While kings built palaces, armies built magnificent castles to defend their strongholds. The numerous castles dotted around Turkey are - thankfully - not in use in a defensive capacity, and are instead impressive tourist destinations, a window into Turkey's 3,500-year-old past and an opportunity to learn about a fascinating culture.
You can Google all you like, but you'll never know all there is to know about a country before you get there. The parts of culture that puzzle tourists and newcomers to Turkey can frustrate, annoy - or delight in turn. Discover what two expats living in Turkey found the most challenging when they first moved to Istanbul and Fethiye.
It's not hard to find something to love about the Bodrum peninsula. After all, we're talking about a place of great natural beauty, where the sun shines 300 days of the year and there's a wealth (too many to count) of things to do, all year round. The real difficulty lies in narrowing it down to a short list. From parties to pootling around in boats, explore our very favourite things about Bodrum.
It is inevitable that when man perfects an art skill, a stream of respect and admiration follows. This is true in particular areas of Turkey well known for developing certain handicrafts because many skilled artists and craftsmen, use simple tools or construct an item purely by hand. Despite the onslaught of modern machinery, skilled artisans still make a roaring trade in Turkey, and some of this can be credited to tourism and people’s desire for authentic souvenirs. It is worth looking at these trades history though because many flourished during a glorious era of the Ottoman Guild system.
Opening their doors to everyone regardless of faith, the mosques of Turkey provide a unique insight into the role of Islam in this secular, democratic country. Even though a large proportion of the country is Muslim, not every citizen practises the religion so away from the bars and restaurants of the coastal resorts, seeing inside a mosque is an alternative and easy glimpse at one of the biggest religions of the world.
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.
Still debating where to spend the summer? We think these 11 reasons might just convince you Turkey is the world’s leading summer destination. From culture to food to history to stunning beaches, there's something to tempt just about everyone. Join us on a short trip around the best Turkey has to offer: from the mysteries of Ephesus to the bustling peninsula of Bodrum to the cultural goings-on in Antalya
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.
Some of the most creative designs, motifs, logos and stencil drawings are seen across a variety of districts, but the stand out neighbourhoods are usually around Istiklal Avenue, in Taksim Square; Tunel, Karakoy; Sishane; as well as Maltepe, Kadikoy and Moda. Is Istanbul street art graffiti or talent? Have a read of this blog and discover some of the best street art of Istanbul.
As interesting tourist attractions, and an eye into the past, museums highlight the best and worst of humanity and history. In Istanbul you will find an abundance of museums for you to discover and take a walk through Turkey's rich past and culture. In this blog you will find eight of our favourite museums in Istanbul that you just have to visit.
One of the first things new visitors to Istanbul notice is that Cats are everywhere. In restaurants, cafes, schools, businesses - cats of all shapes and sizes and colours are found loitering, dozing and purring on whoever cares to show them some affection. We explore the history behind Istanbul’s enduring love for its feline residents.
There's plenty to like about living in Turkey. Moving away from home has its challenges, but it certainly has its rewards. From its colourful street vendors to its great customer service, here are the things that keep people coming back again and again - and even up stakes and moving to the country where east meets west.
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