1. Balat – A Neighborhood Where History Meets Color

Balat is famous for its historical charm and colorful houses. With its narrow streets, old churches, and cozy cafés, it offers visitors a nostalgic Istanbul experience.
Experience tip: Take a walk through its streets, enjoy coffee at one of Balat’s iconic cafés, and capture photos of its picturesque historic homes.

2. Kadıköy – A Young and Dynamic Atmosphere

Kadıköy, located on the Asian side of Istanbul, is a popular meeting spot for young people and artists. Full of street art, vibrant murals, and independent cafés, this neighborhood reflects the local culture in a modern, creative way.
Experience tip: Stroll along Moda Street, discover the street art, and try local flavors in small boutique cafés.

3. Cihangir – Bohemian Living and Art

Cihangir is one of Istanbul’s most warm and relaxed neighborhoods, known for its historic buildings, bohemian cafés, and art galleries. Preferred by artists and writers, it offers an intimate way to experience local culture.
Experience tip: Visit the art galleries and secondhand bookstores, and take a moment to observe everyday life while sipping your coffee.

4. Üsküdar – Traces of Traditional Istanbul

Üsküdar reflects the traditional soul of Istanbul with its Bosphorus views, mosques, and historical inns. With its old marketplaces and scenic coastal walking paths, you can discover a more peaceful and authentic side of the city.
Experience tip: Visit the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, take a walk along the coast, and stop by small local teahouses frequented by residents.

5. Karşıyaka and Moda Coast – Sea Breeze and Street Culture

The Moda coastline offers serene sea views and long walking paths where you can blend in with the local lifestyle. The streets around Karşıyaka feature colorful cafés and boutique shops that perfectly reflect the area’s vibrant culture.
Experience tip: Ride a bike along the coast and enjoy a coffee at small cafés overlooking the sea.

6. Arnavutköy – Historic Mansions and Bosphorus Charm

Arnavutköy is one of the most photogenic neighborhoods in Istanbul, with its waterfront mansions, fish restaurants, and nostalgic streets. Here, you can enjoy both local culture and the mesmerizing beauty of the Bosphorus.
Experience tip: Walk along the coastline, photograph the historic mansions, and taste fresh seafood at the local restaurants.

1. Home-Like Comfort

Short-term rental apartments provide a fully equipped living space, unlike standard hotel rooms. With a kitchen, living room, workspace, Wi-Fi, and personal space, you can truly feel at home. This is especially beneficial for families, business travelers, or anyone staying in the city for an extended period.ebilirsiniz.
Özellikle aileler, iş insanları ve uzun süreli seyahat edenler için büyük bir artı sağlar.

2. Flexible Rental Periods

One of the biggest advantages of short-term rentals in Istanbul is flexibility.

• Stay for a day, a week, or a month…
• Adjust your stay according to your plans.

This is particularly convenient for project-based workers, business travelers, or those relocating to the city.

3. Budget-Friendly Options

Compared to hotels, short-term rentals are often more cost-effective.
With discounts for longer stays, various apartment types, and a wide range of pricing options, it’s easy to find a solution that fits your budget.

4. Easy Access to the City’s Best Locations

Short-term rentals are often located in central areas:

• Kadıköy
• Beşiktaş
• Şişli
• Ataşehir
• Beyoğlu

These neighborhoods provide quick access to Istanbul’s cultural, business, and entertainment hubs, offering a major convenience for guests.

5. More Freedom and Privacy

Compared to hotels, short-term rental apartments offer greater independence and privacy.

• Cook your own meals
• Host guests
• Set your own schedule

This level of autonomy is one of the main reasons long-term guests prefer short-term rentals.

6. Experience Istanbul Like a Local

Staying in a short-term rental apartment allows you to experience Istanbul as a local.

• Shop at neighborhood markets
• Discover street food
• Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant energy

It’s a more authentic way to explore Istanbul.

7. Extra Benefits with New Inn

Professional brands like New Inn make short-term rentals even more comfortable, safe, and hassle-free.
Some advantages include:

• Professional cleaning services
• Fast and secure reservations
• 24/7 guest support
• Fully equipped modern apartments
• Wide selection of centrally located properties

With New Inn, guests enjoy not just a place to stay but a truly comfortable living experience.

1. Simit: The Iconic Istanbul Breakfast

Where to try: Fresh simit vendors around Galata Bridge or along the Beşiktaş coastline.

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and covered in roasted sesame seeds—simit is the true symbol of Istanbul mornings. Pair it with a glass of Turkish tea for the perfect street-side breakfast experience.

2. Balık Ekmek: A Classic by the Bosphorus

Where to try: Eminönü fish boats or the Karaköy waterfront.

Freshly grilled fish served inside warm bread—balık ekmek is one of the city’s most beloved quick bites. It’s simple, delicious, and best enjoyed while watching the boats cross the Golden Horn.

3. Stuffed Mussels (Midye Dolma)

Where to try: Street vendors in Taksim and Istiklal Avenue.

These mussels stuffed with spiced rice and served with a squeeze of lemon are a flavor-packed snack. Midye dolma is especially popular in the evenings and a must-try for seafood lovers.

4. Kokoreç: For the Adventurous Food Lovers

Where to try: Kadıköy and Beşiktaş street grills.

Bold, rich, and intensely flavorful—kokoreç is made from seasoned lamb intestines grilled to perfection. Usually served chopped with spices, it’s a favorite late-night street food.

5. Fried Mussels & Shrimp Börek

Where to try: Popular seafood stalls in Balat and Karaköy.

For those who love seafood, fried mussels and shrimp börek offer a crispy, savory treat perfect for wandering through historic neighborhoods.

6. Street Desserts & Ice Cream

Where to try: Dessert shops in Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu.

Istanbul’s street desserts are just as iconic as its savory dishes. From chewy Turkish ice cream (Maraş dondurması) with amusing vendor tricks to freshly baked baklava, you’ll find a sweet bite at every turn.

7. Boza & Salep: Winter Favorites

Where to try: Traditional beverage vendors in Eminönü and Kadıköy.

During winter, warm and comforting drinks like salep and the slightly tangy boza make exploring the streets even more enjoyable. These traditional beverages carry centuries of history in every sip.

1. Flexible Tenant Relationships

The New Inn system offers flexible and secure tenant management, unlike long-term traditional rentals. Property owners can rent their apartments short- or long-term, with guest profiles, reservations, and security managed professionally. This ensures a continuous income stream while minimizing potential issues with tenants.

2. Maximum Income Potential

Short-term and serviced apartment rentals can provide higher rental income compared to traditional long-term leases. New Inn manages your property to achieve optimal occupancy rates, helping you maximize earnings. With professional marketing and online platform support, your property remains visible and desirable at all times.

3. Professional Management and Support

New Inn’s professional management services reduce the workload on property owners. Cleaning, maintenance, reservation handling, and guest check-ins are all managed by the New Inn team. This allows owners to generate income from their apartments without extra effort.

4. Secure Rental Income

New Inn provides property owners with regular and reliable rental income. Every step, from reservations to payment tracking, is handled transparently. This enables owners to plan their finances and gain financial security.

5. Increasing Investment Value

By working with New Inn, property owners can make their apartments more attractive and valuable, increasing long-term returns. Modern furniture, professional photography, and central locations enhance the value of the property for both short-term and long-term rental opportunities.

1. Minimal Moving and Settling Stress

Moving into a furnished apartment means you can settle in immediately without worrying about furniture or basic necessities. Beds, tables, chairs, kitchenware… everything is ready. This makes the moving process not only faster but also much less stressful.

2. Quick Relocation Made Easy

In bustling cities like Istanbul, you may need to move for short-term projects or temporary jobs. Furnished apartments, with their monthly or yearly rental options, make relocating to a new city much easier.

3. No Extra Expenses

When moving into a furnished apartment, high costs for furniture, appliances, or decor are already covered. This provides a significant financial advantage for renters, allowing them to settle in without additional expenses.

4. Comfortable and Ready-to-Live Spaces

Furnished apartments are designed to meet modern living needs. From kitchenware and internet access to heating, cooling, and cozy living areas, everything is ready for you to start living comfortably right away.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability

Furnished apartments typically offer short- or long-term rental contracts, providing flexibility for changing plans. Whether it’s a job transfer, a move to a new city, or a temporary stay, these apartments make adapting to life’s changes much easier.

6. Unique Advantages with New Inn

With New Inn, staying in furnished and short-term rental apartments in Istanbul becomes even easier. Professional cleaning services, quick reservations, secure payment systems, and centrally located properties ensure that living with New Inn is not only safe but also a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Arts and culture are among the key areas that NEW INN Hotels & Serviced Apartments has always been committed to supporting. In this context, we are proud to announce our sponsorship of the Yeditepe Biennial.

As NEW INN Hotel & Serviced Apartments, we take pride in being the accommodation sponsor of the Yeditepe Biennial, which contributes to Turkey’s cultural heritage and brings art to the public.

What is the Yeditepe Biennial?

The Yeditepe Biennial is a prestigious event where traditional art meets modern interpretation, showcasing the works of national and international artists. This biennial combines Istanbul’s historical and cultural richness with the power of art, offering a unique experience to visitors across different locations in the city.

Offering Our Guests a Cultural Experience

At NEW INN, we aim to provide our guests not only with a comfortable stay but also with the opportunity to explore the cultural essence of the city they are in. Our contribution to the Yeditepe Biennial is part of our mission to make art and culture accessible to wider audiences.

Supporting art and artists means inspiring not only today but also the future. With this awareness, we are delighted to contribute to this significant platform where creative minds can freely showcase their works.

Exclusive Accommodation Opportunities During the Biennial

We invite you to visit this unique event and rediscover Istanbul’s historical and aesthetic essence.

The Unifying Power of Art

We believe that this collaboration will contribute to Istanbul’s cultural heritage. With the unifying power of art, we look forward to providing our guests with an inspiring experience.

With our sponsorship of the Yeditepe Biennial, NEW INN will continue to stand by art and artists.

• We care about health; we increase the well-being of our employees with complementary health insurance, dietician and psychologist support.
• We care about family; we are increasing marriage leave to 5 days, paternity leave to 10 days, and providing our employees with the opportunity to be with their loved ones by giving leave on the first day of school and report card day.
• We care about development; we support the career advancement of all our employees by offering them self-realization and improving opportunities.
• We care about working experience; we increase productivity with mobile working and flexible working hours and provide the best experience with an open and fun office environment.
• We care about special days; we strengthen our ties by giving additional leave and rewards commensurate with the year of seniority, and we make our employees feel valued with birthday leave.
• We care about success; we reward superior performance with a quarterly bonus system.
• We care about motivation; we increase social communication with in-company events and office treats,
• We care about experience; we offer our employees the opportunity to experience our unique accommodation service with their loved ones by providing free accommodation in the Serviced NEW INN apartments.

Would you like to join NEW INN and work with us?

For more information, you can visit our website or contact us at https://newinn.com/career/.

#GreatPlacetoWork #EmployeeFocused #Success #Happiness #NEWINN

Belgrade Forest

Belgard Forest is one of the most privileged and attractive places in Istanbul. Belgrade Forest is the perfect place to get away from the chaos of the city and reconnect with nature. Surrounded by greenery, the area provides perfect tranquillity with its calm atmosphere.

Belgrad Forest, located in Sarıyer district, is a large forest area frequently used for recreational activities. Walking and jogging are just two of the many relaxing activities that can be done in the region. Named after the village of Belgrade, where the people of Belgrade brought by Suleiman the Magnificent on his return from his campaign in Serbia were settled, this forest contains the ruins of historical cities.

It also has a very rich geography in terms of water availability and nine nature reserves to explore. The forest is home to a wide variety of animals and plants. You can explore the Atatürk Arboretum, home to more than 2,000 plant species in a well-maintained grounds. At 230 metres high, Kartaltepe is the highest hill in the region, covering an area of 5,300 hectares. Most of the trees in the forested area are oak, hornbeam, beech and chestnut varieties.

In the region you can see the magnificent Valens Aqueduct and traces of the Ottoman period. You can spend time in Bahcekoy, a small town near the centre of the forest. Alternatively, you can dine al fresco in picnic areas and enjoy the nature.

Buyukada

Buyukada is the largest of the Prince Islands, a group of islands in the Sea of Marmara. The island can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle, as it is five square kilometres (two square miles) in size. Among the island’s many attractions are historic religious buildings, stately homes and two hills from which you can enjoy spectacular views.

When you take the ferry to Buyukada, there are many interesting places you can see. The huge Büyükada Greek Orphanage, which is claimed to be one of the largest wooden structures in the world, is worth seeing. You can climb the opposite hill to reach the tiny Aya Yorgi Church where you can watch the breathtaking view. You can visit Agios Nikolaos Church and Monastery in the valley between the two hills.

The Hamidiye Mosque, the former home of Lev Trotsky and the Mizzi mansion are among the other must-see sights of the region.

Camlica Hill

Locals flock to Çamlıca Hill, the most prominent hill in Istanbul, to enjoy the park and the spectacular views of the city. The hill is located on the Asian side of the city and offers spectacular views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

Panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus can be seen from Çamlıca Hill, one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

There is a terrace with a view on Çamlıca Hill, which is far away from concrete, noise pollution and the chaos of city life.

For those who want to eat and drink with a view, there are restaurants and cafes with Bosphorus views. It is also a great place for wedding photographs due to its uniqueness. Küçük Çamlıca Hill and Büyük Çamlıca Hill are located 229 metres above sea level in the smaller part of Çamlıca Hill.

Places such as Küçük Çamlıca Grove, Sofa, Cihannüma, Topkapı Mansion attract both locals and tourists. Restaurants provide a space where diners can taste the flavours of Ottoman and Turkish cuisine. In addition, Küçük Çamlıca Hill is home to a TV tower that can be seen from many points in Istanbul.

Nurbaba Tekke, restaurants, cafes and other social amenities are available on Büyük Çamlıca Hill, making it a more popular tourist destination than Küçük Çamlıca Hill. The hill is 262 metres above sea level. It amazes you with breathtaking views from a tremendous height. Both sides of the Bosphorus Bridge connecting Europe and Asia can be seen from here. If possible, come just before sunset to catch one of nature’s most spectacular views.

Taksim Square

Taksim Square is one of the busiest and most vibrant intersections in Istanbul. Locals and visitors alike recognise it as the beating heart of Istanbul. The area is full of great shops, restaurants and bars. It is an important cultural centre as well as a major transit hub, making it a must-see. Many different shows and festivals are organised in a large area, including one on New Year’s Eve.

Istiklal Street, which is only open to pedestrians, also provides shopping opportunities by offering a variety of local and international products. You can always find street vendors and stalls in Taksim Square. You can take the nostalgic tram and see the Republic Monument, which makes a great backdrop for tourist photos. The Republic Monument, standing in the centre of the square, was built in 1925.

Taksim Square is one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions for foreign visitors. Despite numerous changes in the appearance of the square, the energy that pervades the area remains. The square will be reorganised and greened over the next few years as part of a series of rehabilitation projects.

Miniaturk

Miniatürk, Turkey’s most popular architecture, offers visitors a variety of activities such as a swimming pool, a small shopping mall, an amphitheatre, a car park and children’s playgrounds.

Miniatürk in Istanbul is one of Turkey’s most important architectural landmarks and tourist attractions. If you would like to accompany the audio tours of these structures, there are nine different language options available.

While travelling around Istanbul, you can discover many fascinating places. The models are made at a scale of 1:15 and are extremely accurate. The park’s models include Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Maiden’s Tower, Anatolian Fortress, Ataturk Airport, Hagia Sophia, 15 July Martyrs’ Bridge, Dolmabahce Clock Tower and Eyup Sultan Mosque.

Miniatürk allows you to take a mini tour of the whole country. A short park tour is also available with the Miniatürk Express, where more than 100 artefacts are visited. Miniatürk is open 365 days a year, including holidays and weekends, from 9 am to 6 pm.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is one of the most unique places to visit in Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern is the largest ancient underground cistern in Istanbul, hidden under the crowded streets of the city. It was built in the 6th century to meet the city’s water needs. It has a total surface area of approximately 9,800 square metres (105,000 square feet). Despite its enormous storage capacity, today only a modest amount of water covers the floor. The arches and cruciform vaults supporting the ceiling and the arches supporting the roof are decorated with ancient carvings. You can’t help but immerse yourself in the changing atmosphere and stunning scenery.

The huge scale of the cistern, hidden beneath the streets of the city, amazes you, as do the small lights reflected in the water and the paths that wind around the huge underground complex with many columns lying in front of it. Two columns with carved Medusa heads on their pedestals should not be overlooked. One of the columns is upside down, which makes the snake-haired woman even more intriguing.

Laleli Tashhan

Lalehi Taşhan has been given many different names. Currently, the signboard at the entrance of the inn reads “Historical Old Bazaar”. Laleli Taşhan has been known as “Katırcıoğlu” and “Çukurçeşme” for centuries. It was built by Mustafa III in 1763 to accommodate the sipahis. For this reason, it is called “Sipahiler Inn” in some publications. also known as

The architecture of the inn, which consists of two floors and three courtyards, gives it a unique personality. The use of cut stone in the construction of Laleli Taşhan is one of its most remarkable aspects. Laleli Taşhan is one of the rare structures of its kind, made entirely of cut stone, reminding the period in which it was built.

This historical inn, in addition to being directly opposite the Laleli Mosque, functions as an open-air bazaar and continues to welcome tourists and visitors as one of the most visited places in Istanbul.

You can visit Lalehi Tashhan for free, and you can also use the many shops in the area for shopping. There are also many cafes operating within Lalehi Taşhan. You can immerse yourself in the rich history of the region while sipping your tea or coffee.

Galata Tower

Visitors wishing to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Istanbul can do so from this wide vantage point, formerly used as a fire tower by fire watchers. The Genoese built the historic Galata Tower in the late 1340s. The Romanesque-style tower rises 67 metres (220 ft) above the surrounding landscape. The nine-storey building is an important component of the Istanbul skyline and can be seen for miles around. The cone-shaped roof adorns the summit of the cylindrical tower.

By using the lift to ascend the tower, many of Istanbul’s most notable landmarks, such as the peninsula, the historic ancient city and the Bosphorus, are clearly visible.

You can relax in the charming surroundings of the restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones. You can watch the traditional, mesmerising Turkish show and return in the evening for more entertainment.

Anadolu Kavagi

Anadolu Kavağı, a neighbourhood in the Beykoz region of Istanbul, stands out as a touristic fishing town. It is one of the best known and most visited attractive centres of Istanbul. Anadolu Kavagi is a popular destination for visitors and locals, especially during the summer months.

Yoros Castle, dating from the Eastern Roman period, is of great importance for tourists. Those who are passionate about Istanbul will once again admire the view of this perfectly located neighbourhood by having breakfast with a view of the Bosphorus or choosing to eat fresh fish from the Bosphorus.

On your way to Yoros Castle, you can stop by Yoros Cafe on the street full of cafes and restaurants and sip your tea with a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus.

Maiden Tower

The Maiden’s Tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Istanbul, floating on the Bosphorus. It was also used as a customs station during the Byzantine period and as a show platform during the Ottoman period. However, it is best known for the story of the snake bite prophecy that led to the death of the princess.

Upon the prophecy, the king builds a tower in the middle of the sea and places the princess here. However, a snake coming out of a grape basket sent to the tower causes the death of the princess.

You can enjoy the view of the tower from the shore. Along the coast from Üsküdar, you can find many cafes in front of the tower where you can relax with a cup of tea and enjoy the view. It is also ideal for watching the sunset over the Golden Horn and is a must-see for every traveller.

Another option is to visit the inside of the Maiden’s Tower and watch the wonderful view from there. You need to take a boat to go to the tower. You can learn a lot about the history of the tower by visiting the museum inside.

Maiden’s Tower also offers an option for a romantic evening. A wonderful restaurant inside the tower, serving both traditional and international cuisine, has a view that you will remember with happiness for a lifetime.

Gulhane Park

Gülhane Park, which means “Rose House”, is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Istanbul. It is located right next to Topkapi Palace, the city’s most famous landmark. The park’s beautiful grounds and gardens, once only open to members of the royal family, are now open to the public and well worth a visit.

Locals and visitors alike enjoy strolling through the park’s picturesquely landscaped flowerbeds and fountains, as well as its lush trails through verdant meadows and groves of trees. You can relax in one of the park’s open-air cafes and enjoy the tranquil setting with views of the magnificent gardens, pools and the adjacent Bosphorus.

In Gülhane Park, there is the Museum of the History of Islamic Science and Technology, located in the Has Stables Building adjacent to the Palace Wall, which is worth seeing.

Emirgan Grove

Emirgan Park, commonly known as ‘Emirgan Korusu’ in Turkish, is one of the largest public parks in Istanbul, covering 47 hectares and completely surrounded by a high wall. Covered with cypress trees for many years, the area changed hands many times until it was opened to the public in the 1940s. The park is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as two decorative ponds and three magnificent pavilions. Jogging and walking paths and various eating and drinking areas make it a popular recreational destination.

You can take a pleasant walk in the park by admiring the beautiful flower varieties. Pine, cedar, beech, ash, spruce and willow are some of the trees in the park. If you go in spring, do not return without seeing the tulips in full bloom.

It might be a good idea to visit all three pavilions of the park: Yellow Pavilion, Pink Pavilion and White Pavilion. Each pavilion has its own character. The Yellow Pavilion is decorated in the style of a traditional Ottoman house with a café. The Pink Pavilion houses historical artefacts and serves as a café on weekends. Finally, the White Pavilion, built in Neo Classical style, also has a café.

According to the Turkish Tourism board, this year Turkey aims to welcome the biggest number of visitors ever, thanks to the recent reforms. Turkey anticipates its visitor numbers to return to the 2019 pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year 2022, as worldwide travel demand is rising and people are eager to see new places.

A remarkable USD 34.5 billion was generated in tourist income in the pre-pandemic quarter of 2019, welcoming 52 million visitors. Since the COVID-19 requirements were eased, Turkey saw a 94.1 percent rise in international tourists to 24.71 million and an increase in revenue of nearly $25 billion. 

Turkey is the world’s 6th most popular tourist destination. The country expects to be one of the top destinations in the world for “independent travelers” (FIT) and tourists from all over the world attending “meetings, incentive tours, conferences, and events” (MICE) as the Turkish Tourism Board stated. 

Additionally, Turkey abolished one of the two remaining protective mask laws recently, enabling residents to board public transportation without masks, although they will remain mandatory in hospitals. 

In the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, the government mandated the use of face masks. The restrictions were eased in March after two years and were completely eliminated in April, with the exception of hospitals and public transportation. 

Because of widespread vaccination, a significant number of survivors, and the presence of the omicron virus, which is less severe than early variants, it was a sign of progress in the pandemic circumstances. 

As a result of other nations’ similar measures, and a sharp reduction in the number of cases reported each day, the Turkish government has decided to loosen its mask requirement, pointing out that the pandemic no longer poses a worldwide threat.

• Istanbul: The Collected Traveler by Barrie Kerper

This book is a thoughtful collection of essays that will help you absorb Turkish culture, covering topics ranging from Turkey’s history to its food and social life today.

The Collected Traveler is all context, which makes it both useful and durable. It’s a treasure trove of essays, articles, and criticism that provide a wealth of information about Turkey, with a particular emphasis on Istanbul and its significant historical sites. The book also includes sections on modern culture, food, and travel advice. 

If you enjoy traveling and planning your trips to get the most out of them but find guidebooks boring, this book covers all you need to know to get a wonderful feel for the area and guide you to the best places to visit!

• Eat Smart in Turkey: How to Decipher the Menu, Know the Market Foods & Embark on a Tasting Adventure, by Joan Peterson

Those who travel for the experience of eating are going to find this book priceless. Tradition, art, creativity, achievement, and joy all come together in this guide.

This book is an excellent introduction to Turkey’s cuisine. It covers the history of the cuisine, the culture, unique dishes, and regional favorites. It also provides a number of dishes that you may try at home. The menu translations and Turkish language section are very helpful for learning proper terms and phrases for ordering food and drinks at restaurants and marketplaces. 

Every tourist to Turkey is pleasantly surprised by how good Turkish food is. Turkey is a foodie’s paradise. If that describes you, then this is the guidebook you’ll need when traveling the country.

• Lycia, by Cevdet Bayburtluoğlu

The Lycia ancient kingdom in Turkey is captivating for anybody with even a passing interest in archaeology. Lycia was a geopolitical territory in Anatolia, which is now the provinces of Antalya and Muğla on Turkey’s southern coast.

With site plans and hundreds of full-color images, Prof. Dr. Bayburtluoglu’s 300-page book covers 81 archaeological sites in this region.

Many maps and images illustrate the most remarkable archaeological artifacts that may be found at each location, as well as directions for getting there by car or foot. The front cover of this book opens up to show a three-panel map of the area with roads, cities, villages, historical sites, and distances.

Discover Turkey’s most picturesque places with this book, including its snow-capped mountains, serpentine shorelines, hidden beaches, and about a hundred ancient cities, villages, and archaeological monuments.

• Sinan Diaryz: A Walking Tour of Mimar Sinan’s Monuments, by Ann Pierpont

Travelers and Ottoman architectural enthusiasts alike should have this book on hand when in Turkey. It’s so well-written and presented that it immediately grabs your attention. Written in a diary style, the book tells the story of Sinan’s life as an architect during that time.

Sinan’s most significant works are described in detail throughout the book, as are the locations and histories of each. To make the book more personal, the author has included a place for you to add your own photos to each location she covers. 

If you haven’t been to Turkey yet, and especially to Sinan’s stunning architecture, let this be your motivation!

• Memed, My Hawk, by Yashar Kemal

When it comes to Turkish fiction, this book is both a page-turner and a heartwarming tale. Not only that, but an epic narrative of an oppressed hero and a compelling insight into the daily lives of the people and of the Turkish countryside as it was at the time. The descriptions of the characters and the region of Turkey from a century ago are impressive. It will make you feel as though you were actually there. 

A novel that is a fascinating read for anybody who enjoys getting lost in another world through reading.

• Sons of the Conquerors: The Rise of the Turkic World, by Hugh Pope

This Turkish history book delves beyond Turkey’s modern Republic and Ottoman history.

To a modern Turk, the richness of Turkish culture goes far beyond the Ottoman empire and the republican era. It’s an essential part of how they see the world. It’s crucial to know where the Turkic people come from as they grow more influential in international politics, business, and culture.

A dozen European and Asian nations and empires, including India’s Mogul empire,  Iran’s Safavids, and Egypt’s Mamelukes, claim to be Turkish dynasties. Turkic-speaking people now make up the majority in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. They also live in large numbers in Iran, Iraq, and China.

It’s rare to find Western history books focusing on pan-Turkic and central Asian history and culture. This book fills that need with facts and events rarely recognized in the West and will give you a better understanding of Turkey’s history.

Source: Tom Brosnahan – a veteran guidebook author, travel writer and photographer, and consultant on travel information to companies and government agencies.

More Blogs to Read…

• 10 Famous Destinations to Visit in Turkey
• Useful Turkish Expressions and Phrases to Use Everyday
• 10 Useful Applications for Expats Living in Turkey