Self-Catering Rentals in Aegean Region, Turkey

Author: Karen Waller

The Aegean Region of Turkey is a great holiday destination for everyone. It boasts some fantastic landscapes, beautiful cities and amazing coastlines and beaches to explore.

What’s more, this Turkish region is ideal for a holiday property rental, as it offers a great selection of self-catering accommodation for all tastes and budgets.

The Aegean Region offers so much for its visitors to see and do and, with its lovely mild climate, so it’s not surprising that it such a popular tourist area.

Izmir, which is the third largest city in Turkey, is a good base from which to visit other places in this area of Turkey. If time allows, try to catch some of the sights of this great busy city. Izmir, formerly known as Smyrna, is an important port and has a lovely bay and coastline. While you are here, try to visit Izmir Archaeological Museum, which houses some interesting exhibits.

The town of Çesme, which is west of Izmir, is also well worth a visit. It boasts some lovely golden sandy beaches. It also offers a good selection of shops, restaurants and bars etc.

Bodrum is another popular area in the Aegean Region. It was once known as Halicarnassus and is rich in history. Here you can visit Bodrum’s Castle of St Peter, which houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and Bodrum Amphitheatre. There is plenty to do in Bodrum, which is situated on a peninsula. It has many shops, restaurants, cafes and bars and it offers a fantastic nightlife, too!

If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, be sure to check out the resort of Altinkum, which is also in the Aegean Region. It boasts some lovely beaches, great attractions, good food and drink, an excellent nightlife – and, of course, a fantastic climate, too!

Not surprisingly, Altinkum, which means Golden Sands, is a perfect destination for a beach holiday. It has some gorgeous beaches on which you can unwind and forget all about the hustle and bustle of daily life. In fact, Altinkum, which is situated on the Aegean coast, boasts three beautiful golden sandy beaches. It’s an ideal spot for children and it’s a great place for anyone who just wants to sit back, soak up the sun and simply watch the world go by.

If you fancy doing some exercise, there’s a selection of water sports that you can enjoy here. You can try your hand at wind-surfing or jet-skiing. Or you can take a banana boat ride or hire a pedalo.

Another popular place in Turkey’s Aegean Region is Fethiye, which is a pretty coastal town and is a perfect base from which you can explore other areas. The famous Ölüdeniz Beach is only 8.5 km south of Fethiye, so be sure to check it out if you’re a beach lover!

However, if you’re looking for some ancient history and culture during your holiday, then make sure that you head to Ephesus. It is an amazingly well preserved city from Roman times. You can walk around this fantastic ancient city, step right back into history and see just what a Roman city looked like.

This is just a taster of what the wonderful Aegean Region of Turkey has to offer its visitors. The Aegean Region is an ideal holiday destination for all ages and it’s just perfect for a holiday property rental.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/selfcatering-rentals-in-aegean-region-turkey-510659.html

About the Author:
Karen Waller is a destination rep for Self Property Rental,  http://www.selfpropertyrental.com  offering a wide selection of  holiday rentals  Aegean Region, Turkey!

Holidays in Turkey

Author: Elena Carr

Cheap holiday is a unique opportunity to explore the art and culture of a country endowed with features to make life worth living and holiday experience an exciting one,  cheap holidays  Turkey is one of such offer that makes it possible to tour the beauty of life in Turkey, cheap holiday Turkey is less expensive thereby making it accessible to persons desiring to enjoy the ecstasy of a holiday.
On  Cheap holidays Turkey   one is opportune to experience holiday in Istanbul, capital of the Istanbul province in Turkey. Istanbul is becoming increasingly colorful in terms of its rich social, cultural, and commercial activities. While world famous pop stars fill stadiums, activities like opera, ballet and theater continue throughout the year. During seasonal festivals, world famous orchestras, chorale ensembles, concerts and jazz legends can be found often playing to a full house. The Istanbul International Film Festival is one of the most important film festivals in Europe, while the Istanbul Biennial is another major event of fine arts.
Other center of attractions in Istanbul includes the Istanbul Modern, located on the Bosphorus with a magnificent view of the Seraglio Point, resembles Tate Modern in many ways frequently hosts the exhibitions of renowned Turkish and foreign artists. Pera Museum and Sak?p Sabanc? Museum have hosted the exhibitions of world most famous artists, and are among the most important private museums in the city. The Rahmi M. Koç Museum on the Golden Horn is an industrial museum; it exhibits historic industrial equipment such as cars and locomotives from the 1800s and early 1900s, as well as boats, submarines, aircraft, and other similar vintage machines from past epochs.
Istanbul Archaeology Museum, established in 1881, is one of the largest and most famous museums of its kind in the world. The museum contains more than 1,000,000 archaeological pieces from the Mediterranean basin, the Balkans, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. Istanbul Mosaic Museum contains the late Roman and early Byzantine floor mosaics and wall ornaments of the Great Palace of Constantinople. The nearby Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, originally the Ibrahim Pasha Palace (1524) on Sultanahmet Square, displays a vast collection of items from various Islamic civilizations. Sadberk Han?m Museum on the Bosphorus contains a wide variety of artifacts, dating

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/holidays-in-turkey-532323.html

About the Author:
The author is involved in the travel sector and is writting professional travel articles.

Why Do I Go to Turkey?

Author: David Lumsden

There are so many reasons why I visit Turkey every year for my holidays . . .       The Turkish people are welcoming, hospitable and funny; their sense of humour is very similar to the British sense of humour and can be quite dry. In comparison to some countries, if you try to speak the language the Turkish are impressed and are grateful that you have made an effort to learn even a few words. Just learning a few basic words and phrases will lighten up the faces of an already congenial people.       Turkey is abundant in ancient history and has been home to the Lycians, Romans and Byzantians to name but a few. Ancient ruins are common-place and if you are staying near Dalyan I would recommend visiting the Lycian rock tombs and nearby city of Kaunos where you can see a ruined Byzantian church or sit in the amphitheatre, there is also an abundance of wildlife to see as well.          Food! Say goodbye to fish and chips and say hello to fish and chips . . . okay, some resorts do cater for the UK market but even these resorts offer a plethora of mouth-watering Turkish cuisine. Slow roasted lamb shank is a particular favourite and with most resorts being close to the sea there is copious amounts of fresh sea food, however my preferred dish is Kofte (meatballs) washed down with raki (a local aniseed drink). Tomatoes! There are mountains of them in Turkey to don’t be surprised if they accompany nearly every course.       The  weather  in Turkey is at its hottest during the months of July & August and can be too much for some, if this is the case visit during May/June or September/October. During October it is advisable to take a jumper when you go out on the evening as it can get a little chilly. Whatever you do, don’t forget the sun screen!       If you like a bit of retail therapy after the stress of lying by the pool then Turkey has bargains to fill another suitcase! From the weekly markets where you can buy “genuine fake” designer clothes at great prices to the opulent jewellery shops in the larger resorts, you are guaranteed to find a bargain. Don’t be afraid to haggle as it is an accepted practice, you may feel uncomfortable the first few times but your inhibitions will disappear when you realise what you are saving and how much fun you can have.       Enjoy Turkey!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/why-do-i-go-to-turkey-746115.html

About the Author:
Jerry is the author of the  www.sunstopholidays.blogspot.com  blog (sponsored by  www.sunstop.co.uk)  which blogs on the wonderful country of Turkey.

Holidays to the Aegean Coast: Enjoy Turkey’s Splendor

Author: wayne bromiley

Some of the most beautiful countryside in the world lies on or around the Aegean Coast of Turkey. Holidays to the Aegean Coast are great for the entire family because this beautiful place also happens to be as rich in history and culture as it is in beauty. The past has left an unmistakable mark on the present that is today known as the Aegean coast. Despite the wealth this area offers as a holiday destination it is still quite possible to enjoy cheap holidays to the Aegean coast of Turkey if you do your research, plan well, and budget your time and your money.
A Little Bit of Everything – Holidays to the Aegean Coast are like a bundle of prizes rolled into one. You will get the beaches that are often high on everyone’s holiday list and plenty of exciting things to see and explore in addition to the beach. Swimming, windsurfing, and pleasure boating are big pastimes as you can imagine in addition to simply enjoying the rays of the sun and working on a nice holiday glow.
At the same time there are traces of the past to explore at almost every corner. From ancient ruins to museums and countless monuments to the past in between there is no shortage of greatness in history to explore along the Aegean coast. In fact it would probably take several lengthy holidays to the Aegean coast in order to explore them all and it is doubtful that you would ever understand the full impact of history that has taken place along these shores. It is simply too much for many travelers to fully understand though many will undoubtedly try to at the very least come home with the highlights. If you are a history buff you will find few places on earth that offer more than Turkey, beginning with Aegean coast has to offer as far as holidays go.
For the Romantics – Holidays to the Aegean coast need not get caught up in the past to be enjoyed. There is plenty of romance to experience whether you are intrigued by the story of the Iliad and decide to visit the ancient ruins of Troy or decide to take a trip to Aphrodisias the City of Aphrodite you will find plenty of romance in the history of the Aegean coastal region. Spas are very popular in this part of Turkey and you will find that there are some excellent and romantic getaways available to those who plan their holidays to the Aegean coast. You will even find that many of these excellent, educational, and entertaining holidays are actually surprisingly cheap holidays when you plan properly.
Whether you are looking for quaint, out of the way holiday destinations or prefer to be in the thick of the action with a hopping night life you will find many options available to you when you plan your holidays to the Aegean coast of Turkey. If you decide what you want ahead of time, plan accordingly, and budget carefully you will be able to enjoy  cheap holiday deals  throughout this region.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/holidays-to-the-aegean-coast-enjoy-turkeys-splendor-856491.html

About the Author:
More Holidays at search4sun.com  Cheap holiday deals  Wayne Bromiley

Top 10 Beaches in Turkey

Author: Travel Guru

The Finest Beaches of Turkey

When people think of grand beaches, they generally think of places like California, Florida or Hawaii, but they rarely think of a country like Turkey. Despite being under-publicised,  holidays to Turkey  offer a wide variety of beaches that stretch along the Mediterranean Sea.

In this article, we will take a look at the top ten beaches found in Turkey.

Patara Beach:  Patara is the longest beach in the Mediterranean, and was hailed by The Sunday Times as the best beach in the world. Accommodations are limited, loungers and umbrellas are available to rent, and it is backed by ancient ruins and dunes.

Oludeniz Beach:  Oludeniz is Turkey’s most famous beach, and therefore in peak seasons, is the most crowded. There are good hotels to stay at, very good bars, water sports available, scuba diving and is surrounded with resorts.

Olimpos:  If you want a more relaxed, romantic atmosphere, this is the beach for you. It is far more secluded and smaller than the other two beaches mentioned so far, and is backed by a forest, which is filled with Roman ruins.

Side:  Side is only an hour away from the airport, and is very popular with holiday groups. There is a village and a beach filled with fine sand, as well as some Roman ruins to explore nearby.

Iztuzu Beach:  Iztuzu Beach is a national conservation area, and is one of the last breeding places in Europe of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. It can only be reached by a 20 minute boat ride from the nearby town of Dalyan. There is a lot of beach, and the water is warm and shallow. Nearby, there are some cliff tombs you can explore as well.

Cleopatra’s Beach (Alanya):   Alanya is one of the biggest resorts found in Turkey, and Cleopatra’s beach is splendid and very popular. The beach and resort offer great accommodations, facilities and things to do. There is also an old fortress nearby.

Kemer:  Kemer is basically a seaside town built along the sea. There are a number of small beaches you can visit, as well as many day-trip opportunities. Most of the beaches are made up of small pebbles, although there are a few with sandy beaches.

Bodrun:  Bodrun is home to the original mausoleum, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also home to the Castle of St Peter, which used to be a crusader fortress but now serves as the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The beaches in town are small, but many people visit them as an afterthought to sightseeing.

Pamucak Beach:  Most of the beach is public, but on the south side there are some resorts. It is close to the Aqua Fantasy water park, and there is a small hotel where you can get refreshments and amenities. The water is pretty choppy, and there aren’t any life guards, so be careful.

Sinop:  Sinop has many fascinating things to see, and the beaches are small. Because the water comes from the Black Sea, it can be rather chilly too.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/top-10-beaches-in-turkey-303920.html

About the Author:
directline-holidays.co.uk  provides you with the latest  Turkey holiday offers , cheap Turkey flights, essential information & reviews on Turkey.

The Sabiha Gokcen International Airport: a Sign of Progressive Turkey

Author: John C. Arkin

If you are flying to Istanbul for first time and  you are looking for any sign proving what you have learnt previously about  Turkey – that Turkey is a country that is about to emerge as an economic  powerhouse in Europe – you can look too close.  All you need is looking your  surroundings at the moment you land at the airport.  Chances are that you have  landed at the Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).  SAW is the best proof  that can show Turkey’s economic progress.  Istanbul had a growing need for  a bigger international airport and SAW is a response to this need. Previously,  Ataturk International Airport (IST) was the only international airport of  Istanbul  . However, as IST was built in the 1970s, its facilities have become outmoded.  Number of airline passengers flying to Istanbul is growing orderly. And IST is  too small to accommodate this growing number.   Sabiha Gökçen was Turkey’s  first female aviator and SAW was named in honor of Sabiha Gokcen who was also  the first ever female to become a combat pilot.  In 1996, Sabiha Gokcen was  honored by the United States Air Force as one of the 20 greatest aviators in  history.  Destinies of Sabiha Gökçen and SAW look like each other, just like  Sabiha Gokcen, SAW is a sign of progressive of Turkey which help Turkey reach  for greater heights in economic progress, with its increased capacity for  domestic and international travel.  SAW which is the  second  international airport for Istanbul  has a capacity of 3 million passengers  per year for international travel and 500,000 passengers per year for domestic  travel.  It has two terminals, one of these terminals is for international  flights and the other is for domestic flights.  Total area of the  international flights terminal is 20,000 square meters. Two floors divide this  area in two with the ground floor having an area of 16,000 square meters and the  mezzanine level at 4,000 square meters. The state-of-the-art facilities, VIP  lounges, bars, cafes, restaurants and duty-free shops fit the mezzanine level.    Total area of the domestic flights terminal, on the other hand, is 2,000  square meters.  Domestic passengers can find a cafeteria to serve them in this  area.  The cargo terminal is also found here.  Many airlines make use of  SAW’s facilities. You can find the airlines being serviced by SAW in the  followings:  •    Aerotur Airlines – Aktau and Taraz •    AMC Airlines  – Cairo •    Condor Airlines – Frankfurt and Munich •    Corendon Airlines  – Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Tel Aviv, Eindhoven •    easyJet –  Basel/Mulhouse, London •    Germanwings – Berlin-Schonefeld, Cologne, Bonn,  Dortmund and Stuttgart •    Jazeera Airways – Kuwait •    MyAir –  Milan •    Norwegian Air Shuttle – Oslo and Stockholm •    Pegasus  Airlines •    SkyEurope – Bratislava •    SunExpress – Berlin and  Schonefeld •    TUIfly – Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Hanover  Naturally,  Turkish airlines are being serviced in SAW too. Turkish Airlines flies  domestically from SAW to Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir and Dalaman. It has  international destinations include Cologne, Berlin, Hanover and  Nuremberg.  Istanbul’s newest international airport is SAW and it is the  shape of things to come for Turkey.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/the-sabiha-gokcen-international-airport-a-sign-of-progressive-turkey-432353.html

About the Author:
This article is written by Brenda Stokes. A longer version of this article is at  Inkjet Printer Cartridge Recycling Franchises  and main source of this article is  Discount Printer Ink Cartridges .

Spanish Holidays Losing Ground to Turkey

Author: Roger Munns

Turkey is gaining ground as a favorite holiday destination for Brits. The Cooperative Travel Group’s director of retail travel, Trevor Davis, said packaged holiday sales for Turkey have increased by 30 percent. Mr. Davis also said sales to Majorca, Spain’s top-selling holiday destination, dropped by 13 percent. Ian Hailes, head of product and development for Cosmos, offers similar statistics. Hailes said 2008 packaged summer vacation sales for destinations in Turkey were up by 25 percent while sales to destinations in Spain decreased by 6 percent.

Poor Economic Conditions

Prior to January 2008, predictions of poor economic conditions in the United States and Europe caused travel agents to cringe. Poor economic conditions, they feared, would cause business to plummet. While some families have elected to enjoy a ’stay-cation’, a stay-home-vacation, many others have not let economic misfortunes impact their vacation time. Travel expenses have caused the usual road-trip to become a flight. Some low-cost airlines have been working with travel agents to help increase their own business as well as retaining the agent’s client base. Agents are able to offer their clients less expensive flights to and from many points in Europe, making the overall cost of their vacation less expensive.

Currency Exchange Rates

It is speculated that the current euro-pound exchange rate is also behind some of the changes in holiday destinations. The pound is doing poorly against the euro, making Spanish vacations a bit more expensive than in previous years. The currency used in Turkey is the New Turkish Lira, introduced in 2005. Exchange rates from the pound to the lira are much more favorable than those of pound to euro. For those tourists who have felt the pinch of a struggling economy, a Turkish vacation could prove to be more affordable for the 2008 vacation season. Where ever their destination, travelers aren’t letting things like the economy and exchange rates ruin their plans. They’re simply learning to budget their vacation as needed.

Low Cost Airlines

Although packaged vacation sales to Turkey have been top sellers in 2008, low-cost airlines are reporting more flights to Spanish destinations being booked than last year. More than 4,000 flights have been booked to Palma, Majorca alone according to reports by the Palma airport.

Top Selling Packaged Vacations for Summer 2008

Dalaman, Turkey tops the list as the number one packaged vacation spot for Europeans for 2008. Following closely behind is Majorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands. The third destination is the Greek island of Crete. Turkey makes two appearances on the list, as Bodrum makes the list as the number four vacation destination for Europeans in 2008. Algarve, Portugal rounds out the top five packaged vacation destinations for summer 2008.

Ignacio Vasallo, director of the Spanish Tourist Office dismisses claims that Spain is losing ground as a favorite vacation destination. He said, ‘The big picture is that Spain is going to have 15.5 million UK visitors this year.’ Spain has a lot to offer each tourist who visits and the tourism office officials show no signs of worry that Spain may be losing ground, for whatever reason.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/spanish-holidays-losing-ground-to-turkey-581948.html

About the Author:
Information about the Spanish holiday island of  Lanzarote  is available at yourlanzarote.net

European airlines with  cheap Lanzarote flight  deals are on-line, and the Lanzarote guide also has other  Lanzarote holiday  tourist details.

Transcontinental Turkey: Holiday Deals

Author: Amber Mike

Turkey lying as it does partly in Western Asia and partly in South Eastern Europe is transcontinental. It has the Mediterranean sea to the south, the Aegean sea to the West and the Black sea to the north. A varied history with many different civilisations making it their home at different times has left Turkey with a fascinating heritage full of history and archaeology, but also an ability to move with the times enabling it to become very much a part of the modern world as well. This gives a great feeling of modern and ancient sitting side by side, and a wonderful culture where the two exist happily together.   The climate around the coast is temperate with hot dry summers and mild winters. Wonderful beach resorts daub the coastal regions of this wonderful country, with sparkling blue seas, virtually never ending sunshine and an incredibly beautiful coastline. Hospitality here is paramount and a warm welcome awaits everyone travelling to Turkey making this a very popular package holiday location with many holiday makers every year especially as Turkey is still one of the cheaper destinations in the Mediterranean.   If you find yourself bored with the beaches, there are many places in turkey worth visiting. At Dalyan there are the Lycian rock tombs which are cut into the rock face and are incredible to see particularly if viewed from the river below. A trip on the river will take you past these and on through the river marshes to the mud baths where you can pamper yourself in the mud and sulphur pools here before enjoying a river side lunch.   Turkey’s largest City is Istanbul, and it is one of Turkey’s top city destinations. A wealth of historical sites are here from the 17th century Blue Mosque (known for it’s blue tiled interior), to the Dolmabahce Palace built in the mid 19th century which was the first European style palace built in Istanbul. Fourteen tons of gold leaf have been used to decorate it’s ornate gilt ceilings, and in the centre hall there is a chandelier which was a gift from Great Britains own Queen Victoria. If you fancy trying a bit of traditional Turkish lifestyle, you could visit a hamam for a traditional Turkish bath, and perhaps follow it up by visiting the streets and haggling for some of the many bargains to be had here. Perhaps you’d like to fill your evening watching belly dancers while eating a traditional Turkish meal and sipping your raki. Finish off your meal with a proper Turkish coffee, but make sure you let them know whether you’d like it sade (plain), orta (with some sugar) or sekerli (very sweet) as it’s brewed with the sugar already mixed in with the coffee granules. When you drink it, be careful to make sure you stop before you find yourself with a mouthful of coffee grounds, and if you’re lucky, you;ll be able to find a local who will tell you your fortune.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/transcontinental-turkey-holiday-deals-752796.html

About the Author:
These are just a handful of the destinations that Turkey Holidays have to offer. For further info on Turkey locations, have a look at Antalya or Dalaman Holidays.

Planning a Five-day Turkey Travel in Turkish Hotels

Author: Vikram Kumar

When the holidays are near, there are a lot of families and groups of friends that travel to their favorite holiday destinations. Of all the continents in the world, Europe is one of the most visited. This is because Europe is filled with locations that provide exciting adventures and activities. Through these places, you will find new experiences. You will learn new cultures and traditions. Plus, you will get to relax and feel refreshed. One of the exotic and beautiful destinations of Europe is Turkey. This country is turning out to be very popular among foreign tourists. This is because of all the unique beauty that it has to offer. You can learn about the rich history of Turkey and visit its tourist spots. You can also take a trip to one of its beaches and bask in the sun.

Turkey travel requires more than a weekend stay in the country. With all the attractions and places that you can visit, even a month is not enough for you to enjoy and soak in its beauty. There are some tourists that want an exciting vacation, where they backpack through different locations. But if you do not want to miss the most wonderful sights, you need to have a plan. With the help of an itinerary, you will have a guide to some of the exciting locations of Turkey. The following is a five-day travel guide to Istanbul, one of the hottest tourist destinations of the country.

On the first day of your Turkey travel, you might want to check out the Turkish bath and Grand Bazaar. It is in this location, where you can shop for souvenir items for your relatives and friends. One of the highly selling items within the bazaars and souvenir shops of Istanbul, and all throughout the country, is the carpets and jewelry. After doing your shopping, you can take in Istanbul’s historical culture and sights. At the end of the day, you can take a refreshing Turkish bath. This is a great way to get rid of the stress that is caused by traveling. To make your stay more enjoyable, opt for Turkish hotels that are capable of providing you with the best services.

At the second day of your Turkey vacation, you can check out the pride performance of Istanbul. The city presents its tourists with Whirling Dervishes, which is a delight to the eyes. This certain performance is very captivating, with its movements reflecting the oriental carpet’s geometrical patterns. If you want to dine with your family, you can try the exotic restaurants that surround the city. Or else, you can dine luxuriously at Turkish hotels.

The third day of your Turkey travel may start with a breakfast of Turkish delicacies and sweet tea. You can check out several restaurants or food stalls to taste its culinary treats. You can end the day with a belly dance show. On your fourth day, you can take a boat cruise and breathe in the sights of the city. There are a handful of Turkish hotels that offer cruises to their clients. You can take part of this activity if you are willing to stretch your budget. The last day of your Turkey travel may be a trip to stalls and shops for the best carpet. You can also find unique arts and crafts as gifts.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/planning-a-fiveday-turkey-travel-in-turkish-hotels-509540.html

About the Author:
If you want to know more about Turkey, you can visit the website DiscoverTurkey. Through this site, you will have a list of  Turkish hotels  and the best locations of the country for an unforgettable   Turkey travel
experience.
Turkey travel, Turkish hotels, Turkish Jewellery, Turkish real estate

Top Five Historical Sights in Turkey

Author: Sarah Arnesen

The country we now know as Turkey has been at the centre of countless ancient civilisations throughout the centuries. Byzantium, the Ionian League, the empire of Alexander the Great and the Trojans are but a few of the ancient cultures that have left their mark on the country. A holiday to Turkey gives you the chance to explore some of the most fascinating architectural sights in the world; ancient theatres, ruined cities, and spectacular mosques are just a few of the highlights on offer.

For anyone interested in ancient civilisations, Turkey ranks alongside Italy and Greece as one of the essential places to visit. It can be difficult to choose between the numerous sights that are scattered across the country, but there are a few in particular that stand out from the crowd. Profiled below are five of the essential cultural sights for a Turkish holiday.

Blue Mosque

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (better known as the Blue Mosque for its blue tiled interior) is perhaps the most spectacular sight to see in Istanbul, and one of the real highlights of a holiday to Turkey. Located in the heart of the Turkish capital, it is a stunning building, bristling with minarets and intricately decorated, inside and out. It is open to visitors, unlike most of the major mosques around the world, and is an unmissable chance to see inside an Islamic place of worship.

Troy

Famed as the sight of the legendary ten year battle between the Trojans and the Greeks (as described in Homer’s Iliad) the city of Troy was thought to be a myth for centuries, until the discovery of its ruins in the 19th century by Heinrich Scliemann. Today the ruins of Troy are an essential sight to see while on holiday in Turkey.

Ephesus

One of the best preserved classical cities in the world, Epheseus was an important city for the Ionian League, Alexander the Great and the Roman Empire, and today the ruins offer visitors architectural gems from across all three empires. It was also home to the Temple of Artemis, regarded by the Ancient Greek historian Herodotus as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The temple was destroyed when the Goths sacked the city in 262 AD, but you can still explore the ruins of the temple in Ephesus today.

Side Theatre

Side is another ancient city that passed between the various empires of the ancient world. There are numerous temples and ancient buildings to see in present day Side, but the real highlight here is the amphitheatre – with seating for over 20,000 people, this remarkably preserved theatre is an essential sight for culture buffs on a holiday to Turkey.

Pergamum

Spectacularly positioned in the hills above Bergama, Pergamum was one of the capital cities of the ancient world, with an Acropolis based on its famous counterpart in Athens. Today, sights to see on a Turkish holiday to Pergamum include a number of ancient temples, the old Roman baths, a 10,000 seat amphitheatre and the Pergamum Acropolis itself.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/top-five-historical-sights-in-turkey-731618.html

About the Author:
Sarah Arnesen is the Marketing Manager for Anatolian Sky, a company offering incredible  holidays to Turkey . They provide holidays to the entire Anatolian region, including Asia Minor, Cyprus, and Turkey itself.