5 Damn Good Reasons Turkey Should Be The Next Place You Vacation To
To put it simply, Turkey is one of those richly beautiful places that just doesn't get talked about enough. It's a diamond in the rough - and it has so much to offer. The list of things to do and places to see is almost overwhelming.
Admittedly - and regrettably - I myself haven't been yet...but after spending hours learning more about it, I'm officially beginning the planning for my trip this weekend. You may want to think about doing the same. And here are 5 great reasons.
The Blue Mosque - or, "The Sultan Ahmed Mosque," (shown in the previous picture, from the outside) named after the 14th Ottoman Sultan Ahmed who ordered its construction - is one of the most visited, and venerated places of Muslim worship in the world.
Mount Nemrut is partly a mausoleum to the famed King Antioch - which he had built in 62 BC, during his reign - and part temple to various Greek, Armenian, and Iranian gods. It’s also the best vantage point for a quintessential panoramic view of south-eastern Anatolia.
Located in present-day Selçuk, in the İzmir Province, Ephesus was a metropolis city built by the ancient Greeks during 10th century BC, and was eventually overtaken by the Romans in 129 BC. Somehow, it's withstood centuries upon centuries of tumult and erosion, now serving as one of the most iconic tourist sites in Turkey today.
The Sumela Monastery, lofted up in the magnificent Pontic mountains which beset the Black Sea, takes an hour trek (with a tour guide) from the nearest town. Built by Greek Orthodox monks in the 4th century, Sumela has some of Turkey’s most archaic antiquities and mosaics along its interior walls.
Turkey’s highest peak, Mount Ararat, sits atop the demarcation line between Turkey and Armenia. It’s also alleged to be the place where Noah’s Ark came to rest after the great flood of the Bible.
During winter months, starting around November and going through March, visitors can ski and snowboard at any one of the multitude of ski resorts Turkey has to offer - from places like Erzerum, to Ilgaz, to Kartepe, the options are practically endless.
If winter sports aren't your thing, visit during the spring or summer, and be sure to visit Turkey's western shoreline, which is decorated with a litany of adorably quaint, culture-packed coastal towns - which brings me to my next reason...
Built atop the Black Sea, the harbor-town of Amasra is small, gorgeous, inviting, and riddled with beautifully adorned hostels and authentic restaurants. Oh, and compared to its counterparts along the Mediterranean, its infrequently visited as a tourist spot, so you'll have the town - and beach - practically to yourself.
Then there's the beautiful, Antakya. Located in the mountainous southeast, the richly eclectic town is known as a city of co-existence, due to the manifold of different religious faiths represented by its citizens. If you're looking for a place to feel welcomed and loved, Antakya is it. It's also home to some of Turkey’s oldest churches, and proximate to several Mediterranean beaches.
But one would be remiss to ignore Safranbolu, a cobblestone paradise of cafes, culture, and warm people. Really, take your pick.
Whether it basking on pristine beaches...
Or enjoying the incredible mix of different cuisines...
Or going on a hot-air balloon ride...
Or gallivanting through the intoxicating streets of Istanbul...
Culture, sights, cuisine, history, architecture, beauty, and great people. Do you really need more incentive?
