Chara KizilelmaAre Turkish Men Controlling? My Experience Marrying a Turkish ManLet me start off with the simple fact that you do not have to travel all the way to Turkiye, or any Muslim country, to find a man who is…Jul 20Jul 20
Chara KizilelmaThe Butterfly Effect: How Embracing a New Hobby Can Lead to Personal GrowthI’m sitting down to write today, not knowing where it will take me. I don’t have a specific topic in mind. I just know that my keyboard is…Jun 19Jun 19
Chara KizilelmaWhy I Didn’t Wear Makeup To My WeddingWeddings are often seen as a day to go all out with glamor and beauty with an emphasis on looking your most beautiful. Back when I got…Jun 9Jun 9
Chara Kizilelma35 Beautiful Turkish Girl Names With MeaningsI am one of those people who likes to keep a list of interesting baby names I come across. You know, just in case I might need one. These…May 31May 31
Chara KizilelmaIstanbul Diaries: An American’s Tale of Culture Shock in Turkiye Part 2It is time for part two of culture shock in Turkiye. How many parts will there be? This series is potentially endless. I suppose I’ll stop…May 31May 31
Chara KizilelmaIstanbul Diaries: 5 Ways To Live Slowly In The Big CityAt the moment I am sitting in my office, a tiny bedroom meant for children I don’t have. I just finished an English lesson with a younger…May 71May 71
Chara KizilelmaIstanbul Diaries: Turkish Raki Culture & Alcohol in TurkeyWe’ve just come home from a short trip to another province of Turkey and let’s just say that I am feeling well-fed. The scale has been kind…May 1May 1
Chara KizilelmaIstanbul Diaries: Decoding 14 Turkish GesturesLearning a new culture is a bit like an archaeologist brushing away hundreds or even thousands of years of sand and soil to reach the…Apr 28Apr 28
Chara KizilelmaIstanbul Diaries: Turkish Henna Night (Kina Gecesi)With the end of Ramadan and the first major holiday following it, wedding season is upon us. This weekend, we have the pleasure of…Apr 28Apr 28
Chara KizilelmaIstanbul Diaries: Experiencing Ramadan & Muslim Holidays in Turkiye.It is 3 o’clock in the morning, a few hours before dawn. You are sound asleep in your bed when you hear a small and a large drum being beat…Mar 12Mar 12