This is Turkey
Turkeys dramatic landscape is a fitting canvas for the countrys long history. It sweeps from Europe to Asia, from sun-baked Aegean beaches to expansive steppe, and from Mediterranean bays to snowy mountains.
A succession of empires, armies, pilgrims and traders have passed through Anatolia (Asian Turkey). Ottoman sultans, Byzantine emperors, whirling dervishes and Christian saints have all left clues, monuments, ciphers and ruins that add lyricism and romance to Turkeys scenery. Lycian tombs poke above the waterline in Mediterranean coves, fresco-filled cave churches survey Cappadocias surreal fairy chimneys, and the marble streets of Ephesus (Efes) glint in the Aegean sun.
Contemporary Turkeys rich culture combines these diverse historical influences . Here you can start the day in the bazaar, lunch on a kebap or kfte (meatballs) and spend the afternoon touring ruins, before hearing the sunset call to prayer and hitting a seafood restaurant or meyhane (Turkish tavern). Reflecting Turkish societys mix of Islamic, secular, traditional and modern elements, the countrys cities range from breathtaking, continent-straddling stanbul to southeastern outposts where minarets shimmer in the heat haze.
There are countless ways to enjoy Turkeys charms. Its an extraordinary cauldron of Eastern mystique, Mediterranean joie de vivre, urban sophistication and slow-paced rural life. Soak in the hamam, have a meze-and-rak (aniseed brandy) session, seek out wind-whipped ruins or tour stanbuls palaces: Turkey offers more than the keenest Grand Bazaar shopkeeper.
For physical activities, southwest Turkey reigns supreme. It is lined with beaches and dive spots, white-water rapids roar out of mountain ranges and walking trails lead to villages and ruins. You can kayak over the submerged remains of a city or paraglide from a 2000m-high peak; either way, dont miss the Turkish ritual of sipping a tulip-shaped glass of sweet black ay.
Hot-air ballooning in Greme (), Cappadocia
PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS CHEADLE/GETTY IMAGES
Top Experiences
Turkeys Top Experiences
Crossing Between Continents
In stanbul, you can board a commuter ferry ( ) and flit between Europe and Asia in under an hour. Every day, a flotilla takes locals across the Bosphorus and over the Sea of Marmara, sounding sonorous horns as it goes. Morning services share the waterways with diminutive fishing boats and massive container ships. At sunset, the tapering minarets and Byzantine domes of the Old City are thrown into relief against a dusky pink sky its the citys most magical sight.
stanbul
PETKO DANOV/GETTY IMAGES
Ephesus (Efes)
Undoubtedly Turkeys most famous ancient site, and considered the best-preserved ruins in the Mediterranean, Ephesus ( ) is a powerful tribute to Greek artistry and Roman architectural prowess. A stroll down the marble-coated Curetes Way provides myriad photo opportunities; at the bottom are the pillared facade of the Library of Celsus and, offering incredible insight into the daily lives of the citys elite, the Terraced Houses complex.
Library of Celsus ()
KEN WELSH/GETTY IMAGES
The hard-set honeycomb landscape surrounding Greme ( ) looks sculpted by a swarm of genius bees. The truth the cooling effects of a major volcanic eruption is only slightly less cool. Humans have also left their mark on this fantastical area: colourful Byzantine frescoes decorate the rock-cut churches clustered at open-air museums; and the Underground Cities are hideouts forged by early Christians. These days, Cappadocia is all about good times: fine wine, Anatolian cuisine, five-star caves, valley hikes and trail rides. Theres enough to keep you buzzing for days.