5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Turkey

5 Great Reasons Why You Should Visit Turkey

Turkey, or Turkiye as it is known in Turkish, is a spectacular country filled with beautiful scenery, rich culture, and friendly people. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a cultural journey, or an outdoor adventure, Turkey has something for everyone. From majestic mountains to stunning beaches and ancient ruins to vibrant cities, Turkey should not be overlooked when planning your next getaway. Here are 5 reasons why Turkey should be your next travel destination.

I have flown through Istanbul 15 times over the last 2 years. The airport (IST) is new, clean, and very efficient. As far as airports go, it is my favorite to fly through. The new IST airport is the largest airport in the world under a single roof, it is massive. I flew via Istanbul on the way to Portugal. Even though there were shorter options from Atlanta, a layover in Istanbul is always nice. Luckily, the new metro is now running (2023) from the airport to downtown, so you no longer have to rely on a taxi or uber to get into town as I have had to do in the past.

1 – The Food

Turkey has always been a haven for nomads and travelers alike., The food is as diverse and unique as the cultures that have crossed its lands throughout history due to the spice route and trading between the east and west. You can enjoy everything from flavorful kahvalti (Turkish Breakfast) to kebabs and succulent baklava, there is something to satisfy every palette.

The country also has a vast array of local dishes, like the ever-popular döner and gözleme, that will leave you wanting more. With such a wide variety of dishes, it’s easy to see why Turkey is considered one of the best destinations for food lovers looking to sample flavors from around the world. Therefore, you can find excellent restaurants in cities like Istanbul and Ankara for a truly authentic experience. So if you’re a traveler or a nomad in search of tasty new dishes, Turkey should be at the top of your list.

2 – Turkish History

Turkey is a land of incredible and ancient history. One of the most intriguing aspects of Turkey’s past is its relationship with the nomadic culture. The nomadic life in Anatolia dates back to the 5th millennium BC and continues to this day. The lifestyle of the nomads was based on a system of small, mobile households that moved from place to place, seeking pasture and other resources.

Visitors to Turkey can still experience the nomadic way of life firsthand by visiting some of the remote regions of Anatolia and joining in on traditional nomadic activities like shepherding and weaving. There are also fascinating archaeological sites scattered throughout the country. Many of these have been preserved to tell the story of the ancient nomads who once roamed this region. From rock shelters to monumental tombs, these ancient sites provide insight into how nomads lived and interacted with their environment.

Turkey is also home to many important historical sites such as Ephesus, Troy, and the remains of ancient cities such as Miletus, Phocaea, Byzantium, and Halicarnassus. Many of these sites are open for exploration, offering visitors a chance to experience the rich cultural heritage of Turkey’s past.

In short, Turkey is a country full of incredible history, culture, and heritage. Therefore, everything from its connection to nomadic life to its plethora of archaeological sites, Turkey offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the past. Visiting Turkey is sure to be an unforgettable experience that you won’t soon forget!

3 – Turkish Culture

Turkey is a fascinating place to visit for its unique culture. Turkey is a mix of Eastern and Western influences, and its culture reflects this. Explore the bustling bazaars and fragrant spices to the lush landscapes and romantic music. Therefore, Turkey has a distinct cultural flair that sets it apart from other destinations. Turkish culture is strongly influenced by Islam, which can be seen in its clothing, cuisine, and architecture.

You can experience traditional Turkish hospitality firsthand in restaurants and in homes, where it is not uncommon to be invited to share meals or join in a traditional dancing ceremony.

Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Istanbul or taking a cruise down the Bosphorus, you’ll be immersed in the culture of Turkey. Make sure to try some of the delicious local dishes, explore the markets for handmade goods, and take part in some of the cultural activities available. A trip to Turkey is an experience that will keep you coming back!

4 – Turkish People

Turkey is home to some of the most hospitable and welcoming people in the world. Turks take great pride in their culture and are always willing to share it with tourists. Whether you’re in Istanbul or the smaller towns and villages, locals will make sure you have an enjoyable time. We found them to be very friendly and willing to try to communicate even if there is a language barrier. One of the restaurants we visited in a small town didn’t speak English and we didn’t speak Turkish. The owner asked if we spoke German (in German), luckily we do still speak some from our days in Frankfurt.

The traditional Turkish greeting of ‘Merhaba’ (hello) is often used to greet strangers, and Turks will usually go out of their way to help visitors find their way around. They are generally very open-minded and friendly, and many can speak English fluently.

Turkey is a safe country for tourists. While there has been some political unrest over the years, it is generally quite peaceful. Turkish people are very welcoming, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation and get to know them. You’ll soon find yourself surrounded by friendly faces wherever you go.

5 – The Scenery

Turkey is a visually stunning country with a diverse range of landscapes. From the rocky terrain and rolling hills of Cappadocia to the breathtaking coastlines of the Mediterranean, Turkey is an amazing place for sightseeing. Whether you’re looking for picturesque beaches, dramatic mountains, or lush forests, you’ll find it all in Turkey.

One of the most famous sights in Turkey is the ruins of Ephesus, an ancient Greek city located near the Aegean Sea near Kuşadası. This archaeological site is home to stunning temples, columns, and statues that are thousands of years old. You can also explore the ruins of Troy, which have been standing since before the time of Homer’s Illiad. The Virgin Mary had a home near Ephesus and it is open to visitors.

The natural beauty is equally impressive. The soaring mountains of the Taurus Range create an awe-inspiring backdrop to the rolling green hills of the Anatolian Plateau. In western Turkey, you’ll find miles of pristine beaches with sparkling blue waters and stunning sunsets. However, If you’re looking for a more rugged landscape, the Cappadocian region is dotted with cone-shaped rock formations called “fairy chimneys”.

Turkey is also home to several national parks and reserves that are perfect for outdoor activities. The forests of Yedigöller National Park are a paradise for hikers and nature lovers alike. The wetlands of Kaz Dağı National Park provide refuge to a variety of wildlife species. No matter where you go in Turkey, there are incredible sights to be seen.

Conclusion

Turkey has a lot to offer visitors and is very affordable compared to Europe. Check out our itinerary from our 2-week plus trip to Turkey. Turkey and Syria have just experienced a massive earthquake. Sadly, some of the areas to the eastern side of the country are not recommended for travel at this time. However, areas west of Ankara including Antalya, Cappadocia, Kuşadası, and Istanbul are open for travel. Accommodations are very affordable even in most tourist areas. Therefore, you can expect to pay a fraction of what you would in Europe or the US. Turkey is a beautiful and diverse country that should be high on your list of travel destinations.