From Cappadocia’s phenomenal rock formations to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean coastline, Turkey is one of the most visited countries in the world. Located in a unique geographic position in both Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia, the country is surrounded by the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Aegean Sea.
Straddling Asia and Europe, its location puts Turkey in a strategically influential space and serves as a gateway between the two continents.
Once positioned as the centerpiece of the great Ottoman Empire, the modern Turkish Republic is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. Home to over 85 million people (about twice the population of California), Turkey is bordered by countries from both continents of Europe and Asia. They include Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Greece, Iraq and Syria.
So, it is no wonder the country has some of the most beautiful landscapes, heritage sites, marvelous mosques, and one of the seven wonders of the world.
Turkey has a culture that has matured like old wine, natural beauty that has been accentuated with time, and architectural landmarks that show constant up-gradation from traditional to modern structures.
The country is also known for its delicious food, beautiful beaches, and famous Turkish baths. Here you will get a taste of mouthwatering cuisine as well as find numerous archaeological and religious sites. You will also experience the ancient empires, and immerse yourself in blockbuster scenery by sea, and land; celebrating the best of the country's unique cultural diversity. Whatever your preference, these magical lands will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
In this blog, Unify Holidays we take you through the wonders of Turkey and why booking a Turkey Holiday Packages is a greatly rewarding experience.
What Turkey is Famous For
Historical and Archaeological Sites
The country is home to many world-famous historical sites, natural phenomena, and other landmarks. This includes the ancient city of Troy, Ephesus, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and many more.
Troy
Troy is renowned as a residence of the legendary Trojan War and an archaeological site. Located in northwest Anatolia, the city is considered one of the most famous cities in the world with layers of war ruins.
Troy has about 4,000 years of history in its role in the Trojan War (a legendary story in ancient Greek mythology about the siege of Troy caused by Paris, son of the Trojan king, and Helen, wife of the Greek king Menelaus, when they ran off together to the city). The city is now a popular archaeological site in modern-day Turkey.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is one of the world's largest surviving palaces in the world according to history. It was built between 1460 and 1478 under the orders of Sultan Mehmed II a few years after he conquered Constantinople. The palace served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, and the home of the Ottoman Sultans for almost four centuries.
Ephesus
This ancient Greek city of Ephesus is located in modern day Turkey. According to history, it was once the largest and most important city in the ancient Mediterranean and home of the Virgin Mary. It was also one of the oldest Greek cities and an important region for the Romans.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a Turkish city with the cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled there and is famous for its iconic landmarks. They include Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Rumelihisari Castle, Dolmabahce Palace, and Beylerbey Palace.
Grand Bazaar Istanbul
The Grand Bazaar Istanbul was opened in 1461 and has become one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Home to over 4,000 shops, you can get anything in the market. From jewelry, and traditional Turkish clothing, to spices, leather goods, and foods. It attracts millions of visitors to marvel at its beautiful architecture while shopping.
The Grand Bazaar is one of Turkey historical sites with captivating mosaics, frescoes, and impressive domes. It was also selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 to recognize its cultural and historical significance.
The Famous Turkish Baths
Also known as hammams by the locals, the famous Turkish bath is an integral part of Turkish culture with a long history dating back centuries. The baths are often in beautiful buildings with marble interiors and domed ceilings, with an undressing room, cold room, warm room, and hot room.
A Turkish bath involves a specific routine starting with relaxation in a warm room. Then to a hotter room to sweat and relax the muscles followed by a scrub and a soapy massage on a marble slab. Finally, you enter a cold room to cool down your body.
Turkish baths are also spaces for general hygiene, and social interaction where people gather, chat, and relax.
Delicious Turkish Cuisine
Turkish cuisine has a rich and diverse history heavily impacted by its unique geographic location and cultural influences. As a bridge between Europe and Asia, Turkey dishes have a blend of flavors from both continents. Its use of olive oil, fresh vegetables, and lean proteins is influenced by European cuisine while spices and rich flavors are from Asian.
Kebabs, one of Turkish best foods is made with beef, goat, chicken, fish, or even pork depending on specific religious prohibitions. Other popular Turkish delicacies include Baklava, Turkish Delight, and Turkish teas and coffees.
Beautiful Beaches
Turkey has become a popular holiday destination for many tourists around the world. This is because of its warm summer climate and the country’s beautiful beaches. Some of Turkey Beach Resorts and holiday destinations include Kusadasi, Concorde De Luxe Resort, Antalya, Kas, and Bodrum.
The country also offers everything for holiday-goers such as beautiful beaches, nightlife, cultural sites, delicious food, and more.
Amazing Places to Visit in Turkey
Turkey is a country rich in cultural history and a diverse landscape, making it a great destination for tourists. Book a trip to Turkey today using Unify Hollday's all-inclusive Turkey holidays packages. Here are some places to explore during your vacation in the country.
Ortaköy Mosque
The Ortaköy Mosque is one of the prettiest places to visit in Istanbul. Located at the water’s edge of the Ortaköy pier square beside the Bosphorus bridge, a popular location on the Bosphorus. Constructed around 1854 to 1856, the mosque was built with White marble, porphyry, stones, and pink mosaic plaster.
Ortaköy Mosque is breathtaking at sunset with the golden light, and in the morning, when the call rings out across the water.
Istanbul
With spectacular cruises, lively nightlife, jaw-dropping skyline, and a rich history that stretches back at least 2500 years, Istanbul is one of the most popular destinations in Turkey.
The city has two major airports that accept direct flights from all over the world, and a massive international bus station that covers routes across Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East. It is also the former capital of three different empires (Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman) This makes the city a great place to learn the history of those empires.
Istanbul is home to some of the historically famous places in Turkey. Dive into Istanbul’s buzzing restaurant and cafe scene or party the night away in one of the many stylish bars and clubs with our Turkey holiday packages. Wake up to a unique breakfast and feel connected to the history of this great city.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a land of fairy chimneys and stunning landscapes, making it a year-round destination. There is so much to see when visiting Cappadocia. From its unique geological formations to the underground cities, open-air museums, and incredibly well-preserved rock churches, it’s no wonder that Cappadocia is one of the top tourist attractions in Turkey.
Cappadocia is also a place for bucket-list experiences such as riding the hot air balloon at sunrise, staying in a cave hotel, hiking through the valleys, walking through the Göreme open-air museum, and visiting Uchisar Castle. Book your Turkey honeymoon packages with Unify Holidays to experience the best of Cappadocia.
Bursa
Are you looking for cities close to Instabul to visit in Turkey? Then you consider Bursa in the northwestern region of Turkey. Bursa is a historical city and the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. It is also the fourth most populous city in Turkey.
Also called Yeşil Bursa, the city is popular due to the surrounding parks, gardens, thermal springs, forests, and mountains.
Home to numerous historic mosques, markets, inns, and Turkish baths, Bursa is a popular tourist with Cumalıkızık, a well-preserved picturesque 700-year-old Turkish village located in the foothills of Mount Uludağ.
Stroll through the narrow-cobbled streets, and admire the traditional Ottoman houses, ancient mosques, and bathhouses.
Bursa is also one of the best places to get the best Turkey kebab as the famous Iskender kebab was created there. Tahini pide, a flatbread topped with tahini mixed with molasses and sprinkled with sugar is also very popular in Bursa.
Uludağ National Park
Uludağ National Park is a skiing and hiking paradise for outdoor lovers. Named after Mount Uludag, the highest mountain in Western Anatolia, this park has stunning waterfalls, gorgeous lakes, forests, and meadows.
Tourists visit Uludağ all year round to enjoy picnics by the lakes, go fishing, and enjoy hiking around the park to see the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Winter is the cheapest time to visit the Uludağ Ski Center in the park. Not only is the landscape covered in snow, but it is also a great time for winter sports junkies.
The Uludağ Ski Center is Turkey’s largest ski resort with state-of-the-art skiing facilities at an affordable price. The Uludağ Ski Center is also great for snowboarding, sledging, tobogganing, and snowshoeing.
CONCLUSION
Are you planning your next vacation to this unique country? Book your Turkey holiday packages from Unify Holidays today to experience the best places in the country and share a lifetime of memories.