Ah, to see the Ephesus ancient city ruins is to see one of the world’s most significant historical sites. The colourful timeline of Turkey’s history means the country is awash with historical sites dating from many civilizations. Out of all them, Ephesus is probably the most well-known, attracting thousands of visitors every day. Ephesus ancient city is to Turkey what the pyramids are to Egypt or the Colosseum to Rome, and every year, an average of 3 million people walk through its gates. As a pinnacle point of early Christian heritage, Ephesus was also home to the famous Temple of Artemis, on ..read more

I walked down 55 stone steps, sensing dampness from water as I reached the bottom and the Basilica cistern. Sitting in Istanbul’s touristic district near the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, it had been on my bucket list for months. The only sounds were whispers from tourists and odd drip of water. A vendor of souvenir stands in the far-left corner beckoned me over. I could dress up as an Ottoman princess for a small fee and go home with a photo souvenir. Disapproving looks on my face showed I felt this tacky trade unsuitable for a building and museum in Istanbul nearly 1500 years old. About the ..read more

I’d drove past the sign for Magnesia ancient city ruins many times. Hardly talked about or featured in guidebooks, I figured there was not much to see, yet curiosity still made me want to visit. So last month, our hobby photography group piled into the cars and made our way there. Sitting in the Aydin region of Aegean Turkey, it was just an hour’s drive away from my home, and when we arrived, only one other group was there. Magnesia city ruins could possibly win the crown as one of the most deserted ancient sites in the country. The entrance fee was 5 lira but I was quite chuffed to use my Mu ..read more

Wherever I go, when locals tell me about an attraction or landmark that isn’t in my guidebooks, I fill up with frenzied excitement, and an intense urge to get there. That was my initial feeling when I found out about Yüksek Monastery and Church. On this occasion, my private guide and driver was taking me to the small district of Güzelyurt in the Cappadocia region. I’d wanted to see it for a long time because out of all the villages in the area, the Greek history of Güzelyurt is said to be one of the best. It was a long drive but thankfully my guide, Cansu was full of local knowledge and his i ..read more