A Sign of Respect and Love The hand-kissing tradition is a beloved custom in Turkey and is seen as a sign of respect and love for those who are older. This gesture is typically performed on religious holidays, as well as at special occasions such as marriages, henna nights, or circumcision ceremonies. To perform the hand-kissing tradition, one takes the hand of the person they are honoring and brings...

Two Among the Seven Wonders - the Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus In the tapestry of antiquity, Turkey's historical canvas is adorned with the remarkable presence of two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, located in the contemporary landscape of Bodrum. The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were a list...

Discover the intricacies of Turkey's compulsory military service policy, where every eligible citizen is required to serve in the armed forces Military duty is a part of life in Turkey. All men between the ages of 20 and 41 must complete at least 15 months of military service. For those who are not able to serve, they may be able to receive a deferment or exemption.  Service members in the...

A Linguistic Marvel from Turkey The longest word in Turkish is "muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriveremeyebileceklerimizdenmişsiniz" which translates to "you must have been one of those who cannot even make it more un-successful.” It roughly translates to As though you are from those whom we may not be able to make into a maker of unsuccessful ones easily and has 70 letters. It's not in common...

A Global Instagram Sensation in 2019 The stunning Cleopatra Beach in Alanya was one of the most popular spots in the world for Instagram stories in 2019. The beach was among the top five posted stories globally, making it a must-see destination for anyone looking to capture the perfect photo. With its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and stunning rock formations, it's no surprise that Cleopatra Beach...

Explore the rich history of the "Turquoise" gemstone, tracing its roots to Turkey in the 17th century The word ‘Turquoise,’ which translates to ‘Turkish stone’ in English, dates to the 17th century, is one of the oldest gemstones in history and is recognized for its striking turquoise color. It was first brought to Europe from the Orient via Turkey, and Turkish soldiers used the stone as...

The Historical Significance of Coffee in Marriage In the past, Turkish women were legally entitled to divorce their husbands if they were unable to provide them with one of life's simple luxuries – coffee. This was seen as an essential part of life for many women living in Turkey, and a husband's inability to provide them with it was seen as grounds for divorce. While this practice is no longer in...

A City which combines Europe and Asia Istanbul is a city unlike any other, as it exists on two continents – Europe and Asia. The majority of the city is located on the Asian continent, while a significant portion of it can also be found in Europe. This makes Istanbul the only city in the world divided between two continents. This unique trait of Istanbul makes it a must-visit destination and one...

Unbuilt Masterpiece: The Istanbul Bridge In 1503, renowned artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci submitted plans for a bridge to span the Golden Horn – an inlet on the Bosporus that divides the city of Istanbul (which was known as Constantinople at the time). Unfortunately, the bridge was never built. However, in the years since, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced launching a volunteer...

Grand Bazaar Istanbul - Timeless Shopping Haven The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, or Kapali Carsi in Turkish, is the oldest covered market in the world, having been established in 1455. Spanning an impressive 333,000 square feet, the bazaar is a 61-street labyrinth, with over 3,000 shops selling a variety of local and souvenir items. From Turkish rugs to unique lamps and ceramics, to traditional and...

A Sanctuary of Faith and Perseverance in Christian History Cappadocia is an important region in Turkey for Christians due to its history of providing refuge to those who were persecuted by the Roman Empire. During the early days of Christianity, many believers were forced to flee from Roman rule and hide in Cappadocia's underground caves and cities. This region provided a safe haven for these...

Discover the curious status of the Fez in Turkey, where its use was technically banned due to its Ottoman Empire associations in the 1920s In Turkey, wearing a Fez is technically illegal due to its association with the Ottoman Empire, which was banned in the 1920s. However, the law is rarely enforced, and it is still possible to find people wearing a Fez in the cities of Turkey. Although you likely...