Not all travel changes places — some changes come from traveling through the in-between.
Welcome to Urbs Liminalis, a travel blog unlike any other. Here, I explore the quiet thresholds where cities, memories, and identities overlap — the liminal spaces that exist between past and future, presence and absence. Born in Istanbul’s layered cityscape and stretched across journeys through cultures and states of being, this blog invites you to slow down, notice the unnoticed, and discover transformation in every step.
Each story blends personal reflection, poetic travel writing, and fictional narrative, paired with historical insights, practical tips, and original photos. Whether you’re a traveler or a dreamer, come walk these quiet paths with me — places where every threshold crossed is a story, and every story is a place waiting to be discovered.
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If you’d like a taste of the world of Urbs Liminalis, you may wish to read the first post and short stories and posts by clicking Prologue or Exploring the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Istanbul.
Latest posts
- Exploring the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu and the City of David in Jerusalem: a meditative travel essay
A reflective journey through sacred and archaeological sites in Jerusalem, including the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu, the City of David, and Hezekiah’s Tunnel —interwoven with a fictional story about conscience and complicity under authoritarian pressure, and concluding with a meditation on hummus as a shared, symbolic food in Jerusalem’s diverse culinary landscape. - Exploring the Kidron Valley in Jerusalem: a meditative travel essay
Exploring the Kidron Valley in Jerusalem, visiting tombs like Absalom’s and Zechariah’s. The narrative ‘De profundis’ follows David and Elias as they uncover hidden truths. The post also highlights Challah bread, its spiritual significance in Jewish traditions, and its connection to manna from the desert. - Jerusalem’s Temple Mount: a meditative travel essay
Explore Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, Culinary Delights, and Cultural Heritage Discover the spiritual and historical significance of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where three major world religions converge. Learn about its rich history, from the ancient Jewish Temples to the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Enjoy a cultural journey through Jerusalem’s food scene, where falafel, hummus, and local favorites like Hummus Ben Sira showcase the city’s vibrant, multicultural identity. Whether you’re reflecting on the sacred sites or savoring traditional dishes, Jerusalem offers a unique experience of history, faith, and flavor. - Dusk falls on Jerusalem: a reflective travel essay on the Old City
Road to Jericho is a reflective short story set in Jerusalem, where Karim moves through rain-soaked streets toward a quiet sense of release. The story is paired with a travel essay exploring the Old City’s history, its gates, religious sites, and surrounding neighbourhoods. Featured locations include Jaffa Road, Mount Zion, Teddy Park, and the Western Wall. The post also highlights Sephardic cuisine, with a focus on pastelikos and a recommendation for Barood Restaurant, known for preserving traditional flavours in a warm, intimate setting. - Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity: a meditative travel essay
In the heart of Bethlehem, where history and faith intertwine, Maha’s quiet birth in a weathered garage mirrors the city’s resilience. The Church of the Nativity, marking Christ’s birthplace, stands as the city’s eternal anchor, while the Milk Grotto whispers of protection and divine presence. Nearby, the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Jerome’s Cave deepen the sacred layers of this place, where past and present coexist in a fragile harmony.
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