Seyahatname

A dog has taken the internet by storm after photos circulated on social media showing it commuting on Istanbul's public transport.

The buzz began when someone posted a photo of the dog on the tram in Istanbul with the caption saying, "A security officer wanted to take the dog out, but it resisted. Then he said, 'Anybody bothered? Because if not, it will get off at Kabataş station'."

Believed to be built in the reign of Seljuks in Anatolia, Pertek Castle in the eastern province of Tunceli awaits its visitors as Turkey is gradually reopening and returning to normal after days of strict COVID-19 restrictions.

Guided by Evliya Çelebi's "Seyahatname" (Travel Book), an excavation team in the eastern province of Erzincan's Kemah district has succeeded to unearth the longest water tunnels and a millennium-old Turkish neighborhood. 

Özdemir Turan seems like the last of a dying breed, but if he has his way, he won't. After more than five decades engaged in the wire-walking business - a traditional Turkish art that dates back millennia - the 67-year-old says he's as keen as ever to pass along his craft to someone from the younger generation.

Today, March 25, is the anniversary of the birth of Evliya Çelebi, one of the greatest Ottoman men of letters. He is also one of the least-appreciated. As someone who has lived in Istanbul for many years, immersing myself of late in Evliya's life and work, I remain perplexed that he is scarcely celebrated in Turkey today.

Today, March 25, is the anniversary of the birth of Evliya Çelebi, one of the greatest Ottoman men of letters. He is also one of the least-appreciated. As someone who has lived in Istanbul for many years, immersing myself of late in Evliya's life and work, I remain perplexed that he is scarcely celebrated in Turkey today.

?Stamboul Sketches: Encounters in Old Istanbul? by John Freely (Eland, 208 pages, £12.99)