Turkish Tourism

AYDIN Didim (Didyma)

2010-08-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

Didim (Didyma) which is located within the boundaries of the village of Yeni Hisar in the Söke District of the province Aydın is famous for its Apollon Temple . The first excavations in Didim were made by the English under the direction of Newton in 1858. The excavations which started in 1905 under the direction of Th. Weigand were continued on a systematic basis until the year 1937. During this time a great protion of the temple was revealed. At present , the excavations and researchs are still carried on by german experts. Didim is known as the residence of a seer related to Miletus. It is understood from the latest excavations that Didim was not only the residence of a seer but a rather dense settling at the same time. It is suggested that the construction of the archaic temple started mid 6th century BC and completed at the end of the same century. The construction of the hellenistic temple started after Alexander the Great triumphed over the Persian. However it is understood from the remnants that the construction of the Hellenistic Temple was not finished. Didim today is one of the most important touristic places of Turkey.

İSTANBUL Kız Kulesi

2010-08-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

The Leander’s tower which is one of the symbols of Istanbul dates back to 341 BC. There are several stories told about Kız kulesi which is named “Leander’s Tower” by westerns. The most widespread story is about the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor who was killed by a snake hidden in a basket of figs which was brought to the tower from land. That is why, the tower is named Maiden’s Tower. If we look further into the history we understand that this place was called “Leandros”. Leandros fell in love with Hera who was one of the nuns of Aphrodit. Leandros swam to the Maiden’s Tower to see his dear one. One day he was defeated by the storm and the waves and died. Hera could not cope with this grief and killed herself. Fatih Sultan Mehmet had the tower demolished after he conquered Istanbul and had it erected anew and placed his soldiers here. The tower with was demolished by the earthquake in 1509 was rebuilt. The Tower served as light house in 1600’s. In 1726 Damat Ibrahim Paşa equipped the Maiden’s tower with stone buildings and used the tower as a prison for a short period. It was used as a quarantine station when cholera broke out in 1830. Mahmut II had the tower re-erected. The square shaped big tower was covered with a multi edge , windowed cap raised from a gallery surrounded with a balustrade and equipped with a flagpole. During the Republic period the tower was used to provide sea transport safety. The Maiden’s tower which was restored between 1943-1945 serves today as restaurant and night club. There are daily regular boat services from Salacak to the tower.

topkapi photo gallery

2010-08-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

History of Topkapı Palace

2010-08-24T09:04:00.001-07:00

History of Topkapı Palace

Topkapı Palace constructed by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, (the Conqueror) in 1478 has been the official residence of the Otoman Sultans and center of State Administration around 380 years until the construction of Dolmabahçe Palace by Sultan Abdülmecid. The palace having around 700.000 m.² area during the foundation years has currently 80.000 m.² area.

Topkapı Palace was evacuated by the accommodation of the Palace inhabitants in Dolmabahçe, Yıldız and in other palaces. Upon abandoning by the Sultans, Topkapı Palace where many officials resided had also never lost its importance. The palace was repaired from time to time. A special attention was taken for the annual maintenance of Mukaddes Emanetler Dairesi (Sacred Safekeeping Rooms) visited by the sultan and his family during Ramadan.

The opening of Topkapı Palace for visits as museum happened firstly in the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid (1839-1861). The belongings within Topkapı Palace Treasury was shown to the contemporary English ambassador. Later on, it has become a tradition to show the antics within the Topkapı Palace Treasury to the foreigners and during the era of Sultan Abdulaziz (1861-1876), showrooms are made in French style, and these antics are started to be shown to foreigners in these showrooms within Treasury. During the period when Sultan II Abdulhamid was dethroned (1876-1909), it was thought to open the Treasury Room to public visits on Sundays and Tuesdays, yet it never realized.

By the order of Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Topkapı Palace firstly affiliated to the Istanbul Asar-ı Atika Museums Directorate and opened to public visits on date of April 3, 1924, then it started to service as Treasury Chamberlain, after it was renamed as Treasury Directorate and finally it was renamed as Topkapı Palace Museum Directorate and it still continues its services.

Upon the performance of small repairs and taking some administrative cautions in 1924, Topkapı Palace was opened to service as a Museum on October 9, 1924. The sections opened to visit at that time were Kubbealtı, Arz Odası, Mecidiye Köşkü (Pavilion Mecidiye), Hekimbaşı Odası (Room of Chief Doctor), Mustafa Paşa Köşkü (Pavilion Mustafa Pasha) ve Bağdad Köşkü’dür (Pavilion Baghdad).

marmaris

2010-07-28T09:58:00.001-07:00

Marmaris is one of the most attractive naturel harbours backed by the rugged pine-clad mountains,with an elegant palm lined promenade leading to a busy marina,splendid beached and acrystal clear sea which is ideal for swimming ,water sports and sailing.
Marmaris is one of the most beautiful resorts of the Aegean region and leading yachting centre of the East Mediterranean. Among Turks it is known us "Green Marmaris"becouse of its landscape that is covered with a pine forests.the Bay of Marmaris is a very well protected naturel post with a pier for ships and several marinas for hundreds of yacths from all over the world.
The town has many modern facilities for tourists apart form intact natural beauties. Moreover the peaople of Marmaris always warmly welcome both the foreing and the local visitors.
After dinner,along the seafront restourants or in and around the town ,you may want to spend the rest of the night at one of the lively bars,discos or nigth clubs located mainly at the Bar Street.
There are many different types excursions ,which complement the vist to Marmaris. These may be half of full day tours ranging from canoe trips,horseback rides,treks,yacht tours,exploring villages ,jeep safari and visit to Ephesus,Pamukkale,Dalyan and Caunos.

Marmaris and its environs boast(have) the coastlines and bays as intricate as fine lace ,where the blue of sea and the sky , and the green of the pine forests embrace one another. Nature exhibits images one more spectacular than the other as far as the eye can see. Sites of natural beauty are available not only far a few months or a mere season,but encompass the whole year and welcome all nature lovers,local and foreigner alike.
Marmaris and its environs are also magnificent and beautiful in terms of nature ,as much as they are rich in and impressive in terms of the archaelogy that sheds light on this past. Aside from the natural beauty of the region,historic Caria and the countless ancient cities in some of their names still continue to elude us carry the centuries -old heritage to the present day. Ancient cities that can be reached and visited a day departing and returning to Marmaris pass on the cultural herştage of Anotalia ,the Aegean and the Mediterranean to the present day.

Marmaris Photo Gallery

Turkey Photo Gallery. istanbul

2010-07-11T14:38:00.000-07:00

Bosphorus Bridge - ISTANBUL

Bosphorus Bridge - ISTANBUL

Bebek - Istanbul

Ayasofya Mosque - Istanbul

Kız Kulesi - Istanbul

Galata Tower (Old) - Istanbul

bitez

2010-07-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

Bitez is one the least pretentious bays on the frequently pretentious Bodrum Peninsula. The beach and the sea are beautiful, and prices in the hotels and restaurants are very reasonable compared to those in other nearby resorts. It’s a place for doing very little and is especially good for families with children.

Also known as “Ağaçlı” (the Place of Trees), Bitez is a favorite with people who enjoy swimming in pristine waters, and are in search of a peaceful holiday. Despite the newly built hotels and apartment complexes, this little bay somehow manages to hang onto much of its beauty. The beach is lovely, and although the local authorities have permitted the hotels and restaurants to put out cushions, chairs and tables, they have also insisted that they allow free access to the sands, which means that you can take your towel and suntan lotion and set up camp wherever you like.

If you wine and dine at the restaurants that provide “beach accommodation” during the day, all is well and good. If not, no one asks you to buy anything. In short, you are at a public beach that has a “beach clup” feel to it. The sea is great and very shallow, which is what makes Bitez so popular with families, who have small children.
bitez

A popular folk song refers to a “Bitez yalısı”. The word “yalı” generally means a seaside mansion in Turkish, but in this particular song it refers to a beach in Bitez. A story tells how the lovers Gülsüm and Halil decided to run away together to the island facing the town. Halil had killed his sister and Gülsüm was married to another man, who was Halil’s close friend. Halil had served seven years in prison and was still on probation when the couple decided to meet at Bitez yalısı. A boatman got word of their escape, and informed the authorities, and Halil was caught and killed in the dungeon below the Belediye (Municipality) building. It was Gülsüm and Halil’s great love that inspired this folk song. Years later, the Belediye held a sculpture competition and erected the winning statue at the point where Gülsüm and Halil tried to embark.

Cesme

2010-07-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

The Çesme Peninsula, lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea, lies west of Izmir, in Turkey's Aegean region. "Çesme", meaning "fountain" in Turkish, derives from the many sources of water found in the area. It is one of Turkey's most beautiful stretches, surrounded by clear blue seas, with landscapes of cultivated fields of aniseed, sesame and artichokes dotted with fig and gum trees. In the unspoilt bays you can swim in absolute peace.

Visitors will find excellent holiday accommodations, restaurants and sports and entertainment facilities. It is possible also to get to Greek island Chios (Sakiz) with regular daily ferries. Çesme has an international harbor linked to Izmir with a superb highway (80 kilometers - 50 miles).

Çesme was captured from the Byzantines by a Seljuk Turkish force under Çaka Bey in the 11th century. With the decline of the Seljuks in the 13th century it became part of the Aydinogullari principality, which used Çesme as a naval base. The Ottoman sultan Yildirim Bayezit captured Çesme in the 14th century, but after his defeat against Tamerlane (Timur) he ruled the town, then it was returned to the Aydinogullari, and finally recaptured by Bayezit’s son Mehmed I in the 15th century.

A 14th century Genoese fortress, restored and enlarged by the Ottomans in the 16th century, dominates the small port of Çesme and now houses a weapons museum. Today, the town is a popular holiday resort with good accommodations and restaurants. The 16th century caravanserai near the fortress, Öküz Mehmet Pasa Kervansaray, built by Süleyman the Magnificent, has been converted into a hotel. It's a a solid stone building in good repair whose central courtyard is cool even in the hottest weather. Before the rise of Izmir, Çesme was the region’s major port, and this caravanserai marked the end of the Silk road for the caravans who plodded their weary way across Anatolia from Central Asia and the Middle East. Here the goods were unloaded from the camels for export to Europe by ship through the Aegean and Mediterranean. The Church of Agios Haralambos has been restored as an art gallery. Thermal baths offer a health centered escape from modern life. At night a lively, fun atmosphere pervades, especially in the restaurants, cafes, bars and discos along the promenade. Newly built modern Cesme marina has all the facilities for boat owners, as well as many fine restaurants and shops in the premises.

Yachts can be hired to explore the peninsula's splendid coastline. Çesme hosts an annual International Song Contest in July, one of the most important festivals in Turkey. Çesme is also famous for its mastic flavored ice-cream and mouth watering toasted sandwiches. Above all it is Çesme's beaches, the longest on the Aegean coast, and turquoise sea which bring holidaymakers back here again and again.

Environs

The very popular holiday center of Ilica boasts an excellent white sand beach and the outstanding facilities of the Altin Yunus Marina and Holiday Complex. The bay here is ideal for water sports, especially windsurfing and sailing; there is even an International Windsurfing Race held every year in Çesme and Alaçati, apart from Bodrum. The thermal baths around Ilica are very popular; the best being located on Sifne Bay. In 146 AD the Greek geographer Pausanius described these mineral springs as the ‘sea springs’ and claimed that their therapeutic effects were superior to any other spa in Ionia. They relieve rheumatism, inflammation of the joints, partial paralysis, digestive complaints, and infections of the spine marrow. Pasa Limani has a camp site which offers campers comfortable facilities. Every July on Ilica Bay, the colorful International Çakabey Optimist Yacht race is held.

Ildiri, a quiet seaside village 20 km northeast of Çesme, was ancient Erythrai which emerges on the stage of history in 3000 BC. Excavations here have shown that the site has been settled since the early bronze age, and as a result the area around the village of Ildiri has been declared a national heritage site. The walls around the ancient city are still standing, and Hellenistic period floor mosaics of exceptional beauty can still be seen in one of the buildings. Excavations have also revealed a temple of Athena. Statues, jewelry and other finds from the city are exhibited in Izmir Museum. Those who climb up to the Acropolis at dusk are rewarded with beautiful views as the sun sinks over the bay and islands.

Nearby is Gerence Gulf, a pristine inlet on the northeast Çesme peninsula which can be reached by yacht or car. The natural surroundings offer relaxation while the bay is ideal for water sports.

Dalyan, a fishing village, built on a sheltered deep water inlet just north of Çesme, has some of the region's best fish restaurants which border the quay of the lively marina.

Tourist are attracted by Çiftlik's many accommodations and by a long, sandy beach (Pirlanta Plaji) just outside of town to the southwest. Camping facilities are available to the south and nearby stretches one of the area's best beaches, the Altinkum Plaj (Golden Beach).

Windmills, some of which have been converted into attractive restaurants, dot the hill above Alaçati, a delightful and typical Aegean town. Alaçati lies to the south inland from Ilica and the coast; a couple of kilometers to the south is a good beach. Many lovely bays, accessible only by yacht, stretch along the coast southeast of the town and ensure peaceful and relaxing anchorages in this popular sailing region. The sea at Alaçati has ideal conditions for windsurfing since it is exposed to high winds. There is a windsurfing school on the quay here which holds courses for beginners. Çark Beach is a favorite with families with young children because the sea is shallow.

Known in ancient times as Clazomenae, Urla Iskelesi offers a marina as well as plentiful accommodations in all price ranges. Restaurants on the top of Güvendik hill afford a marvelous view of the bay and its islands.

The prosperous little fishing village of Çesmealti is notable for its simple yet excellent fish restaurants to try Turkish cuisine.

As you drive along the panoramic Karaburun peninsula coast road, you pass several peaceful bays and quaint fishing villages, Balikliova, Mordogan and Karaburun. At Karaburun, pleasant hotels, tea gardens and fish restaurants sit between the beautiful mountain backdrop and the clear, clean water. From Manastir Mountain you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the Karaburun coast, the Foça coastline opposite and the entrance of the Gulf of Izmir. If you are lucky, you can spot Mediterranean Seals swimming in the water.

Gümüldür has good tourist facilities, beautiful beaches, restaurants and hotels. Nearby at Ahmetbeyli (Claros) to the east, stand the Apollon Temple and the remains of the colossal statue of Apollo; here you can also enjoy a good fish meal, try Turkish food or a swim at the town's wide beach. A winding panoramic coastal road leads from Ahmetbeyli south to Pamucak beach near Kusadasi.

Seferihisar is a quite town which lately was awarded with the status of a "Slow City", an independent organization in Europe founded in 1999 trying to improve the quality of life in the towns within its network and which promotes a city having less traffic, local food instead of fast food, traditional life and housing, interesting places and unspoiled landscapes. Seferihisar is the first Turkish town to receive this status, and it certainly deserves it.

On the southern side of the Çesme peninsula near the town of Seferihisar is the small picturesque marina of Sigacik. This important yachting center is surrounded by fortifications dating from the Genoese period and is a good point from which to visit the Temple of Dionysus at the antique site of Teos as well as the lovely Akkum beach.

Bodrum

2010-07-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

Bodrum (Halicarnassus)

An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to Bodrum's dazzling blue bay, in which the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas meet. The town's charm is well-known, attracting a diverse population of vacationers who stroll along its long palm-lined waterfront, while elegant yachts crowd the marina.

Not far from town, you can swim in absolutely clear, tideless, warm seas. Underwater divers, especially, will want to explore the numerous reefs, caves and majestic rock formations. The waters offer up multicolored sponges of all shapes and sizes, octopi and an immense variety of other aquatic life.

The reputation of Bodrum's boatyards dates back to ancient times, and today, craftsmen still build the traditional yachts: the Tirhandil with a pointed bow and stern, and the Gullets with a broad beam and rounded stern. The latter, especially, are used on excursions and pleasure trips, and in the annual October Cup Race.

Bodrum has gained the reputation as the center of the Turkish art community with its lively, friendly and Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries. This community has encouraged an informal day-time life style and a night-time of excitement. The evenings in Bodrum are for sitting idly in one of the many restaurants, dining on fresh seafood and other Aegean specialties. Afterwards night clubs (some with cabaret) and superb discos keep you going until dawn. Lately, many foreigners have bought (and continue to buy) property in and around Bodrum for their holidays or for the retirement. It became a popular area especially for the British nationals.

Bodrum, known in the ancient times as Halicarnassus which was the capital of Caria, was the birthplace of Herodotus and the site of King Mausolous' Tomb (4th century B.C.), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the harbor, the Bodrum Castle, or the medieval castle of St. Peter, is a fine example of 15th century crusader architecture, and has been converted into the Museum of Underwater Archeology, with remains dating as far back as the Bronze Age. The stunning panoramic view from Goktepe, nearby, is much photographed by visitors to the Museums' 2nd century theater.

The beautiful Bodrum Peninsula suits holidaymakers interested in a subdued and relaxing atmosphere. Enchanting villages, with guest-houses and small hotels on quiet bays, dot the peninsula. On the southern coast, Bardakci, Gümbet, Bitez, Ortakent, Karaincir, Bagla and Akyarlar have fine, sandy beaches. Campers and wind-surfers enjoy Gümbet, and at Bitez colorful sail boards weave skillfully among the masts of yachts in the bay. On shore you can enjoy quiet walks through the orange and tangerine groves bordering the beach. Ortakent has one of the longest stretches of sandy beach in the area and offers an ideal place for relaxing in solitude. One of the most beautiful beaches on the Bodrum peninsula, Karaincir, is ideal for lively active days by the sea and relaxed, leisurely evenings with local villagers. Finally, Akyarlar enjoys a well-deserved reputation for the fine, powdery sand of its beach, it's also considered as one of the best beaches in the world. Turgutreis, Gumusluk and Yalikavak, all with excellent beaches, lie on the western side of the peninsula and are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. In Turgutreis, the birthplace of a great Turkish Ottoman admiral of the same name, you will find a monument honoring him. In the ancient port of Myndos, Gümüslük, you can easily make many friends with the hospitable and out-going local population. In Yalikavak white-washed houses with cascading Bougainville line narrow streets. Small cafes and the occasional windmill create a picturesque setting.

See the north coast of the peninsula - Torba, Türkbükü, Gölköy and Gündogan - by road or, even better, hire a boat and crew to explore the quiet coves, citrus groves and wooded islands. Little windmills which still provide the energy to grind grain crown hills covered with olive trees. Torba, a modern village with holiday villas and a nice marina is located 8 km north of Bodrum. Gölköy and Türkbükü are small and simple fishing villages with a handful of taverns overlooking a lovely bay.

After a boat trip to Karaada, half an hour from Bodrum, you can bathe in the grotto where the warm mineral waters flowing out of the rocks are believed to beautify the complexion.

The translucent and deep waters of the Gulf of Gökova, on the southern shore of the Bodrum peninsula vary from the darkest blue to the palest turquoise, and the coastline is thickly wooded with every hue of green. In the evening, the sea reflects the mountains silhouetted against the setting sun, and at night it shimmers with phosphorescence. You can take a yacht tour or hire a boat from Bodrum for a two, three or seven day tour of the gulf.

Also Milas town and Labranda, some 65 kms from Bodrum, are places of interest for archaeology lovers.

Bodrum is an exquisitely beautiful resort in the southwest corner of Turkey, which has become the haunt of the rich and famous. Its waterfront is domitaned by the magnificent The Castle of St. Peter , which houses a unique Museum of Underwater Archeology. There are regular ferries from Bodrum to the island of Kos in Greece.

Years ago, one of Turkey’s most famous pop-rock groups, MFÖ released a song entitled, “Bodrum, Bodrum”; “How do I describe it, where do I begin, Bodrum, Bodruuuum,” was how it started. Since then, it has become the unofficial anthem of this popular summer resort.

Most Turks have a Bodrum memory; the town is like an autonomous region inside Turkey, with its own private set of rules, one of which is that the evening doesn’t start until misnight!

A wonder of the ancient world

Bodrum’s original name was Halicarnassus. According to the celebrated historian Herodotus, who was a native of this town, the city was first founded by the Dorians. In 650 BC, the Megarans took it over, expanded it, and renamed it Halicarnassus. In the 4th century BC, the city became the capital of Caria, and went on to become prosperous and successful. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was built by Queen Artemisia in honor of her husband Mausolus, who died in 353 BC. Today, only scant ruins of the great tomb remain.

An ancient theater beside the road to Turgutreis has been beautifully restored and is worth a quick look. Work on it started during the reign of Mausolos, although it was extended by the Romans.

Later, Bodrum was conquered by the Romans and Byzantines. In 1415, it was captured by the Knights Hospitaller of Rhodes, and in 1522, during the reign of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, it became a part of the Ottoman Empire.