Turkey is a country of European desires and Asian traditions with jells in the unstable atmosphere of the Middle East and in the cozy attitude of the Mediterranean land. The Mediterranean coast offers good-looking ancient Greco-Roman cities such as Pergamom and Ephesus, whereas the stark and rocky Anatolian plateau holds cave churches in Cappadocia. Istanbul, the capital, bestows much more attractions upon each visitor including the Roman channels, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman mosques and palaces.
Tourists’ Attractions
- Istanbul’s Old City:
Do visit the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofya Museum, and the Archaeological Museum. Next, take a ferry trip for discovering the north areas of the city to view villages until the Black Sea. Do not miss to shop at the Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.
- Bursa:
This is the old Ottoman city located in south of Istanbul offering a splendid 15th century Green Mosque, covered bazaar, Islamic Art Museum, and the mountain of Uludag holding the glacial lakes and a winter ski resort nearby. - Kirkpinar Festival:
Watch grease wrestling during this event held outside Edirne in early summer. - Gallipoli Peninsula: This is the historic place commemorating the battles of World War I and the 250,000 British, Turkish, and ANZAC troops that laid down their life.
- Troy:
Do not miss the view the ruins here by crossing the Dardanelles – straits splitting Europe and Asia. - Ephesus (Contemporary Selcuk):
This is the Hellenistic and Roman city established in the 13th century BC famous as the splendid ancient site of the world. - Bodrum:
Location of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum of Mausolus; this city is a famous Aegean resort that offers the Castle of St John, shopping, and dining.
- Antalya:
This is the beautiful Mediterranean offering the old town and harbor, Kaleici; Archaeological Museum; and other historic sights. - Lycian Tombs:
These are the puzzling catacombs located near to the resorts of Kas and Kalkan. - Museums:
Check for the stunning Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Ethnographic Museum in Ankara. The capital city also offers many captivating museums. - Safranbolu:
This is an ancient town between Istanbul and Ankara famous for its Ottoman architecture and so listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. - Konya:
Famous as a great religious centre, this city holds the Mevlana Tekkesi, the monastery and burial chamber of Mevlana Celaddin Rumi, a famous Islamic spiritualist and the pioneer of the Whirling Dervishes. - Cappadocia:
This is a must visit region offering rock cones, peaks, ravines, cave houses, underground cities, subterranean churches, and a cave hotel.
- Greek Orthodox Sumela Monastery:
This is an amazing 14th century monastery located at 54 km from Trabzon. Do go to the steep cliff located above the valley to explore some superb frescoes. - Van:
This is the eastern city from where reach the south shore of Lake Van. Then, take a boat to head to the 10th century Armenian Church located on Akdamar Island that offers stone reliefs of biblical episodes. - Princes’ Islands:
This is a cool summer tourist point where only bicycles are allowed. To reach here, catch a ferry from the Eminonu dock in Istanbul. - Trekking:
Try this out on the Lycian Way of 500 km between Fethiye and Antalya with some breathtaking scenery. Alternatively, take yourself to the wild Kackar Mountain in Turkey’s northeast. - White-water Rafting:
Enjoy this on the Dalaman River, the Koprulu River, the Zamanti River, or the Coruh River. - Turkish Bath or Hammam:
Do experience this with a scrub and massage. Istanbul offers this relaxing activity at the Galatasaray Hammam in Beyoglu and Cagaloglu Hammam in Sultanahmet. You can even opt for local baths. Further, there are lukewarm healing waters at the innate pools at Pamukkale near Denizli in the Aegean area.
- Noah’s Ark:
This is famous as being washed up on the slopes of Mount Ararat in Far East of Turkey. - Gulet:
Do not miss this thrilling traditional wooden boat that run along the Aegean or Mediterranean coast.
