Discovering Turkish Delights

Visitors who fly to Turkey traditionally stay in the capital, Istanbul, or make for the numerous, sunny, seaside resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Welcoming over 28 million guests each year Turkey is well prepared with many first class hotels, mouth-watering restaurants and breath taking attractions.

Istanbul

Historically as the centre for the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul is a magnificent destination boasting such architectural delights as the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern. Shopping in Istanbul is also a popular pastime, with traditional places like the Grand and Spice bazaars as well as more modern

shopping centres such as the Akmerkez Mall. The city is also famous for its concerts and performances as well as the contents of its museums and galleries, in particular the Archaeological exhibits and displays of Islamic and Turkish art.

Cultural Turkey

Turkey with its Greek, Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman roots is a cultural gold mine with many places of great interest and splendid entertainment. The cities of Troy and Pergamon can be found here, one of the worlds oldest Monasteries at Sumela, the Church of Antioch and the popular ruins at Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys and rock cut temples.

Turkey’s beach resorts

The Aegean resorts of Bodrum and Marmaris are the favoured destinations of Brits, while the country’s Russian and Arab visitors frequent the southern area of the Mediterranean, around Antalya. Bodrum is famous for its beaches and nightlife but also as home to the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Antalya’s surrounding countryside is bordered by the Taurus Mountains and is a deluge of waterfalls and lakes, while its narrow streets and antique attractions make the town an interesting place to stay.

Turkish bathing

The Haman, a traditional Turkish Bath, is another of the countries great leisure pursuits and examples can be found throughout the country. Reaching their height in the Ottoman Empire they were used for both cleanliness and relaxation, combining steam rooms, cold pools and massage to create the perfect pamper day.

Sporting pursuits

Football is one of Turkeys leading attractions with visiting supporters gaining their first Turkish experience watching games against Galatasaray or the national team. The motor racing F1 calendar also makes an appearance at the Istanbul Park. More traditional Turkish sports include oiled wrestling and the country has a proud record in weightlifting.

Turkish Food

Visitors to Turkey will find they are able to order a worldwide selection of dishes at the bars and restaurants around the country but travelling is all about experiencing different tastes. Traditional Turkish dishes are a fusion of Arabian, Baltic and Asian foods and exhibit many regional variations. Most peoples knowledge of Turkish food comes from a late night Kebab from a street vendor but there are so many more different flavours and textures to try. Chicken cooked with almonds, chickpeas and beans also feature heavily. Foods flavoured with cumin, oregano and pepper, while chefs serve up a mixed array of pilav rice dishes. Desserts are also to die for with milky puddings, fruit and nutty breads and marzipan-based sweets.

Tobias Mollen is a freelance writer whose interests lie in all things travel. Focusing on the Mediterranean, he can provide tips and advice for those going to Istanbul or arranging flights to Turkey.

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