Hippodrome of Constantinople Introduction The Hippodrome of Constantinople was an arena used for chariot racing throughout the Byzantine period. First built during the reign of Roman emperor Septimius Severus in the early 3rd century CE, the structure was made more grandiose by emperor Constantine I in the 4th century CE. The Hippodrome was also used for other public events such as parades, public executions and...Read More
Best Local Food in Istanbul Introduction Best Local Food in Istanbul : Turkish cuisine is very diverse and world renowned. Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures, and all these influences pleasantly affect the food scene. So, forget about the international (fast) food chain while you’re here, and experience real Turkish food. But with so...Read More
Aphrodisias Travel Guide Introduction Aphrodisias Travel Guide – Aphrodisias is a remarkably preserved Roman-period city in ancient Caria, SW Turkey, which was famous in antiquity for its sanctuary of Aphrodite and its marble sculptors. Known to tourists and travellers since the 18th century, it has been the subject of scientific exploration since the early 20th...Read More
Santorini Travel Guide Introduction Santorini Travel Guide – Santorini (or Thíra), the precious gem of the Aegean Greece, is actually a group of islands consisting of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni in the southernmost part of Cyclades. The whole complex of Santorini islands is still an active volcano (the same as Méthana, Mílos and...Read More
Dodecanese Islands Travel Guide Introduction Dodecanese Islands Travel Guide – Dodecanese islands are in south-eastern Aegean and very close to Turkey mainland. It is also the sunniest corner in Greece. Twelve large islands and numerous smaller ones with crystal clear waters, sandy or pebbly beaches, important archaeological finds, imposing Byzantine and medieval monuments and unique traditional...Read More
Ramadan in Turkey : Fasting and Feasting What is Ramadan ? Ramadan in Turkey – More than one billion Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. It is the month during which the holy Quran was revealed, providing guidance for people through its tenets. Due to the use of the lunar calendar...Read More
Traditional Turkish Food Video Introduction Traditional Turkish Food is been celebrated the world over. You cannot fail to find one or the other type of traditional dishes in most of the world’s luxurious hotels, as well as most modern homes. Turkish delicacies are among the most sought after foods in restaurants, with visitors having a...Read More
Istanbul Tulip Festival Video Introduction Istanbul Tulip Festival is held each April and the city parks, squares, and gardens are amass with millions of tulips of every color. The city government of Istanbul plants every year millions of tulips in Istanbul’s parks, avenues (throughout Istanbul, most of which adorn Gülhane, Göztepe and Zeytinburnu Parks, Emirgan,...Read More
Ottoman Imperial Harem and Women Life Introduction Ottoman Harem – In Ottoman palaces, houses and residences, there was a private section called “Harem”. The Arabic word “haram”, pronounced in Turkish can mean “wife” among other things, and is a symbol of “sacredness” and of privacy. At the beginning of the 15th century, a number of...Read More
Synagogues in Istanbul Introduction Synagogues in Istanbul – After the conquest of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453, many Jews continued to live in the city. In 1492, Sultan Bayezid II welcomed the Sephardi Jews, who were expelled from Spain, to the Ottoman territory, and thus the population of the Jews in Anatolia, especially in Istanbul,...Read More
Ottoman Mehter Music Video Introduction Ottoman mehter music, which for centuries accompanied the marching Ottoman army into battle, still echoes in that of drum and zurna – an oboe-like woodwind instrument with seven holes above and one below – which are a part of folk culture all over Turkey. Mehter music was a symbol of...Read More
Priene Travel Guide Introduction Priene Travel Guide – Priene is an ancient Hellenistic city located just to the north of Miletus in Western Turkey. It was an ancient Greek holy city and the home of an important temple of Athena. Priene’s picturesque ruins include several columns of the Temple of Athena, much of the city...Read More
Ancient Corinth Travel Guide Introduction Ancient Corinth Travel Guide : Corinth (Greek Κορινθία) is an ancient city west of Athens on the narrow stretch of land that joins the Peloponnese to the mainland of Greece. Corinth was an important city in ancient Greece and it played a major role in the missionary work of the...Read More
Olympia Travel Guide , Greece Introduction Olympia Travel Guide : In the western Peloponnese, in the “Valley of Gods”, lies the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece, and the birthplace of the most important athletic mega-event of all times; the Olympic Games. Olympia is one of the most well known tourist destinations in Greece, and...Read More
