Things to do in: Istanbul
Tucked between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a reflection of the Greek, Roman and Ottoman empires that once ruled in this part of the world. As a bi-continental city, influence from both Eastern and Western cultures is evident, as this city is distinct in its mixture of sights, sounds, smells...
24 hours in: Istanbul
The mighty Istanbul. Famous for straddling two continents, this city’s east-meets-west vibes have been attracting travellers for decades. The city can easily overwhelm the uninitiated, so we asked our local team of Istanbul tour guides to tell us what they would do with just 24 hours in Istanbul. Morning: 7am...
The lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia
Cap a what now? Kap-ah-dok-yah. It can be a hard one to pronounce, but make every effort to get it right as this enchanting part of the world is one that you will never forget. Turkey’s grand natural wonder of the world, Cappadocia, makes you feel like you have lifted...
How to make Turkish ezogelin soup
Made with red lentils and bulgur, ezogelin soup is one of the best-loved dishes in Turkey. In fact, we don’t think you can find a lokanta (restaurant) or kebapçı (kebab house) in Turkey that won’t have it on the menu. It is the perfect start to any Turkish meal. In...
What it’s like to visit a Syrian refugee centre in Istanbul
Our Olive Tree of Istanbul tour is run in partnership with Small Projects Istanbul, a local NGO that’s helping Syrian refugees to find their feet in a new home. Here’s what one traveller discovered on the tour. For travellers, to roam and be immersed in new cultures and landscapes is...
The complete guide to: Istanbul travel
Istanbul houses a vibrant and eclectic culture that draws from both the East and the West. With an abundance of intricate architecture, a beautiful language, fascinating traditions, and amazing food (and coffee… and desserts…), your chances of experiencing culture shock (in a good way!) are pretty likely. Travel is rewarding, but it can also be...
A Ramadan welcome in Eastern Turkey
Come in, come in! A young lady called us from her doorstep. I didn’t understand her language, but I could see her hands, pointing towards the gate, furling and unfurling with the international gesture for ‘Come in, join us, you’re welcome here.’ We had been warned not to linger outdoors...
Ramadan celebrations in Istanbul
In honour of Ramadan, we asked our guides around the globe how they celebrate the holy month in their home. Here’s what Jen, our guide on the ground in Istanbul, told us about Ramadan in her city. Having grown up in the “bush,” I honestly don’t think I knew what...
Making a new home in Istanbul
The future of Syria may be uncertain, but the future of Syrian students and families doesn’t have to be. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Shannon Kay is the co-director of Small Projects Istanbul (SPI), grassroots NGO with a mission to provide access to formal and supplemental education for Syrian newcomers to...
How to shop the Grand Bazaar like a pro
There are a great many things to see in Turkey, but for the traveller looking for a truly unique experience, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a feast for the senses. Offering about 5,000 shops, this is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Constructed in...
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