Balkan

Gift Shopping in Charming Streets

Discover a variety of gifts at the shops and stalls lining the streets of Kaleiçi. You can also explore carpet shops along the streets leading to the port.

Boutique Accommodations in Restored Houses

The old houses of Kaleici have been transformed into boutique hotels, boardinghouses, and motels, carefully restored to maintain unobstructed views. These accommodations are ready to welcome you with their gardens, restaurants, cafes, patisseries, bars, and comfortable rooms. One noteworthy option is Tekeli Mansions, a residence created from the restoration of six Seljuk mansions. The courtyard features a swimming pool and a restaurant, while the uniquely decorated rooms boast “sandalwood” elements, offering a distinctive fragrance. China, not faience, covers the bath walls. Enjoy dining in the cool stone yard surrounded by the scents of jasmine, honeysuckle, and orange blossoms. Don’t miss the renowned patisse

The entrance floors of the houses in Kaleici serve as warehouses, provision rooms, and service floors. Similarly, mezzanines have comparable functions. The kitchen, bath, and toilet are often located in the garden due to the favorable climate. This arrangement eliminates the challenge of moving goods around inside the house. Daily life primarily unfolds in the “taslık” (paved court) and “hayat” (open-air courtyard). The rooms in these houses, functioning like independent dwellings, can accommodate large families. Due to this characteristic Read More about Exploring Camli Kosk, they are commonly referred to as “houses.” The most extensive room is typically assigned to the eldest family member. Windows are placed in accordance with the household tradition, prioritizing functionality over outward views. Sofa height within the rooms determines the window height. The windows are sizable, allowing ample light to pen

Necati Güngör’s compiled work, “Boğazın Büyüsü,” provides a literary perspective on the Bosphorus, allowing us to draw comparisons between its past and present.

The Bosphorus stands as a symbol of Istanbul, and exploring its history through the lens of literary figures adds a unique pleasure to the experience. Journalist and storyteller Necati Güngör, in his book “Boğazın Büyüsü,” gathers writings from literary figures, with a focus on the renowned traveler Evliya Çelebi, offering insights into the Bosphorus. Published by İnkılap Publications, “Boğazın Büyüsü” allows us to juxtapose the Bosphorus of the past, including its people, quays, religious communities, economy, and ethnic groups, with its current state. The book also reveals the gaps in our knowledge and memory concerning the Bosphorus, prompting a sense of shame The First Church Dedicated to Virgin Ma

The First Church Dedicated to Virgin Mary and the World’s First Advertisement Hoard

The Double Churches, also known as the Consul Church, hold a distinctive position in the Christian world as the first church constructed in honor of Virgin Mary. Originally a place for consul meetings in the 5th century AD, the church underwent transformation into a basilica during the Roman era, eventually becoming dedicated to Virgin Mary. It was during a meeting of the third consul convened here that the decision to establish “Catholicism” was made, making the edifice significant as one of the seven churches of Christianity.

The appellation “Double Churches” emerged with the addition of a second church in the 7th century AD. Ephesus, at the time, boasted advanced infrastructure, including heating, water, and sewage systems. The city’s primary sewage system passed beneath a marble-covered street, featuring columns several meters high and cast lead

The Commerce, Culture, and Faith Center of the Ancient World

Ephesus stands as the most precious legacy of the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations—a city that thrived as the commerce, culture, and faith center of the ancient world. It remains the most important surviving among the twelve Ionian cities.

According to some sources, Ephesus was initially founded by Amazons, while others argue that it was established by Leleks or Carians. Some historical accounts suggest that human habitation in this region dates back to 5000 BC. Regardless of its origin, everyone agrees that the first city was built at the confluence of the Meander River (Kaistros) with the sea.

Ephesus, initially a significant center in politics and commerce, later transformed into a religious hub with the arrival of figures such as Virgin Mary, St. Jean, and St. Paul. Captured by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, the city prospered, reaching a population of around 250,000. Despite