Turkey is known for its place in history, as well as its extensive coastline. These factors have combined with its station as a bed of civilization to make the country a favorite of tourists from all over the world. From ancient cities to architecturally wondrous mosques, there are many things to see and do within the borders of Turkey. Those looking to visit Turkey on holiday will want to know what are the best tourist attractions there.
The Hagia Sophia is mentioned time and again by those making an itinerary to follow while in Turkey. One of the largest basilicas in the Christian world, it was constructed in the 6th Century by Emperor Justinian to be the largest monument to God on Earth, and this wonder of Byzantine architecture was just that for thousands of years. In 1609, Sultan Ahmet I decided to answer the Hagia Sophia with his own Blue Mosque located in Istanbul. The huge dome perched atop the Blue Mosque was meant to rival the Hagia Sophia's size, and the sultan certainly succeeded.
The Maiden's Tower is another must-see destination while visiting Turkey. Erected in 408 B.C. by the Greek general Alcibiades, its purpose was to maintain the ship traffic through the Bosphorous Strait. It later became a Byzantine fortress. Now, The Maiden's Tower is home to two of Turkey's most popular restaurants and cafes for fine dining. Guests will surely want to visit Miniaturk as well. As the name suggests, it is a miniature park of Turkey, and is designed to provide insight into the history of the land both to tourists and to citizens.
The storied history of Turkey comes alive in full scale at the ancient city of Ephesus. This settlement has its roots all the way back in 6000 B.C. and was a fishing village. Mycenaean Greeks eventually settled there, and the civilization's pottery can be found in the burial mounds they erected then. Gallipoli has a more modern significance, but is no less historic. It was here that during World War I an effort was made to snatch the Dardanelles from the Turkish Ottoman Empire, effectively taking it out of the war. Many commemorations of the struggle are featured there today.
Because Turkey enjoys land along the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, it is a must to visit a part of the country's far-reaching shoreline. There are many places that will appease those looking for a tan or for a dip in the sparkling water. Turkey is an eclectic country to say the least, and that has resulted in a popular tourist destination frequented by travelers from all over the world.
The Hagia Sophia is mentioned time and again by those making an itinerary to follow while in Turkey. One of the largest basilicas in the Christian world, it was constructed in the 6th Century by Emperor Justinian to be the largest monument to God on Earth, and this wonder of Byzantine architecture was just that for thousands of years. In 1609, Sultan Ahmet I decided to answer the Hagia Sophia with his own Blue Mosque located in Istanbul. The huge dome perched atop the Blue Mosque was meant to rival the Hagia Sophia's size, and the sultan certainly succeeded.
The Maiden's Tower is another must-see destination while visiting Turkey. Erected in 408 B.C. by the Greek general Alcibiades, its purpose was to maintain the ship traffic through the Bosphorous Strait. It later became a Byzantine fortress. Now, The Maiden's Tower is home to two of Turkey's most popular restaurants and cafes for fine dining. Guests will surely want to visit Miniaturk as well. As the name suggests, it is a miniature park of Turkey, and is designed to provide insight into the history of the land both to tourists and to citizens.
The storied history of Turkey comes alive in full scale at the ancient city of Ephesus. This settlement has its roots all the way back in 6000 B.C. and was a fishing village. Mycenaean Greeks eventually settled there, and the civilization's pottery can be found in the burial mounds they erected then. Gallipoli has a more modern significance, but is no less historic. It was here that during World War I an effort was made to snatch the Dardanelles from the Turkish Ottoman Empire, effectively taking it out of the war. Many commemorations of the struggle are featured there today.
Because Turkey enjoys land along the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, it is a must to visit a part of the country's far-reaching shoreline. There are many places that will appease those looking for a tan or for a dip in the sparkling water. Turkey is an eclectic country to say the least, and that has resulted in a popular tourist destination frequented by travelers from all over the world.
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