Top 10 Places of the World: Top 10 Places in Turkey

Turkey audaciously straddles across Europe and Asia to develop a distinct culture that mirrors both West and East. It is a terrific land where European ambitions mesh harmoniously with Asian background and the capricious atmosphere of the Middle East blends itself effortlessly into the chilled-out façade of the Mediterranean world.

Hence, after your romantic French kisses at the world’s most quixotic Oberhofen Castle in Switzerland, after the Gucci-licious high-end fashion shopping spree in Italy, after savoring the larger-than-life graffiti on Berlin Wall in Germany, after wandering in the world of blue and white only inGreece, let’s keep the spirit high and cross the Aegean Sea to explore this wonderful land of battlegrounds, ruined castles, the palaces of great empires and other amazing scenes.

The Magic of Turkey

Turkey might be the most contested country in the globe due to its transcontinental status and the rich history which has left an indelible mark reflected in the myriad of historical wonders and archaeological sites set in an array of gorgeous backdrops. History aficionados often come here to soak themselves in phenomenal scenes and mementos traversing back to the dawn of civilization. For chilling out, travelers usually indulge themselves at a hamam (Turkish bath, the Middle Eastern variant of a steam bath), or let the warm waters off the Mediterranean coast lap at their toes. Here, the Mediterranean coastline is dotted with well-preserved Greco-Roman cities like the popular Pergamum and Ephesus, while cave churches concealed in the unbelievable fairytale settings of Cappadocia could be found on the jagged Anatolian plateau. Istanbul is the dreamland of bons vivants where stylish and atmospheric markets and bars appear at every corner. It is also the home of the most lip-smacking mod Ottoman cuisine in the world.

However, Turkey has more than that to offer as far as world-class gourmet is concerned. The meze is something you must not miss! It is an assortment of appetizers or small dishes often served with beverage, like anise-flavored liqueurs such as arak, ouzo, raki (the killing alcohol!) or different wines, similar to the tapas of Spain or finger food. Overlook the menu and order a platter of everything and feast to stuff yourself in order to acclimatize yourself to being in Turkey even if you don’t hear “Afiyet olsun!” (Enjoy your meal!). Other than that, Turkey boasts its enviable Mediterranean climate which four seasons happens concurrently, in addition to the numerous tranquil gardens, serene harbors, golden sandy beaches as well as vivacious nightspots and frantic bars that scattered around the big cities.

What about culture? Due to its turbulent history, travelers are often shocked by the incredible passion Turks have for the country. This passion could be as hot as the discovery spirit one finds in Portugal people. However, in ordinary people, it’s not an ardor in fighting for a patch of land or in martial arts, but in simple delights such as family, friendship, music, food and football. Oops, instead of comparing their zest with the Portugal spirit, it might be more appropriate to put it alongside the “joie de vivre” and “savoir-faire” in France. Turks takes pride in their inherent capability to keep stuff in perspective, to make their everyday life moving and to enjoy to the most in the process. Sharing their pleasure in simple things is what they do that impresses almost every visitor. Anyway, the widespread history at every turn has led to a common misconception about Turkey being an old-fashioned, time-locked country that sticks steadfastly to traditions. However, the truth is that, under the leadership of the modern republic’s first leader, Kemal Ataturk, Turkey was long reorganized as a modern secular state after the downfall of the Ottoman Empire. It’s now a vigorous blend of ancient tradition and contemporary look that emulates that of Japan. Nevertheless, this outlook bears slight contradiction in having contemporary European ways tempered by Islam and long-established traditions of hospitality.

Travel To Turkey - Top 10 Best Places

Though it’s one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations, there are still a lot of lesser-known cities which are so fabulous and certainly worth your time. If you do not want to miss any of these nice spots like most of the travelers out there, go through our top 10 list that rocks.

Istanbul - Visit Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya. Haggle like mad in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. Float along the Bosphorus. And that’s just for starters
Cappadocia - Float over Cappadocia and admire the extraordinary fairy chimneys, then delve deep to explore the unique underground cities
Antalya - the fastest growing city, hub to an array of beach resorts
Ephesus - Marvel at the most extensive remains of a Roman city complete with a 25,000-seat theatre
Ankara - the capital of Turkey and its second largest city
Bodrum - nice and trendy Aegean resort in Mugla for a romantic escape
Kusadasi - bird island” set in a superb gulf in the Aegean region of Turkey and is known for its turquoise sparkling water and broad sandy beaches
Marmaris - a little touristy, but nice resort in Mugla
Gallipoli - Wander the Anzac battlefields and ponder the follies of war
Goreme – Everyone talks about goreme cave hotels in this land famous for the natural rock formations that can be found around this area called “fairy chimneys”.

Outside looking in..

Bursa - the first capital of the Ottoman Empire on the foothills of Mt. Uludag, a national park and a winter sports resort.
Izmir - Called as “the Peal of the Aegean”, is the third largest city and one of the most important commercial and industrial centres in the country.

3 Reasons Why I Love Turkey

Hey man, the best of the thousand reasons I could think of is that I love to eat Turkey! I’m just kidding. But I guess the below reasons aren’t too serious too lol.

I would like to quote a part of the lyric from the most favorite romantic song of mine,”I’ve walked across many cities and finally reach Istanbul. It’s just like fairy tale where there are churches and castles. I’ve been searching for something busily everyday but still couldn’t figure out the thing I really want. All of a sudden, I found myself lost in the middle of nowhere.” Yes! I’m lost! What am I trying to say? You got it. It’s the romantic Istanbul that moves my heart.
Though I failed Geography in virtually every test in my junior high, but all the history tests were nothing but flying colors.*applause* I’m actually a history buffs and fiction aficionado and hence unveil the ancient secrets behind this land where the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would shape the world has been the tremendous task from heaven. You know, with great power comes great responsibility. This is my gift, my curse. Who am I? I’m Turkey man.*mad*
Last but not least, I want to find out if the formula I created Tokyo + Nikko (Japan) = Istanbul + Cappadocia (Turkey). Let’s see if the Japanese or the Turks are better in blending ancient tradition with modern outlook. Let’s see who give us better feelings or who could make us go nut in our hallucination. Hey, are we the ancient or modern people? I Love Turkey!

Turkey

Turkey flag

map of Turkey

Turkey map - attractions

Aya Sofya (Sancta Sophia) at night.

Be spellbound by a street vendor display of colourful tasseled Turkish slippers at Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

Clear blue waters by Fethiye coast are the hidden treasures in Turkey for nature lovers.

Fairy Chimney Hotel in Goreme ll in the region of Cappadocia (Capadokya), central Turkey, the setting for one of the strangest landscapes in the world.