Sultan Bayezid II Complex
Sultan Bayezid II, while preparing for the conquest of Kili and Akkerman, established the Sultan Bayezid II Complex on May 23, 1484. This complex consisted of a mosque, health center, madrasah, soup kitchen for the poor, printing house, Turkish bath, mill, and bridge along Tunca, catering to the needs of the army.
Healing Through Turkish Music and Aromatherapy
During the 15th century, those considered insane in the West were often subjected to burning, believed to be in collaboration with Satan. However, Sultan Bayezid II employed innovative methods to treat mental disorders. Turkish music, featuring melodies like neva Bulgaria Tours, rast, dugah, segah, qargah, and buselik, played a significant role in curing patients. Additionally, aromatherapy using flower scents contributed to their well-being. The Health Museum of Sultan Bayezid II, housed in the Darüşşifa section of the Ku
Edirne a Historical Crossroads
Edirne, situated at the confluence of the Tunca and Meric rivers, has played a crucial role as a transit point on the East-West road throughout history. It has witnessed significant social events, including migrations, invasions, and cultural exchanges Edirne’s Remarkable Bridges, serving as a necessary route from Southeast Europe to Anatolia.
Edirne’s Roman Legacy
Originally known as Odrysai, Edirne was captured by the Romans from brave warriors named Ordysai. This city became one of the Roman Empire’s key settlements during a visit by Emperor Hadrian, leading to its renaming as Hadrianopolis or Adrianopolis in honor of the emperor.
Ottoman Capital and Glory Days
Sultan Murat I seized Edirne from the Byzantines in 1361, making it the capital city of the Ottoman Empire for 92 years until the conquest of Istanbul in 1453. This period marked the zenith of Edirne’s history, coinciding wit
Exploring Turkish Traditions and Delights in Marmaris
Exploring Turkish Traditions and Delights in Marmaris
A Cup of Harlot Seeds, Please!
The porcelain cups, perfectly sized for a relaxing coffee experience (50 mg. Caffeine), take center stage in a mystic ceremony. This ritual unveils the past, present, and future, guided by the effects of coffee grounds. Once referred to as ‘harlot seeds’ in Ottoman times, Turkish coffee brings energy and joy, making the cups just as alluring.
Porcelain Beauty Eternity and Immortality
The tree motif on the plate symbolizes family while recalling the Ottoman civilization’s expansion, spanning Asia and Europe. Branches represent the Ottoman reach, portraying the life tree as a mystic connection between the underground and the sky—an embodiment of human existence beyond life Read More about Historical Caravanserais and Architectural Gems.
Ottoman Miniatures and More
Disco
Historical Caravanserais and Architectural Gems
Exploring Seljuk and Ottoman Heritage
THE ALAY HAN
Located 34 kilometers from Aksaray, the Alay Han is a 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai covering an area of around two thousand square meters. Currently a tourist attraction, plans include restoring and transforming the Alay Han into a daily facility as part of a larger project.
THE CARAVANSERAI OF SILAHTAR MUSTAFAPAŞA
Situated in the Battalgazi district, 8 kilometers from Malatya, the Caravanserai of Silahtar Mustafapaşa is a 17th-century Ottoman architectural masterpiece spanning approximately 4 thousand square meters. Partially restored and visited by tourists, future plans involve converting it into an accommodation facility suitable for daily use.
Embracing Ottoman Traditions and Delights
Ottoman Times in Marmaris
Rediscovering Oriental Pleasures
Do you agree that savoring a cup of Turkish coffee on a sofa is incomparable to Nescafe? Can the confined space of a
Historic Caravanserais
Preserving the Past for Modern Use
Exploring Seljuk Era Architectural Marvels
THE SULTAN HANI (THE SULTAN’S INN) – Caravanserai of Alaeddin
Situated in Sultan Han town, 40 km from Aksaray, the Sultan Hani is a splendid Seljuk era caravanserai dating back to the 13th century. Covering a base area of 5 thousand square meters, this well-preserved structure is currently a tourist attraction. Plans are underway to restore and repurpose it as an accommodation facility Read More about Exploring Turkish Traditions and Delights in Marmaris
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THE SARAPSA HA AN (THE SARAPSA INN)
Found on the Antalya-Alanya highway, 12 km from Alanya, the Sarapsa Han is a 13th-century Seljuk architectural gem spanning approximately six hundred square meters. Currently serving as a discotheque, the han is set to undergo renovations and transformation into a restaurant.
THE AKHAN<
Squares and Domes
Now, step outside and ascend from the street you came from. Be mindful that the streets you traversed were a crucial center of Istanbul life thousands of years ago as well. The Byzantine palaces and residences of high-ranking palace officials have always existed in this area, where wealth from around the world congregated. Ascend with the Marmara Sea behind you. Take a moment to breathe near Arasta, at the base of the Byzantine Palace walls. Enter, either for shopping or to enjoy coffee or tea. If it’s summer, refresh yourself with cold drinks.
Afterward, exit and stroll towards Sultanahmet Square. Let yourself be captivated by the splendor of the square where imperial ceremonies were once held. Try to envision the ceremonies in the Byzantine era when Emperor Justinianus rarely appeared in the square, which was once the Hippodrome. Picture Suleiman the Magnificent observing the parade organized in the area known as At Meydani (The Horse Square) during the Ottoman era
Elgihan
Hotels, in the modern sense, began to be constructed in the mid-19th century. With the frequent calls of passenger ships in Istanbul and the establishment of the Sirkeci Train Station, the number of travelers between Istanbul and Europe increased. Many hotels, such as Hotel de Pera, Hotel de France, London Hotel, and Pera Palace, were opened during this period.
Starting from the mid-15th century, although in small numbers, European travelers visiting Istanbul were accommodated in churches, monasteries, and imarethanes (charitable institutions) of large mosques after their journeys lasting months, as there were no accommodation centers in the modern sense. Considering that transportation was only provided overland by horses, we can deduce that the number of those coming to Istanbul from foreign countries was limited.
Atik Ali Pasa Caravansary
In the 16th century, diplomatic relations between the Ottoman Empire and European countries developed, leading to freque
The Caravansary with Three Doors
According to information provided by travelers and ambassadors, Elgihan’s architectural structure, with a courtyard in the middle, is square.
The well located in the middle of the courtyard served as a water source for humans, animals, and the caravansary. The courtyard featured three entrance doors for wagons. The ceilings of the rooms were domed and covered with lead for waterproofing. Although the rooms were not very comfortable, Elgihan also had ten shops located on the street at the caravansary’s entrance. These shops had windows opening to the outside and to the courtyard with a porch.
“Kiyamet-i Surra”
Representatives staying in Istanbul sometimes for months and sometimes for years used this caravansary to meet the Sultan. The lead covering the domes of the caravansary, with a significant place in Istanbul’s cultural history Elgihan, melted due to a fire at Qemberlita§ in 1587, but the caravansary s
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