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The Turkish coast of the Black, Aegean and Mediterranean Seas has long been chosen by tourists from all over the world, especially residents of the CIS like to relax in Turkey. And this is not surprising: beautiful beaches, comfortable all-inclusive hotels, friendly staff and free alcohol. In addition, there is something to see in Turkey – historical sights, colorful oriental bazaars and narrow streets, stylish architecture.
Oddly enough, hot Turkey has become a paradise for lovers of warm leather and fur products. Here you can also buy jewelry inexpensively, but it is better to understand gold and stones – cases of fraud are not excluded. Otherwise, the country is really friendly to domestic tourists, Antalya, specially “for us”, from a provincial fishing village, was rebuilt from scratch and became a tourist center. If you don’t like to spend your holidays in ol inclusive hotels, but try to be inspired by new locations, we offer the ten most beautiful places in this eastern country.
10 Shirindze
Greek Turkish village Shirindze located in a picturesque mountainous area at an altitude of 400 meters from sea level. The history of the settlement is about 600 years old: during the invasion of Tamerlane, the Greek population fled to the mountains and founded the village. The Greeks lived here until the 20s of the last century, then the Turks began to settle here (after the Greco-Turkish war there was an exchange of population). Hence the Greek flavor of the place, including tourists and locals come here for delicious fruit wine. However, the architecture remained Greek, the houses here are different from those found in other Turkish settlements. The Turks have included all the buildings in the village in the list of historical heritage, they cannot be modified.
The village is surrounded on all sides by epic vineyards, Orthodox churches and the Church of St. John the Baptist are located here. In general, Shirince is a paradise for lovers of Ancient Greece and antiquity, but a little closer.
9. Cesme
Most often, the Turks themselves rest in this resort, the town is little known to foreign tourists. In the meantime, there is something to see here. Like Shirince, this settlement used to belong to Greece. In 1770, a major naval battle took place in the local waters, in which the Russian fleet utterly defeated the Turkish one.
Cesme is a resort place with fantastic nature and developed tourist infrastructure. If you have already been to Greece, then this location will seem familiar to you, because the Greeks built the town. Here you can visit the local fortress dating back to the 1,5th century, the fortress museum, take a walk along the picturesque embankment. If you spend XNUMX hours on the road, then the fabulous ancient temple of Artemis in no less ancient Ephesus will be available to the tourist.
8. Safranbolu
Old city Safranbolu is a historical monument listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Everything here is imbued with the charm of the Ottoman Empire, and fantastic views of mountain peaks covered with centuries-old snows are available to tourists. The summer climate here is moderate, there is no discomfort from the heat, and in winter it is also not cold here.
It is best to visit the location from June to October – and you will not find May rains, and you will get the maximum dry sunny weather. The location dates back to the XNUMXth century – at that time there was a Byzantine settlement here. In the XII century, the Turks slaughtered the local Orthodox population and conquered the city. It flourished in the XNUMXth century – the town became an important intermediate point on the way of trade caravans to Istanbul.
The settlement is known for its oriental bazaar, old restaurants, the national Ottoman bath and the beautiful Mehmet Pasha Mosque. The ancient Caravanserai, where merchants and travelers rested, has also been preserved here.
7. Konya
City Konya is the religious center of Turkey. In general, the country has a rich spiritual history; various religious movements peacefully (now) coexist here. It is here that you can immerse yourself in the history of Islam, imbued with its traditions and culture. Konya is a large city, about 2,2 million people live here permanently.
The first mention of the settlement has been known since the Stone Age (approximately the XNUMXth century BC), but its heyday occurred after the Turks “squeezed” the town from the Byzantines. In addition, the city today is an important religious and historical place for Orthodox parishioners. According to legend, St. Paul and St. Barnabas traveled to these places. Tourists tend to visit the local Azizie Mosque, Mevlana Museum, Butterfly Garden, Shams Tebrezi Tomb and Aladdin Park.
6. Hierapolis
Already one name tells us about the ancient roots of the city, and this is true. Initially, the settlement belonged to Ancient Rome, but then safely passed under the rule of the Turks. The vast territory of the location today impresses with preserved Roman temples, an amphitheater, and a necropolis.
The Christian apostle Philip was martyred here, the town was constantly destroyed by powerful earthquakes and was empty for several centuries. The Romans, Byzantines and Turks constantly rebuilt the settlement, while preserving the surviving buildings: the arch of Domitian, the amphitheater, the temple of Apollo, the necropolis and the basilica of St. Philip (the one that was killed here). The whole city is saturated with the history of the great Romans, Byzantines and Turks – an amazing place to relax and get new impressions.
5. Bursa
The major Turkish city is the fourth largest. The stunning beauty of the Marmara Sea attracts numerous tourists to Bursu. Previously, the city was the capital of the Ottoman Empire (early period). This is a magnificent old city, which brought to us all the flavor of the East, antiquity, antiquity.
For the first time, the location became known 5200 years ago, when the settlement was founded by the ancient Greeks. Then the city passed into the subordination of the Romans, then the Byzantines. In 1326, the Turks retook Bursa and made it their first capital. The city was an important trading point, almost all Turkish silk was produced here. In the city, to this day, there is Koza Khan – the Silk Bazaar, built in the XNUMXth century. Tourists visit here Ataturk Square, the Ulu-Kami mosque and its huge minarets. In addition, the Green Mosque and the Green Tomb are of great interest. The city is really saturated with antiquity, has its own flavor, because it belonged to many ancient peoples.
4. Goreme
National Park Goreme is an open-air historical museum. The whole area consists of fabulous natural elevations, temples and cells made in the mountains themselves. Rain and wind for millions of years have knocked out numerous bizarre canyons, intricate elevations, pyramids and fabulous figures in the fragile rock.
In the village of Goreme itself, a competent tourist infrastructure has been built, but most of all tourists are attracted by the national park: a real monastic complex, ancient colorful villages are also located here.
Initially, the location was considered a religious Orthodox center; more than 4 hundred shrines were located here. Today you can still see the wall paintings in the surviving temples and Byzantine frescoes. The Church of St. Barbara attracts with the bright patterns of the ancients, and in the Apple Church you can admire the ancient columns and the ancient Greek cross.
3. Şanlıurfa
A stunning historical and religious place, it is believed that the prophet Abraham was born here, equally revered by Jews, Orthodox and Muslims. The unique oriental architecture, ancient buildings and color literally cover the wanderers in Sanliurfe. Most of the Old Testament legends were born in the vicinity of the town.
The city today is the best place for those who are interested in the history and culture of Western Asia. Few people know, but it is here that one of the most important museums in the world is located, which contains a huge collection of ancient artifacts. The pearl of the area is considered to be one of the most ancient megalithic temple complexes that have come down to our times – Göbekli Tepe. Near the city you can admire the numerous limestone heaps. Troubled Syria is located nearby, so here you can find military and police patrols everywhere.
2. Dalyan
“Turkish Venice” – this is how this ancient city was called, founded by the Greeks so long ago that ancient Roman ruins can also be found here. Legends have told us that the Stork Festival was held annually in the city, and you can still see the ancient ruins today: the ancient Roman road, the sarcophagus, the city gates (the walls of the old city are 5 meters thick).
There is also an ancient Greek church (now under restoration) and part of the city wall, on which bas-reliefs and old paintings have been preserved. Tourists also liked the picturesque shores of the city lake, the colorful atmosphere of the East and Asia, the mild climate and inexpensive private hotels. Dalyan.
1. Ankara
The second largest city in terms of population and the capital of the Republic of Turkey is the city of Ankara known for its East Asian architecture, ancient bazaars and caravanserais. Many tourists also note the unique synthesis of East and West in this city, this is a symbol of modern Turkey.
Ankara is a historical and university city, but there are also many office and administrative buildings, power structures. In fact, there are not many historical sights in the city, it is rather “to get to know” the country. However, Ankara’s nightlife and hundreds of nightclubs attract numerous party-goers to the city.
The city was developed only at the beginning of the XNUMXth century, but its history knows the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Hittites. In Ankara, you can look at the ancient buildings mixed with buildings of the XNUMXth century, the city fortress, the main city gates. It definitely won’t be boring.