Turkey: The Birthplace of Civilization
Turkey has been a cultural crossroads for thousands of years. Mongols from the east and Greeks from the west settled in this expansive area at one time or another.
Without a doubt Istanbul is a city divided and its history adds to the complexities of its identity. What to I mean by that statement? As an example you may see a Mosque on one street, a synagogue on the next street, and a Catholic church across from the synagogue. Sometimes we prefer to see things in an orderly sequence and most things about Istanbul defy logic. Could this be in part because the shores of the Bosphoros a narrow 17 mile channel of water dividing Asia and Europe, has set the tone for this dichotomy?
The "must-sees" in Istanbul can be best accomplished by day trip, either group or private. You do not want to miss the ancient grandeur of Aya Sofya one of the architectural marvels of all time, it was for a thousand years considered the greatest church in Christendom. The Blue Mosque is the most famous and also considered the most beautiful mosque in the world. In the earlier days it caused much controversy as it has six spires and most mosques have two or four. It is still used for religious worship at prayer times but visitors are allowed to visit when services are not being held. Completed in 1478, Topkapi Palace was the lavish home of the sultans for nearly 400 years and is a series of pavilions with four courtyards located on the Bosphorous.You simply cannot miss the color and bustle of the Grand Bazaar. I would spend at least a few hours there. A ferry ride on the Bosphorous is refreshing and provides a great overview.
Entrance to the heart of the Grand Bazaar
**** I was not able to spend much time in the Old Town in Istanbul and that is precisely part of the reason I will go back. ****
A highlight for many is to stroll through the granddaddy of markets The Grand Bazaar, a modern day shopping mall. The Grand Bazaar features more than 4000 shops (370 jewelry shops), 20 entrances and covers 65 streets. It is intense and cannot be missed. Look for the double-headed Byzantine eagle over the door and you'll know you 've found the heart of the bazaar.
**** I was not able to spend much time in the Old Town in Istanbul and that is precisely part of the reason I will go back. ****
Fact: Every year around 100 camels and their owners tour specific regions in Turkey to compete in more than 30 camel-wrestling festivals. This is big sport from November to March.
What if you don't speak Turkish? As in most countries there is a good chance that people working at the hotels and restaurants will speak adequate English. In the more remote locations the average Turk speaks very little English, but gestures and a smile seem to work. On a personal note I only speak English and have navigated my way through every situation imaginable. Do be patient. All you need to remember is that you are a visitor in their country AND you are an ambassador for America.If you travel with the attitude that you are going to respect the country's culture you will have a most enjoyable adventure.
Fact: Devout Muslims pray five times a day: at sunset and in the early morning, determined by the sun's path across the sky.
Don't stop here! I am making a decent attempt to convey the otherworldly sights of Cappadocia, but in all honesty you simply have to see it to believe it! This setting is certainly one of the most unusual natural landscapes I have ever witnessed.The story of Cappadocia began more than 10 million years ago, with the eruption of three volcanoes dropping lava, mud and ash over the region. As a result of cooling and compression giant ridges of rock were carved into gorgeous valleys, the wind than shaping the formations into elaborate pinnacles, cones and spires.
Cappadocia's underground cities are a marvel. Some of these ancient underground cities reach 20 stories down and could hold up to 20,000 people. Why were they built? To serve as a refuge for Christans who were under attack from Arab invaders in the 7th through 10th centuries.
Built between the 6th to 12th centuries, hundreds of cave churches are sprinkled throughout Cappadocia and a majority can be found in the open-air museum. Tip for visiting the open-air museum: Begin your day early and beat the crowds, or go after 5pm. The spectacular setting of the open-air museum is not to be missed. Most of the cave churches are accessible via paths. Over the course of the centuries this region became the promised land for Anatolia's earliest Christians.
Another must: Do treat yourself and stay in a cave. My accommodations were etched out of a fairy chimney.
The best internet and most delicious meal during my adventure was in this cave.
My cave. See the balcony on the left? The next morning after my own hot air balloon ride, I watched from this balcony in amazement, as 100 balloons sailed in the air.
And yet another must: You cannot leave Cappadocia without experiencing the hot air balloon ride . I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive but was mesmerized for an hour as we rode over the amazing landscape, having no reason to be concerned about safety.
No fear here. Only calm.
Mesmerized by the beauty~! Actual photo from my camera.
We were in good hands with a very skilled pilot.
Champagne to toast a safe landing.
Tip: You may be interested in renting Troy, a 2004 Epic War Film loosely based on Homer's Illiad, starring none other than Brad Pitt and a host of others.
There is only one real option if you wish to visit the ruins sprinkled throughout the country, and that is to drive whether it be escorted or private. If you want to hit the main sites than you could take a plane from Cappadocia to Ephesus, Turkey. Note: Your itinerary needs to be planned around the dates that flight routes are scheduled.
Ephesus a cultural and religious crossroads, is among the best-preserved ancient sites in the world. It is in Ephesus that you are able to witness the benefits of the painstaking excavation process which have unearthed ruined temples, baths, theaters and colonnaded streets from ancient civilization.
Just a thought: It warms my heart to hear American music when I am traveling... and I enjoy your emails as well. In Ephesus, Turkey I couldn't get over the string of Frank Sinatra songs that were playing during dinner.
The ruins in Hierapolis
We also toured the ruins of Hierapolis which have been magnificently preserved as well as the Temple of Aphrodite. On our journey back to Istanbul we spent some time in Troy, the place where the legendary Trojan War took place.
Tip: You may be interested in renting Troy, a 2004 Epic War Film loosely based on Homer's Illiad, starring none other than Brad Pitt and a host of others.
In Conclusion: Turkey is amazing, amazing, amazing. Istanbul and Cappadocia should be on every traveler's radar. To get the most out of your adventure you do need to plan this itinerary very carefully and this is where I come in. Please do not plan this online as there are so many things you want to experience. I would love to help you through the planning process. Please give me a call!
