The country of Turkey has a rich history and is filled with thriving communities. It is an amazing place to visit that has wonders and features for people of all ages. Here are five great places to visit while in Turkey.
St. Peter’s castle; Bodrum, Turkey (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Bodrum
The city of Bodrum, for which Bodrum is named, is located on the far southwestern side of Turkey and is next to the Gulf of Gokova. This picturesque, famous city is known for sailing and boating. Throughout the history of the city, a number of different peoples including the Greeks and Persians have ruled it. In fact, Alexander the Great conquered the city during the course of his life. In the early 1400’s, crusaders came and built Bodrum Castle, which has become a favorite place to visit for locals as well as tourists as a museum that features ancient shipwrecks. Another popular place to visit is the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which was one of the original Seven Wonders of the World.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is located in Denizli Province, which is in the southwest part of the country. The area is known for hot springs and pools. In fact, many tourists and locals enjoy swimming in the water. In the late 1980’s, Pamukkale was declared a World Heritage Site as designated by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The mineral deposits from the limestone create a white residue that looks like snow or cotton from a distance. A popular museum that many individuals visit is the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum.
Istanbul
.jpg "Vertical panoramic vue, inside the Hagia Sophia.")
Inside the Hagia Sophia
Istanbul is one of the most famous cities in the region and is located in the northeastern part of the country. One of the most famous places in the city is Hagia Sophia. Originally, the building was a church for over 1,000 years. After that, it was a mosque for about 500 years. After this, the decision was made to make the building into a museum. It features Byzantine architecture. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, which has been in existence for over 4,000 years, has over 5,000 shops for people to visit. Merchandise includes paintings, rugs, jewelry, antiques and much more. There are plenty of places to have coffee or tea at a café.
Mardin
The city of Mardin is located on the southeast side of the country. The name Mardin means “Fortresses.” It is extremely close to the Tigris River. There are a number of mosques in the area with some over 500 years old. Popular mosques include the Great Mosque, the Abdullatif Mosque and the Sehidiye Medresse and Mosque. In addition to mosques, there are historic churches in the area including Deyruz-Zafaran Monastery and Mor Behnam Church. In addition to place of worship, there are plenty of stores in which individuals can shop.
Ankara
Ankara is one of the most well known cities in Turkey. Located in the middle of the country, it is the capital. It is a city rich in history with an abundance of things to do and places to see. Archaeology sites offer individuals the opportunity to visit a Roman bath, theatre and temple. A popular shopping destination is Cikrikcilar Yokusu. There are many modern theaters and performing art centers to visit as well.
Turkey offers intrigue and excitement for many individuals. The land is beautiful and rich in history. It is a great place to be.
