Turkey Sights

Istanbul
Every particle of air in Istanbul, once called by Constantinople, Constantinople, Byzantium, founded in 660 BC - scented with ancient history, which are intertwined Christianity and Islam, secular and religious, modern and traditional, as well as in the literal sense , East and West. Istanbul, lapped by the Marmara and Black seas, the only city in the world, located in two parts of the world, is just go on a huge suspension bridge across the Bosphorus and you are in Europe or a colorful urban Asia.

It is worth noting that the holiday in Istanbul is very unconventional phenomenon - a major metropolis, does not have to the even pastime, besides not entirely clear sea, the remoteness of the town beach which will have to get on the boat, does not contribute to the development of active tourism. But the Istanbul real find for lovers of historical excursions, cognitive hikes in museums, dating from diverse Turkey.

The concentration of monuments of different eras and styles, concentrated in the city, is astounding, but certainly the main attraction of Istanbul for hundreds of years has been Church of St. Sofia, turned 600 years ago in the mosque of El-Sofia. Metamorphoses of St. Sofia, once the most magnificent Christian church - is in the annexe of four minarets and painting all the available images. Now, a museum, the cathedral of St. Sophia, attracts many tourists because of its dual essence were restored mosaics and murals, a mixture of cultures and traditions, according to some of them may be making a long cherished desire of putting his hand into the opening "weeping column" or touch the miraculous Colon, feeling, even in the heat, the cool breeze blow in the cold box.

Not far from the former Christian shrines, surrounded by greenery and flowers, houses the world-famous for its 6 minarets, grace and beauty, artfully faced with blue tiles, the mosque Napolitano. More known as the Blue Mosque, it attracts the attention of tourists to its exterior dome inlaid with precious stones and engraved with Islamic prayers.

The masterpieces of Islamic architecture and is the largest of Turkey Suleyman Mosque, famous for its ethereal acoustics, and Topkapi Palace, with its famous harem, the Armory, a huge library, and most importantly, mummified hand of man - according to legend, belonged to the Prophet Muhammad himself.

The city has many palaces, churches, mosques, madrasas, fortresses, underground water tanks, towers, baths, columns, obelisks, the ruins of ancient buildings and interesting museums, among which stands out Kare Museum, the Museum of Antiquity, Museum of Oriental Antiquities, Museum of Turkish and Islamic art, differing not only spiritual fullness, but also a magnificent appearance.

Involved with cultural antiquities, despite widespread active trading, every tourist who visited Istanbul, will want to get to the real bazaar, the oldest and largest market in the world Kapali Charshi with many shops, which presents a variety of goods for all occasions.

Antalya
Fascinating its transparency and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea - is the real proving ground for a variety of water activities, you can ride a catamaran and scooters, sunbathe on the deck yacht, to feel the joy of sliding on the swift water skiing, dive into the unknown underwater depths, because diving in Antalya, one of the most interesting in Turkey.

During immersion in the amazing Anatolian waters, before the eyes of these divers brought the remains of sunken ships of different eras and destinations: Cape Tashlyk they will have a meeting with the ancient craft 13-th century BC "Gelidonya, resting for 26-28 meters, and berthed yachts - with a French military vessel "San Didier." Equally popular among fans of deep-diving trips to enjoy the lands stretching to the sea gave uncharted reef - the abode of hundreds of thousands of colorful fish, flashing in the amazing underwater gardens. For such sites around Antalya are Fallzy, where the rocks down to 25metrov, as well as on. Xichang, with 22 meter cliffs and mysterious caves, fascinating area for diving in Antalya.

Speaking of caves, once in Antalya, you must, visit the grotto Suluini and appreciate the natural beauty Nerukotvorny wonder of the world - huge overhanging top and bottom of the giants grow stalactites and stalagmites. Is famous throughout Turkey and is located near Antalya Waterfalls Kurşunlu. It is believed that its water falling with a mighty noise from a height, have medicinal properties, but because every tourist who has visited here, certainly expresses the desire to swim under cold healing "jets".

Returning to the city limits, and stroll along the golden rows of block of shops, sparkling glitter of precious stones in mountings amazing, you should visit the world-famous with her wonderful exhibit of mummies pracheloveka Anatolian history museum where you will have a meeting with the cultural heritage of Byzantium, in particular with a collection of Christian icons, relics of St. Nicholas and many others that we should see with my own eyes, visit the historic Roman-Ottoman center. Having made several remarkable images in the background of the picturesque landscape of Antalya, leave a few shots for the evening, after sunset Antalya - is a special attraction, to observe that it is a pleasure. Do not be bored in Antalya and children, accompanied by an aqua park with numerous water slides and pools, from which the sound of enthusiastic and cheering on the different languages. Youth, with "envy" looking at the young generation opens its doors to the most famous nightclub in Antalya, Olympos, where Oriental music and world rhythms will make you forget about everything and disappear into the world of music and fun.

One of the symbols of the city - Hadrian's Gate, erected in honor of visiting the city by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 130 BC. e.

In Antalya, many ancient monuments, of which particularly good symbol of Antalya - built by the Seljuk Turks Yivli Minare Mosque ( "folded", the eleventh century.) 37 m high, and the Eski Mosque Jami, modeled on a Byzantine church in 1373 , tombstones Bayazeda wife of Sultan Mehmet II, and Bey, a former monastery "dancing dervishes" Mevlevihane with an exhibition of contemporary art, and destroyed at one time Zipper Cut minaret.

At the exit from Antalya to Kemer is a wonderful water park "Aqualand" - the oldest of water parks in Antalya, for up to 1500 people and built on world standards in the area of 40 thousand square meters. m.

The new park "Atlantis" is located in the mountains and built on the American project with a more complex and intricate system of water slides and tubes. The set is complemented by a large swimming pool with artificial high waves. In addition, there is still little-known park Akvavord in nearby Kemer - 8 large hills and "pipes" of all types, separate swimming pools and slides for kids, swimming pool with a pirate ship, as well as a pool for adults with an artificial current and a Jacuzzi.

But the main attractions are concentrated in the vicinity of the city - the ancient city of Perge (334 BC. E.) Where preserved ancient theater and stadium, Aspend with lots of beautiful buildings, including the Palace Theater, the architect Zenon (II century. BC. E .) and an arched Roman aqueduct, Olympos, etc. In the vicinity of Demre lie the ruins of the ancient capital of Lycia - Worlds has become known that in this city in the IV. a favorite of the Bishop of St. Nicholas of Russia. In place of the cathedral, where he served in the VII century. built church of St. Nicholas, which has become a place of pilgrimage for all Christians. Each year in December there is a ceremony pominovaniya Santa Claus, which attracts many tourists.

Belek
Belek, located between Antalya and Side, is recognized golf center of the region. Being in immediate proximity to the ruins of the ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos and Side, and has a number of first-class hotel complex, surrounded by pine, cedar and eucalyptus forests.

Should visit the magnificent cypress, eucalyptus national park reserve "Köprülü Canyon, an area of 500 hectares. The reserve is an opportunity for mountain climbing, horseback riding and all kinds of water activities, but the most popular rafting on the mountain river Kyupryuchay.

Side
Side ( "pomegranate") - a small town on the peninsula, 75 km. from Antalya, one of the busiest resorts in southern Turkey. To this day the remains of the amphitheater for 16 thousand spectators, a statue of Emperor Vespasian, the Temple of Fortune, Fountain, agora, Roman baths (which now is an archaeological museum), the necropolis and the aqueduct.

His famous sandy beaches are considered among the best in the region. 7 km. the city is another attraction - Waterfalls Manavay, where the river literally falls into the sea.

Kemer
Kemer located in 42 km. to the south of Antalya. This intensely growing resort center and one of the famous yacht center with all the ensuing consequences. In addition to numerous shops, bars and restaurants of the pedestrian zone, luxurious yacht center and a network of modern hotels and clubs, located on the slopes of the gathering to the sea forested Taurus Mountains.

In the northern part of Kemer is Yoryuk Park - "living ethnographic exhibition, dedicated to the history and life of the Turkish people.

Not far from Kemer, lie the ruins of the ancient port city of Phaselis (Tekirova), which harbor the remains of walls, an amphitheater, paved road leading to the Arch of Hadrian, the Acropolis and the ruins of aqueducts, markets, and baths. According to one legend it is buried, Alexander of Macedon. In the same region, at the foot of Mount Olympos (Tahtalı, 2400 m) are the ruins of another ancient monument - the city of Olympos, based in the III century BC. e. The city was a center of worship of the god Hephaestus.

Fethiye
Fethiye (Termessos, City of Light) is known for its beautiful beaches, coves hideaways indented coastline, bustling bazaars, rock graves and lush subtropical vegetation. Amazing view of the bay from the ruins of the fortress called the Knights of Rhodes.

You can make a trip on a yacht with a visit to 12 islands, including the islands of pirates and sunken islands of Cleopatra with the ruins of the ancient city. Or go to Chalym (5 km. Fethiye), or lagoon Oludeniz, famous for some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey.
Interesting Dalyan - one of the few places in the Mediterranean, where the turtles have survived, as well as beautiful mountain gorge Saklikent. In many hotels around Fethiye club system in the cozy secluded bay known for its beauty.

Alanya
Alanya, founded in IV. BC. e. The main attraction of Alanya - Byzantine fortress on top of a mountain overlooking the city. Perfectly preserved defending the harbor Red Tower (Kizil Calais), height 29 m. The beaches of the region are covered with fine sand, horseshoe-shaped coastline is cut in a prominent rocky headlands on the sea cozy buhty.Alanya is also famous for its caves, the most visited of them - a fantastic cave Damlataş with bizarre intermingling of stalactites and stalagmites.

Vnutrannie conditions of this cave (temperature - +22-23 C, humidity - 90-98%) is very favorable for the treatment of asthma and other respiratory zabolevaniy.V "Maiden's Cave pirates hid kidnapped girls, there is also a" cave Lovers "and" Phosphoric cave ", so named because of the interesting lighting effects.

Marmaris
Marmaris - one of the best seaside resorts of the country. Located in the Gulf with three islands, full of deserted secluded bays, to the borders of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Tourist boom transformed the fishing village of Marmaris in comfortable tourist resort, but most of the peninsula is closed to investment, to retain the natural beauty of the coast. Old Town is built around the II century Ottoman fortress, but it survived Caravanserai, where today there are lot of shops, and an ancient castle - a stronghold of the Knights Hospitallers (1522).
Every year in May, here is a colorful international sailing regatta.

Kusadasi
Kusadasi (Bird Island) is located in the center bay of the same name. Main attractions Kusadasi - an ancient Genoese fortress on the island Kyuchyukada Kalesi Gyuverdzhin ( "Pigeon Island"), belted a powerful defensive wall, and the Caravanserai. But the main attraction of the city create wonderful landscapes, crystal-clear sea, beautiful tourist resorts, bars and discos, numerous shops and seafood restaurants and the intoxicating air, scented with pine trees, oleanders and sea salt. Hence, go on excursions to Ephesus, Didyma, Priene and Pamukkale

Troy
Amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann excavated Troy made in 1871. Until then, it was believed that Homer's Iliad was based on a legend, but after its excavation, Troy became known as the Homeric city of Ilium, site of the epic battle between the Achaeans (Greeks) and the Trojans in the 13 century BC During the excavations of Schliemann and other excavations, it was discovered nine ancient cities, built one upon the other relating to the year 3000 AD Troy VI (1800-1275 BC) - the city of Priam, who participated in the Trojan War.
For vseznaek all that surprising, but if you have not read the "Iliad" or not very familiar with the archeology, Troy would not be for you no interest. In addition to layout a Trojan horse that is little that can attract the eye amateur. They say that this place is one of the greatest tales of the world, so will be sufficient just to be saturated with this atmosphere. Troy is located 30 km from Canakkale (Canakkale), which has bus service to the majority of Turkish cities.

Kappadosskie valley can boast of his collection of strange volcanic cones, but volcanoes are located near Aktepe (Aktepe) in the northern Kappadosii have the most impressive form and highest concentration. Most volcanoes are completed flat, dark stones of solid rock, which sheltered the volcanoes of the rain, destroyed the surrounding rock. Geologists call this process of differential erosion, but it can be called simply the destruction.

Uchhizar southwest known for Calais - high bare rock, permeated through and through tunnels and windows, which can be seen for miles around. You can take a pleasant walk to Goreme (Goreme) along the valley Davkout (Dovecote Valley), where the front part of the rock riddled with holes and covered with pigeon nests and droppings. Nevserhir (Nevsehir) to the south-west of Goreme is a major transport hub in the region - a stop buses from all over the country.

Plant and animal life. The variety of climate and topography leads to a diversity of flora and fauna. In the coastal mountains of vegetation dominated by semi-dry subtropical plateaus - Subtropical semi-deserts. In the lower slopes of the mountains, facing the coast, grow zhestkolistnye Mediterranean forest and woodland, for example, laurel and thyme are higher in the mountains of the Taurus - the places of coniferous forests in the East Pontic mountains - with the evergreen understory deciduous and coniferous forests. On the Armenian Plateau mountain forests and mountain steppes are replaced with high sub-alpine and alpine meadows. Plateau Jazira dominated by sagebrush-grass semi-desert.

About one-third Turkish territory occupied by agricultural land (mainly grain crops). The variety of fruits and vegetables unusually large spread around gardens and groves of lemon, mandarin, orange, pomegranate trees. Also in Turkey grow figs, almonds, apricots, cherries and much more. Existent as tea and tobacco plantations.

The waters of all seas surrounding the coast of Turkey, rich in fish (tuna, mullet, mackerel, bonito, flounder) and other marine life - lobsters, prawns, lobsters, mussels, of which prepare excellent meals. On the southern coast of the sea turtles lay their eggs, and on the shores of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas flamingos build their nests. White storks, eagles, vultures, falcons, hawks prefer the central regions of Anatolia, and the sparrows, larks, swallows and nightingales are ubiquitous. The mountains are wild sheep and bezoar goat, in the forests - deer, roe deer, wild boars, jackals, bears, wolves. Plateau Jazira of wild donkeys, onager and African guests - gazelle.

The nature of Turkey's well guarded. The country has 12 national parks, the best known of which Uludag - a mountain massif in western Turkey drevnelednikovym relief, Karatepe-Arelantas in the southern spurs of the Taurus mountains, with forests of red oak and red pine, valley Munzur in the eastern part of the country and Pammukale ( near the town of Denizli) - a unique miracle of nature, the spa springs, which rises from the ground and a waterfall flowing from a height of 100 m.