Holidays
and city breaks in Turkey are welcoming experiences.
With a code of hospitality nurtured by their Islamic
beliefs, yet with a remarkable tolerance of other
customs, the Turks offer a warm welcome wherever
you travel - be it sipping sweet black tea or thick
coffee with friendly villagers or sharing a bottle
of raki over mezes (hors d'oeuvres) with cosmopolitan
Istanbul 'city slickers'.
ISTANBUL
Istanbul is the only city in the world which embraces
two continents, one arm reaching out into Asia,
the other into Europe. The former capital of three
successive empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman
- the city is a fascinating mixture of past and
present, old and new, modern and traditional. The
museums, churches, palaces, mosques and bazaars,
and the sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible.
As you recline on the shores of the Bosphorus at
sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected
in the windows and slender minarets on the opposite
shore you understand, suddenly and profoundly, why
so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on
this remarkable site. In addition to its unique
historical and cultural background and innumerable
attractions, modern hotels, exclusive restaurants,
nightclubs, cabarets, bazaars and shops make Istanbul
a superb site for meetings, conferences and conventions.
ANKARA
Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is, despite its long
history, a thoroughly modern and well-planned city.
The city is distinguished by its wide avenues, green
parks, elegant shops, embassies and government buildings,
and a large number of first-class restaurants and
hotels. The city has been continuously inhabited
since the Bronze Age. The very fine Museum of Anatolian
Civilizations details the ebb and flow of cultures
that have passed through the area, from the Hittites,
Phrygians, Lydians and Persians to the Galatians,
Romans, Byzantines, Seljuk Turks and Ottomans.
BLACK
SEA
Coasts curling besides mountains covered with very
green forests, valleys and plains. Fields of tea,
hazelnut, tobacco and corn, highway parallel to
narrow coastline, coves, villages and beaches...
TRABZON
The city was founded in the 7th century B.C., was
the centre of the Comnene Empire left over after
the fall of Byzantine Constantinople; and was handed
over to conquering Ottomans in 1461. The jewel of
the city is the 13th century Byzantine St. Sophia
Church with frescoes on each of its interior walls.
Wooden houses fill the old quarter in the ancient
fortifications and the ubiquitous house of Ataturk
is now a museum.
ADANA
Adana, the fourth largest city in Turkey, is in
the heart of the fertile plain of Cukurova (ancient
Cilicia) and is a growing industrial centre. Running
through the city is the Seyhan River which offers
many a shady tea garden and restaurant for relaxing
evenings. There are also a number of Roman ruins
in the city and even more in the surrounding countryside.
Famous local culinary delights include spicy "Adana
Kebab" and refreshing drinks like "Salgam"
and "Sira.
DIYARBAKIR
Known in ancient times as Amida, the city spreads
across a basalt plateau close to the banks of Dicle
(Tigris) River. The black basalt city walls encircling
the old town are 5.5 km in length with 16 keeps
and five gates, an excellent example of medieval
military architecture. The refurbished "Deliller
Hani" by the Mardin gate is a hotel that recreates
the atmosphere of caravanserais gone by.
SANLIURFA
The history of Sanliurfa can be traced back around
9000 years and the atmosphere is one of living history,
where traditional life, culture and even clothing
is more akin to the Middle East with Turkish, Kurdish
and Arabic all being spoken. Sanliurfa (often referred
to as Urfa) is also a place of pilgrimage for many
religions, containing what is thought to be the
birthplace of the prophet Abraham. According to
Jewish and Muslim scriptures, he was summonsed by
God whilst living here.
IZMIR
Izmir, the "pearl of the Aegean", is Turkey's
third largest city and second most important port.
A city of palm-lined promenades, broad avenues and
green parks set in sweeping curves along a circular
bay, Izmir also has an exceptionally mild climate
and many fine hotels. The city is a busy commercial
and industrial centre as well as the gateway to
the Aegean Region. Turkey's Aegean shores are among
the loveliest landscapes in the country. The magnificent
coastline, lapped by the clear water of the Aegean
Sea, abounds in vast and pristine beaches surrounded
by olive groves, rocky crags and pinewoods. Dotted
with idyllic fishing harbours, popular holiday villages,
and the remains of ancient civilizations, (attesting
to the inheritance of more than 5,000 years of history,
culture and mythology.
Should you wish
to inquire about a city break, holiday, or require
more information about tailor-making a tour of Turkey,
please contact our specialists:
Jurate@regent-holidays.co.uk
and Jill@regent-holidays.co.uk
