Anzac Day, April 25, is the day when patriotic Australians and New Zealanders make a pilgrimage to Gallipoli to commemorate the soldiers who fought for their country in World War I as well as in other armed conflicts. Not only does it serve as a reminder of the tragedies of war, but the beauty of [...]
Every week in Istanbul more than 200 markets (pazar) are set. This is an old tradition that comes from the Ottoman times. Markets in Turkey offer more than fruit and vegetables. You can find almost anything in the markets mentioned in this article. Textiles have a great hand in the popularity of Istanbul’s markets. Even [...]
Bebek is a very trendy village along the Bosphorus. It has a buzzing atmosphere and it is well-known for the nice cafés and shops that line the waterfront. Locals also praise Bebek for its nice seaside promenade, ideal for long strolls along the strait.
Istanbul Aquarium (Istanbul Akvaryum) is a worthy destination to spend half a day if you wish to explore and literally submerge yourself in sea life. Or if you simply want to have an extraordinary touristic visit, besides the regular historical sightseeing spots. Yes, this is not in the tourist guides yet, since the biggest thematic [...]
Winter apart, Istanbul is awash with arts festivals and music events, giving visitors a vast amount of choice when it comes to entertainment. The purpose of this article is not to list every single Istanbul festival or event. Instead, I’ll highlight the most important or best-known activities which you shouldn’t miss, organized by season. For [...]