What Is a Martenitsa? The Red and White Balkan Bracelet That Welcomes Spring
Trees are budding, birds are singing and the sky is turning blue again: spring is on its way. In the Balkans, this change of season is marked by an old custom. When the calendar reaches March 1, the martenitsa bracelet comes out. With its red and white threads, it stands for the energy of life and new beginnings.So what exactly is a martenitsa, when is it worn and when is it taken off? Here is the meaning and the story behind it.
Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia: How They Formed, Where to See Them and What to Do
Fairy chimneys are a natural rock formation found in only a handful of places in the world, and Turkey's examples, inside Göreme Historical National Park, are among the best known. Spread over a wide area in and around Nevşehir, the tuff pillars draw visitors from Turkey and abroad, as do the cave dwellings carved into them and the hot air balloons that rise over the valleys in the morning. Here is how the landscape came to be and what to see when you get there.
Gulf of Gökova Travel Guide: Where Blue Meets Green Along a String of Quiet Coves
The Gulf of Gökova, one of the most visited corners of Muğla on Turkey's southwestern coast, is known for its sheltered coves and the way pine-green hills run straight into blue water. Also called the Gulf of Kerme, it lies between the Bodrum and Datça peninsulas. Because of the shape of the land, much of the shore sits far from the main road, which has helped it keep its natural character. Here is what to know before you go.
Kütahya, Turkey: Castle, Tiles, Ancient Ruins And Old Streets Worth Seeing
Kütahya, in western Turkey, has a history that goes back some seven thousand years and has been home to many civilisations. Castles, mosques, museums, mansions that have outlived their centuries, a famous tile-making tradition and a kitchen of its own all come with the city. More than half of the province is covered by forest, so the landscape changes with every season.Kütahya is also one of the cities in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network. If you are planning a trip, these are the places worth putting on your list.
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This 3-Level Underground City in Cappadocia Has Something Rare: A Toilet
In Güzelyurt, a district of Aksaray province often called the gateway to Cappadocia, there is a three-level underground city carved into the rock. With its toilet, storerooms and water well, it stands out for features rarely seen in the region and takes visitors on a journey back in time.Source: İHA (İhlas News Agency)
6 Places Called Cursed: What the Records Say Behind the Legends
Some places are known less for their scenery than for the frightening stories told about them: an abandoned island, a canal where dolls hang from trees, a fort that visitors may not enter after sunset, a bridge where dogs are said to leap. Some of these tales rest on real history, while others grew into legend over the years. Here are six places called cursed, and what is actually known about them.
What Is a Kimono? Everything to Know About Japan's Most Iconic Traditional Garment
With its striking patterns and flowing sleeves, the kimono is one of the most recognisable garments in the world. Kimono-style robes and jackets are everywhere in modern fashion, but the traditional Japanese kimono is something more. So what exactly is a kimono, where did it come from, and when do people wear it today? Here is a short guide.
Taksim's 114-Year-Old St. Anthony Church Underground Section Opened to Public for the First Time
A historical visit is taking place on Istiklal Street, the heart of Istanbul. St. Anthony's Church, which always catches our attention with its imposing red bricks, is currently hosting a special exhibition. For the first time in its history, the 'Crypt' section located in the basement of the main church building is open to visitors.If you want to experience a unique experience in the 114-year-old historical building in Taksim and pass through the secret doors of St. Anthony's Church, we suggest you take a closer look at the visit information.Here are the details.Source: Video
Where to Visit in Ankara for NATO Summit? 15 Places to Feel the History of the Capital
Ankara is not just the capital of Turkey; it's a city that more than deserves to be explored, with its thousands of years of history, deep-rooted culture, and iconic structures. These routes, extending from ancient ruins to magnificent museums, from historical streets to impressive monuments, will allow you to step by step experience Ankara's past. Here are 15 historical and cultural stops you absolutely must see in the capital...
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Best Entertainment Venues in Bozcaada - 2026 Updated List
Blended with the unique texture of the Aegean, Bozcaada, known for its vineyards and historical streets, offers a completely different experience to its visitors in the summer of 2026. If you have question marks about where to spend your evenings while planning your vacation, this guide will show you the way. We have compiled the most special stops that reflect the island spirit, where gastronomy and carefully selected music come together. The atmosphere of the venue you choose will take the leading role in your memories on the island.So where to eat in Bozcaada? Where to have fun? Where to drink wine? Here are the most beautiful Bozcaada venues reflecting the real identity of the island, where carefully selected menus and architecture are in the foreground.
Best Entertainment Venues in Bodrum - 2026 Updated List
Embracing the turquoise waters of the Aegean, Bodrum is waiting for its guests who want to create unforgettable memories in the summer of 2026. Where you will spend the time from sunset to sunrise while planning your holiday will determine the character of your Bodrum trip. With menus of world-famous chefs, performances of international artists, and carefully designed concept areas, Bodrum has an infrastructure that meets expectations at the highest level.So, where to have fun in Bodrum? Which places are open until morning? Here is your 2026 entertainment guide with the best venues in Bodrum.
Best Entertainment Venues in Marmaris - 2026 Updated List
Located at the intersection of the Aegean and Mediterranean, Marmaris is not only preferred for its unique bays and nature, but also for the dynamics of its nightlife, making it one of Turkey's most popular holiday destinations. If you are planning to visit the region in the summer of 2026, you can spend quality time in carefully designed venues that cater to your expectations. This atmosphere, where impeccable service, signature flavors, and music performances at international standards come together, will take your holiday a step further. So, where to eat in Marmaris? Where to listen to live music?Here is your guide to Marmaris entertainment venues that will make your evening hours unforgettable.
Best Entertainment Venues in Alaçatı - 2026 Updated List
Stretching from the historical stone streets of the Aegean to the salty breeze of the sea, Alaçatı continues to host its guests with its own rhythm in the 2026 season. If you are a traveler seeking a different delicacy and quality at every hour of holiday evenings, finding the right address will determine the quality of your holiday. Whether you're looking for a pace that starts with chefs' signature dishes and extends into the late hours of the night, or prefer the acoustic tones accompanying only the sound of the sea at sunset; we've scrutinized the alternatives offered by Alaçatı for you. When making your choices, you should not forget that every street and every beach has its own unique dynamics.So where to eat in Alaçatı? Where to have fun? Where are the places open until morning? Here are the most trendy Alaçatı venues of the season...
Best Entertainment Venues in Urla - 2026 Updated List
Our Urla selection, prepared for guests who turn their holiday route in Turkey to one of the most elegant and gastronomically richest corners of the Aegean, goes beyond an ordinary guide. In a geography extending from the shade of olive trees to the hidden courtyards of restored historic stone buildings, we have compiled meeting points for those who value taste and quality music. Throughout the 2026 season, you will be part of unique experiences at these addresses, each telling its own story with meticulous details.So, where to eat in Urla? Where to listen to live music? Here, in the best entertainment venues of Urla; unique gastronomy experience, music, dance, and entertainment...
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Best Restaurants in Cappadocia - 2026 Guide
Cappadocia is a reflection of thousands of years of volcanic formations, a deep-rooted history, and a unique geography. However, this enchanting region is not only offering a visual feast in recent years; it has also turned into a gastronomy destination that attracts attention globally, even making it onto the radar of the Michelin Guide.We have put under the microscope the venues in Cappadocia that combine its mystical texture with a refined palate, providing service far from the ordinary and at the highest standards. In this guide, you will discover the most distinguished gastronomy stops in the region, following the trail of niche designs and star-studded plates. So, where to eat in Cappadocia? What to eat in Cappadocia?
Best Rooftop Bars in Taksim - 2026 Updated List
The heart of Istanbul, Taksim, not only with its historical texture and endless energy, but also with its prestigious venues extending to the sky, directs the nightlife. Rooftop bars that rise from the narrow streets of Beyoğlu and overlook the unique blue of the Bosphorus or the golden silhouette of the Historical Peninsula, are becoming the city's most distinguished meeting points. We have scrutinized these high-altitude venues, which are on the radar of both the city's residents and tourists visiting the megacity from all over the world. We have compiled the best rooftop bars in Taksim that will take your expectations to the peak with their panoramic views, signature cocktails, flawless service concepts, and refined atmospheres, through an objective filter. So, what are the best terrace bars in Taksim? If you are ready to spend an unforgettable evening looking at Istanbul's unique geography from above, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can check out our 2026 Taksim rooftop guide.
Best Cocktail Bars in Kadıköy - 2026 Updated List
Kadıköy, the pulse of Istanbul in both cultural and gastronomical terms, is setting a new standard in the world of mixology in 2026. The district is overflowing with chic venues serving high-end craft cocktails, breaking away from ordinary pubs, especially for guests seeking a luxury and niche experience. As the weight of the Anatolian side increases in Istanbul nightlife routes day by day, the venues promise their guests not just food and drink, but a holistic concept.In this guide that we have prepared in the light of current menu trends and concept analyses, we examine prestigious addresses that combine the local spirit of Kadıköy with the aesthetics of global bar culture. So, what are the best cocktail bars in Kadıköy?
Best Places to Watch Matches on Bağdat Caddesi - 2026 List
Bağdat Caddesi is not only Istanbul's center of fashion and gastronomy, but it also stands out with its venues where the passion for sports is experienced in a refined manner. In 2026, with its renewed broadcasting infrastructures and service understanding focusing on fan comfort, the Avenue continues to be an indispensable destination on match days. We have brought together the best options for those who want to combine the derby excitement on this iconic line of Kadıköy with a high-resolution screen and a quality fan atmosphere.So, where can you watch a match on Bağdat Caddesi? Where can you watch a match on the Anatolian side?