Turkey Travel Guide | Turkey Holidays & Hotels | Trip to Turkey

The Republic of Turkey, located in Eurasia, is one of the few countries in the world to possess a unique culture- one that is a blend of both the Eastern and Western World. Its capital is Ankara, and the official language spoken here is Turkish.  The Ottoman Empire as it was called in the early centuries was an advanced civilization, which interacted with both the Western, and Eastern lands. The 16th and 17th centuries saw it become an important force, especially when it has the resources to take on the Holy Roman Empire in a quest for more land and domination. After World War 1, efforts were taken to breakup the empire, by the Allied Powers.

Today, Turkey is home to many ethnic groups as well as to foreigners. Besides the Turks, the other main groups are the Kurds, Arabs, Circassians, as well as Greeks, Armenians and Jews. The government while maintaining its neutral stand regarding the mixed culture, also promotes the arts, especially theatre and music. Besides its contributions to music, Turkey has contributed much to literature too. The architecture of Turkey is unsurpassed in Byzantine elements as well as strong Islamic traditions. Examples of such buildings and monuments can be seen throughout the land. It is no wonder then that Turkey has much to offer an interested tourist.

Istanbul – This is the only city in the world, to straddle two continents, lending it a very distinct feel. It is home to many churches, mosques, houses and other monuments dating from the Ottoman and Byzantine times. The Eyup Mosque and Tomb is to date one of the holiest places of Islam. The Topkaki, which is the palace of the Ottoman Sultans, is an example of beautiful architecture. There is even a mosque with 6 minarets, called the Blue Mosque making it both a holy place and an attraction. There is a Byzantine cathedral  built in 536 called the Aya Sophia, which has a museum, and a cistern supported by Corinthian columns called the Yerebatan Sarayi. To see some old Byzantine mosaics, a trip to Kariye Camii is a must. The Sadberk Hanim museum has many archaeological and ethnographic displays. Istanbul is also famous for the bazaars and souks.

The Cappadocian region is important for its geographic location as well as the historical importance. The houses and churches here were made by some of the earliest civilizations to inhabit the land. Here houses are made of only rock. The cities of Edirne, in Marmara have a wide range of outstanding architecture, such as Selimiye Camii. The Uludag National Park which is a forest mountain reserve, is a must visit. Near Gallipolli, one can visit the ruins of ancient Troy immortalised in Homer’s Iliad. The Aegean Coast famous for its beaches, bays and peninsulas are home to some famous historic sites too. The Temple of Athena, the Acropolis, ruins of Teos and Sardis, which was a Graeco- Roman city are some sites to see. Ephesus and Meryemana, famed for its historical and biblical references, should not be missed out. A vacation here promises to be fulfilling in every way.

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