Upon visiting the ancient country of Turkey, one may only then realize the broad scope of history and culture that has taken place on its soil over the past 4,000 years. As a gateway to the Middle Eastern countries and with its shores nestled on the Mediterranean Sea, history has definitely made its mark on this country which is only slightly larger than the state of Texas. It is a place worth visiting, especially to those that wish to step back into the past and take in the ancient wonders whose stones still manage to stand throughout the long years.
Istanbul is perhaps the most popular of tourist destinations since it is also Turkey’s capital. Here, one can climb the Galata Tower, a 14th century Genoese fortification, and take in the magnificent view of this old city. The Bodrun, an underwater museum, is also here and is worth one’s time to visit. The Museum of Anatolian Civilization is perhaps the best museum to see since it contains the most artifacts from the various civilizations that have settled upon the country’s plateaus and plains. Among these civilizations were the Chalcedonean, the Hittites, and the Phrygians. Istanbul, which used to be called Constantinople, is also rich in the history of the Roman and Byzantine Empire. St. Anthony of Padua, a Roman Catholic Church is rich in architectural splendor as is the Blue Mosque, built in the 17th century and tiled in beautiful blue iznak tiles. For a unique shopping experience, the Spice or Egyptian Bazaar have vendors hawking everything from exotic foods to handwoven slippers and birds.
Near Istanbul is the unique formation of Pamukkale, a region of stalactite formations and thermal pools. The ruins of the ancient Greek city of Herapolis lie here and tourists can still immerse themselves in the mineral rich waters. Another site worth seeing is one that UNESCO has dubbed as the eighth wonder of the ancient world. These are the stones of an immense burial site on top of Mount Nemrut.
Ephesus is a must see for the history buff for here lie the ruins of Artemis’s Temple, one of the documented ancient wonders of the world. Within this ancient city, one can still walk among its baths, agora (shopping plaza), and library and the museum houses many of the artifacts that have been excavated here. Also nearby lies the Meryemana Evi, the reputed house of the Virgin Mary who resided there after Jesus’s death. Many Christians make pilgrimage to this sacred site recognized by the Vatican and its day of ceremony is August 15th.
For those that enjoy the sun and a slower pace during vacation, the Bitez is a famous crescent-shaped beach with crystal blue waters. The Prince Island, which actually consists of nine islands, has been an attraction to visit since the Byzantine era. Here, one can enjoy the serene beach and solitude for the islands do not allow vehicles.
Perhaps the most common site to see in Turkey are the ruins of Troy. Situated in the Canakkale region, Truva, as the inhabitant call it allows visitors to walk among the many layers of ruins. At its gates sits a large replica of a Trojan Horse where one can climb. The site, which is an ongoing archeological excavation, reveals the many tiers of different cities which stood at different times in history, the popular Troy of the Iliad being at either the sixth or seventh level. For any lover of legend and history, Troy is the apex of any Turkish vacation.
Though Turkey has had its political problems, it is still a great, memorable place to visit. However, due to the terrorists that have unfortunately been active there for a while, it is unsafe to go to the Southeastern regions of this country. As with any vacation to a foreign country, one must stay safe and smart. Doing so, a vacation to Turkey will remain a wonderful experience.
