An Englishman in The Wise
Eight years ago, The Wise began its journey. After four issues, we parted ways with our first copy editor, Bea Vanni. Following this, I began searching for a replacement editor. I tried so many names that I found on a website, but then I came…
Gods and Goddesses in Turkish Mythology
All sections of society reflect the background mythology of that society, because over time, that mythology permeates into a society’s culture and becomes a part of it. When you look at various civilizations in ancient times, you may notice many similarities in their mythologies when…
A Story of Self-Actualization
May 19, 1919 was a pivotal day for Turkey. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, took his first step toward the War of Independence by going to Samsun. Every year, May 19 is fervently celebrated all over Turkey. So, why do…
Assos: A Town Blessed by Athena
Assos; what I felt for the town was pure love at first sight, mingled with the dizziness of the love that I was in at that time. Assos, snugly located within the foothills of Ida Mountain, surrenders to the magnificent energy of the mountains blessed…
Perge: Travelling Through Millenia During A Vacation
I walked through the main gates of Perge, one of the greatest cities of Greek, and eventually Roman culture. The first things I saw were huge stone walls surrounding the city, with a gap that served as the main entrance, where they grabbed the horses…
The Peaceful Address Of My Soul: Ayvalik
Ayvalık. For many people it’s a peaceful, lovely coastal town. For me, it’s almost part of me. I was in college when I first visited there. It reminded me of my childhood, the steep pebble stone streets, the chatty old women eating sunflower seeds on…
Gateway To My Soul: Kas and Meis
Some places are endowed with healing power, and the Lycian district is one such place. What is it about Megisti – the Greek island that lies three miles off the coast of Kaş? I haven’t yet decided whether it’s because of Lycia’s weather or water,…
The Sufis
During the spread of Islam, the Sabi religion, which is rooted in western doctrines, was dominant in Anatolia and Mesopotamia.
Istanbul: Queen of Cities
Istanbul, as a cradle of civilization, has witnessed thousands of years of history, and it has been home to a rich variety of nations.
Myth Busters for a Nation on Two Continents: 10 Facts to Refute False Beliefs About Turkey
Although Turkey ranks as one of the most visited countries on earth with 27 million visitors in 2010, in general, people still confuse Turkey in its location, language, race and culture.