Located in the Anatolian part of western Asia and on the Mediterranean, Turkey is one the most contested nations of the world. This is the country where Alexander, the Great once slashed Gordian Knot. Turkey is a benchmark name in world history and dotted with many archaeological wonders and historical places including battlegrounds, royal palaces of great dynasties and ruined citadels set in stunning and diversified landscapes. Whether mountains, valleys, coastline, modern cities or leisurely villages, Turkey has all geographical features to attract travelers from around the world. In fact, Turkey is one of most popular holiday destinations and is traversed by over 20 million tourists every year. However, it is even more traversed by the history buffs, who want to immerse in the historical souvenirs pulling back to the sunrise of civilization.
Turkey – Geography
Turkey exhibits the features of a continent, in terms of diversity of plants and terrains. The landmass of the country is slightly over 750,000 square km, which is bigger than 3 times of the total landmass of UK.
Turkey – Regions
The country can be divided in seven regions and those are:
- Black Sea region
- Aegean region
- Central Anatolia
- Eastern Anatolia
- Southeastern Anatolia
- Marmara region
- Mediterranean region
Turkey – Climate
Due to diversified latitude and topography, Turkey experiences a huge diversity in its climate. For example, places around the Marmara Sea have a transitional climate that combines both oceanic climate and semi-Mediterranean climate, while the Mediterranean and Aegean coastal regions experience Mediterranean climate. The region around the Black Sea enjoys oceanic climate, while the southeastern part of the country experiences desert-like climate.
Turkey – Culture & Art
The country has a rich history of human civilization. The culture of Turkey is a perfect blend of the centuries old cultures of archaic communities like Hittites, Mongols, Romans, Greeks, Crusaders, Phrygians, Ottomans, and Byzantines. Turkish culture is a curious combination of eastern and western cultures.
Turkey – Cuisine
Turkish cuisine is world famous. It is a great combination of Central Asian, Arabic, Mediterranean and Caucasian cuisines. Beef is the most popular meat in Turkey and Kebabs are the most mouth-watering among Turkish dishes. Menemen and ubiquitous simit are two common Turkish dishes usually taken in breakfast. The country offers a wide variety of both cold and hot drinks and that may include Aryan, Kahve (Turkish coffee), Boza, Sehlap and last but not the least, Raki. The last one is Turkey’s national drink.
Turkey – Places to go
Here is the list of cities and places that the Turkey travelers must visit.
- Istanbul
- Bursa & Iznik
- Edirne & Thrace
- Antalya & Mediterranean Coasts
- Gallipoli battlefields
- Aegean coast
- Central Anatolia
- Cappadocia
- Black Sea Coast
- Eastern Turkey
- Southeastern Turkey
Turkey – Things to buy
Turkish carpets and kilims are world famous. Besides the travelers can also buy leather clothing, earthenware, silk, coffee, castile soap, meerschaum souvenirs and olive based products excluding soaps.
Turkey offers a wide variety of destinations for the travelers of all ages and tastes. From the domes of Istanbul to Roman ruins, from serene coastline to cold mountains, from steppe landscapes to sunny sea beaches, turkey has something to offer every taste and budget.
Author Bio: JP is a professional and experienced writer, Being associated with several financial, educational and travel websites, he has marked his ambience by serving different bloggers and webmasters through his writing. You can visit our site at http://www.carrentals.co.uk
