ROMANTIC

Tryst with Turkey

MakeMyTrip Blog

Last updated: Apr 3, 2017

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Turkey sits astride two continents, with four different seas lapping its shores. Its geographic location bestows upon it, a varied climate and great natural beauty. While it has a long and frequently bloody history, Turkish culture today is a blend of gracious Islamic traditions with modern sensibilities.

Heritage

The birthplace of empires and great civilisations, Anatolia– the ancient name for Turkey – was invariably in the crosshairs of invaders from west and east. The many cultures that marched across this ancient land left behind a fabulous heritage.

Ephesus is the most visited of ancient Roman sites. Pergamum (modern Bergama) was a major Roman city; even older is Hattuşa, the Hittite capital of the 2^nd millennium B.C. And who can resist a trip to Troy, the city to which the legendary Greek beauty, Helen, was abducted?

Istanbul, Turkey’s neat and enchanting cultural capital is eminently easy to explore on foot. For a glimpse into the splendours of the Ottoman Empire, visit the Topkapi Palace (don’t miss the harem!). Outside is a view of the Golden Horn estuary flowing into the confluence of the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara – priceless! The great Blue Mosque and the Aya Sofya are a must-do for culture vultures.

Nature

Turkey is richly endowed with natural wonders, thanks to the unique geology of the region. Cappadocia in central Turkey is famed for its unique landscape, a result of eruptions from the now extinct volcano, Mount Erciyes. The white valleys and “chimneys” of volcanic rock resemble a moonscape; Cappadocia is famed for its cave churches and underground habitats.

Volcanic activity also gave rise to many hot springs; best known is Pamukkale, where the waters come cascading down huge, calcified “terraces”. High above, the Romans built Hierapolis, a spa town.

Eastern Turkey is dramatically different with rugged mountains and the famous snow capped peak of Mount Ararat. This is also the source of the fabled Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Coastal Turkey

Turkey’s 8000 km long coastline boasts of some 300, swimming-safe beaches. Many of these pristinely beautiful spots are set against verdant forests, close to heritage sites.

Aegean coast resorts like Alacati and Cesme have soft, sandy beaches, thermal springs and plenty of watersports activities. Bodrum, a quaint but very hip resort town has superb beaches, tiny fishing villages and trendy nightclubs. Marmaris, a popular hangout for British tourists gets madly crowded in season. The Greek island of Rhodes is just a boat ride away.

On the Mediterranean coast, the Dead Sea lagoon of Olu Deniz near Fethiye has incredibly lovely, turquoise waters. Antalya, on the Turkish Riviera, is blessed with warm waters and is suited to a vast range of watersports.

Food, fun and shopping

Turkish cuisine is a delectable fusion of Ottoman with Middle Easter, Balkan and Central Asian culinary traditions. In Istanbul’s many cafes, explore the delights of pilaf, seafood, kebabs and baklava. There’s plenty for vegans too – did you know that yogurt originated in Turkey?

You’d enjoy your meal more if you first checked into a hammam (public bath) for a scrub and massage guaranteed to leave you squeaky clean and completely relaxed. Do visit Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, a vast Aladdin’s cave of spices, textiles, crafts and more.

One hallmark of any great destination is its repeat value. Turkey is sure to have you going back for more.

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Comments

sandip mukherjee | on 12 August 2011

i want to go to manali from delhi by bus or any means. so please inform me about the convenient way to reach and give me the approximate amount of fare. i am waiting for comment from any one.

thanking all of you
SANDIP MUKHERJEE