Istanbul is a social melting pot with a delicious food culture influencing all its guests. They are all unique joys to enjoy, from individual and traditional drinks like Boza to timeless foods like Sultanahmet meatballs with irresistible flavour. But with so many different food choices available, where do you even start? It’s time to appease your appetite and learn what and where to eat in the famous city of Istanbul! To taste this delicious and unique food, you must reach Istanbul on a tourist turkey e visa.

Kanlıca’s Yoghurt 

Since the 17th century, the Bosphorus district of Kanlica has become renowned throughout the country for its delicious yoghurt. Its yoghurt is distinctive and its unmatched flavour is produced from the ideal blend of fresh, well-fed goat, cow, and sheep milk varieties. The famous Kanlica Yoghurt can be found in the area of Kanlica’s historic restaurants and coffee shops. This tasty snack is covered with icing sugar to give it a unique texture and flavour. Take a relaxing vacation to Bosphorus and taste this local delicacy there!

Taksim’s Islak Hamburger

Islak Hamburger, which translates to “wet burger,” is a well-known street snack typically eaten at buffets near Taksim Square. After a hard night out or whenever you need a fast snack, you can enjoy this tempting treat. The taste is highly addictive, so use it carefully! It’s unlikely that you can get by with just one piece. Islak Hamburger chunks are kept waiting to warm up inside a steam box before being served. Do not worry; these burgers are so well-liked that they are never left in the box for an overly long period, especially late at night.

Ortaköy’s Kumpir 

Since Kumpir is just a baked potato, you’re probably wondering what makes a baked potato special. Inside the baked potato, the delicious ingredients tussle, pile up together and generally have a good time with one another. And Ortaköy is the best place to enjoy this in Kumpir of all the places to eat this dish. In Istanbul, it’s a must-try street snack. Before cutting into the smooth, creamy, buttery potato, choose your toppings, and order a plate of different sauces to give your Kumpir more flavour!

Sütlüce’s Uykuluk 

The soft meat cut taken from a calf’s neck is known by its original Turkish name, uykuluk. It is enjoyed around the nation, but naturally, Sütlüce in Istanbul is the most popular location. You can eat uykuluk without much bread and still feel satisfied because it is excellent and affordable. Uykuluk is a sweet dish, so that you will love this unique experience. You can enjoy it on a platter with some salad or between two slices of lavash bread topped with onions and spices. For the best Uykuluk expertise, choose the sandwich style and serve it with a large glass of Ayran beverage.

Beşiktaş’s Turkish Breakfast

Are you trying to find a healthy and satisfying breakfast? Go to the Kahvalticilar Sokagi now! This means “breakfast street” is lined with stylish, upscale restaurants that primarily serve whatever breakfast dish you desire. This location is immensely well-liked, especially among young people and students, so make sure you go early to find empty seats because it tends to be very packed on weekends. It is time to go on this fantastic brunch adventure in Istanbul’s rewinding streets!

Sultanahmet’s Meatballs

Sultanahmet, which gave this distinct flavour its name, is the best location to enjoy Sultanahmet Köftesi. Pul Biber (pepper flakes) can be used to season the meatballs, but be careful—it could get hot! A refreshing drink of Ayran pairs nicely with this outstanding lunch. Sultanahmet meatballs offer more than just the traditional meatball flavour because of its long history of tradition and culture. Sultanahmet’s central location in Istanbul also makes it possible to easily explore the other mysteries of the area following your delicious lunch or dinner!

Vefa’s Boza Drink

The fabled Vefa Bozasi is a dish from the Vefa district of Istanbul. The saltiness of fermented millet grain and the sweet flavour of sugar released during fermentation give it its unique taste. It is served in glasses with roasted chickpeas and ground cinnamon on big trays. It is also very nutritious. Go to the Vefa area to taste a Boza drink and experience this classic Turkish beverage from older times.

Finally, you have a turkey visa online and are in the city where East and West meet. What do you eat, though? If you want a shortcut to the kitchen, here are seven recognisable and well-liked meals to try in Istanbul. You may be amazed that a decade in Istanbul wouldn’t expose you to all the unique treats the Turkish cuisine holds. Bring your camera if you can since you’ll want to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

You might be asking why you visit Turkey for wine tasting when you can visit France or Italy. You should be aware, too, that Turkey’s stunning Aegean coast is also home to some fantastic vineyards so that you can taste a variety of delicious and rich Turkish wines. After all, Greeks and Romans once occupied these regions and often drank wine. If you are a wine lover, kindly apply for a turkey visa online and visit once in a lifetime here.

Currently, Turkey harvests about 20 varieties of grapes, including well-known varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot, as well as several indigenous to Turkey.

Turkish Wines’ Grape Varieties

Bornova Misketi, Emir, Narince, Sultaniye, Calkarasi, Kalecik Karasi, Okuzgozu, and Bogazkere are indigenous grape varieties in Turkey.

If you have a Turkey e visa and appreciate wine and travel, you will enjoy mixing your summer vacation with a wine-tasting trip to Turkey. We included a list of the top wine-tasting routes across the nation and the typically family-owned fair-trade vineyards.

The Urla Wine Route offers wine tasting close to the best resort towns.

Suppose you want to spend your vacation learning Turkish wines and winemaking while taking in the sun and the sea; go to Urla. The Urla Wine Route is home to many small vineyards ready to welcome you, and Urla is only an hour’s drive from Izmir.

The 1700 BC-dated oldest winemaking artefacts were discovered in the Izmir region. Today, the site is instead buried among Ceşme’s backstreets. While Alaçati, ceşme, Kuşadasi, and Didim are nearby tourist sites, Urla is a quiet town; however, you might choose to stay at a resort in ceşme and visit Urla for the day.

If you decide to stay at a resort, we advise you to rent a car to get to Urla. There are many other things for foodies, such as the “ot” festival in Alaçati if you’re going to Izmir around April. This festival honours the region’s fantastic cuisine with native herbs and delicious local olive oil.

The following wineries are in Urla: Mozaik Winery, Urla Winery, Urlice Winery, USCA Winery, MMG Winery, and Limantepe Winery.

A place well-known among locals for its vineyards and jazz festival: Bozcaada

Bozcaada is the place for you if you appreciate blending in with the locals and prefer tranquil vacation spots over resort towns. Bozcaada’s history of wine production dates back many years; in fact, the ancient island is mentioned by both Homer and the renowned Ottoman explorer Evliya Celebi. While touring the Bozcaada wine route, you can see UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Troy, Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, and Hierapolis.

Even the locals in Bozcaada have learnt how to make wine, and vineyards cover half of the island. In Bozcaada, people live a high life; once you arrive, you’ll quickly feel like a part of it. According to Heriot, the son of the Greek god Poseidon, “God created Bozcaada so people visiting would enjoy a long life.”

If you enjoy jazz music, we advise you to visit Bozcaada in July since the Bozcaada Jazz Festival is held in the second part of the month, immediately following the Wine Tasting Festival.

Corvus Wine&Bite, Amadeus Mozart Café Wine House, Talay Winery, Camlibag Tenedion Winehouse, Ataol Winery, Gülerada Winery, Talay Winery, and Yunatçilar Winery are the wineries in Bozcaada.

Best wine tasting spot near Istanbul: Thrace Wine Route, Tekirdağ

If you love wine and food and are visiting Istanbul, you should take a day trip to explore the Thrace Wine Route. Tekirdag is close to the Greek and Bulgarian borders. Tekirdag is a beautiful green region with loads of nature, and numerous villages here are well-known for creating wine.

Because the Marmara Sea, Aegean Sea, and the Black Sea surround this region, you may expect to travel through mountains, woods, and microclimates while on the Thrace Wine Route. It’s a relaxing get-away from the city, and local cuisine is available to taste, including “Tekirdag Köfte,” a dish of meatballs served with wine.

The following wineries are in Tekirda: Arcadia Vineyards, Chateau Nuzun, Suvla Vineyards, Barbare Vineyards, Umurbey Vineyards, Chateau Kalpak Vineyards, and Suvla Vineyards.

Turkish Wines You Should Try 

The boutique vineyards will undoubtedly have a wide selection of Turkish wines for you to choose from. In case you’d like to taste some before travelling to Turkey, we’ve included some of the best Turkish wines you might be able to locate outside of Turkey.

Here’s our list, in no particular order: 

– Nero D’Avola Urla Karası (Red wine)

– Kayra Buzbağ Rezerv Öküzgözü (Red wine)

– Kayra Kalecik Karası (Red wine)

– Paşaeli, Çalkarası Rosé (Rosé wine)

– Kav Narince (White wine)

– Urla Vourla (Red wine)

Since 2005, we have been a travel company accredited by the IATA and the ATOL, specializing in trips to Turkey and Northern Cyprus. We prioritize our customer’s needs by giving them the vacation they desire, not the one we think will sell best. All our holidays may be customized since we can locate and book any flight offered and then match it with the lodging of your choice.

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Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is known for its beautiful architecture, regional food, and hospitable residents. This uniqueness gives the town a unique personality that identifies it as a global hub for the arts and culture. Let’s find out! But first, apply for a turkey visa online to see this beautiful Architecture.

A thriving scene of arts, design, and culture

There are many outstanding young designers and painters in Istanbul. Here, incredible arts, fashion, and product design are heavily influenced by urban legacy and the union of Asia and Europe. The city’s hip, modern side also presents outstanding performances and artwork.

The best site to visit to see some significant works by modern Turkish artists is Istanbul Modern. You can follow Istanbul’s fantastic year-round calendar of events and festivals, which includes movies, concerts, jazz performances, performing arts, and much more if you prefer one-time events. The events vary from jazz improvisations and symphonic concerts to plays in cathedrals with a thousand-year history. First, apply for a turkey e visa. Later you can check out the list of events before you leave and choose the one you want to attend.

Private ventures have also been offering certain boutique, themed venues and galleries for various temporary exhibitions in addition to the traditional top museums like Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Istanbul Archaeological Museums, etc.

The prestigious but free Istanbul Biennial attracts thousands of spectators to various locations throughout the city, making it the ideal gathering place for artists and art lovers.

At Contemporary Istanbul, the primary art market in the city, enthusiasts and professionals in the field of art come together each year. For those who enjoy art, there are a variety of additional activities they can attend, from glamorous parties to exhibitions of works by established and up-and-coming artists in former Ottoman power plants.

Big guns of the art scene

The main art galleries are located in Nişantaşi, a district with modern European architecture. They exhibit cutting-edge modern and contemporary art pieces by both local and foreign artists. In addition, a few galleries that specialise in selling works by traditional Turkish artists exist, as do a lot of auction houses. There are also a few classy designer boutiques, charming foreign shops, and premium restaurants in Nişantaşi. Thus, it is ideal for a chic day or a luxurious evening.

Some small-scale hip galleries and local artists’ spaces in the districts of Karaköy, Galata, and Cukurcuma, next to the spectacular and newly constructed Galata Port facility, strive to foster the next generation of Turkish by solely focusing on up-and-coming artists. They aim to showcase emerging artists working in various media, such as sculpture, photography, and painting, who are still in the early phases of their careers. These areas are ideal for exploring the Turkish modern art scene by wandering through backstreets since they overflow with antique shops, creative souvenir shops, and street food. Aiming to build an alternative discourse on all aspects of art through projects like holding panels, debate sessions, developing an archive, making exhibitions, and contributing to new literature, some of these galleries and events provide artworks that reach beyond the usual cliques.

Neighborhood dynamism

Istanbul is a megapolis with many artistically inclined neighbourhoods. Older, historic districts like Balat and Fener are full of colourful homes and religious and architectural landmarks, while younger hotspots like Yeldegirmeni and Bomonti are exploding with new excellent venues to explore while displaying architectural neighbourhood characteristics. Visit the primary market and look around the vintage, design, and antique boutiques and craft studios. Traditional coffee shops serving Turkish coffee and tea and ultra-hip, modern micro coffee roasters where you may get a cup of flat white or different cold brews are also options.

These many Istanbul neighborhoods are like a treasure map for the urban arts explorer. In terms of the arts, Istanbul is the new chic! Join us for fresh artistic challenges! But apply for a Turkish visa online first because doors are not open without a tourist visa.

Iznik has established itself as one of the few open-air museum cities in the world by preserving its rich cultural, historical, and touristic legacy. Additionally, it is now a part of Cittaslow, the network for slow cities.

This novel concept, which was created by merging the Italian terms “Citta” (city) and “slow,” has been in our world for a very long time. Since 1999, this international municipal organization has been in business. Cittaslow is a concept based on the notion of slow living. Urbanization makes our lives overly hurried and highly dependent on consumption. A perspective built on living more calmly and enjoying life is called cittaslow. So if you are tired of the busy life of the vibrant city, this is the time to apply for a Turkish visa online and spend some quality time with yourself in Iznik.

In addition to qualities like agriculture and tourism, other attributes like hospitality and social stability are needed. As a result, a city might be considered quiet if it maintains both self-sufficiency and a slow pace of life. Turkish cities from the Aegean, Black Sea and Southeast Anatolia are included in Cittaslow towns, which also have cities from 30 other countries. The last town from Turkey to appear on the list is Znik, which was selected as a Cittaslow.

Zednik, on the province of Bursa’s Tentative List for the UNESCO World Heritage, is located on the eastern side of the eponymous lake. The town first appeared in history under the name Nicaea, leaving a lasting impression on the development of Christianity. Nicaea held the First Ecumenical Council of the Church in 325 and produced the Nicaean Creed, which is still in use today.

The Eastern Roman Empire ruled Nicaea after the Roman Empire. The walls that now enclose the city of Iznik were first built by the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian the Great, who also supervised the construction of the beautiful Ayasofya in Istanbul across the Marmara Sea. Eastern Roman emperors fled to Iznik and ruled for 57 years after the Crusader army invaded Istanbul rather than Jerusalem and plundered the city.

Iznik’s walls could fend off Arab attackers, but they were weak against the Seljuks, who conquered the city and made it a part of their empire & came to be known as İznik. The city also bears the mark of the Ottoman Empire, which conquered Iznik in 1331. Iznik flourished as an artistic, economic, and cultural hub throughout the Ottoman era after serving as the capital of the Seljuks and the Eastern Romans.

The pivotal moment came under Sultan Selim I’s rule, and its effects would last for ages. The famous pottery masters from Tabriz, conquered by the sultan, were transferred to Iznik. Along with the usual blue and white, artists who moved to the city and built shops began to use coral red. Despite being utilized in mosques worldwide, Istanbul and the Blue Mosque mainly saw the most excellent use of these tiles.

The walls surrounding Iznik give the impression that you are approaching a miniature of Istanbul as you draw closer. When you arrive in the city’s centre and see Ayasofya, you are even more aware that you are in Istanbul. But as you go around the streets of Iznik, which are covered with enormous plane trees, you realize that you are actually in a calm village removed from the rush of Istanbul.

Five kilometres of the city’s old walls surround it, maintaining the Roman pattern. Observe the town’s four principal entrances: the Istanbul Gate, Yenişehir Gate, Lefke Gate, and Lake Gate. You can still climb the walls and take in the surroundings at the Lefke Gate, the largest of all the gates.

Down the street is where you’ll find the stunning Green Mosque. The 14th-century building stands out due to its diagonal minaret decorated with gorgeous turquoise tiles. The Iznik Museum, which you can see when you cross the street, is housed in a soup kitchen that Sultan Murat I built in 1388 and featured a collection of tiles. Even today, the ceramic tiles from Iznik are marked with their location.

See what’s left of the old Ottoman ceramic kilns if you’re curious about tile development. You should move in the direction of the lake and follow the walls to the Saray Gate to see what the tile masters of the past and present have made.

From its energy city population from the Hellenistic era to the monumental buildings from the Roman, Eastern Roman, and Ottoman periods, Iznik retains its historical urban fabric with all of its vibrancy. However, the most significant thing to do after visiting is to travel to the lakefront, where various charming cafes will greet you. A lot of little motels are also gathered together around the peaceful lake. Every day, the sunset in Iznik will provide you with a pleasant surprise.

When it comes to agricultural goods, Znik is highly wealthy. Numerous other fruits and vegetables are grown, including olives, grapes, peaches, cherries, plums, pears, apples, walnuts, tomatoes, green beans, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Three official fruit and vegetable markets are located nearby. The olive dominates the agricultural production of Znik, providing 90% of farmer families with a living. The olive oil is just beautiful.

Fish, crayfish, and meatballs are the first foods that come to mind when considering what to eat in Iznik. The restaurants near Lake Iznik also provide delicious food, including crab stew, carp soup, fried catfish, crayfish salad, and dishes. You may eat meatballs in one of the meatball restaurants in the heart of Iznik. To benefit from culinary tourism, the area has also launched efforts for the slow food movement.

The author is associated with TurkeyVisaOnline.com and has written many blogs on turkey e-visa applications, Turkish culture, history, food, and how to apply for a turkey visa online.

Bridges have enabled the development of nations and cross-cultural interaction throughout history. In addition to their usefulness, these buildings are notable for their distinctive architectural features and appealing looks. Numerous old bridges in Anatolia have been passed down through the generations. Some of them are included in the list of the country’s most prestigious bridges that we have provided below. So before reading the entire article, first apply for a turkey visa online.

Dicle (On Gözlü) Bridge, Diyarbakır

Locals refer to the Dicle (Tigris) Bridge as the 10-Eyed (On Gözlü) Bridge because it has ten openings. The Bridge is situated on the Dicle River in Diyarbakir’s Sur district. Due to the city sieges in the past, the Bridge was damaged numerous times over time. Since there was no way to reach Diyarbakir from other bridges during the Middle Ages, the Bridge had to be rebuilt multiple times. The inscription at the Bridge’s foundation gives the firmest date for construction, even though the same year of building is uncertain. It was 1065, according to that inscription. Since then, the Tigris River has been beautifully viewed from this Bridge, which has proven necessary.

Varda Bridge, Adana

One of Adana’s most iconic buildings is the Varda Bridge, which has long been recognized. In the Karaisali district is this famous Bridge that lies crossed by trains. As a result of an agreement between the Ottoman Empire and Germany, Varda Bridge was constructed in 1912. Germany needed this Bridge to have faster access to oil resources, while the Ottoman Empire used it to transport soldiers, people, and trade. The Ministry of Culture & Tourism has chosen the Varda Bridge as one of Turkey’s 13 most prestigious bridges. Varda Bridge was also the setting for a crucial scene in the James Bond movie “Skyfall.” Everybody should see the breathtaking canyon view from the Bridge.

Malabadi Bridge, Diyarbakır

Built by the Artuqids in the 12th century, Malabadi Bridge is one of the grandest works of art from the Seljuk period. The Bridge crosses the Batman Stream inside the city limits of Diyarbakir. The Bridge’s twisting columns depict the sun, animal, and human motifs. The majestic architecture of Malabadi Bridge was mentioned by Evliya Celebi in his travels when he said, “The dome of Hagia Sophia can (easily) fit beneath the Malabadi Bridge.” Any visitor to Batman must stop and admire this piece of art.

Cendere Bridge, Adıyaman

One of the eldest bridges still in use worldwide is the ancient Cendere Bridge. It is situated in Eskikale, a historic settlement now known as Adiyaman, 55 kilometres away. The 32.20-meter-long span of the Bridge, which was constructed by stacking 92 tonnes of heavy stone blocks, has allowed it to stand over the Cendere Stream since the Roman era. The second-widest Roman arch bridge is the Cendere Bridge. It is believed that the Roman emperor Septimus Severus gave the order for its construction two thousand years ago. According to the legend, Bridge, which had four sections overall, was constructed in honour of the wife and sons of the emperor Septimus Severus. His son succeeded the emperor to the throne, killed other brothers and destroyed all, including his pillar on the Bridge. As a result, the Bridge has three rather than four sections.

Taşköprü, Adana

Seyhan and Yüregir, Adana’s two most significant centre districts, are connected by Taşköprü on the Seyhan River. One of the most significant symbols of Adana is the Taşköprü, which translates to “stone bridge” in Turkish and dates back to the Roman Imperial Period. The oldest Bridge in history still in service is Taşköprü Bridge, according to literature. Taşköprü has served as a central hub for visitors from Anatolia to the south and east throughout history, including warriors, emperors, and caravans. The 350-meter-long Bridge stands out thanks to its 16 arches.

Irgandı Bazaar Bridge, Bursa

The historic Irgandi Bazaar Bridge is one of only four bridges in the world with a bazaar. Other instances can be found in Bulgaria and Italy. On the Gökdere River, the Irgandi Bazaar Bridge was built in 1442 to link the Bursa districts of Osmangazi and Yildirim. Said, The Bridge is a representation of Ottoman bazaar culture. There are 32 shops in all on it. It is equally exceptional as a physical art bridge with traditional Turkish handicraft workshops situated on it. It is no surprise that it was chosen as one of Turkey’s top 13 bridges.

Palu Bridge, Elazığ

The Palu Bridge, which spanned the Murat River in Elazig’s Palu area and was formerly the only east-west transit route, is significant. Ten pointed arches with various widths and heights make up Palu Bridge. The Palu Bridge has undergone numerous changes throughout the years, and its exact construction date is still unclear. Some claim that it was constructed during the Roman era, while others assert that it was built during the Artuqid or Seljuk era. The Ministry of Culture & Tourism has chosen the Historic Palu Bridge as one of the top 13 bridges in Turkey.

Oluk Bridge, Antalya

Overlooking the Köprüçay River is the old Roman Bridge known as Oluk Bridge. One of the critical elements of Köprülü Canyon National Park is the Bridge, historically known as “Eurymedon” during the Roman era. It is understood to have been erected in the second century, even though nothing is known about its past. Selge, the historic Turkish city that served as the Roman Empire’s capital, is close to Oluk Bridge.

Ortacalar Twin Bridges, Artvin

The Ortacalar Twin Bridges in Artvin are among the most stunning old bridges in the area because the two separate bridges are opposite. The bridges cross two streams: Sogucak Stream and Kamilet Stream, accordingly. These ancient buildings have previously served as bases for deploying troops to the Caucasus. Because of the Bridge’s high pointed arch, it is safer to cross the Black Sea’s swift stream creeks from this location.

Çeşnigir Bridge, Kırıkkale

Between the towns of Köprüköy and Karakeçili in the Kirikkale district is the Cesnigir Bridge. The Bridge was built during the Seljuk era and is significant historically. The Timurid army crossed this Bridge to move into Ankara before the Battle of Ankara in 1402. The Bridge was also modernized and renovated in the 16th century by the Grand Ottoman Architect Mimar Sinan, contributing to its continued existence today.

The bridges of Anatolia are both valuable and exciting. The beautiful decorations and interesting facts give entertainment value, while the architectural features reveal the history of each Bridge.

Please don’t rely on our word entirely, though. Apply for a turkey e visa, visit Anatolia and cross these famous bridges to find out for yourself.