What To See And Do Around Turkey



by Mark Walters


For a really brilliant experience, give Turkey a try. It's a beautiful country and there is a lot to see and do. For the attractions not to miss out on while visiting Turkey, read on to find out more. One place you should definitely visit is the Blue Mosque, which was completed in 1616. Its walls are lined with beautiful blue tiles, which are where it gets its name, and the light is reflected through the windows of the building. It's probably the most beautiful mosque in the world.

The Gallipoli Anzacs are now a national park but were once the sight of a bloody battle during the First World War, during which both the Turks and Allies suffered heavy casualties when the Allies tried to open a supply line through the Black Sea to Russia. Eventually the Turks won following some intense warfare. Now you can see some war memorials alongside sandy beaches and beautiful pine forests, all of which are definitely worth exploring on your visit to the area.

One of the geological wonders of the world is the Cappadocia region in central Turkey. 60 million years ago, two volcanoes erupted and created an unusual landscape of valleys and cones. Also, there are more than 600 buildings, including churches that have been cut into the rock in the region. Some of them have frescoes on the walls, reflecting the many cultures that have lived in the region over the centuries of long ago. This is definitely the place to come for culture lovers.

Ephesus has a history dating back to 12BC and it is now one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world, with around 20% of the city being excavated. It used to be home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, as well as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation where St Paul lived and preached. Ephesus was one an important trade and religious center and you definitely can't leave Turkey without paying a visit.

One last place to visit while you're in Turkey is Mount Nemrut, which used to be where the small but rich Commagene Kingdom was based. There are large representations of Zeus and Apollo, as well as the famous sanctuary of Antiochos I. Built by him as a funerary monument, it is more than 150 meters in diameter and more than 50 meters tall, so it's seriously big. Mt Nemrut is part of the Taurus mountain range and is definitely a beautiful sight.




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