You may be considering Turkey as a vacation destination for your next getaway and are wondering what places are there to visit and things to do while in this Eurasian country. The Republic of Turkey, as it is officially known, offers much to see and do, to visitors from all around the world. With the rich history of the region, ancient archaeology and historical sites as well as the beautiful seaside towns along the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea coasts, tourists continue to flock to Turkey year after year.
So why visit Turkey? What does this country have to offer to travelers? As previously mentioned, the two main reasons that visitors come here is either to relax at one of the seaside resorts or to visit the many historical sites and ruins. Some travelers combine a gorgeous seaside vacation along with visits to some of the historical sites.
Turkey is actually one of the oldest regions in the world that has been continuously inhabited. This is the reason that there are so many amazing historical places for tourists to visit and enjoy. Historical records show people living in this region for many thousands of years BC. Such ancient peoples as the Hattians, Hittites, Assyrians, Phrygians, Cimmerians, Greeks and Romans all colonized parts of this region and have each left their stories in the history of this country.
Historical Sites To Visit
Ephesus, located in the Izmir province, is a great example of Roman life as it was from around 133 BC to 262 AD. Sitting on the mouth of the river Cayster made this location perfect as a commercial center for Western Anatolia and also served as a gateway to the eastern world. Early Christianity was strong in this region and the apostle Paul visited Ephesus and even wrote a letter in the Bible called 'Ephesians'.
There are many sites of interest in Ephesus and these include: The Basilica, the Temple of Artemis, Church of St. John, Church of Virgin Mary, Agora, the Aqueduct of Sextilius Pollio and the Fountains of Trajan and Pollio. This list is not exhaustive as there are many other places that are worth visiting in the area around Ephesus.
Other historical sites in Turkey that are popular with visitors include:
Troy, Aphrodisias, Aspendos, Gallipoli (Gelibolu), Hattusas, Mount Nemrut, Gordion, Olympos, Sardis, Pergamum (Bergama), Didim (Didyma), Hierapolis, Perge, Safranbolu, Catalhoyuk and Side, Turkey.
Turkish Cities of Interest to Travelers
- Turkey has modern cities that are also well worth a visit. Many of these have touches of history and many interesting sites to see.
- Ankara - Turkey's Capital.
- Istanbul - Turkey's largest city and historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople. Home to historical Ottoman mosques.
- Izmir - Third largest city in Turkey and one of the most progressive.
- Also: Konya, Adana and Bursa.
Seaside Resorts in Turkey
Along the coastal areas of Turkey, on the Mediterranean Sea, the climate is temperate Mediterranean, which means summers are hot and dry and winters are mild to cool and wet. Around the Black Sea the climate is more temperate Oceanic, with warm, wet summers and cool-cold wet winters. Hence, in summer Turkey is a popular holiday destination for many travelers who wish to relax in one of the luxury seaside resorts on the Mediterranean, Aegean or Black Sea coasts throughout Turkey.
The geography of Turkey is quite unique with the beautiful, turquoise Turkish Riviera, with the shoreline bordering the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas and then in the north the Black Sea. Holiday resorts have been built around much of these shorelines and are popular with tourists every summer.
After looking at some of the interesting, fun and relaxing things that a visitor can enjoy in this part of the world, it is easy to see why you should investigate Turkey as a vacation destination for your next holiday away.
