10 Things to See in Turkey

The Istanbul bazaar is not just a simple market, it's a real city within a city.

Covering a total area of about 30.000 sq. m. (322917 sq. ft) or 60 streets in equivalent, it houses over 4.000 shops, two mosques, four fountains, two hammams, and a number of dining options.

You will find everything you need here, but the best idea is to pay attention to those items the Turks are most famous for: spices, jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, and carpets.

The most recognizable symbol of Istanbul listed at the top of all the city's landmarks, the Blue Mosque, is simply stunning.

Originally known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it was dubbed the Blue Mosque due to its eye-pleasing interiors decorated with blue Iznik tiles that will impress even the most sophisticated sightseer.

To enhance your experience of the mosque we recommend taking a walk at its gorgeous inner and outer courtyards where you can feel the grandeur of this sacred place.

Your visit to Istanbul won't be complete without an exploration of a real treasure of the Black Sea region - the Bosphorus Strait.
Running through the heart of the Turkish capital, it divides Istanbul into two equal parts - the European and Asian one.

For many centuries it remains the primary trading artery and the most strategic waterway for Turkey.

No wonder that the shores of the Bosphorus are surrounded by fine neighborhoods, abundant in beautiful mosques, palaces, restaurants, and hotels.

When you first see its surreal moon-like landscapes, “fairy chimneys”, created by a centuries-long wind and rain erosion, and entire towns with churches and fortresses carved into the rocks, it seems that you're on another planet.

No words and photos are enough to describe Cappadocia - you simply should go there. The most awesome way to experience all this unusual beauty is by Turkey hot air balloon. Wake up early in the morning and be awarded mind-boggling views of the region lit by the dawning sunlight.

What looks like a snowy winter resort is actually a popular natural thermal spa with an average water temperature of 35 °C (95 °F). Why is the Pamukkale landscape so unusual? It’s all because of the large concentration of calcium in the waters flowing down the hills and forming a fanciful system of white travertines and pools.

Most of the Pamukkale water terraces are closed to the public, however, there are several thermal springs, like Cleopatra’s pool, where you can take a dip in the warm water, famous for its curing properties that can help to recover numerous diseases, including high blood pressure, rheumatism and kidney stones.

Can you only imagine the entire complex of the Turkey underground city with houses, churches, schools, livestock stalls, and wells stretching for miles and miles?

If you think it's impossible, then go to the Cappadocia region that has over 40 subterranean towns built during the Bronze Age for protection and religious purposes.

Although all these cities have currently undergone archaeological excavation, six of them are open to the public.

A mystical sanctuary located at the top of Mount Nemrut off the well-beaten tourist track is definitely worth a visit.

It consists of a 50 m (164 ft) high burial mound of King Antiochus I surrounded by artificial terraces. The east and west terraces are decorated with colossal limestone statues, representing the pantheon of Greek and Persian gods and King Antiochus I himself.

All the Mount Nemrut statues are decapitated, adding some mystery to this sight, as no one knows who, when, and why their heads were separated from the bodies.

The largest port of Asia Minor and the most important trading center of the old Mediterranean world, today Ephesus is considered the best-preserved antique site of Turkey.

Here you can still find the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Among other incredible sites are the awe-inspiring Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and even 2000-year-old public toilets.

An ancient site located on the northwest of Turkey, Troy became famous due to Homer's epic poem "Iliad" that contains the myth about the legendary Trojan War.

This place is ideal for all history buffs as its ruins, streets, and buildings still hold numerous stories and memories.

One of them is about the most beautiful woman in the world, Queen Helen of Sparta, abducted by a lovestruck Trojan prince Paris, a subsequent 10-year-long siege of Troy and its devastating defeat.

The unique combination of Turkey dance, music, and spirituality - the whirling dervishes is much more than simple dancers. They are believed to communicate with God through the movements of their bodies.

The tradition came from one of the greatest Sufi poets and philosophers, Jalaluddin Rumi or Mevlana ("Our leader"), who whirled ecstatically to gain unity with God.

Today his disciples continue to perform this religious ceremony called "sema" throughout Turkey. Dressed in long white robes, tall hats and black cloaks dervishes whirl to the strains of Islamic hymns and prayers. This is an absolute must-see.