One of the most fascinating Mediterranean countries to visit is definitely Turkey since the nation is filled with a rich history and culture. The weather is usually great and the 73 million inhabitants make it a very interesting destination.

The capital city of Ankara is home to about 3.5 million people and offers some tremendous attractions and sites as does the famous city of Istanbul.

In total, Turkey is about 301,000 square miles in size and you’ll often hear a few languages being spoken, such as Turkish, Greek, Arabic, Kurdish, and Armenian. Turkey is a little unique since it borders both Asia and Europe and is more or less a gateway to both continents and features cultures and traditions of the east and west. However, only a small percentage of the nation sits in Europe.

In the Asian section, you’ll find Mount Ararat, which is Turkey’s highest point at 16,854 feet and is known as Noah’s ark resting place. These are some of Turkey’s most interesting locations.

1. Istanbul

Istanbul

(photo by fsse-info)

This historical city is filled with some wonderful sights, sounds, and smells. Some of the must-see venues include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Rustem Pasha Mosque. There are plenty of bustling street markets where you can buy local arts, crafts and foods and of course a trip to Turkey means you should check out a Turkish bath while you’re there.

The cuisine is among the best in the world and exploring the city at your own pace is the best way to do it. The architecture is also fascinating since it’s a mixture of eastern and western cultures.

2. Safranbolu

Safranbolu

(photo by lukas)

This city sits in the nation’s Karabuk Province. It’s well known as an authentic Turkish city and it was an important destination between the 13th and 20th centuries as it was used as a caravan station for travelers on the East-West trade route.

It’s named after the saffron spice which was grown and traded in the town. Safranbolu is now a World Heritage site and it features some wonderful Ottoman architecture. You’ll find that the city is home to 25 mosques, five Turkish baths, and eight fountains.

3. Çirali

Cirali sits in Turkey’s Antalya Province and is about 45-minutes by car to the west of west of Antalya, which is a popular and busy seaside resort. Cirali lies next to the Mediterranean Sea and is thought to have one of the best beaches in the country. From the town, you’ll be able to hike to the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos.

If you’d like to see something quite unique, then take a walk at nighttime to the nearby community of Chimera. Along the way, you should see flames leaping out of the rocks due to emission of methane gas.

4. Cappadocia

Cappadocia

(photo by abundantc)

Cappadocia is located in Uchisar Kavsagi Neveshir, which is in the central part of the country. This region is known for its volcanic activity. Ash rock and soft lava have eroded over the years and have created a splendid series of caves and rock formations.

You’ll find some homes which have been carved into cliffs as well as churches which have been painted with frescoes. You can usually find a tour to take you here as a day trip from Istanbul and plenty of walking and biking tours in Cappadocia.

5. Ephesus

Ephesus

(photo by eleephotography)

Ephesus is in the Izmir region of Turkey and sits on the west coast. It’s basically in ruins, but that’s what makes it so fascinating. Ephesus is known as the world’s best-preserved Roman city.

This classical place is home to one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse and you’ll also see marble-paved roads, as well as parts of the Temple of Hadrian as well as the Temple of Artemis, which is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In addition, the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days here at the Library of Celsius.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

three × 1 =