Turkey is Full of Treasures

Turkey a place that I treasure for its culture, people and history. Thanks to Cem and Tuna for their hospitality and for making me a part of their Turkish family throughout the years.

After traveling four times to this magnificent country, I want to share with you some of the highlights that make Turkey a special place.

Istanbul

Let's start with the amazing city of Istanbul. Istanbul is the most populous city in Turkey with over 15M habitants, the economic and cultural center of the country. What makes Istanbul special for me is the fact that is a transcontinental city in Eurasia whose Bosphorous straight separates Europe from Asia. In essence anyone can have dinner on the Asian side and back for dessert on the European side the same day. Istanbul is one of the most diverse cities I have visited, a diversity built upon the many ethnic groups and religious minorities that lived in this city throughout the years giving Istanbul its unique architecture including more than 2,000 mosques, 100 churches and 20 active synagogues. Some of the most renowned sites include:

The Blue Mosque, a historic mosque located in the historic center of the city. It remains a functioning mosque. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616.

Hagia Sophia, a former Greek Orthodox Christian cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum (Ayasofya Muzesi).

While visiting Istanbul, please visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops. Nearby the Grand Bazaar you can also find the Spice Bazaar for a great selection of spices and Turkish goods.

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Izmir

Izmir is the third most populous city in Turkey located on the western part of the country. A short one hour flight from Istanbul, the City of Izmir overlooks the Aegean Sea on Turkey's west coast. Izmir is the launching pad to visit the historical site of Ephesus where you can access the Library of Celsus , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Coliseum.

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Cappadocia

Cappadocia , a semi-arid region in Central Turkey, is known for its distinctive cone shaped rock formations, Bronze Age homes and churches carved into valley walls used as homes and prayer sites for many early Christian refuges. Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the most popular natural wonder in Turkey.

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Turkish Food

I will not end this blog without giving mention to Turkish food, one of my favorite. Best described as a fusion of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, Armenian and Balkan cuisines, Turkish food is one of the best in the world. Some of the most popular dishes include a mix of Kebab skewers, baklava, and an extensive variety of cheeses and breads.

There are many more places to explore in this vast land that is full of wonderful treasures and amazing people.

To explore more of Turkey, you may contact www.kubaba.net , a best in class Tour Agency located in Ankara. Best time to travel is May and October outside of the summer high season.

Enjoy!

@eddiesworld2000