meeting changed his life forever, prompting a huge body of poetry and the whirling dervish movement and dance that still captivates audiences today.
May 29 marks the anniversary of The fall of Constantinople, in 1453. Although the Byzantine occupants of the city were outnumbered ten to one they fought valiantly against the invading Ottoman army. The 53-day siege and subsequent conquering of the city marked a turning point not just for the Ottoman Empire, but for the future of Islam, Turkey and the wider world.
As one of the most fascinating countries for history, Turkey attracts millions of foreign visitors looking to sample some of the historical attractions in Turkey. But while most tourists beat a path to the likes of Cappadocia, Ephesus, or old Istanbul, dozens of other ancient sites receive little or no recognition, from the rest of the world. With more than 60 sites waiting for ratification as UNESCO World Heritage sites, here are some of the best ancient sites to visit in Turkey.
The World Heritage Sites in Turkey join many other countries to form an impressive collection of well-preserved historical and cultural sites that beat any history book. Often referred to as open-air museums, they tell stories of earlier civilisations, living trends and urban traditions. An organisation called UNESCO works with relevant government bodies in each country to preserve these protected areas.
Its origins are sticky but one thing is certain: Turkish delight is one of the world's favourite sweets. No one seems to know for sure whether Turkish delight or lokum was invented 300 years ago or is a much more ancient sweet, but the confection, - rolled in coconut or sugar, filled with nuts, and coloured delicate shades of pink or yellow - is found in every corner of the globe.
Turkiye has come on leaps and bounds since the turn of the century - with more investment, tourists, and infrastructure than ever before. To understand just why Turkey is attracting so much attention and investment, we need to glance over its rich and colourful historical timeline, which will provide answers to why the eyes of the world are on this country, and why the future is looking so bright for Turkey and the people that inhabit this beautiful land.
Originally a nomadic tribe, the Ottoman Empire stretches as far back as 1299, yet it was not until 1453 when they captured the Byzantine city of Constantinople that the eyes of the world would focus on them. With a presence still felt throughout Turkey today in architecture and culture, the empire was the focus point between the West and the East, but what happened to the Ottomans? Take a trip into Turkish history and look at just how and why the Ottoman Empire is no longer in existence.
What is the Blue Evil Eye? Turkish people believe the Blue Evil Eye absorbs bad energy whilst at the same time, protecting you. If the evil or curse is abolished or broken, the evil eye will crack, to signal the danger is over. Given at weddings, purchased by tourists as souvenirs, in this blog we take a look at the mystic and wonderful with an in depth look at the Blue Evil Eye, also known as Nazar Boncugu.
The ruins and underground cities of Turkey are some of the best preserved in the world. And excitingly, they’re still being discovered and excavated, gradually revealing a window into a long ago era. We’ve made a list of seven historical sites that are off the beaten track, and not for the fair weather traveller. The beauty of the internet, however, means that you won’t have to leave your home to get an insight into these incredible sites. Read on to discover a little about Turkey’s secret history.
Planning a trip to Fethiye anytime soon? Make sure you do not miss out on the Nomadic Museum, dedicated to the Yoruks. Local Turk, Enver Yalcin realised the importance of the historical nomadic tribes of this region in Turkey and decided not to let their rich culture go unnoticed by the tourists and travellers who come to this part of the world. He developed the first museum of nomads in Turkey, with particular homage to the Yoruk nomads of his native Fethiye area. You won’t want to miss this important cultural time capsule if you are in the Fethiye region - a must see for anyone who appreciates history.
Turkey's largest city, Istanbul is home to many gems and beautiful sites that attract millions every year to the city. However, not many are as grand as Topkapi Palace - designed and built by Sultan Mehmed II in 1459 and completed some six years later, the palace, when it was completed, was surrounded by five kilometres of walls and occupied an area of 700,000 square metres - a stunning site back then, and still today. Any visit to Istanbul is an empty visit unless you take in the breathtaking Topkapi Palace. Here is our total guide to getting the most out of your visit.
Being neighbouring countries, and with such a rich and intertwined history between the two, you are bound to see Turkish influences on Greek lifestyle, monuments and buildings, and vice versa with Greek influences in Turkish way of life, houses and culture. In this blog, we take a deep look into the influence Greece has had on the formation of two of Turkey's most loved regions - Bodrum and Kayakoy in particular. Stretching all the way back to the Ottoman Empire and beyond, you just might be surprised at what we have managed to dig up from the past in this fascinating read on the historical guidance that came to shape Turkey today.
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