Turkey attracts tourists with a large number of natural and man-made wonders. Magic landscapes, extraordinary places, exclusive monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras – the list includes dozens of interesting sights. Here you will learn about the most popular “highlights” of the Republic of Turkey, which we recommend visiting if you have chosen trips to Turkey.
According to CELLPHONEEXPLORER, Istanbul is a city with a rich history, the former capital of two powerful empires. It is located on two continents and is separated by the Bosphorus. Founded presumably in 660 BC. Formerly called Byzantium, later renamed Constantinople. After the capture of the Byzantine state by the Ottomans in 1453, it received its current name. With the abolition of the Ottoman Empire in 1922, Istanbul lost the status of the capital, but the memoirs of glorious times have been preserved. The large aqueduct of Valens and cisterns for storing water, the ruins of palaces and the protective walls of the city, converted into sanctuary mosques, remind of the Byzantine era.
Things to see in Istanbul:
- Hagia Sophia is the largest Christian cathedral of Byzantine times, built on the site of the acropolis. The Turks turned it into a mosque, adding minarets to the building and painting over most of the mosaics. The attention of tourists is especially attracted by the “cold window”, from which it breathes coolness on the hottest day, and the “weeping column” that fulfills wishes. The history of a small niche from which a slight noise is heard is also covered in mystery and legends.
- Sultan Ahmet – Blue Mosque, the only temple in the world with 6 minarets.
- Topkapi Palace is the main residence of the Ottoman dynasty. The complex includes the Sultan’s Palace, residential and administrative buildings. Topkapi exhibits personal belongings of Turkish rulers, their ceremonial clothes, the weapons of the sultans encrusted with precious stones, thrones preserved from ancient times. The “crown” of the collection is a human hand covered with silver. According to legend, this is the mummified upper limb of the main Muslim prophet Muhammad.
- Bridge across the Bosphorus, connecting two continents in the territory of one city. On the shore of the strait stands the Dikilitash obelisk, brought from the territory of Egypt. This is the oldest monument in Istanbul.
- Kapali Charshi is an oriental bazaar, one of the largest on the planet. For 200,000 sq. m there are thousands of outlets with all kinds of goods.
- Rumeli Hisary Fortress, built in the European part of Istanbul next to the second bridge over the Bosphorus, opposite the Asian Anadolu Hisary Fortress.
- Archaeological Museum, where millions of exhibits found on the territory of the country are exhibited.
- The “Dead Sea” is a quiet bay with beaches on the “Asian” side of the city.
The Dalaman River is a favorite vacation spot for rafting and canoeing enthusiasts. There is also healing mud here. River and sea turtles live in the protected area.
Kekova Bay, where you can view the partially submerged ruins of a Byzantine city.
Side is the heart of the resort of the same name, built by the Romans. In ancient times it was a gathering place for pirates.
Aspendos is a city with an ancient amphitheater, where theatrical and musical performances take place to this day.
Kusadasi is a resort town, next to which a medieval fortress with a functioning restaurant rises on an island.
Ephesus is an ancient Greek city where one of the “Seven Wonders of the World” is located – the Temple of Artemis of Ephesus.
The Pamukkale reserve is famous for its extraordinary travertine terraces and healing thermal springs.
Cappadocia is a region in the northeast of the country. Interesting rocky Christian monasteries, “Valley of Love” with rocks of the original form, underground cities. In the mornings, a breathtaking sight opens up here: dozens of huge balloons rise into the sky. For a fee, you can ride one of them.
Izmir is the city where Homer lived. In Izmir, a beach holiday is combined with treatment in the hot springs of Agamemnon and relaxation in the baths of Diana. The City Park of Culture, where fairs and festivals are held, is noteworthy.
Didim is a resort with Turkish “Golden Sands” and monuments of ancient architecture. Here was the legendary Troy, later the city was captured by the Romans. The defensive shaft around the city, part of the wall, the acropolis, the entrance overpass, the temples of Apollo and Athena are well preserved.
