The Rich Heritage of Turkish Weddings
Weddings in Türkiye are more than just personal milestones—they are vibrant celebrations of cultural heritage, family unity, and community spirit. Each region carries its own unique customs, music, dances, and traditions, making Turkish weddings some of the most dynamic and visually stunning ceremonies in the world.
From the emotional ‘kına…
The Ultimate Airport Shopping Temptation
You’ve just passed airport security, and suddenly, you’re surrounded by rows of luxury perfumes, premium liquor, designer sunglasses, and gourmet chocolates—all claiming to be tax-free bargains. But have you ever wondered why duty-free shopping exists and why these products are cheaper?
📉 Duty-free shops remove local taxes and import duties…
A Book That Shook Public Debate
In 2016, Filiz Bingölçe published Osmanlı’da Oğlancılık (Pederasty in the Ottoman Empire), a book that sparked outrage, censorship, and legal battles in Türkiye. The book explored male-male relationships, pederasty, and sexuality in Ottoman society, using archival sources, poetry, and historical documents.
By 2018, the book was banned, following a…
Introduction
The Turkish mafia is one of the most influential criminal networks in the world, playing a crucial role in the global drug trade. Unlike other organized crime groups, Turkish gangs do not control raw drug production. Cocaine originates from South America, heroin’s poppy fields are in Afghanistan, and large cannabis plantations are absent in Anatolia. Yet, Turkish traffickers have…
A Star is Born – The Early Years
On April 5, 1945, in Istanbul, Türkiye, a voice was born that would one day become the soundtrack of rebellion, longing, and social change. Muhtar Cem Karaca, the son of a theater actress and a poet, grew up in an artistic household where literature, performance, and music shaped his worldview.
🎭 His mother, Toto Karaca, was a celebrated actress of…
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What Do Life Satisfaction Rankings Tell Us?
How happy are people across Europe? Life satisfaction is a crucial indicator of well-being, measuring how individuals perceive their overall quality of life. Every year, Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, compiles data from across the…
The Refugee Crisis & Europe’s Dilemma
The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, triggered one of the largest refugee crises of the 21st century. Millions of Syrians fled their war-torn homeland, seeking safety in neighboring countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. But as conditions worsened, many attempted the perilous journey to Europe, hoping for a better future.
By 2015, the…
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A Nation of Diverse Tastes
Türkiye is home to one of the world’s most diverse beverage cultures, blending centuries-old traditions with modern trends. From the ever-present steaming glass of tea to the celebratory clinking of rakı glasses, drinks are an integral part of daily life and social…
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The Ultimate Drink Debate
For centuries, coffee and tea have been the world’s favorite energy boosters, each offering its own unique benefits. In recent years, matcha has entered the conversation, praised for its smoother energy boost and antioxidant content.
But with all three drinks having…
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A Journey of Freedom & Discovery
In the 1960s and ‘70s, thousands of young travelers set out on an epic overland journey known as the Hippie Trail. Leaving behind the rigid norms of the West, they sought freedom, enlightenment, and cultural exploration, making their way from Europe to…
