With 10 millennia of history, Turkey is where East and West meet. Great civilizations, including the Hittite, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, have all left their mark. Modern facilities and diverse attractions await today’s visitors.<\/p>\n
Points ofInterest<\/b><\/p>\n
Area: <\/b>300,947 square miles (nearly twice the size of California). Population: <\/b>59,200,000 (Istanbul, 7,400,000; Ankara, 3,200,000; Izmir, 2,700,000). Language: <\/b>Turkish.<\/p>\n
Highlights<\/b><\/p>\n
Istanbul <\/b>straddles the Bosporus narrows, where Europe and Asia meet. More than 3,000 years old, the city guards the relics of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires in its museums, ancient churches, palaces, mosques and bazaars. A cultural treasure chest, Istanbul also offers a variety of world-class hotels, fashionable shops and good restaurants. Opera, theater, ballet and art exhibitions take place year-round.<\/p>\n
Ankara<\/b>, the capital, is home to universities and gardens. Ankara Castle and the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey, is also here.<\/p>\n
Izmir<\/b>, the trade, commercial and cultural center of the Aegean coast, was the birthplace of Homer. Often referred to as the Pearl, Izmir has one of the most beautiful natural harbors on the Mediterranean. This modern city with luxury hotels and palm-lined avenues is home to Kadifekale (the Velvet Castle), built by Alexander the Great.<\/p>\n
Ephesus <\/b>is among the world’s richest archaeological and historical sites. A walk along the colonnaded Arcadian Way leads to such ancient treasures as the tremendous amphitheater, where Paul addressed the Ephesians; the restored Library of Celsus; and the magnificent temple to Artemis — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.<\/p>\n
Pamukkale<\/b>, which literally means cotton castle, is a geological formation of stalactite basins and terraced pools filled with thermal waters. Travelers can soak in the mineral-rich water surrounded by sunken Roman columns. Nearby is Hierapolis<\/b>, commissioned in 190 BC by Eumenes II of Pergamum.<\/p>\n
Cappadocia <\/b>is a region famous for carpet weaving, but best known for a biblical heritage reflected in a variety of ornate churches and ancient sites built underground. Cone-shaped stone formations, the result of time and erosion, housed ancient Christians who carved out underground homes to hide from invaders.<\/p>\n
The Turkish Riviera <\/b>and Turquoise Coast are popular names for the Mediterranean coast. Antalya<\/b>, on the western side, is one of the country’s premier resorts, famous for its natural beauty and restored old city.<\/p>\n
The Lycian Coast<\/b>, west of Antalya, is a national preserve, dominated by the Taurus mountains which slope gradually into the sea.Kemer <\/b>is a resort and marina built into the mountains. Southwest from here is Demre<\/b>, birthplace of St. Nicholas.<\/p>\n
Attractions<\/b><\/p>\n
Hagia Sophia<\/b>, Istanbul. The greatest example of Byzantine architecture, the 6th-century basilica is famous for its magnificent dome and mosaics. It has served as a cathedral and a mosque. Today it is a museum.<\/p>\n
Blue Mosque<\/b>, Istanbul. Built in the 17th century, it features dazzling blue tiles and is the only mosque with six minarets.<\/p>\n
Topkapi Palace Museum<\/b>, Istanbul. The sultans’ vast complex includes the Chamber of the Sacred Mantle, harem quarters, portraits, crown jewels, thrones and other treasures.<\/p>\n
Anatolian Civilization Museum<\/b>, Ankara. Artifacts dating to 7000 BC.<\/p>\n
Archaeology Museum of Ephesus<\/b>, Sel\u00e7uk (near Izmir). An important collection of Hellenistic and Roman artifacts, including the noted statue of Artemis.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
With 10 millennia of history, Turkey is where East and West meet. Great civilizations, including the Hittite, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, have all left their mark. Modern facilities and diverse attractions await today’s visitors. Points ofInterest Area: 300,947 square miles (nearly twice the size of California). Population: 59,200,000 (Istanbul, 7,400,000; Ankara, 3,200,000; Izmir, 2,700,000). Language: […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1666,"featured_media":50305,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[2988],"class_list":["post-50269","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-country-and-city","tag-turkey"],"yoast_head":"\n