Turkish Delight - Travel to Where East Meets West in Türkiye
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Türkiye Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
Straddling the border of Europe and Asia, Türkiye is a nation woven from the threads of ancient empires, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture.
About Türkiye
Whether you're a history buff, a beach bum, or a thrill-seeker, Türkiye has something to ignite your wanderlust.
Although a member of NATO and UEFA, most of Türkiye lies on the Asian continent, as Anatolia.
Countries neighbouring Türkiye: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq and Syria.
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Mapping Türkiye
Map of Türkiye
Türkiye, officially known as the Republic of Türkiye (since May 2022), is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in South-east Europe.
Türkiye Overview
From Turkey to Türkiye
In December 2021, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a circular calling for exports to be labeled 'Made in Türkiye'.
This change was made to better represent the culture, civilisation, and values of the Turkish nation.
As a result, the Turkish government notified the United Nations and other international organizations in May 2022, requesting the official use of 'Türkiye' in English instead of 'Turkey', a request that was immediately agreed to by the UN.
The United States Department of State officially began using 'Türkiye' in January 2023.
Türkiye shares borders with Greece and Bulgaria to the north-west, Georgia to the north-east, Armenia and Iran to the east, and Iraq and Syria to the south.
Culture
Türkiye boasts a vibrant and diverse cultural heritage that reflects its historical and geographical influences.
Turkish culture is a fusion of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, European, and Mediterranean elements.
Turkish cuisine, music, dance, art, and literature are highly diverse and celebrated both domestically and internationally.
Economy
Türkiye has a mixed economy with various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and services.
Istanbul, the largest city in Türkiye, serves as the country's economic and cultural hub.
Major industries include textiles, automotive, electronics, and tourism.
Türkiye has strategically important waterways such as the Bosporus Strait, which connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, making it a key transit point for international trade.
Geography
Türkiye is characterised by its diverse geography, including mountains, plateaus, coastal regions, and fertile plains.
The country is bordered by four seas: the Aegean Sea to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Black Sea to the north.
The Anatolian Plateau dominates the central and eastern parts of the country, while the eastern region is mountainous, including the Eastern Anatolian Mountains and the Taurus Mountains.
History
Türkiye has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years.
It was home to several ancient civilisations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, and Byzantines.
Later, it became the centre of the powerful Ottoman Empire, which lasted from the late 13th century until the early 20th century.
Following World War I, the Ottoman Empire collapsed, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923; under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Politics
Türkiye is a democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government.
The President of Türkiye is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.
The political landscape in Türkiye has been marked by a degree of volatility, with tensions between secularists and Islamists, as well as periodic military interventions in politics.
In recent years, Türkiye has faced various domestic and international challenges, including political polarisation, human rights concerns, and conflicts in neighbouring regions such as Syria and Iraq.
Tourism
Türkiye is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultural attractions.
Major tourist destinations include Istanbul, with its iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the ancient city of Ephesus, the natural wonders of Cappadocia, and the coastal resorts along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.
Visiting Türkiye
Türkiye is a fascinating country with a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an intriguing destination for travellers.
Türkiye Highlights
When visiting Türkiye, it's important to respect local customs and traditions, including dress codes in religious sites, and to be mindful of cultural sensitivities.
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Türkiye provides opportunities for various outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, diving, and hot air ballooning.
The country's diverse geography caters to adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Cultural Diversity
Türkiye's cultural heritage is a blend of various civilisations and influences, resulting in a diverse and vibrant culture.
You can experience this through its cuisine, music, art, and festivals.
Turkish cuisine is renowned worldwide for its delicious flavours, including dishes like kebabs, mezes, baklava, and Turkish delight.
Historical Sites
Türkiye is rich in history, with a legacy that includes the Byzantine, Roman, Ottoman, and Hittite empires.
Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, was the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, and it's home to iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
Other historical sites include Ephesus, Troy, Pamukkale, and the ancient city of Hattusa.
Hospitality
Turkish people are known for their hospitality and warmth towards guests.
You'll often find locals eager to help and make you feel welcome, whether you're exploring cities or venturing into rural areas.
Modern Amenities
Türkiye has modern cities with excellent infrastructure, including transportation networks, accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury, and vibrant nightlife scenes.
Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are some of the major cities offering a blend of tradition and modernity.
Natural Beauty
Türkiye boasts diverse landscapes, from stunning coastline beaches to majestic mountains and ancient forests.
Cappadocia, with its unique rock formations and hot air balloon rides, is a must-visit destination for many travellers.
The Turkish Riviera along the Mediterranean coast offers picturesque beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Beyond its famous landmarks, Türkiye is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting its rich cultural and historical significance.
These sites include the archaeological site of Troy, the archaeological site of Aphrodisias, and the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük.
Türkiye - Europe or Asia
Only 3 per cent of Türkiye, known as Thrace Turkey, is actually in Europe.
Visitors to Türkiye, arriving in Istanbul, will probably cross the Bosphorus and enter Asia Minor.
Türkiye Tourist Visas
As of 10th April, 2014 Turkish visa stickers issued on arrival were abolished. Visitors now need an e-visa before they arrive in Türkiye.
Citizens of fifteen countries are allowed to enter Türkiye with their national identification cards (IDs).
These countries are Germany, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Portugal, Ukraine, and Greece.
TURSAB - Association of Turkish Travel Agencies
The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies is a professional organisation established by Law in 1972.
Istanbul
Map of Istanbul
Istanbul may not be the capital of Türkiye, which is Ankara, but it is the historic centre that bridges the two continents of Europe and Asia, at Galata.
Istanbul is still overcrowded, although it has cleaned up its act in recent years. The pedestrian zone bustles with young Turks talking into mobile phones and watching each other from outdoor restaurant tables, Italian style - granted the coffee is a little thicker, but the atmosphere is sweet.
The Blue Mosque
Istanbul Clues:
Serhat Engul is a licensed Istanbul tour guide who uses plenty of visual aids to make sure that you
understand the historical significance and architecture of the city.
Where to Stay in Istanbul
Armagrandi Spina Hotel
Armagrandi Spina Hotel: Utangac Sokak No 19, Istanbul.
Located in Sultanahmet, this 19th century house featuring a striking wooden exterior with ornate Byzantine style architecture adds a little Ottoman flavour to your stay in Istanbul.
The Armagrandi Spina Hotel offers 24 reasonably priced rooms and a wonderful view of the Blue Mosque from the restaurant terrace.
Hippodrome Hotel
Hippodrome Hotel: Mimar Mehmetaga Cad. No:38 Sultanahmet.
Located in Istanbul's old city, Sultanahmet, within easy walking distance of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, and bazaars.
The Hippodrome Hotel offers comfortable accommodation with traditional Türkish hospitality, attentive service to detail and beautiful views of the Marmara sea.
Türkiye Travel
Many charter tourists to Türkiye head to the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, and often miss out on a visit to Istanbul.
Granted, there is a lot of history and pleasure in cruising around the coastal resorts of Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum, Izmir and Marmaris.
Summer season starts in May and runs until the end of October the town never sleeps.
Turkish Embassy in Washington,
2525 Massachusetts Avenue N W, Washington
DC.
Marmaris
Marmaris is a beautiful holiday resort located on the south coast of Türkiye.
When in Marmaris there are many activities that you can join in with, to have a more colourful holiday experience during your stay in this beautiful Turkish town.
There are plenty of daily tours and excursions in Marmaris, as well as sightseeing excursions to Ephesus, Pamukkale, Rhodes and Dalyan.
Sirince
Sirince is a quiet, beautiful village surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, located in the hills 8 kilometres from Ephesus.
The architectural legacy remains fully intact. Some tourism has arrived in recent years, but not so much as to destroy the traditional village rhythms.
Turkish Coast
Bodrum Ferry
If you don't have your own yacht, there is a ferry to Kos, Rhodes, Marmaris and other Turkish destinations.
Bosphorus Cruises
The Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul connects the Black Sea with the Marmara Sea between the two continents of Europe and Asia.
An essential part of any trip to Istanbul, spend a half-day soaking up breathtaking views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait; even travelling to the picturesque fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi, near the mouth of the Black Sea.
Zoe Yacht Bosphorus Cruises in Istanbul, is an award-winning locally owned, crewed and managed Turkish flybridge motor-yacht ready to take you out on a deluxe harbour tour of Istanbul, the Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn, Princes’ Islands, Marmara or Black Sea.
Turkey's Past
When discussing Turkey's history it is always difficult to know from which period to actually begin.
The Hittite Empire (1900-1200 BC), covered most of Asia Minor and rivalled Egypt as a Middle Eastern power, until it was destroyed by invaders known as the Sea Peoples, towards the end of the 12th century BC; along with the western Anatolian city of Troy.
Turkish Odyssey
Şerif Yenen is a Turkish travel specialist, travel writer, tourist guide and travel film-maker.
He wrote Turkish Odyssey in English; claiming it to be the first guidebook of Turkey written by a Turk.
Ataturk - The Founder of Modern Turkey
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was virtually unknown until 1919, when he took the lead in thwarting the victorious Allies' plan to partition the Turkish core of the Ottoman Empire.
Ataturk: The Biography:
The first full-scale biography in over twenty years of the controversial founding father
of the Turkish Republic. Andrew Mango strips away the myth, to show the complexities of
one of the most visionary, influential, and enigmatic statesmen of the century.
Ataturk divided the Allies, defeated the last Sultan and secured the territory of the Turkish national state, becoming the first president of the new republic in 1923.
Without him, there might never have been a Republic of Turkey.
Historical Sights in Türkiye
Antalya
If you want to get away from the beaches in Antalya, there are many historical sights in the region.
60km from Antalya airport, Side is a rich region with culture, history, unpolluted miles of beach.
Cappadocia
Europeans discovered the region of Cappadocia in the early 18th century and sometimes it seems as though little has changed.
Mount Ararat (Agri Dagi)
Mentioned in the Bible as the place where Noah's ark came to rest, Mount Ağrı (Mount Ararat) is Türkiye's highest peak (5,122m), and is situated in the Eastern Highlands; near the border with Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Türkiye Travel Tips
Clothing
When visiting Marmara, the Aegean and Mediterranean, during the warmer months of June to mid-September, take light, cotton summer clothing and cardigans for the evening.
For the Black Sea, Central and Eastern Anatolia, warmer clothing should be taken for cool evenings at high altitudes.
In winter, woollens and rain-proofing are needed as most of the country is cold and rainy. The Mediterranean coastal region doesn't get very cold but Central and Eastern Anatolia is snowy in the higher regions.
Remember to bring comfortable shoes when visiting archaeological and historical sites.
Turkish Language and Culture
Anatolian Culture:
Language, religion, mythology and art. If you would like to get to know
Türkiye better here
is where to start.
Language Learning:
Online resources to help you learn Turkish before you travel to Türkiye.
Türkiye News
Hurriyet Daily News:
The latest news from Türkiye.
Accommodation in Türkiye
Anzac House Youth Hostel
Anzac House Youth Hostel is situated in Canakkale, 300km south of Istanbul, about 6 hours by bus.
Travellers visit Canakkale to tour the WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli and the ancient city of Troy.
Cappadocia Museum Hotel
The 'Relais & Châteaux' Cappadocia Museum Hotel reflects the history of the region on a wide scale and also displays historical artefacts around the hotel and in the traditional arched and rock carved rooms.
Türkiye Travel Guides
Turkey Travel Guides - Turkey Maps.
Weather in Asia:
Local weather forecasts for destinations around Asia.
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