Dolmabahçe Palace: The First Extravagant Western Style Palace during the Ottoman Era

Palaces like this can only be dreamed about in fantasies. A strait with blue waters and seagulls soaring above. A vast garden that blossoms roses, jasmines and marigolds. Dazzling architecture that looks like it came right out of a fairy tale. This is exactly what Dolmabahçe Palace is.  Cradled on the European shores of the Bosphorus Strait, Dolmabahçe Palace is a dazzling blend of imperial … Continue reading Dolmabahçe Palace: The First Extravagant Western Style Palace during the Ottoman Era

Göreme Open-Air Museum: Sacred Cave Churches in Cappadocia

Beneath the soft curves of Cappadocia’s surreal landscape lies a world shaped by centuries of faith and resilience. The Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, was once a thriving monastic center for early Christians escaping persecution and punishments of war. After Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire, the region became a spiritual refuge during the Arab-Byzantine wars. Christians who fled … Continue reading Göreme Open-Air Museum: Sacred Cave Churches in Cappadocia

Goreme Reva Hotel Review: An Underrated Stay in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is filled with amazing stays. So much so that choosing a hotel becomes a confusing maze of figuring out which hotels to book. This is especially true in Goreme, where the city is located near the iconic Cappodocia fairy chimneys, the hot air balloon rides and the Goreme Open Air Museum. While there are plenty of hotels in Goreme ranging from budgets to luxury, … Continue reading Goreme Reva Hotel Review: An Underrated Stay in Cappadocia

Top Artifacts to See in Istanbul Archaeology Museum: Sarcophaguses, Greek Gods and Items from Troy

In a place like Istanbul where museums are abundant, Ottoman palaces that still stand in all its glory and underground water reserves that makes jaw drop, the Istanbul Archaeology Museum goes unvisited by many travelers. With its vast collection of artifacts, the museum invites visitors to explore the layers of history that shaped entire empires in Turkey with intricate sculptures of Roman Emperors and even … Continue reading Top Artifacts to See in Istanbul Archaeology Museum: Sarcophaguses, Greek Gods and Items from Troy

The unique rock formations in Capapdocia Photo Credit: AWO staff

Top Unique Things in Cappadocia to Book in Advance: From Whirling Dervish Dances to Paragliding above the Valleys

Cappadocia is a truly unique place to be with its otherworldly rock formations and valleys that has captivated travelers worldwide. Most visitors come here to float above the valleys in hot air balloons or explore the underground cities. Which is why many of these beautiful activities and places often go unnoticed. For those seeking unique experiences, Cappadocia offers plenty of underrated things to do that … Continue reading Top Unique Things in Cappadocia to Book in Advance: From Whirling Dervish Dances to Paragliding above the Valleys

Taken 2 Filming Locations in Istanbul: An Action-Packed Adventure for Fans of Liam Neeson’s Bryan Mills

Explore the stunning Taken 2 filming locations in Istanbul, from the iconic Galata Bridge to the majestic mosques and the elegant hotels that offered the thrill of the movie. Follow Liam Neeson’s Bryan Mills through the city’s breathtaking scenery, and discover how At World’s Origins (AWO) can help you plan an authentic movie-inspired adventure. Continue reading Taken 2 Filming Locations in Istanbul: An Action-Packed Adventure for Fans of Liam Neeson’s Bryan Mills

The Basilica Cistern: Inside Istanbul’s Largest Underground Water Reserve

Noone would ever guess that under the city of Istanbul, standing 52 feet underground lies an entire world of water systems and reservoir built 1500 years ago in the age of Constantinople. Hundreds of ancient cisterns still hold water today, lying quietly beneath the modern world without disturbing anyone or anything on the surface. Out of these hundreds, the Basilica Cistern is the biggest and … Continue reading The Basilica Cistern: Inside Istanbul’s Largest Underground Water Reserve

Hagia Sophia: Istanbul’s symbol of Religious Co-existence and Byzantine Brilliance

No mosque in all of Turkey, or perhaps even the world, is quite like the Hagia Sophia. Not just in beauty, but also in aesthetics, religious co-existence, engineering, the jaw dropping décor and the iconic yellow hues. With cathedral-like chandeliers and an atmosphere that is beautifully balanced between that of a mosque and the past of a church, Hagia Sophia is a must-see place in … Continue reading Hagia Sophia: Istanbul’s symbol of Religious Co-existence and Byzantine Brilliance