TURKEY
Country Overview:
"Turkey, a captivating blend of ancient history and modern vibrancy, where delectable cuisine and a resilient spirit intertwine."
My journey to Istanbul in August 2020, during a time of limited travel options, was a serendipitous escape. The city embraced me with open arms, its rich history, bustling streets, and culinary delights leaving a lasting impression. I spent nearly three months exploring Istanbul's hidden corners, immersing myself in the local culture, and savoring every bite of its world-renowned cuisine. Although my time in Turkey was shorter than I would have liked, the memories of its welcoming people, breathtaking landmarks, and mouthwatering street food will forever hold a special place in my heart. Turkey is a destination that truly captivates the senses and nourishes the soul.
Raki Night
Raki is a sweetened, often anise-flavored, alcoholic drink that is popular in Albania, Turkic countries, Turkey, the Greek Islands and in the Balkan countries as an apéritif.
In Turkey, rakı is the national drink and is traditionally consumed with chilled water on the side or partly mixed with chilled water. Dilution with water causes rakı to turn a milky-white color.
This phenomenon has resulted in the drink being popularly referred to aslan sütü ('lion's milk') Since aslan ('lion') is a Turkish colloquial metaphor for a strong, courageous man, this gives the term a meaning close to 'the milk for the strong'.