About Place
- "A mesmerizing blend of East and West."
- "A land of ancient ruins and modern wonders."
- "The crossroads of civilizations with stunning landscapes."
Reasons to Visit
- Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage : Turkey is home to some of the most significant historical sites in the world, including the ancient city of Troy, the ruins of Ephesus, and the rock churches of Cappadocia. Istanbul, the country's largest city, straddles Europe and Asia and is filled with iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. The country's diverse history, influenced by various empires and civilizations, makes it a treasure trove for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.
- Stunning Natural Landscapes : From the surreal rock formations of Cappadocia to the pristine beaches along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, Turkey offers a wide array of natural wonders. The travertine terraces of Pamukkale, known as the "Cotton Castle," and the turquoise waters of Ölüdeniz are just a few examples of the breathtaking scenery that can be found in Turkey. The country’s varied geography provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, hot air ballooning, and sailing.
- Delicious and Diverse Cuisine : Turkish cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and diverse influences. Traditional dishes such as kebabs, mezes, and baklava reflect the country’s varied cultural history. The culinary experience in Turkey is further enhanced by its vibrant food markets and street food culture, offering everything from simit (sesame-encrusted bread rings) to döner kebabs. Whether dining in a high-end restaurant or a local eatery, food lovers will find an abundance of delightful tastes to explore.
Visa
- United States, Canada, Australia : Citizens need an e-Visa, which can be easily applied for online.
- European Union (most countries) : Schengen area citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- United Kingdom : British citizens also require an e-Visa.
- Asian countries : Visa requirements vary; many, like Japanese and South Korean citizens, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, while others, like Indian citizens, need an e-Visa.
- African countries : Visa requirements vary greatly. For example, South African citizens need an e-Visa, while others may need to apply for a visa at a Turkish embassy.
Travel Expenses
Estimated Expenses for Two People :
- Travel to & from destination :
- Round-trip flights from a major metro city (e.g., New York to Istanbul) : $1,200 per person ($2,400 total)
- Hotel cost :
- Istanbul (2 nights) : $150 per night x 2 nights = $300
- Cappadocia (1 night) : $200 per night x 1 night = $200
- Pamukkale (1 night) : $100 per night x 1 night = $100
- Antalya (1 night) : $150 per night x 1 night = $150
- Total : $750
- Food cost :
- Average cost per meal : $30 per person
- Total for 5 days (2 meals per day) : $30 x 2 x 5 x 2 = $600
- Activity cost :
- Bosphorus Cruise : $20 per person x 2 = $40
- Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia : $250 per person x 2 = $500
- Göreme Open-Air Museum : $10 per person x 2 = $20
- Derinkuyu Underground City : $15 per person x 2 = $30
- Pamukkale and Hierapolis : $15 per person x 2 = $30
- Ephesus entry : $12 per person x 2 = $24
- Perge entry : $10 per person x 2 = $20
- Total : $664
- Near destination travel cost :
- Car rental for 5 days : $50 per day x 5 days = $250
- Gas : $100
- Total : $350
Grand Total : $4,764
Best Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Istanbul Arrive in Istanbul, Turkey’s bustling cultural and historical hub. Check-in at your hotel and take some time to relax. Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia from 10 AM to 12 PM, marveling at its stunning architecture and historical significance. For lunch, head to Sultanahmet Köftecisi for authentic Turkish meatballs and rice. Spend your afternoon exploring the Blue Mosque from 1 PM to 3 PM, and then wander through the historic streets of Sultanahmet, visiting the Hippodrome of Constantinople. In the evening, take a Bosphorus Cruise from 6 PM to 8 PM to see Istanbul’s skyline from the water. For dinner, try the seafood at Balıkçı Sabahattin. End your night with a stroll around the vibrant Istiklal Street.
Day 2 : Exploring Cappadocia Fly to Cappadocia early in the morning and check into a cave hotel. Start your day with a hot air balloon ride from 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM, offering stunning views of the unique landscape. After breakfast, visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum from 9 AM to 11 AM to see rock-cut churches and frescoes. Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Seten Restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the underground city of Derinkuyu from 1 PM to 3 PM. Take a sunset hike through the Rose Valley from 5 PM to 7 PM. For dinner, savor local specialties at Dibek Restaurant. End your day relaxing at your hotel, soaking in the unique atmosphere of Cappadocia.
Day 3 : Pamukkale and Ephesus Travel to Pamukkale in the early morning. Spend your morning from 9 AM to 11 AM exploring the stunning travertine terraces and soaking in the thermal pools. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis from 11:30 AM to 1 PM. Have lunch at White House Restaurant & Café. In the afternoon, drive to the ancient city of Ephesus, arriving around 4 PM. Explore the well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, until 6 PM. For dinner, head to Selçuk for a meal at Ejder Restaurant. Return to your accommodation in Pamukkale for the night.
Day 4 : Antalya’s Beaches and Ancient Ruins Head to Antalya, the pearl of the Turkish Riviera. Spend your morning relaxing at Konyaaltı Beach from 9 AM to 12 PM. For lunch, try the seafood at Lara Balık. In the afternoon, visit the ancient city of Perge from 2 PM to 4 PM, followed by a visit to the Antalya Museum from 4:30 PM to 6 PM to learn more about the region’s history. Enjoy dinner at Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the charming old town of Kaleiçi, exploring its narrow streets and historic buildings. Stay overnight in Antalya.
Day 5 : Departure Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Spend your morning shopping for souvenirs at the local markets or visiting any last attractions you may have missed. Check out from your hotel and travel to the airport for your departure.
Safety Tips
- Keep your passport and important documents secure.
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
- Use reputable transportation services.
- Avoid discussing sensitive topics in public.
- Keep emergency numbers handy.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
- Be cautious with street food.
- Use ATMs located in secure areas.
- Purchase travel insurance for emergencies.
Flights
- From New York to Istanbul :
- Turkish Airlines : Direct flight, 10 hours, approximately $600 per person.
- Delta Airlines : Direct flight, 10 hours, approximately $650 per person.
Hotels
- Istanbul : Hotel Amira, The Magnaura Palace Hotel, Niles Hotel Istanbul.
- Cappadocia : Sultan Cave Suites, Kelebek Special Cave Hotel.
- Pamukkale : Melrose House Hotel, Venus Suite Hotel.
- Antalya : Akra Hotel, Tuvana Hotel.
Contacts
- Indian Embassy in Ankara : +90 312 438 2195
- Police : 155
- Ambulance : 112
- Firefighters : 110
Country
Closet Airport
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Nearest City
- Istanbul
Heritage Sites
Hagia Sophia
Cappadocia
Ephesus
Airlines
Turkish Airlines
Pegasus Airlines
Delta Airlines
Lufthansa
Emirates
Currency
- Turkish Lira (TRY)
Languages Spoken
Turkish
Real Story
The Fall of Constantinople (1453)
The Fall of Constantinople in 1453 was a pivotal event in world history, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire. This conquest had profound effects on the course of history, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.
Background : Constantinople, founded by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD, served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a millennium. It was a city of immense strategic and economic importance, sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Its formidable walls and defenses made it one of the most impregnable cities of the medieval world.
Siege of 1453 : The Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, ascended to the throne with a vision of capturing Constantinople. On April 6, 1453, Mehmed II began the siege with a massive army estimated to be between 80,000 to 100,000 soldiers, significantly outnumbering the city’s defenders. The Byzantines, led by Emperor Constantine XI, had approximately 7,000 defenders, including a contingent of Genoese soldiers.
The Ottomans employed innovative tactics and technology in their assault. Mehmed II’s forces utilized massive cannons, including the legendary Basilica cannon, to bombard the city’s walls. The siege continued for weeks, with the Ottomans launching several frontal assaults and the Byzantines valiantly defending their city.
Fall of the City : On May 29, 1453, after a 53-day siege, Mehmed II launched a final, all-out assault. The Ottoman forces breached the walls through a series of coordinated attacks. The defenders, exhausted and outnumbered, were overwhelmed. Emperor Constantine XI reportedly died in battle, fighting to defend his city.
As the Ottomans entered the city, Mehmed II rode through the streets, proclaiming himself the new ruler. He allowed his troops to plunder the city for three days, a common practice in medieval warfare. Afterward, Mehmed II began to restore and rebuild the city, transforming it into the new capital of the Ottoman Empire. He converted the Hagia Sophia, the city’s most iconic church, into a mosque, symbolizing the city’s transition to Islamic rule.
Aftermath and Legacy : The fall of Constantinople had far-reaching consequences. It marked the end of the Byzantine Empire, which had been a continuation of the Roman Empire. The conquest of the city established the Ottoman Empire as a dominant power in the region and a formidable force in both Europe and Asia.
The fall of Constantinople also had a significant impact on Europe. It disrupted traditional trade routes to the East, prompting European powers to seek new paths, leading to the Age of Exploration. The city, renamed Istanbul, became a cultural and economic hub under Ottoman rule, blending diverse traditions and becoming a center of Islamic culture and learning.
Today, the legacy of the fall of Constantinople is evident in Istanbul’s rich history and cultural diversity. The city remains a testament to the confluence of civilizations and the enduring impact of historical events.
Cuisine
Turkish cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and influences, reflecting the country’s rich cultural history. It features a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Popular Dishes :
- Kebabs : From the famous shish kebab (grilled meat on skewers) to the succulent döner kebab (rotating roast), kebabs are a staple in Turkish cuisine.
- Mezes : These are small dishes served as appetizers or side dishes, including hummus, baba ghanoush, and stuffed grape leaves (dolma).
- Baklava : A sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup, baklava is a popular dessert.
- Pide : Often referred to as Turkish pizza, pide is a boat-shaped flatbread topped with various ingredients like cheese, meat, and vegetables.
- Manti : Turkish dumplings filled with spiced meat, typically served with yogurt and garlic sauce.
Unique Flavors : Turkish cuisine often features bold and aromatic spices such as cumin, sumac, and paprika. Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and dill are also commonly used. Olive oil is a staple in Turkish cooking, used generously in salads and cooked dishes.
Culture and History
Turkey’s culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse influences and rich traditions. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey has a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultural elements. This fusion is evident in its architecture, music, cuisine, and customs.
Cultural Highlights :
- Hospitality : Turkish hospitality is renowned. Visitors are often treated as honored guests, with locals going out of their way to make them feel welcome. This hospitality extends to the concept of “misafirperverlik,” which emphasizes the importance of treating guests with the utmost respect and kindness.
- Festivals and Traditions : Turkey boasts a variety of festivals and traditions that reflect its cultural diversity. The Mevlana Festival in Konya, celebrating the Sufi mystic Rumi, and the vibrant International Istanbul Film Festival are just a couple of examples. Traditional Turkish tea and coffee culture are also integral parts of daily life, with tea being a symbol of friendship and hospitality.
- Art and Music : Turkish art and music are deeply rooted in the country’s history. The traditional music features a mix of regional styles, with instruments like the bağlama (a stringed instrument) and the darbuka (a type of drum). Turkish carpets and ceramics are famous worldwide for their intricate designs and craftsmanship.
- Cuisine : Turkish cuisine is a delightful mix of flavors and influences, from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern to Central Asian. Staples include kebabs, mezes (small dishes), and baklava (a sweet pastry). Each region has its specialties, such as the seafood of the Aegean coast and the spicy dishes of Southeastern Anatolia.
Historical Overview :
Turkey’s history is a rich narrative shaped by various civilizations and empires. From the ancient Hittites and Phrygians to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, each era has left an indelible mark on the country. Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, served as the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, making it a significant historical and cultural center.
The rise of the Ottoman Empire in the late 13th century brought a period of great prosperity and cultural flourishing. The Ottomans ruled vast territories in Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, leaving behind a legacy of impressive architectural and cultural achievements. The empire’s decline in the early 20th century led to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk’s reforms modernized the country, setting the foundation for contemporary Turkey.
Today, Turkey continues to celebrate its rich heritage while embracing modernity, making it a captivating destination for travelers.