Hagia Sophia Dome Lead Removed as Minaret Is Partly Dismantled
Türkiye is reinforcing the sixth-century monument from its dome to underground tunnels while worship and visitor access continue
ayasofyacamii.gov.tr
Life
Culture, society and everyday life in Türkiye and the wider region, reported with the same rigour as our political coverage.
41 articles in this section
Turkish Visits to Greece Rise to 1.5 Million as Island Visa Scheme Expands
Turkish arrivals rose by about 25 percent in 2025 as the 12-island visa programme brought more visitors to Aegean tourism businesses
Bosphorus News
Bozcaada Jazz Festival Marks Its 10th Year With ‘Impermanence’ Theme
The three-day festival will return on September 4-6 with performances at Ayazma Monastery, Salhane and Habbele Beach, alongside talks,workshops and island walks
Bozcaada Jazz Festival
Ankara Turns 2026 Tourism Title Into NATO Summit Year
Türkiye's capital is preparing for a year of Turkic heritage, cultural travel and global summit visibility beyond Istanbul
Murat Özsoy
Istanbul Jazz Festival Sets June 30 Opening Across City Venues
The 33rd edition will run until July 13, with Marcus Miller opening a summer programme of concerts across Istanbul
iksv.org
Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival Returns to Edirne's Summer Calendar
The 665th edition will run from June 29 to July 5, with ticketed oil wrestling days set for July 4-5 at Sarayiçi
Kadıköy Book Days Opens in Istanbul With Ayşe Kulin as Guest of Honor
The 10th edition runs through June 21 with nearly 100 publishers and a broad program of talks, signings and children’s events
KADIKÖY MUNICIPALITY
Turkish Airlines Wins Two European APEX Awards for Entertainment and Food Service
The 2026 APEX list placed THY among Europe’s passenger-experience winners as its food and beverage award was reported as the carrier’s fifth
Rohit Tandon
Türkiye Receives 1,055 Coins Returned From Greece
The return was highlighted during the first Türkiye-Greece Culture Forum in Cappadocia
Mardin Biennial Opens Children’s Workshops as City Hosts Parallel Exhibition
The 7th Mardin Biennial opens children’s workshops, while Bilge Yıldız’s independent exhibition adds a parallel layer to Mardin’s cultural season
Musa Ortaç
Bodrum Jazz Festival Returns With 14 Days of Music Across the Peninsula
The 10th International Bodrum Jazz Festival will bring concerts, exhibitions and talks to some of Bodrum’s most atmospheric venues from June 15 to 28
Greece Bans Sunbeds on 251 Beaches as Overtourism Pressure Grows
Greece is tightening control over commercial beach use as overtourism strains fragile coastlines before the 2026 summer season
Elena Mozhvilo