Turkey (Brief Info)
Turkey is a magical country, which has enjoyed a long and fascinating past, spanning from the dawn of human history right up to the present day. The country’s pivotal position between Europe, the Middle East and Asia, have made it an important melting pot of cultures and a gateway between east and west. Lapped by the waters of the Mediterranean, the Aegean and the Black Sea, Turkey is a beautiful and diverse country, which is truly a neighbor of the world.
1.A Cultural Heritage Spanning Thousands Of Years
Turkey’s unique location between Europe, the Middle East and Asia, has allowed it to act as a bridge for successive waves of civilization. Crossed by important trade routes, and invading armies, Turkey has been nourished by many new cultures over the centuries. The Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans, each people left their indelible mark, giving rise to an unrivalled legacy of historic, artistic and cultural treasures that can be enjoyed today.Çatalhöyük,Troy,Kültepe,Ephesus,Didyma,Aspendos,Assos,Sardes,Xhantos,Gordion,Hierapolis and Halicarnassus are among the country’s most stunning ancient sites.
2. A Land Of Tolerance
Modern Turkey is a rich and tolerant society, which shelters a wealth of different people within its borders. The Turkish people have a long tradition of friendliness, tolerance and openness towards other cultures. In Ottoman times, minority groups and faiths were given special rights and were protected by the Sultan. Their predecessors, the Seljuk Turks, also had a humanistic approach, respecting existing cultures and allowing them to influence their own.
This history of tolerance has created the opportunity for the people of the three main religions-Islam, Christianity and Judaism-to kive and worship freely over the centuries. Many important Christian sites exist in Turkey, such as the Seven Churches of the Revelation, and they attract pilgrims and visitors from across the world to this day.
3. Unspoilt Nature
Turkey’s geography ensures an amazing diversity of natural habitats. From the warm olive groves and pine forests of the Mediterranean region to the high, barren mountains of Eastern Anatolia, from the lush forests of the Black Sea to the arid semi-desert of South-east Anatolia, the country has a unique cross-section of climate zones. Where else is it possible to ski in the morning, then swim in the sparkling Mediterranean in the afternoon? Turkey’s climatic and geographical diversity give rise to a stunning range of wildlife and endemic plant species, many of which are protected within the country’s many National Parks and Conversation Areas. As an important nesting area and staging post on major migration routes, Turkey is great for bird watching, while botanists come to discover the many rare and beautiful plants and flowers.
4. Health and Beauty With Thermal Waters
Turkey is located on a major geothermal belt, which gives it an amazing collection of over 1,000 thermal springs. Bubbling up from deep within the earth, the thermal waters are attributed with important benefits for health and wellbeing. Over 200 thermal resorts across the country offer cures, therapies,or simply places to relax and unwind from the stresses of the modern world. Among the most famous centres are Pamukkale,the mud baths of Köyceğiz Lake, İzmir-Balçova Thermal Hot Springs, Çekirge Natural Hot Springs beneath Mt. Uludağ and the Thermal Centre, near Sivas, tiny fish nibble at your skin, cleansing it and curing many diseases.
A World City: Istanbul
Thanks to its unique position joining Europe and Asia Istanbul has been an important city for over 5,000 years. As the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and a Roman city before that, Istanbul is graced with an unrivalled architectural and historic heritage, which attracts millions of touristic each year.
Lying in the bosom of seven hills, the world city of Istanbul captivates visitors with attractions like the historic city walls, the majestic Topkapı Palace, the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Ayasofya Museum. At the heart of the Old City, Sultanahmet Square is a gathering point for people from many different countries. Natural beauty in every conceivable shade of green, yachts dancing on the blue waters, and the Boğaziçi Bridge, which links Europe with Asia in one elegant span, await the visitor on the Bosporus.
Fortresses, towers, mosques, churches, mansions, cisterns, baths and tombs reflect the vibrant history of the city. The shores of the Haliç(Gold Horn),waterside mansions lined up on the Bosporus, and Kız Kulesi(Leander’s Tower)famous for its legend, are perfect places for soaking up the refreshing sea breeze. Boat excursions along the Bosporus and sightseeing tours by horse-drawn carriage on the Princes’ islands take you on an exciting journey back in time. Besides the city’s excellent modern shopping centers, the historic Kapalı Çarşı(Grand Bazaar)and Mısır Çarşısı(Spice Bazaar)offer a huge variety of handicrafts and souvenirs.
Istanbul is also rich artistic events such as national and international festivals, concerts and exhibitions. The city’s restaurants offer the opportunity to sample authentic Turkish cuisine beautifully scenic locations overlooking the Bosporus. Other areas, such as Kumkapı, are famous for their wandering musicians who serenade diners with traditional Turkish cheer.
6. A Tourism Paradise: Antalya
The jewel of the Turkish Mediterranean, the city of Antalya has a stunning seaside location backed by the towering Taurus Mountains. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, dotted with fascinating archaeological sites,the city is a perfect bas efor exploring. There is an atmospheric old town,known as Kaleiçi,clustered within the old city walls and overlooking a harbour filled with tour boats.The narrow streets are lined with traditional Ottoman houses,many of which have become atmospheric hotels,restaurants and bars.Nearby,the Yivli Minare Mosque,with its turquoise tiles, is a wonder of Seljuk Turkish architecture and the city’s proud symbol. Antalya Museum houses a rich archaeological collection,while the Antalya Culture Centre plays host to plays, musical performances and exhibitions.During the world famous Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival you can watch enchanting musical performances in a stunning Roman theatre.For thrill-seekers there is white-water rafting on the churning waters of Köprülğ Canyon,or paragliding,volleyboll and water sports on the coast, with its white sand and crystal clear waters.In winter there is skiing or at Belek,Turkey’s premier golfing area, you can play a round on one of the many championship courses.Antalya is a magical region and a natural playground with something for everybody.
7. A Blend Of History,Architecture And Activity:İzmir
İzmir is heaven for nature-lovers with its wonderful beaches lapped by the sparkling waters of the Aegean.On the Çeşme peninsula there are thermal resorts with hot therapeutic waters and a stunning white sand beach at Ilıca.Nearby Alaçatı popular with windsurfers from across Europe.The town of Çeşme is dominated by a mighty Genoese castle and has waterside fish restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood on warm summer evenings.
The İzmir region is also steeped in history,with the stunning ancient Greek and Roman remains at Bergama,Ephesus and Miletus attracting many curious visitors with their impressive marble ruins.The Virgin Mary’s House near Selçuk draws Christian and Muslim pilgrims alike,with its venerable history and tranquil atmosphere.A cluster of well-preserved Ottoman houses on a hillside,a visit to the village of Şirince is like a journey back in time.Enjoy the villager’s traditional hospitality and walk in the tranquil orchards and meadows surrounding the village.To the North of İzmir,the friendly coastal town of Foça is famous for its fish restaurants,while the rocky coastline is the home of the shy and endangered Mediterrranean monk seal.
İzmir itself is a cosmopolitan and relaxed city,with a long waterfront promenade lined with bars and restaurants.The healing waters of Balçova Hot Springs promise health and beauty,while a cable car whisks visitors to a scenic mountain-top which commands a spectacular view of the city below.Ships and yachts dancing in the bay invite visitors for unforgettable excursions to the picturesque sites along the charming coastline.
8. A Natural Wonder:Fairy Land Cappadocia
Cappadocia is an extraordinary region which presents visitors with a lavish banquet of natural wonders,elegantly graced with Works by the hand of man.It is a land of magic and mystery,beyond your wildest dreams.Protected within a National Park,the landscape around the villages of Uçhisar,Göreme,Avanos,Ürgüp,Derinkuyu,Kaymaklı and Ihlara has been carved by the forces of nature over millions of years into breath-taking and fantastical forms.Whimsical turrets,known as Fairy chimneys,march across fields,canyons have been eroded from the soft rock and cities and houses of wordship have been burrowed from the soft ground.Wander across this enchanting landscape on ancient footpaths,or marvel at it from a hot-air balon in a unique dawn flight.Discover traditional hospitality in one of the region’s cave hotels and sample the excellent local wine,which has been produced her efor thousands of years.
9. Turkey on the UNESCO World Heritage List
A bridge between east and west,Turkey is blessed with many natural wonders.Over thousands of years it has also been the home of many mighty civilizations,which have left their indelible mark on this fertile land,making it the heir to a precious culture and historic heritage.Following the foundation of the Republic of Turkey,this invaluable heritage has been carefully protected by public institutions,universities and non-governmental organizations.
The culture assets of Turkey inscribed in the World Heritage List and protected by UNESCO include:
- The Historic Sites of İstanbul
- The Göreme National Park in Cappadocia
- Divriği Ulu Mosque and Healing Centre
- The Hittite remains of Hattutaş(Boğazköy)
- The Stone statues of Mount Nemrut
- The ancient Lycian ruins of of Xhantos-Letoon
- Hierapolis-Pamukkale
- The traditional Ottoman town of Safranbolu
- The ancient city of Troy
10. Home to Two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Turkey is home to two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Mausoleum at Halşcarnassus,which is in present-day Bodrum.
The temple of Artemis was built around 800 B.C. in honour of the goddess of fertility,Artemis,but was later destroyed by war.A new temple,four times larger than the first,was raised two hundred years later by the famous architect Theodorus.This was damaged by fire,with an even more splendid temple being built in its place by a sculptor named Paros.This temple endured longer,however the ruins and sculptures were used in other constructions or removed illegally to the British Museum.Today,little remains of the famous temple near Ephesus,but the site is evocative and mysterious,with a single lonely column kindling the imagination of the many visitors.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus has an equally fascinating history and was a truly uniwue architectural monument.The Queen of Caria,Artemisia had it constructed in honour of her husband,the tyrant Mausoleus.Completed in 340 BC,the architect Pythea created an awe-inspiring structure shaped like a stepped pyramid and decorated with lonic .It was topped by a huge victory chariot carrying statues of Mausoleus and Artemisia,and was surrounded by a 45-metre long base relief,parts of which are now on display in the British Museum in Londan.Today,the area where the Mausoleum once stood,is an open air museum displaying splendid relics of ancient Caria.
11. Traditional Life in Turkey
Turkey has 7 distinct geographical regions,each with its own colourful traditions and fascinating local customs.Each area also has its own unique clothing and folk dances,which Express traditional ways of life through movement and music.The proud dances of the Aegean zeybek or the lively horon of the Black Sea are examples of two unique dancing traditions.Although Turkey is a secular country,the religious holidays of the Islamic calendar are widely observed,as they have been for centuries.Ramazan Bayramı ,the traditional period of fasting,and the sacrifice holiday of Kurban Bayramı are celebrated in the age-old ways,with neighbours and families coming together as one.
12. Turkey:Land of Tourism and Activity
- With a beautiful 8,000 km coastline and many high-quality modern marinas,Turkey is a paradise for yachtsmen.
- The beautifully preserved Ottoman mosques,seminaries and palace of İstanbul,Bursa and Edirne are living museums to the architectural expertise of past generations.
- As a cradle of early Christianity,Turkey is an important centre for faith tourism,with fascinating sites such as the Seven Churches of the Revelation,the magnificent cathedral of Aya Sofya and the cave church of Peter in Hatay.
-Bustling bazaars,colorful markets and excellent modern shopping centres make Turkey a paradise for shoppers and bargain-hunters.
- The country’s many hot springs and thermal resorts are excellent places to relax and enjoy the therapeutic qualities of natural mineral water bubbling up from the ground.
- An emerging golfing centre with a choice of carefully designed international Standard courses and excellent playing conditions year-round.
- A destination for adventurous travellers,where you can enjoy white water rafting,sea kayaking,caving and paragliding.
- The country’s snow-capped mountains and fully equipped ski-centes are excellent for skiers of all technical abilities.
- Clear off-shore waters,submarine caves and sunken ships make Turkey a haven for divers.
-The country is a fascinating destination for botanists and nature-lovers thanks to its amazing environmental diversity and large variety of endemic species,including over 450 species of bird.
- With a young and dynamic population,the country has many opportcunities for Youth Tourism with an excellent range of camp-sites and other facilities.
13. Turkish Cuisine
Turkey is the proud heir to one of the world’s richest culinary traditions dating back thousands of years.The abundanc of fresh,natural produce helps to create a unique range of mounth-watering dishes.Hundreds of different types of food are cooked in various parts of the country,and cooking techniques differ significantly among the regions and provinces.Every area has it own delicious stews and kebabs,while fresh fish from the sea,lakes and rivers are enjoyed across the country too.Seasonal vegetables,seafood and local delicacies are used to create a hundred different starters,known as meze.There are also many types of lovely dessert,from milky puddings to the light,melt-in-the-mouth pastry called baklava.
You can sample Turkish food in atmospheric restaurants in beautifully scenic locations across the country.Enjoy a diner of meze and fish at a waterside table in İstanbul or sample the complex and aromatic flavours of Ottoman cuisine in a restored mansion house.Most restaurants have an excellent selection of local wines too,or you could try the local spirit rakı,which is excellent with fish and meat dishes.
14. Shopping Pleasure
Turkey’s colorful bazaars and markets, with their huge selection of handicrafts, are heaven for souvenir hunters. Experience the fun of shopping in Istanbul’s historic Grand Bazaar, which has over 4,000 shops and is the largest covered market in the world. Popular things to buy include aromatic spices, carved onyx, beautiful brassware and colorful, hand-woven carpets. Delicious Turkish delight or a backgammon set make good presents for someone back home, while leather and suede goods are excellent value for Money. In the country’s modern shops and boutiques you can also find high-quality clothes and fashion goods at excellent prices. In fact, the only difficult thing about shopping in Turkey is deciding what to buy!
15. Entertainment and Nigtlife
Turkey offers many artistic and culture events, as well as fantastic entertainment. In Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir, the State Symphony Orchestra and State Opera and Ballet perform productions by Turkish and foreign composers, often under the direction of world famous directors. State Theatres and private theatrical companies perform all over the country too. Local festivals are held across the nation, many of them in historic places. The musical productions in the Roman theatre of Aspendos, for example, are not to be missed.
After dark in Turkish cities and holiday resorts there is a great choice of nightlife, with bars, clubs and modern discos where you can dance and enjoy yourself until sunrise.
