Afyonkarahisar, often overlooked as a mere stopover, is a city of rich history, natural beauty, and cultural significance in Türkiye. The 23rd Afyonkarahisar Jazz Music Festival celebrated Turkish and Czech jazz, featuring performances and school activities. Historical landmarks include the first dervish lodge in Anatolia, the Afyonkarahisar Castle, and the Phrygian Valley with its ancient dwellings and the city of Midas. The thermal waters of Afyon are renowned for their therapeutic properties, offering stress relief and health benefits. The NG Afyon Hotel enhances this experience with its spa area. Afyon also boasts a rich gastronomy, highlighted by local dishes and unique treats like Florentinç, served at the NG Afyon Hotel.

The German Consulate in Istanbul commemorated International Women's Day by hosting the 'Art for Women' exhibition, curated by Tanja Regenbrecht. The event included a screening of 'Dying to Divorce' by Chloe Fairweather and a concert featuring Consul General Johannes Regenbrecht. The exhibition, curated by Gülin Hayat Topdemir, showcased paintings by female artists and pledged proceeds to Mor Çatı, a women's shelter. Among the artworks, Tanja Regenbrecht's 'Pray for Ukraine' was highlighted.

Van, a city in eastern Anatolia, Turkey, is celebrated for its historical significance and deep-rooted myths. The region is home to the Urartian Van Castle, the Menua Irrigation Canal, and the Tariria project, which aims to preserve and promote Van's heritage through culture, art, and gastronomy. The Holy Cross Church on Akdamar Island is a medieval Armenian architectural marvel, and local legends such as the Lake Van Monster add to the area's mystique. Initiatives like the Tariria project, led by Homage Hospitality, seek to create employment and education opportunities while preserving local species and gastronomic values. The article also recounts the efforts of Turkish writer Yaşar Kemal in preserving the Akdamar Church.

Luis Garcia Montero, director general of the Cervantes Institute, visited Istanbul to mark a significant milestone in the growing relationship between Türkiye and the Spanish-speaking world. He highlighted the increasing popularity of the Spanish language among the younger generations in Türkiye. The Istanbul branch of the Cervantes Institute, led by Fernando Martinez-Vara de Rey, has been actively promoting Spanish culture. Montero also announced plans to open a Cervantes Institute presence in Ankara. Spanish and Turkish cultures share a closeness with historical interactions and common values. Turkish TV series have gained popularity in Spain, with high demand noted by Jose Antonio Anton, vice president of Atresmedia Group.

Chilean illustrator Catalina V. Hulsbus has unveiled her exhibition 'Ibero-American Myths and Legends' at the Chilean Embassy in Ankara, in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy. The exhibition features 16 drawings that vividly depict various myths, aiming to map Chile's geography through these stories. Hulsbus highlights the importance of preserving oral traditions and has created a 'myth dictionary' with geographical markers. She plans to expand the exhibition to Istanbul with 24 illustrations.

In 2023, Turkey successfully reclaimed 3,018 historical artifacts, including those voluntarily returned. Notable recoveries from the U.S. include bronze bull carts, a Roman military diploma, and a headless statue of Septimius Severus. Italy returned a tombstone from Zeugma, and Switzerland repatriated 37 artifacts under a bilateral agreement. The Antalya Promotion Foundation campaigns for the return of eight significant artifacts from various countries. Disputes continue over the head of a statue in Copenhagen and the Pergamon Altar in Berlin's Pergamon Museum.

Chilean writer Baldomero Lillo's book 'Toprağın altında', a compilation of 'Sub sole' and 'Sub terra', was introduced in Istanbul. The book, translated into Turkish, consists of 16 short stories depicting the harsh realities of coal miners in Chile. Lillo's naturalist approach portrays workers as victims of their environment and heredity, drawing parallels with other naturalist writers like Stephen Crane and influenced by Emile Zola and Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The stories describe the brutal conditions in the mines, the exploitation of workers, and the dehumanization they face, often comparing their plight to hell on Earth. The review suggests that reading Lillo's work requires resilience and prompts reflection on the powerlessness of individuals against fate.

The Palazzo di Venezia in Istanbul hosted Italian jeweler Gerardo Sacco, known for his masterful designs and craftsmanship. His work has been featured in films, theater, and television, and displayed at the Vatican Museums. Sacco shared his inspirations and career memories during the 'MeeTurkItaly' event series, attended by Italy's Ambassador to Türkiye, Giorgio Marrapodi. Despite personal tragedies, Sacco's brand represents a blend of tradition and innovation. His jewelry has been worn by celebrities like Monica Bellucci and Elizabeth Taylor, and he has collaborated with Franco Zeffirelli and other renowned figures. Sacco's work is deeply influenced by his hometown of Crotone, Italy, and he is committed to showcasing the potential of southern Italy in producing exceptional products.

Institut français Türkiye has launched the second season of 'The Passengers of Pera,' an audio journey exploring the Francophone cultural heritage in Istanbul. The project features narratives from historians, architects, urban planners, writers, teachers, and students, as well as personal anecdotes from Francophone, Turkish, and French individuals. The team, including Charlotte Roux, Antoine Auger, and Anne Kropotkine, collected these stories to showcase the rich Francophone culture and the longstanding cultural relationship between France and Turkey.

Attila Pinter, the consul general of Hungary in Istanbul, shares his experiences of Turkish culture and his admiration for the country. He discusses historical connections, his favorite places in Istanbul, and the impact of Turkish series on language learning. Pinter also expresses his love for Turkish cuisine and the sense of community in Turkish society. The Istanbul Liszt Institute Hungarian Cultural Center, where he works, houses a library named after Imre Karacson, a Hungarian Turkologist, and features books on shared history and contemporary works, including those by historian İlber Ortaylı.

Mike Flanagan's 'The Fall of the House of Usher' on Netflix is a gothic homage to Edgar Allan Poe's tale, exploring themes of isolation, madness, and family curses. The series, diverging from Poe's original plot, features characters named after Poe's works and references to his life. It revolves around Roderick Usher, who oversees a pharmaceutical empire and is haunted by guilt over his children's deaths. The series includes a sinister pact with the devil, symbolized by a character named Verna, and a raven motif that foreshadows misfortune. The narrative emphasizes the inevitability of death and the consequences of greed.

Şekerbank and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation have signed a $100 million loan agreement to support the development of Türkiye’s southeastern provinces affected by the February earthquakes. The loan will primarily finance women's businesses and SMEs, aiming to support around 350,000 SMEs and create 1.5 million jobs over seven years. The Turkish government plans to rebuild over 600,000 homes for the quake victims. The U.S. has already provided $235 million in support and over $110 million in corporate donations. U.S. Ambassador Jake Flake and DFC COO Agnes Dasewicz expressed their institutions' commitment to aiding Türkiye's recovery.

The Pakistan Embassy in Türkiye celebrated Pakistan's 76th Independence Day in Istanbul, with Ambassador Yousaf Junaid speaking on the significance of the day and calling for unity and development. The event highlighted the historical struggle for Pakistan's autonomy, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the All-India Muslim League, culminating in the Indian Independence Act of 1947. The strong bond between Pakistan and Türkiye was emphasized, along with the growing popularity of Pakistani mangoes in Turkey.

The 'Barbie' film, directed by Greta Gerwig, transcends its origins as a children's movie to explore human emotions, gender roles, and societal expectations. Set in a parallel universe called Barbie Land, the film uses humor and cultural references to critique and satirize popular culture and cliches. It challenges the traditional roles of women and men, with Barbie and Ken confronting existential crises and societal constructs. The film is expected to be transformative and may garner attention during the 2024 Oscar nominations.

Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Prairie Style' marked a significant departure from European-influenced modernist architecture, introducing a uniquely American style that emphasized horizontal lines, integration with the environment, and restrained ornamentation. Rooted in the Midwest post-World War I, the Prairie School movement drew inspiration from American Transcendentalism and Romanticism, promoting the idea that well-designed spaces could improve society. Iconic examples of Wright's work include Robie House, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Unity Temple, Fallingwater, Taliesin, and the Johnson Wax Headquarters, each reflecting his organic architecture philosophy and harmonious integration with their surroundings.

Jamal Aliyev and Ece Dağıstan are classical musicians who have achieved a harmonious blend of their different cultural backgrounds. Aliyev, from a family of musicians, has been playing the cello since age 5 and performed at the Royal Albert Hall. Dağıstan's musical journey began with piano lessons after her family acquired an old piano. Both artists emphasize the importance of hard work, discipline, and personal expression in their music. They have collaborated on duo projects and released an album titled 'Bliss' with classical arrangements of Zülfü Livaneli's songs, as well as a single 'Libertango' by Astor Piazzolla.

Istanbul celebrated its rich cultural history with events commemorating Hungarian composer Franz Liszt and Ottoman court musician Geza Hegyei. The Istanbul Liszt Institute Hungarian Cultural Center, Orient-Institut Istanbul, and Sabahattin Zaim University hosted the series 'In the Footsteps of Franz Liszt' at the restored Club Teutonia. The events included an exhibition, a book launch on Hegyei's life, and a concert by pianist Janos Balazs, who performed works related to Liszt and Hegyei. The celebration highlighted the historical connections between Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, as well as the lasting musical legacy in Istanbul.

Salt Galata in Istanbul is hosting an exhibition titled 'No Further Records,' which showcases the work of Turkish historian and writer Reşad Ekrem Koçu, particularly his 'Istanbul Encyclopedia.' The exhibition, which includes press clippings, collages, and drawings, celebrates Koçu's legacy and his unique approach to documenting the city's history, blending fantasy with reality. Visitors can also participate in a workshop supported by Stabilo. The exhibition, organized by Salt and Kadir Has University and funded by Garanti BBVA, will run until October 29. It highlights the lives of Istanbul's unconventional residents from the 19th to mid-20th century and will be complemented by an e-publication and the digitization of the Istanbul Encyclopedia and its artifacts.

Acclaimed Spanish photojournalist Gervasio Sanchez showcased his award-winning photographs in Istanbul, capturing the human cost of war and political upheaval. The event, titled 'Una mirada audaz' ('A daring look'), was organized by the Embassy of Spain in Istanbul and the Cervantes Institute. Sanchez, alongside cultural adviser Jose Luis Martin Yagüe and journalists Mikel Ayestaran and Ilya Topper, engaged in a conversation that blended human and artistic content. Sanchez reflected on his career, his role as a communicator of pain, and his belief in the power of photojournalism to improve understanding and empathy towards victims. His work has been featured in major publications and he has received several awards, including the World Press Photo Award. Sanchez is also a vocal advocate for human rights and has published books such as 'Vidas Minadas' and 'La Vida de un Fotografo'.

The article reviews the film 'The Pope's Exorcist,' starring Russell Crowe, which is based on the real-life experiences of Father Gabriel Amorth, the Vatican's Chief Exorcist. The film explores Amorth's battle against demonic possession and a conspiracy within the Vatican. The author criticizes the film for not being innovative and having plot gaps, and for its portrayal of the Vatican and Father Amorth, which diverges from reality. The article also discusses the historical context of exorcism, the cultural differences in the portrayal of possession, and references to the Spanish Inquisition and the real-life disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi. The author suggests that the film blurs the line between fact and fiction, leaning more towards fiction.

Istanbul is celebrating the rich cultural heritage of its Sephardic Jewish community with a new exhibition at the Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews. The exhibition, which is a collaboration between the Red de Juderias de Espana, the Spanish Embassy, and the Istanbul Cervantes Institute, is based on the work 'Sephardic Flavors and Aromas' by chef Javier Zafra. It explores the Sephardic culinary legacy through historical notes and gastronomic discoveries. Zafra emphasizes the importance of cuisine in preserving Sephardic culture and identity. The exhibition also highlights the cultural exchange between Turkish and Sephardic cultures, with examples such as kokoreç, dolma, and pide. Marta Puig Quixal, the managing director of Red de Juderias de Espana, attended the opening and spoke about the significance of recognizing Jewish and Sephardic heritage in Spain. The exhibition aims to travel to other cities in Türkiye, starting with Izmir, which also has a rich Sephardic history.

The Meşher Gallery in Istanbul is hosting 'Drawn to Light,' an extensive exhibition of British painter John Craxton's work, curated by Ian Collins. The exhibition explores Craxton's relationship with light and his journey from the darkness of wartime England to the vibrant light of the Mediterranean. Craxton, who was pressured to excel from a young age, found solace and inspiration in the sun-drenched landscapes of Greece and the Aegean, rejecting the dreary English weather and the art critics' expectations. His works, influenced by El Greco, Picasso, and Byzantine art, did not conform to British tastes, but he continued to create art that reflected his love for the Eastern Mediterranean culture. The exhibition includes masterpieces like 'Landscape with the Elements: Cottrell Memorial Tapestry,' which encapsulates Craxton's life story. Craxton passed away in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of being true to his artistic vision.

The article discusses the cultural activities and objectives of the Istanbul Cervantes Institute in Türkiye, particularly in the context of the 100th anniversary of the Turkish republic. The institute, which aims to promote Spanish language and culture, has organized events that showcase the cultural ties between Spain and Türkiye, including architecture and vineyard culture. The article mentions the institute's recent event featuring speakers such as architect Diego Llorente Dominguez and commercial director Diego Martinez Aroca, who discussed the integration of architecture with vineyards. The institute's director, Fernando Vara De Rey Irezabal, and culture specialist David Duperier Blanco, spoke about the institute's role in fostering cultural exchanges and its plans for future events, including collaborations with the embassies of Peru and Panama in Türkiye.

The article provides an overview of ten true crime TV series that blend real-life stories with dramatic storytelling. The series mentioned include 'A Friend of the Family,' which tells the story of Jan Broberg's abduction; 'Candy,' about the murder of Betty Gore by Candy Montgomery; 'The Girl from Plainville,' which covers the case of Michelle Carter and Conrad Roy III; 'The Watcher,' based on the Broaddus family's experience with a stalker; 'Dahmer-Monster,' depicting the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer; 'Inventing Anna,' about the con artist Anna Sorokin; 'The Act,' which portrays the story of Gypsy Rose and her mother Dee Dee; 'Waco,' about the standoff between the government and the Branch Davidians; 'Dirty John,' which tells the story of Betty and Daniel Broderick's divorce and murder case; and 'American Crime Story,' an anthology series covering various criminal cases. The article highlights the captivating nature of these series and their ability to provide insights into the human mind and the psychology behind crimes.

The article reviews Okan Bayülgen's adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Richard III', performed in Istanbul in 2023. Bayülgen's version presents a modern take on the classic play, exploring themes of good versus evil and the nature of historical representation. The play is noted for its unique approach, including reading forensic documents related to the discovery of King Richard III's bones and reversing the chronological order of the story. The production is praised for its technical richness, use of music, and the actors' performances. The review delves into the philosophical aspects of the play, touching on Nietzsche's 'ubermensch' and Arendt's 'banality of evil'. It also discusses the play's intertextuality and the audience's active role in the theatrical experience. The article concludes by recommending the play for its innovative reinterpretation and memorable experience.

The Royal Academy of Arts in London is hosting an exhibition titled "Spain and the Hispanic World," featuring 150 works from the Hispanic Society & Library of New York. The exhibition showcases Spanish culture, its American ties, and Islamic and Roman influences through a variety of artifacts including paintings, silk fabrics, Celtic jewelry, and illuminated manuscripts. It covers 4,000 years of history and includes masterpieces by Goya, El Greco, Zurbaran, Velazquez, and a rare female artist of the 17th century, Andrea de Mena. The exhibition also presents Joaquin Sorolla's 'Vision of Spain' and a map by Giovanni Vespucci from 1526. Curated by philanthropist Archer M. Huntington, the exhibition is a comprehensive display of Iberian history and will be open until April 10.

The article discusses various cultural and artistic events that took place in Türkiye in 2022 and are expected to continue into 2023. It highlights the 'culture road' project initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which showcases the cultural heritage of five Turkish cities. The article also features the work of Turkish media artist Refik Anadol, who has gained international recognition. Jazz festivals in Istanbul, notable theatre productions like 'Amadeus' and 'Richard', and art events such as Artweeks @Akaretler are mentioned. The article covers significant operas and musicals, the Museum of Words in Ankara, the Stanley Kubrick Museum exhibition, the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture, and the exhibition of Paula Rego's work at the Pera Museum. These events and exhibitions contribute to Türkiye's cultural landscape, offering a blend of classical, contemporary, traditional, and modern art forms.

Daily Sabah's editors have selected the best movies of 2022, highlighting films such as 'Tar', 'The Banshees of Inisherin', 'The Batman', 'The Fabelmans', 'Triangle of Sadness', 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', 'Pinocchio', 'The Northman', and 'Top Gun: Maverick'. These films have been recognized for their cinematic excellence, with several receiving Golden Globe nominations and critical acclaim. The list includes a variety of genres and storytelling styles, from the psychological drama of 'Tar' to the social satire of 'Triangle of Sadness', and the nostalgic action of 'Top Gun: Maverick'.

The article discusses the ongoing efforts and debates surrounding the repatriation of cultural artifacts, such as the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria and the Rosetta Stone to Egypt, from major museums around the world. It highlights the reluctance of institutions like the British Museum to return significant pieces, citing reasons of global heritage and preservation. The author criticizes this stance as a continuation of colonialism and suggests that it maintains unequal power dynamics. The article also touches on the ethical implications of Western museums and auction houses profiting from these artifacts and suggests that compensation or rental fees should be paid to the countries of origin for the lost tourism revenues and entry fees.

Paris-based artist Edith Roux is showcasing her exhibition 'Les passant. e.s.' ('Passersby') at the French Cultural Institute in Istanbul. The exhibition, which includes video installations featuring the dancer Mufasa and music by Nicolas Repac, explores themes of human transience, environmental issues, and gender fluidity. Roux's work is inspired by philosophical dialogues and aims to challenge essentialist views while addressing feminist concerns. The exhibition uses the metaphor of mayflies, insects with a very short lifespan, to draw parallels to human existence and highlight environmental threats to these creatures. 'Les passant. e.s.' will be open until December 23 and invites visitors to reflect on existential questions through its artistic presentation.

Gaziantep, known for the ancient city of Zeugma, is also rich in urban legends due to its diverse cultural heritage. Stories from the region include the dowry gift of Zeugma to the Commagene kingdom, tragic love tales from Halfeti such as Halil and Fatma's merged names forming 'Halfeti' and the legend of the black rose. Rumkale is said to be where Johannes reproduced copies of the Bible. The bald ibis, a symbol of abundance, faces extinction due to DDT and hunting, prompting the establishment of a preservation center by the Turkish government.

The ancient city of Zeugma in Gaziantep, Turkey, hosted a fashion show where fabrics with artistic designs were showcased. The event, organized by GATHIB with support from the Ministry of Commerce and TIM, featured 60 pieces by young designers. Aslı Filinta of Art of Anatolia Clothing served as a strategic consultant and presented a special award, which Elif Demirbilek won. Winners in other categories included Irem Zeynep Gültekin, Nigar Demirtay, and Şeyma Bayram. Gaye Su Akyol performed at the event, which was careful not to disturb historical artifacts.

Batumi, a city on the border of northeastern Türkiye, offers a blend of history, nature, and modernity. The Batumi Boulevard, stretching along the Black Sea coast, features walking paths and greenery. Notable attractions include Miracle Park, the Alphabetic Tower, and the moving statues of Ali & Nino by Tamara Kvesitadze. The Old Town is rich with historical landmarks like Europe Square, the Astronomical Clock, St. Nicholas Church, and the Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God. The Italian-style Piazza square and the Batumi Archaeological Museum are also highlights. Georgian pastries like khinkali and khachapuri are culinary staples, with the latter being a regional specialty in Batumi.

The article reviews Guillermo Del Toro's film 'Nightmare Alley,' a neo-noir psychological thriller adapted from William Lindsay Gresham's 1946 novel. The film stars Bradley Cooper as Stanton Carlisle, a manipulative character in a circus who teams up with a dangerous psychiatrist played by Cate Blanchett. The review discusses the film's themes of sin and ambition, as well as its visual representation of 19th-century American carnivals. It highlights the use of symbolism, particularly the motif of being watched and the eye, which is prevalent throughout the film. The article also touches on the psychological aspects of the characters, influenced by their father figures. While praising the film's symbolism and visuals, the review notes that the lengthy runtime may disengage viewers at times. The overarching message of the film is that the real monsters are not the freaks in the carnival but the people who succumb to their ambitions.