Turkey is a hugely popular destination for international travel, and interestingly manages very successfully to attract a broad range of travellers with very different interests. This predominantly Muslim country sits at the border of Europe and the Middle East. Geographically most of the country is in Asia, rather than Europe, but there is a very European outlook among many sections of Turkish society. Turkic tribes arrived from Central Asia in the early middle ages and by the Fifteenth Century had overthrown the Byzantine Empire to create their own Ottoman Empire. This empire at its height ruled over much of Eastern Europe and lasted for around six centuries until the First World War.
For Australian’s and New Zealanders Turkey has huge significance due to the landing of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) at Gallipoli in 1915. The spirit of the ANZAC troops during the hard and bloody fighting in Gallipoli has become a very important part of the national character of both Australia and New Zealand. Many visit this part of Turkey year round, but the largest numbers arrive for ANZAC Day on 25th of April. The dawn service at ANZAC Cove is a particularly important experience for travellers from Australia and New Zealand.
The vibrant and cosmopolitan former capital Istanbul, sat on the Bosporus the city bridges the gap between Europe and Asia. Formerly Constantinople, the city remains the best connected in Turkey and will be a starting point for many travellers. Many fly, but there are also a number of trains from Greece and Eastern Europe (as well as trains from Syria and Iran.) Further inland, one of the greatest natural attractions of Turkey is Cappadocia, famous for its other worldly landscape, the fairy chimneys and its underground cities.
Probably the biggest contributor to Turkey’s substantial tourism industry, however, has to be the area of the Aegean coast area around Marmaris. Well catered for in terms of resorts, this area is a particularly popular choice on a package holiday. The recent strength of the Euro makes it even more appealing to visit Turkey which is outside the Euro zone. For those who want to enjoy something a little different in this area a great option is Olympos, famous for its bungalow style tree houses.
Last Edit by sarahgev on 17/11/2011 EDIT NOW >>
