Turkey: The Must

Ferry from Europe to Asia

In Istanbul , visitors can board a ferry that takes less than an hour crossing between Europe and Asia. Each day, a flotilla of boats back through the Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea by sounding their siren blaring. Shuttles morning alongside small fishing boats and huge container ships, accompanied by swarms of seagulls. At sunset , the tapering minarets and Byzantine domes of the old city against the sky ash-pink, while offering a magical vision.

Cappadocia

If it appears to have been shaped by a swarm of bees inspired, this rugged rocky landscape bristling with hoodoos result actually volcanism and erosion. Man there has also left its mark in the form of cave churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes colored troglodyte dwellings and underground cities. Its many attractions - historical sites, wine, good food, hiking and other activities outdoors - are now of Cappadocia tourist region lighthouse where you will not get bored for a moment.

Ephesus

Turkey's most famous ancient site and best preserved Mediterranean, Ephesus is a tribute to the magnificent Greek and Roman architecture. If opportunities to take pictures abound along the path of Curetes covered with marble, the major interest of the site lies in its terraced houses, the living frescoes and mosaics developed give a great insight into the lifestyle refined elite of the time.

Lycian Way

The Lycian way listed among the ten best walks in the world. 500 km of well-marked trails cross the peninsula Tekke - ancient Lycia - between Fethiye and Antalya. The route passes through forests of pine and cedar trees in the shadow of mountains close to 3000 m, quaint villages, stunning coastal scenery and a wealth of ruined cities as Pinara, Xanthos, Létôon and Olympos. Lack of time or endurance, it is enough to browse some sections. 

Kebabs

Just about anything that slips over a SIS (skewer) - chopped or diced meat, eggplant, plums, chestnuts ... - can be a delicious local specialty. The best known variant is however the Adana kebap , a skewer of ground beef or lamb, seasoned with red pepper powder and grilled, which is served with onion rings sprinkled with sumac (spice slightly tart ) and cooked on a grill. tomatoes Afiyet olsun

Park Sultanahmet, Istanbul

The story speaks to you in this garden located between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia , two buildings to the glory of God and the powerful, who embody dual Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Flanked on either side by the Hippodrome, built in Roman times , and the current tourist enclave housing the remains of the Grand Imperial Palace Byzantine, he reveals grandiose perspectives on the old town.

Sumela Monastery

Clinging to the steep cliff wall, the Sumela Monastery stands in a beautiful green setting. Its access roads, gently rolling, are lined with fish restaurants and often taken over by flocks of sheep that can lead to new pastures. The last kilometers offer breathtaking views of the valleys carpeted with pine and the red and yellow silhouette of the monastery. The final section takes place on foot, often against a background of folk music.

Hammams (bains turcs)

Most traditional hammams in Turkey disclaim various benefits, facial massage to foot care. Better, however, to stick to the classic option; a bath and a vigorous scrub, possibly followed by a massage. Nothing like feeling revitalized. Choissez the enchanting setting of a secular institution such as exists in the old town of Antalya or in Sultanahmet, the historical district of Istanbul.

Patara Beach

The Mediterranean town of Patara has the most long beach sand from Turkey, a portion of the Lycian way (walking route) and vast ancient ruins. It is in this main harbor of ancient Lycia that St. Paul and St. Luke made ​​stopover on their third mission between Rhodes and Phoenicia (Acts of the Apostles 21.1-2) and the future Saint Nicolas, a Byzantine bishop , was born inIVth century.

Turkish practice

Use some of the basics of Turkish is fairly simple, especially since most of the sounds of this language exist in French. Start with the basic vocabulary about maps and restaurant menus. In these, as in cafes and bus stations, do not hesitate to accept the cordial invitations to chat over a glass of tea. The time spent in the company of friendly people is one of the highlights of the trip.

Years

Exceptional by historical, cultural and geographical, the city "ghost" 's Ani , isolated in the middle of the steppe to the Armenian border, recalls a movie set and releases an almost mystical power. Alternately thriving capital of Urartu kingdoms of Armenia, it was abandoned in 1239 after the Mongol invasion. The ruins include several religious buildings notables, whose imposing church of St. Gregory and the Redeemer and a cathedral built between 987 and 1010 Church of the Redeemer, Ani (above)

Nemrut Dagi (Mount Nemrut)

Megalomania of King Mithridates of Commagene Ier which is expressed on the bare and rugged top of Nemrut Dagi defied centuries. At sunrise, heads carved monumental cast disturbing shadows, while the details of the austere surrounding landscape are revealed gradually. In the cool of dawn, a glass of tea ( çay ) burning then welcome. Do not miss on the way down, the graceful Roman bridge over the nearby Cendere.

Gallipoli Peninsula

The narrow strip of land that guards the strategic Strait of Dardanelles presents a landscape of pine tree lined undulating hills above the town and castle Eceabat Kilitbahir. Studded with memorials and military cemeteries, today this peaceful country was the scene of the Battle of Gallipoli, in which many Allied soldiers died. On site guides suggest this tragic episode. 

Safranbolu

Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1994, Safranbolu surpasses all other Ottoman cities. Turkish tourists, who do not cheat, flock to spend the night in wooden houses worthy of a book of children's stories and wander its cobbled streets lined with pastry, saffron stalls and shops craft in the shadow of old mosques. When lightning storms summer streak the night sky, the magic of the show then reaches its peak.

Festival de Lutte de Kirk Pinar

In late June or early July, the Thracian city 's Edirne fills pehlivan (wrestlers) and burly in a crowd of people to witness this ancient sports from all over Turkey. Around the stadium located on the river, families picnicking on the grass and stands mounted for the occasion create a festive atmosphere. Inside confirmed champions ( Baş ) and young men in body coated with olive oil compete by category, trying to bring down the opponent.

Whirling Dervishes

The famous Sufi order of whirling dervishes (Mevlevi) was created inXIIIth century in Konya from the thought of the mystic Persian philosopher Jalal ad-Din Rumi says Mevlâna. The old houses of the order, is now a museum dedicated to the master and can attend sema (religious ceremonies). The city is a tourist peak from 3 to 17 December at the Festival Mevlâna colorful, celebrating divine love and transcends denominational barriers.

Pamukkale

Series of natural formations travertine fed by hot springs and crowned by the ruins of the city of Hierapolis, the "cotton castle" of whiteness is one of the major geological features of Turkey, looming cliff like a mirage dazzling. Visitors to Pamukkale have the opportunity to swim in a pond in the middle of ancient overturned columns and other Roman remains.

Gulet cruise

The cruise called "Blue Voyage" ( Mavi Yolculuk ) - 4 days and 3 nights aboard a gulet (wooden sailing boat) along the Turquoise Coast - is the highlight of many trips to Turkey. It can discover secluded beaches and contemplate fabulous sunsets, far from the cares of the modern world.