Which Mediterranean travel destination offers the most access to history and culture?

Turkey is a treasure chest of ancient history. Open it and discover the events and people who have shaped this varied land.

Turkey was home to an astounding number of ancient cultures and the cradle of 10 of the world’s greatest civilizations. From Hittite and Assyrian to Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine cultures, each group has left relics that can be found in many corners of the country.

Where else can you find so many scientists, philosophers, gods, authors, religious and political leaders?

Here are some of them;

The god of the art, Apollo; the goddess of fertility and abundance, Artemis; the goddess of love, Aphrodite; Mevlana, the philosopher who said “Come again, whatever you are”; Cleopatra, who chose the Mediterranean coast for her honeymoon; Virgin Mary, St. Mary Magdalene and St. John, saints who found peace in this land; Yunus Emre, the poet of the love still alive in our hearts; Father Christmas, who still visits children’s’ dreams; Alexander the Great, who could not resist the temptation of Anatolia; Thales, the mathematician who predicted the eclipse of the Sun; Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, famous for his laws; King Midas, who wanted to turn everything into gold; Fatih Sultan Mehmet, who conquered Istanbul, one of the most beautiful cities in the world; and those who created the poetry of this city, Orhan Veli, Piyer Loti, Yahya Kemal and Lamartina; the famous admiral Piri Reis, who prepared the first correct maps of America and Atlantic Ocean; Nasreddin Hoca, famous for his witticisms; Barbarossa, hero of the seas; and the charismatic leader who founded the contemporary Turkish Republic, Ataturk…

Adding to this historic panorama are elegant mosques and Ottoman palaces, intriguing bazaars, outstanding cuisine and scenic coastlines dotted with resorts and yachting marinas.

Traveling in Turkey means passing from one scene, legend or world to another. Crossing the endless sunflower fields of Thrace, you will find yourself in the magical vistas of Istanbul. While traveling along the Aegean or the Mediterranean coasts, you will see how the blue sea embraces the fresh green of the forests. Stop by Ephesus, the most fabled city in Asia Minor, to see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the remains of the Temple of Artemis. On the Black Sea coast, you will discover many different tones of color and will be fascinated by the intensity of emerald- like greenery. In Central Anatolia, visit the Goreme Valley, an eerie corner of the Earth resembling the lunar landscape.

For more information, please check out:

http://www.tourismturkey.org/