Turkiye: A Melting Pot of East and West

Turkiye has 19 incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites and many more on the waiting list. It has one of the highest numbers of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Tourists are attracted by the well-preserved archaeological sites like Ephesus, Troy, Hierapolis, Gobekli Tepe, and the ancient city of Istanbul. There are also other popular World Heritage Sites like the Cappadocia, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia, to mention a few. These are some of the must-see destination sites in Turkiye, on top of their breathtaking natural landscapes, including beaches.

The art and music scenes are also an essential part of the Turkish culture. Turkish art is well-known for its sophisticated designs and vibrant colours, influenced by Islamic and Byzantine art. They are good souvenirs to bring home. Their lively music combines traditional and modern genres and is often played on special occasions and entertainment venues.

Turkish cuisine is known for its vast choice of diverse and delicious dishes with influences from regional cuisines. There is a great variety of kebabs, mezes, and desserts, such as baklava, to go with Turkish wine, black tea and coffee. Take on a culinary journey while travelling around Turkiye!

Round up the tour with a wellness hammam or Turkish bath, as Turkiye has a long history of thermal steam baths and spa treatments. They are available at natural hot springs and wellness centres, especially at Pamukkale and Afyonkarahisar, a capital city of hot springs and spas, for a rewarding and rejuvenating spa experience.

There is a list of fantastic destination sites and dishes to try while in Turkiye. Here we will feature a few highlights and attractions for your consideration:

1. Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkiye, bridging Europe and Asia, offering a distinctive blend of mixed cultures. It has four main areas represented on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Sultanahmet Archaeological Park (including Hippodrome of Constantine, Hagia Sophia, Hagia Irene, Little Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace), Süleymaniye Conservation Area, Zeyrek Conservation Area and Land Walls Conservation Area. The city has many bustling bazaars for souvenirs in a lively atmosphere.

2. Ephesus

Ephesus, in the Central Aegean region, is home to one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. It has impressive ruins showcasing its rich centuries of history, including the Library of Celsus, Great Theater, Temple of Artemis, and Terrace Houses. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

3. Cappadocia

Cappadocia, located in central Anatolia, has a spectacular fairy-like landscape of unique rock formations. The desert landscape is scattered by tall, cone-shaped rock chimneys called hoodoos; they can be found at Göreme and elsewhere. There are also underground cities, homes carved into valley walls by cave dwellers, and numerous rock-face churches in the canyon. This is also the most popular location for a sunrise hot air balloon ride and an excellent spot for photography.

4. Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a rare nature wonder with thermal water flowing down the stunning white travertine terraces creating majestic cascades. The terraces are filled with mineral-rich thermal waters, where visitors can have an open-air foot bath. The nearby ancient city, Hierapolis, has ruins that include a well-preserved theatre and a necropolis (burial ground) with sarcophagi (stone coffins) that stretch for 2km.

5. Troy

Troy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an archaeological site having 4,000 years of history. It is made famous by the legendary story of the siege of Troy by Spartan and Achaean warriors from Greece, as depicted by Homer in “The Iliad”. The extensive archaeological remains are the most substantial evidence of the first contact between the civilisations of Anatolia and the Mediterranean world. A reconstructed Trojan Horse can be found in the city of Troy today.

6. Antalya

For a change of scene, Antalya is a Turkish resort city and popular beach resort destination with blue waters located on the southern Mediterranean coast. It has a yacht-filled Old Harbor and many large hotels along the beautiful beachfront. It offers pristine sandy beaches, a view of the remnants of Antalya’s time as the Roman port, including the Hadrian’s Gate and Hidirlik Tower, and the stunning Düden Waterfalls.

 

There are many reasons for visitors to travel to Turkiye, be it the fascinating history, rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, diverse culinary scenes and vibrant cities with bustling markets for shopping. All these make up an exciting and rewarding tour in this land of legends.

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