"Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves" is a folk tale from the Middle-Eastern story collection “1001 Nights”. Along with Aladdin, it is known as one of the "orphan tales", later added to the original collection. Ali Baba was a poor woodcutter who accidentally overheard 40 thieves hiding their treasure in a secret cave. Its magical door only opened with the phrase “open sesame”. Knowing the password, he sneaked in and stole part of the treasure. The story continues with the 40 thieves trying to trace Ali Baba, who manages to avoid them eventually. In the end, Ali Baba remains the only person knowing the secret of the treasure and how to retrieve it. Close Sesame!

Golden, buttery and crispy: these are the 3 characteristics of a great baklava! Made from thin layers of phyllo (or filo) dough filled with chopped nuts (usually pistachios, walnuts and almonds) and held together by syrup or honey, baklava is among the most popular delicacies of the Middle East. Most likely, the origins of baklava date back to the 8^th century B.C.E. from the Assyrian empire, where layers of bread dough were stretched thinly and baked with chopped nuts and honey for special occasions. Nowadays, baklava has become a trademark delicacy in many cuisines from the Middle East & East Mediterranean regions, each of which has its own unique take on the classic dessert. One bite will have you hooked, so don’t miss out!

Camels were domesticated more than 3.000 years ago and people still depend on them for transport across specific environments, especially the desert. In the Arabic Culture, camels are a symbol of strength and hardship and they can carry more than 90 kilograms while walking several miles a day, in the harsh climate of the extreme heat. They can travel as fast as horses, while spending long hours without food & water. Nomads use them to transport their loads, especially in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The most typical way of moving around the desert are the iconic camel trains, widely known as “caravans”. Camel caravans can cover distances from 30 to 40 kilometers a day. In the previous centuries, armed forces used camels as their transportation, which is widely known as “camel cavalry” or “camelry”.

Sinbad the Sailor is a folk tale from the Middle-Eastern story collection “1001 Nights” and one of the most famous heroes of literature. In the tales of his seven voyages as he sails the Indian Ocean, he survives terrible dangers, battles incredible monsters, visits beautiful lands and meets supernatural forces. Sinbad constantly gets into trouble during his adventures, but manages to find his way out of them due to a combination of luck and resourcefulness. All the details of his travels show many aspects of trade in the East, including piracy and the commerce of “treasures” like diamonds, ivory, cloves, coconut, and sandalwood. According to some legends, it is possible that Sinbad was a real historical figure, but that has yet to be proven.

According to the legends, the story of tea begins in China in 2737 BC. The Chinese emperor Shen Nung, a skilled ruler and scientist, was sitting beneath a tree while his servant boiled drinking water, when some leaves from the tree blew into the water. Shen Nung decided to try this infusion and… tea was born! Nowadays, tea is considered the world’s most popular beverage after water. Traditionally, the street tea sellers move around with their equipment, serving people on the spot. There’s no right way to make a perfect cup of tea. Whether you love it strong or weak, with sugar or not, with milk or without…What really matters is that there will always be a tea seller around the corner to treat you! Enjoy!

Snake charming is an ancient form of art, which has been around for thousands of years, mostly in Asia and North Africa. The earliest evidence for snake charming comes from ancient Egyptian sources, where Charmers acted as magicians and healers. The act in itself involves a charmer, who appears to hypnotize a snake, often a cobra, within a basket. The charmer plays a musical instrument called pungi and makes the snake dance and sway to the music. Before a show, the snakes are brushed and cleaned and the charmer settles down at a spot with high pedestrian traffic. Many charmers live a wandering existence, visiting different towns and villages on market days and during festivals. Despite its high popularity during the 1900’s, today snake charming is gradually vanishing.

The roots of Turkish coffee trace all the way back to 1555, when it was brought to Istanbul by Syrian traders. Since then, its strong taste and intense aroma has traveled throughout the world, making Turkish coffee a popular way to start your day! It is boiled unfiltered in a special pot called “cezve”, and traditionally served in a small porcelain cup called “kahve fincanı”. Any coffee bean may be used; arabica varieties are considered best, but robusta or a blend is also used. Celebrated in literature and songs, Turkish coffee is a symbol of friendship, hospitality and refinement. Its rich aroma which lingers in the air of Turkish bazaars and streets, makes it impossible for someone to resist!

Fun fact: The grounds left after drinking Turkish coffee are sometimes used to tell fortunes, a practice known as tasseography. Are you ready to know your future?

Did you know that the word “spice” derives from the Latin species and refers to an item of special value? That’s because seasonings like cinnamon, cassia or cardamom were items of great value in the earliest evolution of trade and found their way to Middle East since 4.000 BC. Spices were not only used as food seasoning, but also for medical and religious reasons. Initially, the spice trade was conducted mostly by camel caravans over land routes, such as the Silk Road and it was the world’s largest industry for many centuries. Arab traders artfully withheld the true sources of their spices, spreading fantastic tales about their origin and quality. Today, spices like cumin, cloves, and cardamom remain popular in Middle Eastern cuisine and can be found in several spice bazaars, “waiting” to please even the most demanding palate!

The origins of “Oriental” dance, also known as “Eastern” dance, are rooted in ancient Middle-Eastern cultures and especially in Egypt. In Arabic-speaking countries, it is called Raqs Sharqi and it is one of oldest forms of dance, with rich history that dates back over 6,000 years. Practiced by many different cultures, it was performed primarily in sacred ceremonies, before reaching its recent popularity. Oriental dance is a complex exercise that highlights all the physical, mental and emotional elements. The dancers are skilled in moving their hips, stomach area as well as their hands, legs, shoulders and head in alignment with the music. Traditionally, they wear colourful costumes, decorated with various jewels, crystals, beads and golden accessories. So, don’t miss the chance to experience this unforgettable cultural journey of rhythm and expression.

Camels were domesticated more than 3.000 years ago and people still depend on them for transport across specific environments, especially the desert. In the Arabic Culture, camels are a symbol of strength and hardship and they can carry more than 90 kilograms while walking several miles a day, in the harsh climate of the extreme heat. They can travel as fast as horses, while spending long hours without food & water. Nomads use them to transport their loads, especially in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The most typical way of moving around the desert are the iconic camel trains, widely known as “caravans”. Camel caravans can cover distances from 30 to 40 kilometers a day. In the previous centuries, armed forces used camels as their transportation, which is widely known as “camel cavalry” or “camelry”.

Since ancient times, fruits and vegetables have always played an important role in the hot climate of the Middle East. Pomegranates, figs and dates, followed by oranges, citruses, watermelons, grapes, peaches, and nectarines are favored in Arab cuisine. Figs have been cultivated for thousands of years in the Middle East, while the ancient Egyptians regarded the pomegranate as a symbol of prosperity and ambition. Dates still remain an iconic symbol of Arabian hospitality and, in 2019, UNESCO recognized the pivotal role of date palm in the cultures of the Middle East. Fresh fruits and freshly squeezed juices can be found in every corner of every neighborhood, so next time you visit, do not forget to taste a traditional date or a refreshing “Limonana”, the bright-green drink, combining lemon and mint. Enjoy!

"Aladdin" is a folk tale from the Middle-Eastern story collection “1001 Nights”. Along with “Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves”, it is known as one of the "orphan tales", later added to the original collection. Once upon a time, Aladdin was an impoverished young man who, in other circumstances, could not have aspired to marry a princess. Recruited by a sneaky sorcerer, though, Aladdin found the wonderful lamp in a cave. He discovered it contained a genie bound to do the bidding of the person holding the lamp. With the aid of the gennie, he became rich and powerful, he faced the evil wizard and eventually married Princess Badroulbadour.