Turkey

The republic of Turkey consists of Anatolia – Asian region and European Region.   In 2^nd century BC, it was part of Roman Byzantine Empire till conquered by Seljuk dynasty predating the Ottoman period and modern Turkey since 1920.

The Ottoman Empire was built during 1299 encompassing Southeast Europe, Western Asia and Noth Africa.  It did controlled the parts of Central Europe between 16^th and 18^th centuries.

It reached its peak of  power, prosperity, and political development under Sultan Suleiman – The Magnificent ( 1520-66 ). The empire continued to maintain a strong economy, society, and military till 18^th century. Many traditions like architecture, cuisine, music, leisure and government were adopted resulting into new forma of Ottoman cultural history.

The modern Turkey, officially, the Republic of Türkiye is mainly consists of Anatolia (Western Asia) and smaller part of Eastern Europe.  It borders with Black Sea in the North, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran in the east , Iraq, Syria and Mediterranean Sea to the South, and Aegean Sea, Greece and Bulgaria in the West,

Ankara is the Capital and  2^nd largest city of Türkiye  after Istanbul – a economic and financial center in European part of the country. Other major cities are Izmir, Bursa, Antalya, Konya, and Adana.

Tourism is an important part of its economy increasing almost every year in 21^st century. Turkey is one of the top most destination among foreign visitors arriving from Europe, and Russia in the recent past ranking 4^th in the world in terms of international tourists arrival and Istanbul is the most visited city by foreigners ( being economic, cultural and historic hub )  during 2023.

Taksim Square,   Taksim Square is located in European side of Istanbul which is a major tourists and leisure part of Istanbul famous for its restaurants , shops, and hotels, The bustling  Taksim is a busy night life, shopping and dining district, along side enjoying folk music at any near by restaurant. It is    famous for its lively environments, beautiful streets, and diversity of culture..

Hagia Sophia, built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius, an architectural marvel of million of gold tiles and wide flat dome constructed during 6^th century. Hagia Sophia is the most popular visiting site in Istanbul –  a 1500 years old Orthodox Chuch converted into Mosque and a must see museum.

Blue Mosque,   Officially known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616, is an Ottoman era historical mosque constructed by Sultan Ahmet I and remains as  a functioning mosque till date.    It also attracts huge number of visitors being one of the  most iconic monuments of  Ottoman Empire. The mosque has a classical layout of a central dome surrounded by four small domes on prayers hall. The mosque has been included in UNESCO World Heritage site list during 1985.

Topkapi Palace, center of the Ottoman Empire between the 15^th and 19^th centuries. The palace was the royal residence of Ottoman Empire for about 400 years consisting of grand courtyards, pavilions and ceremonial rooms including over 400  exquisitely decorated rooms of Harem.

Grand Bazaar, The Grand Bazaar or Covered Market in Istanbul is the oldest and largest market housing over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30700 m attracting between 250K to 400K visitors daily. The Grand Bazaar is located inside the walled city of Istanbul. The construction of Grand Bazaar was started immediately after the conquest of Constantinople to stimulate economic prosperity of Istanbul.

SUGUT,  the town of Ertugrul Ghazi,  son of Suleman Shah, the leader of Kayi Tribe, as history unfolds, the mausoleum was built by Sultan Abdul Hamid II (1842 – 1918),  Söğüt is notable as being the town from which the Ottoman Empire emerged,

Bursa, an old Capital of Khalafit e Osmania, connected by road and Ferry Ride, popular among tourists as a tour and sightseeing place including  Uludag,-  the ancient Mysian Olympus connected through cable ride  Grand Mosque of Bursa, İnkaya tree – a memorial tree believed to be 600 years old, Bursa has SPA towns for mineral baths, old Ottoman mansions, Palaces, several museums,

Konia,  an old capital of the Seljuks,  offering  numerous sights from the Middle Ages. The mausoleum of Maulana Jalal ad Din with the attached Sufi lodge – a complex including tomb of the 13th-century religious leader, philosopher, and poet, Maulana Rumi. The religious importance of the city is also great where you can experience the famous dancing dervishes (Sufi dance). Konya is center crammed with museums and monuments of Seljuk Sultanate. Architecture fans should make sure not to miss the Aziziye Mosque built in 1676 by the Ottoman court adviser Mustafa Pasha.

Antalya,   famous for sight seeing and ancient history, Antalya is  the largest port city along Turkey’s Coastal belt and is renowned for its sandy and blue beaches, historic Old Town, and natural wonders. One can explore the city’s scenic old town, including Roman-era Hadrian’s Gate, ride the cable car for a romantic sweeping sea and city views.

The Magnificent views at  Duden Waterfalls, strolling through Kaleici – Old Antalya filled with history and lovely buildings of Ottoman style, for a memorable and an unforgettable trip with good delicious and traditional Turkish cuisines at a local restaurant,  and relaxing beach sites,  i.e,  Konyaalti Beach,   coupled with water sports and Mediterranean boat experience at sun set would add uniqueness to your memories.

Pamukkale Trip) :    Pamukkale, an art – historian tour to ancient SPA Town of  Hierapolis –  famed white travertine terraces,  the unique 2500-year-old Pamukkale  Hierapolis Ancient City,  included in  UNESCO World Heritage List both as a cultural and natural heritage.  Take an exclusive soak in the hot springs known as Cleopatra’s Pools for  a relaxing dip in a natural thermal  and mineral-rich spring, back to hotel Antalya for overnight stay.