Turkey Sightseeing

Turkey is one of the countries I wish to visit this year. I find this country very interesting after reading a travel book about it. I also heard from friends who had spent holidays there, that it is truly a country worthy to see and to experience. My eagerness to visit it escalated when I found some cheap holidays online to Turkey. Imagine a 10-day trip for only 499.00 Euros including the flight, 4-star hotel, tours in different places, breakfast and dinner. I can hardly believed it.

Turkey is located in two continents, Europe and Asia. Sometimes, it is called a Euroasian country due to its geographical location. It is a country that has a lot to offer to travellers. Whether you want to spend a holiday on the beach, city break in Istanbul, do hiking and trekking in the mountains, skiing in Bursa, night life in Antalya, shopping to its bazaar or simply see its historical and architectural ruins, there is always something for every tourist to experience in this country.

Here are some of the places that are included in the trip that I mentioned above.

Istanbul- this is the cultural and financial centre of Turkey. This city bridges Asia and Europe both physically and culturally. You can find here the footsteps of history and ancient monuments and architecture dating back to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. Don't miss to visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), and Basilica Cistern.

The Basilica Cistern in Istanbul is one of the most incredible places of this city. Built by Emperor Justinian Iduring the 6th century. credit

Bosphorus- This is also known as Istanbul Strait. It is the world's narrowest strait used for international navigation. It connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. Sights to see include Akaretler Street, Arnavutköy or the so-called Albanian village, Emirgan Park, Rumeli Citadel, Dolmabahce Palace and the Sakip Sabanci Museum is also worthy to visit especially if you love calligraphy and paintings.

Izmir- this is the third largest city of Turkey. I saw some images of a friend who visited this place some years ago. The Konak Square, Alsancak, Kadifekale are only some of the sights to see. Izmir is also known for its beaches located not to far from the city centre. A walk along the Kordon can also be a nice experience. Kemeraltı, a big bazaar in Izmir, is the perfect place for those who love to shop.

Ephesus- I am sharing here some words of an online friend during his trip to this very interesting and major tourist destination in Turkey. It is very touching. Thank you so much Art for this very well-written experience.

"When Jesus died on the cross, He asked his apostle John to take care of his Mother, the Virgin Mary. John brought her to live out her last years at Ephesus, which is right outside of Kusadasi. When I walked into the small stone building that is where she lived, it was the most unbelievable feeling that I have ever felt in my whole life!! And I am not even Catholic. BUT I BELIEVE, especially now! The Greek and Roman ruins at Ephesus are unbelievable. There are more ruins in just Ephesus than there are in all of Greece. I saw where the apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and where he was imprisoned. I saw where John was tried and exiled to a small island just of the coast of Turkey. And all of Ephesus is very well preserved because no cities were built over the ruins like they did in Greece and Italy."

Pergamon- also called as Pergamum, was an ancient Greek city in modern Turkey. This is a historical place and of religious importance for Christians. According to the book of Revelation 2:13, the first bishop of Pergamon, Antipas, was martyred there in ca. 92 AD. Interesting sights to see include Kizil Avlu (Red Basilica), the Town Square which features some columns from Pergamon and Asclepion, the Temple of Serapis, the Acropolis and many more.