Turkey’s large size and unique location across the borders of Europe and Asia have made it a sought-after destination throughout history and modern times. Across Turkey, there are historical and contemporary cities and a few that have developed over time.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that has been around for generations, having gone by many names across cultures from the little-known Lygos, to later Byzantium. This is where the city got the name Constantinople after Constantine the Great who was emperor at the time. Later the city changed its name to Istanbul, in line with the modern use of Latin script as a substitute for Arabic scriptures. Due to the influence of these many cultures, there are numerous attractions that can be seen throughout the city.

One of the top places to visit is the Ayasofya Museum. The museum was initially built as a church and later converted into a mosque. Currently it’s used as a museum to display collections from its history in addition to items from nearby points of interest.

Konya

The city of Konya is famous all over the world but has a special place for all Turks. Whirling Dervish of Mevlev’s order calls this city home and is an icon that captivates tourists from far and wide. The act of twisting is called Sufi Whirling (or Sufi Turning) and is a form of meditation used in worship ceremonies.

Within the City there’s a public park on an elevated area called the Alaaddin Hill, this destination is the home of the famous mosque across the country which bears the same name as the park. This mosque was initially built as a Christian Basilica but was converted into a mosque during the Seljuk Empire. Although a converted building, it underwent major reconstruction until its last additions were completed during the Ottoman Empire when the traditional minaret and marble mihrab were added and the entrance moved to the east side. The east wing of the mosque has Byzantine and Hellenistic columns which offer a balanced contrast between the various cultures while providing a welcoming space.

This mosque is the resting place of successive sultans. Following inscriptions found inside the mosque and historical understanding, it was considered a mosque for the royal family. This is further highlighted by the ornate design within the building itself and the proven fact that the sultan who converted it’s buried within it.

Antalya

This metropolis is a popular tourist destination. From all over Turkey and the world people come to this bustling city both for summer beach holidays and to escape the hustle and bustle of huge city life. The city of Antalya has a lovely harbor leading to a sandy beach with all-inclusive hotels, with private sections allowing a safe environment for kids.

Antalya city center is very popular amongst Turks and expats because of its very modern shopping malls. While the city is known for its modernization efforts, this doesn’t take away from its history. The main landmark has been protected from development and now stands as a reminder of the region’s origins. One of the prominent landmarks is Hadrian’s Gate, this triple arched gate commemorating Emperor Hadrian’s visit to the historical city now known as modern Antalya.

Another reason why Antalya has gained immense popularity is that outside the city there are various different historical destinations that are a must see if you’re in this area of ​​Turkey. One that’s gaining fame every year is Olympos. This historical city is an uncommon destination to visit, the local area has been kept as natural as possible while also preserving but not changing the ruins of the once great historical city. Due to these conservation efforts, it has become a popular place to stop off for wrestling cruises. Alaturka Cruise Ship using this astonishing location as the final destination allows for a memorable ending to a calming cruise.

Ephesus

This historical city was initially a Greek municipality which was ultimately conquered by the Lycians. After a period of peace and prosperity, the city was ultimately taken over by the Romans. After the breakup of the Roman empire which created the Byzantine empire, it prospered until the Ottomans finally took control of the country known as Turkey. Due to the rise of the nearby Seljuk port and the heaping port of Ephesus itself, the city was ultimately abandoned and left in the ruins we see today.

Among all the spectacular ruins, one of the ruins remains only as a façade of the original building but is famous throughout the world and throughout history. The Library of Celsus is no longer an intact building, but from its foundations and façade one can clearly see the size and grandeur of what has earned its title as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

A country the size of Turkey that straddles the continents of Asia and Europe and has many cultures that it shares in its history and culture, makes this a really attractive destination for your next vacation. Combine heritage with natural beauty and spectacular beaches and it’s simple to see why Turkey is an more and more popular vacation destination that should be visited at least once in a lifetime.