Turkey |
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Located at the south-eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, Turkey is a country of mountain ranges, high plateaus and fertile river valleys, is the bridge between the Orient and Europe. Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and other civilizations have left a legacy of amphitheatres, baths, colonnaded streets, forts and castles, temples, tombs and rock-dwellings dotted all over the country. Many of these sights may be seen along the western and south-western coasts.
The capital, Istanbul is a bustling cosmopolitan city. The older section of the city has many attractions for the visitor, like Topkapi, which was once the residential palace of the Ottoman sultans, the Blue Mosque (the only mosque in the world with six minarets), St. Sophia, once a Byzantine cathedral, a mosque and now a museum.
The magnificent coast of ancient Ionia boasts many important historical sites. It is thought that the remains of Troy lie along this coast. Yalova, on the Sea of Marmara, is a pleasant town with thermal springs and is within easy reach of Istanbul. Bodrum, the popular seaside resort, is on the Aegean coast, one of Turkey's greatest shorelines. Idyllic coves and turquoise lagoons nestle among rocky cliffs and are fringed by olive and fig groves. This area has much to offer the visitor; crystal-clear waters, sun-drenched beaches, sailing, or visiting some of the historical sites in the area.
The attractive resort of Kusadasi is surrounded by unspoiltgolden beaches, lots of opportunities for shopping and a bustling nightlife. Nearby is the remains of the historical city of Ephesus, one of the grandest sites of the ancient world. |
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