One of the most famous empires throughout history is without a doubt, the Ottomans. At one stage, they ruled nearly half the world and their traditions, religion and beliefs spread across their kingdom. Their capital that was Constantinople is now known as Istanbul and it is the ideal destination to gain an insight of the Sultans, their entourages, their families and … [Read more...]
From Rize to Trabzon: Places to Explore
Rize and Trabzon are without a doubt, blessed with some of Turkey’s most natural landscapes. These two provinces share borders and also have the most stunning green environment of which a rich selection of flora and fauna exist peacefully. Both regions also have a noticeably more laidback culture than the rest of Turkey, which may be attributed to its small … [Read more...]
The Ancient Ruins of Priene
Priene on the Aegean coast of Turkey, between the popular holiday resorts of Kusadasi and Altinkum was an ancient Greek city that belonged to the Ionian empire. It was also a member of the Ionian league that was a confederation of 12 cities, entrusted with making important decisions of the time, perhaps viewed as one of the earliest forms of Government. Famed for its … [Read more...]
4 Christian Sites in Istanbul
As the former capital of Byzantium, old Constantinople was an important center of the Christian religion that at one stage even threated to topple Rome. Despite the hundreds of years that have passed during that time, many Christian and iconic buildings are still standing. As the Turkish government looks to emphasize religious tourism in the country, the importance of these … [Read more...]
Is it Safe to Travel to Turkey?
Around the world at any given time, numerous incidents and situations are happening. The year of 2015 has been no exception for the country of Turkey. Its neighbouring country of Syria has been engaged in a civil war and also fought many battles with the group called ISIS or Daesh. This has led to an influx of refugees crossing into Turkey. At the same time, political upheaval … [Read more...]
6 Things to do in Van, Turkey
Van is a city in Eastern Turkey, with unique quirks, one of which is the rare breed of cats that, interestingly, inhabit around Lake Van. Van cats have curious different-colored eyes – one, amber and one, blue – and more curiously, a fondness for swimming in the vast Lake Van. Apart from exotic cats, Van prides in its deep-rooted history that goes as far back as 5,000 BC. … [Read more...]
8 Places to Visit in Bursa, Turkey
Apart from being the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa is famous for being a green city, where the government efficiently enforces environmental laws, making the town a refreshing sight. Bursa holds a very rich history, but you may be surprised to see modern city buildings side by side with remarkable ancient structures. Just admire the structures and you’ll have a … [Read more...]
Travel Information and Guide to Greece
Greece has always been and will be one of the most popular destinations for tourism. It is not hard to see why. The country and surrounding islands, have a colourful historical timeline filled with stories of the ancient gods, and philosophers like Aristotle. It also has superb coastlines filled with beautiful beaches and swimming spots. Throw in the welcoming and interesting … [Read more...]
Easy Reading – Download the Boutique Turkey Brochure
We want to make it as easy as possible for readers to get connected with the country of Turkey and one way we have done that is to publish our brochure on Issuu. It is the fastest growing digital publishing platform in the world because it makes it easy for readers to get the information they want. Our brochure on Issuu is displayed in a beautiful 150 dpi resolution size and … [Read more...]
The Fishing Town of Agva in Sile, Turkey
Sile (pronounced Shele) is approximately 70 km from Istanbul and the region dates from roughly 700BC, but it was only in 1859 that a lighthouse was built in the area. The lighthouse, known as Sile Feneri, is still operational, but as tourism opened up to the area, resorts, restaurants and bars were built around it. It is also famous for its cotton production and the tomb of Kum … [Read more...]
Blue Cruise Tour in Turkey – Stylish Sailing on a Gulet Boat
Turkey has many historical ruins, site-seeing places and of course, local attractions, however there is nothing quite as idyllic as a Blue Cruise tour. Boarding a traditional Turkish gulet boat, passengers spend their days sailing the coastline, exploring small villages, witnessing scenic landscapes, snorkelling and basically relaxing in style. Also known as Blue Voyage … [Read more...]
Best Places To Visit in Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia resembles a make-believe world where fairies exist in rock houses nicknamed “fairy chimneys.” Faries have nothing to do with it, though. Instead, millions of years ago, many volcanic explosions littered the Cappadocian plateaus. Time, the wind, and water then worked together in making a landscape that is out-of-this-world. These days, many places to visit in … [Read more...]
Shane Delia’s Spice Journey in Turkey
Australian readers will be delighted with the latest food series to hit our screens. It started on July the 31st and features the well-known Shane Delia as he… “Explores the historical and cultural foundations of this colourful country, and experiences the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires to create a contemporary twist on those Turkish flavours” Guidelines … [Read more...]
The Pool of Sacred Fish in Urfa
One of Urfa’s main attractions is the Sacred Fish Pool inhabited by thousands of fish. The Sacred Fish Pool can be found in the courtyard of the Halil-ur-Rahman mosque, which dates back to 1211. What makes the Sacred Fish Pool popular aren’t only the fishes or the colorful gardens that surround it, but its historical significance. The location of the Sacred Fish Pool is the … [Read more...]
Things to Do in Gallipoli and Canakkale
The town of Canakkale, being located between the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara, is a seaport that is of great importance to Turkey. Two things that make Canakkale of historical relevance are its early civilization (3000BC to 400AD) and the two most remarkable battles in history – the mythical Trojan War and the Battle of Canakkale during World War I. Because of its … [Read more...]
Tourist Attractions on the Black Sea Coast of Turkey
Turkey boasts of many historical, archeological and architectural sights, while for natural wonders, most of the country’s beauty is concentrated in Black Sea Coast. Filled with verdant hills, picturesque alpine meadows, lush valleys and glacial lakes, architecture in this region is also impressive and it includes Ottoman houses, an ancient city and one of the most interesting … [Read more...]
Public & Religious Holidays in Turkey : How Will They Affect Your Visit?
Planning your holiday to ensure no interruptions occur is easy. A set check list covering all aspects including what to pack and weather conditions, normally prevents most things from going wrong. Unfortunately, one aspect that people tend to forget is public and religious holidays and how they will affect opening hours of amenities and attractions. Public holidays in … [Read more...]
The Green Mausoleum of Bursa
The city of Bursa is also called Green Bursa for the predominant green color from its teeming greeneries that are mostly contributed by numerous parks and gardens. Adding to its “green” character is the Green Mausoleum, which is the final resting place of Mehmet I. Mehmet I’s sarcophagus is considered to be an architecture wonder of the Turkish period. Its colorful and … [Read more...]
Lure of The South – Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey
The South-Eastern Turkey Region is situated on a higher elevation than Turkey’s other regions, with its average altitude reaching 2200 meters. Its geographic location leaves the region with short summers and long, colder winters. There isn’t a dense population in Eastern Turkey, which can be an advantage to tourists since there is less hustle and bustle, leaving more room for … [Read more...]
Lake Van in Eastern Turkey
Lake Van is important to Turkey because it is the largest lake in the country and the second largest in the Middle East region. It is also rather unique in that it is labeled as endorheic, i.e. it does not have an outlet to flow to. This was not always the case, but a massive volcanic eruption in the early ages blocked the outlet. There is only one species of fish that … [Read more...]
Çamlıhemşin : Bursting with Colour
The small town of Çamlıhemşin is revered in Turkey for its richness in nature, life and colour. The year-long rains, high altitude (high up in the Firtina Valley) and cold temperature make Çamlıhemşin’s soil so fertile that its valleys and mountains are all in an opulent colour of green. While Çamlıhemşin is a great visit all throughout the year, the best time to see the town … [Read more...]
Apollo Temple : Where Anthony and Cleopatra Met
A visit to the ruins of the Apollo Temple makes for a fascinating experience for lovers of romance and history. It is believed to be the place where Anthony met Cleopatra; he presented the Apollo Temple as a token of his love and devotion to her. Even without the romantic angle, the Apollo Temple is a magnificent work of architecture dating back to 2nd century AD. What made it … [Read more...]
Beylerbeyi Palace
The former official residence of the sultans can be found on the European shore of the Bosphorus, and on the Asian side lays their summer residence, the Beylerbeyi Palace. It is not as large or luxuriant as the Dolmabahce Palace, but its gardens, filled with different kinds of trees are truly conducive for the warm Istanbul summer. It also has kiosks and a pool where the … [Read more...]
Aspendos Antique Theatre
A stark comparison from the modernity of the Antalya city center is the Ancient City of Aspendos, found 25 miles to the east. Records hold that Aspendos’ history goes back as far as 1000 BC and flourishing in the 5th century BC, where it became a center of trade and industry with its abundance of oil, wool, and salt. The Theatre of Aspendos (Image credit) As with all … [Read more...]
The Cave of Abraham
The Birth Place of Prophet Abraham in Urfa is a famous pilgrimage site where devotees go to pray and pay respects to one of history’s most revered prophets. He is believed to have been born in a cave in Urfa where he spent about ten years of his life as protection against the cruel King Nimrod who then ordered all newborn children killed upon learning of Abraham’s coming … [Read more...]
The Majestic Castle of Kars
Bring drinking water and prepare your knees for a little climb because the best way to appreciate the Kars Castle is to conquer the steppe and view the kalesi face to face. It went through a lot of rebuilding since its original erection in 1153 to its final rebuilding in 1855. The structure that presently sits atop the hill, overlooking the city may be a combination of … [Read more...]
Midyat Stone Houses
Nestled between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, up on the slopes of Upper Mesopotamia, is a town that is veiled with a profound ancient vibe called Midyat. The architecture in Midyat is an image of the excellent artisanship of Syrian Christian workers. It boasts of the ingenious predominant use of stone, which keeps extreme temperatures tolerable to the locals. It provides a … [Read more...]
Unusual Sarpi on the Georgia – Turkey Border
The Sarpi Gate is more than just a boundary between the countries of Turkey and Georgia. It is a tourist destination in itself, often the first or last destination when visiting either country. Border rules changed in the recent years and although it is no longer as easy to cross borders as it had been a decade ago, travelers are free to enjoy the beauty of Sarpi. Sarpi … [Read more...]
Butterfly Valley : Be Inspired by Nature
Butterfly Valley is one of Turkey’s most beautiful natural wonders. The 4-kilometer valley is protected by magnificent cliffs as high as 350 meters. When you go on a trip to Butterfly Valley, it is easy to think that you are in an entirely different world because of its virgin beach without the luxury of traditional lodging or even the convenience of electricity. However, … [Read more...]
The Lush Green Ayder Plateau of Rize
Turkey is blessed with spectacular plateaus and one of those is the Ayder Plateau located in the town of Camlihemsin in the province of Rize. The Ayder Plateau is fondly referred to as “honey forest” because of its delicacy, the honey. It is a conglomeration of all shades of green with touches of gold and brown that reaches out to the skies. You will also find both hot … [Read more...]
Altindere National Park
The Altindere National Park is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Trabzon region of Turkey. Known throughout for its exceptionally verdant forests, you will find many species of trees such as oak, chestnut, Scotch pine, black pine, and the beautiful forest rose. The abundance of fruits, flowers, and plants makes it a perfect habitat for animals such as foxes, … [Read more...]
Our Favourite Books about the Country of Turkey
Books are powerful. A combination of written words can change our lives, thoughts, or beliefs. In some scenarios, they are simply there to be informative, like a travel guide. Whether it relays information or evokes emotions, travel guides are a useful tool for informing us about the country we will travel to. However, in the case, of Turkey, there are many good history and … [Read more...]
A Jewish Heritage Tour of Istanbul
Turkey covers two continents, including Europe but a majority of it is in Asia Minor, of which Jews have lived in since the 5th century BC. The Ottoman Empire during their reign was also respected for offering shelter and homes to Jews, expelled from other countries, especially during the 15th century, when the Alhambra Decree, ordered the explosion of Jews from catholic Spain. … [Read more...]
A Christian Tour: Religious Tourism in Turkey
Turkey has many luring aspects of which some are the Mediterranean sun and gorgeous beaches. However, thanks to its colourful history, religious tourism in Turkey is increasing. In specific, the western world is keen to complete Christian pilgrimages to former biblical sites, scattered in abundance over the country. The history of Christianity in this region is certainly … [Read more...]
Travel Photography Tips for Turkey
The diversity of culture, food, people, and traditions in the country of Turkey impress everyone but it also presents a variety of subjects for the perfect photograph holiday album. On every street, and in every town, intriguing opportunities await novice and experienced photographers. Scenic landscapes, friendly locals, ancient architecture and native animals, make Turkey a … [Read more...]
Romantic Honeymoon Ideas for Turkey
Any couple due to be united in wedded bliss obviously wants to start their union with a celebration. Ideally, in an exotic destination, that creates lasting memories of enjoyment, intimacy, and romantic ambience and atmospheric vibes. Due to the diversity of locations, activities, and types of holidays, Turkey is an excellent place for a honeymoon. From luxurious indulgence, … [Read more...]
Lycian Way of Turkey: A Coastal Walk of the Best Attractions
Throughout history, the lands of Turkey have accommodated numerous empires. One of those was the Lycians who existed on the Mediterranean coast from around 1250BC to 546BC. Known for their many attributes, their main strength was forward thinking, archaeological designs and although not a fierce group of people, they were skilled on the battlefield. Their language disappeared … [Read more...]
Enjoy Golfing Holidays in Belek, Turkey
For many years, golfing enthusiasts focused on countries like the USA or Spain for their holidays. Both are well equipped and built a solid reputation of professionalism in the golfing holiday niche. However, one country attracting admiration is Turkey. It received an extra boost in 2013, when Tiger Woods played in the Turkish Airlines Open. Anyone considering a golfing … [Read more...]
Disabled and Handicap Travel in Turkey : Is it Possible?
Worldwide, the travel industry is constantly finding new ideas to make travel accessible to everyone. This includes the genre of disabled and handicap travel. Booking agents and official tourism organizations want disabled people to enjoy the same attractions, highlights, and destinations that able-bodied travellers visit. This is all good in theory but how does the country of … [Read more...]
Majestic Sardis: Capital of Ancient Lydia and a Church of Revelation
Out of all the ancient ruins on the Aegean coast of Turkey, Ephesus is the most famous and popular. This is understandable since it was the second largest city of the Roman Empire. Yet if time is no restriction, there are much more historical sites to visit including the relatively unknown capital of ancient Lydia, called Sardis. Located 60 miles east of the Izmir peninsula, … [Read more...]
Tlos and the Winged Horse Pegasus
Many historical sites and ancient ruins exist in Turkey. This is not a surprise when we think back over its timeline and the various civilizations, empires, and dynasties that have ruled it. Other countries around the world consider it the hub between east and west but Turkey has its eye on another goal. That is to be one of the top visited tourist destinations in the world, … [Read more...]
The Beehive Houses of Harran
Throughout history, man has always adapted to natural landscapes and to making good use of resources. The beehive houses of Harran are a perfect example of this. They first appeared around 3000 years ago and although now days, most are used as tourist exhibitions, they are still a marvellous insight into life during history. Used up until the 1980s, the traditional method of … [Read more...]
Great Museums to Visit in Gaziantep
The Southeastern region of Gaziantep in Turkey, does not get many visitors compared with coastal resorts of the Aegean and Mediterranean. This is a shame because in the last few years, they have put much enthusiasm and careful thought into welcoming tourism and travel enthusiasts. Cultural routes line their way through city roads, signs and leaflets are printed in English, … [Read more...]
Solo Female Travel in Turkey : Safety Tips
Safety for females is always a hot discussion topic, whichever country is referred to. For centuries, the Western world, portrayed women as the weaker sex and in many cultures across the world, that stereotype still exists. So in a day and age, when Western women are more independent than ever, it is no surprise that safety when travelling solo is a debate with both sides … [Read more...]
The Ugly Castle of Uchisar in Cappadocia
On my first visit to Cappadocia, I never saw Uchisar castle. The walk up to the top of the hill seemed too strenuous and in the mid-day heat, sweat was pouring off me. Nothing much was mentioned about it in guidebooks anyway, so I assumed it to be a minor attraction that should not appear in any “top ten list of things to do.” Two years later, I returned to Cappadocia in the … [Read more...]
The Turkish Santa Claus from Demre
Unfortunately, when it comes to celebrating Christmas and the joyful character of Santa Claus, the image that we see of him nowadays is a big difference from his true origins. Now, you might be thinking about the North Pole, his reindeer, elves and a toy workshop for the millions of good little children all around the world. However, the origins of Santa Claus began on the … [Read more...]
The Laz and Hemsin Cultures of Turkey
I could feel the chill in my bones. After a long day touring local attractions, I was trying to sleep and was dressed in pyjamas, T-shirt, and a sweater but still had to pull the blanket around my neck to keep warm. This is the moment that I fully appreciated the diversity of Turkey and ironically had to laugh because it was the middle of June. In previous years, I normally … [Read more...]
The Green Ihlara valley of Cappadocia, Turkey
Ihlara Valley is possibly one of Turkey’s most stunning natural landscapes. Situated in the Cappadocia region and formed thousands of years ago, the 14-kilometre gorge, reaches 100 metres deep in most places. Historians have also uncovered human dwellings and cave churches that led them to believe, the valley was home to a large community of people for many centuries. This … [Read more...]
Nine Photos from the Glorious City of Urfa
One of my favourite cities in Turkey is glorious Urfa. With a strong connection to Ibrahim, otherwise known as Abraham in the Old Testament, it is impossible to visit and not instantly fall in love with the sites, culture, and local traditions. Due to its location in Southeast Turkey, it hardly appears in any mainstream travel brochures, and most visitors arrive there on a tour … [Read more...]
Five Extreme Luxury Hotels in Turkey
Turkey has come a long way since its days as a cheap backpacking haven for drop out students. The hotel industry has re-invented itself to include luxury five star amenities that capture the attention of the rich and famous. Here are our picks of gorgeous hotels to stay in. Luxury Hotels of Turkey Angels Peninsula Hotel on the scenic coastal line of Marmaris is an … [Read more...]