My favourite word to describe Turkiye has to be “fusion”, because it is a fusion of so many things. A blend of various ideologies, liberal and traditional, eastern and western, surrounded by four seas, it is modern with highly developed cities and transportation, yet you will find untouched areas with locals living as one with nature. It is a place I called home for a while, so allow me to show you around.
Touch down in the great capital of Istanbul for that big city energy. From the Havaliman, you have the option of taking the luxurious coaches to various cities. This is a great transport choice for long hours as the seats are spacious and comfortable. There is a daily schedule, which you can find on the airport website. Spend a few days in Istanbul visiting historical sites like Topkapi palace, Galata , Sultan Ahmet mosque or the Hagia Sophia.
Intercontinental sailing across the Bosphorous
The capital is sitting across two continents and is divided as such, only connected by 3 bridges. The European side is newer with modern housing, sky scrapers and business hubs and the Asian side is more traditional with residential areas and the old town. Luckily most of the famous attractions are concentrated in or around the Fatih district, so moving around should be fairly easy. This was the seat of the great Ottoman empire, and walking around the old town gives you a glimpse into the opulence they lived at the time. The intricate architecture, bustling bazaars, hammams and cobblestone streets paint a picture of a well-organized civilization that loved the finer things.
Language & culture
The Turks are very proud of their land. The patriotism is clear from the moment you set foot in the country with their white and red flags hanging outside many homes and institutions. A large percentage of people speak only Turkish and are very proud of this, it signifies their strong identity. Unspoiled by any foreign language. Do not go anywhere expecting to communicate in English because you might be disappointed. So always have google translate ready, they like to see you try to understand their beloved language. It signifies respect. On the other end of the spectrum, you will find people who are excited to come across English speakers because they are excited at the chance to practice the language, as they rarely use it.
The culture here is family and community oriented. It is normal to see families sitting together outside their homes in the evenings to share a flask of Cay (pronounced Chai) over a chat with the neighbors while the kids play.
Friends sit together at cafes for Kunafa and cay after a good day’s work or head to the beachside for some warm evening breeze. Every corner houses a playground or mosque and malls and public spaces are built with these essentials in mind; a space for the children and a space for God.
Islam is the dominant religion and was introduced by the Seljuks.
Nature & exploration
Now we have to give Turkiye an A+ in diversity! “ There is nothing interesting to do” said no one ever! Boredom doesn’t exist here. If you seek adventure, visit Bursa city to take in the panoramic views riding up the Uludag Mountain. Here you can find various resorts and activities. Fishing, biking, hiking, spa visits, skiing and more, depending on the season.
A personal favourite in this region is a visit to Belisirma in Ihlara Valley. About a 2hr drive from Goreme, you would find ancient monasteries and churches carved directly into the volcanic rocks of the valley walls. Nestled along the river banks are pockets of restaurants offering relaxation in dining areas suspended above the water. Having lunch on the river here is a very relaxing experience where you get to soak in the calm of nature while enjoying great seafood. An immersive experience. Just make sure not to drop anything in the water or its bye bye!
Not too far from Cappadocia lies the town of Isparta. The city of Roses. Famous for its aromatic rose fields and lavender valleys. You immediately notice the floral billboards, monuments and decorations when you drive into this town. Many shops sell gifts and body products naturally made from these flowers. Visit between May and June to take part in the rose harvest season. There is even a Rose festival filled with various workshops, distillery tours and local events.
Another natural wonder is the Pamukkale thermal pools in the city of Denizli. It is a collection of white and blue travertine terraces, formed by mineral rich thermal waters attracting over 2 Million visitors a year for its visual appeal and supposed healing powers. Enjoy a bath in the springs or visit the ancient city of Heirapolis to see how the Romans lived. If you prefer some seaside relaxation, head to one of the many beachside towns like Antalya, Marmaris or Bodrum for slow days under the Anatolian sun.
The beauty of Turkiye is easily found in everything from its history to its cuisine. Stay tuned for more on this wonderful country!
