An
exotic mix of the Mediterranean, the Central Asia, the Balkans and the
Middle East influences are quite familiar in rich historical land of
Turkey. After all, the striking Turkey’s charms lies somewhere in
between its spectacular landscapes like Cappadocia, the ancient,
mysterical land of Love Valley, the
epitome of the stunning architecture of Byzantine, Hagia Sophia, the
dervish ceremonies, gypsy festivals and more importantly, the hearty
local Turkish people who love to make friends through simplest
interactions and ready to chat over an Efes beer! However, the vibrant
culture, famed culture and ancient leftover history wow visitors who
make their way here while the sparkling landscapes from the sun soaked
Mediterranean to the mighty mountains are key highlights which let me
fall in love with Turkey!
Looking to get some extra spice on your next trip? Here, I have got what to do in Turkey.
Ishak Pasa Sarayi
Incredibly
romantic Turkish palace, Ishak Pasa Sarayı, an architecturally eclectic
seventeenth century palace symbolizes as one of the Eastern Turkey’s
most emblematic sites. The key highlights to explore in this palace is
the artistic tombs of Ishak Pasa and his favorite wife placed in the
corner of the inner court. Behind the splendid palace, the picturesque,
recently restored Ottoman Mosque really worths a visit due to its
marvelously decorated artistic crafts. I am sure, if you will go there
now, definitely you will get fascinated after seeing the Ishak Pasa Palace covering the fog!
Orthodox Sumela Monastery
The
good name ‘Sumela’ is a Pontic Greek shortening of ‘Virgin of the Black
(Rock)’. The Sumela Monastery, the top sightseeing attractions along
the spectacular Black Sea coastline that tops tourist’s to-visit list is
a world famous beautiful lonely setting and is built into a cliff face.
For anyone who makes a long journey to Turkey’s northeast region like
me, wandering around this secluded religious monastery is a wonderful
and the ultimate blessing from the Almighty!
Whirling Dervishes
The spiritual ceremonies of Whirling Dervishes
for divine love are a spellbinding worship service of the Mevlevi in
long white dresses whirling ecstatically for a quarter hour at a time to
the drone of ancient Islamic hymns. The Mevlevi always welcomes
non-Muslims to the Whirling Rite in the belief that all people are equal
in the sight of God. In my point of view, it’s an honor to witness this
religious aspect of Sufism in Turkey.
Ancient Ephesus
The
mighty ruins of ancient Ephesus are one of the most complete,
still-standing Roman cities with a wide assortment of colossal monuments
and marble-columned roads. In simple words, it’s a magical place to
experience what life would have been during the golden age of the Roman
Empire. Just a 3 km away from Selcuk, Ephesus covers a quite extensive
area so visitors should allow plenty of time to discover it fully. One
interesting fact is that discovery of amulet changes the history of
ancient Euphesus! Visit there and explore on your own!
Nemrut Dagi
The emerging peak of Mount Nemrut
(2,150m) is an abode to the appealing funerary mound of King Antiochus I
of Commagene Kingdom. Well-known as Turkey’s most peculiar
archeological site, the spectacular terraces of Mount Nemrut
majestically lines up to celebrate the own glory of Antiochus and the
gods.
Aya Sofya
Considered as one of the stunning buildings across the world, the Aya Sofya Museum or Hagia Sophia
is not only the topmost sightseeing attractions in Instanbul, but also
in Turkey. Born as the Hagia Sophia Church (Church of Holy Wisdom), it
was turned into a mosque after the conquest of the Ottoman and is now a
well-established museum. As per my thought, don’t give a miss to this
cherished Istanbul landmark.
Visiting a Hamam
Seeking
for comfort and relaxation! I suggest you to try out the traditional
comforts of Turkey, Hamams (Turkish Baths) to make an incredibly
relaxing way to round off a busy day’s sightseeing. Dive into the
enormous space formed with harmony, elegance, wellness as well as the
modern comforts to experience the world of relaxation and comfort!
Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia
The
dazzling gem of Turkey, Cappadocia filled with surreal swooping rock
valleys is the ultimate dream of photographers to capture the natural
panoramas in their camera. The hilly crests and cliff ridge houses
wavelike rocks, that are formed by millennia of water and wind actions.
And if you don’t feel hiking for these striking views, I suggest you go
on a hot air balloon ride as it’s one of the world’s top destinations
for hot-air ballooning. On a balloon tour in Cappadocia,
you can get views of villages carved out the hilly areas, Byzantine era
rock-out churches with glittering frescoes and more importantly, the
labyrinth underground cities where the Christians hid from invaders
previously. No matter whether you are a natural lover or history buff,
you will appreciate the unrivaled perspective on the fair chimneys and
stunning features of landscapes on a lighter than air, hot air balloon
float for sure!
At
the end, if your next stop is Turkey, don’t think twice about going
over there! After all, the experience is unique among one of the most
beautiful places I have ever been!
Come
and visit Turkey to live the moment on your own! And also feel free to
share your thoughts and experiences in the comment box below!
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