The last of the three fabled “cemre” is set to fall on March 5-6 ushering in the Turkic world’s harbinger of Nevruz, the festival celebrating the awakening of nature. According to information from Anadolu Ajansi, the “cemre,” which means “fire, ember, glowing coal” and is believed to fall at weekly intervals, is thought to warm the…
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Türkiye’s newly designated long-distance hiking trail, the Efeler Way (Efeler Yolu), is opening up fresh terrain for nature lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and slow travelers seeking a deeper connection with the Aegean heartland in Izmir. Stretching nearly 500 kilometers (over 310 miles) through remote villages, highland plateaus, and rugged mountain passes, this trail offers more than scenic views,…
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Aydın is one of the Aegean Region’s natural paradises, waiting to be discovered. With its unique lake views, tranquil waters, and rich ecosystem, every moment you spend in these provinces will leave you immersed in nature. Here are five captivating lakes to discover this Autumn: Lake Bafa: History in the Heart of Nature Located between…
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Myus Ancient City, a 40-minute ride from Didim, is a captivating archaeological site that, legend has it, was gifted away twice, its population afflicted with malaria, and its port on the Meander River which once could hold a fleet of 200 ships silted up so badly the city was eventually abandoned to its fate. Getting…
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Located in Kuşadası and built in 1618 by Grand Vizier Öküz Mehmet Paşa, the Öküz Mehmet Paşa Caravanserai continues to bear witness to history. Constructed using rubble stone and recycled stone materials, the structure stands out with its thick and high walls. The caravanserai, which is also prominent due to its location near the port,…
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By Jay Jean Jackson The Buyuk Menderes (Great Meander) river in Türkiye begins its 382-mile-long journey from a spring in Dinar (ancient Phrygia) twisting and curving its way through the countryside until it reaches the Aegean Sea near the Ancient city of Miletus. Watery source It was a critical water source which had contributed to…
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Did you know there is a neighborhood in Aydin city that is based on the famous French capital’s landmarks? Created 99 years ago, it is unlike any other in Turkiye. A person walking around the Atça Neighborhood of Sultanhisar district might think it an ordinary Anatolian settlement. However, when viewed from above, the perfect symmetry…
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By Jay Jean Jackson – It is hard to imagine when you stare across the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coastline at the many islands dotted around that the area was once controlled by a ruthless bunch of pirates over 2,000 years ago. According to Plutarch, the Greek philosopher, historian, biographer and essayist, the small…
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By Jay Jean Jackson I am a regular swimmer and snorkeler off Sagtur beach near Akkum Plaji. Over time, I have noticed a lot of pottery fragments on the seabed. I never knew if they came from centuries ago or from people throwing rubbish into the sea the night before. Fortunately, I have an underwater…
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Aydin’s Tralleis Ancient City, which also hosts the ‘Three Eyes’ symbol of Aydın, is expected to open to visitors in August 2025 following landscaping works. Located in the Efeler district and drawing attention with its history dating back to the 3rd century BC, the Tralleis Ancient City has been under excavation since 1996. It will…
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