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Aegean \| Istanbul \| Marmara & Thrace \| Black Sea \| Eastern Turkey Central Anatolia \| Mediterranean \| Picture Gallery \| Map of Turkey

	TURKEY IN BRIEF
	Geographically situated between Asia and Europe, Turkey is the gateway to both continents. Turkey is rich in history, natural and cultural treasures. Between warm summers to long snowy cold winters and relatively high rainfall in certain regions, the land is beautiful with flora and fauna. A land of bright sunlight and treasures of history. Civilizations and various cultures helped the country to develop to a land of diversities. Located between Europe, Africa and Asia, Turkey was influenced by the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires for more than 2000 years. An ancient land yet a modern nation Turkey today is the meeting point of Eastern and Western cultures. Anatolia, the cradle of civilizations, is the birthplace of Homer, King Midas, Heredotus (the father of history), and St. Paul the Apostle. History can be traced back to 8000 BC. in this city. Besides it's rich history, Turkey is wealthy in its natural assets. A country with a fascinating and often exquisitely beautiful geological structure and experiences widely differing climates across its different regions. Turkey has a multifaceted richness with its endless steppe, expensive forests, mountains, lakes and wetlands. For thousands of years, the famed silk and spice routes passed from India and China to the west through Anatolia. Control of this land bridge was a lucrative business until the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, established a sea route to India around Africa. Two of the seven wonders of the ancient world Ephesus and Halicarnassus are in Turkey. The ancient cities of Pergamum, Aphrodisias, Sardis, Troy and Gordion stroked with distant legend and history enriches the nation. The landscape in Turkey resembles a magnificent Turkish carpet, hundreds of years old, to perfection displaying patterns, which have evolved over the long centuries. The Turkish people who migrated to the fertile lands of Anatolia a thousand years ago brought their own culture dating from pre history. Today its culture and people are inseparable. The following facts of history are recorded in Turkey. Turks introduced coffee to Europe. Turks gave the Dutch their famous tulips. The Amazons originated in Turkey's Northeastern region. The First Ecumenical Council was held in Iznik, Turkey. People in ancient Anatolia first used writing. The first clay tablets - in the ruins of Assyrian Karum (merchant colony) - date back to 1950 B.C. Female deities dominated the Central Anatolian pantheon for thousands of years before these supernatural powers were transferred to male gods. Abraham was born in anlýurfa in Southeast Turkey. The Hittites sold Abraham the cave where he buried his wife Sarah, when the Israelites came to Palestine. St. Nicholas was born in Demre on Turkey's Mediterranean Coast. The famous Trojan Wars took place in western Turkey, around the site where a wooden statue of the Trojan horse rests today. The first church built by man (St. Peter's Church) is in Antioch (Antakya), Turkey. The last meal on Noah's Ark, a pudding with nearly 40 ingredients, is still served throughout Turkey. The last home of Virgin Mary is in Seljuk, Turkey. St. John, St. Nicholas, St. Paul and St. Peter have all lived and prayed in Southern Anatolia. Part of Turkey's Southwestern Shore was a wedding gift that Mark Anthony gave to Cleopatra. Homer was born in Izmir on the west coast of Turkey and he depicted Troy in his Epic the Iliad. Suleyman the Magnificent (the famous Ottoman Sultan) was a poet who wrote over 3000 poems some of them criticizing the greed of mankind. One of the biggest and best-preserved theatres of antiquity seating 15,000 is Aspendos on the southern coast of Turkey where international music festivals are held each year. Aesop - famous all over the world for his fables and parables - was born in Anat Leonardo da Vinci drew designs for a bridge over the Bosphorus, the strait that flows through Europe and Asia. (It was never built then; but now there are two Bosphorus bridges.). President Woodrow Wilson was fond of telling some of the tales of Nasreddin Hoca (13th century Turkish wit and raconteur; UNESCO has declared a "Nasreddin Hoca year", 1996-1997). Greek Prime Minister Venizelos nominated Turkish President Atatürk for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1934. Alexander the Great conquered a large territory in what is now Turkey - and cut the Gordion Knot in the Phrygian capital (Gordium) not far from Turkey's present-day capital (Ankara). Greek Cynic philosopher Diogenes was born in Sinop on Turkey's Black Sea Coast. Croesus - whose name is synonymous with great wealth - had his kingdom (Lydia) in Western Turkey. The only massive monument erected anywhere in the world for a translator is Istanbul's Dragman Camii (Translator's Mosque, ca.1541). Lady Montagu introduced smallpox vaccination to England and Europe from Turkey in early 18th century (after Turkish physicians saved her son's life). Istanbul's Robert College, established in 1863, is the oldest American School outside the United States. Throughout history Anatolia - land of Turks has been a bridge between Europe and Asia where people of different origins have come together and mingled with the ones already settled each time creating a new synthesis. Early Christians escaping Roman persecution nearly 2000 years ago sheltered in Cappadocia in Central Anatolia. In 1492 Sultan Beyazýd II, learning about the expulsion of Jews dispatched the Ottoman Navy to bring the Jews safely to the Ottoman lands. Likewise Jews expelled from Hungary in 1376; from Sicily early in the 15th century; from Bavaria in 1470; from Bohemia in 1542 and from Russia in 1881, 1891, 1897, and 1903 all took refuge in the Ottoman Empire. As it was the case during the Bolshevik revolution, Turkey served as a safe passage and haven for those fleeing their native countries during the World War II, Turkey was one of the few countries in the world, which welcomed the Jewish refugees escaping the horrors of Nazism. During the Gulf War in 1991, Turkey welcomed nearly half a million Kurds from Northern Iraq, who were fleeing the torment of Saddam. Turkey provided homes for some 313,000 Bulgarian refugees of Turkish origin expelled from their homelands in Bulgaria in 1989. According to Turkish tradition a stranger at one's doorstep is considered "A Guest from God" and should be accommodated accordingly. Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, the three largest cities of the nation are the main focus of the country for its economy and growth. These three cities contain the country's most respected universities, conservatories, theatres and concert halls. Jewish and Christian communities and immigrants from all around the world add diversity to these cities. Location: Turkey overlaps the borders of Europe and Asia with the majority of the country in Southwest Asia. It has a total area of 780,580 sq.km. that lies within Europe. Georgia, Armenia and Iran with Iraq, Syria and the Mediterranean Sea on the south border the country at the east. The Aegean Sea, Greece and Bulgaria are to the west, and the Black Sea forms the northern border. The coastline of Turkey (excluding islands) is 8333 km. Turkey is surrounded by sea on three sides, by Black Sea in the north, the Mediterranean Sea in the south and the Aegean Sea in the west. In the northwest, there is an internal sea, the Sea of Marmara, between the straits of the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus, which are important waterways that connect the Black Sea with the rest of the world. The Climate: Turkey is situated in a geographical location where climatic conditions are quite moderate. The diverse nature of the landscape, and the existence in particular of the mountains that run parallel to the coasts, result in important differences in climatic conditions from one region to the other. Coastal regions enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolia plateau experiences hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall.
	REGIONS OF TURKEY Aegean Istanbul Marmara & Thrace Black Sea Eastern Turkey Central Anatolia Mediterranean


	AEGEAN COAST	Top

	One of the loveliest landscapes in Anatolia: extensive beaches, rocky bays and wooded shores. Charming and picturesque ports. The area is also endowed with great natural beauty and numerous centers of attraction. PLACES OF INTEREST IZMIR:- 3rd largest city and 2nd port, along the shores of a very large bay. Mildness of climate tempered in summer by sea breezes. City famous for the International fair. Ideal center to visit the most famous archeological sites and tourist spots in Turkey. CESME:- small port, 15th century fortress, thermal baths, nearby vast sandy beach always refreshed by summer breeze. TRUVA (TROY):- Canakkale convenient port for visiting Troy. Very important ruins in the nearby ancient city of ASSOS (village of Behramkale). GULF OF EDREMIT:- fringed by beautiful beaches and seaside resorts. AYVALIK a charming port. BERGAMA (PERGAMON):- the site of the ancient city of Pergamon is one of the finest in Turkey. A great center of culture and commerce, which became the capital of the Roman province of Asia. EFES (EPHESUS):- one of the most important cities of Antiquity and a highlight of a visit to Turkey. It has links with pagan Gods and the Virgin Mary who spent her last days near Ephesus. Important Greek and Roman monuments (Grand Theatre, the little town of Selçuk with the 6th century Basilica of St. John). KUSADASI:- or island or Birds a little port overlooking the most beautiful bay in the Aegean. PRIENE and MILLET (MILETOS):- important Ionian ports DIDIM (DIDYMA):- impressive temple of Apollo APHRODISIAS:- dedicated to Aphrodite with remarkable stadium and monuments. Marvelous sculptures housed in a museum. PAMUKKALE:- spectacular white petrified cascade formed by waters of hot springs BODRUM:- picturesque port with beautiful Gulf of G?kova MARMARIS:- confluence of the Med and the Aegean, pleasant port with countless coves. DATCA fishing village. K?YCEGIZ near the site of ancient KAUNOS FETHIYE - the ancient Telmessos, on a hillside overlooking bay. Ruins of fortress built by the knights of Rhodes


	ISTANBUL	Top

	Built on two continents, ISTANBUL has been an imperial capital for more than 1600 years. It stands on the shores of the BOSPHORUS where the waters of the Black Sea mingle with the SEA OF MARMARA and on the European side along the banks of the GOLDEN HORN. The former capital of three successive empires, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, Istanbul today honors and preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to a modern future. It is Istanbul's endless variety that fascinates its visitors. The museums, churches, palaces, grand mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem innumerable. Reclining on the western shore of the Bosphorus at sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows of the opposite shore you may suddenly and profoundly understand why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site. At such times you can see why Istanbul is truly one of the most glorious cities in the world. PLACES OF INTEREST ST. SOPHIA:- Christendom's greatest church built by Emperor Justinian. Rivaling in magnificence is the MOSQUE of SULEYMAN the MAGNIFICENT and the MOSQUE of SULTAN AHMET I or the "BLUE MOSQUE". Dominating the city is TOPKAPI PALACE of the OTTOMAN Sultans from 16th century within it stands the church of ST IRENE one of the oldest in Christendom. Exhibitions of jewels and other treasure THE HIPPODROME:- where chariot races were held under the Byzantines. Mosaics of T SAVIOUR in CHORA ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUMS:- with a very rich collection of antiquities: THE MOSAIC MUSEUM built in situ to preserve fine mosaic pavement 5th-6th century. THE MUSEUM OF TURKISH and ISLAMIC ARTS, the 17th century YENI MOSQUE. THE MOLLAZEYREK MUZESI now a museum used to be a church, superb pavement. FATIH CAMII, an imperial mosque of the 15th century. SHOPPING IN ISTANBUL A delight to wander through the colorful bazaars in search of antiques, leather goods, jewellery-silver or gold, carpets; hand-woven kilims and cicims of Anatolia, hand-painted ceramics, etc. BURSA Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, contains a rich historical legacy including the Mausoleum of the founder of the Ottoman Empire Osman Bey. Bursa is famous for its natural hot springs. One of the earliest recorded visitors who came to Bursa to enjoy the waters was Byzantine Empress Theodora. Today, the Ottoman baths, known as Eski Kaplica, continue to function as part of the Kervansaray Termal in the Cekirge district of Bursa. The five-star Celik Palas Termal Hotel also has luxurious facilities with natural hot springs and baths offering various treatments. The domed baths run by the Kervansaray Termal are an excellent example of early Ottoman architecture. The city is resplendent with monuments to the early Ottoman period and a number of Ottoman Sultans remain buried in Bursa. Historical sites of interest include the Yesil Turbe or Green Mausoleum which holds the cenotaph of Sultan Mehmet I, father of the great Ottoman conqueror Mehmet II, and the nearby Ethnographical Museum. Mosques of interest include the Emir Sultan Mosque and the Orhan Gazi Mosques, both built during the Ottoman period while the Ulu Mosque demonstrates the earlier Seljuk style of architecture. No visit to Bursa would be complete without indulging in its famous thermal springs. These can be found in Cekirge, where Ottoman style bathhouses were built over Roman and Byzantine baths, testament to the high regard which both these civilizations had for the springs of Bursa. Nesting above the city is the 2400-metre high Mount Uludag, the legendary Mount Olympus of Mysia. While there are no historical sights atop the mountain, numerous skiing resorts are testament to the slopes that cater to skiers from Europe and Asia. Bursa cuisine boasts a number of dishes first offered in Turkish people in this city. One such offering is the Iskender Kebab, a pita-based specialty containing strips of bee the city also offers a number of fish restaurants, providing seafood captured in the nearby village of Mudanya. f that have been soaked overnight in a yogurt and tomato marinate. Turkish Holidays has launched the following exclusive packages for Istanbul & Bursa.


	MARMARA & THRACE	Top

	Rolling hills and sunflower fields in the European part of Turkey cut off from the Asian side by the Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus. EDIRNE:- is dominated by the magnificent Selimiye Mosque. Hannibal lies buried in GEBZE, IZMIT is the town, which provided the superb tiles seen in any monuments throughout Turkey. Bursa the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire. The whole coast of Marmara is lined with sandy beaches: YALOVA and ERDEK. The south coast is mountainous and forested. Highest peak is Mt Uludag, a ski resort.


	THE BLACK SEA	Top

	Verdant shores, forests and the rugged Black Sea Mountains. Settlements with towns and fishing villages on the narrow coastal belt. It's here that the AMAZONS lived and the Kingdom of MITHRADATES VI EUPATOR defied the Romans Resorts: SILE, AKÇAKOCA, picturesque AMASRA. SINOP:- birthplace of the philosopher DIOGENES; SAMSUN important in the history of Modern Turkey, From here Atatürk started the liberation of Turkey On hill slopes hazel nut groves, UNYE attractive resort with sandy beach. ORDU:- from where XENOPHON and his 10 000 mercenaries embarked in 401 BC. GIRESUN:- from here LUCULLUS brought back the first cherry tree to Europe. TRABZON:- a well fortified city, resisted attacks from the Mongols. Many buildings such as the Church of St.Sophia. Monastery of SUMELA 14th century with many fine frescoes. The uncultivated mountainous slopes are covered with rhododendrons, plant originated in this area.


	EASTERN TURKEY	Top

	This region is an amazingly diverse land, which differs profoundly from the rest of the country. The Taurus Mountains in the South and the Black Sea Mountains in the North encircle the Anatolian Plateau and meet to form a mighty and complex range in the East. Due to altitude and lack of sea influence the climate is of one of extremes: typically continental: hot dry summers during the day and cold nights; winters are harsh. Tourism is not as well developed here as in the west. Beach season is spring and autumn. There are 3 main itineraries and we have selected the highlights: ERZURUM:- is the capital of the region. Ancient town with Byzantine fortress 12th and 13th century magnificent mosque. MOUNT AGRI:- the highest peak in Turkey reaching 5165 meters. DOGUBAYAZIT:- spectacular ruins of Ishak Pasha Palace and Mosque standing in grandiose scenery of gagged peaks. ELAZIG:- several interesting mosques and a fortress located at the ancient city of Harput. BITLIS:- 6th century town stands in the heart of an oasis. Citadel and mosques. AKDAMAR:- on a small island on Lake Van 10th century church of the Holy cross. VAN:- ancient town situated on a lake of the same name. NEMRUT DAGI:- at an altitude of 2150 meters at the top of a gigantic funerary sanctuary of king Antiochus 1 of Commagene URFA:- traditionally believed Abraham stopped on his way from Ur to Canaan. HARRAN:- mentioned in the Bible as Charan where Abraham spent many years. DIYARBAKIR:- city walls of black basalt example of Middle Age military architecture

	CENTRAL ANATOLIA	Top

	Slashed by ravines and dotted by volcanic peaks it forms the heartland of Turkey. The plateau is one of the cradles of civilization; at Çatalh?yük is the world's oldest city founded 7000 years B.C. This area has been the homeland of many people such as the Hittites, the Phrygians and the Turks. It also has been invaded throughout the centuries: Alexander the Great and Tamerlane are but two of the most famous. From the clashes between Eastern and Western cultures emerged many civilizations whose remains can be seen today. Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic, declared ANKARA capital in 1923. The site, in a strategic position in the heartland of Central Anatolia had been a Hittite settlement since 2000 BC. Dominating the modern part of the city is the imposing limestone Mausoleum of Atatürk. The oldest parts of the city are in and around the mediaeval citadel. Inside is the beautifully restored covered bazaar outside 13th-16th century mosques, Roman baths, the Column of Julian and the Temple of Augustus and Roma. ESKISEHIR:- 13th-16th century mosques and close by Byzantine and Turkish buildings of Seyitgazi. GORDION:- where Alexander the Great cut the Gordion knot and Site of King Midas tumulus, PESSINUS and MIDAS SEHRI are Phrygian sites. CORUM:- 13th century mosque BOGAZKALE:- the capital of the Hittittes, ringed by double walls YAZILIKAYA open-air rock sanctuary of Hittite Gods. ALACAH?YUK:- bronze age settlement where magnificent gold and bronze objects were found. Hittite ruins of the Sphinx Gate CAPPADOCIA:- is a region of spectacular geomorphology. Erosion of the soft rock has resulted in a landscape of rock cones, canyons and capped pinnacles of many hues. KAYSERI:- Byzantine fortress, mosques and medrese, 13th century complex and other interesting buildings. KIRSEHIR:- religious center, 13th century observatory, mosques and mausoleum. NEVSEHIR:- ancient NISSE, city of square stone houses. G?REME:- monastic complex of rock chapels covered with frescoes of 10th and 11th century. KONYA:- in 12th and 13th century was the greatest culture center of Anatolia. It is in Konya that the sect of the Whirling Dervishes was founded. Many Seljuk monuments are found in this city. AMASYA:- Impressive rock tombs and many historical buildings. TOKAT:- ruins of a 28 tower castle, 12th 16th and 17th century mosque and the G?k Medrese ZILE- it's here that Julius Caesar pronounced the famous Veni Vidi Vici. SIVAS - in 1919 the National Congress decided to liberate Turkey from the occupying powers. DIVRIGI - Mosque's chiseled stonework finest in Turkey.


	MEDITERRANEAN	Top

	Narrow, luxuriant coastal belt covered in wild oleanders, orange and lemon groves, pine forests, date and banana plantations. 300 days of sunshine, clear turquoise waters, secluded covers, rocky headlands and broad bays fringed by sandy beaches ideal for swimming and water sports. PLACES OF INTEREST ANTALYA:- principal resort, ideal place to visit the ancient sites of Lycia and Pamphylia. Well-preserved city ramparts Hadrian's gate, mosque Yivli Minare, Cami (mosque), picturesque harbour. Mini cruises to Lycian sites. City fortress of Termessos. Mountain town of Elmal. THE LYCIAN PENINSULA:- sandy beaches and sites. Phalesis Roman port, Finike... Chimera the fire-breathing monster is in fact burning natural gas. DEMRE:- where St Nicolas was bishop, island of KEKOVA Byzantine church and Lycian necropolis. SIDE:- between two sandy beaches. Colonized by the Greeks in 7th century BC. Walls and towers well preserved, theatre, agora, Apollo and Artemis temples. MANAVGAT WATERFALLS:- PERGE:- ancient PAMPHYLIA, Grego-Roman theatre, stadium, and city gate. Nearby well-preserved ruins of SILYON. ASPENDOS:- ancient port with well preserved theatre where the ANTALYA FESTIVAL is held every year, Roman aquaduct. ALANYA:- beautiful town with impressive Seljuk fortress well preserved with 150 towers, superb view of the Mediterranean DAMLATAS:- caves with multi-hued stalagmites and stalactites. ANAMUR (ANEMORIUM):- fine Crusader castle NARLIKUYU:- Roman mosaics depicting the three graces. MERSIN:- convenient for exploring nearby sites, Cleopatra Gate and other ruins ADANA:- stone bridge built by Justinian and later renovated by Hadrian, mosque and ancient covered bazaar. Archaeological and ethnographical museum worthwhile visiting. MISIS:- several Roman remains: beautiful 4th century mosaic depicting Noah's Ark. Neo Hittite site at KARATEPE. Impressive Crusader's fortress at TOPRAKKALE Splendid complex 16th century Ottoman buildings at YAKACIK. ISKENDERUN port built by Alexander the Great. ANTAKYA:- (ANTIOCH) Roman center of artistic, scientific and commercial activities. Also a Christian center: St.Paul, St.Peter and St.Barnabas stayed there. Collection of Roman mosaics.