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Written by omer yavuz
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Sunday, 28 June 2009 18:33 |
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Throughout its long history spanning over 10,000 years Anatolia, the land that is now Turkey has been the birthplace of many great civilisations and empires all of which have left their mark in unique ways. From the Neolithic site of Çatal Höyük, to well-preserved ancient Greek and Roman ruins, to Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques, the layers of history in Turkey have left behind a stunning architectural, archaeological and religious legacy. Visitors can explore the area’s ancient history at a myriad of archaeological sites and in Turkey’s many museums. Anatolia, the land that makes up most of modern-day Turkey, was home to some of the earth’s oldest known settled civilizations—not surprising, given that the region lies alongside Mesopotamia, considered the “cradle of civilization.” Çatal Höyük, one of the oldest human settlements in the world (ca. 7000 BC), is known for its unique findings, including the remains of adobe houses, murals, and female figurines which may indicate prehistoric mother-goddess worship. The site is located near the modern-day city of Konya (ancient Iconium) and is open year-round; summer is the most exciting time to visit, as visitors can watch archaeologists at work excavating the site. |
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Written by omer yavuz
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Sunday, 28 June 2009 18:32 |
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Due to its unique and active geological past, Turkey is full of natural wonders, many of which are protected as national parks, of which there are 40 in total to date. Not only protecting its rich variety of flora and fauna, many are home to archaeological treasures too. The coastal parks include areas of pristine coastline and beaches while inland there are marshes, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, forests and canyons. In central Anatolia past eruptions of the now-extinct volcano Mount Erciyes have left behind the magical moon-like landscape of Cappadocia with its numerous white valleys and fairy chimneys. The hundreds of cave churches adorned with colourful frescoes and the underground cities are the legacy of the area's inhabitants of many hundreds of years ago. |
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Written by omer yavuz
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Sunday, 28 June 2009 18:31 |
Istanbul – European Capital of Culture 2010
Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city (approx. 12 million) and the country’s undisputed cultural and financial centre. Gearing up for its title of European Capital of Culture in 2010, Istanbul offers a great deal in the way of history, culture, food and entertainment, in fact far too much to take in on a short city break. You will need to come back time and time again to truly see all that this atmospheric city has to offer and it’s a great city to visit as part of a twin-centre holiday.
Enjoying a deeply romantic setting as the only city in the world that straddles two continents and surrounded by the waters of the Bosphorus, Istanbul is the former capital of three great empires, Eastern Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman and the city exudes history at every turn, with its centuries-old palaces, castles, mosques, churches and other monuments. Istanbul today is also a city undergoing a dramatic renaissance, bubbling with a bold new energy that’s exciting and intensely alive with cutting-edge international film and music festivals, designer shops and chic restaurants and bars.
Highlights of any trip to Istanbul include the architecture and Iznik tiles of the Blue Mosque, the majesty and mosaics of the Haghia Sophia, a breathtaking boat trip along the Bosphorus, the impressive Topkapi Palace the thrill of shopping at the Grand and Spice Bazaars and a nostalgic tram ride through historical Beyoglu. For those with more time there are the Byzantine frescoes of the Chora Museum, the Underground Cistern where scenes from an old James Bond movie were shot, Ottoman architect Sinan's masterpiece the Suleymaniye Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, painting and photography exhibitions at the Istanbul Modern and a cable car ride to the peak of holy Eyup on the Golden Horn for its fine views, amongst many others!
Hip new hangouts are also springing up everywhere; from sophisticated cocktail-sipping in trendy bars to clubbing to global beats, the choices are endless. In the summer, Istanbul also revels in water-side fun, with a whole host of open-air venues boasting stunning views across the Istanbul skyline as well as countless days out, from the car-free Buyukada, one of the Princes’ Islands, to hip beach clubs north of the city.
Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul
Istanbul Online City Guide
Istanbul Capital of Culture 2010
Ankara
Turkey’s capital and second-largest city (pop. 4.5 million), Ankara is the seat of government and diplomacy and is also a university town with a large student population. Built up largely after it became the capital in 1923, the city boasts modern architecture and infrastructure, museums and concert halls. A must-see in Ankara is the Anitkabir, the monumental modernist tomb of Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Just 10 km away is the archaeological site of Catalhoyuk, Turkey's most important Neolithic site and one of the earliest cities in the world. Many of the impressive finds are housed in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, giving visitors an excellent background for understanding the many layers of Turkey’s history.
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Written by omer yavuz
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Sunday, 28 June 2009 18:29 |
With over 8000 km of coastline and over 300 blue flag beaches, Turkey makes the perfect spot for beach holidays. The country has some of the most beautiful pristine beaches in Europe, often with a backdrop of lush green forests and just a stone's throw from an archaeological treasure. Many secluded beaches can be enjoyed by relaxed boat trips available from the resorts.
Aegean Coast
Moving round the Turkish coast anti-clockwise the first resort worthy of mention is Cesme and Alacati which is popular for its fine sandy beaches, mineral springs and ideal wind conditions, making it a popular centre for kite-surfing, sailing and windsurfing. Some of the nearby beaches include the out of town Long Beach, a 6km stretch of sand or the sandy beach of Kustur 5kms to the north. Further down the coast is the international port of Kusadasi with its well-known Ladies Beach, useful for its vicinity to the biblical site of Ephesus and for its shopping opportunities and lively nightlife.
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