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Turkey

It's a transcontinental country , with most of its territory located in Western Asia and a smaller one (west of the Sea of Marmara ) in Southern Europe , which extends throughout the anatolian peninsula and Eastern Thrace in the area of Balkans . It is bordered to the northeast by Georgia , to the east with Armenian , Iran and Azerbaijan , to the north with Ukrainian territorial waters in the Black Sea , to the northwest with Bulgaria and Greece , to the west with the islands greek the Aegean Sea , to the south with the waters Cypriots the Mediterranean Sea and with Syria and to the southeast with Iraq . The separation between Anatolian and Thrace is formed by the sea of marmara and the Turkish Straits (the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles ), which serve to delimit the border between Asia and Europe , so Turkey is considered as transcontinental . It has cultural connections with the ancient Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

How to get to turquia

Airplane: it is the best and fastest way to get to Turkey. Istanbul is usually the gateway to the country, since it is usually where it is most convenient to fly from abroad. It has two international airports, Atatürk, new city airport along the Black Sea and the Sabiha Gökcen. Other airports of some importance are those of Izmir-Adnan Menderes (Izmir) (IZM) and Sabiha-Gökçen (SAW); the latter airport is located 40 km from Istanbul, on the Asian side. Many airlines have flights to Turkey, in particular there are efficient connections between major European and Asian cities with Istanbul and Ankara.

Boat: There are ferry connections with Cyprus (Turkish part), Ukraine, Greece (Lesbos, Chios, Rhodes, Samos, Kos) and Italy. There are private ferry lines that connect Turkey with the Greek islands in the summer. There are many cruise ships that arrive in Turkey, so this is an option to get to the country. They are usually Mediterranean cruises that include destinations in Greece and other countries in the region.

Train: it is connected to neighboring countries such as Greece, Bulgaria, Syria and Iran. The internal rail network is the TCDD (Turkish Republic Railways) which operates an 11,000 km rail network, but unfortunately, the trains are outdated and the routes are limited.

Bus: you can get there from countries like Macedonia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Romania, Greece, Georgia and even Germany and Austria.

How to move within Turkey

Plane: it is a very good option to move between cities since there are low cost flights with super cheap prices, operated by Turkish Airlines through its low cost line Anadolu Jet and by Pegasus.

Bus: it is an excellent option, and there is a fairly good network of buses that connect mainly the main cities and the most touristic places. Getting around by bus on these circuits is safe and quite cheap, although it may not be comfortable.

Train: it's a good one option, since there is a fairly wide network that covers the main places in the country.

What to see in Turkey

istanbul

Beyond having been the capital until 1923 and the most important city in the country, it is the cradle of the Byzantine Empire, with Constantinople being its historical name. Although the Greeks, Romans and other empires made triumphal and not so triumphal entries, the indelible mark it has left on its culture and memory is notable in its areas. A good idea is to take a cruise through the Bosphorus Strait where you can see authentic architectural relics along the way. The Old City reflects the cultural influences of the various empires that ruled the region. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air Roman-era Hippodrome was a chariot-racing venue for centuries, and Egyptian obelisks also remain on site. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia has a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.

Hagia Sophia

Built between the years 532 and 537, on the western bank of the Bosphorus, it is the most emblematic construction to visit in Istanbul. It is a masterpiece of Byzantine art, it impresses with its huge dome and its 4 minarets that were added after the Orthodox church was transformed into a Mosque, after the conquest of the city by the Ottoman Empire. After a few years being a museum, in 2020 it became a mosque again, so during religious ceremonies all images such as mosaics and huge medallions are covered. Despite this change, it is worth going inside to see its enormous dimensions and enjoy the views of the Blue Mosque from the second floor.

blue mosque

Built by Sultan Ahmed I at the beginning of the 17th century, it is considered the most important in Istanbul. Although from the outside it will already attract your attention due to its 6 minarets and several small domes culminating in a large central one, it will not be until you enter its interior barefoot that you will be speechless when you see the 21,043 Iznik tiles and the 260 windows aligned on five levels. , which let light through and create a unique atmosphere. Keep in mind that to enter this and the rest of the mosques in the city you must wear appropriate clothing, in the case of women they must cover their hair and shoulders with a scarf, while men cannot wear shorts or pants. sleeveless.

Topkapi Palace

Together with the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, it forms the triangle of the three most famous places to see in Istanbul. From this large complex of 700,000 m2, in which more than 5,000 people lived, the Ottoman sultans ruled their empire from 1465 to 1853, making it their habitual residence and providing it with the greatest luxuries of the time. Inside you can see the treasure, which houses pieces such as the 88-carat spoon diamond and the topkapi dagger (the most expensive weapon in the world), as well as access the Harem with more than 400 rooms decorated with tiles in which the Sultan with his women and hundreds of slaves.

Basilica Cistern

Also known as "Sunken Palace", it is one of the many cisterns in Istanbul. The cisterns are deposits that were built so that the city had water reserves in case of being attacked. The Basilica Cistern was built in the time of Justinian I (527-565) to supply the Byzantine Palace. The location (to which it owes its name) was the basement of a basilica of which nothing remains today. The Basilica Cistern has 336 columns 9 meters high. The styles of the columns are very varied, since they were reused from old structures and monuments . Among the 336 columns of the basilica there are two that are based on the head of Medusa, the mythological being that turned anyone who looked into stone.

Dolmabahce Palace

It replaced the Topkapi Palace as the residence of the sultans from 1856 to 1924, the year the caliphate was abolished. The style of the palace is a combination of Western Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles mixed with the traditional Ottoman style. Dolmabahçe Palace was built between 1843 and 1856 by order of Sultan Abdülmecid. With a facade of more than 600 meters and an area of 15,000 square meters, the Dolmabahçe Palace is the largest building in the country. It has 285 rooms, 43 rooms, 68 toilets and 6 Turkish baths. In 1984 the palace was converted into a museum.

Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

It is one of the oldest towers in the world. From its highest part you get one of the best views of Istanbul. The first Galata Tower was built of wood in 528 to serve as a lighthouse. In 1348 it was rebuilt by the Genoese under the name of Torre de Cristo. During the conquest of constantinople in 1453, the tower was occupied by Sultan Mehmet II. His height, only 61 meters is not important as the diameter and width of the walls. The diameter of the tower at the base is 16.5 meters outside and 8.9 meters inside. This difference indicates that the walls have a width of 3.8 meters at the base.

ankara

Cosmopolitan capital of Turkey since 1923 located in the Anatolia region, in the center of the country. It is a performing arts center that is home to the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, and many national theater companies. It is a magnet for tourism, especially for the unparalleled quality of its monumental structures and excellent modern places for entertainment. From the time of Aladdin, passing through the Augustan era, various remarkable monuments mark the passage of history in a variety of shapes and contours, typical of the visionary engineering of those times. Anitkabir is the mausoleum of the hero of Turkish independence, impressive from a distance due to the grandeur of its structure. The Antolia museum is the ancient cultural heritage and the Kocatepe mosque is the largest in the city, surrounded by entertainment options in its surroundings. Ankara has a very peculiar viewpoint, it is the Atakule Tower, over 100 meters high. It has a 360 panoramic view of the city.

Museum of Civilizations

It is an archaeological museum that is located in the foothills of the so-called Ankara Castle within the Atpazarı neighborhood, in the city of Ankara. It is the fruit of the desire of the Quarterback and famous statesman Turkish , founder and first president of the Republic Of Turkey, Kemal Atatürk, to create a museum that would collect the remains of the Hittite, Phrygian and Lydian civilizations. The building, an old bazaar, was remodeled and is considered one of the most complete archaeological museums in the world. In 1997, the European Forum of Museums awarded it the European Museum of the Year Award, an award that recognizes each year the new museums that have made advances and innovations in the museum field. The award-winning museum housed for a year the statue of Henry Moore The Egg, which symbolizes the award.

anıtkabir

It is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the leader of the Turkish War of Independence, founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. The mausoleum is located in the city of Ankara and was designed by architects Emin Onat and Orhan Arda, who were the winners of a competition organized by the Turkish Government in 1941 for the creation of a "monumental mausoleum" in honor of Atatürk. The site is also the final resting place of İsmet İnönü, the second President of Turkey, who was buried there after his death in 1973. His grave is located opposite the Atatürk Mausoleum, on the opposite site from the Ceremonial Ground.

Kocatepe Mosque

It is the largest mosque in Ankara built between 1967 and 1987 in the Kocatepe neighborhood of Kızılay. Its size and location make it a visible monument from almost the entire center of Ankara. It is a huge neoclassical Ottoman-style mosque, with a capacity for 24,000 worshipers The building is built in the Ottoman architectural style, with 4 minarets and is very similar to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The interior is dominated by marble reliefs, tiles decorated with geometric patterns, and special glass for the windows. Perhaps due to the fact that it is not an old building it is not well known

kusadası

This city boasts of being the quintessential seaside resort on the Aegean coast, 90 km south of Izmir. It is a quiet and paradisiacal destination, thanks to the serene landscape offered by the calm crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. It is a city surrounded by famous monuments of the Ancient World, among which the ancient cities of Ephesus, Miletus, Didim and Priena. The climate is one of the favorites thanks to the warmth of the Mediterranean air that is breathed in. Among its famous monuments are the Kursunlu Davutlar monastery or the Kaleici Mosque. To the north is one of the most representative enclaves of the historical epic of the western world, Pygale. Many experts claim that it was founded by King Agamemnon as a refueling point for his fleet during the Trojan War. This city has been linked to the life of the famous pirate Barbarosa, who sailed through the Mediterranean seas stalking its shores. Just off its shores on Pigeon Island is a walled Byzantine castle that once protected the city and is connected to the mainland by a causeway.

Library of Celsus

This ancient Roman library was built in 136, by Tiberius Julius Aquila Polemeanus son of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemeanus to serve as his monumental tomb. It is located 21 km from Kusadasi in its beginnings there were about 12,000 scrolls on its walls, and even now, preserved fragments of the building allow us to fully appreciate how large the library was. It was rare for someone to be buried in a library or even within the limits of a city, which was a special honor for Celsus, who is buried in a crypt below the library, in a decorated marble sarcophagus. This Library was the "third largest library in the ancient world" behind Alexandria and Pergamon 3 .

Dilek National Park

The park is located in the Kuşadası district of the Aydın province , which is part of the aegean region from Turkey. Its natural beauty will not leave anyone unsatisfied. This park completely occupies the territory of the peninsula of the same name. Rare animals, birds and insects live here among the surrounding natural splendor. It is worth mentioning that these places are also not without historical sites. On the territory of the park, there are the ruins of two ancient cities and there is a working monastery.

Kaleici Camii or Fortress Mosque

It is the most striking historical monument in the city, built in 1618 by order of the Grand Vizier Okuz Mehmed Pasha. The total area is about 1800 square meters where more than 500 people they can accommodate. The main decoration of the complex is the large lead dome, which is supported by 12 columns. The mosque resembles a luxurious palace, its main door is made of wood and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and the interior is decorated with artistic painting.

House of the Virgin Mary

It is a religious place near Ephesus, seven kilometers from Selçuk, where, according to the tradition of the place, the apostle Saint John took the Virgin Mary after the crucifixion of Christ, fleeing persecution in Jerusalem and until his blessed Assumption, according to Catholics. The German religious Ana Catalina Emmerick would have had a vision of Mary, in her house, without ever having visited the place, whose description was later published by the writer Clemens Brentano. Since its discovery at the end of the 19th century, the site has been a pilgrimage destination for both Christians and Muslims.

ephesus

The city of Ephesus is believed to have been created in the 11th century by the Ionians, and is considered the oldest Greek civilization located near the Aegean Sea. Years later it was invaded by the Romans and became the local location of Roman rule in Asia. Located at the end of the Persian Royal Road, the main route of Roman expansion in the East, the city of Ephesus was the western border of the East-West market. The city was built near the Rio Caistro which was traced to a complete port that empties into the Mediterranean Sea and becomes a large wharf, boasting of being the most significant seaport in the Mediterranean Sea for products coming from the West of Rome, Greece. and Italy. The main remains of Ephesus are distributed along the main roads of the ancient city, which are the street of the Curetes, the marble road and the Arcadian road. The temple of Artemis in Ephesus is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the largest temple of antiquity, with 120 columns 20 m high, of which only one survives.

cappadocia

In the heart of the Anatolian peninsula, 320 km from Ankara and one hour from Istanbul by plane, is Cappadocia. What makes it such a special place is its landscape, which seems to come out of a story. At first it was an area where lava from the surrounding mountains was concentrated, but when the volcanic activity ceased the landscape changed completely. Currently its valleys are full of wonderful geological formations that have been eroding for thousands of years and forming capricious conical rocks where mysterious underground cities and stone churches of ancient Christian communities were built. The 100m deep Ihlara Canyon is home to numerous rock-built churches. In the year 1985 , was listed by the unesco in the list of World Heritage with a protected area of 9576 ha .

fairy chimneys

Without a doubt, if there is something you cannot miss in Cappadocia, it is the fairy chimneys. They are an emblem of the place and the highest can reach up to 50 meters. These "towers" were formed thousands of years ago and found their way through the work of rain erosion. Of course, you can't miss out on getting to know the area from the best possible perspective either: a traditional way of doing it is to fly over it in a hot air balloon, which is why every photo you see of the sky of Cappadocia figure full of multi-colored balloons. Every day they rise to the sky by the dozens on the outskirts of Göreme Park.

Underground cities of Cappadocia

Under the soil of Cappadocia there are more than 40 underground cities, some connected by tunnels that were built in the fourth century by Christians to protect themselves from persecution, and solitary caves used as housing or as a refuge for hermits. They are carved into the stone at different levels of depth, which are connected by passageways and tunnels. They were secret cities that allowed them to shelter from enemies and capable of housing thousands of people. It is known that Derinkuyu, one of the most famous, (the deepest) It had a capacity of 10,000 inhabitants. The Kaymakli Underground City . (the largest) has 8 floors below ground

Goreme or Goreme

It is the name of a series of valleys and of a population in this valley, in the Cappadocia region of central Anatolia. It is located 12 km east of Nevsehir and belongs to the province of the same name. Near the town is the Goreme National Park (Göreme Milli Parklar), also known as the Goreme Open Air Museum. East National Park It is perhaps the most famous territory of all the landscapes of Cappadocia. The park was listed by the unesco What World Heritage in the year 1985 .

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Beaches

Kabak Beach, Fethiye

Located about 25 km south of Ölüdeniz, it is surrounded by a lush pine forest. To get there you will have to be prepared to do a bit of hiking. The descent from the top of the rocky cliffs may seem a bit daunting, but the captivating views over the shady pine crest, the golden beach and the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea from above will leave you breathless. Take advantage and relax in the warmth of the pure sand of the beach and enjoy the shallow waters of the serene sea.

Blue Lagoon, Oludeniz

Hidden within a protected national park, where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, the blue Lagoon Ölüdeniz is undoubtedly the most famous stretch of sand in Turkey and perhaps one of the most beautiful in the world. Its waters reflect different shades between blue and green. It is framed by mountains completely covered by Mediterranean pines. If you can, I recommend that once you finish visiting the lagoon, you go to the promenade from Oludeniz. This town is in itself very picturesque and quiet, here you will find bars, restaurants, small hotels and shops of all kinds.

Cleopatra's Beach, Alanya

is located at the foot of the magical medieval castle of Alanya. Famous for its white sands and turquoise waters, it is probably the most popular beach in Turkey. Legend has it that Cleopatra herself imported sand from the desert after having enjoyed a swim in this sea. Real or not, an afternoon on the beach in the shadow of the old castle can feel like a step back in time and there's even a Pirates of the Sea-style ship Caribbean docked here to create an even more historic atmosphere. This part of the Mediterranean is calm enough to swim but you can also practice all kinds of water sports such as jet ski rides or a bit of windsurfing.

Patara Beach, Gelemis

One of the most impressive coastlines in Europe, close to the ancient city of Patara, this magnificent 18 km long beach is an ideal paradise where You'll find towering limestone peaks, sand dunes, and well-preserved archaeological remains that provide an excellent setting for the dazzling turquoise sea. It is located within a National Park and is not organized, except for a small cafeteria and some deckchairs in season.

Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan

Iztuzu, also known as Turtle Beach, is one of the best eco-friendly beaches in Turkey for swimming and relaxing in the sun, away from the tourist crowds. The lack of development only adds to the area's natural charm and peaceful atmosphere. The area is unusual for its freshwater delta, separated from the sea by a 4.5 km long sandline, providing a natural paradise for wildlife. In terms of infrastructure, here you will only find a few bars that serve Turkish tea and pancakes.

Konyaalti Beach, Antalya

It is one of the main beaches in Antalya with all the ingredients for a perfect day of sunbathing. Stretching between the limestone cliffs of the city and the towering mountains of Beydağları, this paradise of fine stones abounds with water fun, splendid views and world-class facilities. It is close to the city where you will find many shops, cafes and restaurants with a promenade ideal and charming at night.

Cirali Beach, Kemer

Located about an hour's drive from Antalya, it is lapped by sparkling blue waters and surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. With the ruins of Olympos at one end and the eternal flames of Chimera towering above, showing as a idyllic beach along the Turquoise Coast. In addition to the beach, here you can visit the famous ruins of Olympos, home of the Chimaera llama, and discover the quiet but modern town of Cirali.

Butterfly Valley Beach, Fethiye

The Valley of Butterflies is one of the most attractive places around Fethiye. It is one of the most magical and beautiful bays in Turkey. It is located on the western coast of the Gulf of Belceiz, near Oludeniz and can only be reached by boat, with multiple offers of marine tourist tours. Its name is due to the extraordinary beauty of the tiger butterfly that can be seen inhabiting this valley from June to October. The Bay is not very urbanized, but there is a small cafe and shop on the beach, where you can buy adorable souvenirs and gifts.

Kaputaş Beach, Kaş

Between steep forested cliffs are the clear and calm waters of this beach, a perfect place for swimming and snorkeling, Nearby, the port of Kalkan is full of small restaurants and bars. Stay long enough and enjoy an evening dinner watching the yachts and boats return to dock after days at sea.

Turkish gastronomy

Turkey can boast of having one of the most varied, rich and delicious cuisines on the planet. The reason lies in the long history of this country, in the influences received from the most diverse civilizations and in its geographical location. A true bridge between Europe (especially through the Mediterranean), the Far East (as a fundamental crossing point between Asia and the West) and most of the Islamic countries.

Baklava: thin, crunchy, flaky pastry filled with nuts (particularly pistachios, walnuts, and almonds) and dipped in (lots of) honey.

Döner kebap: the translation of its name is meat that turns on the grill. It is a preparation of meat (generally lamb or chicken), which is cooked over a fire, cut into thin slices and served inside a pita bread, accompanied by vegetables or lettuce and sauces based on tomato and yogurt.

Lahmacun: Turkish pizza without mozzarella or cheese, with minced meat topping the crust cooked with onion, parsley, bell pepper and all kinds of spices.

Dolma: vine leaves stuffed with cooked rice and sometimes small pieces of meat, seasoned with lemon.

Meze appetizers of typical Turkish food: dishes of various salads, pickles, grilled vegetables (such as aubergines or peppers) seasoned with delicious sauces, as well as skewers of chicken and lamb meat and nuts.

Borek: pie or cake that is filled with Turkish white cheese, minced meat (or vegetables) and some vegetables. It is also known as boreca or bureca. It is usually taken accompanied by a Turkish tea.

Menemen: typical scrambled eggs that are eaten for breakfast in many parts of the world. In this case, the eggs are accompanied by small pieces of vegetables: tomato, onion, pepper.

Pilav: different recipes of typical Indian rice with a very clear oriental influence seasoned with spices and vegetables.

Manti: pasta stuffed with lamb meat, bathed in a yogurt sauce seasoned with onion and various spices.

Köfte: meatballs, usually made of beef or lamb, with onions and seasoned with fragrant spices. They are usually cooked over firewood.

Mercimek köftesi: croquettes of vegetable type whose base is a mass of lentil flour and, sometimes, also of wheat.

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