Seagulls danced across the sky, as Istanbul quietly slipped into our souls. The sea’s breath carried a distant call to prayer, and simit crumbs floated softly on the breeze— for a heartbeat, time stood still.

Hagia Sophia — where Islamic calligraphy meets Christian imagery. One of our favorite places to explore together with my son. Its vast halls and majestic dome always made us feel like we were in a mystical film. Running through this 1,400-year-old masterpiece was simply magical.

Aquarium fish kept us entertained for a while, but eventually we got curious about the ones on the fish market counter, especially their eyes! We couldn’t resist poking them, and somehow, it made us laugh every time.

First, the children discovered the birds—then, the sky.

Whenever we saw someone in traditional Ottoman clothes, their cloaks would catch the wind, their turbans shimmer in the light. To us, they were all sultans or janissaries — as if they had stepped right out of a history book. We gave a little wave… and time smiled back.

Deniz: Daddy, take a picture of me!

Our favorite kind of day — the one we always look forward to. Still smiling. Still spooky. Slightly squishier.

The world was spinning… but ours was spinning faster!

As someone approaching 50, I can say dinosaurs weren’t nearly this popular when I was a kid. Everything I know about them today, I’ve learned thanks to the children.

On unbearably hot days, our only refuge was the Petco store. Every time we visited, we’d spend at least an hour inside and leave with a new betta fish. One of them even lived with us for about a year. A small bowl, a bit of water, and a little life — it never had a name, perhaps, but it left a lasting place in our memory.

Of all the places I’ve dragged the kids to, the Catacombs of Paris was probably the most unusual. Even though I got my fair share of criticism… we had fun! There’s a hidden city under Paris. The walls are made of real skulls! Sounds spooky — but it was actually super cool. We didn’t even notice how fast time flew!

Puerto Rico didn’t leave much of an impression on me— but for 7-year-old Neva, it was the most wonderful place in the world. I have nearly 500 iguana photos on my phone.

Neva: Daddy, take a picture of me!

We let it all flow—both the river and life! Drifting in pink tubes, round and round, we laughed, cooled off, and lost our sense of direction a little. But it didn’t matter— there was sunshine, there was water, and that was more than enough.

As someone approaching 50, I can say dinosaurs weren’t nearly this popular when I was a kid. Everything I know about them today, I’ve learned thanks to the children.

Swinging like everyone else wasn’t her style… She was a monkey-spirited freedom, climbing on top of the swing and shouting, ‘Daddy, take my picture!

Sometimes we chased the wild geese, sometimes they chased us. By the way, they bite — and it hurts! Watch out!

We raised ten chicks—part garage, part living room. Now they roam the garden, feathered and free. Yet we still toss each one gently to the sky, hoping today might be the day they truly fly. Wings flutter, hearts lift.

By dog-sitting for our friend, we kind of bypassed the process of actually owning a dog. Every time I heard the question, “Why don’t we have a dog?”, we paid a visit to this magnificent creature — Yıldız. Thank you, Yıldız... You saved me (for now) from a huge responsibility.

It came closer. We looked. It left. It was a beautiful moment.

I used to be terrified of reptiles—until my children came along and loved them without fear. Through their curious eyes and fearless hands, I began to learn: which ones pose a threat, and which ones are completely harmless. I thought I knew so much about the world… but they showed me how little I truly knew.

We hid beneath the terrace of a house on the verge of collapse as the rain came down in sheets. Only children could look at a soaked old outlet and say — it looks just like a pig’s nose.

Daddy Take a Picture!

Daddy Take a Picture!