Introducing Turkey
Turkey might be the world’s most contested country. Its landscape is dotted with battlegrounds, ruined castles and the palaces of great empires. This is the land where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordion Knot, where Achilles battled the Trojans in Homer’s Iliad, and where the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would shape the world. History buffs can immerse themselves in marvels and mementos stretching back to the dawn of civilisation.
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Then again, if you want to simply unwind, spend an afternoon being pampered at a hamam, or let the warm waters off the Mediterranean coast lap at your toes. Adventure lovers can head east to Nemrut Daği National Park. Bon vivants need look no further than İstanbul, where the markets and bars are among the most stylish and atmospheric, and the mod Ottoman cuisine rates as the tastiest, in the world.
The country’s tumultuous history has left a deep legacy. People who’ve never had to suffer for an idea or fight for a patch of land can be overwhelmed by the passion of ordinary Turks for their country. But for ordinary Turks that passion finds its outlet, not in martial ardour, but in simple pleasures: family, food, music, football, and friendship. Turks have an inspiring ability to keep things in perspective, to get on with everyday life and to have a bloody good time in the process. Sharing their joy in the simple things is a highlight for every visitor.
Treat Turkey as that most quintessential of Turkish dishes, the meze, a table piled high with scrumptious treats. Throw away the menu, order a plate of everything and feast till you can’t go on. Afiyet olsun!
Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:
- Discover the best of Turkey in 15 days
- Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar: see Istanbul in a day
Last updated: Jan 18, 2012
Tips & articles
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Navigating Istanbul by night
13 April 2012
The residents of Istanbul do a number of things extremely well. They shop with an almost religious fervour, they demand...
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Remembering Gallipoli: must-see sights for Anzac Day
13 April 2012
From Turkey, Australia and New Zealand to Britain and France, people join together ever...
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A perfect trip to Turkey
4 April 2012
In this ancient country where Europe meets Asia, the sun shines down on a unique fusion of history and scenery,...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Female travel companion to the Caucasus (Georgia)?
by adudeczka 27 May 2012
Hello all, I will be in Europe over the summer/fall and am hoping to "digress" slightly east at some point to the Caucasus, particularly…
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RE: Trains out of Istanbul
by ChristineAtSea 27 May 2012
I always prefer to take the bus in Turkey. Much better mode of transportation and you get to see so much of the country.
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Re: Hotel in Istanbul
by ohad1011 27 May 2012
Hi TBM, Turkey is great !! I absolutely love it . Regarding your questions. I'm going to go over them 1 by one . OK if you're going…
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Turkey
Things to do
- All things to do (1,884)
- Activities (193)
- Entertainment (318)
- Restaurants (637)
- Shopping (145)
- Sights (542)
- Tours (49)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Turkey
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1 İstanbul
Visit Topkapî 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
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2 Safranbolu
Pause to admire an unspoilt Ottoman townscape, then stay in Ottoman style in a restored wooden house
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3 Pergamum
Visit the Acropolis and Asclepion and wonder at the staggering temains of a once-great Anatolian Kingdom
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4 Gallipoli Peninsula
Wander the Anzac battlefields, at once poignant and peaceful
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5 Ephesus
Marvel at the most extensive remains of a Roman city complete with a 25,000-seat theatre
Fast Facts about Turkey
- Popular hangover cure:
İşkembe (tripe) soup
- Home of the tulip:
the flower originated in Turkey and grew popular during the Ottoman Empire, when it was exported to Europe
- Favourite fast-food chain:
Simit Sarayı, which sells the country’s much-loved simit (sesame-encrusted bread ring) to thousands of customers every day
- Head of state:
President Abdullah Gul
- Population:
76.8 million
- Tallest man:
Sultan Kosen, measuring 8ft 1in (2.47m) - the world's tallest man
- Average number of sexual partners in a lifetime:
14; according to a Durex Global Sex Survey, Turkey is the world's 'most virile nation'
- Telling taches:
Turks claim to be able to detect someone’s political affiliations from the shape of their moustache.
- Currency:
What's the Turkish lira worth today?
Our favourite Turkey Blogs (beta)
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My Adventures Teaching English Abroad and How You Can Teach English Abroad
Blog: Backpacking on the Cheap - 26 May 2012
I first got interested in teaching English overseas when I got sick of my 9-5 job in Australia, and wanted something more from life. I didn’t want to waste away behind a desk doing stuff which didn’t feel meaningful at all. I did some research and found a good, cheap online TEFL school. (If you [...]
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Wishes And Stuff
Blog: Hecktic Travels - 25 May 2012
On the banks of a river, they make their wishes.
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Daily Wanderlust: Istanbul By Night
Blog: The Adventures of D - 24 May 2012
Daily Wanderlust: Istanbul By NightEditor’s Note: This is a guest post written by Nic Freeman. As the sun sets in an amber haze over the horizon of lego-like buildings and mosque minarets, Istanbul transforms [...]d travels 'round
