Turkey has turned into one of my top favorite destinations to travel to and the reason is simple, it is one of the greatest phenomenons throughout human history. There are infinite reasons I would say such a thing that give me infinite reasons to want to go back. Summer is coming soon and if you tapping on your chin questioning yourself, "Where should I go next?" I will answer that question for you: Turkey. Here are ten reasons why you should visit Turkey ASAP.
1. Baklava
In this trip I met the love of my life, Baklava. Baklava is one, if not the most, popular Turkish desserts. It comes in many different shapes and flavors but generally it's made of, flaky layers of phyllo dough, stacked and brushed with butter and sugar syrup. My favorite is pistachio and chocolate which is not so traditional but, why not? You can find Baklava literally in every corner but you have to be careful as some are overpriced and not so good or very cheap and definitely not good. The two shops I recommend is Karakoy Gulluoglu and Ali Usta. Other Turskish desserts I very much enjoyed were Kadaif (made with thin noodle-like pastry, or alternatively fine semolina dough, soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup), Aşure (puddling like dessert with fig, apricot, hazelnut, garbanzo beans, golden raisins, and bulgar or barley) and Kunefe (made from a stretchy, unsalted fresh melting cheese called hatay and coated in sugar syrup-soaked phyllo shreds called kadayıf). The diet can start when you get back.
Two great references for more Turkish desserts:
2. Intercontinental Experience
Istanbul, is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth-largest city in the world by population. This amazing city is considered European, yet it occupies two different continents (Europe and Asia). Istanbul’s European part is separated from its Asian part by the Bosphorus strait, a 31-km-long waterway that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, which forms a natural boundary between the two continents. You can take a small cruise that goes through both continental areas to feel the full intercontinental experience. This is what makes this city so unique; it's neither one or the other.
3. The People
The Turkish people define greatly the word 'hospitality', they are well-known around the world for this amazing trait (there is even a town, Kilis that is vying for the Nobel Peace Prize for their hospitality having welcomed more than their own population of refugees.) "The mentality of Turkish hospitality is whatever religion you are from, whichever country you come from, whatever language you speak, you are God's Guest." Turkish go out of their way in welcoming you, helping you with directions, and offering you a delicious Turkish Tea. You will feel very welcomed as an outsider, they are very curious people asking you all sorts of questions, having personal conversation, and easily befriend you.
4. The Food
The first restaurant I went in upon arriving the waiter asked me why I was visiting Turkey which I responded, "I'm here for the food." Even though he responded with a laugh following, "I don't believe you," I was being 100% honest. I have heard for the longest time that Turkey's food is by far one of the best cuisines in the world by the extreme mix it has between Ottoman, Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Eastern European and Balkan cuisines. My favorite include Dürüm (Turkish burrito), Balık Ekmek (fish sandwich), Salep (Turkish warm drink), Turkish Coffee, Maraş Dondurma (Turkish ice cream), Testi Kebabı (lamb dish cooked in a sealed claypot and cracked by the waiter). The list goes on...
5. Cappadocia
The morning I woke up here I felt that I was in a fairytale. Cappadocia is located in the center of Turkey in the Anatolian plains. It has gained popularity from the Hot Air Balloons that give you an amazing view of the beautiful “fairy chimneys,” cone-shaped rock formations and the ancient cave houses. The cave hotels located in Göreme, which is one of the towns located in Cappadocia's region, give you amazing panoramic views and awesome cave experience. It is extremely recommended to visit Cappadocia, even if it's loaded with tourist all year-round especially on the warmer seasons, you must save time to come here.
6. Hookah
You can't leave Turkey without experiencing a relax hookah sesh. Hookah has been around form around 500 years, it is said that it was originated in India but Turkey has seemed to establish it as a big part of their culture. It is mostly popular in the Middle East, Turkey, and parts of Asia and Africa. You can find many hookah lounges around Istanbul and pair it with a Turkish Tea after a long day.
7. The Markets
Are you ready to shop and get a little bit lost while you are at it? The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. (Wikipedia) It's of course a must go-to as well as the Spice Market which is just a few minutes walk from the Grand Bazaar. There are many other Markets depending on what you are looking for but for sure Turkey's markets won't disappoint.
8. The History
Turkey has an incredibly interesting history, it has transformed itself into a vibrant modernizing place but before hand it was dominated by Greeks, Persians, and Romans. In the 11th century, however, Turkish nomads from Central Asia moved into the region, gradually conquering all of Asia Minor. First, the Seljuk and then the Ottoman Turkish Empires came to power, exerting influence over much of the eastern Mediterranean world, and bringing Islam to southeast Europe. (Turkey Facts and History) After the Ottoman Empire fell in 1918 which was when Turkey was officially establish the Turks as well established a more modern and and progressive ideologies. In 1923 Turkish won their Independence War and for the first time were self-ruled. With this said you can see for yourself all the abstractness this country has as you can see Greek, Persian, and Roman ruins as well as Muslim Mosques all around the country. All this architecture and history will keep your eyes wondering all over.
9. The Coast
The Turkish coast is a great place to spend your summer under the sun and fine beaches. The Turkish Riviera southwest of the country where Antalya and Mugla are located. In the summer it is blessed with a combination of good weather, warm water, mountainous views from the coast and great beaches. This area is a popular attraction for international tourist looking for some good Vitamin D.
10. Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the greatest cities I have ever been in. It is truly majestic in such a fantasy-like way. I don't know if it's the fact that it's surrounded by water, it is split between two continents, it has been roamed by many empires, it has partaken in many religions, or it's food is out of this world by being influenced by so many cuisines. Maybe it's because it doesn't have one identity but thousands that make this city so special and so grand. Maybe it's just everything and all this everything is needed to be seen with your own eyes, so like I said before, the next time you are asking yourself, where should I go? Turkey. As easy as that.
