Turkey Tour Packages

1. About Turkey
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Turkey
4. Our Best Budget Turkey Tour Packages
5. Turkey At A Glance
6. Top Reasons To Visit Turkey
7. Top Cities to Visit In Turkey
8. Best Time To Visit Turkey
9. Top Things To Do In Turkey
10. Shopping In Turkey
11. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers
12. Foods To Try Out In Turkey
13. Art And Culture In Turkey

Before the Ottomans, Turkey was home to several ancient civilisations, including the Hittites, Seleucids, Phrygians, Urartians, Persians, and Byzantines. The Macedonians also ruled Anatolia or ancient Turkey, thanks to Alexander the Great.

The Romans ruled Anatolia for 14 centuries. In fact, they even created a new capital, Constantinople, named after the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. The Ottomans conquered Constantinople in 1453, making Turkey a part of their empire. The country was also briefly invaded by Greece after the First World War, leading to the Turkish War of Independence in 1920. Turkey was declared a republic by the Turkish Assembly in 1923.

Turkey is surrounded by the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Aegean Sea. The geographical location of the country is really unique since one part of it lies in Asia and the other lies in Europe. The people of Turkey belong to diverse backgrounds, serving as a reminder of the numerous groups that ruled the country for thousands of years.

• About 97% of Turkey lies in Asia, and about 3% is in Europe.
• The Grand Bazaar, located in Istanbul, is among the world’s largest and oldest covered markets.
• Tulips were first cultivated in Turkey during the Ottoman Empire.
• Turkey is home to the world’s oldest temple, the Gobekli Tepe.
• St. Nicholas, who was the muse for Santa Claus, was born in Turkey.
• Turkey has somewhere between 600 to 1200 varieties of indigenous grapes.
• The entire coastline of Turkey is over 8,000 km in length.
• Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts in the world.
• Over 30 ethnic languages exist in Turkey.
• The national sport of Turkey is oil wrestling.
• Turkey has more than 82,000 mosques.
• As of 2024, Turkey is the 6th most visited destination in the world.

• Get travel insurance since local healthcare can be expensive, and you may fall prey to petty crimes.
• Get your bookings done well in advance since the accommodation options skyrocket if you go for last-minute reservations.
• Convenience stores, smaller stores, taxis, and local eateries don’t always accept international cards. Therefore, always carry cash with you to make payments in such situations.
• Pickpocketing and street robbery can happen in the major tourist areas in Turkey, so always be aware of your surroundings and be careful with your belongings.
• The cab system in Istanbul is well-organised, with three different kinds of taxis available. Install a cab app to get taxis quicker, as this will also keep you safe from getting scammed by cab drivers.
• If you’re not opting for a cab, you can always travel by buses, trains, and metros around Turkey.
• The power plugs in Turkey are usually type F or type C, with the standard voltage being 220 V. Carry your adapters accordingly.

Being at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkish cuisine is influenced by its European, Asian, and Middle Eastern counterparts. From stews and kebabs to mezze platters filled with seasonal and fresh ingredients, your taste buds will thank you after a trip to Turkey. The doner kebab is perhaps Turkey’s most famous import and almost a national food in Germany. Some food historians believe that kebabs were probably invented by the Turk soldiers when soldiers skewered their freshly hunted meat on their swords and grilled them on open fire.

Turkey has witnessed numerous civilisations and served as a cultural exchange centre for thousands of years. The remnants of the Ottoman, Byzantine, Greek, and Roman empires are evident in the spellbinding architecture and ruins that offer an insight into the country’s history. Modern-day Turkey is a melting pot of numerous cultures and religions, making it an excellent destination for anyone interested in art and culture.

Turkey is populated with natural beauty across all its regions. Be it the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the hot springs and thermal pools of Pamukkale, or the underground city of Kaymakli, the landscapes of Turkey are delightfully diverse.

Are you a shopaholic? If so, then Turkey will feel like paradise to you. Offering a distinct environment with its colourful markets and bustling bazaars, the country presents many souvenirs for travellers. As you explore the country with our Turkey tour packages, check out the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar, and more.

Although Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey, it is the country’s largest city. Straddling the Bosporus Strait, the town sits on the boundary between Asia and Europe. The rich heritage of the city is visible in the diversity of its architecture, art, and food. The influences of the Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine empires are evident through its traditions and culture. Make sure to visit the architectural marvels of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Dolmabahce Palace when you travel the city with our Turkey tour packages.

Cappadocia is among the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. It is a semi-arid region located in central Turkey. The region is famous for its fairy chimneys, underground cities, unique cave hotels, and picturesque valleys. Hiking trails in Cappadocia’s ancient valleys can be explored for at least a week. Goreme is a town in Cappadocia home to historical sites, frescoes, and hidden churches.

Antalya is a resort city in Turkey, situated in the southwest region and bordered by the Taurus Mountains. It is the largest city on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, home to numerous beaches and luxurious resorts. Kaleici, the old town of Antalya, has several shopping centres, clubs, bars, and hotels for travellers to explore.

Perched on the Bodrum Peninsula is the city of Bodrum, extending from the southwest coast of the country into the Aegean Sea. It’s the ideal spot for those who prefer beachy getaways as the city is famous for its beaches and marinas. Offering a panoramic view of Bodrum Castle, the city offers various kinds of watersports for tourists to take part in, such as scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing.

Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Denizli province of Turkey. In Turkish, it translates to ‘cotton castle’ and is known for its hot water springs or travertines filled with snow-white cliffs and turquoise pools. Seventeen hot springs exist in the area and are famous for their healing properties. Some believe that diving into these pools can help cure eye and skin disorders, circulatory issues, nutritional problems, and chronic illnesses.

Ankara is the capital of Turkey and is the country’s second-largest city. Situated in the centre of the Anatolian region, it is the administrative centre of Turkey and also a famous university town. Well-preserved Ottoman and Roman relics are present throughout the city. This vast metropolitan, however, is so much more than the concrete jungle it may appear to be, as it’s also home to mosques, museums, and historical landmarks. One of the main highlights of Turkey’s capital city is the Ankara Castle, a medieval citadel perched on a high hill that overlooks Ankara.

The weather conditions in Turkey are diverse, and the average temperatures vary significantly across the country’s regions. While the coastal regions experience temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius from November to March, Western Turkey has fairly cold winters. The Mediterranean Coast brings about mild winters and hot summers. Let’s explore each season in the country so you can book our Turkey tour packages accordingly.

April and May are the major spring months in Turkey, making them the best time to visit. The temperature remains between 10 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius in spring. April and May are tulip seasons in the country, where the flowers fully bloom. Several tourists visit the country during this season, and the hotels are booked well in advance. It’s a great time to go cycling and hiking in the southern parts of the country at this time.

The weather can be unpredictable during the first week of March, but the climate turns more pleasant soon after. The festivals you can witness during this season include Canakkale Victory, Martyrs’ Day, Istanbul Tulip Festival, and International Istanbul Film Festival.

The summers in Turkey are scorching and dry, with the temperature oscillating between 24 degrees Celsius and 48 degrees Celsius. While exploring the ancient ruins during this time is difficult, it’s perfect to enjoy the Mediterranean coastline. The months between June and August are the high season in Turkey, and since the summer vacations in India mostly fall during this period, it could be the ideal season to travel to the country with your family.

If you want to relish the Turkish summer, make sure to confirm your bookings in advance. Festivals tourists can witness during the summer months include the Cappadox Festival, Ramadan, and Democracy and National Unity Day.

The days get shorter during the Turkish autumn. The weather becomes cooler, with the sea temperatures remaining warm. Turkey isn’t too crowded at this time, so the prices of fights and hotels tend to reduce during the fall. The temperature between 12 and 29 degrees Celsius is the ideal time to explore the turquoise coast and ancient cities.

Since the days and nights are colder during the autumn months, make sure to carry pullovers and light jackets if you travel to Turkey during these months. Festivals that take place in the country during this time include the Istanbul Biennial, Goreme’s Food Festival, and Akbank Jazz Festival.

The temperature in Turkey during the winter months remains between 3 degrees Celsius and 16 degrees Celsius. Because of the drop in temperature and the common snowfall, most tourists don’t prefer to visit Turkey at this time.

There aren’t many activities at the beaches during these months, and the winters bring the maximum rainfall in Turkey. If you’re looking for cheaper deals in terms of accommodation, flights, and food, you might want to book our Turkey tour packages for this period. You could get to celebrate Christmas in Turkey if you do so.

Hagia Sophia, which translates to ‘Holy Wisdom’ in Greek, is the last of the three church buildings successfully built on the site by the Eastern Roman Empire. The monument was a Greek Orthodox Church between 360 AD and 1453, and it also briefly served as a Latin Catholic church. Following the fall of Constantinople in 1453, it became a mosque. The structure became a mosque until 1935, after which it transitioned into a museum. It became a mosque once again in 2020.

The structure of Hagia Sophia, visible today, was built by Justinian I, the Byzantine emperor. Regarded as the pinnacle of Byzantine architecture, the monument is said to have revolutionised the history of architecture. The Ottoman mosques, erected thousand years later, emulated the architectural style of Hagia Sophia.

Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is among the most iconic landmarks of Ottoman architecture. Built between 1609 and 1617, it was constructed during the reign of Ahmed I and has a classical Ottoman layout.

The mosque features a central dome encircled by four semi-domes over the prayer hall. It also has six minarets and a huge courtyard. The interiors of the mosque are decorated with thousands of Iznik tiles. There are also painted floral motifs, mainly blue, thereby giving the mosque its name. The religious complex of the Blue Mosque has a madrasa, Ahmed’s tomb, and numerous other buildings at different stages of preservation.

Standing across from the Hagia Sophia, the mosque was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Cappadocia is like Turkey’s fairy tale destination, with its rocky landscape shaped by volcanic eruption and erosion. Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985, the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is something you just cannot miss out on. These rides usually occur early in the morning, anywhere between 5 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. It depends on the season, though, and the wind conditions are usually the most feasible during sunrise.

While being on the hot air balloon, you will get to lay eyes on the fairy chimneys, cliffs, and river valleys of Cappadocia. Although this activity is available in the city throughout the year, the best time to opt for a hot air balloon ride is anywhere between April and November. Before sunrise, about 100 hot air balloons are allowed to take off, after which 50 more are permitted to go off every half an hour after sunrise. Therefore, remember to reserve your hot air balloon ride in advance.

Kaymakli Underground City is one of the most well-preserved and biggest underground cities. It is located in Turkey’s Central Anatolia region and consists of a network of cellars, stables, storage areas, and constructed houses connected through narrow, low, and steeply inclined tunnels. It was opened to tourists for the first time in 1964. The city has eight floors, of which only four can be accessed today by the general public. The underground city is more than 85 metres deep and can hold up to 3,000 people. As you explore this underground city, you will discover steep stairs, ventilation shafts, wells, and low, winding passages.

The first floor of the Kaymakli Underground City features the stable. A millstone door in the corridor is located to the left of the stable, which opens into the sanctuary. The second floor has a church along with a nave and two apses. The third floor holds the most vital parts of this underground complex, featuring kitchens, wine or oil presses, and storage places.

The Topkapi Palace is a library and museum in Istanbul’s Fatih district. In addition to being the residence of the Ottoman sultans, it was the educational and administrative centre of the state. The structure was initially constructed by the conqueror of Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed II, between 1460 and 1478. It was then expanded and altered numerous times throughout its history while serving as the home of the Ottoman sultans and their court until the mid-19th century.

The palace eventually became insufficient to meet the requirements of state ceremonies and protocol during the early 1850s, which is when the Ottoman sultans moved to Dolmabahce Palace. Despite the move, the palace remained home to the Holy Relics of the Prophet Muhammad, royal treasure, and imperial archives. It was also used to host certain state ceremonies. After the end of the Ottoman monarchy in 1922, the palace was eventually converted into a museum in 1924.

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is a complex of monasteries located in the centre of Cappadocia. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has more than 600 churches made from the soft rock present in the landscape of Cappadocia, and there could be many more undiscovered churches. Home to honeycomb cave dwellings, the monasteries provide space for restaurants, tour companies, and carpet shops.

The history associated with this spot is quite intriguing. When the Mount Erciyes volcano erupted thousands of years ago, lava and ash splattered across the landscape and eventually hardened to create unusual tufa rock formations. As centuries went by, wind erosion led to the formation of the fairy chimneys visible in Cappadocia today. The locals realised that these rocks could be carved to develop houses and churches, which eventually led to the establishment of the Goreme Open-Air Museum.

The Grand Bazaar is famous for being one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Home to more than 4,000 shops and 61 covered streets, it is sprawled over an area of 30,700 square metres. In 2014, it topped the list of the world’s most-visited tourist attractions, having drawn 91,250,000 annual visitors. Regarded as one of the first shopping malls to have ever been established, the large space is brimming with stores that sell a myriad of souvenirs. This includes fabrics, carpets, jewellery, handicrafts, and spices.

The origin of this bazaar can be traced back to the 15th century during the reign of Sultan Mehmet II. He was the one who initiated the construction of covered bazaars to sell silk fabrics. With time, these bazaars started to sell different products. Serving as one of the major landmarks of Istanbul, it is visited by 250,000 to 400,000 visitors every day.

• Hiking
• White water rafting
• Quad biking
• Scuba diving
• Jeep safari
• Cycling

When you book one of our fantastic Turkey tour packages, there are several elements to get excited about, and one of them is surely the opportunity to shop in Turkey. While shopping around at malls and modern shopping centres is something most of us are acquainted with, the shopping scene in Turkey is an experience of its own.

Brimming with crowded bazaars that sell the most unique and exotic souvenirs, your bags are bound to be full of traditional mementoes by the time your vacation is over. Listed below are the most sought-after souvenirs to get from Turkey and the best places to shop from:

Kilim are Turkish carpets that are decorated with intricate geometric designs and rich colours. These carpets are available in silk, wool, and cotton, and you can also choose between a small and large carpet based on your preference and baggage allowance.

Turkey is the largest consumer of tea in the world. When you explore the country with our Turkey tour packages, you’re guaranteed to be offered tea at shops, restaurants, or a local’s home. The tea in Turkey is usually served in small, tulip-shaped glasses, which is why tea sets are popular souvenirs to get from the country as well. There are various flavours you can choose from, including black tea, herbal tea, green tea, apple tea, and lemon tea.

Coffee cultivation originated in the Middle East, which is where the Ottoman Empire was influenced. This led to the establishment of the coffeehouse culture in Turkey. In order to make Turkish coffee, the ground coffee needs to be boiled first, along with sugar. This is done in a pot known as cezve. Once the coffee powder settles at the bottom of the cup, the top layer is covered with foam. After the Turks are done consuming their coffee, they usually turn their cups upside down. Once the cups cool down, a fortune teller predicts the future of the drinker by looking at the cup.

In addition to coffee, you can buy coffee sets from Turkey for all the coffee aficionados in your life. Turkish coffee is usually served in distinct cups and saucers, which are often rimmed with gold. You can also find these coffee cups in ceramic and copper.

The mosaic glass lamps found in the bazaars of Turkey are some of the most popular souvenirs to buy from the country. Handcrafted by expert artisans, these feature pieces of glass cut with precision that are combined to create the most mesmerising ambience for your home.

Every mosque in Istanbul is decorated with Turkish tiles that have an intricate history and exquisite associated with them. The hand-painted Iznik tiles are some of the most popular kinds in this category. These pieces of Turkish ceramic can be purchased in numerous forms, including pots, bowls, and mosaic tiles.

Jewels and artificial jewellery are among the most popular souvenirs to buy in Turkey, with precious metals and precious stones being very commonly available in Istanbul. The Turkish craftspeople are extremely adept at creating gold and silver jewellery. Traditional methods are combined with precious metals and decorated with gemstones and diamonds, all of which you can buy during your holiday.

Pashmina products make for great gifts that travellers take back home for their friends and family members. These colourful, light pashmina scarves are easy to pack and don’t occupy much space in your luggage. While real pashmina is quite expensive, you can always find cheaper versions of good quality as well.

Seasoning in quite common in the cuisine of Turkey, which is why Turkish spices are popular souvenirs at the markets of the country. Some of the spices to choose from are cumin, mint, salt, red and black pepper, and dried spearmint.

Raki is the national drink of Turkey, which also goes by the name of Lion’s Milk. You can either consume it as it is or mix it with water and ice, which lends the drink its liquidy milky white colour. Many like to have this drink with seafood.

Evil eye amulets are among the most beloved souvenirs that tourists buy from the markets and bazaars of the country. These are known to bring good luck and protect you from evil spirits. You can buy these amulets in the form of jewellery, keychains, and ornaments.

• Grand Bazaar: For ceramics, lamps, scarves, shawls, clothes, jewellery, and rugs.
• Spice Bazaar: For spices, candies, dried nuts, and caviar.
• ANKA Mall: For home goods, electronics, and clothes.
• Cukurcuma Street: For books, antiques, lanterns, and Ottoman-era glassware.
• Arasta Bazaar: For glassware, textiles, and carpets.
• Kemeralti Bazaar: For carpets, jewellery, spices, ceramics, and rugs.
• Oscar Bazaar: For shoes, handbags, dried fruits, handbags, and textiles.
• Mall of Istanbul: For spices, tea, rugs, lamps, and jewellery.

• Haggling is common at the markets and bazaars of Turkey. Be ready to negotiate while shopping while also being respectful towards the sellers and quoting a reasonable price.
• Certain places in Turkey may not accept international currencies, which is why it’s important to have enough of the local currency in your wallet.
• Always check the quality of the items before purchasing something from the bazaars of Turkey.
• Conduct some research beforehand so that you’re aware of how much each item costs. This helps you avoid overpaying for souvenirs.
• The bazaars and shops of Turkey are usually open from 9:30 am to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday, with the upscale and regular shopping streets mostly being closed on Sunday. So, schedule your shopping sessions accordingly.

• Do remove your shoes before going inside a mosque.
• Dress modestly if you’re in a rural area or anywhere outside the modern cities.
• Don’t wear anything tight or revealing when visiting a place of worship.
• Stay away from public displays of affection.
• Don’t walk in front of a person if they are praying inside a mosque.
• If you are a lone male traveller, avoid talking to younger or single Turkish women. Turkish men usually address the men and tend not to talk directly to women who don’t have male companions.
• Learn all the polite Turkish phrases and be courteous, as good manners are extremely valued in Turkey.
• Be aware of the differences in mannerisms in Turkey from the Western countries. While a downward head nod means yes, an upward nod with raised eyebrows is accompanied by a clicking sound with the tongue signalling no.
• Don’t put your thumb between your index and middle finger, as it’s considered vulgar.
• Don’t make fun of the Turkish flag or anything related to the politics or history of the country.
• Although alcohol is available for tourists, don’t drink excessively as it’s frowned upon in the country. Sometimes, it could draw unnecessary attention and lead to unsafe situations.
• Don’t get in a cab whose metre doesn’t work or one that doesn’t have a logo.
• Be very respectful of the customs and traditions followed during the holy month of Ramadan.
• Even though smoking is prohibited in public areas, it still does happen. Neither ask someone to stop smoking nor participate in it yourself.
• Gestures such as blowing your nose, picking your teeth, and burping at restaurants or cafes are considered impolite in Turkey.
• Once you’re done having your meal, place your knife and fork side-by-side.
• Do leave a modest tip to show appreciation for those who serve you, be it at restaurants or hotels.

Turkish art derives a lot of inspiration from Ottoman and Islamic art. There is the art of Ottoman illumination or Tezhip, which means ‘to turn something into gold’. This can be done using gold paint or gold leaves. The art of calligraphy is evident in Turkey through the decorated Tughra of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and the description of the Prophet Muhammad by Hafiz Osman, who was an Ottoman calligrapher. The talent of Turkish craftsmen is seen in their stonework, metalwork, and woodwork. You will find a wide range of handmade products in Turkey that serve as evidence of the craft of Turkish artisans. This includes carpets, embroidery, lacework, and handmade dolls.

Turkey’s architecture ranges from the ancient era of Anatolia to the current times. Remains from the Greco-Roman era are present across the country. Hagia Sophia is an example of the fine architecture that was created during the Byzantine era. Once the Seljuk Turks arrived in Turkey in the 11th century, the country saw a mixture of Islamic architecture and Seljuk architecture along with local types of architecture in Anatolia.

Turkish folk music is a blend of the different cultures and civilisations that have been a part of the country. This was mainly popular during the Ottoman Empire, and regional folk music is usually paired with folk dances that are distinct from region to region. Kanto music was initiated in Turkey due to the influences of the Italian theatre and opera. This kind of music is usually performed using Western instruments. When the country embraced Western culture, it also led to the introduction of Western music in Turkey through jazz, rock, and tango. Currently, the music scene in Turkey sees plenty of reggae, heavy metal, and hip-hop.

Various kinds of folk dances exist in Turkey. Halay is common in the southeastern, eastern, southern, and central regions of the country. Hora is commonly seen in the region of Thrace and a dance form named Horon is popular in Turkey’s eastern Black Sea region. You can also catch one of the folk dance shows during your holiday with our Turkey tour packages.

Turkish film directors have made a name for themselves over the years and won several accolades. Nuri Bilge Ceylan was awarded Best Director for his movie Three Monkeys at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. Semih Kaplanoglu, a Turkish screenwriter and director, won the Golden Bear for his movie Honey at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival in 2010. Various other Turkish filmmakers have been bestowed with international recognition over the years, including the Canvas Audience and the David di Donatello Awards.

The food in Turkey has Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and European influences. The different regions of the country bring different flavours to your palate. Filled with herbs and fresh vegetables, Turkish dishes are delicious while also being healthy. The fresh ingredients found in various corners of the country are kneaded and shaped so that the dishes get cooked to perfection, which you will experience during your meals with our Turkey tour packages.

Turkish cuisine focuses a lot on bread, vegetables, and rice, and the country’s western region utilises olive oil to cook the local cuisine. Let’s take a look at the beloved dishes that you absolutely must try in Turkey during your holiday:

Piyaz is a Turkish salad made using white beans, tomatoes, red onions, parsley, and garlic. The dressing for the salad is made by utilising lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Normal butter beans are not used for this salad; instead, a smaller version, known as candir, is named after the province where these beans are grown. This Candir is mixed with tahini, whose consistency is thinned with water and the aforementioned ingredients.

Legend says that this dish was created by Ezo, an unhappy married woman who tried to make her mother-in-law happy through cooking. The result was a soup made using red lentils, tomato salsa, onions, and grated fresh tomatoes. The soup is topped with chilli flakes and dried mint. Although ezogabine soup resembles Turkish red lentil soup in some ways, the difference is that the former is not strained to create a creamy and smooth texture.

Any Indian can identify kofte as a dish in Turkey, as it also exists in India. Shish kofte, for instance, is one of the 300 kinds of meatballs found in Turkish cuisine. Every region of the country has a variation of kofte. Shish kofte is made using ground meat, spices, and herbs, all put on a skewer and then grilled. The dish can also include eggs, onion, garlic, and breadcrumbs, based on the recipe. It’s often served with tarator bean salad.

Pide is one of Turkey’s most famous dishes. It refers to a flatbread with a variety of toppings, including spiced meat, cheese, spinach, and sausage. The patty is created using a well-kneaded dough cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving the dish its crunch and crispiness.

If you have a sweet tooth and haven’t tried baklava yet, you can change that during your trip with our Turkey tour packages. The people of Turkey know that the best version of this dish is made in a dark room with a controlled temperature so that 40 sheets of tissue-like pastry can be stacked. After a couple of layers, every sheet is brushed with butter and garnished with ground pistachios. Honey syrup is poured over the mixture, and it’s then baked till it turns golden.

Yaprak sarma or dolma is the Turkish version of stuffed grape leaves. Stuffed with pine nuts, currants, and seasoned rice, this dish can function both as an appetiser and a main course. To make it, rice is cooked along with onion, parsley, olive oil, salt, water, tomato paste, garlic, and black pepper. This mixture is then placed on a vine leaf, folded in, and rolled into little cylinders.

Manti refers to handmade Turkish dumplings filled with minced meat, such as beef or lamb. The dough is made from water and flour, and eggs are often added. After being rolled out thinly, the dough is cut into small squares.

The filling consists of various spices and finely chopped onions along with the minced meat. Yoghurt sauce is often served with the dumplings, lending a tangy and creamy contrast to their savoury taste. The entire dish is topped with a butter sauce containing tomatoes and garlic. The dumplings are garnished with either red pepper flakes or dried mint.