Introducing Turkey
A richly historical land with some of the best cuisine you will ever taste, one of the world’s greatest cities and scenery from white-sand beaches to soaring mountains.
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An Epic History When you set foot in Türkiye (Turkey), you are following in the wake of some remarkable historical figures. Ottoman sultans used to luxuriate in İstanbul’s Topkapı Palace, surrounded by fawning courtiers, harem members, eunuchs and riches from an empire stretching from Budapest to Baghdad. Centuries earlier, Byzantine Christians cut cave churches into Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and hid from Islamic armies in underground cities.
At other points over the millennia, the Hittites built Hattuşa’s stone walls on the Anatolian steppe, Romans coursed down the Curetes Way at Ephesus (Efes), whirling dervishes gyrated with Sufi mysticism, and the mysterious Lycians left ruins on Mediterranean beaches. Turkey has hosted A-list history-book figures including Julius Caesar, who famously ‘came, saw and conquered’ near Amasya, and St Paul, who criss-crossed the country.
Cultural Depth Of course, Turkey’s current inhabitants are just as memorable. The extroverted Turks have most in common – out of all their varied neighbouring countries, from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria – with their hot-blooded southern European neighbours. They’re also, understandably, proud of their heritage, and full of information (though we can’t vouch for its accuracy) about subjects from kilims (flat-weave rugs) to the Aya Sofya’s floating dome. Turkey’s long history has given it a profound depth of culture. Immersing yourself in that culture is as simple as soaking in a Seljuk or Ottoman hamam, eating a kebap and tasting influences brought along the Silk Road, or visiting the ancient ruins scattering the fields, bays and mountains.
Landscapes & Activities The greatest surprise for first-time visitors to Turkey, with its stereotypes of kebaps, carpets and moustachioed hustlers in the bazaar, is the sheer diversity found between its Aegean beaches and eastern mountains. In İstanbul, you can cruise – on the Bosphorus as well as through markets and nightclubs – in a Westernised metropolis offering equal parts romance and overcrowded insanity. In holiday spots such as Cappadocia and the southwestern coasts, mix trekking, horse-riding and water sports with meze savouring on a panoramic terrace. Then there are the less-frequented eastern quarters, where honey-coloured outposts overlook the plains of ancient Mesopotamia, and weather-beaten relics add lashings of lyricism to mountain ranges.
It’s hardly surprising Turkey has attracted so many folk over the centuries. Come and discover their legacy for yourself.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities 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
- Walk and sail along the Lycian Coast
- See Turkey on a shoestring
Last updated: Jan 10, 2013
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Turkey
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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
- Population:
73.6 million
- Tallest man:
Sultan Kosen, measuring 8ft 1in (2.47m) - the world's tallest man
- Telling taches:
Turks claim to be able to detect someone’s political affiliations from the shape of their moustache.