Home to the birth of civilizations for 10,000 years, you'd be hard-pressed to find a country as significant to our presence on this Earth as Turkey. If it is possible to step back from your busy life and make some time for an important, life-altering trip, without a doubt, this is the place to go.
The only way to experience Turkey, as with traveling in most countries, is to have an open mind and arrange for a well-rounded trip. You can count on observing ancient ruins and seeing amazing buildings and sites. You would be doing the country, and yourself, a major injustice by simply relaxing in the sun and treating it as a resort.
For someone who has time and monetary constraints, it is hard to choose which cities to travel in, but if I had to narrow it down to two, Istanbul (Ýstanbul) and Ephesus (Efes) are where it's at. One is a buzzing metropolis that is uniquely cosmopolitan and the other is an ancient city that was home to St. Paul, St. John and the Virgin Mary -- no kidding.
istanbul, not constantinople
You should feel like a kid in a candy store upon arriving in this 8,000-year-old city. Split by the Bosphorus Strait, the bulk of the city lies to the European west side, while the Asian side is to the east. As a major city of importance and a population of approximately 13 million, most carriers from around the world will take you there directly.If you're coming from Europe, do not take a train -- the trek to Turkey is slow and expensive. Reserve an airplane ticket on Turkish Airlines if no other choice is available; it's cheaper than rail and you'll arrive at Ataturk Airport, a 30-minute taxi ride from the city, which is cheap if you split it with fellow travelers.
For budget-conscious tourists, a key place to stay is Sultanahmet, a section in the old city of the European side. It is a central area that won't leave you with a hole in your wallet. A note on the lira, the Turkish currency (TL): it is extremely devalued due to a 64% inflation rate, where $2 US is worth nearly 1,000,000 TL. Because of this and obviously poor economic conditions, using the US dollar is acceptable. You can carry around some lira for taxi rides and purchases at run-down shops, but that's about it.
to the sights
Hopefully you were able to land a quaint hotel room in the old city because this key area is within walking distance of the big names of Istanbul sightseeing. When they say the old city, they don't mean from last century, or even the one before that.The old city was used 2,500 years ago and the buildings that remain are wondrous examples of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires' spectacular reign. The first stop on this trip into worlds of ancient history is Saint Sophia, the Church of the Divine Wisdom.
Credited for 1,000 years as the greatest church in Christendom, it was converted to a mosque as Islamic culture took over much of Turkey. Mosaics, beautiful marble carvings, intricate facades, and a dominating dome that seems to be unsupported, are all liable to make your jaw drop just like those of the peasants in the 6th century.
Next is the Topkapi Palace. Home to some of the most powerful sultans for 400 years, the Palace represents the definition of luxury during the late medieval period. Before you even walk into the actual building, there are several gates and ornately designed courtyards to bypass and admire.
Once inside, you'll find numerous palace rooms, banquet halls and living quarters open for you to discover. A room was made for every occasion imaginable: there is a circumcision room (be careful, it is still used) and a cloakroom reserved for the prophet Mohammed. The Palace, arguably the sight to see in the old city, can enrapture you for hours on end.
getting medieval
On your way to the Blue Mosque, the city's most imposing structure, there is no question you should stop at the Hippodrome. Back in the day, ruling emperors made changes in politics Ben-Hur -style, with races held. Different chariots represented different changes, and the winner would not only alter the government, but also become an important figure himself. As you stroll among the hulking obelisks and ancient fountains, do not ignore the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum containing some amazing Ottoman royal paraphernalia.I guarantee that even after touring these ancient living historic wonders, you will yearn for more time among the people of this city. With the possibility of touring these great sites in one day, remember to wake yourself from the incredible daze and look for some sustenance.
Istanbul is not only the center of ancient history, but it is also a hip, fashionable place. While still keeping within a conservative budget, you can eat at a comfortable restaurant that serves up native eats as well as a variety of Mediterranean dishes.
true blue
To end off your day, head back to the Hippodrome. Looming next to it is the Blue Mosque, made in the Byzantine era. Enter the mosque on the Hippodrome side, the north door, because only worshippers can enter through the main entrance. Make sure you don't visit during prayer time since tourists are never admitted then -- to avoid this, just check a newspaper for all worship hours.A wait to enter might cause a delay, but it's worth it since the controlled crowd preserves the holy atmosphere. From the inside, you will see a spiral of domes leading up toward heaven and Allah, with the main one made of blue tiles (hence the name of the mosque). As you are ushered around and through the glorious structure, make sure to take note of the stained-glass windows and detailed religious paintings on the domes.
take a quick downer
With your fill of ancient Istanbul relics, a rest might be required. Once night falls and you've had a power nap at your hotel, a nice change of pace is located not too far away at the Kapali Carsi, the Covered Bazaar. It is bar none the wickedest place to shop.
Crazy crowds of tourists surround the shops all day, looking for excellent prices on clothes, gold, amulets, and precious gems. Although the streets and alleys full of shops and kiosks can often be confusing, the Bazaar offers a look into the intoxicating Turkish culture. Go into the back alleys away from other tourists, and watch and imitate how the locals peruse and bargain for their purchases.
There you have it: a trip through Istanbul's prime sites, all possible to enjoy in one day. This represents only the tip of the iceberg though. It is highly encouraged to spend some major time here. A prolonged stay will leave you not only with a great experience, but a new outlook on life.
a holy, holy site
From the bustling, crazy constant rush of people in Istanbul one should move on to the premier site among the many Roman ruins of Turkey: Ephesus. The lively classical city was an important capital during both Greek and Roman rule. Because it has been so well preserved, Ephesus draws its fair share of tourists, making agencies and hotels turn it into a hotspot.You actually stay outside of Ephesus in the town of Seluk, an interesting place in and of itself. Despite the commercialization, nothing can diminish the effect this city will have on you. The Temple of Artemis (Diana) that lay in the city was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Most amazing and awe-inspiring of all, both Saints John and Paul were said to have written their biblical letters here, in what was then known as Ionia. Also, accounts show that the Virgin Mary spent her later years here. There is no other place like this on Earth.
The best things to see are close together, and can easily be seen in a day. Fountains, brothels and baths scatter the landscape, serving as a reminder of just how old Ephesus really is. Visitors go to see four main sites: the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers, the Harbour Gymnasium, Arcadian Way, and the Temple of Hadrian. All were important buildings built before the years of Christ. And although they are nothing more than ruins, they are still more impressive than ever.
You'll find yourself constantly shaking your head in disbelief at what your eyes are taking in. It is very possible that you are walking on the same path used by Mary, John and Peter.
Even in condensed form, Turkey comes off as an incredible country full of life, charm and deeply rooted culture. With just a peek at Istanbul and Ephesus, one can see that it is a place with unparalleled historic appeal.
Without the tantalizing call of Turkish belly dancing, baths or delights, Turkey will pull you in and steal your heart forever.
Resources:
http://www.ephesusguide.com/
http://www.exploreistanbul.com/
http://www.istanbultravelguide.net/sights.htm
Turkey Travel Guide
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