Turkey For sheer diversity
.
For sheer diversity, it’s hard to beat Turkey. The
country seems to exist in multitudes – of people, of natural landscapes, of
cultures. It is a land of vast open spaces, massive mountain ranges, fertile
valleys and rugged coastline, fast-growing cities and sleepy villages, bustling
neon-lit seaside resorts and unfrequented beaches. Countless waves of
invasions, rebellions and ongoing immigration have created a country that may
surprise visitors with the breadth and depth of the cultural melting-pot, not
just in the major cities but across the country, with Kurds, Greeks, Arabs and
many more groups to be found.
A rich history has continually shaped Turkey, whilst
leaving indelible marks - the country overflows with historic sites and
archaeological wonders set in a varied and beautiful landscape. The
Mediterranean coastline is punctuated with well-preserved Greco-Roman cities
such as Pergamom and Ephesus, while the austere and rugged Anatolian plateau
has cave churches hidden away in the improbable fairytale landscape of
Cappadocia.
Aside from the historical relics, there’s much to be
admired about modern-day Turkey. First time visitors to Istanbul, which is not
the capital but still very much the pulse of the nation, will be overwhelmed
with choices. There are Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques
and palaces to see. But there are also cafes to frequent, Grand Bazaars to
thrill at, hammams to visit and clubs to dance the night away in. The city
thrums with constant hustle and bustle but for those who want to step out of
the clamour, there are plenty of places to seek solitude and rest.
Still, the country is vast, and Istanbul is just one
piece of Turkey’s puzzle. Beach-lovers can while away sunny days in the
ever-popular resorts of Bodrum, Marmaris and Izmir along Turkey’s Aegean and
Mediterranean coasts. Ankara, the unlikely capital city, may be less of an
attraction, but located in central Anatolia, it’s worthy of a few days’
investigation if only to see the contrast between the new modern city and the
old citadel which still remains. Here, visitors can glean an insight into
another aspect of traditional Turkish culture away from the more European
sensibilities of Istanbul.
However deep its past, Turkey is now a
thrusting and dynamic society that is navigating cultural, economic and
political change while consciously seeking to retain the best of its
multicultural heritage and time-honoured traditions of hospitality.
Source
http://www.rasheed-b.com/2007/09/26/general-information-for-turkey-visitors
No comments: