BEACHES , ISLANDS , HILLS ATTRACTION IN TURKIYE

BEACHES , ISLANDS , HILLS ATTRACTION IN TURKIYE 

GOCEK BEACH

The main island beach is reachable by water taxi from the marina within around 15 minutes. The water taxi service is available once every hour and leaves from the pontoon next to the Marina Office. 

The beach is enclosed on both side by pine covered slopes, take a swim in the crystal clear waters or relax under the pine trees. There is a cafe, bar, changing area, showers, toilet facilities, sun loungers and parasols for hire. 

Once on the island set up a tab at the bar, giving the patron your name, and they will note your boat fare, sun lounger rental and any drinks and food against your name which you can settle before leaving. The last boat returns around 6pm

ALIBEY ISLAND

Archaeological excavations at Alibey Island indicate that there were settlements in the area in the Early and Late Bronze Ages and in the Iron Age. Following the Ionic Migration, Aeolian tribes settled on Cunda and other islands. Traces of human settlements have led scholars to the opinion that the most prominent islands of the archipelago were Maden Island (Pordeselene), Çıplak Island (Chalkys), and Cunda (Nesos) Island. The archaeological evidence also shows that Nesos maintained its importance during the Roman and Byzantine eras. The island lost its position during the Middle Age because of the threat pirates´ raids. The threat receded towards the end of the Middle Age, and the development of the island resumed. The famous geographer and cartographer Piri Reis described the islands as the "Yunt Islands" in his Book of Navigation (Kitab-ı Bahriye, 1521) and referred to Cunda by the same name. According to the records of the Ottoman State, the name was officially registered as Yunda, although the name used in day to day speech became "Cunda". Researchers refer to Cunda in the 18th and 19th centuries as a rich settlement independent of Ayvalık, and an urban island in the Mediterranean. In the 19th century immigration from Crete and Lesbos islands helped preserve the unique culture and physical heritage of the island. The name of the island was changed from "Cunda" to "Alibey" as a tribute to Ali Çetinkaya, who, as commander of the 172nd Regiment during the first days of the War of Liberation, organised the defence of Ayvalık.

Reaching Alibey Island from Ayvalık, either by sea or by road brings visitors to the peace and tranquillity of the historic island sanctuary. Churches and monasteries dot the island. The Taxiarchis Church is the largest of the island´s churches. The church´s architecture is still impressive, and its great bell is on display at the Museum of Bergama.

The natural beauty and cultural heritage of Cunda Island are cherished and assiduously maintained by its people, and make the island a major draw for visitors. The higher parts of the island provide many vintage points overlooking narrow sounds, little islands and enchanting coves along the intricate, lace-like shore.

Visitors should enjoy fresh seafood and vegetables in the island´s restaurants, especially the popular fried sprat (papalina) dish, fresh herbs and vegetables cooked in olive oil, and the wide selection of starters (meze). Having a dinner in one of the traditional or modern restaurants with an outstanding view is unforgettable.

TAURUS MOUNTAIN

Taurus Mountains, mountain range in southern Turkey, a great chain running parallel to the Mediterranean coast. The system extends along a curve from Lake Egridir in the west to the upper reaches of the Euphrates River in the east. Aladağ (10,935 feet [3,333 metres]) in the Taurus proper and Mount Erciyes in the outlying offshoot of the Nur Mountains are the highest peaks; many other peaks reach between 10,000 and 12,000 feet (3,000–3,700 metres).

Scattered forests of pine, cedar, oak, and juniper are found on the slopes up to 8,000 feet (2,500 metres). White limestone ridges are common, and in the western Taurus are many enclosed basins with lakes at elevations averaging 3,200 feet (1,000 metres). Except for the large areas of deep-soiled fertile lands in the Cilician Plain below Adana, the coastal plains to the south are small, and the entire region is thinly populated and isolated from the interior by mountain barriers. Of the passageways crossing the mountains, the Cilician Gates (Külek Boğazı) is the most famous, having been used by caravans and armies since antiquity. Nearby is the only railway line that crosses the Taurus proper, joining Kayseri with Adana. Mineral deposits, partly exploited, include silver, copper, lignite, zinc, iron, and arsenic.

SHOPPING ATTRACTION IN TURKIYE

 SHOPPING ATTRACTION IN TURKIYE

GRAND BAZAAR

Grand Bazaar is a place that keeps lots of vanishing professions alive with their unique culture. It is the world's oldest, the biggest bazaar where the most variable products are exhibited. The bazaar includes more than 3 thousand shops and it is visited by approximately 400 thousand people. During the Ottoman Empire era, jewelry and precious hand-woven textiles were gathered in Grand Bazaar from all over the country to be sold, and it is a shopping paradise for the ones who especially appreciate traditional textiles and authentic jewelry.

How to Get There?

• Tram: Beyazit-Kapali Carsi

• Metro: Vezneciler

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world in Istanbul, Turkey. To enjoy Istanbul fully, one should definitely lose oneself in the city, and blend oneself with the city. The Grand Bazaar is the perfect place for it. The Grand Bazaar is in fact a separate world within Istanbul. It is an active, crowded, inviting, and iddispensable part of Istanbul. This bazaar attracts tourists from all over the world, and you can find not only glorious history but also antique dealers, jewelers, bag makers, leather shops, and carpet sellers -in short, everything imaginable.

Being the oldest and largest historical bazaar in the world, the Grand Bazaar was built on Sultan Fatih's order to provide income for the Hagia Sophia. This historical bazaar is located between Nuruosmaniye and Beyazit Mosques, Cevahir, and Sandal Bedestens.

Bedesten means a bazaar in which valuable goods like clothes, jewelry, etc. are bought and sold. It has been a center for shopping ever since.

SPICE BAZAAR

Walk Like An Egyptian in the Egyptian Spice Bazaar Market in the old city of Istanbul! The Spice Market & The New Mosque; Look familiar? James Bond had an epic motorcycle chase around in the opening of Skyfall, speeding right through the middle of the Grand Bazaar, which is the market next to the Spice Bazaar and is one of Istanbul's top tourist attractions.

Then; is Spice Bazaar worth visiting? - Definitely Yes! Not merely to fulfill the urge for the exotic but also truly a chance to see and experience the traditional commercial life of Istanbul - Spice Bazaar in Istanbul Through fulfilling the romance of Westerners to find the Orient, visiting the Egyptian Spice Market - Spice Bazaar is indeed one of those experiences.

Misir means "Egypt" in Turkish and it is called The Egyptian Bazaar due to the fact that the spices came from India and South-East Asia to Egypt and from there to Istanbul via the Mediterranean Sea. Extremely long trade routes and high prices of spice made it phenomenal. Longing for faraway places was gratified by the taste and smell of the spices.

Between the 11th and 17th centuries, spices dominated the European taste. However, the dishes of Ottoman cuisine were not spicy as the ones in European cuisines during the Middle Ages, Roman in ancient times, or Arabic cuisine. Istanbul was the last stop along the legendary Silk Road. It was the final destination for Asian goods, which were then distributed to Europe. Based on official recorded history, Istanbul had developed a spice trade with the Venetians as early as the 13th century.

ARASTA BAZAR

In Istanbul, there are plenty of places to shop. You may visit a sizable mall nearly everywhere in the city, head to Taksim's Istiklal Street and shop til you drop, or head to Kadikoy and browse the little boutiques and antique shops in search of deals. But the experience of the rather fascinating and enjoyable bazaar is something you shouldn't miss.

To put it simply, a bazaar is a conventional market that is typically covered (i.e., has a roof). though this isn't always the case. Istanbul is well-known for its enormous Grand Bazaar, which you should undoubtedly explore for a few hours and perhaps get lost in. Apart from that, the city is home to numerous smaller bazaars, each of which has a unique vibe, character, and attitude. Arasta Bazaar ought to be on your list because of this. The first benefit of visiting Arasta Bazaar is that, despite its bustling nature, you won't likely get lost.

Even natives get lost for a while in the Grand Bazaar because it resembles a maze. While you won't get lost in Arasta Bazaar, you may easily pass an hour or so looking through trinkets to bring home and taking in the lively and occasionally rowdy ambience.

The good news is that Arasta Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar can both be reached on foot if you want to spend a full day doing traditional shopping and haggling. However, you might want to wear comfortable shoes, and if you're taking kids to a bazaar, make careful to grasp their hands so they don't get lost in the crowd.

The actual Arasta Bazaar is located in Sultanahmet, to the southeast of the enormous and fairly stunning Blue Mosque. As a side note, the Great Palace Mosaic Museum is located beneath the bazaar and is a great place to learn about the past.

The term Arasta Bazaar is derived from the word's definition. This refers to a collection of stores that are situated next to or even inside a mosque. The mosque receives the rent that business owners pay to keep their doors open, which helps with the mosque's upkeep and maintenance. This explains why there are typically several stores nearby mosques in Istanbul's older neighborhoods. Of course, going to the bazaar is free, but after you see the variety of items available for purchase and wind up haggling your liras away, it won't be free anymore!

INTERESTING LANDMARKS IN TURKIYE

 INTERESTING LANDMARKS IN TURKIYE

HAGIA SOPHIA 

Hagia Sophia, an important Byzantine structure in Istanbul and one of the world's great monuments. It was built as a Christian church in the 6th century CE (532-537) under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. In subsequent centuries it became a mosque, a museum, and a mosque again.

The building reflects the religious changes that have played out in the region over the centuries, with the minarets and inscriptions of Islam as well as the lavish mosaics of Christianity.

The original church on the site of the Hagia Sophia is said to have been ordered to be built by Constantine I in 325 on the foundations of a pagan temple. His son, Constantius 11, consecrated it in 360. It was damaged in 404 by a fire that erupted during a riot following the second banishment of St. John Chrysostom, then patriarch of Constantinople.

It was rebuilt and enlarged by the Roman emperor Constans I. The restored building. The historical significance was rededicated in 415 by Theodosius Il. The church was burned again in the Nika insurrection of January 532, a circumstance that gave Justinian I an opportunity to envision a splendid replacement.

ZELVE OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Zelve Open Air Museum in the Cappadocia region is one of the most visually stunning historical sites in Turkey. Originally a Byzantine-era (9th century) monastery, it is reputed to be both one of the earliest settled and last-abandoned monasteries in the entire region. The 'museum' houses the oldest known examples of Cappadocian architecture and religious paintings.

The honeycomb-esque spaces include religious and secular chambers and pointed fairy chimneys and in the 400 years between the 9th and 13th centuries, four churches were built whose remains stand to this day despite nature's best efforts at erosion.

The earliest built was the Direkli Church, famous for its standing columns and iconoclastic-doctrine high relief crosses and there followed the Balikli Church dedicated to fish, the Uzümlü Church (grapes) and the - now collapsed beyond recognition - Geyikli Church (deer). You can still see feint paintings on the remaining stone church walls as well as minaret that has survived the tests of time.

Over the centuries that followed, Christians and Muslims (during the Ottoman rule) lived perfectly happily side by side and after almost a millennium of continuous occupation, the government deemed the town too fragile to live in due to erosion. In 1952 the last inhabitants were relocated 2km away in the town of Aktepe which was affectionately renamed 'Yeni Zelve or New Zelve.

TOPKAPI PALACE MUSEUM

Topkapi Palace Museum, museum in Istanbul that exhibits the imperial collections of the Ottoman Empire and maintains an extensive collection of books and manuscripts in its library.

It is housed in a palace complex that served as the administrative centre and residence of the imperial Ottoman court from about 1478 to 1856.

It opened as a museum in 1924, a year after the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. The Topkapi Palace Museum is notable not only for its architecture and collections but also for the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire that it recalls.

About 30 sultans ruled from the Topkapi Palace

for nearly four centuries during the Ottoman Empire's 600-year reign, beginning with Mehmed II. He ordered the construction of the palace in the late 1450s, several years after conquering Constantinople (Istanbul), the capital of the Byzantine Empire, in

1453. Medmed took up residence in 1478, and after his death three years later, successive sultans renovated and expanded the palace frequently, resulting in the palace's medley of changing Islamic, Ottoman, and European architecture styles and decoration. The immense Topkapi Palace housed 1,000-4,000 inhabitants, including up to 300 in the harem.

TRANSPORTATION ATTRACTION IN TURKIYE

 TRANSPORTATION ATTRACTION

ISTANBUL TRAM

Getting around the tram system in Istanbul is a piece of cake, just like in other cities. To hop on the tram or metro, you’ll need an Istanbulkart that’s preloaded. No card, no entry. Usually, each station has only one tram line with its own route and stops, so getting on the wrong tram is super unlikely. Keep in mind that some trams might finish their routes earlier than usual. If that happens, just get off at the last station and wait for the next tram. 

In Istanbul, it is not possible to purchase individual tram tickets. Instead, all public transportation options, including trams, require the use of an Istanbulkart. Instead, you need an Istanbulkart for all public transportation, including trams. It’s a prepaid card just for getting around Istanbul. Our detailed Istanbulkart guide has all the info on how to get one, how to use it, the costs, and how to top it up.

Each tram ride in Istanbul costs 15 TL, and you have to pay with your Istanbulkart. Just tap your card at the gate to enter the tram station, and the price of 15 TL will be deducted automatically. This fare applies to each person for every ride.

DOLMUS

Dolmushes are another mode of public transport one can choose when traveling between cities in Turkey. You can find a bus terminal in all towns and cities (within or just outside of the city centre) and the fares are very affordable. In fact, using local buses will be the most budget-friendly option when traveling in Turkey.

This is also how most Turks travel, and as a result, thousands of modern and luxurious buses travel between Turkish cities and towns daily. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get fares and schedule information about bus services from outside the country, but you can make arrangements easily when you arrive in Turkey at the bus station. In addition to intercity buses, you can easily take a city bus to visit many popular tourist destinations.

We paid 20 Turkish lira for a 20 minute ride into Fethiye.

At the publish date of this post this is roughly equivalent to $1 give or take a few cents.

Payment should range from 10 to 20 TL.

Some stops post a timetable of when the dolmus will arrive.But if there is no schedule expect a minibus to stop every 10-20 minutes.

Semi-rural destinations can offer fairly frequent stops too; don’t worry about waiting for hours if you need a ride 20-30 minutes outside of town.

TURKISH AIRLINES

As of 2022, it operates scheduled services to 340 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, making it the largest mainline carrier in the world by number of passenger destinations. The airline serves more destinations non-stop from a single airport than any other airline in the world and flies to 126 countries, more than any other airline. With an operational fleet of 24 cargo aircraft, the airline's cargo division Turkish Cargo serves 82 destinations. The airline also operates a low cost subsidiary, AnadoluJet.

The airline's corporate headquarters are on the grounds of Istanbul Atatürk Airport in Yeşilköy, Bakırköy, Istanbul. The airline's main base is Istanbul Airport in Arnavutköy. It has been a member of the Star Alliance network since 1 April 2008.

There are special things about Turkish Airlines. For example are :

- They fly to more countries than any other airlines

- World-class catering 

- Some flights have a chef onboard 

- Long-haul planes on some short-haul routes 

- Their hub is one of the world's largest airport 

- A member of Star Alliance 

- They are slowly improving their business class seats 

- You will want to arrive early for their Istanbul lounge 

- Istanbul is a brilliant stopover city 

- Domestic flight can be of incredible value

TOURISM PRODUCT ATTRACTION IN TURKIYE

 TOURISM PRODUCT ATTRACTION 

TURKISH CARPET 

The history of Turkish carpets date back to the nomadic roots of the Turks in the Central Asia. Carpet had a strong influence in nomadic tribes. Because they were moving quite often and lived in tents, carpet was a portable object which made the ground easy to step on.

Initially, carpet was used due to its functionality and later it had decorative features in order to adapt to tents and surrounding environment. The oldest carpet is Pazyryk carpet dating back to 400 BC. Found during archeological excavations in Siberia, the history of this carpet date back to the period of Scythians. It is exhibited today in Hermitage Museum in Russia. The heart of Turkish carpet and kilim industry today beats in the touristic cities like Istanbul, Izmir and Kayseri. Biggest carpet workshops and stores are located in Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Ephesus and Kusadasi in Izmir and Cappadocia region in Nevsehir and Kayseri.

Nakkas Oriental Rugs stands out among the best carpet shops in Istanbul with its collection of thousands of carpets. The shop, which consists of several floors, has an incredible collection of carpets and rugs.

TURKISH TEA SET 

In addition to the traditional tea preparation ritual, Turkish tea also comes with a few accessories. Teapots, known as “çaydanlık,” are often used to boil the water and steep the tea before it is poured into glasses.

Tea glasses are usually small and narrow-necked and have a more concentrated flavour than regular cups. The shape of these glasses helps keep the heat from escaping quickly, allowing for a longer-lasting aromatic experience.

The çaydanlık and tea glasses may be made from copper, stainless steel, or glass. Turkish people are very particular about their tea-drinking utensils. The quality of these materials can affect the taste of the tea. Copper çaydanlık is particularly prized for its ability to heat up evenly, as well as its traditional look and feel In Turkish culture.

You can get this tea set at Shafak Store in Istanbul or any souvenir shop at Grand Bazar.

TURKISH CERAMIC 

The art of Turkish ceramics developed in Anatolia in the earliest ages of the region, and play a very important role in Turkey’s history and culture.

Turkey’s history of ceramic production dates back to about 10,000 years, with different types developing in multiple regions. During the mid-20th century era, mass production began as Turkish ceramic producers built factories to produce the ceramics on a much larger scale, leading to the popularity and incline in production of Turkish ceramics.

A big part of the fascination with Turkish ceramics was, and is, the strength of the shell. Turkish ceramics can hold good condition and their color for centuries.

You can get the best Turkish ceramic in Istanbul at Iznik Works Ceramic and you can get best ceramic in Cappadocia at Kybele Boutique Ceramics. 

FOOD AND BEVERAGE ATTRACTION IN TURKIYE

TURKIYE FAMOUS FOOD 

LAHMACUN (MAIN DISH)

Think of Lahmacun, pronounced Lahamajoun, as super thin, crispy pizza topped with a flavor-packed mixture of minced meat with peppers, tomato, fresh herbs and earthy spices. So this is how Lahmacun looks like. We start with Lahmacun history. Lahmacun is a Middle East Flatbreads top with minced meat (most commonly beef or lamb) minced vegetable and herbs including onion, garlic, tomatoes, red peppers and parsley, Flavours with spices such as chili peppers and paprika then bake. Lahmacun is often wrapped around vegetable including pickles, tomatoes, peppers, onion, lettuce, parsley, roasted eggplant and sumac on the side. This dish was the best at the famous restaurant in Istanbul such as Oz kilis Kebap ve Lahmacun Salonu, Fatih. We reccommend with your delicious lahmacun to drink with foamy ayran (salty yogurt drink) served in a copper glass.

KEBAB (SIGNATURE)

Kebab is the must food that people would try if they come to Turkiye. The typical Turkish signature item is Kebab. The popular varieties of kebabs are the 'sis' kebabs and the 'doner' kebabs. Sis kebabs are grilled pieces of skewered meat. The fine taste of kebabs really depends on the breed of cattle or sheep rather than the chef or the recipe. According to the dictionary of Turkish Language Institution, kebab means meat that is cooked without water directly in fire or inside a pot. Whereas, the definition of kebab as all of us understand today include tomato and pepper. The word of kebab originates from the word "kabuba" meaning barbecuing in Sumerian language. So the kebab's recipe starts with mix all the sauce ingredients and refrigerate for about one hour. In mixing bowl, add all the ingredients for the kebab, except oil. Combine well using your hands. Avoid over-mixing the batter. Divide the mixture into 8 portions and roll them into the shape of sausages. Pierce the skewers through the kebabs. In a wide pan, heat enough oil over medium heat and place the skewers. Cook the kebab for about 8 minutes until they turn brown on all sides. Once done, remove and drain the excess oil using kitchen tissue. Lastly, garnish with yogurt sauce and lemon wedges. Serve hot with pita bread along with tomato slices and lettuce. Now you can serve the kebab prettily. For this kebab, you can get the best Turkish Sis Kebab at Develi Kebab that is a famous restaurant in Turkiye. It is located in the Samatya district of Istanbul's Historical Peninsula. Located very close to Sultanahmet, Sumatya Develi is one of the best Turkish kebab restaurants in Istanbul.

BAKLAVA (DESSERT)

After eating the food in Turkiye, you must try their best dessert which call as baklava. The word baklava is used as baklava or broad bean in old Turkish. It has also been stated that the name baklava may have been derived by adding the Turkish verb suffix-v to the Mongolian word "bakla-" which means "to tie, to wrap". However. the verb bayla- in Mongolian is also a quote from old Turkish. Contrary to popular beliefs, the word has no etymological connection with the Arabic word bean. So here how baklava was made : 

- Make the syrup: Put water, sugar and a slice of lemon in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Then let it cool.

- Prepare the sheets of phyllo dough: Trim the phyllo sheets to fit your baking pan. We used a baklava pan but any baking pan works fine. Then cover them with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out and breaking.

- Assemble baklava: Place 5 phyllo sheets in the pan, brushing each with melted butter. Sprinkle walnuts after the fifth phyllo sheet. Be generous. Continue with another 5 phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter and sprinkling crumbled walnuts on the fifth one. Repeat this 5 times.

- Bake baklava: Cut the uncooked baklava pastry in diamonds or squares with a sharp knife and bake until golden brown.

- Soak the baklava in syrup: Pour cooled syrup over hot baklava and let it sit until it absorbs the syrup, at least 4-5 hours.

Traditionally baklava is cut in diamond shapes. It might be a big deal if you have never tried it before, but it is not as hard as you think. First, cut the raw baklava into vertical strips. Use a sharp knife for this and cut it all the way to the bottom of the pan so that the syrup spreads evenly. Then cut it diagonally to make that diamond shape. Alternatively, you can just cut it into squares or rectangles. Shape doesn’t matter at all. It is still your super tasty baklava.

The best baklava you can get at Karakoy Gulluoglu. The Golluoglu family has been a baklava producer in Turkey since 1843, and they offer their baklava all across the country through multiple branch.