Summer is here. This is the season when most yearly leaves are used up. For those who wish to spend their holidays doing something better than shutting themselves away in a 5-star hotel complex, something like converting their holiday into a journey, life is not that complicated.
All they need to do is look into pages 8 and 9 of the supplement in their hands! Thinking that what those who see a holiday as visiting new places and travelling instead of getting stuck in the sea-sea-sea triangle need most is a document to guide them, we preapared a selection. I suppose we were under the influence of the “100 books to read before you die,” “1000 movies to watch before you die,” “50 songs to listen to before you die,” fashion; we made a list of “50 places to visit before the summer ends.”
Tourism has 50 apples of its eye
Turkey houses many beauties and riches, due to its location, nature and history. Which is why tourists flock here twelve months of the year, be it summer or winter. Tourists from European countries, Asia, America, and even the Far East travel all over Turkey and discover its wonders. We almost learn from them that there are places to see apart from the shores of the Mediterranean, the Aegean and the Black Sea. We witness the beauties of some places we didn”t imagine existed, or didn”t know the name of, on the steppes of Central Anatolia, or the harsh, rocky slopes of Eastern Anatolia. So, why don”t we leave aside our usual holidays and the places we have seen so many times before, and take a different route this year? We compiled a list of 50 places to see for you. While doing this, we wanted to remind you of the places that have become classics, and make it possible for you to see and get to know new places. Before you plan your holiday this year, don”t forget to look at the map we have prepared for you.
Nemrut, the site of giant statues
There are giant statues, up to 7 meters high, among those of eagles and lions, in the national park that houses the antique city of the Commagene kingdom, situated in Adıyaman”s city of Kahta. This area heads the list of places that would interest history fans.
A city one with nature
The cute little city of Amasra on the Blacksea coast is perfect for those after a tranquil holiday. As well as its natural beauty, a historical tour through its fortress, museum and Genoese castle might also appeal to you. And you will not be able to forget the taste of fish you can eat at Çakraz.
Amasya”s river beauties
Even a Central Anatolian city may surprise you. The Amasya houses and mansions, lining the shores of the river Yeşilırmak (Green river) and displaing all the characteristics of traditional Ottoman houses are a good reason to visit this city.
History and mystery together
At Olympos, with its historical buildings from Lycian, Roman and Byzantian times, you can have a natural and mystical holiday. You can see the fire that has been burning for 3000 years at Çıralı, go swimming from one of the most beautiful beaches of the world, and watch the Caretta Caretta sea turtles.
With the fish and the birds
Uluabat lake, 34 km from Bursa, is home to hundreds of thousands of water birds. The lake, also rich in underwater life, has 21 species of fish. Nature and wildlife lovers should take note.
Şirince: A Greek village on the Aegean
Şirince is a historical Greek village surrounded with vineyards, peach orchards and olive groves, 8 km. east of İzmir”s city of Selçuk, famous for the Ephesus ruins. The Şirince houses reflect 19. Century Anatolian architecture.
Places that let İstanbul breathe
If you live in İstanbul, you want to escape to somewhere nearby. Historical Polonese Village, cute Ağva between two rivers, or Anadolu Feneri (Anatolian Lighthouse), situated at the Blacksea entrance of the Bosphorus on the Anatolian side are places we can recommend.
Ottoman village of Cumalıkızık
Cumalıkızık, 2 km from Bursa, is one of the villages built by Orhangazi (2nd ruler of the Ottoman Empire) just before he entered Bursa. If you go to the village which is a protected area in its entirety, and displays the best examples of Ottoman architecture, you will be met by streams running through the narrow streets.
Thermal springs and nature
People have different preferences for holidays. If you feel like taking the thermal springs choice, you might choose Oylat Thermal Springs, 27 km. from İnegöl. The spa, located in the middle of a forest, offers you the most beautiful greenery as well as its healthy waters.
Aegean”s twins
If you want to experience the very last sunset of Turkey at Kaleköy, have a cup of mortar ground coffee at Zeytinli, and taste Hristo”s desserts, sail for Gökçeada. Go sightseeing at all the Greek villages on the island, but don”t forget to pay a visit to ist twin, Bozcaada.
The hub of cultures
Hasankeyf, between Mardin and Batman, is at the junction of many cultures. The joint work of Eastern Mediterranean, Mesopotamian, Roman and Bysantian cultures, Hasankeyf, in spite of its rich history spanning many ages, is unfortunately situated in the Ilısu Dam basin.
A waterfall in Erzurum
The waterfall, 35 km. from Tortum, is known as the highest waterfall in Europe and Asia, and third largest in the world, with its height of 48 meters. This is one of the places that would appeal to nature and falling water afficionados.
Surfers of the world, here
Alaçatı, best environment for surfing, is preferred by surfers from all over the world. It provides opportunities for surfing the year round with its winds, and awaits you also with its natural beauty, architecture and natural products.
Köyceğiz, history and nature...
With its 4,000 years of history as a harbor city, Köyceğiz has a lot to offer. For example, you can visit the thermal springs at Sultaniye village, go on a safari to Yayla village and Gökçeova, or benefit from the mud baths at Çandır village.
Writers” penitentiary
Sinop Penitentiary, established in the Seldjuk era, served as a penitentiary for political prisoners until 1997. Names such as Refik Halit Karay, Sabahattin Ali and Necip Fazıl Kısakürek served time in the penitentiary which is now a museum.
A quiet holiday in nature
At Palamutbükü, 25 km. to Datça city center, you can go swimming, fish in the clear waters, or go on boat tours to nearby bays and inlets. The village, a designated protection area, is a perfect holiday destination for those who love the sea and nature.
Matchless sea and nature
At Ölüdeniz, in Fethiye, you can go swimming from one of the best beaches in the world, visit Butterfly Valley and Gemile Island with its ruins, paraglide from Babadağ. Diving and nature walks are also among the activities available here.
Surprising trip in a canyon
The 18 km long Saklıkent between Fethiye and Antalya is an extraordinarily beautiful canyon. The site where you will not be able to see the sky at points, and will need to climb rocks to go on in others, will provide a new experience.
Time for a visit to the Prince Islands
Heading the list of places to see in Istanbul are the Prince Islands, especially the Grand Island. Summer is the best time to visit the islands. You can have a horse-drawn carriage tour among the streets decorated with flowers of all colors and the historical houses.
Don”t leave without seeing Sille
Konya is a virtual open air museum with its historical and cultural heritage. Those who want to experience Hz. Mevlana”s climate must make it a point to visit this city. Sille, 8 km. from the city center, is also a place worth a visit with its ancient history and different architectural style.
Uzungöl, while it is still untouched...
Uzungöl is like a dream garden hidden amongst mountains. One thousand and one tones of green, wild flowers of all colors, cool mountain air… Make it a point to visit Uzungöl before urbanization takes its toll. It is 100 km from Trabzon. And while you”re in Trabzon, you might also visit Sümela Monastery.
Capadoccia cannot be described, it has to be experienced
Are you one of those who look at photos of balloon tours of Capadoccia and sigh? If yes, set aside a part of your holiday this year to visit the fairy chimneys. Capadoccia, which captures the heart of all who visit, is located in the Nevşehir, Avanos and Ürgüp triangle.
Harran – A fairytale city
Harran, 45 km south of Ş.Urfa, is an important stopping point where Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean meet. It has a known history of 5,000 years, and an important cultural center since the early ages. It merits a visit with its domed houses, tumulus, fortress and city walls.
Sinan”s masterpiece Selimiye
Edirne Selimiye Mosque, built by the great architect Sinan when he was 80 years old, and which he called “my master work” is truly one of his masterpieces. It is also the zenith of Ottoman-Turkish architecture. Everyone of the tiles, calligraphy, marbles and stonework that decorate the interior is a masterpiece in its own right.
The Aegean”s white pearl
Pamukkale, a hill formed by the lime content of the waters, can be seen from 20 km. Located in Denizli, the area with the Antique Pool, Antique Theater and the Archeological Museum can be visited both as a historical location and as a natural wonder.
Both Seldjuk and Ottoman
The 116-room Ishakpaşa Palace, built on craggy rocks 5 km from Doğubayazıt, is a building combining Turkistani, Seldjuk and Ottoman architectural styles. In your trips to the east, do not forget to visit İshakpaşa Palace in the Doğubayzıt city of Ağrı.
Antique beauty Aspendos
Aspendos is an antique city famous for its amphitheater, situated 49 km west of Antalya. The theater with its seating capacity of 15,000, built by the Romans in 2nd Century A.D., is one of the best preserved antique buildings. It is an architectural wonder with its stage decorations and acoustics.
Santa Claus”s home
Demre is recognised as the home of St. Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus. The Santa Claus Church, as well as the rock tombs of the antique city of Myra, masterfully carved into the mountain, are worth a visit in world-famous Demre. It is 40 km. to Kaş.
View Ordu from Boztepe
Ordu is a province where all the beauties of nature are displayed generously. It has the cleanest sand of the Blacksea, and the longest shoreline. Viewing the city where green and blue embrace from Boztepe is a matchless experience. Boztepe is 450 m. From sea level.
A historical journey at Söğüt
Even hearing Söğüt”s name is exciting. The first capital of the 700 year Ottoman Empire, Söğüt is 29 km. east of Bilecik. You can make your way to Söğüt, and say a prayer by the tombs of Ertuğrul Gazi, Dursun Fakı and Şeyh Edebali.
Kültepe is world famous
Kayseri, well known for its pastrami, entrepreneurs and Erciyes mountain, is one of the oldest cities of the world. The oldest written sources of Anatolia were discovered at Kültepe, 8 km. east of the city. Kültepe excavations are followed by the whole world.
Set aside a day for İznik
If you are anywhere near Bursa, you must visit İznik. This pretty little town where Seldjuk and Ottoman expressions are arm in arm is one hour away from Bursa. The city is also famous for its tiles. You can spend some romantic hours sipping your tea beside the İznik lake and watching its beauty.
Seven-colored lake – Eğirdir
Eğirdir Lake is the fourth largest in Turkey, within the boundaries of Isparta. The view of the lake is breathtaking during all seasons of the year. Generally turquoise colored, the lake takes on different shades during diferent hours of the day, and indeed, on different days, causing the inhabitants of the area to call it the seven-colored lake.
Feed the holy fish
Urfa is St. Abraham”s city. It is considered holy by the Jews, Christians and Moslems alike. Balıklıgöl (Fish lake, actually two lakes called Aynzeliha and Halil-ür Rahman) is known as the place where St. Abraham fell when he was thrown into the fire. These two lakes are the most visited places in Urfa.
Not without seeing Mardin
To see the role stone plays in human life, and how human toil shapes the stone, you must visit Mardin, where religions and sects gather. Mardin is a city that enchants each visitor with its architecture, its social life and its cultural weave.
Sunset on Lake Van
Van is a city that keeps the Anatolian motifs alive with its cultural accumulation, natural beauty and regional structure. The largest lake of Turkey is in this province. There are three islands on the lake, the largest being Akdamar. The Armenian churc on Akdamar has recently been restored and opened to tourism.
Natural coolness at Ayder Plateau
Rize”s Ayder Plateau offers natural coolness to those overcome by the heat of the summer. The plateau, covered with spruce and beech forests, is 16 km to the city of Çamlıhemşin. As well as its rich flora, Ayder is also preferred in the region as a holiday location for its thermal springs.
Ashab-ı Kehf (Seven Sleepers) visit
The “Seven Sleepers Cave”, mentioned in the Kehf verses of the Koran, receive many visitors each year. In many Koran interpretations, The Ashab-ı Kehf caves are noted as being in Tarsus. The cave is in Dedeler village, 14 km. to Tarsus.
Damlataş is good for asthma
Alanya can easily be called a city of caves. Its world famous cave is Damlataş. The cave is known for its beneficial effect on asthma patients as well as its enchanting beauty. The temperature in the cave doesn”t change with the seasons – it is always 22 degrees Centigrade.
Open air museum of Harput
The city of Harput, 5 km to Elazığ, is an open air museum. It merits a visit with its museum, fortress, Ulu Mosque, Mother Mary Church and Buzluk Cavern. Busluk Cavern is surprising with its coolness in summer and warmth in winter.
Bolu””s necklace of pearls
The row of lakes in the valleys among the mountains are known as the Seven Lakes. It is an ideal location for nature lovers. The area, with its 238 different species of plantlife, also provides excellent opportunities for photographers.
History on the Gallipoli Peninsula
Gallipoli Peninsula, where the bloodiest battles of the I. World War were fought, is virtually a war museum. The martyr””s graveyard at Çanakkale is regularly visited by native and foreign visitors alike.
An enigmatic trip in the antique city
The 4,000 year old Ephesus Antique City, near İzmir”s city of Selçuk, is one of the biggest tourist attractions with its churches, markets, caves and fountains. The St. Mary”s Church, the first church to be built in the name of St. Mary, the Seven Sleepers” Cave, antique theater and the temples are among those that merit a visit.
From the first civilizations to the present
Karain caves are among the largest inhabited natural caves in Turkey. Some of the artifacts found during excavations are displayed at the Antalya Museum, some at Ankara Anatolian Civilizations Museum, and some in the little museum infront of the caves.
Mosaic city Zeugma
The antique city located at Nizip, Gaziantep, is well known for its mosaics dating from the Roman era. The villas and market places of the city are under the waters of the Birecik Hydroelectric Dam lake. The excavated mosaics are on display at the Gaziantep Museum.
A dream in Nature”s lap
Gölcük, reached by a winding road right next to Bolu, is a miniature lake. Abant, where there is a bigger lake, is an ideal location for taking long, tranquil walks, cycling, going for horse carriage rides and practising your photography skills.
Mosque and church, side by side
The Ani Ruins in Kars, displaying various cultures, is one of the best likes tourism attractions. History fans can see examples of Seldjuk architecture among others in the area where mosques, churches, caravanserais and monasteries belonging to various cultures abound.
Artvin”s plateaus
When Eastern Blacksea is mentioned, we think of valleys and plateaus. 51 percent of Artvin is on plateaus. You can visit the Sahara Plateau (Şavşat), Bilbial Plateau (Ardanuç) and Kafkasör Plateau (Center). Then come the valleys…
History, oxygen and trekking!
Kaz mountains, situated between Çanakkale and Balıkesir, is worth a visit with their green foliage, historical sites, streams and waterfalls. The area, with 25 kms of designated national park, attracts those who enjoy trekking.
All the beautiful houses of Anatolia
Safranbolu, a Blacksea city of Karabük, is known for its houses reflecting classical Ottoman urban architecture. If you visit this little city, which is one of the nine locations in Turkey on the “World Heritage List”, you will find yourself in a typical Ottoman Anatolian city.
