Turkey scores big on all fronts, be it the legendary history, spectacular scenery or lip-smacking food. A trip to Turkey is a voyage of discovery where the intermingling of cultures through the ages serves up a delectable treat for the eyes and the soul.
Turkey straddles two continents, Asia and Europe, and so there is often confusion as to where it belongs. Although the European portion of Turkey known as Thrace makes up hardly 3% of the area, over 10% of Turkey’s population lives here. It’s quite a novelty to be able to flit between two continents on a ferry from Thrace’s largest city, Istanbul.
Istanbul is a beautiful amalgamation of cultures between the East and West. Its strategic location on the Silk Road saw many merchants from different parts of the world pass through its lands. Some were so enamored by the city that they extended their visits to gradually become permanent residents of the land, thus adding to the diverse culture.
Turkey’s cities which are bursting with minarets and history are worth every moment of your time. From the mausoleum of Ataturk in the capital Ankara, the Old Bazaars of Antalya, and the third capital of the Ottoman Empire, Edirne, there’s a lot about Turkey’s cities that will astound. It’s not just the cities though, Turkey also abounds in scenic villages eager to extend their hospitality.
Turkey has some iconic landmarks that leave deep impressions on the visitor such as the ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations of Cappadocia, the lyrical hot springs of Pamukkale and the UNESCO listed Ephesus. Turkey’s Asian half known as Anatolia is where you’ll come across some of the country’s heart-stopping wonders. Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest point is located here and so is the wondrous stretch of Patara beach. This uncrowded stretch which extends for 17kms is a haven as few crowds converge on this stretch of the Mediterranean. The area near Patara is also said to be the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus.
There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained and occupied in Turkey, from kayaking over sunken ruins, traditional gület cruises on the Aegean or Mediterranean Seas and canyoning in mountain gorges. However, if being adventurous is not your glass of ‘cay,’ then just sit back and indulge in the culinary delights that Turkey has to offer.
Known earlier as Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul is one heady collision point of cultures and continents. It’s where the East meets the West, literally, at the cerulean waters of the Bosphorus Strait. In one frenetic fusion of mysticism and modernity, Istanbul combines diverse philosophies and people. Apart from Ottoman-era mosques and Byzantine churches, it’s also…
A mesmerixing view over the lake and a hearty Turkish breakfast, what else do the best hotels in Pamukkale, Turkey have to offer?
Staying at hotels in Istanbul Airport is not just about transit. Perhaps we can never get over the fact that Istanbul is the only city in the world where two continents meet. And for that very reason, Istanbul boasts loud as an eclectic and vibrant city. With a history dates back as far as 2,500…
Istanbul, where do we have to start. Thanks to its unique geographical position, spread over two continents, Turkey’s largest city is endowed with enchanting nature and multicultural textures. The atmosphere is really alive, in line with modern dynamic life. With a history that stretches back to 2500 years, each neighborhood has its own food, culture,…
The city of Edirne, or Odrin as it was historically known, was the third capital city of the Ottoman Empire and the site of numerous sieges and battles. In fact, Edirne has the dubious distinction of being the most frequently contested place on the globe. The Ottoman influence on the city is evident in the…
You know Ephesus and the ancient Greek ruins of the 10th century B.C. You’ve heard about Pamukkale and its calcite terraces of thermal waters. You stand in awe of Aya Sofya and its elaborate mosaics and august structure. But you’ve probably missed the small yet stunning villages of Turkey. This article list the 11 most…
The Mediterranean is one of my favorite spots in the world. You never know what new gem you will find throughout the journey. This time, I went to Turkey to visit the dazzling city of Pamukkale located in southwestern Anatolia.[booking_product_helper shortname=”pamukkale”] Pamukkale, which in Turkish means “Cotton Castle”, is a fantastic spectacle, made up of petrified…
Located on the Mediterranean coast of Southwestern Turkey, Antalya is a charming city that boasts of breathtaking cliffs and mountains. There are plenty of ocean-view restaurants, large shopping malls, historic sites, pebbled beaches and if you enjoy the nightlife, this town has plenty of bars and lounges to discover. Antalya is a terrific city to…
Perhaps the fact that it is the only city in the world trapped between two continents made of Istanbul one of the most fascinating, vibrant and colorful cities on earth. The former Constantinople what’s the capital of some of the greatest empires of our history such as the Roman and the Ottoman empire. This city…