When it comes to wellness travel, Turkey offers a unique blend of ancient traditions, natural beauty, and modern facilities. Whether you seek thermal springs, hammam rituals, or serene yoga retreats, Turkey caters to every kind of wellness traveler. Here’s a comprehensive guide to finding your sanctuary in this beautiful country. 1. The Rich Tradition of Turkish … [Read more...]
Culture and Traditions of Turkey
To stereotype the culture and traditions of Turkey would be a grave mistake because the diversity from the east to the south is vastly different and unique. Travellers to Turkey will enjoy learning about the social practises, belief and heritages of all communities.
The Laz and Hemsin Cultures of Turkey
I could feel the chill in my bones. After a long day touring local attractions, I was trying to sleep and was dressed in pyjamas, T-shirt, and a sweater but still had to pull the blanket around my neck to keep warm. This is the moment that I fully appreciated the diversity of Turkey and ironically had to laugh because it was the middle of June. In previous years, I normally … [Read more...]
The Blue Evil Eye in Turkey
Every nation has superstitions of which some originated thousands of years ago. A popular belief existing in many corners of society is the evil eye. A look can cause pain, injury, or bad luck to anyone on the receiving end. People who are envious or simply believe that a person does not deserve the good fortune bestowed on them also give the evil eye … [Read more...]
The Camel Wrestling Festival in Selcuk, Turkey
At the beginning of every year, the camel wrestling festival of Selcuk, begins on the Aegean coast of Turkey. It will run to the end of March when one camel is chosen as the winner in a victorious celebration. It is a great honor for the owner of the camel who will spend all year ensuring his camel is in top condition for the wrestling match. Throughout the event, bets are … [Read more...]
Mark Twain in Turkey – Innocents Abroad
Travel books are popular for one very good reason. They help the reader. Most aim to improve the readers travel experience by giving hints and tips on any specific area such as beaches, countries, adventure sports or understanding culture and traditions. One travel book though has outweighed all others in popularity, and it is 146 years old. Its author is the celebrated and … [Read more...]
Who Was Sabiha Gökçen?
In my quest to learn more about my adopted country, I often delve into its history books. Events and people of the past played a huge part in the formation of Turkey that we see today. I understand more about the different cultures within the country, if I know the path that generations of their families have followed. While learning about the history, it is certain that … [Read more...]
Ara Guler – The Eye of Istanbul and Street Photography
Istanbul is colorful. Its mixture of culture, people, history, religions, and traditions often become the subject of many photos taken by both amateur and professional photographers. There is one man, who has notably become the most famous photographer in the country purely because of the city. He is called Ara Guler and his nickname is “The Eye of Istanbul”. Who is Ara … [Read more...]
Rumi and the Annual Whirling Dervish Festival in Konya
From the 10th of December to the 17th, thousands of people will descend on the Turkish city of Konya. Hotel accommodation will be fully booked up and any latecomers that do find spare rooms will have to pay heavily to secure them. Konya is bracing itself for one of the most important events of the year and that is the annual celebration of Rumi and the whirling dervishes’ … [Read more...]
Dating Customs and Traditions in Turkey – Love and Weddings
Growing up in the UK, the dating scene was not an ordeal. We no longer needed the approval of our dads and the days of being chaperoned while on a date were firmly rooted in the history books. The ladette era of the 90’s prompted females to demand independence and if they wanted to have a one night stand and walk away in the morning, they were going to do it, whether their … [Read more...]
The Whirling Dervishes of Turkey
MYSTERIOUS, enchanting, unbelievable, breathtaking – no, not a description of Turkey, albeit that is correct – no, the words adequately describe the other alluring attraction of tourists to Turkey – it’s Whirling Dervishes. Often used as a quote across the world for people in a mad spin, or doing various jobs at once, the very original Whirling Dervishes are anything … [Read more...]
Turkish Tea Culture : Facts, History & Social Etiquette
Anyone not familiar with the country of Turkey may assume coffee is the national drink but this could not be more wrong. The Turks love drinking tea from sunrise to sunset and there is never a bad time to drink it in Turkey. The practice is firmly ingrained in the culture as a social experience and a sign of hospitality, ensuring the Turks even beat the Brits when assessing … [Read more...]
From Boy to Man – The Turkish Circumcision Ritual
Attending a Turkish circumcision party is an eye-opener for anyone with the stiff British attitude that private parts should not be discussed in public, nor should we celebrate the ritual trimming of them through song and dance. In the UK, when a boy is born, doctors discreetly perform the deed and return the baby to his parents without a big fuss. Hygiene is the principal … [Read more...]