CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE
Turkey is a vast and fascinating country, with a coastline, culture and lifestyle like no other. Read below a selection of 360 Yachting blogs and news posts you may find interesting…
Turkey is a vast and fascinating country, with a coastline, culture and lifestyle like no other. Read below a selection of 360 Yachting blogs and news posts you may find interesting…
Summer is on the way, so prep your skin for that ultimate sun-kissed glow with a visit to a traditional Turkish Bath. Turks have embraced a spa and wellness culture for centuries, and a trip to a local hamam is a timeless tradition most will enjoy...
There are many fabulous events and festivals in Turkey each year. Some celebrate sport, history or art, and others a local harvest – be it the artichoke, wild mushrooms or cherries. If your travels in Turkey coincide with any local events, do head along to look as it's a great chance to immerse yourself in local life and culture...
Conde Nast wrote, "Istanbul's cultural scene is poised for the global spotlight in 2022", and that certainly seems the case. With a slew of fabulous new restaurants and attractions, and a great arts scene, many talented Turkish jewellery designers are now based in the city or inspired by its incredible architecture and Ottoman past.
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, loved yachts. Just before he died, he enjoyed several outings on the Turkish presidential ship Savarona, one of the most luxurious yachts in the world at that time. She became known as "Ataturk's yacht" and guests have included President Erdogan, the Sultan of Brunai, and several international celebrities and jet-setters...
Chances are, the only turkey you associate with Christmas is the bird. But surprisingly, Turkey has many interesting festive connections, and perhaps the most notable is that St. Nicholas (a.k.a. Santa) was born in Patara, just along the coast from Fethiye. Here's a look at the origins of Santa Claus and a few other links between Turkey and Christmas.
360° Yachting's home town of Gocek is gearing up for the Rixos Sailing Cup next week, which will be a fabulous mix of sailing and entertainment. This amateur regatta runs from Tuesday 9th to Friday 12th November and will feature a series of short-distance races around the local islands and bays. Head along for a look if you're in the area, as it's sure to be a great event.
Eid al-Adha or Kurban Bayram in Turkey is the second and holiest of two main Turkish national holidays. It is a Muslim celebration known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorating when Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was prepared to sacrifice his son but was thankfully sent a ram by God instead. Kurban Bayram is a time families gather to enjoy each others company, share fabulous food and be thankful for all they have...
Istanbul is a bustling metropolis that bridges Asia and Europe and has witnessed the rise and fall of many great empires. Like London, Paris or Rome, Istanbul is one of the worlds most historically rich cities, full of architecture and cultural delights. But aside from the cities religious and traditional charms, Istanbul's contemporary art scene is making waves, and away from the mainstream tourist crowds, the city is a hotspot of artistic energy...
For centuries the whirling dervishes have enchanted onlookers. Developed by the famous scholar and poet Rumi in the 13th century, a dervish ceremony is a heady mix of music, meditation and dance performed by men in long white robes and tall felt hats. The dance is mastered by only a gifted few, who move in continual circles in a hypnotic trance, believing their movements bring them closer to God...
Turkish coffee is seen as far more than a caffeine hit or a social drink. In Turkey, it's a beverage deeply woven into local culture and tradition. If you're partial to strong black coffee, give Turkish coffee a go - you never know, you may even find a local to read your fortune from the cup when you've finished!
Although Ayran was declared Turkey's national drink in 2013, raki remains the countries signature beverage for most. Sipped in good company for generations, raki is the drink many Turks reach for to celebrate or commiserate, and it has a fascinating history and a set of traditions on how it should be enjoyed...
The ports, cities and harbour towns in Turkey are full of interesting souvenir shops and artisan stores. If you’re in the mood for shopping or fancy treating yourself, venture further than the international brand and designer stores to discover many wonderful items that are decidedly Turkish...