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Continue reading →: IntroductionThis website contains a wealth of information about living in Turkey, with useful guides and tips covering many aspects of Turkish life. It also includes plenty of helpful advice for tourists. Use the Daily Life, General Interest, and Tourist Information tabs to explore further. For specific travel destinations and places…
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Continue reading →: Süleymaniye MosqueThe Süleymaniye Mosque stands as one of Istanbul’s most commanding and graceful landmarks, rising above the city on its hill overlooking the Golden Horn. Commissioned by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and designed by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, the mosque was completed in 1557 at the height of the…
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Continue reading →: Bosphorous TourCruising the Bosphorus in the evening is one of Istanbul’s most magical experiences. As the city lights begin to sparkle against the dusk sky, you can choose between a simple, relaxing tour or a more elaborate dinner cruise with entertainment. We opted for the straightforward evening ferry tour—no dinner or…
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Continue reading →: Rahmi M. Koç MuseumThe Rahmi M. Koç Museum in Istanbul is one of the city’s most distinctive cultural landmarks, dedicated to the history of industry, transport, and technology. It sits on the northern shore of the Golden Horn in the historic Hasköy district, occupying two remarkable buildings: the old Ottoman anchor foundry known…
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Continue reading →: Galata TowerThe Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most recognisable landmarks, rising above the vibrant streets of Beyoğlu and offering sweeping views across the city. Built in 1348 by the Genoese colony as part of their fortifications, it originally served as a watchtower known as the Tower of Christ. Over the…
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Continue reading →: Galata BridgeSpanning the Golden Horn in Istanbul, the Galata Bridge is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Connecting the districts of Karaköy and Eminönü, it is more than just a bridge; it is a vibrant symbol of Istanbul’s unique blend of history and modern life. The first bridge in this…
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Continue reading →: AyranTurkey’s National Drink (Whether You Like It or Not) If you spend more than ten minutes in Turkey, you’ll soon find yourself face to face with a tall, frothy glass of ayran. It appears everywhere: on restaurant menus, in motorway cafés, beside your kebab, and even in the hands of…
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Continue reading →: The Sabancı FamilyThe Sabancı Group: A Legacy of Enterprise and Philanthropy in Turkey When it comes to influential business dynasties in Turkey, the Sabancı family stands among the very top. Known for their remarkable business acumen, strategic vision, and commitment to social responsibility, the Sabancıs have created one of Turkey’s largest conglomerates…
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Continue reading →: The Koç DynastyThe Koç Family and Koç Holding: Turkey’s Industrial Powerhouse Few families in Turkey have had the same impact on the country’s economy, culture, and industry as the Koç family. Over nearly a century, the Koçs have grown from a small trading business into a sprawling conglomerate, shaping the Turkish business…
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Continue reading →: Karagöz and HacivatTurkey’s Funniest Shadow Duo and the Tradition That Refuses to Fade If you’ve ever wondered what Turkish people did for entertainment before Netflix arrived, look no further than Karagöz and Hacivat—a pair of squabbling, colourful shadow puppets who have been causing laughter, chaos and the occasional moral lesson for centuries.…
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Continue reading →: Slow Cities ( Cittaslow )Turkey’s Slow Cities: A Celebration of Calm, Culture and Community The Slow City movement, known internationally as Cittaslow, is a global initiative that promotes a gentler, more mindful way of living. It encourages towns to preserve their local identity, protect the environment, support traditional craftsmanship, and prioritise quality of life…
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Continue reading →: Istanbul AirportIstanbul Airport: Turkey’s New Global Aviation Hub Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the most ambitious aviation projects in modern Europe and stands as a symbol of Turkey’s rapid development in global air travel. Since opening, it has quickly become a major international hub, known for its scale, advanced design…
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Continue reading →: High Speed TrainsTurkey’s High-Speed Train Revolution: The YHT Network and Future Ambitions Over the past two decades, Turkey has transformed its rail system with a rapidly expanding high-speed train (Yüksek Hızlı Tren, or YHT) network. These trains connect major cities, dramatically reduce travel times and represent the country’s ambitions for modern, efficient…
