This Besiktas area guide will highlight one of the oldest and most prominent districts of European Istanbul. Speak to any Turk about Besiktas, and straight away, they will talk about its football club, an iconic top league team since 1903. However, the area offers a lot more regardless of your age or social background. Peep under the surface to discover many reasons foreign tourists and expats in Istanbul love Besiktas.
The list of famous buildings in Istanbul runs into hundreds, not a surprise because the city is Turkey’s top tourism, real estate, business and education hub. It was also the Byzantine and Ottoman empires former ruling centres, so landmarks receive attention from millions of tourists. Sitting on both the Asian and European sides, these landmarks, whether modern or ancient are architectural wonders showing what humanity can achieve.
The Fisherman of Halicarnassus is a name many have heard, but few know the history behind the intriguing personality that has left an indelible mark on the Bodrum Peninsula. Marie Coggin, a longtime resident of Bodrum, explores the myth and legend surrounding the mysterious poet, prisoner and raconteur.
New styles and trends are born in cities, and the modern architecture of Istanbul isn’t an exception to this rule. Previously only renowned for its historical landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque, new constructions portray the latest in architectural trends and are the brainchild of many esteemed international and Turkish architects. So which buildings are changing the face of the city’s urban landscape and skyline?
What better way to devote the daylight hours than to the pursuit of culinary pleasure? Our suggestions for a day of eating your way around Turkey's largest city leave no gastronomic stone unturned. Explore some of the finest food available on Istanbul's streets. Bon appetit - or as they say in Turkey, afiyet olsun!
Soak up the sun, take in a ruined castle or just drink in the atmosphere: in Turkey, there is a destination for every traveller. From the romance of Kalkan to the sunny Side beaches and the ever-popular Oludeniz beach, we explore some of Turkey's best-loved tourist destinations and show that whatever your preference, there's a place for you.
Most readers probably need no introduction to one of the most important historical figures of the 20th century, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the man who founded the Turkish Republic in 1923. You will find his statue dominating every town square in Turkey, home to thousands of such monuments, as well as his framed portrait adorning just about any workplace or office you are likely to visit.
Sunny Side is just a short hop from Antalya Airport. Its handy location, as well as it's lovely beach and conveniently centred ruins, have ensured this small town's enduring popularity with tourists and expats. From water sports to ancient historical sites, we explore some of the reasons we love this Mediterranean town.
Antalya, a Mediterranean delight, is a large province of south Turkey that excels in tourism, foreign house sales and expat living. Comprising of the city centre, and many smaller seaside resorts, its reputation for shopping, nightlife, amazing touristic attractions has earned it the title of second most popular destination in the country. This Antalya information guide is an in-depth introduction, but to know more about it, seeing and experiencing it first hand is recommended.
Kalkan is an enchanting place. Rising from a quaint fishing town, and trading port to an elite sector of Turkey’s real estate and tourism industries, it stands in a league of its own. While other Turkish coastal resorts garnered fame because of their colossal size and round-the-clock atmosphere, Kalkan established a more low-key identity. These days, it’s small size and exclusive, discreet reputation makes it a desirable place for holidays and permanent year-round living.
As tourists begin to explore the full potential of what Turkey has to offer, they're discovering places like Giresun Island, on the Black Sea coast. It's the spot where Jason supposedly hunted for the Golden Fleece. Today, it's a beautiful, quiet nature spot, ideal for a visit as you travel the intriguing Black Sea coast.
In August, the International Gumusluk Classical Music festival lights up the quiet Bodrum seaside town of Gumusluk. Marie Coggin writes about the festival's transformation from it humble beginnings behind the bus station to the glitzy affair it's become today. However, the magic, music and humour of the performances remain unchanged.
