Why TURKEY?

With cities steeped in history,

beaches, and beautiful countryside, a visit to
Turkey promises an enchanted vacation.
Diverse offerings such as the ancient ruins of
Ephesus to the luxury beach resorts along the
Aegean Sea will enthrall and captivate even
the most jaded traveler. Here are some must-
see places if you ever go to Turkey.
 Its loveliest city, ISTANBUL,
spans two continents.
Because Europe or Asia alone
couldnt contain this much beauty.
 Once serving as the capital of the Ottoman and
Byzantine Empires, Istanbul today is the largest city
in Turkey and one of the largest in the world. Istanbul
stretches across a narrow strait that connects Asia and
Europe, making it the only city in the world spanning
two continents. Impressive architecture, historic sites,
dining, shopping, nightlife and exotic atmosphere all
make Istanbul one of the best places to Visit in
Turkey. The Old City is where most of the citys
impressive historic sites are found, which include the
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
 Impressive architecture, historic
sites, dining, shopping, nightlife and exotic
atmosphere all make Istanbul one of the best
places to Visit in Turkey. The Old City is
where most of the citys impressive historic
sites are found, which include the Hagia
Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
 Cappadociabecause theres no
better way to catch the sunrise than in a
hot-air balloon
 The little towns of Cappadocia exist
almost entirely inside caves called fairy
chimneys, formed by volcanic explosions
centuries ago. Its a little like a cross
between The Flintstones and something
from Star Wars. You can explore cave-
churches in Goremes famous open-air
museum, motor around the mountains in an
ATV, and catch the sunrise with an early-
morning hot-air balloon ride over this
incredible landscape.
EPHESUS-Europes most complete
classical metropolis
 Ephesus is an ancient site located in Aegean Turkey.
By the 1st century BC, Ephesus was one of the largest
cities in all of the Roman Empire, boasting one of the
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of
Artemis. The ruins of Ephesus are well preserved and
contained within a large archaeological site, making it
one of Turkeys most popular tourist attractions. Its
attractions include the massive Theater, the Temple of
Hadrian and the magnificent Celsus Library, a two-
story structure that was built to house more than
12,000 scrolls.
ANTALYA-the fastest-growing
city in Turkey
 Nestled along the beautiful Turkish
Riviera on the Mediterranean coastline,
Antalya is a large, vibrant city welcoming
tourists with numerous resorts, hotels, bars
and restaurants. Spectacular scenery frames
the city with gorgeous beaches and lush
green mountains dotted with ancient ruins.
From swimming and sailing to mountain
climbing, sightseeing and family fun,
Antalya offers something for everyone.
 A walk around Kaleii, the Old Quarter, offers a step
back into the citys ancient past with views of the old city
walls, Roman gates, maze-like streets and historic
structures that include the Clock Tower.
KO N YA-One of the oldest cities in
the world
 Konya is home to the tomb of Mevlana
Jalaluddin Rumi, one of the worlds most
famous poets and philosophers, and founder of
the Sufi Mevlevi order known colloquially
today as the Whirling Dervishes. You can
still see them perform at sema ceremonies
around the city. Its also the perfect place to
curl up with a cup of cay (Turkish black tea)
and catch up on your Persian poetry.
SUMELA MONASTERY
 It takes an hour to trek up to Sumela
Monastery, high in the mountains of the Black
Sea region, but its worth the climb. Sumela,
built by Greek Orthodox monks in the 4th
century, has some of Turkeys best-preserved
biblical frescos and mosaics along its inner
walls. You may even befriend a mountain goat
or two on the walk up.
Turkish towns are adorably picturesque
 Little towns like Safranbolu have tiny cobblestoned
streets, quaint little Ottoman-era houses with red-tiled
roofs, and all the cute stray cats your heart could handle.
Whats not to love?
Even when theyre partly underwater
 The town of Halfeti was submerged
underwater during the construction of the
Birecik Dam in the 1990s. Though the town
was relocated to higher ground, boat rides
around the dam take you directly over the
remains of the village and its mosque. Its now
a popular spot for day-trips from Gaziantep to
see the remains of the underwater city and
visit the Rumkale fortress nearby.