For more than two millennia Istanbul has stood at the crossroads of the world, perched at the very tip of Europe, gazing across at the shores of Asia. The history of this city—known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, now Istanbul—is at once glorious, outsized, and astounding. Founded by the Greeks, its location blessed it as a center for trade but also made it a target of every empire in history, from Alexander the Great and his Macedonian Empire, to the Romans and later the Ottomans. At its most spectacular, Istanbul was re-founded by Emperor Constantine I as New Rome, the capital of the eastern Roman Empire. He dramatically expanded the city, filling it with artistic treasures, and adorning the streets with opulent palaces. Constantine built new walls around it all—walls that were truly impregnable and preserved power, wealth, and withstood any aggressor—walls that still stand for tourists to visit. From its ancient past to the present, we meet the city through its ordinary citizens—the Jews, Muslims, Italians, Greeks, and Russians who used the famous baths and walked the bazaars, and the rulers who built it up and then destroyed it, including Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the man who christened the city "Istanbul" in 1930. Thomas Madden's entertaining narrative brings to life the city we see today, including the rich splendor of the churches and monasteries that spread throughout the city. Istanbul draws on a lifetime of study and the latest scholarship, transporting readers to a city of unparalleled importance and majesty that holds the key to understanding modern civilization. In the words of Napoleon Bonaparte, "If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital." Read more

★ New York Times Bestseller ★ Reluctantly, Vicky and Joe leave their Spanish mountain village to work for a year in the Middle East. How could they know that the Arab revolution was poised to erupt, throwing them into violent events that would make world headlines?Teaching Arab kids, working with crazy teachers, forming life-long friendships and being placed under house arrest, Vicky and Joe laugh and lurch through their year in Bahrain.Includes FREE photobook and Arabic recipes from Nadia Sawalha. Read more

Walk in the footsteps of emperors and sultans, marvel at some of the greatest monuments on earth, and experience the wonders of East and West with Rick Steves! Inside Rick Steves Istanbul you'll find:Comprehensive coverage for exploring Istanbul Top sights and hidden gems, from the world's largest domed churches and monumental mosques to relaxing Turkish baths How to connect with local culture: Haggle with merchants in the lively Grand Bazaar, shop along sophisticated avenues, and watch whirling dervishes in action Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps The best places to eat, sleep, and relax Self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and incredible museums Detailed neighborhood maps for exploring on the go Strategic advice from trusted Rick Steves Europe tour guides Lale and Tankut Aran on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of their must-see favorites Useful resources including a packing list, a Turkish phrase book, a historical overview, and recommended reading Over 400 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Complete, up-to-date information on Istanbul's neighborhoods, plus a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Istanbul. Read more

Lonely Planet’s Turkey is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. See the minarets of Istanbul’s Old City, hot-air balloon over Cappadocia, gaze at the magnificent Aya Sofya; all with your trusted travel companion. Inside Lonely Planet’s Turkey Travel Guide:  Up-to-date information - all businesses were rechecked before publication to ensure they are still open after 2020’s COVID-19 outbreakNEW top experiences feature - a visually inspiring collection of Turkey’s best experiences and where to have themWhat's NEW feature taps into cultural trends and helps you find fresh ideas and cool new areas Planning tools for family travellers - where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kidsNEW pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card* with wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interestsEating & drinking in Turkey - we reveal the dishes and drinks you have to tryColour maps and images throughoutHighlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interestsInsider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spotsEssential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, pricesHonest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks missCultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politicsCovers Istanbul, Thrace, Marmara, Gallipoli Peninsula, Troy, Izmir, North Aegean, Ephesus, Bodrum, South Aegean, Ankara, Cappadocia, Black Sea Coast, Antalya, Eastern Mediterranean and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet’s Turkey, our most comprehensive guide to Turkey, is perfect for discovering both popular and off-the-beaten-path experiences.  Need a city guide? Check out Lonely Planet’s Istanbul for an in-depth look at all the city has to offer. Going for a short break or weekend? Pocket Istanbul is a handy-sized guide focused on the can’t-miss sights.  About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day.  'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' – New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' – Fairfax Media (Australia) Read more

LOCAL GUIDE REVEALS THE MOST ENCHANTING PLACES IN TURKEY!Are you eager to uncover Turkey's true feel and essence? Are you seeking to explore its incredibly rich history and dynamic culture just like a local might?Being born and raised in this country, and as a history and culture enthusiast, I have visited every remote corner and heard all the oldest stories and legends Turkey has to offer! That's why I'm thrilled to present this "Turkey Exploration and Travel Guide," crafted for those who yearn to dive deep into the heart of this intriguing city.Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey —a land where ancient history meets modern wonders and vibrant culture blends seamlessly with breathtaking landscapes. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the surreal beauty of Cappadocia, this guide will take you on an adventure like no other. Drawing on my extensive knowledge of my country, Inside, you'll discover::Comprehensive insights into Istanbul from areas of interest, shopping areas, nightlife, and more;In depth culinary details for Turkey and its various regions ;Tips on areas to stay and frequent at various popular touring areas around Turkey;Anecdotes and little-known hidden gems to discover Turkey’s unique history and cultureComplete lists of museums and cultural stops that will leave you speechless with their grandeur and opulence;Practical advice for navigating the country with set tour itineraries and advice;AND MUCH MORE!Envision immersing yourself in the captivating roads, paths, and trails of Istanbul and the destinations further abroad in Turkey, where every turn and building entered can tell a story. This guide promises an unforgettable journey through time and culture, letting you experience the country’s heartbeat.Packed with practical advice on budgeting, safety, and wellness, "Turkey Exploration and Travel Guide" ensures you’ll explore with confidence and ease. Dive into the heart of Turkey and uncover the best places to stay, the top cultural sites, and delicious must-try dishes. Let this guide inspire your next adventure in a country where every moment is a story waiting to be told. Turkey is calling—are you ready to answer? Read more

From the Nobel Prize winner and acclaimed author of My Name is Red comes a portrait of Istanbul by its foremost writer, revealing the melancholy that comes of living amid the ruins of a lost empire.  "Delightful, profound, marvelously origina.... Pamuk tells the story of the city through the eyes of memory." —The Washington Post Book WorldA shimmering evocation, by turns intimate and panoramic, of one of the world’s great cities, by its foremost writer. Orhan Pamuk was born in Istanbul and still lives in the family apartment building where his mother first held him in her arms. His portrait of his city is thus also a self-portrait, refracted by memory and the melancholy—or hüzün—that all Istanbullus share. With cinematic fluidity, Pamuk moves from his glamorous, unhappy parents to the gorgeous, decrepit mansions overlooking the Bosphorus; from the dawning of his self-consciousness to the writers and painters—both Turkish and foreign—who would shape his consciousness of his city. Like Joyce’s Dublin and Borges’ Buenos Aires, Pamuk’s Istanbul is a triumphant encounter of place and sensibility, beautifully written and immensely moving. Read more

Whether you’re traveling as a tourist, to relocate, or simply for business, this book has got you covered. Adventure planet guidebook is jam-packed with highly curated recommendations and all you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your experience.In Adventure Planet 'Dubai, UAE Travel Guide', you will discover;◆COLOR PHOTOS throughout to inspire your wanderlust!◆HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INFORMATION that provide a rich context about the local people, art, architecture, cuisine, geography, and more◆TRAVEL REQUIREMENT for visitors◆DO’S AND DON’TS OF DUBAI to make your experience completely enjoyable.◆DUBAI CHECKLIST so as to know what to pack and what is not needed◆HOW TO GET AROUND IN DUBAI to help you navigate confidently◆RECOMMENDED PLACES TO STAY IN DUBAI for all budget types and specific traveler types◆THE LOCALS' HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS on the best attractions, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, arts, activities, and more◆THE PERFECT 10 DAYS DUBAI ITINERARY to help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests◆COVERS: Downtown, Dubai Marina, JBR and Jumeirah Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Bur Dubai, Deira, Al Barsha & Al Quoz, The Desert and Beyond, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, And More.◆And Many MoreDubai is more than just a stopover city these days, thanks to its glitzy and glamorous exterior, Arabian allure, and year-round sunshine. Modern Dubai has something for everyone, from families to couples, business travelers to backpackers, and everyone in between.Learn about Middle Eastern architecture and religious beliefs, hang out with a penguin, breathe in the aroma of spectacular spices, try new foods, visit the top of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa and spend your evenings in the arms of the impeccable desert night sky. Dubai is still a melting pot of different cultures and religions, and there is room for everyone.Scroll up and click on the "BUY" button. Read more

Lonely Planet's Turkiye is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Visit the enchanting Hagia Sofia, swim in the Black Sea and explore the mysterious Cappadocia; all with your trusted travel companion.Inside Lonely Planet's Turkiye Travel Guide: Lonely Planet's Top Picks- a visually inspiring collection of the destination's best experiences and where to have themItineraries help you build the ultimate trip based on your personal needs and interestsLocal insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - whether it's history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, politicsToolkit- all of the planning tools for solo travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, family travellers and accessible travelColour mapsand images throughoutLanguage- essential phrases and language tipsInsider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spotsCovers Istanbul, Thrace, Marmara, Gallipoli Peninsula, Troy, Izmir, North Aegean, Ephesus, Bodrum, South Aegean, Ankara, Cappadocia, Black Sea Coast, Antalya, Eastern Mediterranean and moreeBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones)Add notes to personalise your guidebook experienceSeamlessly flip between pagesBookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flashEmbedded links to recommendations' websitesZoom-in on maps and imagesAbout Lonely Planet:Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures Company, is the world's number one travel guidebook brand. Providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973, Lonely Planet reaches hundreds of millions of travellers each year online and in print and helps them unlock amazing experiences. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com and join our community of followers on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet), Twitter (@lonelyplanet), Instagram (instagram.com/lonelyplanet), and TikTok (@lonelyplanet).'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' Fairfax Media (Australia)  Read more

IACP AWARD FINALIST • An insightful exploration into the bounty of both familiar and new Middle Eastern ingredients plus 90 modern and traditional dishes in which to use them, from the author of Mastering Spice and The Spice Companion “Get ready to go on a transformative cultural journey that begins in your kitchen.”—Carla Hall, bestselling author of Carla Hall’s Soul FoodA FOOD NETWORK AND WIRED BEST COOKBOOK OF THE YEARGrowing up on a kibbutz in northern Israel, spice master Lior Lev Sercarz has long had an affinity for local ingredients and produce. After becoming a chef and then devoting his creativity and career to sourcing and blending spices, he recognized the intensive labor, skill, and craftsmanship that goes into the development of Middle Eastern pantry staples, from olives to silan (date molasses), and tahini to sujuk (a fermented and dried sausage). In this cookbook and culinary resource, he homes in on the everyday ingredients used throughout this vast region, including Turkey, Tunisia, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Armenia, Jordan, and more, as he offers an homage to the pantry staples that define Middle Eastern cuisine. Lior offers an in-depth look at the production, history, cultural resonance, and storage of each pantry item, then shares an array of mouthwatering recipes crafted for home kitchens. Dishes range from a hearty Verjus and Lamb Stew to snacky Kibbeh with Pine Nuts, Roasted Vegetables with Egyptian Dukkah, tangy Iraqi amba mango sauce, a sweet-syrupy-cheesy kunafe, and a creamy Turkish rice pudding. This book is for home cooks who crave not only recipes but also origin stories that lend cultural relevance and insight into one of the world’s most ancient and beloved cuisines. Read more

Lonely Planet’s Egypt is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Discover the pyramids of Giza, cruise the Nile, and dive in the Red Sea; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Egypt and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet’s Egypt Travel Guide: Up-to-date information - all businesses were rechecked before publication to ensure they are still open after 2020’s COVID-19 outbreakNEW top experiences feature - a visually inspiring collection of Egypt’s best experiences and where to have them NEW pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotelImproved planning tools for family travellers - where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kidsColour maps and images throughoutHighlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interestsInsider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spotsEssential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, websites, transit tips, pricesHonest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks missCultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politicsOver 100 maps Covers Cairo & Around, the Nile Delta, Northern Nile Valley, Luxor, Southern Nile Valley, Siwa Oasis & the Western Desert, Alexandria & the Mediterranean Coast, Suez Canal, Red Sea Coast, Sinai The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet’s Egypt, our most comprehensive guide to Egypt, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled.  About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day.  'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' – New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' – Fairfax Media (Australia) Read more

Omani Arabic Phrasebook is your guide to the most relevant spoken Omani Arabic phrases and vocabulary for all your daily needs. Start your journey into Omani Arabic and learn how to communicate with the locals in almost all situations.Inside Omani Arabic Phrasebook you will find: Basic Phrases – greetings, time, dates, numbers, amounts, counting, grammar rules Practical Situations– asking & answering, transport, accommodation, sightseeing, business, banking, post office, internet, phones, repairs, shopping and bargaining, directions, crossing borders Social – introducing yourself, meeting people, interests, feelings, opinions, going out, culture, activities, weather Health and Safety - emergencies, police, doctor, chemist, dentist, symptoms, conditions Food - ordering, at the market, at the shops, at the coffee-shop, local dishes, ingredients, special dietary requirementsThe Perfect Choice: Omani Arabic Phrasebook, a pocket-sized comprehensive language guide, provides on-the-go language assistance. Great for language students and residents of Oman looking to interact with locals and immerse themselves in local culture.About Omani Arabic: A program specialized in teaching spoken Arabic (Omani Dialect). In this phrasebook we are using the colloquial Arabic used in Oman; however, it is very close to other colloquial Arabic dialects used in other regions of the gulf. We have also taken into consideration the different dialects used in all regions of Oman. Read more

Since the first coalition war with Iraq in 1990, the Middle East, specifically the largely inaccessible country of Saudi Arabia, has been the focus of intense media exposure and public interest. As an expatriate western woman working as director of nursing for a major hospital in Riyadh from 1995 through 2001, Ludmilla captures the reality of surviving as a woman in Saudi Arabia, where women’s rights are not a high priority or even a consideration You may have heard about the plight of women in this Kingdom, but now you can experience the reality through the words of someone who lived it day to day. Secrets Behind the Veil takes an uncompromising look at the realities of life in a strictly Islamic society, delving into every aspect of daily life while managing the restrictions imposed by Saudi society. From women spending time in jail for riding in the front seat of a taxi or the constant risk of getting blown up by a car bomb, life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia involves a great deal of culture shock for westerners, in particular western women. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the major oil producing countries in the world. The King and his brothers, along with a large number of extended family members, rule the country in such a manner that allows the average person a relatively affluent lifestyle.By most definitions Saudi is a “man’s country” where women are not allowed to drive a vehicle or ride a bicycle, must wear a full length black body covering, a scarf and full or partial veil covering the face. Men and women are discouraged from socializing together in any way unless they are related to each other. Most homes have two separate living rooms for this purpose.We hear generalized, global information about the Saudi culture, religion and traditions, while at the same time not internalizing the actual impact this has on the women who live there and the misfortunes born upon them through this ultra-restrictive culture. Should the Western World care about their plight or any forms of mental or physical torture they must endure?Many expatriates (people living in the kingdom for the purposes of work, but not Saudi citizens themselves) of different nationalities and religions were required to live and work together in a Kingdom where the belief in only Islam was accepted. The Religious Enlightenment Officers (Mutawa) were intolerant of and persecuted any person who was not following the laws, rules and customs of the Kingdom. Secrets Behind the Veil takes not a glance, but rather an uncompromising and persistent gaze behind the veil, exposing beauty, hypocrisy, misogynistic behavior, and vast cultural differences present for those who chose to live and work in Saudi Arabia. Read more

Walking along the crumbling defensive walls of Istanbul and talking to those he passes, Alexander Christie-Miller finds a story of the country’s history, a mirror of its present, and a shadow of its future.Caught between two seas and two continents, Istanbul lies at the center of the most pressing challenges of our time. With environmental decay, rapacious development and tightening authoritarianism straining its social fabric to breaking point, it represents the precipitous moment civilizations around theworld are currently facing. In and around its crumbling Byzantine-era fortifications, Alexander Christie-Miller meets people who are experiencing the looming crisis and fighting back, sometimes triumphing despite the odds. To the City seamlessly blends two narratives: the story of Turkey’s tumultuous recent past told through the lives of those who live around the walls, and thestory of Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II’s siege and capture of the city in 1453. That event still looms large in Turkey, as Recep Tayyip Erdogan like a latter-day sultan invokes its memory as part of his effort to transform the country in an echo of its imperial past. This is a meditation on the soul of Istanbul, a paean to its resilience and fortitude. To the City takes us on a narrative journey and along the way, we witness danger, beauty and hope. Read more

"Indispensable reading for anyone who wants a wider understanding of the Islamic world, of its history and its politics." —Financial TimesAatish Taseer's fractured upbringing left him with many questions about his own identity. Raised by his Sikh mother in Delhi, his father, a Pakistani Muslim, remained a distant figure. Stranger to History is the story of the journey he made to try to understand what it means to be Muslim in the twenty-firstcentury. Starting from Istanbul, Islam's once greatest city, he travels to Mecca, its most holy, and then home through Iran and Pakistan. Ending in Lahore, at his estranged father's home, on the night Benazir Bhutto was killed, it is also the story of Taseer's divided family over the past fifty years. Recent events have added a coda to Stranger to History, as his father was murdered by a political assassin. A new introduction by the author reflects on how this event changes the impact of the book, and why its message is more relevant than ever. Read more

'Nothing less than a guided tour of the human soul ... A masterpiece' Elizabeth Gilbert'A work of spiritual evolution [and] inner journeys told through extraordinary exteriors' Washington PostOne of our most perceptive travel writers embarks on an exploration of the world's holiest places and where we might find paradise on Earth.It's so easy, I thought, to place Paradise in the past or the future – anywhere but here.After half a century of travel, Pico Iyer asks himself what kind of paradise can ever be found in a world of unceasing conflict. In a spectacular journey, both inward and outward, he roams the globe from Jerusalem to Belfast to North Korea, from crowded mosques in Iran to a holy mountain in Japan. By the end, he has upended any of our expectations and dared to suggest that we can find paradise right in the heart of our angry and confused world. Read more

Lonely Planet's Egypt is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Discover the pyramids of Giza, cruise the Nile, and dive in the Red Sea; all with your trusted travel companion.Inside Lonely Planet's Egypt Travel Guide: Lonely Planet's Top Picks - a visually inspiring collection of the destination's best experiences and where to have themItineraries help you build the ultimate trip based on your personal needs and interestsLocal insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - whether it's history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, politicsEating and drinking - get the most out of your gastronomic experience as we reveal the regional dishes and drinks you have to tryToolkit - all of the planning tools for solo travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, family travellers and accessible travelColour maps and images throughoutLanguage - essential phrases and language tipsInsider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spotsCovers Cairo and Around, the Nile Delta, Northern Nile Valley, Luxor, Southern Nile Valley, Siwa Oasis and the Western Desert, Alexandria and the Mediterranean Coast, Suez Canal, Red Sea Coast, Sinai and moreAbout Lonely Planet:Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures Company, is the world's number one travel guidebook brand. Providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973, Lonely Planet reaches hundreds of millions of travelers each year online and in print and helps them unlock amazing experiences. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com and join our community of followers on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet), Twitter (@lonelyplanet), Instagram (instagram.com/lonelyplanet), and TikTok (@lonelyplanet).'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveler's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.'  Fairfax Media (Australia) Read more

Whether you want to visit the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, cruise along the Turquoise Coast, or go hot-air ballooning in Cappadocia, the local Fodor’s travel experts in Turkey are here to help! Fodor’s Essential Turkey guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. This new edition has been fully-redesigned with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos.Fodor’s Essential Turkey travel guide includes: AN ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE to the top things to see and do MULTIPLE ITINERARIES to effectively organize your days and maximize your time MORE THAN 36 DETAILED MAPS and a FREE PULL-OUT MAP to help you navigate confidently COLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust! HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, activities, and more PHOTO-FILLED “BEST OF” FEATURES on “The Best Things to Eat and Drink,” “What to Buy,” “10 Best Beaches in Turkey,” and more TRIP-PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS including when to go, getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and money HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS providing rich context on the local people, art, religion, architecture, cuisine, wine, geography, and more SPECIAL FEATURES on ”Turkey Through the Ages,” “Topkapi: Showplace of the Sultans,” and “Shopping in Istanbul” LOCAL WRITERS to help you find the under-the-radar gems A TURKISH LANGUAGE PRIMER with useful words and essential phrases UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE ON: Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara, Ephesus, Izmir, Bodrum, towns along the Turquoise Coast, Cappadocia, towns along the Black Sea Coast, and morePlanning on visiting other fascinating countries? Check out Fodor’s Essential Greece, Fodor’s Essential Spain, Fodor’s Essential France, Fodor’s Essential Israel, and Fodor’s Essential Morocco. *Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition.ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor’s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us! Read more

As the Western world struggles to comprehend the paradoxes of modern Turkey, Tales from the Expat Harem reveals its most personal nuances. This illuminating anthology provides a window into the country from the perspective of thirty-two expatriates from seven different nations-artists, entrepreneurs, Peace Corps volunteers, archaeologists, missionaries, and others-who established lives in Turkey for work, love, or adventure. Through narrative essays covering the last four decades, these diverse women unveil the mystique of the "Orient,” describe religious conflict, embrace cultural discovery, and maneuver familial traditions, customs, and responsibilities. Poignant, humorous, and transcendent, the essays take readers to weddings and workplaces, down cobbled Byzantine streets, into boisterous bazaars along the Silk Road, and deep into the feminine stronghold of steamy Ottoman bathhouses. The outcome is a stunning collection of voices from women suspended between two homes as they redefine their identities and reshape their worldviews. Read more

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisherLonely Planet Pocket Istanbulis your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Soak up the atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar; see stunning mosaic portraits in Aya Sofya; or take a ferry down Bosphorus strait -all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of the best of Istanbul and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet Pocket Istanbul:Full-colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Free, convenient pull-out Istanbul map (included in print version), plus colour neighbourhood maps User-friendly layout with helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time Covers Beyoglu, the Bazaar District, Topkapi Palace, Eminonu, Ortakoy, Sultanahmet and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Pocket Istanbul, a colorful, easy-to-use, and handy guide that literally fits in your pocket, provides on-the-go assistance for those seeking only the can't-miss experiences to maximize a quick trip experience. Looking for a comprehensive guide that recommends both popular and offbeat experiences, and extensively covers all of Istanbul's neighbourhoods? Check out Lonely Planet Istanbul guide. About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves. The world awaits! Lonely Planet guides have won the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times Read more

"Adair...lived for a time with the Cherokee...had a theory that the American Indians were descendants of the Lost Tribe of Israel...compared Indian ritual and customs with those of the Jews and found a great many similarities." -Knoxville New-Sentinel, Oct.25, 1970"Very remarkable book 'The History of the American Indians,' written by James Adair and published in 1775." -Nashville Banner, May 18, 1930"Explorer, doctor, writer, Indian trader...James Adair...was a roaming adventurer...it was his firm belief that the Indian tribes were the descendants of the ten lost tribes of Israel." -The Robesonian (Lumberton, N.C.), Feb. 26, 1951"H.H. Bancroft in the fifth volume of his Native Races quotes from James Adair on the similarity between the habits, customs and ceremonies of the Hebrews and the American Indians." -Deseret News, Oct. 29, 1927It is impossible for the religious man not to take particular interest in the history of the Hebrews. The idea of tracing to America the long lost tribes of Israel has risen before the imagination of many and became a favorite theory with the early Spanish priests settled in America.Among the early authorities contending that the American Indians are descendants from the Israelites, James Adair seems to be the principal one, and since his time, all writers who have favored his views, refer with unreserved confidence to the evidence furnished by him.James Adair (c.1709-1783), a man of established character, lived as a trader among the Indians, in the south of North America, for forty years. He left them and returned to England in 1774, and there in 1775 published his "History of the American Indians;" which includes his reasons for being persuaded that Indians are the lost ten tribes of Israel.According to Adair the ten tribes, soon after their banishment from the land of Israel, left Media, and reached this continent from the north-west, probably before the carrying away of the Jews to Babylon.Adair points out various customs of the Indians having a striking resemblance to those of the Jews; and the great object of his work appears to be to prove that the aborigines of America are descended from that race. The evidence cited by Adair includes 23 similaritiesFrom 1735 Adair resided for 40 years with American Indians particularly nations adjoining to the Missisippi, East and West Florida, Georgia, South and North Carolina, and Virginia, including Katahba, Cheerake, Muskohge, Choktah, and Chikkasah Nations. During this time he was almost entirely cut off from the outside world. From 1744 he resided chiefly among the Chickasaw. In 1751, Adair moved to Laurens County, South Carolina.While the first part of Adair's book covers his arguments regarding Indians' Hebrew lineage, the second half of the book is more strictly an account of the "Katahba, Cheerake, Muskohge, Choktah, and Chikkasah Nations". The value of Adair's work as showing the relations between the Indians and the English traders was recognised. Read more