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Address: Derviş Ali, Kariye Camii Sok. No:18, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye Tickets: 20 Euros Chora Church or Kariye Mosque is a Byzantine church, now converted to a mosque, in the Edirnekapı neighbourhood of the Fatih district, Istanbul. It’s famous for its outstanding Late Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. History The Chora Church was originally built in the early 4th century as part of a…

Address: Rüstem Paşa, Hasırcılar Cd. No:62, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye Rüstem Paşa Camii, or Rüstem Pasha Mosque, is an Ottoman mosque located in the Hasırcılar Çarşısı in the Tahtakale neighbourhood of the Fatih district of Istanbul, near the Spice Bazaar. The mosque was named after Rüstem Paşa, who served as Grand Vizier to Sultan Suleiman I, the Magnificent. The famous architect Mimar Sinan…

If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, you absolutely have to carve out some time for the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. Located right in the heart of Sultanahmet, it’s tucked away in the stunning Ibrahim Pasha Palace—a building that’s practically a piece of history itself, dating all the way back to 1524. It’s honestly one of the best spots to get a real feel for the city’s rich cultural…

I always stay in the same area whenever I’m in Istanbul, and even then, I keep finding new gems to explore—even if the hilly walk there is a bit of a workout! The Pera Museum, tucked away in the historic Tepebaşı quarter of Beyoğlu, is just a short stroll from the bustle of İstiklal Avenue and Taksim Square. Housed in the beautiful 1893 Bristol Hotel building, it’s the perfect spot to dive into…

Aynalıkavak Kasrı or Aynalıkavak Pavilion is a former Ottoman pavilion located in the Hasköy neighbourhood of Beyoğlu in Istanbul, located on the shores of the Golden Horn. It is what I like to call a “mini palace.” It is the 4th biggest Ottoman Empire Palace in Istanbul. It was constructed during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I (1603–1617) in late 1613 and has had additions and changes over…

The Galata Mevlevi House Museum or widely known as an authentic Mevlevi Whirling Dervish hall is a historic site located in Istanbul and was established in 1491. It represents the most important Ottoman works in Beyoğlu along with Galata Palace School. It is the oldest Mevlevi lodge in the city and serves as a museum dedicated to Ottoman literature and Mevlevi culture. The whirling dervishes do…

Styling outfits from my Turkish TV shows is one of my most favourite things to do! Especially when I have all or most of the pieces in my closet! This outfit is from Güller ve Günahlar, starring Cemre Baysel. One of my favourite Turkish actors. I met her last year on the Leyla set, where I’ve styled many of her outfits. At the beginning of the season, I was afraid I wouldn’t be styling any of…

My initial visit to the Sultanahmet Mosque, widely known as the Blue Mosque, took place back in 2022. Unfortunately, major renovations were underway at the time, leaving only a small portion of the ceiling visible while the rest remained hidden behind scaffolding. Returning to experience its full grandeur had been a top priority ever since, and the second attempt was absolutely worth the…

The word “detox” often conjures up images of lemon water fasts and restrictive cleanses that promises quick weight loss. But the concept of detoxification is often misunderstood. While our bodies are incredibly sophisticated machines with their own built-in detox systems, they sometimes need a little extra support. Let’s break down what detox really means and how you can support your body…

I am still in shock that it’s already July. Insane!!! Summer dizi season has started and there are some good ones. Summer dizis in Turkiye have been put on the back burner for the past few years because of the economy and costing too much to make, but this year they are back with a vengeance. I am watching 3 out of the 4. Dehset Bey I have been meaning to watch this film since its release back…

Topkapı Palace served as the home of the Ottoman Dynasty in Istanbul for four centuries. The complex consists of several courtyards spread across an extensive area, all enclosed by 5th-century walls originally built during the Roman Empire. Its strategically located terraces offer magnificent panoramic views overlooking the iconic Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Topkapı Palace served as the home…

          Have I mentioned how much I love my wide-leg trousers? This is the third trip to Istanbul that I’ve brought them with me and usually they are my favourite outfits from my trips! These beige/tan ones and my black ones! This time, I decided to pair it with a brown cropped cardigan tank set! The cardigan and tank are actually part of a 3-piece set- the third piece is a skirt. Which…

Daily habits have a profound impact on our lives. They can help calm our minds, get our creative juices moving, help us pause during our busy schedules and make us more resilient. Habits help shape our future and create the foundation for long-term well-being. When we consistently practice positive behaviours, we train our bodies to act more efficiently and effectively. Sunlight I thrive in the…

Summer is here, and it’s time to update your skincare routine! Increased humidity and sun exposure can lead to clogged pores and sun damage, so it’s essential to pivot to lighter formulas, prioritize daily sun protection, and scale back on harsh treatments. Read on for my top tips on how to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all season long. Apply and Reapply Sunscreen Sunscreen is a…

Trabzon is a city and province in the Black Sea (Karadeniz) region of Türkiye. It is the 9th-largest city in Turkiye and the second-largest city on the Black Sea, behind Samsun. It is truly a natural beauty with lush green valleys, misty mountains, and dramatic alpine landscapes. How to Get to Trabzon Flying into Trabzon Airport is probably the best and quickest way to get to Trabzon. You could…

From chlorine and salt water to UV Rays, summer can really take a toll on our hair, leaving it dry and brittle with little to no definition. But don’t worry, I am going to share some tips to help get your hair back to looking its best! Problem: Hair Dry and Crunchy Salt water can make your hair feel awful, and it is prone to tangling. It is important to wash your hair after every beach day. If…

I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention to people’s beauty routines, but so many of them contain product after product, and next thing you know, they are showing you a 20-step routine! Before you know it, you’re staring at a shelf full of serums, toners, and masks—each one promising the “perfect glow.” Don’t know about you, but my sensitive skin could never handle that. Personally, my skin…