Turkey: Where East meets West

With Constantinople as its capital, the ancient Ottoman Empire was at the epicentre of interactions between the western and the eastern world for more than six centuries. At present, known as the Republic of Turkey, it still attracts millions of visitors from around the world. In 2014, Turkey was one of the most visited European countries behind France, Spain and Italy. 

In addition to its rich history and culture that have been nurtured over many centuries, Turkey has a variety of attractions for its diverse visitors; turquoise blue coasts, quaint old towns, natural wonders such as the world famous Cappadocia region,beautiful architecture, and delicious food ranging from grape leaf dolmas stuffed with juicy vegetables and meats,to world famous Turkish delight. 

Istanbul, known as the only city in the world to be located in two continents, namely Europe and Asia,is arguably the top pick for any visitor. With attractions such as Hagia Sophia which was originally a Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal basilica and later an imperial mosque, and the Blue Mosque with its ornate interior, the city boasts of numerous historic attractions for any tourist. There are also a number of palaces around Istanbul and other cities which served the Ottoman Empire. 

Some other top cities for tourists includeAntalya,a coastal gateway to the Mediterranean, and Cappadocia, which is full of other worldly rock formations referred to as the “fairy chimneys”. Another fascinating region is Ephesus, an ancient city located in Turkey’s Central Aegean region, and Pamukkale with its hot springs and mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces. 

Turkey is an ideal destination for family holidays. Its rich historic and cultural attractions are a great learning environment for children. For tourists looking for an active holiday, there are a number of activities such as camping in Turkey’s stunning countryside, and jeep safari in areas such as Kusadasi, Antalya, Black Sea and picturesque Cappadocia. The country’s diverse attractions are sure to keep any traveller craving to see more of it. 

For the compulsive shopper, Turkey is a paradise with its modern shopping malls, historical bazaars to local markets. The country has been a magnet for tourists from the time of the ancient silk route, and even today it’s bustling markets are a great place to shop for handwoven Turkish carpets, jewellery, antiques and ceramics. Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir are some of the best shopping destinations. 

With millennia of history and culture shaped and influenced by being located at cross roads between the East and the West, Turkey’s picturesque landscapes, its friendly people and delicious food are the things that make memories for a lifetime.