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Discovering the Wonders of Türkiye
A personal journey through the transcontinental nation’ s history, culture, and hospitality.
BY ILYSE TASDEMIR
I first visited Türkiye, then known to the world as Turkey, in 1988. I had been backpacking for two-and-a-half years and only planned to stay for two weeks. Fate, however, intervened when a motorcycle accident altered the course of my life. What began as a short detour turned into a lifelong love affair, with both my now-husband and this spectacular country. Now my second home, I remain continuously amazed by the beauty and diversity of the land, and by the generosity and kindness of the Turkish people. Hoping to share our love for Türkiye with others, my husband and I started leading group tours of the country through our company, Türkiye Travels. Here are some of the highlights.
Breaking Stereotypes
For many Americans, Türkiye remains shrouded in stereotypes that fail to capture the country’ s diversity and richness. The image of Türkiye that often appears in Western media overlooks the reality: a land filled with ancient history, vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and some of
Some of the stunning architecture at the centuriesold Topkapi Palace.
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the warmest, most welcoming people in the world.
Although backpackers and European vacationers have long ventured here, Türkiye still feels a little off the radar for many travelers outside the region. Yet its roots run deeper than almost anywhere else on earth. Human settlements in Türkiye date back to around 9600 BCE, and the Hittite Empire, the Trojan War, and the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods all left their marks on the land. For centuries, the Ottoman Empire ruled until the founding of the modern Republic of Türkiye in 1923. At just over 100 years old, modern Türkiye is a young nation built on layers of extraordinary history.
Istanbul: Where Continents and Cultures Meet
No trip to Türkiye is complete without a visit to Istanbul, the country’ s capital and most iconic city, and the bridge between Europe and Asia. With a population of more than 15 million, Istanbul can feel overwhelming, so if your time is limited, focus on the Sultanahmet area. Though touristy, it offers the richest concentration of landmarks and experiences, with accommodations to suit every budget.
Begin at the Topkapi Palace, once home to the Ottoman sultans. Walking through its lavishly tiled chambers and courtyards feels like stepping back into another era. One of the palace’ s most fascinating sections is the harem, where
One of the many unique hotels built into caves in the Cappadocia region.
the sultan’ s mother and wives lived. Far from being secluded figures, the women of the harem wielded significant power, overseeing finances, enforcing rules, and even influencing politics and philanthropy.
Nearby, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque stand as twin marvels of architecture and faith. A stroll across the Galata Bridge connects you to another side of the city, where fishermen cast their lines and locals gather. If you visit during Ramadan, you may witness families breaking their fast together on the open grounds between the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque— a moving scene of community and tradition.
Another must is wandering through the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. From spices and textiles to jewelry and antiques, its many treasures are a feast for the senses.
Hotel of note: The Pera Palace Hotel, which opened in 1895 as the final destination of the Orient Express luxury passenger train, is a modern four-star property where Agatha Christie is said to have written Murder on the Orient Express.
Cappadocia: A Landscape Like No Other
If Istanbul dazzles with its history, Cappadocia astounds with its natural