Turkey

When we think about Turkey, we imagine mosques, grand bazaars, beaches. Turkey is a mixture of oriental and European elements- traditional Turkish tea to the majestic Hagia Sophia. The famous places to visit in Turkey are in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Antalya, and much more. Istanbul the Capital city of Turkey, spread over two continents, Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait.

Cappadocia is a semi-arid region in central Turkey and is known for its hot air balloons. Pamukkale is famous for its thermal spa terraces & Antalya for beaches and Historic monuments.

Turkey (from Medieval Latin Turchia/Turquia) means ‘the land of Turks’. Turkey discovered on 23 October 1923. The official language of Turkey is Turkish.

Let us explore this beautiful city.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is the official grand mosque of Turkey situated in Istanbul. Christians had built this mosque, and it was with them for 900 years. Later, Muslims took rights on Hagia Sophia. In ancient times, it was a church and then converted to a mosque. Later, it got converted to a museum. In 2020, again, converted to a mosque. It is the most visited mosque by the tourists.

If you are a history lover, you must visit this mosque. This place influences different religions and rulers of ancient times. The inside beauty and architecture of the mosque will fascinate you.

The Blue Mosque

In 1616, The Blue Mosque was built in Turkey located in Istanbul. It is known as the Blue Mosque because of its interior walls designed with blue tiles. It is a major tourist attraction.

It is popularly known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque. You will love this place, and you can feel the fascinating paintings on the wall. The mosque is beautiful, and you get to know the history. Before you visit, make sure that your head, arms and legs are covered.

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar is the oldest and biggest market in the world, located in Istanbul. Grand Bazaar consists of more than 4000 shops covering 61 streets. It is the most visited tourist attraction. If you visit Istanbul, you must visit Grand Bazaar. You can buy things at a low price. Few things that you must buy are Ceramics, Turkish Lamps, Turkish tea, Turkish jewelry and many more.

You can find almost everything you want, in this Bazaar. Your visit to Istanbul is incomplete if you don’t visit Grand Bazaar. Grand Bazaar is the Heart of Turkish people.

Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern is the largest Cistern beneath Turkey. A cistern is a tank or reservoir. It occupies a rectangular area of 140 meters. It was constructed in 532 using 332 columns. You must visit this ancient and fascinating place. Today, it is a major tourist attraction.

Topkapi Palace Museum

Topkapi Palace Museum was built in 1465. The palace is worth visiting. It is recommended to visit this place in the early morning as it is less crowded. You can easily spend around 4 hours, and you must pay extra to visit Harem. It is a magnificent and beautiful palace.

Hot Air Ballooning

Cappadocia listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for hot air ballooning. It is famous for its unique fairy chimneys, boutiques, hills, valleys, and many more.

Tourists gather in a crowd before taking off as balloons are prepared. If you visit Turkey, you must visit Cappadocia for hot air ballooning. It is worth visiting as well as experiencing.

Kaymakli Underground City

Kaymakli Underground City is an interesting place to visit. It is fascinating to see underground houses and rooms. It is estimated that 3500 people used to live in this underground city. Only 4floors are uncovered for tourism. People say that this underground city is the widest in Cappadocia.

Bosporus Cruise

Bosporus is a natural straight dividing two continents, Europe and Asia. If you visit Turkey, a Bosporus ferry tour is a must. You can see an ancient city via a ferry. The scenery is beautiful. While travelling onboard, one gets fascinated by the views of Asian-Middle Eastern-influenced buildings on one side and can be captured by the European architecture on the other side.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is in western Turkey. It is known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. If you plan a trip to Turkey for more than 3 days, you must give Pamukkale a visit. You can go on a one day Pamukkale Tour also. You can experience nature’s beauty and also history.

Apart from visiting these places, the following are things you must try in Turkey:

• You must try mouth-watering Turkish delights.
• If you’re a non-vegetarian, you must try İskender Kebab in Northwest.
• Pasta lovers must try Turkish Ravioli. Turkey has its unique version.
• I recommend you to eat Baklava. It’s a sweet and classy dish.
• You must have Turkish ice cream.
• Pizza lovers, you have to try Etli Ekmek (Turkish Pizza)
• Tea lovers must try Turkish Tea.

I must say, Turkey is a worth visiting country. You must visit Istanbul and other famous places. Also, you must try the food recommended above if you are a food lover. You can go on a one day trip to Istanbul to cover all the famous places.