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Let us imagine the Seljuks as a movement; an enormous influx of colossal bodies of water dashing from as far as the Far East carrying cultural sediments from the Central Asian Steppes, Transoxiana, Fertile Crescent, and Beth Nahrain, eventually emerging as a rich and generous delta of cultures that is united in the heart of Anatolia.

Traveling to Türkiye is an adventure, especially when it comes to food. As a bridge between Asia and Europe, Türkiye is a melting pot of cultures and its variety of local cuisines is unmatched. Turkish cuisine’s richness and diversity will be celebrated even more in 2020. The Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry announced that 2020 will be designated as the “Year of Turkish Cuisine”, introducing a host of events to promote the country’s delicious flavours. In honour of this, let’s embark on a culinary journey in Türkiye.

Every culture has its own voice and rhythm. The sounds and traces left by two different continents and countless civilizations have been passed from generation to generation with a very rich variety throughout this land. Türkiye is one of the areas where this diversity is most evident in art and in music.

Çatalhöyük is a city founded 9,000 years ago, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site is well-worth visiting to see the remains of an ancient (like, REALLY ancient) city. But what makes it so incredibly special? Well, at the moment, Çatalhöyük is the first known city in the world – the first place where surrounding villages came together and formed a central location and began the sort of urban civilization that dominates the modern world.

In 2013, Turkish coffee culture and tradition took its place in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. It's critical to Turkish culture, and the Turkish word for "kahvaltı" even translates directly as the meal "before coffee." When visiting friends and family in Türkiye, Turkish coffee is always part of every occasion and will always be offered when you enter someone's home. It's a critical part of wedding celebrations, engagements, births, and almost anything you can think of.

The particular climatic and geographical features of Anatolia have enabled locals over the centuries to create a unique cultural mosaic. Different civilizations have blessed Anatolia with a cultural heritage that can be found nowhere else in the world. Today, newer traditions emerge as the people of Anatolia combine the past and the present using their creativity and imagination.

Ebru, often referred to as Turkish paper marbling, is a traditional art form that has captivated the imagination of artists and art enthusiasts for centuries. This intricate technique involves creating stunning, fluid patterns on the surface of water and then transferring these designs onto paper. Ebru, with its rich history and unique aesthetic, continues to be a revered and celebrated craft in Türkiye and beyond.

Discover Seb-i Arus ceremonies honoring Mevlana. Explore culture and plan your visit today