Read writings and articles on Turkey, Istanbul and the world
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OTHER TOUR
We provide a 14-hour long city tour called The Other Tour. It runs on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. It is...
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Istanbul Rugs: Best and modest rug shop
Istanbul is famous for rugs - that's good. It is also famous for those who sell rugs - that's, well, not so good. You can either take our word for it, or go out on your own and find out the hard way.
TURKISH YOGURT
As the many ethnicities of the Ottoman Empire left and settled in other parts of the world, the one word that they had in common was "yoğurt". From this word the modern, English version "yogurt" came to life. It is the one Turkish word to make it into the English language.
Turkish coffee
Turkish coffee. I'm sure you've heard that word tossed around once or twice. So what makes it different? What makes it special? What makes it, well, Turkish?
Fall of Constantinople or Conquest of Istanbul?
If you've already been here then you will understand what Fatih Sultan Mehmet II was saying. If you haven't, then I hope that this convinces you to come visit. Istanbul, more than most places in the world, is guaranteed to leave an imprint on your heart.
Nobel Prize Winner Orhan Pamuk
Orhan Pamuk was born 7 June 1952 in Istanbul into a prosperous, secular middle-class family. His father was...
THE OTTOMANS
The Ottoman's ruled the region for the next 400 + years until November 1, 1922 when the Grand National Assembly (led by Ataturk) passed a law deposing Mehmed VI - the last of the Ottoman Sultans - and voiding all laws of his government.
USEFUL TURKISH WORDS AND PHRASES
A few dozen words that are essential for a successful, fun and interesting stay in Turkey. Don't be shy! Try out these words and phrases. The results, as you will see, often lead to pleasantly memorable experiences.
BREAKFAST IN ISTANBUL: TOP 5 PLACES
Table spreads cover everything from marinated olives, to bee-licous honey, to fried eggs with sausage, to homemade jams, to the freshest cucumbers and tomatoes you'll ever come across. And yes, this is all in one sitting.
Diversity of Istanbul
Istanbul (as many other parts of Turkey) is currently Turkish land but it is not necessarily full of Turks. And then again, who are Turks? That's a nice question to ask...