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 traveling in Turkey, a trip must be made to The Maiden's Tower. Built in 408 B.C. under the direction of General Alcibiades of Greece, its purpose was to track Persian ships traversing the Bosphorous Strait. As time passed, it became a Byzantine fortress. The Maiden's Tower now plays home to a restaurant and caf that provide fine dining of the best kind in Turkey. Also interesting is Miniaturk, and as the name implies, it is a miniature version of certain locations to scale. The idea behind it was to increase awareness of Turkey's history in both tourists and citizens.
The city of Ephesus truly brings the past of Turkey alive with roots that date to the long ago times of 6000 B.C. Originally a fishing village, Mycenaean Greeks made their way to town and settled there, and the pottery left behind in the ancient burial mounds are exquisite artifacts of a time long ago. Gallipoli may not be as ancient, but it is no less historically significant. During World War I, the area was the staging ground for the battle that attempted to wrest the Dardanelles away from the Turkish Ottoman Empire in order to remove it from the war. Many monuments and commemorations exist there today.
All of the historic significance cannot overshadow the miles and miles of Turkish coastline that await visitors along the Mediterranean Sea. There are ample opportunities in which to sunbathe, swim, and find the occasional wave to surf. Turkey is a country of many faces, making it quite popular with those on holiday.
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 traveling in Turkey, a trip must be made to The Maiden's Tower. Built in 408 B.C. under the direction of General Alcibiades of Greece, its purpose was to track Persian ships traversing the Bosphorous Strait. As time passed, it became a Byzantine fortress. The Maiden's Tower now plays home to a restaurant and caf that provide fine dining of the best kind in Turkey. Also interesting is Miniaturk, and as the name implies, it is a miniature version of certain locations to scale. The idea behind it was to increase awareness of Turkey's history in both tourists and citizens.
The city of Ephesus truly brings the past of Turkey alive with roots that date to the long ago times of 6000 B.C. Originally a fishing village, Mycenaean Greeks made their way to town and settled there, and the pottery left behind in the ancient burial mounds are exquisite artifacts of a time long ago. Gallipoli may not be as ancient, but it is no less historically significant. During World War I, the area was the staging ground for the battle that attempted to wrest the Dardanelles away from the Turkish Ottoman Empire in order to remove it from the war. Many monuments and commemorations exist there today.
All of the historic significance cannot overshadow the miles and miles of Turkish coastline that await visitors along the Mediterranean Sea. There are ample opportunities in which to sunbathe, swim, and find the occasional wave to surf. Turkey is a country of many faces, making it quite popular with those on holiday.
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