Turkey : A Look At Some Of Its Attractions

Turkey combines ancient history with spectacular geography to create a wonderful destination for tourists. Additionally, its position as an origin of many civilizations attracts travelers from everywhere on Earth. Locations such as long extinct cities and breathtaking mosques are just some of the interesting locales within Turkey’s borders. Those who are thinking about a Turkish holiday might be curious as to what are Turkey’s best tourist attractions. The Hagia Sophia is mentioned time and again by those making an itinerary to follow while in Turkey. One of the largest basilicas in the Christian world, it was constructed in the 6th Century by Emperor Justinian to be the largest monument to God on Earth, and this wonder of Byzantine architecture was just that for thousands of years. In 1609, Sultan Ahmet I decided to answer the Hagia Sophia with his own Blue Mosque located in Istanbul. The huge dome perched atop the Blue Mosque was meant to rival the Hagia Sophia’s size, and the sultan certainly succeeded. While in Turkey, travelers will also want to visit The Maiden’s Tower. Constructed in 408 B.C. by General Alcibiades of Greece, it was intended to monitor ships moving through the Bosphorous Strait. In later years, it held a role as a Byzantine fortress. Now, The Maiden’s Tower houses a restaurant and a café that are two of the most sought after locations for fine dining in the entire country. Miniaturk is one of the most interesting locations in all the land, and you might have determined by the name that it is a miniature park of Turkey. The purpose of Miniaturk is to raise the awareness of Turkey’s history amongst visitors and citizens alike. The ancient city of Ephesus provides a look into the past of Turkey, a location that was founded in the distant mists of 6000 B.C. It was first a fishing village into which the Mycenaean Greeks eventually found their way and settled in. The examples of pottery they left behind in burial mounds are memoirs of a civilization long gone. Galipoli does not possess the lifespan of Ephesus, but it is certainly noteworthy. It was the theater for the Battle of the Dardanelles in World War I, with the purpose of taking them from the Turkish Ottoman Empire and get them out of the war. There are many monuments and commemorations dedicated to the struggle. No trip would be complete without taking advantage of Turkey’s extensive coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. Opportunities exist to sun, swim, and occasionally surf along the beaches here. Turkey is a land of eclecticism, a fact that has made it more and more popular amongst tourists worldwide. Next – Turkey Holidays