Following the traces of Turkic culture which extends from Asia to Europe, nine small houses and two traditional tents ("yurt" in Turkish) of Central Asian nomads take visitors from Crimea, the Caucasus and Central Asia to the Great Wall of China. Some of the houses are given the names "Uzbek," "Turkmen" and "Northern Cyprus." The neighborhood invites all to come and explore various Turkic cultures while wandering around each house.Established with an initiative by Mayor Kadir Topbaş, each cultural house in the neighborhood represents a different country including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tatarstan, Northern Cyprus, Bashkortostan and Azerbaijan. Additionally, the "Balkan House" introduces the cultural traditions of Turks living within the Balkan region. The tent which was presented to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev is also on display. The sophisticated yurts of the nomads of Central Asia draw a great deal of attention. Topbaş has previously stated, "It was one of my biggest dreams." The neighborhood holds special celebratory events on the day of "Nevruz," the festival ushering in the first day of spring, and other summer festivals including "Sabantuy," Bashkir and Tatar summer festivals. Celebrations generally take place with the participation of statesmen from different Turkic countries.The houses showcase traditional home furniture, everyday clothing as well as festive costumes, accessories, musical instruments, toys, carpets, rugs and kitchen equipment along with historic hunting and military items. Televisions show videos about the Turkic republics. Those who would like to buy traditional objects can visit the souvenir shop "Turkuvaz" in the neighborhood. Most of the objects on display can be found at the shop and all souvenirs are brought from Turkic countries for no profit.Miniature versions of the Orkhon inscription, which dates to the early eighth century, and in which the words "Turk" and "Turkish" are mentioned for the first time, are on display as well. Kültür A.Ş., the cultural enterprise of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, designed the miniatures by preserving the inscriptions' original dimensions. Visitors can also see two stone inscriptions (dated 732 and 735 respectively), each dedicated to Bilge Khagan, the ruler of Göktürks and his brother Kültigin. Aside from a number of historic figures, there are two other stone inscriptions, dating to 716, engraved to honor commanding military leader Tonyukuk, also the vizier of Bilge Khagan. All miniatures are open to visitors daily throughout the year free of charge. Similar to those in Miniatürk Park, audio guides in different languages will be also available. To preserve the original design, miniature stone inscriptions are placed on carved stone turtles. At the time of the Göktürks, turtles referred to the concept of immortality. All inscriptions introduce interesting information about Turkic languages, literature, art and traditions. Leaving aside the inscriptions, sculptures of turtle and sheep, aqueducts, stone roads, historic ruins and "balbals" (handmade gravestones) can be seen.Zinnet Restaurant located in the neighborhood offers visitors the chance to try the traditional cuisine of the Turkic world. Dishes unique to Kazakhs, Uyghurs and Uzbeks are served. Hundreds of different meals on offer include kebabs from Central Asia, Uzbek rice, "Legmen" and "Göşnan" unique to eastern Turkestan, "Çüçüre" (a traditional soup) and "Buharda Mantı" (steam-cooked meat dumplings). The restaurant is the right place to indulge in the flavors of the Silk Road, whose history goes back almost 2000 years. Visitors can conclude their visit after trying the traditional teas of Central Asia such as the tea unique to Göktürks.