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Turkish food is renowned as one of the top three world cuisines. Because of its geographical position and cultural heritage, Turkish cuisine has been influential in and influenced by Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The Turkish cooking tradition has a unique historical heritage and makes use of an incredibly rich variety of natural ingredients; this has all led to a unique fusion of East and West.

As in Italy, Spain and Portugal, dining is an integral and indispensable part of social life. In addition to traditional Turkish cuisine, in all its regional varieties, other types of food are widely available. Seasonal vegetables and fruits, including eggplants, peaches, figs, olives, dried apricots, as well as all kinds of nuts, are very popular. Freshly baked bread is the favorite accompaniment for dishes, and lamb and chicken are the main meats. The consumption of pork is forbidden by Islam and hence not common. Although the Koran also forbids alcoholic beverages, many Turkish people drink beer, wine and liquors.

All cities have numerous restaurants and snack bars. Many specialize in a limited number of foods, such as kebabs, soups, meat wraps, pastries, fish and so on. Others offer a variety of meals, including stews, pilafs (seasoned rice), vegetables, and deserts. International fast-food chains have recently become popular in major metropolitan areas.

Both coffee and tea play an indispensable role in Turkey’s social life. Tea and coffee houses are “disguised” social and cultural meeting points, where news and gossip is exchanged. In recent times, Turkish coffeehouses have started to serve the traditional water pipes with many different aromas and flavors. As a result of the rediscovery of this nostalgic pleasure, coffeehouses are once again experiencing a boom in popularity.

Oğuzhan Apak 

The Lord Of İstanbul Travel Planner

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http://www.thelordofistanbultravelplanner.com/istanbul-sightseeing-tours

Oğuzhan Apak 

The Lord Of İstanbul Travel Planner

thelordofistanbultravelplanner@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/lordofistanbultravelplanner

http://lordofistanbultravelplanner.blogspot.com.tr/

https://twitter.com/lordofistanbult

Mobile:0090 533 641 32 42

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: Hello my firends, finally I have my own web site a...

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: Hello my firends, finally I have my own web site a...: Hello my firends, finally I have my own web site about tourism If you visit or recommend my website I will be happy The Lord of Istanbul T...

Hello my firends, finally I have my own web site about tourism
If you visit or recommend my website I will be happy
The Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner
The Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner
www.thelordofistanbultravelplanner.com

The Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner

The Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner

THELORDOFİSTANBULTRAVELPLANNER.COM

Oğuzhan Apak 

The Lord Of İstanbul Travel Planner

thelordofistanbultravelplanner@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/lordofistanbultravelplanner

http://lordofistanbultravelplanner.blogspot.com.tr/

https://twitter.com/lordofistanbult

Mobile:0090 533 641 32 42

Turkey and Turkish Society and Culture

Turkey and Turkish Society and Culture

Location: southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia (that portion of Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria

Capital: Ankara

Climate: temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in interior

Population: 68,893,918 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Turkish 80%, Kurdish 20% (estimated)

Religions: Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christians and Jews)

Government: republican parliamentary democracy

The Turkish Language

The official language, Turkish, is the first language spoken by 90% of the 63m population. Minority languages include Kurdish, spoken by 6% of the population. Arabic is spoken by 1.2% of the Turkish population; most of those speakers are bilingual Arabic and Turkish speakers. Other minority languages include Circassian, spoken by more than 0.09% throughout the country, Greek, Armenian and Judezmo, a Romance language spoken by Jews.

Turkish Society and Culture

Islam

Islam is the religion of the majority of Turks although the state is fiercely secular. Islam emanated from what is today Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad is seen as the last of God's emissaries (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc) to bring revelation to mankind. He was distinguished with bringing a message for the whole of mankind, rather than just to a certain peoples. As Moses brought the Torah and Jesus the Bible, Muhammad brought the last book, the Quran. The Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnah) are used as the basis for all guidance in the religion. 

Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day although this is not practised in Turkey. However, most males will attend the congregational afternoon prayer. During the holy month of Ramazan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing

Etiquette & Customs in Turkey

Meeting and Greeting Etiquette

When meeting shake hands firmly. When departing it is not always customary to shake hands although it is practised occasionally.
Friends and relations would greet each other with either one or two kisses on the cheek. Elders are always respected by kissing their right hand then placing the forehead onto the hand.
When entering a room, if you are not automatically met by someone greet the most elderly or most senior first. At social occasions greet the person closest to you then work your way around the room or table anti-clockwise.
Greet people with either the Islamic greeting of 'Asalamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) or 'Nasilsiniz' (How are you? pronounced na-sul-su-nuz). Other useful phrases are 'Gunaydin' (Good Morning, pronounced goon-ay-dun), 'iyi gunler' (Good Day, pronounced ee-yee gun-ler) or 'Memnun Oldum' (pleased to meet you).


Gift Giving Etiquette
Gift giving has no real place in business relationships or etiquette. Relationship building and the like will usually take the form of dining or sight seeing trips rather than lavish gifts.
However, if a gift is given it will be accepted well. It is always a good idea to bring gifts from your own country such as food stuffs or craft items.
Be aware that Turkey is a Muslim country. Before giving alcohol to anyone be 100% sure that they drink.
The only time you would need to give any great thought to gifts would be if you were invited to a Turk's home for dinner. The most usual gifts to take are pastries, (especially 'baklava') and decorative items for the home such as ornaments or vases. Flowers are not usually taken to a host but can be if felt appropriate. It is best to ask a florist for advice on what is best to take. If the host has children take some expensive sweets or candy.


Dining Etiquette

Most business entertaining will take place in restaurants. Turks enjoy food and the meal is a time for relaxing and engaging in some good conversation.
The protocol of Turkish hospitality dictates that the host always pays for the meal. The concept of sharing a bill is completely alien. You may try and offer to pay, which may be seen as polite, but you would never be allowed to do so. The best policy is to graciously thank the host then a few days later invite them to do dinner at a restaurant of your choice. It may be a good idea to inform the restaurant manager that under no circumstances are they to accept payment from your guests.
Evening meals may be accompanied by some alcohol, usually the local tipple called Raký (pronounced rak-uh). It will comprise of a few courses with the main course always meat or fish based, accompanied by bread and a salad.
Turks smoke during meals and will often take breaks between courses to have a cigarette and a few drinks before moving onto the next.
Tea or Turkish coffee is served at the end of a meal sometimes with pastries. Turkish coffee is a national drink and should at least be sampled. It comes either without sugar, a little sugar or sweet. Turkish coffee is sipped and allowed to melt into the taste buds so do not gulp it down as you would instant coffee. Never drink to the bottom of the cup as it will be full of ground coffee.

For more inquiries or information please send us an e-mail and would be glad to answer you as soon as possible

Looking forward to hearing from you

Oguzhan APAK

The Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner

thelordofistanbultravelplanner@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/lordofistanbultravelplanner

http://lordofistanbultravelplanner.blogspot.com.tr/

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Mobile:0090 533 641 32 42

How to Make Menemen

These Turkish scrambled eggs are softly cooked with onions, peppers, paprika, and oregano. [Photographs: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt]

Menemen is a dish of eggs scrambled just until barely set, mixed with tomatoes, chilies, and tons of olive oil. I love to eat it with a side of salty cheese, olives, and some good crusty bread.

Why this recipes works:

• We don't do much to improve on this classic—the key is to cook the eggs very gently, removing them from the heat well before they finish cooking so they can continue to cook on the way to the table.
• The proper Turkish peppers are difficult to find, but either shishito, padrón, or Chinese long green peppers work nicely.

Note: If you have access to Aleppo or Urfa chilies, you can use them in place of the paprika for a more authentic flavor. Chives are not traditional to the dish, but I often like to add them because eggs and chives were made for each other; you can opt to include or omit them.

Menemen (Turkish-Style Scrambled Eggs With Tomatoes, Onions, and Chilies)

About This Recipe

YIELD:	Serves 2
ACTIVE TIME:	20 minutes
TOTAL TIME:	20 minutes
THIS RECIPE APPEARS IN:	How to Make Menemen, the Turkish-Style Scrambled Eggs That Haunt My Dreams
RATED:

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika (see note above)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 3/4 cup finely diced shishito, padrón, or Chinese green long pepper
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh ripe peeled tomatoes or drained canned tomatoes
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• Minced fresh chives, for garnish (optional; see note above)

Procedures

1. 1
   In a medium non-stick or cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over low heat until barely warm. Add paprika, oregano, onion, and peppers. Season with salt and a very generous amount of black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until very soft, about 8 minutes. Add tomatoes and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until deepened in color. Remove half of mixture and reserve.
2. 2
   Return pan to heat and add eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until just barely set. Immediately remove from heat and gently fold in reserved vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with chives, if using, and serve immediately.

Good Appetite...

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Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: The Sultanahmet district is the heart of historic ...

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: The Sultanahmet district is the heart of historic ...: The Sultanahmet district is the heart of historic Old Istanbul, what 19th-century travelers used to call "Stamboul." ...

The Sultanahmet district is the heart of historic Old Istanbul, what 19th-century travelers used to call "Stamboul."

The Sultanahmet district is the heart of historic Old Istanbul, what 19th-century travelers used to call "Stamboul."

Saint Sophia Church the Hagia Sophia The Church of Saint Sophia. Saint Sophia Church is located just in front of the Blue Mosque in the Sultan Ahmet District of Istanbul. The church was built around 360 by the Emperor Constantino and burned down twice. It was rebuild at 530 AD by the Emperor Justinian. The layout and decoration is typical of a church of the Byzantine period. After the Turks took over Constantinople in 1453 AD., Saint Sophia was turned into a mosque and four minarets (the tall, thin towers), were added to it. Saint Sophia was restored several times because of damage caused by a series of earthquakes. Today Saint Sophia is neither a church nor a mosque but a museum. When you are inside, you can sense the influence of both the Catholic and Islamic religions and cultures in its decorations and frescos. Blue Mosque   the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmed Mosque) During the Byzantine Era there was a hippodrome near the Blue Mosque with a capacity of 10,000 people. In 1606, Sultan Ahmet wanted to build a mosque bigger, more majestic and more beautiful than the Saint Sophia Church, and he did indeed build a mosque; you will be the one to judge which one is more impressive. The Blue mosque is called "Sultan Ahmet Camii" in Turkish, which means the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet. The mosque was built in the classic Ottoman style and is located just in front of Saint Sophias' Church the Sultan Ahmet district of Istanbul. Mosques were generally built to be used as a public service for the citizens. There are some buildings near the Blue mosque which include a theology school, a Turkish bath, a kitchen that used to serve soup for the poor, and shops. The shops would provide revenue for maintaining the mosque. The Blue mosque, as the name implies, was decorated with blue tiles and also glass-work with the same color. There are no images or statues inside the mosque since Islam forbids praying to images of any kind. Before entering the mosque you should take your shoes off. You should not wear miniskirts, shorts, or very low neckline dresss. The staff at the mosque will give you a wrap-round shawl cover yourself if they find your clothing is not appropriate for the mosque. Hippodrome The hippodrome was an immense construction 480 meters length and 117.5 meters wide; it could seat, according to estimations one hundred thousand spectators. It was build in 203 by the Emperor Septimus Severus and later on Constantine the Great extended and remodeled it. As Haghia Sophia was the center of religious life, the hippodrome was the center of the civil activities. The interests and passions of the population was divided between theological controversy and chariots races on the hippodrome. Today you can only see some monuments where the hippodrome was. If you are curios and want to see how was the old Constantinople city center click here ! The central line, or spina of the hippodrome was marked by obelisks and columns, three of which are still outstanding monuments at Sultan Ahmet square (see picture bellow: the red line is where the hippodrome was located, behind it you can see the Blue Mosque and Saint Sophia). The first monument is the Egyptian obelisk (picture above). It was originally commissioned by the pharaoh Thutmose III (1549-1503 B.C.) who erected it at Deir el Bahri opposite Thebes in upper Egypt to commemorate one of his campaigns in Syria and his crossing of the Euphrates river. It was erected on its present site by Theodosius the Great in 390 A.C. and at the bottom of it there is a marble stone with some sculptured relieves regarding Theodosius. The second monument is the Serpent column. The three bronze serpents were the base of a trophy that once stood at the temple of Apollo at Delphi. It was dedicated to Apollo as a token of gratitude by the 31 Greek cities which defeated in the Persian battle Plataea (479 B.C.). The column was probably brought from Delphi by Constantine the Great. The third monument is a roughly build pillar of stone 32 meters high dated around the 4th century. It is know that the monument was formerly reverted with gilded bronze plaques. In 1204, during the latin invasion, these plaques were removed, melted down and minted. Topkapi Palace Harem of Topkapi Palace the Topkapi Palace The Topkapi Palace was the official residence of the Sultans for three centuries. Topkapi means round (top) door (kapi). After the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Mehmet II - the conqueror, built this gorgeous palace. Today the palace complex is a large museum with many exhibition rooms. You can see gold objects (thrones, tea cups, knives, forks and spoons, cradles, jewelry, kilos and more kilos of gold work) with precious stones as decoration, silver, ceramic, miniatures, cloths and object which are sacred to Islam (among them you can see the beard and foot print of Mohammed the Prophet). Diamond at Topkapi Palace Golden Throne at Topkapi Palace  The Harem at Topkapi Palace is full of mystery and stories. It is open to the public so you can see how the Sultan's wife, concubines and mother lived. The Sultans' wives and concubines were for surely very beautiful women who would murder and intrigue for power, but we should also remember that the Harem was a place which was governed by much tradition, obedience and ceremonial. The Topkapi Palace was the official residence of the Sultans until the end of the 19th century. Mahmut II was the last Sultan to live at this palace. The last of the Sultans preferred to live by the Bosphorus in palaces with more European Styles, so they built the Dolmabahce, Ciragan and Beylerbeyi Palaces, which we will visit next. Underground Cistern The Underground Cistern is located near the Saint Sophia Church in the Sultan Ahmet district. The Turks call it "Yerenbatan Sarayi" which means "underground palace". The cistern was built by Justinian in the 6th century. It is 70 meters wide and 140 meters long, with a capacity of 80,000 cu.m. of water. The cistern is supported by 336 beautiful beautiful columns two of which are carved with the head of Medusa on the plinth. The cistern has been renovated and is open to the public every day of the week. While inside, you can enjoy classical background music, the differently illumuinated coloumns and watch fishes swimming in the water. And at the end of the tour you can also throw a coin and make a wish ... Fishes at the Underground Cistern For more inquiries or information please send us an e-mail and would be glad to answer you as soon as possible Looking forward to hearing from you Oguzhan APAK The Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner thelordofistanbultravelplanner@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/lordofistanbultravelplanner http://lordofistanbultravelplanner.blogspot.com.tr/ https://twitter.com/lordofistanbult Mobile:0090 533 641 32 42

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: Food Taste Walking Tour IstanbulTour Name : Fo...

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner:



Food Taste Walking Tour IstanbulTour Name : Fo...: Food Taste Walking Tour Istanbul Tour Name :  Food Taste Walking Tour Istanbul Duration :  Full Day Itinary :  Discover the R...

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: Shopping Tours IstanbulIstanbul located at the ...

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner:


Shopping Tours IstanbulIstanbul located at the ...: Shopping Tours Istanbul Istanbul located at the edge of Silk Road and the junction of Europe and Asia, has  been a great lo...

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: Shopping Tours Is...

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: Shopping Tours Is...: Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: Shopping Tours IstanbulIstanbul located at the ... : Shopping Tours Istanbul Istanbul located at ...

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: Bosphorus Boat & 2 Continents TourTour Name : B...

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner:


Bosphorus Boat & 2 Continents TourTour Name : B...: Bosphorus Boat & 2 Continents Tour Tour Name :  Bosphorus Boat & 2 Continents Tour Duration :  Full Day Itinary :  You w...

Bosphorus Boat & 2 Continents Tour

Tour Name : Bosphorus Boat & 2 Continents Tour Duration : Full Day Itinary : You will be picked up from your hotel (**only Old City and Taksim area with free pick up service)   at 08:30. We firstly visit Rustem Pasa Mosque, special with Ottoman tiles and then walk through the Egyptian  Bazaar (Spice Market) built in 1664 and filled with the fragrance of the exotic East such as spices, dried fruits,  turkish delights. The Bosphorus cruise by TurYol boat takes about 1.5 hour and you will see the most  impressive sights along the shores of the Bosphorus including Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maiden´s  Tower, Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli and Anadolu fortresses and Ottoman Residences. We will have a lunch break in a traditional Turkish Restaurant. We firstly visit Dolmabahce Palace, recent residence for Ottoman Sultans. Famous with great collection of  European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier, the palace has 285 rooms of 46 halls. After palace  we will drive to Bosphorus Bridge, unique chance to step from one continent (Asia) to another (Europe) in  two minutes and we will visit Camlica Hill, exposing a panoramic view of Istanbul and Bosphorus from  the best point of view. After the tour you will be transferred to your hotel about 18:00. ** Please note that there will be an extra charge for pick up service from other locations which will be informed  you separetely when we get your hotel details. The extra pick up service cost payable to the driver in cash  change please. Price : 70 euro per person for cash payments The cost including the transportation, entrances fees, lunch and Professional English speaking guide Please note that this tour is not operated on Mondays and Thursdays Please contact us for taking advise. Oguzhan APAK The Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner thelordofistanbultravelplanner@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/lordofistanbultravelplanner http://lordofistanbultravelplanner.blogspot.com.tr/ https://twitter.com/lordofistanbult Mobile:0090 533 641 32 42

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: Food Taste Walking Tour IstanbulTour Name : Fo...

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner:



Food Taste Walking Tour IstanbulTour Name : Fo...: Food Taste Walking Tour Istanbul Tour Name :  Food Taste Walking Tour Istanbul Duration :  Full Day Itinary :  Discover the R...

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner: Shopping Tours IstanbulIstanbul located at the ...

Lord Of Istanbul Travel Planner:


Shopping Tours IstanbulIstanbul located at the ...: Shopping Tours Istanbul Istanbul located at the edge of Silk Road and the junction of Europe and Asia, has  been a great lo...

Shopping Tours Istanbul Istanbul located at the edge of Silk Road and the junction of Europe and Asia, has  been a great location of trade and shopping through the centuries. Starting with  the Geneosian Colonies in Istanbul and following Greeks, Jews and Turks carried out  a rush trade activity in Istanbul which made it one of the most popular business, fair,  congress and trade centers in the world today. All these trade affairs in the city  crowned with unique places of shopping such as Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar,  Arasta Bazaar, Sahaflar Bazaar (Book Market) and traditional local markets which all  are alive today. In addition to that, present day Istanbul having a peak time for shopping  malls and centers where the world famous brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti, Cacherel,  Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger and more present their latest products. These new  and modern shopping centers have large dining halls including local and international  restaurant chains such as Mc Donalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Starbucks. They have  also play gardens for kids, cinemas and exhibition areas. You may spend most of your  day in one of these shopping centers in Istanbul and they are open until 22.00 at night 7  days a week. If you are find of shopping, you may need a local assistance to take you the best places  matching your interests. We provide shopping tours in Istanbul with private car and/or  host/hostess upon request. We take you to the places of shopping suitable of your  interest and mostly recommend a mixture of historical and modern  spots. You may  visit Egyptian Market and Grand Bazaar in the morning where traditional products of  foods, spices, textiles and fabrics are available and in the afternoon visiting a modern  shopping center.   Apart from the shopping centers, your day can be riched with a visit to Istanbul Aquarium,  Miniaturk or Istanbul Ice Museum. All these are good to visit for the children with families. PRICE LIST FOR ISTANBUL SHOPPING CENTERS Duration 1-5 px 6-12 px Host/Hostess Assistance Half Day Tour 08.30-12.30 OR 13.30-17.30 100 eur for cash payments 125 eur for cash payments +50 eur Full Day Tour 08.30-17.30 150 eur for cash payments 175 eur for cash payments +100 eur Prices are NOT per person, but for the group together. The tour is provided only as private, but NOT regular.  The costs including ;  - Land transportation with a private air-conditioned van with 50 km limit on half day and  100 km on full day tours. Fuel included.  - English or Arabic speaking host or chaffeur arrangement subject to availability  - Advance reservation required with a down payment to secure your booking.  - We give free of charge support to build the best itinerary for your tour.  Please contact us for taking advise. Oguzhan APAK The Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner thelordofistanbultravelplanner@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/lordofistanbultravelplanner http://lordofistanbultravelplanner.blogspot.com.tr/ https://twitter.com/lordofistanbult Mobile:0090 533 641 32 42