Hello Again: Lets look at the some of the pictures from Basilica of Hagia Sofia (first two)and Topkapi Palace (last two).

For next posting to find out about the home place of SANTA CLAUS CLICK HERE.

ISTANBUL

Today, We are visiting Istanbul. Istanbul is Europe's most populous city and Turkey's cultural and financial center. One interesting piece of information about Istanbul is that it lies on the border between Asia and Europe so that one part of Istanbul is in Europe while the other part of Istanbul is Asian. These two parts of Istanbul are divided by a stretch of water called the Bosphorus near the sea of Marmara. There are currently three bridges that connect Asian Istanbul to European Istanbul. Old Istanbul includes all the traces from Byzantium, Roman and Ottoman periods. The huge Basilica of Hagia Sofia constructed by Roman Emperor Justinian in 537 AD is an incredible museum today. The Topkapi Palace is a good example to understand Ottoman life. There are many churches, mosques and museums at this district. It's so hard to cover with one or two posting a city that has been home to different civilizations for last 3500 years. Let’s watch a video to get a little taste of what Istanbul has to offer. For next posting CLICK HERE.

Here is the link for my "TEST". Please be gentle with me... This is my first one.


   

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Visit to IZMIR (Pearl of the Aegean Sea)

Hello to All: So far, we talked about the history, general information and location of Turkey. Lets all begin visiting the touristic places in Turkey. Consider this as a free trip, all expenses are paid. You don't even have to pack your bags or wait in lines at the airport. Bon Voyage!!! Our first stop is IZMIR. It also called the pearl of the Aegean Sea. Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey situated in the south of Turkey on the shores of the Aegean Sea. Izmir boasts one of Turkey’s major commercial and military sea ports on the Aegean coast. The city of Izmir in Turkey lies between the bay on the coast and a string of mountains in inland Turkey. Izmir has a lovely waterfront promenade that makes for pleasant walks as well as many cafes where you can take a break. Izmir is a very modern looking Turkish city with wide roads and modern buildings. Enjoy the Feel Alive in Izmir. It is full of information about Izmir including outdoor activities, history and lot of pictures.

Next week , We are going to ISTANBUL. For next posting CLICK HERE.

The Republic Of Turkey

Welcome to My Blog… I am doing the best to provide you the most comprehensive content about Turkey.  I am going to cover the most of the touristic destinations in Turkey with a lot of pictures. I’ll also provide some information about history, general information, location population and outdoor activities that you can enjoy.

Before we view the pictures of the touristic destinations, monuments, antic cities and natural wonders let's look at the general information and the location.

Capital City: Ankara
Largest City: Istanbul
Goverment: Parliamentary Republic
Language: Turkish
Founder of the Turkish Republic: Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

Republic of Turkey (Turkiye Cumhuriyeti) is a Eurasian country located in Asia (mostly Anatolian peninsula) and in East Thrace in the Southeastern Europe. Turkey is bordered by eight countries: Bulgaria to the northeast; Greece to the west; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran to the east; Iraq and Syria to the southeast. The Mediterranean Sea and Cyprus are to the south; the Aegean Sea is to the west; and the Black Sea is to the north. The Sea of Marmara, Bosporus and the Dardanelles demarcate the boundary between East Thrace and Anatolia; they also separate Europe and Asia.



Turkish Flag



History

Turkey's first known human inhabitants appeared in the Mediterranean region as early as 7500 BC and it has been ruled through the centuries by diverse cultures including the sun-worshiping Hittites, the Greeks who drove out the gentle Persians (who then migrated to India), and the Byzantines including Constantine.

By 1453, the Ottomans under Mehmet the Conqueror had taken over Constantinople.

The Ottoman Sultanate lasted till the War of Independence in 1920-22 led by Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk or Father Turk). Kemal abolished the Sultanate and set about reinventing Turkish society and this is considered the birth of the Turkish Republic. Under Ataturk, Turkey went through a period of reform and secularism was strongly instituted into the constitution as well as in the fabric of society. Constantinople became Istanbul and women obtained the right to vote. Even today, Atatürk remains a hero in Turkey.

The east and south-east of Turkey saw years of civil war in the 1980s and 1990s between Turkish forces and those of the secessionist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in which over 30,000 people died. The PKK seeks greater political and cultural rights for the Kurdish community. Clashes between Kurdish fighters and Turkish forces in the south-east continue and dozens have died in the violence.

Pictures of arts and  ancient temples:Hittties, Byzantine and Greek civilizations:



Hittie GOD- City of Hattusha



Aphrodisias-Greek Temple Anatolia



Antient Greek Theather-Anatolia



Artemis- Greek Temple Anatolia