Plans to hold a kick-boxing tournament at Gallipoli on the eve of Anzac Day have been slammed as "totally inappropriate" by the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association.

Istanbul is one of those cities that leaves everyone who’s been there hankering to go back. But if you’re about to make your first appearance, here are five things you won’t want to miss.

Here are some of the world's key doomsday destinations and other places marked by fear and fascination.

Megan Singleton visits a Turkish gem where Bond shines.

Gliding over Turkey, Phoebe Falconer resists reaching out to the intriguing rocks sweeping by.

Syria's neighbours are increasingly being drawn into the country's civil war in a variety of ways, whether militarily or due to an exodus of Syrians fleeing the fighting at home.

Former NZ diplomat Warren Searell called Damascus home until the Arab spring made life far too dangerous. This is his story.

Phoebe Falconer gives her spin on a traditional religious dance ceremony.

A group of Romanians have been prevented from entering New Zealand amid suspicions they were planning a crime spree down Auckland's Queen St.

Reflecting its location, this 19th-century apartment marries Ottoman heritage with modern flourishes, writes Arifa Akbar.

Set on the third floor of a 19th century building overlooking the Bosphorus, this spacious apartment can comfortably accommodate up to six people in its three bedrooms.

For further information see istanbulplace.com.

Jim Eagles cruises down the watery divide between Europe and Asia.

Peter Calder succumbs to the magic of Istanbul's famous bath houses.

At its peak Ephesus, or Efes, ruled first by Greeks and then Romans, was a seaport home to 250,000 people.

The Turks are so fond of Kiwis they've named a street after us, finds Jim Eagles.

Restaurant reviewer Peter Calder discovers there’s a lot more to eat in Istanbul than doner kebab.