Discover the everyday
extraordinary of Turkey

Who am I?

I’m Lisa Morrow, an Australian born sociologist and author and I’ve lived in Istanbul for almost 15 years and have travelled around the country for even longer. I came to Turkey by chance but stayed from choice, although making the move permanent was far from straightforward. I started my Turkish adventures as a backpacker then returned to stay for longer periods to teach English. Meeting and getting to know students from all over the country introduced me to the diverse history, culture and traditions of Turkey, and never failed to fascinate. Throughout I continued to travel, improve my language skills and talk with as many people as I could.

Since becoming a freelance travel writer I’ve been able to build on those earlier experiences and now share what I’ve learned about Turkey and Turkish people on this website and in articles for various travel magazines and sites. I hope you enjoy reading about my travels and use them to create your own wonderful memories of your time in Turkey.

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Istanbul

Istanbul has an incredible collection of sites located on the historical Topkapı peninsula of Sultanahmet, but venture further afield and there are Greek Orthodox churches, dervish tombs, converted hamam and contemporary mosques to explore. If all this sounds tempting, read on!

Destinations

Turkey is a vast country with dramatic mountains towering over turquoise seas, surreal landscapes filled with fairy chimneys, arid plains containing ancients discoveries dating back millennia and more. Whether you just want to laze at the beach, get in touch with nature, or deep dive into the latest archaeological discoveries, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Turkey in these posts.

Culture & History

The people of Turkey love their traditions and respect their religion, but also like to incorporate new customs into their modern lives. You’ll come across henna nights, Orthodox church services and men dancing in skirts in different corners of Istanbul and all over the country too. This collection of articles will help you make sense of what you see and experience. 

Practical Tips

Knowing what to expect in advance can help save you time and money, but most importantly, lessen the stress. This is where you’ll find information on Istanbul’s two main airports, national public holidays in Turkey, travel tips, important phone numbers, the Turkish language and more.

Here are a few of my favorite posts

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

Wherever you travel in the world these days, safety is a major concern. There are lots of things to consider, not least your own levels of risk taking or aversion. Here’s what else you should think about.

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Anzac Day 2025

Every April thousands of Australians and New Zealanders come to Turkey to remember and commemorate their ancestors who died in the battle of Gallipoli. Craig Roach was one of them, but he stayed.

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Istanbul Tulip Festival

April is tulip season in Istanbul, when the city’s parks are full to the brim with colourful blooms. Learn all about the history of tulips in Turkey, where to see them and what to expect when you go.

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Writing on Turkey

In addition to writing for this website, I have published five books about Istanbul and Turkey, written articles for magazines and internet travel sites, as well as researched and produced an audio tour of Kadikoy.

Listed below are details of my writing about Istanbul and Turkey, including links. To see what I’ve written on other topics, click here. If you’d like me to write for you please get in touch via the contact tab at the top of this page.

Check out my other writings

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