Turkey, a nation often referred to as the bridge between the east and the west due to its unique geographical position, straddling Asia and Europe, is the ideal vacation destination. Ankara is the modern day capital of Turkey. Istanbul is the largest city. Tourism is a major economic contributor and the country is often ranked within top ten most popular travel destinations in the world.

Turkish is the official language of Turkey and the majority of the population consists of Sunni Muslims.

Turkey is well known for its rich cultural heritage and various ancient civilizations which thrived and declined through the ages.

Today, economically Turkey is a G-20 nation and is ranked 18th worldwide by nominal GDP.

Places to visit/ tourist attractions in Turkey
Istanbul, a city with a mix of modernity and heritage, has always been extremely popular amongst tourists.

-The most popular historical attraction in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia which was once a church, then a mosque and now in the modern day, is a museum. Renowned worldwide for its impressive dome structure and magnificent artistry, the Hagia Sophia is a must-visit.

-The Blue mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed is another place of historical significance. The mosque, whose ceiling is lined with over 20,000 blue tiles of myriad patterns, is an architectural marvel.

-Topkapi Palace, built during the Ottoman era takes us back to the lavish life of sultans who once lived there.
Ephesus, an ancient city which offers a glimpse into life in the golden age of Roman Empire through its excavated remains, shows why history is mankind’s best teacher.

-The Celsus library of Ephesus was once home to 12,000 scrolls and was the third largest of its kind in the ancient world.
Cappadocia is known for its odd and unique natural rock formations. The fairy chimneys of Goreme which have been formed due to millions of years of water and wind erosion is a spectacle. Many of the chimneys have been carved out to create churches and homes.

AlOdeniz is one of the few places in the world, where Mother Nature stuns her with her extraordinary beauty. The beach at AlOdeniz is a natural marvel with its shades of turquoise and is one of the most famous beaches in the world.

Aspendos theatre is the world’s best-preserved theatre of antiquity. Built in 155AD, it could once seat 15,000 spectators. In spring and early summer, the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet festival put on annual productions in the theatre.

The white cascading terraces of Pamukkale, a natural wonder is sure to captivate you.

General tips while visiting Turkey
– Respect the religion and culture of turkey. Dressing modestly will always be appreciated. While visiting mosques, women are advised to wear long sleeved tops and pants or long skirts with their heads covered.
-Keep your money distributed in different pieces of luggage and be cautious as you would normally be while using ATMs.
-Traveling alone is fine but it is always recommended to travel in groups.
-Carry important OTC medications. Pharmacies are easily accessible but it’s always wiser to carry your own medication.
-During summers, bring sunglasses, a large hat and carry bottled water.
Turkey is a paradise on earth. You will never realize it till you have experienced it.