Imagine a place so familiar it makes you forget you're in Greece, yet so aesthetically pleasing it makes you feel like you're in Europe... That's it, the legendary city in the heart of Western Thrace: Xanthi. In this city, where the sounds of "Merhaba" and "Yasu" mingle in the streets, mountains and plains, tradition and modern life blend together. It has a grand character but a serene spirit. Xanthi is a wonderful destination for those who want to escape for a day, explore its streets, witness its colorful atmosphere during festival season, or feel the multifaceted structure of Thracian culture. Tracing History: The City of Colors and Culture Formerly known as "Little Paris," Xanthi was once the center of the world tobacco trade. As soon as you step into the city, you immediately feel the traces of that glorious era with its neoclassical mansions, bay-windowed houses, and huge tobacco warehouses, all inherited from the 19th century. Protected since 1976, the Old Town is a living open-air museum with its stone streets and art galleries. Here, Ottoman and Balkan architecture intertwine. The juxtaposition of mosque minarets, church bells, and old neighborhoods elevates Xanthi beyond being an ordinary Greek city, giving it a multi-layered identity. How to get to Xanthi? Transportation Details For those wishing to travel to Xanthi from Istanbul by private vehicle, there are two practical border crossing options: Ipsala and Pazarkule . Ipsala Border Crossing: This is generally preferred and has smoother road connections. Pazarkule Border Crossing: Can be considered as an alternative, especially during peak periods. After crossing the border, Greek highways offer a pleasant and safe driving experience. The city can be reached via a short journey on the Alexandroupoli – Komotini – Xanthi route. Before setting off, make sure you have your passport, visa, and Green Card (vehicle insurance) ready. Internet tip: Roaming in Greece can be expensive if your plan isn’t from the EU. Before I set off, I get my Greece eSIM here – you’re online the moment you cross the border. Where to Stay in Xanthi? I recommend staying within walking distance of the Old Town. Strolling back through the cobbled streets after dinner at a taverna is a special pleasure. Hotels fill up fast during the Carnival, so it’s worth booking early. 👉 Check current hotel prices in Xanthi here Xanthi Food, Drink and Shopping Guide The best thing to do when you arrive in the city is to take a coffee break in the old town square and get lost in the narrow streets. So, what to eat and buy in Xanthi? What to Eat? Meat dishes bearing the hallmarks of Balkan cuisine, fresh seafood, various mezes (appetizers), and the famous Bougatsa dessert should be at the top of your list. Don't forget to grab warm buns or classic Greek cookies (Kourabiedes) from street bakeries. What to buy? The city stands out with its local products: olives, honey, wine, spices, and handmade souvenirs are wonderful options. Jumbo Break: When it comes to shopping , Jumbo store, a favorite among Turkish tourists, should also be on your itinerary. It's a must-visit for affordable home furnishings and decorative items. My Xanthi: My Favorite Place Recommendations: I've been to Xanthi many times, and each time I've left my heart there. I've compiled a list of my indispensable stops that best reflect the soul of the city. Save this list, you'll definitely need it! 1. Amalthia Taverna In the heart of the old city, experience a true Greek tavern. This is the perfect place for dinner, delicious mezes, and ouzo. 2. Tam Tam Filled with nostalgic objects, it's an incredibly charming retro cafe that adds character to the city. It has an atmosphere you won't be able to stop taking photos of. 3. Tyflomiga One of the city's most vibrant spots. A friendly and lively stop for both a daytime coffee break and a night of cocktails. 4. Conservation Far from being a touristy place, it's a meeting point where you can mingle with the locals and is much loved by the people of Xanthi. Festival Time: Xanthi Carnival: If you happen to be here at the end of winter, you might stumble upon one of Greece's most colorful events: the famous Xanthi Carnival . With costumes, dances, parades, and street entertainment, the city transforms into a huge festival. In short: For anyone seeking a new and different experience in the nearby region, Xanthi is a destination that grows more beloved the more you discover it. Located in the heart of Western Thrace, here you can breathe in that multicultural spirit where Turks and Greeks sit together at the same table. Planning a weekend getaway? You can book your stay here. So, which city in Greece do you feel "at home" in? Let's discuss in the comments!

Halloween is almost here, and it’s the perfect time to bring a little spooky-season atmosphere into your home. You don’t need to completely redecorate your space—a few carefully chosen Halloween posters, vintage prints, ghosts, pumpkins and spooky wall art can instantly change the mood of a room. For Halloween 2026, I love mixing spooky details with a more stylish, nostalgic look. Think mysterious ghosts, vintage-inspired illustrations, autumn colors and playful pumpkins that can easily become part of your existing decor. If you’re already getting your home ready for October 31, you can find all of my designs here: Explore My Halloween Printable Wall Art Collection → Easy Halloween Decorating with Printable Wall Art One of the easiest ways to decorate for Halloween is with printable Halloween wall art. Digital posters can be downloaded instantly, printed at home or at a local print shop, and placed inside frames you already own. When Halloween is over, simply change the artwork and keep the frames for the next season. It’s an easy way to create seasonal decor without completely changing your home. Create a Halloween Gallery Wall Instead of displaying just one Halloween print, try combining several designs to create a small Halloween gallery wall. Mix vintage Halloween posters with ghosts, pumpkins, spooky autumn illustrations or retro-inspired artwork. You don’t need a huge wall either. Two or three prints above a console, fireplace, desk or reading corner can be enough to create a completely different atmosphere. Black frames work beautifully with classic Halloween imagery, while wooden or vintage-style frames create a warmer, more nostalgic autumn look. Vintage Halloween Decor Is Back Halloween decorating doesn’t always have to mean bright orange pumpkins and plastic decorations. Vintage Halloween decor brings a different mood into the home—nostalgic, mysterious and slightly spooky while still feeling stylish enough to work with your everyday interior. Old-fashioned ghosts, retro pumpkins, faded illustrations and unexpected Halloween characters can make a gallery wall feel as though the artwork has been collected over the years. That nostalgic feeling is also what inspired many of the pieces in my own Halloween collection. Ghosts, Pumpkins and a Little Halloween Magic There’s something fun about changing a few details at home as the seasons change. A ghost appearing inside an old frame, a strange pumpkin illustration above a table or a small group of Halloween posters can transform an ordinary corner without requiring an entire room makeover. And because printable art is digital, you can change your walls whenever the season changes. Find Your Halloween Wall Art I created my Halloween collection for anyone who loves the spooky season but still wants their home to feel personal and stylish. You can choose one statement print or mix several designs to create your own Halloween gallery wall. All of the artworks are digital downloads, so you can print them in the size you need and use frames you already have at home. Shop the Halloween Wall Art Collection on Etsy → Sometimes all you need for Halloween is a mysterious print on the wall, a few candles and the lights turned down low. Happy Halloween! Onur

Hello everyone, after a long break, Now that the restrictions have been completely lifted and the borders have reopened, I can resume my international travels where I left off. Naturally, I hadn't been able to travel abroad for almost three years, so I applied for a visa at the first opportunity to satisfy this longing. Although my initial destination was Amsterdam, due to the high volume of people at the consulate, I obtained my visa from the Greek Consulate. Consequently, the first country I would enter had to be Greece! - And my journey took me to Xanthi, or İskeçe, a place I missed very much... As soon as I arrived in Xanthi, the first thing I did was meet up with my dear Ayşegül and Rıdvan! I can say they're my family there. We met years ago when I was passing through, and we've been in touch for a long time now, and we'll continue to do so. Anyway; I can say that I enjoyed Xanthi, which I missed so much, even if only for two days. The city is very small; you can see everything in just a couple of steps! Getting there is also very easy; you can hop on a bus from Esenler in Istanbul and arrive in Xanthi in a maximum of 7 hours! So let's see what I've done and what shots I've captured in my frame. But before all that, here's the Xanthi Reel. I recommend you watch my video. Now that you've watched my real video, let's see where I've been! By the way, you can find more information about the locations and places on my Instagram account 'onurollstyle '!

Looking at an Iznik vase means looking at more than a vase. You are looking at the visual language of Ottoman tile art, woven from colour, flowers and patience. Tulips, carnations, pomegranates and hyacinths are vivid motifs that repeat for centuries across tiles, textiles and ceramics. When I begin a drawing, I think about the rhythm of this tradition: I build the vase, balance the direction of each flower one by one, and layer the colours the way they appear on a glazed tile surface. Every piece is drawn by hand. My aim is not to copy a historical motif, but to carry the feeling of Ottoman tile art into modern wall art. Long before the tulip became a symbol of the Netherlands, it was treasured in the Ottoman world. Tulips, carnations, roses and pomegranates bloom across Turkish textiles, tiles and ceramics. In my hand-drawn vase illustrations, I keep coming back to these flowers. What makes Iznik vases special?In Iznik ceramics, a white ground, cobalt blue, turquoise, green and a strong red work together. The flowers are never just decoration: they set the rhythm of the composition, give the vase movement and guide the eye from one motif to the next. The next time you see Iznik tiles in a museum or a historic building, start with the colour balance, then follow the direction of the tulips, carnations and leaves. Reading the motifs: tulip, carnation and pomegranate Tulip: the favourite of the Ottoman court; the early 18th century is remembered as the "Tulip Era." Carnation: one of the most frequent motifs in Iznik and textile patterns. Pomegranate: a symbol of abundance and plenty. Rose and hyacinth: essential parts of the classical floral repertoire. Bring an Iznik touch into your homeThese drawings don't copy historical motifs; they start from the ideas of colour and balance behind them. That way, the classic Iznik spirit can find a place in a contemporary home without feeling heavy. The posters below will help you see the individual character of each flower on this small art journey. The blue-and-white peony poster carries Iznik's cool tones into a bolder wall statement. It's a great place to start if you want a strong focal point beside a bookshelf, on a dark wall or above a patterned kilim. See the blue-and-white peony poster on Etsy. The pomegranate motif is associated with abundance and plenty. A pomegranate poster in the kitchen, dining area or a small coffee corner can make an everyday space feel more personal and warm. View and buy on Etsy. The steady rhythm of the carnation creates a calmer, more balanced look. The Ottoman vase carnation poster is an elegant middle ground for anyone who loves classical motifs but wants a modern framing language at home. The tulip is one of the most recognisable motifs in this visual language. Combine options like the Pink Tulip, the Tulip Vase and the two-piece set to build a single gallery wall, or browse the full hand-drawn Iznik flowers collection to see more colours. View and buy on Etsy. Decorating ideas with Iznik flowers These prints pair well with coloured surfaces: on a deep blue, terracotta or sage green wall they look more dramatic, while on a white wall they feel airier. You can create a gentle layered look with a patterned kilim, a ceramic vase or linen-textured textiles. In a calmer interior, a single poster in a thin wooden or gold frame brings just enough warmth. May the colours and rhythm of Iznik flowers inspire you to create your own little art corner at home. With love from Istanbul, Onur