As a Turkish girl who was born and raised in London, I feel like I’ve always had one foot in Turkey and one foot in the UK. Growing up, I would often visit my family in Turkey, and those trips have given me some of my most cherished memories. Turkey is a beautiful country, and it’s always been a second home to me. In this blog post, I want to share with you three reasons why you should visit Turkey on your next holiday.
Why is Turkey such a great place?
Turkey is a country that is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s a place where the East meets the West and where ancient ruins sit alongside modern cities. You can spend your days exploring bustling bazaars which offer an endless array of colorful spices, textiles, and handicrafts, or relaxing on beautiful beaches like Oludeniz Beach and Iztuzu Beach. Turkey has something for everyone, and that’s why it’s such a great place to visit.
One of my favourite regions in Turkey, and one that I always highly recommend to people, is Cappadocia. It’s known for its stunning landscapes, including ‘fairy chimneys’ (rock formations), underground cities, and cave dwellings. It’s also famous for its hot air balloons and if you search for ‘Cappadocia’ online, you’ll see many amazing images of the sky full of vibrantly coloured hot air balloons. Taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise to see the region from above is an experience you will never forget.
Then there is also Istanbul, of course. Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and the cultural and economic heart of the country. It is a city of contrasts, where ancient and modern coexist. Some of the must-see sights in Istanbul include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Istanbul is also a great place to try authentic Turkish baths, or hammams! There are many of these available throughout Turkey and they offer a traditional form of relaxation and pampering. They usually consist of a sauna, steam room, and massage and they’re an amazing experience.
See, Turkey has so much to offer! And I am only just scratching the surface here. However, whilst I could probably list 100 reasons to visit Turkey, I am going to try and keep things concise and so I am going to pick what I think are the 3 top reasons why you should consider Turkey as your next holiday location.
The Food
If you’re a foodie, then Turkey is the perfect destination for you. Turkish cuisine is a delicious fusion of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian flavors, and it’s a true feast for the senses. I may be biased, but I can definitely vouch that the food in Turkey is very diverse and so flavourful. From succulent kebabs to fresh seafood, from savory stews to sweet pastries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on trying dishes such as kebabs, meze, and baklava. And let’s not forget about the Turkish tea and coffee – they’re both an experience in themselves!
The History
Turkey is a country with a rich history dating back thousands of years, and you can see it everywhere you go. From the stunning Hagia Sophia in Istanbul to the ancient city of Ephesus, there are countless historical sites and ancient ruins to explore. Turkey has been a crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years, and the remnants of those civilizations can still be seen today. If you’re a lover of history, then there is plenty for you to see in Turkey.
The Hospitality
Turkish people are known for their hospitality, and it’s something that you’ll experience first-hand when you visit. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with open arms, and you’ll be made to feel like a member of the family. Whether you’re staying in a hotel or with a local family, you’ll be treated with warmth and kindness, and you’ll leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Personally, I think this is one of the best reasons to visit a country! Nobody wants to feel like an outcast, and you certainly won’t in Turkey. If you are kind and respectful in return, you’ll be welcomed by all.
So, there you have it! Three reasons why you should be booking a trip to Turkey in the near future. Trust me, you won’t regret it! It’s a beautiful country with a rich history, delicious food, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re looking to explore ancient ruins, relax on beautiful beaches, or indulge in delicious food, Turkey has something for everyone.
If you want some direct advice about Turkey, feel free to get in touch and I can give you some recommendations. As you can tell, it’s something I love to talk about! Happy travels!
