Istanbul: The Legendary City Where History, Culture and Nature Meet
Istanbul is one of the most important cities of both Turkey and the world with its historical, cultural and natural riches. This metropolis, located on both sides of the Bosphorus, has served as a bridge between the East and the West for centuries, hosting various civilizations. Istanbul fascinates its visitors not only with its historical structures and cultural heritage, but also with its dynamic structure intertwined with contemporary life. Here are some places to visit in Istanbul and some special spots you should definitely see.
Hagia Sophia: In the Light of History
Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic structures of Istanbul. Built as a church by Byzantine Emperor Justinianus I in 537, this magnificent structure was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire and later gained museum status. It started to be used as a mosque again in 2020. Hagia Sophia has great importance not only in Istanbul but also in world history with its architecture, mosaics and magnificence.
Topkapi Palace: The Center of the Ottoman Empire
Topkapi Palace was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. By walking around the palace, you can find many traces of the sultans' lives and see works that reveal the wealth of the period. The Harem section of the palace is particularly striking with its rooms adorned with priceless jewels and sacred relics.
Sultanahmet Mosque: The Magic of the Blue Mosque
Sultanahmet Mosque is known among the public as the "Blue Mosque" and is one of the most elegant mosques in Istanbul. This mosque, which is one of the examples of Ottoman architecture, is dazzling with both its interior and exterior architecture. The blue tile work in its interior in particular fascinates visitors. The mosque is also one of the most important religious structures in Istanbul.
Bosphorus: A Journey on the Bosphorus
One of the symbols of Istanbul, the Bosphorus connects the city between Asia and Europe. A boat tour on the Bosphorus allows you to see both historical and natural beauties together. On this waterway between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, you can be enchanted by the views adorned with bridges, mansions and natural landscapes. In the evening, the view of the Bosphorus, filtered by lights, offers unforgettable moments.
Grand Bazaar: Istanbul's Lively Shopping Center
The Grand Bazaar is the world's largest and oldest indoor shopping center, located in the heart of Istanbul since the 15th century. In this historical bazaar, where there are more than 4000 shops, you can shop from a wide range of items, from handmade jewelry to carpets, spices to souvenirs. Walking here, you will not only shop, but also feel the traces of the past and get lost in an atmosphere that smells of history.
Galata Tower: A Point Where You Can See the City from Above
Galata Tower is one of the oldest and most iconic structures in Istanbul. Built by the Genoese in the 14th century, this tower has a wonderful view where you can see the city from above. It is quite impressive to climb the tower, watch the silhouette of Istanbul, and see the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn from above.
Dolmabahçe Palace: European Palace Style
Dolmabahçe Palace began to be used in the last periods of the Ottoman Empire and has gone down in history as the place where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk spent his last years. This palace, located on the shores of the Bosphorus, bears traces of Western architecture and is worth seeing with its elegant rooms, giant staircases and chandeliers. The palace is a structure where Western and Ottoman cultures blend.
İstiklal Avenue and Taksim Square: The Heart of Modern Istanbul
İstiklal Avenue, one of the liveliest and most vibrant streets of Istanbul, is crowded and cheerful at all hours of the day. Located right next to Taksim Square, this street is famous for its shopping stores, cafes, restaurants and historical buildings. It has also become an Istanbul classic with its nostalgic tram. Taksim Square is a great attraction for travelers as one of the cultural and social centers of the city.
Prince Islands: Get Away from the City and Integrate with Nature
Prince Islands is a perfect option for those who want to get away from the noise of Istanbul. Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada offer a holiday opportunity outside the city, surrounded by nature. No land transport vehicles are used here except for electric vehicles, which creates a peaceful atmosphere. It is possible to discover historical mansions, beaches and natural beauties on the islands.
Basilica Cistern: The Mystery Underground
Built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinianus I, the Basilica Cistern is the largest underground water tank in Istanbul. The interior of this huge structure supported by 336 columns is quite impressive and gives its guests the feeling of traveling through time with its historical atmosphere. The Medusa head statues are one of the most interesting and curious elements of the cistern.
Giresun is one of the beautiful provinces of the black sea region and is a city rich in both historical and natural beauties. i have prepared a great travel guide for those who want to visit giresun. here are the places to visit in giresun:giresun castlethis castle, one of the symbols of giresun, is located on a hill overlooking the city. although it was built by the roman emperor julius caesar in the 3rd century, it has undergone many repairs over time during the byzantine, seljuk and ottoman periods. the castle is quite impressive in terms of both history and landscape.giresun islandgiresun island has the distinction of being the only inhabited island in the black sea. it is approximately 3 kilometers from giresun city center. you can go to the island by ship and do nature walks here.kuşburnu hillküşburnu hill, which is usually the first stop for those who go to giresun, offers a magnificent view. this is the perfect spot for those who want to see both the panoramic view of giresun and the beauties of the black sea.giresun museumyou can visit giresun museum to get to know the history and culture of giresun better. various artifacts and archaeological findings belonging to the city are exhibited in the museum.historical giresun housesthe old houses built with ottoman-era architecture in the historical bazaar of giresun offer traces of the city's past. these houses are a great place to visit for both photography enthusiasts and architecture enthusiasts.giresun plateausgiresun's plateaus are a perfect opportunity to discover the green nature of the black sea. kulakkaya plateau and bektaş plateau are especially popular destinations. you can walk on the plateaus and enjoy nature.alucra hillalucra hill, one of the natural beauties of giresun, has a fascinating mountain view. this region is also a great place to take photos.tireboluone of the cute districts of giresun, tirebolu is known for its calm atmosphere and seaside beaches. it is an ideal place especially for walking by the seaside and tasting local flavors.yağlıderegiresun's yağlıdere district is a perfect spot for those looking for peace in touch with nature. it is surrounded by high mountains, cool plateaus and green forests.giresun's local flavorsgiresun is also famous for its cuisine. you should definitely try flavors such as karadeniz pide, kuymak, corn bread, giresun hazelnuts. in addition, local flavors such as kara cabbage sarma and Çörek are also quite famous.giresun bazaargiresun's historical bazaar is a great place for both shopping and meeting local people. you can buy hazelnuts, handmade souvenirs and local food products.aksu stream and aksu waterfallfor nature lovers, aksu stream and aksu waterfall are must-see places. the sound of water and the natural beauty around it are peaceful.
Elazığ is a city with historical and cultural richness located in the eastern anatolia region of türkiye. elazığ attracts attention with both its natural beauty and cultural heritage. here is a guide for those planning to travel to elazığ:harput castleharput, which is close to elazığ city center, is a region rich in both history and culture. harput castle is one of the most important historical structures of the region. the castle dates back to the middle ages and you can see the city from a high point. there are also old stone houses, mosques and historical structures around harput. harput is a great place to explore the historical texture of elazığ.elazığ museumelazığ museum is an important stop for those who want to get to know the history of the city more closely. the museum exhibits historical, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts of elazığ. in addition, many ancient artifacts found in elazığ, as well as local clothing and cultural items can be seen here.Çırçır waterfallthis natural beauty, close to elazığ, is a great place, especially for those who love nature walks. Çırçır waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in the region and the forested area around it offers a suitable area for picnicking and relaxing.hazar lakehazar lake, one of the most beautiful natural areas of elazığ, is especially popular in the summer months. it is possible to spend a quiet day with the walking paths and camping areas around the lake. you can also do water sports in the lake or eat with a view of the lake at the restaurants around.beyhan bridgebeyhan bridge is one of the historical structures of elazığ and is located on the road to harput. this bridge, dating from the ottoman period, is quite impressive in terms of architecture. in addition, the surrounding natural areas and the road leading to the bridge are also quite suitable for walking.elazığ ulu mosqueelazığ ulu mosque, located in the city center, is a historical structure dating back to the 1400s. this mosque, which is one of the beautiful examples of ottoman architecture, is one of the important religious and cultural heritages of elazığ. the interior and surroundings of the mosque are quite impressive.elazığ's famous disheselazığ has a rich variety of turkish cuisine. in addition to local flavors such as meatballs, buns, kısır, içli köfte, elazığ tava and elazığ pilaf are also quite famous. in addition, beyran Çorbası, a soup that will warm you up on cold winter days, is one of the flavors unique to elazığ.elazığ sightseeing tour: cultural transformationelazığ also reflects its modernizing face with the cultural and social projects carried out in the city. thanks to these projects, various events and festivals are organized both in the city center and in historical settlements such as harput. the places to visit in elazığ are not limited to historical buildings; it is also possible to discover modern art and cultural events.ataturk street and elazig bazaarataturk street, located in the center of elazig, is the heart of the city's shopping and social life. there are various shops, cafes and restaurants on the street. elazig bazaar is also another attractive place where you can buy traditional handicrafts and local products.mecca mosque and cultural centermecca mosque is one of the important religious buildings of elazig. the cultural center, located next to the mosque, is an area where cultural events are held for visitors to the city. various concerts, theater plays and exhibitions are organized in this center.
Çanakkale is a region of türkiye famous for its historical and natural beauties. it offers visitors an unforgettable experience with both its martyrs' cemeteries and the unique view of the aegean.Çanakkale martyrs' memorial and monumentsÇanakkale martyrs' memorial: this huge monument, built to commemorate the turkish soldiers who lost their lives in the battle of Çanakkale in 1915, is located on the gallipoli peninsula. it is an impressive place both historically and visually.battlefields and monuments: there are many monuments and martyrs' cemeteries on the gallipoli peninsula. these include the 18 march martyrs' memorial, conk bayırı, kocatepe martyrs' cemetery and anzac cove. these areas are must-see places for those who want to follow the traces of the battle of Çanakkale.ancient city of troytroy: troy, which hosted homer's famous "iliad" epic, is a world-renowned ancient city. here, you can see the trojan horse, city walls and other ruins. in addition, the troy museum is a place that exhibits important archaeological findings in the region.bozcaadabozcaada island: this cute island located in the aegean sea is famous for its vineyards, wines and beautiful beaches. in the center of bozcaada, you can wander among the historical stone houses and narrow streets and swim in the beautiful beaches of the island. also, do not forget to taste bozcaada wines.assosassos ancient city: one of the oldest settlements in the aegean, assos hosts important structures such as the temple of athena. assos is also known for its magnificent views. from here, the dardanelles and midilli island can be observed magnificently.dardanellesdardanelles: crossing this strait, which has historical and strategic importance between asia and europe, is quite impressive. you can cross the strait by both vehicle and ferry. you can also walk along the strait or join a boat tour.gallipoli peninsula historical national parkgallipoli peninsula: this region of Çanakkale attracts attention with both its natural beauty and historical importance. this region, which was one of the places where the battle of Çanakkale was intensely experienced, hosts many monuments and graves. you can also eat fresh seafood in the fish restaurants in the coastal towns of gallipoli.kaz mountains (ida mountain)kaz mountains national park: kaz mountains is a great place for nature lovers with its rich flora and fauna. it offers an ideal area for mountaineering, nature walks and camping. you can also find organic products and traditional flavors in the villages at the foot of kaz mountains.historical Çanakkale centerÇanakkale castle (Çimenlik castle): located in the city center of Çanakkale, this castle is an important structure from the ottoman period. you can learn the history of the region more closely by visiting the castle.clock tower: this clock tower, one of the symbols of Çanakkale, was built in 1896 and is located in the city center.naval museum: this museum, which houses many objects related to Çanakkale's maritime past, offers visitors the opportunity to take a historical journey.eceabateceabat: located on the shores of the Çanakkale strait, eceabat is known for both its natural beauty and historical sites. important points here include seddülbahir castle and alçıtepe martyr's cemetery.local delicacies of ÇanakkaleÇanakkale borek: you should not leave without tasting Çanakkale's famous borek. in addition, the local flavors of Çanakkale, keşkek and Çömlek kebabı, are also quite famous.seafood: fresh seafood and fish dishes are quite popular in Çanakkale's seaside restaurants.
Bursa is a city that draws attention with its historical and cultural richness and is also famous for its natural beauties. the following are among the places to visit in bursa:uludağuludağ, one of the most important winter tourism centers of turkey, is an ideal place for those who want to ski. in addition, nature walks, camping and picnic activities can be done in the summer months.bursa ulu mosqueulu mosque, one of the symbols of bursa, is a large and impressive mosque built in the early periods of the ottoman empire.tophane and clock towerlocated at the highest point of bursa, tophane offers the opportunity to see the city from a bird's eye view. the clock tower and historical structures from the ottoman period here are also quite interesting.green mosque and green tombone of the most important historical structures of bursa, green mosque and green tomb, attract attention with both its architecture and mosaics in its interior.cumalıkızık villageif you want to experience traditional village life from the ottoman period, cumalıkızık is a village that will take you on a journey through time with its stone streets and historical houses.koza hanbursa was one of the important stops on the silk road and koza han, as a reflection of this history, was the center of the silk trade during the ottoman period. today, souvenirs and silk products are still sold.bursa botanical parkfor those who want to be in touch with nature, bursa botanical park offers a relaxing atmosphere with its walking paths, ponds and colorful flowers.bursa archaeological museumfor those who want to learn more about the history of bursa, the museum is full of artifacts from the ancient period.İskender kebabı and Çekirge regiondon't leave the city without tasting bursa's famous İskender kebabı. the Çekirge region is also famous for the city's thermal spas.süleymaniye complexthe süleymaniye complex in bursa has great architectural and religious significance and is a must-see.
Burdur is a city located in the mediterranean region of türkiye and attracts attention with its historical and natural beauties. burdur is a destination worth visiting with both its cultural heritage and natural riches. here are some important places and suggestions to visit in burdur:burdur lakes and natural beautiessalda lake: known as the maldives of türkiye, salda lake offers a very impressive natural beauty with its snow-white beaches and turquoise color. you can camp around it or swim in the lake.burdur lake: located very close to the city, this lake is a great place for those who want to do bird watching. it offers beautiful views where you can see flamingos and other bird species in the lake.karacaören dam: this dam, famous for its natural beauties, offers the opportunity to walk in a calm environment.historical and cultural richesburdur archaeological museum: located in the city center, this museum is very important for those who want to discover the history of the region. you can see many historical artifacts here, from the neolithic period to the roman and byzantine periods.sagalassos ancient city: located in the aglasun district of burdur, this ancient city is an important archaeological site bearing traces of the roman empire. it draws attention especially with its theater, agora and baths.aglasun historical houses: the historical stone houses located near the sagalassos ancient city reveal the architecture of the ottoman period.burdur castle: burdur castle, which is close to the city center, has a beautiful view where you can see the city from a height. the castle has been used by different civilizations from the roman period to the present day.cultural eventsburdur oil wrestling: this event, organized every year, is an important opportunity for those who want to watch traditional turkish wrestling.burdur festival: an atmosphere full of music, dance and local flavors awaits you at this festival, where various events are organized in the city.local flavorsburdur tavası: don't leave without tasting this delicious dish, which is unique to burdur and blends meat and rice.oven mushroom: another special flavor in burdur's local cuisine, oven mushroom, is a flavor you should definitely try.söğütlü börek: this börek, one of burdur's famous flavors, is prepared crispy and with plenty of ingredients.
