When we flew to the elegant and diplomatic Swiss city of Geneva, we already had at least a small idea of what was waiting for us. Even though it was just a stopover for us, we still felt we couldn’t leave without seeing it properly.

From everything we had read and heard, Geneva is a city that masterfully blends history, nature and luxury in every single street. But even so, no matter how organized and aesthetically pleasing a big city is, it always carries a kind of invisible intensity – a constant pace that quietly pushes you to keep moving.

Right at the moment we wanted to step away from that rhythm, slow down a little and let our minds and bodies rest, we shifted our route from Geneva toward a completely different world just 45 minutes away: the fairy-tale town of Annecy, France.

As a family, we’ve always preferred discovering small towns with hidden character – places that feel lived in, where you can sense stories in the streets, rather than huge, crowded, cosmopolitan cities. Big cities wake up your mind, but small towns genuinely calm your heart.

After Geneva’s busy, polished streets, stepping into Annecy felt like finding an oasis. It was as if we had arrived somewhere that quietly recharged us, where time slows down and where you’re reminded once again of the pure calm of traveling itself.

Now, with the peaceful fairy tale of Annecy behind us and the majestic heart of the Alps waiting ahead in Chamonix, France, how about we explore Annecy step by step, corner by corner? Here is the travel guide I prepared for you, one that will surely enchant anyone who loves small towns.

Even though Annecy is small and easily explored on foot, it is rich enough in history and beauty that you can spend days discovering every corner. Each street holds historical details and visual moments worth pausing for. To truly feel the soul of the town, I strongly recommend slowing down and wandering without rushing from place to place.

Vieille Ville, Old Town

The moment you step into Annecy, it immediately becomes clear why it is called the “Venice of the Alps.” The Thiou Canal, which originates from the lake, flows right through the heart of the town, wrapping it like a gentle embrace.

The Old Town area, Vieille Ville, is completely closed to motor vehicles, making it a true paradise for walking.

Along the canal, you’ll see 16th- and 17th-century pastel-colored houses, with geraniums spilling from windows, all reflected beautifully on the water’s surface, creating a stunning scene.

The best thing to do here is without a doubt to forget the map and simply get lost in the streets. Narrow passages, cobblestone roads, tiny handmade souvenir shops and the smell of freshly baked croissants drifting from bakeries will accompany you as you wander.

Sit at one of the small canal-side tables in Annecy, watch the water flow and enjoy the feeling of simply being there without rushing. After big cities, this silence and aesthetic calm does something truly good for both your mind and heart.

Island Palace

While walking through the Old Town, you will eventually come across an iconic structure standing right in the middle of the Thiou Canal, like a ship splitting the water in two. This is the Palais de l’Ile – the Island Palace.

This stone building, which dates back to the 12th century, is one of the rare architectural landmarks in the world with such a unique setting.

Over the centuries, it has served many different purposes: It was once the administrative center of the Counts of Geneva, later a courthouse, a mint and for the longest time, even a prison.

One of the classic Annecy experiences is to admire it from the bridges surrounding it, and of course, to take photos with the palace framed behind you.

Annecy Castle

Following the slightly inclined, charming stone streets that rise from the Old Town, you will eventually reach the impressive Chateau d’Annecy (Annecy Castle).

Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, this castle once served as the official residence of the Counts of Geneva. Over time, it was affected by fires and wars, but through restoration, it has survived to the present day.

Today, the castle hosts temporary art exhibitions. But beyond that, the most breathtaking part of visiting it is the view itself.

From the courtyard, you can look out over the deep blue, crystal-clear Lake Annecy, along with the surrounding Alpine mountains stretching across the horizon.

Lovers’ Bridge

Annecy is not only peaceful, but it also has a deeply romantic side. One of the best examples of this is the Pont des Amours (Lovers’ Bridge).

This bridge connects the two largest green areas of the city: Jardins de l’Europe and Le Paquier.

On one side, a tree-lined canal flows gently toward the lake. On the other, you’re greeted by an endless view of crystal-clear water and snow-covered peaks stretching into the distance.

Standing here, feeling the Alpine breeze and watching the swans glide across the water, you really feel the meaning of peace.

Boat tours

One of the main reasons Annecy feels so special is its lake, which is often described as one of the cleanest in Europe. Even from the shore, you can clearly see the stones beneath the water and fish swimming through it.

There are several ways to enjoy it, depending on your style:

Comfortable guided large cruise boats

Large sightseeing boats depart from the main piers, offering relaxed 1 to 1.5-hour tours. From the open deck, you can enjoy the wind while listening to commentary about the region’s history. The boat passes fairy-tale-like medieval castles along the shore and small luxury Alpine villages at the foot of the mountains. If you want to make it even more special, some cruises offer lunch or dinner on board. Watching the sunset over the lake while dining is an unforgettable experience.

Electric and motor boats

For those who love independence like us, one of the most fun options is renting small electric or motor boats from stands along the lake.

Some of these boats are guided and can take up to 10 people. We joined a guided speedboat tour for 10 people. During the ride, we slowed down at times to enjoy the Alpine views, feeling the wind and the refreshing waters of Annecy in a truly memorable experience.

Nostalgic and fun, pedal boats

If you want something more active, you can rent one of the colorful pedal boats lined up near the shores, especially around Pont des Amours. Some even come with slides. You can glide across the water slowly and even swim directly in Annecy’s incredibly clean lake.

Gastronomic pause

One of the best things about small towns is how food discovery feels just as personal and warm as walking through the streets.

Annecy is a wonderful place where refined French cuisine blends with the local flavors of the Alps.

In the local restaurants set beneath stone buildings along the canal, you will often smell traditional Savoie dishes like fondue and raclette. Being so close to Switzerland, cheese fondue is especially common here. It’s definitely something you should try.

But if you prefer something lighter, small crepe shops hidden in the streets offer fresh fruit or chocolate-filled French crepes, which are perfect for a relaxed break.

For a quick sweet stop, you should also visit the famous historic ice cream shop Glacier Perriere. You might find a long line outside, but their handmade, natural-flavored ice creams are absolutely worth the wait.

Next stop: Chamonix

Annecy became an incredible stop that reignited our love for small towns and, after Geneva’s intense city atmosphere, truly soothed our souls. Thanks to its slow-paced lifestyle that naturally strips away stress, we absolutely fell in love with it. The sense of calm we tend to lose in the rush of big cities was something we regained completely in this little “Venice of the Alps.”

After Annecy, we turned our route toward somewhere far more dramatic and adventurous. The famous mountain town of Chamonix, France – set at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak – was waiting for us with its cable cars and glaciers.

See you next time, when I’ll share what we discovered in Chamonix after the calm of Annecy.

There are many beautiful coastal destinations along the Mediterranean, but few offer the unique experience of Side. Here, history is not confined to museums or archaeological sites separated from everyday life. Instead, it becomes part of the journey itself. Every street, every corner and every sea view is accompanied by reminders of the civilizations that once flourished here.

Located in the district of Manavgat on Türkiye’s southern coast, Side was one of the most important ports of ancient Pamphylia. Over the centuries, it was shaped by Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine influences, leaving behind a remarkable collection of monuments that continue to define the town today.

What immediately strikes visitors is how seamlessly ancient history blends with modern life. Restaurants, boutiques and cafes stand alongside Roman walls and centuries-old ruins. Rather than feeling like a city built around an archaeological site, Side feels like an archaeological site that continues to live and breathe.

Glass walkways, ancient streets

One of the most fascinating features of the town is its glass walkway system. As you stroll through the center, transparent glass panels allow visitors to look directly beneath their feet and see the excavated ruins below. Walking across these platforms creates a unique connection with the past, offering a rare opportunity to observe ancient structures while continuing your journey through the town. It is a thoughtful way of preserving history while allowing modern life to coexist with it.

The ancient theater remains one of Side’s most impressive landmarks. Built during the Roman period, it once hosted thousands of spectators and still stands as a testament to the engineering achievements of the era. Nearby, visitors can explore the ancient agora, city gates, baths and monumental streets that reveal the sophistication of this once-thriving port city.

Sunset at the Temple of Apollo

No visit to Side would be complete without experiencing the Temple of Apollo. Situated dramatically at the edge of the sea, the temple has become one of Türkiye’s most photographed historical sites. Arriving near sunset is particularly magical. As the Mediterranean sun dips toward the horizon, the white marble columns are bathed in golden light, creating a scene that feels almost cinematic.

Beyond its historical significance, Side offers a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Palm-lined promenades, turquoise waters and charming streets invite visitors to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. Whether exploring ancient ruins, dining by the harbor or simply watching the waves from the waterfront, there is a sense of tranquility that defines the destination.

As a fashion designer, I often draw inspiration from the places I visit. Side reminds me that heritage and contemporary life do not need to exist separately. They can coexist beautifully, just as ancient stones and modern architecture do here. I have always believed that we are all voluntary ambassadors for our country, and through my collections I strive to share the stories, culture and beauty of Türkiye with international audiences.

Side is more than an archaeological treasure; it is a living reminder of Türkiye’s extraordinary ability to preserve its past while embracing the present. Walking across a glass pathway and looking down at ruins beneath your feet, you are reminded that history is not something distant here – it is quite literally part of the path you follow.

For travellers seeking both cultural discovery and Mediterranean charm, Side offers one of the most memorable experiences on Türkiye’s coastline. It is a destination where every step tells a story, and where the past remains wonderfully present.

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The Blagaj Tekke, near Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina, stands at the base of steep cliffs rising as high as 200 meters (655 feet), forming one of the most recognizable cultural and spiritual landmarks in the Balkans.

Situated about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Mostar in the village of Blagaj, the historic Dervish lodge overlooks the source of the Buna River, where turquoise waters emerge dramatically from a karst spring beneath towering rock formations. Visitors often describe the setting as exceptionally peaceful, shaped by the sound of rushing water and the surrounding natural landscape.

Also known as the “Alperenler Tekke,” the site is regarded as both a historic monument and an important symbol of Sufi tradition that spread from Anatolia into the Balkans during the Ottoman period.

Historians believe the lodge was established about 600 years ago by dervishes who arrived from Anatolia. Its location at the river’s source and beneath the cliffs has long contributed to its reputation as a place of reflection and retreat.

Legacy of Sarı Saltuk

Inside the complex is a tomb associated with Sarı Saltuk, one of the most mysterious figures in Balkan folklore. The tomb is marked with a green turban, a traditional symbol used in the region to honor revered religious figures.

Sarı Saltuk is believed to have been a disciple of Haji Bektash Veli and one of the early dervishes sent from Anatolia to the Balkans in the 13th century. According to legend, he requested that multiple coffins be buried in different locations to conceal his true resting place. As a result, several sites across the Balkans are associated with him, with Blagaj considered one of the most significant.

Ottoman-era spiritual center

Historical records show that tekkes played a key role in the spread of Islam in the Balkans during the Ottoman period, often serving as rest stops for travelers as well as religious centers. Scholars also note that dervishes were present in the region before the expansion of Ottoman administrative and military structures.

The Blagaj Tekke, built around six centuries ago as a two-story structure, reflects classical Ottoman architecture with whitewashed walls, wooden details and wide eaves. Its prayer hall is noted for its distinctive Turkish Baroque-style elements, considered one of the most unique examples of its kind in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The complex also includes a historic bathhouse featuring an underfloor heating system and star-shaped openings in its dome that allow natural light into the interior.

UNESCO recognition

The earliest known written reference to the tekke appears in the travel writings of Ottoman explorer Evliya Çelebi, who described it as an important center of learning and spiritual life in the Ottoman world.

The surrounding area of Blagaj has preserved much of its medieval and Ottoman-era heritage, making it one of the region’s most historically layered settlements.

In 2007, the cultural landscape of Blagaj and its surroundings was added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Nearby stands a historic mosque built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, considered one of the oldest domed structures in the region.

Today, the Blagaj Tekke remains one of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s most visited destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year with its combination of spiritual heritage, Ottoman architecture and the dramatic natural setting of the Buna River spring.

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On this trip to one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in spring, we found ourselves immersed in nature while also witnessing the history of a city of global importance.

Geneva, located on the shores of Lake Geneva under the shadow of the Alps and the Jura Mountains, had long been on our travel list. As with every trip to Switzerland, our excitement began months in advance. The fact that this journey also extended from Switzerland into France doubled our anticipation.

From Geneva – right on the French border – you can easily visit Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe and even cross into Italy in a very short time. I will share more details about that in a future article. Another essential stop, just 45 minutes from Geneva, is Annecy, which is absolutely worth visiting.

Geneva is not only blessed with stunning natural scenery like many Swiss cities, but it is also one of Europe’s most prestigious cities due to hosting some of the world’s most important international institutions. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman), the city is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Red Cross, and CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Geneva is also known as a global center for the production of some of the world’s most prestigious watch brands.

Jet d’Eau

One of Geneva’s most iconic landmarks is the Jet d’Eau, located on Lake Geneva – one of the largest lakes in Central Europe, shared by Switzerland and France.

The fountain shoots 500 liters of water per second at a speed of 200 kph, reaching a height of 140 meters. On sunny days, it creates a beautiful artificial rainbow.

The mist rising from the water can make you feel as if you are walking through a fairytale. Watching this while feeling the cool spray on your face and seeing the snowy peaks of Mont Blanc in the background is an unforgettable experience.

English Garden, Flower Clock

Located along the lake, the English Garden (Jardin Anglais) is a perfect place to enjoy nature. Opened in 1862, it features walking paths, the Fontaine des Quatre-Saisons (a bronze fountain) and sculptures by Swiss artists.

One of its most notable features is that the trees and plants are maintained without any chemical pesticides. Inside the park, you can see a Ginkgo tree planted in 1863 and a Copper Beech planted in 1895.

The most famous attraction here is the Flower Clock (L’Horloge Fleurie), a symbol of Geneva’s watchmaking heritage. Created in 1955 and powered by solar energy, it is redesigned each season with different flowers.

For those looking for a photo spot, it is located at the corner where the road to Mont Blanc Bridge meets Quai du Général-Guisan.

Mont Blanc Bridge

The Mont Blanc Bridge, also known as Pont du Mont-Blanc, is 250 meters long and open to both pedestrians and vehicles. While it has no particular historical significance, it is a great photo spot thanks to the flags on both sides.

On a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc from here. One end of the bridge leads to the luxurious Paquis district, where you can admire beautiful architecture.

Les Grottes

Les Grottes is one of Geneva’s most interesting neighborhoods, known for its narrow streets and Parisian-style cafés.

What stands out most here is its unique architecture. The colorful, curved buildings known as “Schtroumpfs” resemble the works of Gaudí in Barcelona and the Hundertwasser Houses in Vienna.

Built between 1982 and 1984 by Berthoud, Frei and Hunziker, these buildings are also locally known as the “Smurfs’ houses.”

Quai du Mont Blanc

This lakeside promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants, stretches toward Bains des Pâquis. It offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

The area is also home to luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, making it one of the most elegant walking routes in the city.

Rousseau Island

Located on the Rhone River just west of Mont Blanc Bridge, this small island can be reached on foot via Bergues Bridge.

Brunswick Monument

While walking along Quai du Mont Blanc, you will encounter the Brunswick Monument, a mausoleum dedicated to the Duke of Brunswick.

The Duke donated his entire fortune to Geneva in exchange for a grand tomb overlooking the Alps. Today, it remains one of the city’s most visited landmarks.

Rue du Rhone

This is Geneva’s main luxury shopping street, connecting the Old Town to Lake Geneva. Here you will find world-famous brands and exceptional chocolate shops.

It is also one of the best places to enjoy Swiss chocolate and luxury shopping. At sunset, dining here with a view of the lake – perhaps with a traditional cheese fondue – is a memorable experience.

United Nations Office

Located inside Ariana Park, the Palais des Nations (United Nations Palace) is considered the heart of global diplomacy.

The park is also home to peacocks, which were allowed to roam freely as part of Geneva’s agreement when hosting the U.N.

International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

Located directly opposite the U.N. building, this museum opened in 1988. It showcases documents, posters and information about the humanitarian work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

St. Pierre Cathedral

One of Geneva’s most iconic landmarks, St. Pierre Cathedral is a blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Neoclassical architecture.

If you are willing to climb 157 steps, you will be rewarded with a stunning view from the north tower. The cathedral is also listed as part of the European Cultural Heritage.

Parc des Bastions

Covering approximately 65,000 square meters, Parc des Bastions is a great place to rest and relax.

The park often hosts music festivals and is popular for yoga and sports. It also includes playgrounds, botanical areas and public events.

At the entrance near Place de Neuve, you will find large outdoor chessboards, a common feature in many European city parks.

Reformation Wall

The Reformation Wall, also known as the Monument International de la Reformation and located inside Parc des Bastions, is a 100-meter-long monument built in 1909. It features statues of key figures of the Protestant Reformation, including John Calvin, William Farel, Theodore Beza and John Knox.

The motto “Post Tenebras Lux” (“Light After Darkness”) is engraved on the wall, symbolizing the philosophy of the movement.

Directly opposite the monument is the University of Geneva, founded by John Calvin and one of the oldest universities in the city.

Place de Neuve (New Square)

Place de Neuve is one of Geneva’s most important squares, often overlooked by tourists due to its busy traffic.

Surrounding the square are important cultural institutions such as the Geneva Conservatory of Music, Rath Museum, Grand Theatre and Victoria Hall.

At the center stands the equestrian statue of General Guillaume Henri Dufour, a key figure in Swiss history who was also the first general of the Swiss Confederation army and the creator of Switzerland’s first detailed topographic map.

Sapanca, near major cities such as Ankara and Istanbul, along with Amasra and Safranbolu, will offer visitors a journey through nature and history during the Eid al-Adha holiday, drawing interest with their scenery, heritage sites and tourism facilities.

Located in the eastern Marmara region and the western Black Sea region, Sapanca reflects the climate characteristics of both areas and hosts a wide range of natural attractions. The district offers accommodation options including villas, bungalows, five-star hotels and boutique properties.

With its lake, picnic areas, blue and green landscapes and recreational facilities, Sapanca remains a year-round destination for domestic and international tourists. Visitors can enjoy lakeside walking and cycling paths, as well as zipline activities, ATV tours and boat rides.

The district’s accommodation facilities are expected to reach 100% occupancy during the nine-day holiday period.

One of the top destinations

Sapanca Tourism Association Chair Berrin Yılmazer told Anadolu Agency (AA) that Sapanca is one of Türkiye’s most attractive tourism destinations.

She said the district stands out for its accommodations, activities, lake, greenery and cuisine, where blue and green meet.

“We are very lucky to be in such a beautiful destination,” Yılmazer said. “We want everyone to come and see it. They should taste our food and trout, see our entertainment and join our activities.”

She noted strong holiday booking demand, adding, “In previous holidays, summer vacations and midterm breaks, we have always reached 100% occupancy. We expect to reach it again this time.”

Strong demand for Amasra

In Amasra, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2015 with Amasra Castle and is known for its historical sites and natural beauty, hotels and guesthouses are seeing heavy reservations ahead of the holiday.

The district contains remains from the Hellenistic, Archaic, Classical, Roman, Byzantine, Genoese, Seljuk and Ottoman periods and is preparing to host visitors.

With most of its 3,000-bed accommodation capacity already largely full, Amasra – whose permanent population is about 6,000 – is expected to welcome roughly 500,000 day-trippers and overnight tourists during the holiday.

Amasra Culture and Tourism Association Vice Chair Mete Ayyıldız told that the district is one of the Black Sea’s “paradise” destinations thanks to its 3,000-year history and natural and cultural heritage.

“We have strong demand in our district. Hotel occupancy has reached around 90%,” he said. “We will host our guests in the best possible way. It will be a pleasure to welcome them in the capital of fish and salad.”

He added that longer holiday periods benefit local tourism by spreading visitor traffic across several days, allowing businesses to provide better service.

Tourist numbers in Amasra continue to rise, with the district’s daily population reaching about 50,000. During the nine-day holiday, total visitors are expected to reach 450,000 to 500,000.

He also warned of heavy traffic congestion of 3-4 kilometers near the town center during peak hours, advising visitors to plan trips for quieter morning or midday hours.

Safranbolu to host history seekers

Known as one of the “best-preserved top 20 cities in the world,” Safranbolu will welcome visitors during the holiday with its Ottoman-era inns, baths, mosques, fountains, bridges and historic mansions.

Safranbolu Tourism Operators Association Chair Şebnem Urgancıoğlu told that reservations are rising across historic mansions, guesthouses and hotels.

Occupancy is currently at 75%-80%, and she expects it to reach full capacity during the Eid al-Adha holiday.

She noted that Safranbolu is especially beautiful in spring and autumn, adding that visitors can walk through the historic bazaar and Bağlar district.

She also recommended visiting local attractions such as caves, the Crystal Glass Terrace, the Incekaya Aqueduct and nearby Yazıköy and Yörük villages. For those with more time, she suggested the natural areas in Yenice and the canyons in Pınarbaşı, as well as the newly opened Kalealtı Education and City History Museum.

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Ireland deserves special recognition. Irish people are known for their unconquerable resilience, wholehearted hospitality and loyal nature. I have heard stories of their resoluteness during the famine, struggles for independence and especially Dublin’s connections with literary history, for which it is recognized as the “UNESCO City of Literature.”

Finally, the moment arrived. The late professor Justine Ashby encouraged me to attend the International Association of Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) conference held in Dublin on June 25-29, 2013, which turned my dream into a reality.

The University of Huddersfield offered me a research grant of 500 pounds ($670), a small amount that needed an astute budgeting plan. I managed to book a Ryanair budget flight, while U.K. trains offered students 33% off journeys.

An Irish friend told me about city life and shared a list of places to visit. It was a five-day trip, and I had enough time to explore Dublin’s known and hidden gems.

Perhaps I was so excited on the opening day that, when I boarded the taxi for Dublin City University (DCU), I told the cab driver to head to University College Dublin (UCD). This remains a joyful memoir.

Dublin’s tourist attractions

The next day, I began my exploration of Dublin, a city of countless amazing attractions that attracts over 6 million tourists yearly. Dublin’s jam-packed restaurants, cafes and pubs offer a range of food and drinks.

Its historic museums, long-standing structures, libraries packed with classic collections, modern and old bridges, monuments, a vibrant seaside and the city center pathways alongside the River Liffey make Dublin a city of astonishing features.

Additionally, old surviving bridges and Georgian buildings with red-brick facades are so impressively preserved that it feels “as if you have stepped back in time.”

Walking in the alleyways, I witnessed and relished colorful storefront sign shadows in the clear water. Back in Leeds, I learned about Dublin’s nightlife and its “10 oldest pubs,” especially “The Brazen Head,” standing tall on Liffey Bridge Street since 1198, and it has received the status of Dublin’s best place for Irish music venues.

Notably, in the United Kingdom, pubs are seen as places to network, socialize and integrate with diverse people, including teetotallers like myself. The Young Scholars organized social events in Dublin’s various pubs and cafes.

Although “IAMCR 2026” is hosted in Galway, the organizers have arranged several social events in Dublin City University (DCU), knowing the attendees’ appetite for Dublin’s attractions.

A state-of-the-art 120-meter-high (393-foot) monument, “The Spire” at the heart of the city center, is an icon of Dublin. Summer brings extra blessings to Dublin: opulent, aromatic and floral gardens such as the war memorial and National Botanic Gardens.

Sitting on the hop-on-hop-off bus, I noticed a banner on an electric pole stating “abortion kills,” indicative of Irish people’s profound connection with Orthodox traditions.

You can enjoy several tours, for instance, “Pat Liddy’s walking tour of Dublin,” “monumental music tours,” the “River Liffey sightseeing tour” and “1916 Rebellion walking tours.” I found Irish tourist guides to be the best storytellers, often branded as “seanchai,” who know the art of “painting pictures with words.”

Walking through Dublin’s streets, I recognized the Irish people’s sense of humor and their engagement in deep conversations, especially debating sensitive topics.

I recall Irish academic colleagues’ conversations on the war in Gaza. Years on, I admire their thoughts and, of course, the Irish government’s position on Gaza is representative of its people.

Of course, the Irish can recount the horrors of colonial rule, and hence their support for the Palestinians is understandable. I had wonderful discussions on Irish history, literature and society. So true, we live and learn.

Though I have seen street artists in various cities across Europe, their expressions are always unique when describing local cultures. I was astonished to see an incredible drawing on the pavement by a street artist simply using chalk.

On the street in front of a Catholic Church, I met two teenage volunteers offering tea and cookies to passersby, while the two young lads in traditional costumes happily posed for a photograph after learning that I am a travel writer.

Every day brought me a new experience. I spent quality time in Dublin’s Writers’ Museum, which is now closed, but it has earned the city the title “A City of Words.” If you are a good walker, you don’t need to hire a cab like in other cities to explore city gems.

Most historic buildings, including the medieval-era Dublin Castle, iconic gardens, traditional cafes and famous restaurants, are located within walking distance in the city center. Interestingly, Dublin ranked as the “fourth most walked city in the world.”

In the distance, Dublin Bay and the sandy seaside are must-visit sites. One evening, I visited the beach and was astounded to see a grand open-sea swimming contest. I inquired and learned that participants were preparing for the “94th Dublin City Liffey Swim” and the popular Forty Foot events. Though the RNLI lifeboat crew was alert, open-sea swimming is challenging.

Islamic collections in Dublin

Dublin houses a large collection, comprising over 6,000 Islamic sculptures and religious books at Trinity College Dublin and the Chester Beatty Library, located within Dublin Castle. The library is named after the Scottish-Irish business tycoon Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968), who gifted fine collections of Islamic manuscripts, art objects, amulets, poetry, paintings and historical texts dating back to eighth-century Arab rulers and 13th- and 15th-century Turkic periods, including the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman, also known as “the Magnificent,” and Mughal kings.

The extraordinary treasure comprises a total of 250 Holy Qurans. Out of these, the most notable Holy Quran, “illuminated in lapis and gold,” is named after a renowned Persian artist and calligrapher, Ruzbihan Muhammad al-Tab’i al-Shirazi, who signed the five Qurans.

Currently, the library holds the only surviving original copy, named the “Ruzbihan Quran,” created in the mid-16th century. The marvellous Quran collection also includes an eighth-century masterpiece of the Holy Quran by Ibn al-Bawwab in Baghdad in 1000.

Turkic connection

Today, Dublin city offers footprints of the Ottoman period. The “Great Famine Memorial” at Custom House Quay in the city docklands affirms the loyal trait of Irish people who still remember and acknowledge Sultan Abdülmecid I’s generous aid during the 1845-1852 Great Famine, also known as the “Potato Famine” in Ireland.

Credible sources revealed that the sultan offered 10,000 pounds, but Queen Victoria’s adviser in London declined the sultan’s offer to avoid embarrassment, as she had donated 2,000 pounds to starving people.

Besides, the Irish Drogheda United Football Club features the Ottoman Empire’s coat of arms, including the crescent and star, to honor the Ottoman Empire’s help during the starvation caused by the potato famine that killed over a million people.

As a frequent visitor to Türkiye and a close friend of the Turks and Irish people, I can sense the strong bonding among the Irish and Turks. Both share similar traits rooted in their cultures. The similar nature of people stems from loyalty, bravery, resilience and natural warmth.

After spending a week in Dublin, I returned to Leeds carrying the warm hospitality of the Irish people.