Turkey is a vibrant and eclectic country with so much to offer. Located along the Mediterranean, Turkey provides visitors with a world of possibilities. Planning a stop in Istanbul to see Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, be sure to make time to see a traditional Turkish performance and shop the fantastic local bazaars. Head to the coast and discover the country's stunning coastline or spend a weekend in the mountains visiting one of Afyonkarahisar's many thermal spas.
Did you know that geographically, Turkey sits in two continents? Despite 97% of its landmass being in Asia, part of the country lies in Europe. There's even a metro line that runs between the two continents. Turkey is known for its history and culture, and across the country, there 13 locations on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Additionally, Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is considered to be the world's oldest and largest mall. Dating back to 1455, the bazaar spans 61 streets and contains more than 3,000 shops over a 333,000 sq.ft. area!
Hot summers and cold winters are standard climate features across most parts of Istanbul, including Turkey. From April to May and from September to mid-November are the ideal times to visit Istanbul. Bustling cities become serene destinations during this offseason, making it the best time to visit. Usually, a tourist hotspot, in the fall, Fethiye becomes a more laid back destination with more locals than tourists. September is the perfect time to visit Bozcaada because of grape harvesting at the island's famous vineyards!
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Istanbul, Turkey, was founded about 660 BC as Byzantium. The city has changed names numerous times and was initially known as Byzantium. It was the capital city of the Eastern Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires and was led by rulers such as Alexander the Great, Septimus Severus and Constantine the Great. The city became known as Istanbul after falling to Ottoman rule in the 15th century. It once carried the title of the world's most crowded city.
Today, it has a population of more than 15 million. Interesting fact: part of the city lies in Europe, and the other part is in Asia.
Istanbul is both modern and traditional and home to many civilizations and people. You should respect Islamic customs while in Turkey, as well as greet visitors by shaking hands.
Language: Turkish is the official language, but many people in Istanbul also speak English.
Money: Lira is the official currency in Turkey, and you'll get more bang for your buck if you use it. The euro currency is also accepted there.
Islam is the predominant religion in Turkey. It's OK to dress informally in Istanbul, but when visiting mosques, female tourists should cover their hair with scarves and wear long tops that are long-sleeved. And males and females should wear pants that come to their knees.
Most people in Istanbul travel by personal vehicle, bus, minibus, or taxi. The city also operates several railway transport systems. Boat transportation is also popular, given that the city is in two continents, Europe and Asia. People use the Istanbul Kart, a smart card, to travel via public transportation in the city.
The Turkish drive on the right side of the road. The country's large cities offer chauffeur-driven and self-drive cars for hire. Taxis are also plentiful.
One of the best ways to experience a new culture is through the traditions of local song and dance. The distinct cultural values of Turkey are ever prevalent in the country's native music and traditional performances. Formed centuries ago, Turkish music reflects on the history of the country and can seem quite complex and even emotional at times. The traditions of music and dance are now passed down through the generations, and the Turkish welcome the opportunity to share this part of their culture with you.
There are so many things to do and see while visiting this wonderful country.
The city of Istanbul, once the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, is a vibrant and eclectic mix of glittering domes, blue-tipped minarets, lively markets, and dazzling tile work. All across Istanbul, the best of Turkish design can be found on every street corner. Characterized by intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and ornate architecture, Turkish design is unmistakable and timeless. From blankets and tapestries to rugs and lamps, you can easily take a bit of Istanbul home with you after your trip.
As if created to be whimsical fantasy land, the city of Cappadocia is characterized by honeycombed hills and fairy chimneys with homes built into the landscape. What is left of these underground villages, which date back to the 4th century, are now protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. The best way to experience this unique part of Turkey is from above. Daily you'll see dozens of hot air balloons floating above the city at sunrise, allowing visitors a chance to take in the breathtaking views.
There are so many ways to enjoy the captivating landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey. Whether hiking on land or floating in the air, the views of Cappadocia are exhilarating.
Once the largest cathedral in the world, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, has stood for more than 1500 years along the banks of the Bosporus Strait. Soaring 160 feet high, with a diameter of 131 feet, the grand feature of the Hagia Sophia is its large central dome. While the church has been destroyed twice due to riots, the dome was destroyed a third time during an earthquake. To fortify the interior after the earthquake, columns from the ruined Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, were used inside the church.
The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul's most iconic visuals. It is the highest and oldest tower in Istanbul. The tower was built in the 14th century as part of a defense wall and was heavily damaged in 1509 due to an earthquake. The tower has a long history of being a prison, observatory, watch post, and much more. Today the Galata Tower is a popular attraction for visitors and offers panoramic views of the city.
Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Camii, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. The mosque's wonderfully curvaceous exterior features a cascade of domes and six slender minarets, making it immediately recognizable. Finished in 1616, visitors today have to venture inside the Blue Mosque to see how this famous building got its nickname. The interior is made up of over 20,000 handmade ceramic Iznik tiles that decorate the walls featuring many different tulips, roses, carnations, and lily designs.
Get the best views over the Rose Valley at Panorama Point. There are friendly vendors here selling fruits and souvenirs, as well as comfy seats on the valley's edge for you to sit back, eat your fruit and sip a drink while watching the sunset. What more could you ask for?
Sunset View Point is worth setting your alarm for dawn and getting a glimpse of the more than 100 balloons that float above the Cappadocia scenery. The sight of the balloons, their colors magnified by the first splashes of sunlight, are guaranteed to wake you up. Talk about an Instagram-worthy picture!
The best time to catch this magnificent view is about a half-hour after dawn, but check with your hotel staff the night before to make sure the balloons will be flying.
No matter who you are traveling with, there is something for everyone to do and see while in Turkey!
Imagine lying on a pristine beach under the warm Mediterranean sun. The largely untouched Turkish beach of Kaputaş is just as you’d imagine. This small stretch of golden sand is tucked quietly at the bottom of a steep gorge looking out over the mesmerizing blue waters of the Mediterranean. Getting to Kaputaş Beach can be a bit tricky since you have to head down a long set of steps. However, the stunning views and warm water are certainly worth the trip!
At the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Turkey has long been a hub for trading, bringing exotic goods and spices to the area. The influence of foreign cultures greatly impacted the design and culture of Turkey. Walk through the bazaars, and you'll see the global influence of the region's now distinctive designs. These markets are the best place to pick up souvenirs for your friends or even items to decorate your home. Pick up lamps, rugs, and coffee sets to bring a little bit of Turkey back home with you.
Visit Istanbul's spice bazaar, and you'll see why Turkey is famous for its spices. Stacks and stacks of freshly ground spices line the aisles of this historical bazaar and wow visitors with their aromas and colors. The use of spices and herbs is essential in Turkish cooking. Turkish cuisine is known for its bold flavors and rich taste. Spices like cumin, mint, and oregano play an important role in bringing out the flavor of the main ingredient rather than hiding it behind sauces.
You must take a balloon ride while in Cappadocia! This is an experience best done at dawn. A minibus will take you from your hotel to the boarding spot, where you’ll hop on a balloon with more than a dozen other passengers. Start your day gliding past treetops and canyon walls. It will be one of the highlights of your trip and an experience to remember.
Rose Valley: You might get a little lost hiking in the Red and Rose Valleys of Cappadocia — the signage is unclear — but the scenery will be worth it. There is the natural beauty of blue skies, green valleys and red and white rock, with some graffiti sprinkled in between. You’ll be tired, but in a good way, after exploring these beautiful paths.
Ihlara Valley: You will also want to explore the peaceful Ihlara Valley. Commune with the birds and frogs that feed on the river that runs through it. But the real treat of hiking this valley is the rest stop that offers a place for you to sit and enjoy the scenery. And the family that operates it even serves Turkish tea! It's delicious!
Pigeon Valley: This hike takes you through the popular Pigeon Valley, Uchisar Castle and White Valley. You’ll be treated to the sight of phallic rock formations at the end of the walk through White Valley in an area called Love Valley. Rock columns dot the landscape and the massive structures are breath-taking. Be sure to bring your camera!
Bucket List of Things to Do While in Turkey
- Ride a Ferry across the Bosphorus Strait
- Dawn hot air balloon ride- Cappadocia
- Visit the Blue Mosque
- Visit Hagia Sophia Museum
- Visit Basilica Cistern
- Take a Walk Through the Jewish Quarter
- Relax on the Turkish beach of Kaputas
- Take a Walk around Istanbul’s markets for souvenirs
Family Highlights
- Tram Ride
- Istanbul Modern Museum
- Topkapi Palace
- Miniaturk
- İstanbul Akvaryum
If you are a professional photographer, or just a normal person (like myself) who loves to take pictures and selfies, then you definitely don't want to miss these spots while in Turkey!
Photo Opps.
- Istanbul Ferry
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Grand Bazaar
- Galata Bridge
- Panorama Point-Rose Valley
After all of your sight-seeing, you are going to be hungry. Make sure you take time to enjoy the local Turkish cuisine!
Turkish cuisine rewards curiosity with time-honed flavors and some of the tastiest street foods in the Mediterranean. Traditional Turkish dishes include infamous meat-full skewers or kebabs, skillfully flavored with regional spices and dolma, which means "stuffed" and can apply to peppers, grape leaves, and even seafood. For breakfast, try menemen. It's a traditional egg dish prepared with scrambled eggs cooked in sauteed vegetables like onions and peppers and seasoned with paprika and oregano.
Try these popular dishes while visiting Turkey:
- Kumpir (baked potato)
- Pide (similar to pizza, it's a thin pastry topped with cheese, egg, chicken or tuna and baked on high heat)
- Kofte (Turkish meatballs)
- Turkish Delight
Legend has it that one almost 500 years ago, a Sultan ordered a baker to create a delicious sweet to help solve a quarrel with his mistress, and thus the Turkish delight was born. Now one of Turkey's most famous exports, the Turkish Delight recipe has remained almost unchanged since the day of its creation. These small, fragrant cubes of jelly are traditionally flavored with rosewater, orange flower water, or citrus fruit juice and heavily dusted with icing sugar. Be sure to pick up some Turkish Delights during your next trip to Istanbul!
- Raki (popular anise-flavored alcoholic beverage)
- Cay (pronounced Chai...Turkish Tea)
- Boza (fermented grains drink)
- Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is famous for its robust flavor and ceremonial method of preparation. Introduced to the country in 1555 and derived from the Arabica bean, Turkish coffee is composed of a very fine grind. Sugar is added during the brewing process, not after, so the need for a serving spoon is eliminated while cream is almost never added to Turkish coffee. In some regions, much like with tea leaf reading, your fortune can be told by the coffee grinds left in the cup.
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Credits:
Created with images by alexman89 - "hot air balloons valley girl" • smuldur - "galata istanbul marine" • flaviospugna - "turkey fairy chimneys natural landscape" • falco - "istanbul turkey bosphorus" • 1963kafkas - "venue istanbul tower" • vedatzorluer - "blue mosque istanbul turkish"