Different places to travel » Asia

Gallipoli in Turkey: A memorial of sacrifice and courage

Traveller — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:23:17 +0000

Gallipoli is a peninsula in the north-western part of Turkey, with the Aegean Sea lying to its west and the Dardanelles strait to its east. It is the site of the bloody and tragic battle, the Gallipoli Campaign or the Battle of the Dardanelles, in which a total of about 60,000 soldiers lost their lives. The Gallipoli Campaign is just another battle in the long list of battles that were fought during the First World War, but it remains etched in the memory of every Australian, New Zealander and Turk. In 1915, during the First World War, the British and its allied forces attacked Gallipoli, in order to capture Constantinople and gain strategic advantage. What ensued was an eight month long battle which resulted in the Ottoman armies defeating Britain and its allies. Thousands of Australian and New Zealand soldiers lost their lives in the battle, which turned out to be a defining moment for both Australia and New Zealand, as the people of these countries discovered a feeling of nationalism that brought them together to achieve a new national identity separate from their mother country, Britain. The battles are commemorated every year by all Australians and New Zealanders on ANZAC Day, 25th of April.
Even for the people of Turkey, the Battle of Canakkale, as it is known there, is a source of inspiration and pride. Turkey celebrates Canakkale Zaferi (Canakkale Victory) on the 18th of March every year, to commemorate their victory over the allies. The peninsula is a sacred site for Turkey, Australia and New Zealand, and has many monuments that have been erected in the memory of the soldiers who died for their countries. Every year many tourists, mostly from Australia and New Zealand, visit Gallipoli, an epitome of courage, sacrifice and love for one’s motherland.

Best time to visit /Climate:

The best time to visit is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

Driving directions between Ankara and Gallipoli in Turkey (on Google Maps):

View Larger Map

How to get there:

By plane: There are regular flights operated by Turkish Airlines, between Istanbul airport and Canakkale airport. From the airport one can take a taxi or bus to the ferry port.
By sea: There are many ferries departing to Eceabat town. From the town you can take a taxi or bus to the all the memorials, museums and other places to see.
By Bus: There are buses going to Canakkale, regularly, from all major cities of Turkey.

Places to stay (Hotels / Restaurants along contact numbers):
Canakkale offers a wide variety of hotels to stay, from budget to expensive ones; there is a hotel to suit everyone’s pocket. Eceabat offers less variety of hotels, but is a quieter alternative, and much closer to the battlefields. Some of the top rated hotels are as follows:

1. The Gallipoli Houses
Kocadere Koyu, Canakkale 17900, Turkey
2. Anzac Hotel
Saat Kulesi Meydani 8 | (Clock Tower Square), Canakkale 17100, Turkey
3. Tusan Hotel
Guzelyali, Canakkale 17001, Turkey
4. Eceabat Hotel
Cumhuriyet Meydani 20 A, Eceabat, Turkey

Source: TripAdvisor

Close to the battlefields, Eceabat is the only town where you would find some fine places to eat. Moving away a bit further, Cannakale has a lot of restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines. Some of the top rated places to eat are given below:

1. Mecca Restaurant
Kemalpasa Mah. Yali Cad. No. 5, Canakkale, Turkey
2. Albatros Fish Restauran
Ataturk Caddesi, Canakkale, Turkey
Phone: +902862178111
3. Guntepe Restaurant
Izmir AsfaltI uzeri, Canakkale 17200, Turkey
Phone: +902866181479
4. taki restaurant
bozcaada liman, Canakkale, Turkey
Phone: +902866970087

Source: TripAdvisor

BLOGS / SITES ABOUT GALLIPOLI (WITH SMALL EXCERPTS FROM THESE BLOGS):

1. A brief history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallipoli
After the devastating 1354 earthquake, the Greek city of Gallipoli was almost abandoned, but swiftly reoccupied by Turks from Anatolia, the Asiatic side of the straits, making Gallipoli the first Ottoman position in Europe, and the staging area for their expansion across the Balkans.
The peninsula, a part of the Byzantine Empire, was gradually conquered by the Ottoman Empire from 13th century to the 15th century. The Greeks living there were allowed to continue their everyday life. Gallipoli (Turkish: Gelibolu) was made a district (Kaymakamlik) in the province (Vilayet) of Adrianople, with about thirty thousand inhabitants: comprising Greeks, Turks, Armenians and Jews.
Gallipoli became a major encampment for British and French forces in 1854 during the Crimean War, and the harbour was also a stopping-off point on the way to Constantinople. Gallipoli did not experience any more wars until World War I, when British and colonial forces attacked the peninsula in 1915, seeking to secure a route to relieve their ally Imperial Russia in the east. The Ottomans set up defensive fortifications along the peninsula, with German help, and the attackers were eventually repulsed.
In 1920 after the defeat of the Russian White army of General Pyotr Wrangel, a significant number of emigre soldiers and their families evacuated to Gallipoli from the Crimea. From there, many went to European countries, such as Yugoslavia, where they found refuge. A stone monument was erected and a special “Gallipoli cross” was created to commemorate the soldiers, who stayed in Gallipoli. The stone monument was destroyed during an earthquake, but in January 2008 reconstruction of the monument had begun with the consent of the Turkish government.

2. Things to do, sightseeing and attractions: http://wikitravel.org/en/Gallipoli
There are three main battlefield areas – Cape Helles (Turkish: Seddülbahir), Anzac / Pine Ridge and Suvla Bay (which has fewer places to visit). Depending on how detailed your itinerary is, it would be possible to visit the main sites of interest, particularly around Cape Helles and Anzac/Pine Ridge, in a single day. More realistically, two or three days allow plenty of time for an extensive tour, taking in all the battlefield sites, cemeteries and memorials. Must sees include:
The Cannakale Martyrs Memorial (near Cape Helles); The British Memorial at Cape Helles; Anzac Cove; Pine Ridge Australian Memorial; New Zealand Monument, Chunuk Bair; Ataturk Statue, Chunuk Bair .
2. http://www.gallipoliexperience.com/en/places-to-visit-in-gallipoli.html
Chunuk bair was one of the most important spot and peak of the Sari bair range in Gallipoli battlefield. The Battlefield of Chunuk Bair was a battle area between the Turkish defenders and troops of New Zealand and Britain on Turkey’s Gallipoli peninsula in August 1915. The attackers captured the Chunuk Bair, “Canak Bay?r?” (Basin Slope) in Turkish (now “Conk Bay?r?”) in between 6-10 August. This was the main objective of the Anzacs’ offensive of early August 1915 when they tried to break out of the stalemate with the Turks in the Anzac sector but their attempt was met with the staunch defence of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (Turkish commander) and the bid was unsuccessful.
Anzac Cove is one of the small cove in north side of the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. It became a well known cove during and after the World War I, because ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) landed on this cove on April 25th 1915. The Anzac cove is nearly 600m long. From the first day of the war North Beach was the port of Anzacs. Anzac Cove beach became the main supply for the Australian and New Zealand troops for the eight months of the Battle of Gallipoli.

3. Map: http://www.anzac.govt.nz/images/gguide/map_index.jpg

4. Photo Gallery:
• 1.Various pictures of Gallipoli: http://www.travelpod.com/photos/5/Turkey/Gallipoli.html
• 2. Pictures by a traveller’s:

http://www.viator.com/tours/Istanbul/Gallipoli-Day-Trip-from-Istanbul/d585-3795IST11/photos

5. Videos on You tube:

1. Memorials of Gallipoli:

2. Gallipoli ANZAC Day Tour, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, ANZAC Cove:

Ephesus in Turkey: Glory in the ruins

Traveller — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 18:08:28 +0000

Ephesus is an ancient city located near the town of Selcuk, about 44 miles away from Izmir, in the Izmir province. The city was once famous for the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Lying in ruins, the city is now an archaeological site. Originally founded as a port on the river Cayster, Ephesus has had a long and interesting history. The city is said to have been founded by Androclos, the son of Kodros, the King of Athens. According to legend, in 10th century BC, Androclos, who had to leave Greece because of the Dor invasion, was looking for a site to establish a new settlement for himself and his accompanying people. It was predicted by a Greek oracle that a boar and fish would guide them to the site of their new settlement. One day Anroclos was frying fish in an open pan, when the fish flew from the pan, and landed in the nearby bushes, where a wild boar was hiding. Scared, the boar came out of bushes and started running. Androclos killed the boar, after pursuing it for some time. The place where he killed the boar was where the city of Ephesus was established. Androclos later on died in a war with the Carians. There was a mausoleum built in the memory of the first king of Ephesus.
Ephesus was ruled by the Lydian’s in the mid 6th century BC, under the Lydian king, Kreisos. This was the golden age of Ephesus. Kreisos even restored the Temple of Artemis, which had been razed by the Cimmerians. His signature is can still found on an excavated column of the temple. The Lydian’s were later defeated by the Persians. Alexander the Great defeated the Persians in the year 334 BC and took over Ephesus. During his reign, the Temple of Artemis was destroyed during a rebellion. Ephesus prospered greatly under Alexanders rule.
After the death of Alexander the Great, Ephesus was ruled was by his general, Lysimakhos, in 287 BC. He moved Ephesus further west, because of the destruction of the port on the river Cayster, due to silting. Lysimakhos changed the name of Ephesus to “Arsinoeina”, after his wife’s name, and built huge stone walls around the city. After his death, the people of Arsinoeina broke down the walls, and Arsinoeina became Ephesus again.
Then the Romans arrived in 190 BC. Ephesus was at the peak of its power and wealth during the reign of Augustus in 27 BC. It grew into a metropolis with a population of around 500,000 people, becoming the most important centre of commerce and culture in Asia. Ephesus was the most powerful and advanced city in Asia during this time, second only to Rome for the Romans. The city remained famous for the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus and its open theatre.
In 263 AD, the whole city was destroyed by the Goths, including the Temple of Artemis, marking the decline of the city’s glory.
In 395 AD, Ephesus became a part of the Byzantine Empire. Constantine I rebuilt most of it, and it was their most important city in Asia. In 406 AD, the archbishop of Constantinople, John Chrysostom, ordered for the destruction of the Temple of Artemis.
An earthquake in 614 AD partially destroyed the city again.
As time went on, silting of the harbour, made it unusable and the city became unfit for trade. Slowly, people started abandoning the city. The remaining locals started using the ruins of the once magnificent temples, including the Temple of Artemis, for domestic and other purposes. The Arabs sacked the city in 645 AD and again in 700 AD and 716 AD. The Seljuk’s took over Ephesus in 1090 AD, with the Byzantines regaining control in 1100 AD.
But now Ephesus, remained nothing more than a small village (called Ayasalouk) with the Temple of Artemis completely forgotten. In 1304 AD, the town Ayasalouk saw some good times under the Seljuk’s, who built some monuments of their own. By the 15th century AD, completely abandoned, Ephesus just remained a name in history for people to talk and write about. Ephesus has also played an important role in the spread of Christianity. In 52 AD, St Paul arrived here, and with a lot of struggle and persistence, was able to make most of the Ephesians accept Christianity. The Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, is said to have made Ephesus her last home. The house of the Virgin Mary, about 4 miles from Selcuk, is an important place of pilgrimage for the Christians.
The ruined city of Ephesus is the most important tourist destination of Turkey. It attracts millions of people every year, who can still see the glory, splendour and magnificence of Ephesus, in its ruins.

Climate and best time to visit:

The climate of Ephesus is typical Mediterranean with long, hot and dry summers and cold, rainy winters. During the summer months (May to August) temperatures can reach as high as 40 degrees C. Winters can be chilly with temperatures dropping as low as 5 degrees C. The best time to visit Ephesus is during spring (Mid Feb to April) and autumn (September and October), when the weather is mild.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

By plane: There are flights to Izmir International airport from all major cities of Turkey and Europe as well. From the airport you can take a bus from Izmir central bus station to Selcuk or if you decide to stay in Izmir, your hotel can provide you with shuttle buses to Selcuk. Or even still, if you are tight on time and don’t mind spending some extra bucks, you can take a taxi from the airport to Selcuk.
By sea: You can also get there via ferry from the port of Kusadasi. Take a bus from Kusadasi bus station or a taxi from Kusadasi to Selcuk.

Places to stay (Hotels / Restaurants along with website / Contact details):

There are almost no hotels in Ephesus itself, but accommodation is available is available in the nearby towns of Selcuk and Kusadasi. If you are on a tight budget, some families also give away rooms on rent to tourists. Some nice hotels near Ephesus are given below:

1. Hotel Bella
Ataturk Mah. | St. John Street No: 7, Selcuk, Turkey
2. Hotel Nazar
S.M.Tavaslioglu cd. 2019 SK. No: 14, Selcuk 35920, Turkey
3. Aqua Fantasy Hotel & Aqua Park
Ephesus 35920, Turkey
4. Richmond Ephesus Resort
Pamucak, Selcuk 35920, Turkey

Source: Trip Advisor

You would find many small restaurants and fast food joints in Ephesus near the gates. Besides this, there are plenty of restaurants on the way to Ephesus from Kusadasi or Selcuk and in the towns itself, selling all kinds cuisines.

Some nice restaurants are given are given below:
1. Ejder Restaurant
9 Cengiz Topel Cad. Selcuk 35920, Turkey
2. Mehmet and Ali Baba Kebab House
4A, 1047 Sok. Selcuk 35920, Turkey
Phone: +902328923872
3. Amazon
Anton Kallinger cad 22, Selcuk, Turkey
4. Okumuslar Pide Salonu
Sahabettin Dede Caddesi 2, Selcuk, Turkey

Source: Trip Advisor

BLOGS / SITES ABOUT EPHESUS (WITH SMALL EXCERPTS FROM THESE BLOGS):

1. A brief history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus
Ephesus was founded as an Attic-Ionian colony in the 10th century BC on the Ayasuluk Hill, three kilometers from the center of antique Ephesus (as attested by excavations at the Seljuk castle during the 1990s). The mythical founder of the city was a prince of Athens named Androklos, who had to leave his country after the death of his father, King Kadros. According to the legend, he founded Ephesus on the place where the oracle of Delphi became reality (“A fish and a boar will show you the way”). Androklos drove away most of the native Carian and Lelegian inhabitants of the city and united his people with the remainder. He was a successful warrior, and as a king he was able to join the twelve cities of Ionia together into the Ionian League. During his reign the city began to prosper. He died in a battle against the Carians when he came to the aid of Priene, another city of the Ionian League. Androklos and his dog are depicted on the Hadrian temple frieze, dating from the second century. Later, Greek historians such as Pausanias, Strabo, the poet Kallinos, and the historian Herodotos reassigned the city’s mythological foundation to Ephos, queen of the Amazons.

2. Things to do, sightseeing and attractions:
• http://www.ephesus.us/ephesus/templeofartemis.htm
The temple of Artemis is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It has been built in the areas of Ephesus on a flat area which has over the centuries turned into a swamp. Today one can only see the ruins of the foundations of this marvelous construction of the Hellenistic Age, entirely made of marble and full of sculptured columns’ capitals and shafts. The most beautiful remains of this temple are today exhibited in the London British Museum.
The oldest remaining found date back till the 6th century BC. It was surrounded by 36 huge columns, later enlarged upon the orders of the Lydia King, Kreisos, during the 6th century BC. Most of the exhibits in the London British Museum belong to this period.

• http://www.turizm.net/cities/ephesus/celsus.html
Library of Celsus: Although the building is of a mainly cultural character it is also a funerary monument. After the death of Celsus Polemaenus, a former consul who had been appointed governor of Ephesus, his son erected a magnificent reading room over his tomb. The building, which dates from the 2nd century, was attacked by fire in 260 but the facade suffered no damage. It is 21 m wide and 16 m high. Equestrian statues stood on pedestals on each side of the main staircases and there are also indications that statues were placed in the niches on the upper floor. The main room measures 16 x 10 m. The burial chamber under the ground floor contains a sarcophag s in an excellent state of preservation. Excavations carried out by Austrian archaJologists at the beginning of the 20th century revealed a 4th century fountain in the front courtyard and very valuable carvings in high relief depicting the wars waged by Marcus Aurelius and ucius Verus against the Parthians.

3. Map of Ephesus: http://www.ramtur.com/images/map/ephesus_big_map.jpg

4. Photos of Ephesus:
• Huge photo gallery of Ephesus: http://www.turkishclass.com/turkey_pictures_gallery_45
• Another picture gallery: http://www.ephesus.us/ephesus/ephesus_photos.htm

5. Videos on You Tube:
1. A tour of Ephesus:

2. Temple of Artemis (small video clip):

Cappadocia: A wonder of nature based in Turkey

Traveller — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 19:55:37 +0000

Cappadocia is a region in Central Anatolia in Turkey, lying mainly in the Nevsehir Province. Cappadocia is known for its stunning and visually striking landscape that resembles the surface of the Moon, with caves and “fairy chimneys” (chimney like structures). It is a unique place with underground cities that include houses carved in the rocks, churches, wine production places etc. The unique landscape is a result of the volcanic eruptions that occurred in the volcanoes of Erciyes, Melendiz and Hasan, leading to the formation of a large volcanic plain, and together with the work of the waters of the Kizilirmak river and hostile winds, over tens of thousands of years, there appeared this unique rocky landscape, with chimney structures, a wonder of nature.
The history of Cappadocia is long and very old, dating back to prehistoric times. Hitti culture was active during the Bronze Age, with the Hittites arriving in 2000 BC. Then came the Assyrians (2000-1800 BC), and while the Phrygians were the rulers from 1250 BC, the Persians ruled till about 334 BC, after expelling the Lydian’s. In AD 17 came the Romans, encouraging settlements and building of urban centres in the region. It was the first Christians, who, fearing persecution by the Romans, hid inside these underground cities, from they couldn’t be seen and found. Staying underground for such a long time, they built an elaborate living system, with water wells, churches, rooms, toilets etc. Finally, the Seljuk’s and the Ottomans arrived.
Though the rocky, volcanic region appears to be dead to vegetation, its soil is mineral rich, perfect for growing fruits and vegetables. The region is Anatolia’s prime place for growing grapes, and has many vineyards and wineries. Cappadocia is a major tourist destination of Turkey. There are a number of attractions that include the underground cities, the hot air balloon rides over the fairy chimneys, hiking etc. There are even underground hot nightclubs, giving it a night life.

Climate and best time to visit:

Cappadocia has a continental climate, hot and dry in summers with chilly and snowy winters. The area does not receive much rainfall. The best time to visit is from April to Mid-June and September to October, when it’s not too hot and less crowded.

LOCATION ON GOOGLE MAPS:

View Larger Map

Driving directions from Ankara in Turkey to Cappadocia:

View Larger Map

Map of Cappadocia: http://www.cappadociaonline.com/images/capharita.jpg

How to get there:

By bus: There are buses available to Nevsehir and Goreme from major Turkish cities.
By plane: There are flights available to Kayseri from Izmir and Istanbul. Goreme is about an hour drive from Kayseri.
By train: There are trains available to Kayseri from almost all railway stations in Turkey. From Kayseri, a bus can be taken Goreme.

Places to stay (Hotels / Restaurants along with website / Contact Numbers):

There are plenty of hotels to stay in Cappadocia, from expensive to budget ones. Some of the underground cities have been converted into hotels, and some have even been carved out of the rocks. Some of the top rated hotels are as given below:
1. Serinn House
Esbelli Sokak No. 36, Urgup, Turkey
Phone: +90 384 341 6076, Website: http://www.serinnhouse.com/
2. 4ODA Cave House
Esbelli sok. No: 46, Urgup 50400, Turkey
3. Gamirasu Cave Hotel
Ayvali Koyu, Urgup 50400, Turkey
4. Kismet Cave House
Kagnii Yolu No: 9 | Belediye cad. Goreme 50180, Turkey

Source: Trip Advisor

There are many restaurants Cappadocia, offering all kinds of cuisines. Cappadocia has a lot of wineries too, producing some very fine wine. Some of the best restaurants are given below:

1. LIL’A RESTAURANT
Tel: +90 384 219 2220

http://www.lil-a.com.tr

2. ZIGGY’S SHOPPE & CAFE
Tevfik Fikret Caddesi No. 24 | Yunak Mahallesi, Urgup, Turkey
Tel: +90-384-341 7107
3. ALATURCA
Tel: +90 384 271 2882

Source: Cappadociaonline.com

BLOGS / SITES ABOUT CAPPADOCIA (WITH SMALL EXCERPTS FROM THESE BLOGS):

1. A brief history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappadocia
Cappadocia was known as Hatti in the late Bronze Age, and was the homeland of the Hittite power centred at Hattusa. After the fall of the Hittite Empire, with the decline of the Syro-Cappadocians (Mushki) after their defeat by the Lydian king Croesus in the 6th century, Cappadocia was ruled by a sort of feudal aristocracy, dwelling in strong castles and keeping the peasants in a servile condition, which later made them apt for foreign slavery. It was included in the third Persian satrapy in the division established by Darius, but continued to be governed by rulers of its own, none apparently supreme over the whole country and all more or less tributaries of the Great King.

2. Things to do, sightseeing and attractions:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Cappadocia

• Hot Air Balloon Tours: This is one of the most popular activities in Goreme. Typically lifting off at sunrise, these rides last about an hour in the air and literally go wherever the wind may blow in the Cappadocia Valley. The balloon baskets hold around 20 people with the pilot riding air currents much like a boat, floating down the valleys, often below the ridge line and quite close to the chimney rocks. It’s a fantastic ride and if you’ve ever had the urge to splurge on a balloon ride, this would be the place to do it. There are 15 balloon companies in the region.
• Cross Golf. : Cappadocia is a national park and its natural environment must be protected for everyone to enjoy today and in the future. Cross Golf uses the natural features of the landscape to challenge even the most experienced golfer. The fairy chimneys, fascinating rock formations and flora and fauna in the unique environment of Cappadocia remain unaffected by Cross Golf.

2. http://www.great-adventures.com/destinations/turkey/cappadocia.html
Rock Cut Churches and Monasteries
Many settlements in Cappadocia were established primarily as monastic communities. As Bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in the 4th century, St. Basil the Great wrote the rules for monastic life that are still followed by monks and nuns of the Greek Orthodox Church. He advocated community life, prayer and physical labour rather than the solitary asceticism that was popular at the time and it was under his guidance that the first churches were built in Goreme Valley. Here, a number of small communities with their own churches formed the large monastic complex that is now the Open Air Museum. Hundreds of churches are reported to have been built in this valley but no churches from St. Basil’s time remain. In Goreme, the Tokali Kilise or the “Buckle Church” is easily the loveliest of the churches with graceful arches and beautiful frescoes.

3. Photo Gallery:

1. Cappadocia photos with tags by a traveller: http://www.pbase.com/dosseman/capadocia_turkey

2. Cappadocia photos collection:

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Middle_East/Turkey/Central_Anatolia/Nevsehir/Cappadocia/

4. You Tube Videos:
1. A small video of Cappadocia with narration:

2. Underground city in Cappadocia:

3. “Cappadocia – The Land That Time Forgot”:

Ani: The ghost town of Turkey

Traveller — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:45:06 +0000

Ani is the site of the remains of a city, in the Turkish province of Kars, near the Armenian border. The city, also known as the “City of the 1001 Churches”, was at its peak in the medieval period, when it was the capital of the great Armenian Empire, ruled by the Bagratids, covering most of Armenia and eastern Turkey. It’s now a ghost town; abandoned and uninhabited with the ruins of what was once a flourishing city. The city was named after the ancient Urartian fertility goddess Anahid. King Ashot III decided to make Ani his capital in 961. Other kings came in succession and constructed churches, monasteries and a citadel. Less than a century later it was conquered by the Byzantines in 1045, in 1064 by the Seljuk’s and then by the King of Georgia, followed by some Kurdish Emirs. In 1239, the Mongols took over it, and in 1319 a mighty earthquake wiped out the mighty Mongols. Since then the city has been in ruins. One can see the remains of the churches and the walls of the city standing above the collapsed rubble of the city, now covered under vegetation.
Ani had been a source of dispute between the Armenians and Turkish authorities for a long time and visiting Ani was not easy, as there were a lot of restrictions and formalities involved. Being near the border, made it even more difficult. But in 2004, these restrictions have been removed. Now anybody can visit Ani without facing any problems. Turkish authorities too, are now keen on its conservation and development as a tourist destination. Ani, is a tourist destination of its own kind and definitely a must see in Eastern Turkey.

Best time to visit /Climate:

Ani can get very hot and arid during summers, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees, and very chilly in winters. Best time to visit is June to September.

Location on Google maps:

View Larger Map

Driving directions from Istanbul to Ani:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

You can get a taxi to Ani from Kars. You can get it arranged by your hotel or look around for one, or maybe hitch a ride. You can also drive your own car; there is a direct road from Kars to Ani.

Places to stay (Hotels / Restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

There are no hotels or restaurants in Ani. Bring your own picnic basket and water. The only hotels anywhere near Ani are in Kars.

Blogs / sites about Ani (with small excerpts from these blogs):

1. A brief history: (http://wikitravel.org/en/Ani)
Ani first rose to prominence in the 5th century A.D., as a hilltop fortress belonging to the Armenian Kamsarakan Dynasty. By the ninth century, the Kamsarakan possessions in Eastern Anatolia had merged with the Bagratid Dynasty, and in 956, King Ashot III moved the Armenian capital to Ani. Shortly thereafter, the Armenian Catholicos moved here as well, establishing the city as the undisputed center of Armenia. The city grew rapidly, and by the eleventh century, the city boasted more than 100,000 citizens. At its height of power and wealth, it became known as the City of Forty Gates and the City of a Thousand Churches.
Ani’s golden age ended with the death of King Gagik in 1020, when Armenian power was split between his two sons. In a series of political events that define the word Byzantine, the son who controlled Ani named the Byzantine Emperor his heir, in an attempt to prevent an invasion. Upon his death, the Byzantine Emperor stated his claim upon the city, but the new King of Ani reneged on the deal and repulsed the Emperor’s armies. But a mere three years later, following a series of Armenian military defeats and a pro-Byzantine uprising in Ani, the city surrendered itself to Byzantine control.

2. Things to do, sightseeing and attractions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ani

The church of St Gregory of Tigran Honents:
This church, finished in 1215, is the best-preserved monument at Ani. It was built during the rule of the Zackary’s and was commissioned by the wealthy Armenian merchant Tigran Honents. Its plan is of a type called a domed hall. In front of its entrance are the ruins of a narthex and a small chapel that are from a slightly later period. The exterior of the church is spectacularly decorated. Ornate carvings of real and imaginary animals fill the spandrels between blind arcade that runs around all four sides of the church. The interior contains an important and unique series of frescoes cycles that depict two main themes. In the eastern third of the church is depicted the Life of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, in the middle third of the church is depicted the Life of Christ. In the narthex and its chapel survive fragmentary frescoes that are more Byzantine in style.[21]

The Church of the Redeemer:
This church was completed shortly after the year 1035. It had a unique design: 19-sided externally, 8-apsed internally, with a huge central dome set upon a tall drum. It was built by Prince Ablgharib Pahlavid to house a fragment of the True Cross. The church was largely intact until 1955, when the entire eastern half collapsed during a storm.

3. Map of Ani: http://iguide.travel/illustrations/Ani-5.png

4. Photo Gallery:
1. Photos of Ani by a traveler with descriptions: http://www.galenfrysinger.com/ani_turkey.htm

2. Collection of photos of Ani:

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Middle_East/Turkey/East_Anatolia/Kars/Ani/

5. Videos on You Tube:
1. A tour of Ani:

Sinop in Turkey: The beauty of the Black sea

Traveller — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:03:45 +0000

Sinop is a small beautiful harbour city situated on the Black Sea Coast. It is the capital of the Sinop province and has a population of around 50,000 people. The high Isfendiyar Mountains isolate the city from most of Turkey, but it is well connected to some major cities by sea. Agriculture forms the economic base of the city, with the main produce being tobacco, flax and maize. Fishing is the main activity of the locals.
There is a legend that says Miletian colonists founded Sinop in the 7th century BC, and the city, is the place where the Cynic philosopher Diogenes was born. Another legend says that the province is said to have been named after the Amazon Queen “Sinova”.
The Sinop of today is a charming small town, not touched by many modern developments. It is very quiet, with no night clubs or discotheques. The main monuments to see include a ruined ancient citadel from the Byzantine and Seljuk periods, some columns and stones with inscriptions from the early Greek and Roman periods. The Alaeddin mosque built in 1214 is a popular attraction along with the Alaiye religious school from the mid 1200s.
All in all, Sinop is a tourist destination for people who want to spend some quality time in a quiet place.

Best time to visit /climate:

The Black Sea coast receives a lot of rainfall. Summers are cool and winters are mild. The best time to visit is summer, when weather is warm.

Location on Google maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

By plane: Sinop Airport is about 8 km’s from the city centre. Turkish Airlines has daily flights to Sinop from major Turkish cities.
By sea: Sinop is connected to Istanbul and other cities by sea. The Seaport is situated in the city centre itself. Check your local ferry guide.
By bus: You can also arrive in Sinop by a bus. The bus station is located in the city centre.

Places to stay (Hotels / Restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

There aren’t many hotels in Sinop, but plenty of campgrounds. If you want to stay near the centre of the city then hotels around Tersane district are a better option. Some the top rated hotels are given below:

1. Mola Hotel Sinop
Derinbogazagzi Sokak 34, Sinop, Turkey
2. Zinos Country Hotel
Enver BahadIr Yolu No: 75, Sinop, Turkey
3. Otel 57
MeydankapI Mah. Kurtulus Cad. No: 29, Sinop, Turkey
4. Denizci Hotel
Tersane Cad.No:13, Sinop, Turkey

The local cuisine of Sinop is the favourite and most widely available. ‘Nokul’, a local pastry that is made with raisins, walnuts, tahina, ground meat or cheese, is something to try out, as is ‘Manti’, another delicacy. Sea food and meat dishes are the main foods available in restaurants.

Some top rated restaurants are:
1. Diyarbakir Lokantasi
2. Turkish Music Watchtower

Blogs / sites about Sinop (with small excerpts from these blogs):

1. A brief history: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinop,_Turkey)
Long used as a Hittite port which appears in Hittite sources as “Sinuwa” (J. Garstang, The Hittite Empire, p. 74), the city proper was re-founded as a Greek colony from the city of Miletus in the 7th century BC .Sinope flourished as the Black Sea port of a caravan route that led from the upper Euphrates valley (Herodotus 1.72; 2.34), issued its own coinage, founded colonies, and gave its name to a red arsenic sulfate mined in Cappadocia, called “Sinopic red earth” (Miltos Sinôpikê) or sinople. It escaped Persian domination until the early 4th century BC, and in 183 BC it was captured by Pharnaces I and became capital of the kingdom of Pontus. Lucullus conquered Sinope for Rome in 70 BC, and Julius Caesar established a Roman colony there, Colonia Julia Felix, in 47 BC. Mithradates Eupator was born and buried at Sinope, and it was the birthplace of Diogenes, of Diphilus, poet and actor of the New Attic comedy, of the historian Baton, and of the Christian heretic of the 2nd century AD, Marcion.

2. Things to do, sightseeing and attractions:

http://www.karalahana.com/english/sinop-travel.html

There’s an air about Sinop that takes a person’s urban fatigue away. Just take a walk along the quay and listen to the sounds: the putt-putt of fishing boats, the waves pounding the rocks, the cries of the gulls, the greetings of the shopkeepers. The picture is no different in the back streets where time comes dropping slow. There always a sense of languor ready to descend on a person at any moment. The cluster of little settlements at Boztepe, to the north of the tiny peninsula on which the city is situated, are called an ‘island’ in any case; indeed all of Sinop is like an island. You can understand time by just having a look around yourself here. Wafting up from bakeries, the fragrance of ‘nokul’, a savoury pastry unique to the region, announces breakfast time. And while the rising roar of traffic indicates it’s time to go to work, the activity at the coffeehouses on the shore is more reminiscent of a lunch break. When fresh fish by the crate load are delivered to the restaurants from fishing boats bringing back the catch, it means evening has come, and the sea has long since been stained red by the time the flashing light on the breakwater starts saluting ships.

• http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/Genel/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D31395FB1C5180B6EBD6FB0FF6CAD6E83E4E
Sinop Castle: The castle was founded on the peninsula in BC 7th Century in order to protect the city. The castle was restored and used in Roman, Byzantine and Seljukian periods and. One section of the castle still protects its glory in modern times. The ramparts of the castle are 2050 m. long, 25 m. high and 3m. Width and there are two main entrance gates.
Old Sinop Prison: The area where the prison was constructed was the area where the largest shipyard the Black Sea region of the Ottoman period. The prison as constructed on the old field of shipyard inside the castle. The structure was used as a prison building after 1887. The structure is surrounded by high ramparts. These characteristics made the structure inescapable for the prisoners.

3. Map of Sinop: http://www.map-of-turkey.co.uk/maps/sinop.gif (best available map).

4. Photo Gallery:
1. Huge photo gallery of Sinop: http://www.traveljournals.net/pictures/turkey/sinop/
2. Photos by a traveller: http://upload.pbase.com/dosseman/sinop

5. Videos on You Tube:
1. Sinop sightseeing: The Hillside & Karakum:

2. Sinop:

Konya in Turkey: City of the whirling dervishes

Traveller — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 18:00:53 +0000

Konya is situated in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey on an elevation of about 1027 metres above sea level. It is the capital of the Konya province with a population of around 1 million people. Konya was one of the first cities in the world to be inhabited by humans. Excavations show Konya had human activity as early as the 7th millennium BC. In fact, Catal Hoyuk, 50 metres to the south of the city, claims to be the oldest area in the world, known to have been inhabited by man. Konya has seen the reign of many powerful civilizations since time immemorial. Under the Romans, it was called Iconium, and given the status of an important provincial town. Both St Paul and St Barnabas delivered their sermons here, during that time. However, it was when Konya was the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum from 1097 to 1243, under the Seljuk’s, that it acquired most of its important monuments, wealth and fame. It was also during this period that Celaleddin Rumi, the reason for which Konya is best known for, visited and decided to make Konya his homeland. Celaleddin Rumi was a Sufi mystic, who founded the Whirling Dervish sect or the Mevleviye. The Mausoleum (tomb) of Rumi is the most important place to visit in Konya, along with the neighbouring Mevlana museum, which has relics of his life and time on display.
Today, Konya is one of the most religiously conservative cities of Turkey and still a centre for practicing of Sufi teachings. The Mosques and other historic buildings, built during the rule of the Seljuk’s, add to the beauty and mystique of this city, known as the city of the whirling dervishes.

Best time to visit / climate:

The climate of Konya is typical Central Anatolian, hot and dry in summer and very cold in winter. Spring (April to Mid-June) is the best time to visit Konya when the weather is moderate. The second best time would be autumn (Mid-September through October) when the weather is mostly mild.

Location on Google maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

By plane: Konya Airport is located about 18 km out of the city. Turkish Airlines and many other local airlines fly from Istanbul to Konya regularly. During summer’s you can also fly from various European countries, such as Netherlands, Norway, Denmark etc. Shuttle buses run by Havas, is the best way to get to the city centre from the airport.
By train: Trains are a slower alternative. Konya’s railway station is in a suburb called Meram, which is some distance away from the centre. One can always take a taxi from the station to the city centre. There are direct trains travelling to Konya from Istanbul, Adana and Karaman.
By bus: Konya is well connected to other major cities of Turkey through a very fine network of intercity buses. You can buy bus tickets from any travel agency on Mevlana Caddesi, Konya’s main street, according to your destination.
By car: Konya can also be reached by car. From Istanbul it’s a 10 hour drive to Konya and from Izmir it takes about 7 hours.

Places to stay (Hotels / Restaurants along with contact details):
There are plenty of hotels available in Konya, from luxury to mid-range and budget; there is a hotel to suit everybody’s pocket. Some of the top rated hotels are given below:

1. Ulusan Hotel
Sukran Mah. Kursuncular Sok. | No: 4 Meram Konya, Konya, Turkey
2. Dedeman Konya and Convention Center
Ozalan Mah Selcuklu, Konya 42080, Turkey
3. Hotel Rumi
Durakfaki Mah Durakfaki Sok No 5 | Mevlana Alani, Konya 42030, Turkey
4. Rixos Konya
Istanbul Yolu, Selcuklu, Konya 42250, Turkey (Formerly Hilton)
Source: Trip Advisor

In Konya there are many places to eat from local eateries to restaurants selling international cuisine. Local food is the favourite and most widely available. Soups are the staple food in Konya, and these include lentil, okra, milk, vermicelli etc. The city’s speciality is the firin Kebab (mutton, roasted and oily) and etli ekmek (a round pocket bread called “pide” with meat topping, something like a pizza). Alcohol is not sold in Konya. Some of the top rated restaurants are given below:

1. Kosk Konya Mutfagi
Kosk Lokantasi | Akccesme Mahallesi, Konya, Turkey
2. TAKA
ANKARA CD, Konya, Turkey
3. Mevlevi Sofrasi
Nazim Bey Cd 1-A, Konya, Turkey
4. AKKONAK
AFYON, Konya, Turkey

Source: Trip Advisor

Blogs / sites about Konya (WITH SMALL EXCERPTS FROM THESE BLOGS):

1. A brief history: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konya)
Excavations have shown that the region was inhabited during the Late Copper Age, around 3000 BC.[3] The city came under the influence of the Hittites around 1500 BC. These were overtaken by the Sea Peoples around 1200 BC. The Phrygians established their kingdom in central Anatolia in the 8th century BC. Xenophon describes Iconium, as the city was called, as the last city of Phrygia. The region was overwhelmed by Cimmerian invaders c. 690 BC. It was later part of the Persian Empire, until Darius III was defeated by Alexander the Great in 333 BC. Alexander’s empire broke up shortly after his death and the town came under the rule of Seleucus I Nicator. During the Hellenistic period the town was ruled by the kings of Pergamon. As Attalus III, the last king of Pergamon, was about to die without an heir, he bequeathed his kingdom to Rome. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius, the city’s name was changed to Claudioconium, and during the rule of emperor Hadrianus to Colonia Aelia Hadriana.

2. Things to do, sightseeing and attractions:
• http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/Genel/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D31395FB1C5180B6EBD6FBC7CF4E89607860
Çatalhöyük: This ancient site, 50km south-east of Konya, is said to be the first settlement in the world with houses and sacred buildings dating back to 6800 BC. The remains were discovered by British archaeologists in 1958, and research shows 13 different strata with evidence of houses that had to be entered by holes in the roof as there were no streets. There is little left at the site, except the remains of mud brick houses, murals, plaster reliefs and pottery. Construction was from adobe, wood and reed and most of the findings are now in the Konya Museum of Archaeology.
It is possible to get most of the way by minibus, then a taxi for the remaining 10 miles.

• http://wikitravel.org/en/Konya
Mevlana Museum/Mausoleum of Rumi (Mevlana Müzesi) (this is a very prominent landmark in downtown, you can’t miss it), 9AM-5PM. This must see tourist destination of Konya, is the tomb of the famous mystic/Sufi/thinker Rumi (known shortly as Mevlana in Turkish, or with the full name Mawlana Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi-Rumi in English literature), as well as the neighbouring museum that displays relics of his life and his time. The items on display in the museum range from old manuscripts, hand written copies of the Koran, musical instruments used at Rumi’s time, as well as numerous art works dating from the Seljuk era.

3. Map of Konya: http://www.planetware.com/i/map/TR/konya-map.jpg

4. Photo Gallery:
1. Beautiful collection of pictures by a traveller: http://www.pbase.com/dosseman/konya_turkey
2. Pictures of Konya with descriptions:

http://www.galenfrysinger.com/konya_turkey.htm

5. You Tube Videos:
1. Normal Konya, the streets and market places etc. with the locals going about their daily routine:

2. Small video of whirling dervishes shot in the Mevlana museum courtyard:

3. Two videos of Mevlana museum, both very different:
•

•

Trabzon: A Turkish adventure, situated on the Black Sea

Traveller — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:28:49 +0000

Trabzon is a city in north eastern part of Turkey situated on the coast of the black sea. Once known in the ancient world as Trapezus and Trebizond, it is the capital of the Trabzon province. The city has a population of around 1.3 million people. Founded by Miletion traders in 7th century BC the city has been ruled by many empires including the Goths, the Romans and the Ottomans. Trabzon was a part of the historical Silk Route, and as such, an important trade centre, being visited by merchants from countries like India, Iran, and Russia etc. who left a mark of their own culture, religion and language on Trabzon. Trabzon still retains its status as an important trading port exporting tobacco, livestock and foodstuffs.
The city has its own rich culture. Trabzonites are very open to other religions. Christians and Muslims live together, proud of their common cultural heritage. Trabzon is popular for its folk dance, Horon, performed by men and women of all ages, during festivities and other joyous occasions. Trabzon is a feast for every tourist’s eyes with its gorgeous sightseeing area’s and remains from its ancient history, mostly from the Byzantine period. The moment you enter Trabzon you are greeted, by its most important tourist attraction: The Hagia Sophia, a 13th century, well preserved Byzantine church. It has now been restored as the Ayasofya Museum. The walls of the church are decorated with frescoes, a very fine example of Byzantine craftsmanship. Then there is the Boztepe Park, a small park, situated on the Boztepe hills, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the entire city.
There are some beautiful Ottoman monuments too, such as the mosque and mausoleum of Gulbahar Hatun.

Best time to visit /climate:

Trabzon’s climate is typical Black Sea, with high rainfall all year round. Summers are warm and humid, with the average maximum temperature reaching 28 degrees C .Winters are cool and damp, the average minimum temperature touching 5°C in January. Rainfall is very heavy in autumn and spring. Between December and March, snowfall is common and often heavy, sometimes snowing for a week or two. The best time to visit is summer, when the weather is warm and rainfall not too heavy.

Location on Google maps:

View Larger Map

Driving directions from Ankara to Trabzon:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

By plane: There are flights to Trabzon from Ankara and Istanbul.

By Bus: There are buses operating between Istanbul and Trabzon regularly, many times a day. There are also buses available from bilisi and Georgia.

By Sea: There are ferries from Soch, a Russian city along the Black Sea coast, twice a week.

PLACES TO STAY (HOTELS / RESTAURANTS ALONG WITH WEBSITE / CONTACT NUMBERS):

There are many hotels available in Trabzon. If you are on a strict budget, then the hotels near the port, down the Ataturk square, are the cheapest. But sometimes they are used for prostitution, so one has to be cautious. Some the top rated hotels are given below:

1. Novotel Trabzon
Cumhuriyet Mah kasustu Beldesi | Yomra, Trabzon 61250, Turkey
2. Aksular Hotel
Toklu Mah.Sahil Cad.No:465, Trabzon, 61040,Turkey
3. Zorlu Grand Hotel
Maras Caddesi No 9, Trabzon 61100, Turkey
4. Buyuk Sumela Hotel
Macka, Trabzon 61750, Turkey

Source: Trip Advisor

There are a number of places to eat in Trabzon. Local cuisine is by far the favourite in Trabzon. “Pide” (a kind of bread) and kofte (meat balls) are a hot favourite. “Akcaabat koftesi”, meat balls made in Turkish way with garlic, bread and meat, eaten with ayran, a kind of yogurt, is another local delicacy. “Lahmacun”, a kind of pizza, with mince meat topping and thin bread, is also something one should try. Sea food is also popular. Besides these, there are many restaurants selling cuisines of other countries.
Some of the top rated restaurants are as follows:

1. NIHAT USTA
AKCAABAT, Trabzon, Turkey
2. ARI BUFE
Bolluk Sk., Trabzon, Turkey
Phone: 0090-462-230 58 08
3. Kilcik Fish Restaurant
Meydan, Trabzon, Turkey
4. YalIncak
YalIncak, Trabzon, Turkey

Source: Trip Advisor

BLOGS / SITES ABOUT ISTANBUL (WITH SMALL EXCERPTS FROM THESE BLOGS):

1. A brief history (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trabzon)
The city was one of a number (about ten) of Milesian emporia, or trading colonies along the shores of the Black Sea. Others include Sinope, Abydos and Cyzicus (in the Dardanelles). Like most Greek colonies, the city was a small enclave of Greek life, and not an empire unto its own, in the later European sense of the word. Early banking (money-changing) activity is suggested occurring in the city according to a silver drachm coin from Trapezus in the British Museum, London.
Trebizond’s trade partners included the Mossynoeci. When Xenophon and the Ten Thousand mercenaries were fighting their way out of Persia, the first Greek city they reached was Trebizond (Xenophon, Anabasis, 5.5.10). The city and the local Mossynoeci had become estranged from the Mossynoecian capital, to the point of civil war. Xenophon’s force resolved this in the rebels’ favor, and so in Trebizond’s interest.

2. Things to do, sightseeing and attractions:

http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/Genel/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D31395FB1C5180B6EBD698CDA43385F0101A

• Ataturk Palace
Situated in a small pine grove in the Soguksu area, this mansion was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century and belonged to Greek banker Karayannidhis, who was forced to abandon it 20 years later. Ataturk stayed at there in 1924, 1934 and 1937 during his visits to Trabzon, and it was formally presented to him a year before his death. It was then decorated with furniture and décor from that period, filled with photographs of the leader and opened by the city’s municipality as Ataturk Museum.

• Sumela monastery

http://wikitravel.org/en/Trabzon

Sumela Monastery (Turkish: Sümela Manast?r?; Panagia Soumela, “Virgin Mary of Soumela” in Greek) is a spectacular rock-hewn monastery perched dramatically on the narrow ledge of a steep cliff in the forests south of Trabzon. It was built in the fourth century, just before the Roman Empire split into east and west, by two Athenian priests, Barnabas and Sophronius, who, according to legend, found a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary in a cave. The monastery’s location in this geopolitically tumultuous corner of the globe naturally saw times of trouble and fell into ruin numerous times throughout its history, with its most thriving times falling under Byzantine and Ottoman rule.
The twentieth century, however, was not kind to the monastery. It was abandoned following the chaos and inter-ethnic violence at the end of World War I, and the population transfer of Trabzon’s (formerly Trebizond) Greek population back to Greece. Its remote location gave it some sanctuary, but its frescoes still attracted the occasional casually hurled rock by a bored shepherd. The beautiful frescoes today suffer from decades of heart-wrenchingly pointless vandalism by travelers—judging from the various alphabets and names scrawled across these impressive religious works of art, it appears that just about every culture in the world has taken part in the desecration. The buildings themselves have been fairly heavily restored in recent decades, as the Turkish government has stepped in to protect the monastery and to turn it into a museum.

3. Photo Gallery:
1. Photos of Trabzon by a traveler: http://www.pbase.com/dosseman/trabzon
2.Huge collection of photos: http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Middle_East/Turkey/Black_Sea/Trabzon/

4. You Tube Videos:
1. THE SUMELA MONASTERY ?N TRABZON TURKEY:

2. Trabzon – Agia Sophia, Frondistirio and Karadeniz:

Izmir: Located in Turkey, a pearl of the Aegean Sea

Traveller — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:28:38 +0000

Izmir is Turkey’s third largest city and second most important port, situated along the waters of the Gulf of Izmir, which is connected to the Aegean Sea. It is the capital of the Izmir province with a population of around 4 million people, making it one of the most densely populated areas of Turkey. Known in the Ancient world as “Smyrna”, it is a city of immense beauty lined with palm trees, avenues, green parks and its curvy outline overlooking the crystal clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea makes it all the more beautiful. Fishing harbours, holiday villages and ruins of ancient civilizations are scattered all over the city of Izmir. Besides its beauty, Izmir is also an important industrial and commercial centre of Turkey producing cotton, dyes, tobacco, foodstuffs and cement etc.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) has its site for commanding land forces in South Eastern Europe, in Izmir. The city itself is a wonder to visit. Konak Square and Konak Street give you a feel of the city, with the symbol of the city, the famous clock tower, located there. Now a busy commercial centre, it has modern buildings and shopping centres with traditional red tiled roofs, glass fronts, an 18th century market and old Churches and Mosques. The famous landmarks include the Agora of Smyrna and the ancient aqueducts of Kizilcullu. The famous ancient city of Ephesus lies 50 km to the south. Izmir is also considered one the most modern and liberal cities of Turkey, and with a huge student population, it has a colourful nightlife as well. All in all, Izmir makes a perfect tourist destination with something for everyone.

Best time to visit /Climate:

Izmir has a typical Mediterranean climate with long, hot and dry summers and cool rainy winters. During summers from May to October, the temperatures during daytime can reach up to 30 degrees C. Temperatures as high as 46 degrees C have also been recorded on a number of occasions. The temperatures during winters, December to February, vary between 12 to 14 degrees C. Most of the rainfall occurs from November to March, with virtually no rainfall in June, July and August.
The best time to visit Izmir is in spring from March to early May and in autumn from September to November, when the weather is mild. But tourists love to visit Izmir during the hot summers to enjoy the beaches, from April to October.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

Driving directions from Ankara to Izmir:

View Larger Map

HOW TO GET THERE:

By Plane: The Adnan Menderes International Airport is well connected to other Turkish cities and many International destinations. Havas runs shuttle buses from the airport to the city. Getting around in a taxi might get a bit expensive, making the buses the best option.

By Train: “Basmane” is Izmir’s intercity railway station. The other railway station, “Alsancak”, runs mainly on local routes. Main intercity services are from Ankara and Denizli. To go to Istanbul, there is a train till Bandirma, from where a ferry has to taken to Istanbul.

By Bus: There is a large intercity bus terminal, the “Otgar”, which has many intercity buses running at regular intervals. The terminal is loaded with modern facilities of eating, drinking and a cyber cafe.

PLACES TO STAY (HOTELS / RESTAURANTS ALONG WITH WEBSITE / CONTACT NUMBERS):

There are many hotels of all kinds and places to stay in Izmir, to suit everybody’s budget. Some of the top rated hotels are given below:
1. Moevenpick Hotel Izmir
Cumhuriyet Blv 138, Izmir 35210, Turkey
2. Swissotel Grand Efes Izmir
Gaziosmanpasa Bulvari No: 1, Izmir 35210, Turkey
3. Park Hotel Izmir
1366 Sokak 6 Basmane, Izmir, Turkey
4. Hilton Izmir
Gazi Osmanpasa Bulvari No 7, Izmir 35210, Turkey

Source: Trip Advisor

In Izmir there are a number of places to satisfy your appetite, from local cafes to restaurants offering fancy international cuisine. Izmir’s cuisine is largely influenced by the surrounding Aegean, Mediterranean and Anatolian regions. Some of Izmir’s common dishes are the tarhana soup (prepared from dried yoghurt and tomatoes), Izmir kofte (boiled wheat with meat), zerde (sweetened rice and saffron) and mucver (prepared from zucchini and eggs). Boyoz and lokma are pastries associated with Izmir.
Some of the top rated restaurants are given below:
1. Bistrom Cafe Restaurant Bar
Cumhuriyet Bulvari No.123 P/A | Alsancak, Izmir 35930, Turkey
Phone:+902324213354
2. St. John Cafe Shop
Ugur Mumcu Sevgi Yolu No: 4/C | P. K. 64 TR – 35920 Ephesus – Selçuk, Izmir, Turkey
Phone: +90 (0) 232 892 40 05, Website: www.stjohn316.net/
3. Reyhan pastahanesi
Alsancak, Izmir, Turkey
4. La cigale
Cumhuriyet Bulvari No: 152, Izmir, Turkey

Source: Trip Advisor

BLOGS / SITES ABOUT ISTANBUL (WITH SMALL EXCERPTS FROM THESE BLOGS):

1. A brief history (http://wikitravel.org/en/Izmir)
The history of Izmir stretches back to around 3000 BC when the Trojans founded the city in Tepekule in the northern suburb of Bayrakli. This was the birthplace of Homer, who was thought to have lived here around the 8th century BC. The Aeolians, the first Greek settlers, were eventually taken over by the (also Greek) Ionians, and then the Lydian’s destroyed the city around 600BC before a brief recovery following Alexander the Great’s arrival in 334 BC. After his death, Alexander’s generals followed his wishes and re-established Smyrna on Mount Pagos in Kadifekale, and the city then prospered under the Romans. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 178 AD but later reconstructed and became a major commercial port.
2. Things to do, sightseeing and attractions:

http://www.izmir.com/where_to_go.htm

• One of the more pronounced elements of Izmir harbor is the Clock Tower, a beautiful marble tower that rests in the middle of the Konak district, standing 25 meters in height. It was designed by the Levantine French architect Raymond Charles Père in 1901 for the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the ascension of Abdülhamid II. The clock workings themselves were given as a gift to the then Ottoman Empire by Kaiser Wilhelm II. The tower features four fountains which are placed around the base in a circular pattern, and the columns are inspired by North African themes.

http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/Genel/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D31395FB1C5180B6EBD6E6FBFC11A78C4694

• Kemeralt? Bazaar: The big bazaar in the city centre stretches from the coast road to the Konak area, and is a major shopping centre with a vast array of goods inside. It combines modern businesses, shops and cafes, with antiques, dried fruit, household and leather goods in old alleyways with vaults and domes.
Inside the bazaar, there is one of the most interesting structures of Izmir: Kizlaragasi Hani is an Ottoman caravanserai inside the Halim Aga Bazaar and was completed in 1745. This covered market sells hand-made products, carpets, leather and souvenirs. There are many entrances to the markets, from Basmane, Konak and Anafartalar. Konak is one of the oldest areas of the city, with most of the buildings that survived the great fire, although the traditional areas are gradually being modernized. This is the location of the city’s landmark; the Saat Kulesi (Ottoman clock tower) decorated with tiles.

3. Map of Izmir: http://www.welt-atlas.de/datenbank/karten/karte-1-311.gif

4. Photo Gallery:
1. Photos of Izmir by a traveler: http://www.pbase.com/dosseman/izmir
2. Izmir picture gallery: http://www.turkishclass.com/turkey_pictures_gallery_16

5. You Tube Videos:
1. City of heaven: Izmir
A video that showcase’s the beauty of Izmir.

2. A small tour of Izmir city:

Istanbul: A truly magnificent city

Traveller — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:54:19 +0000

Istanbul is the largest city of Turkey and its most important financial and cultural centre. With a population of 12.8 million people, it is the largest metropolitan city of Europe and the only city in the world that lies in two continents, Europe and Asia. It is located on the shores of the Bosphorus, the strait that lies between the Maramara Sea and the Black Sea. Istanbul is a huge city with 39 districts. It overflows with museums, palaces, bazaars, mosques, castles and of course natural beauty. A combination of both the west and the east, it is a blend of all those civilizations that have controlled and conquered it since the 7th century BC. Besides its unique historical and cultural background, it’s also the fashion capital of Turkey. The fashion world cannot stop writing about Istanbul. The hipness of its night life is infectious. There are numerous nightclubs, bars, modern restaurant’s, exclusive shopping malls which make the city reek of glamour. Istanbul is truly a magnificent city, a reflection of all the great ancient civilizations that once ruled it and all the glamour, lifestyle and youthfulness that a modern city can boast of, which is why it has been announced as the 2010 European Capital of Culture.

BEST TIME TO VISIT /CLIMATE:

Istanbul is a city of all the four seasons. Spring is short and cool, lasting only two months, April and May. Summers are hot and humid, July and August, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees C. Autumn, from September to December, is moderate with frequent rains. Winter from December to Mach is cold, but not freezing cold. The best time to visit Istanbul is in spring and autumn when the weather is cool and moderate.

LOCATION ON GOOGLE MAPS:

View Larger Map

HOW TO GET THERE:

By Air: Istanbul has two international airports. One in Asia: Ataturk Airport and one in Europe: Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Turkish Airlines and many other international airlines fly directly to Istanbul, regularly, from many parts of the world. Besides this, there are many local airlines flying to Istanbul from different parts of Europe and the world.

By Land: Istanbul is well connected to other parts of Europe by a number of highways. Many Turkish bus companies have buses running regularly between Istanbul and a number of major European cities. Once in Turkey, many local buses are available to take you to different parts of Turkey.

By Train: Turkish Railways Authority (TCDD) has regular trains running between Istanbul and other European cities. International trains arrive at the Sirkeci station in Europe or the Haydarpasa station in Asia. From there, local trains can be taken to other parts of Turkey.

By Sea: Many maritime companies run passenger ferries from Greece and Italy to Turkey. Most of them arrive in Izmir, but some in Istanbul as well.

PLACES TO STAY (HOTELS / RESTAURANTS ALONG WITH WEBSITE / CONTACT NUMBERS):

There are a number places to stay in Istanbul, from two star to five star hotels, and bed and breakfast places to campgrounds. Hotel rates may vary during different times of the year, getting high during summers. Some of the top rated hotels are given below:
1. White House Hotel Istanbul
Alemdar Mahallesi Catalcesme Sokak no:21 | Sultanahmet, Istanbul 34110, Turkey
Phone:+90 2125260019
2.Tomtom Suites
Bogazkesen Caddesi Tomtom Kaptan Sokak No:18 | No:18 Galatasaray – Beyoglu, Istanbul 34433, Turkey
Phone:+90 2122924949
3. Sirkeci Konak Hotel
Taya Hatun Sokak #5 | Sirkeci, Istanbul 34120, Turkey
Phone:+90 2125284344
4.Hotel Amira Istanbul
Kucuk Ayasofya Mh. , Mustafapasa Sk. No: 79, Istanbul 34122, Turkey

Source: Trip Advisor

Istanbul is a fabulous place for eating, no matter what your budget is. From local eateries and sidewalk cafes to posh restaurants, you would find ethnic cuisines of every country here. Turkish food is the most popular, being low cost and flavour ful.
Some of the top rated restaurants are as follows:

1. Kathisma Cafe Restaurant
AkbIyIk Street, No:26 | Sultanahmet, Istanbul 34400, Turkey
0090 212 5189710 / 0090 2125179031 | www.alburakathisma.com

2. Amedros Cafe & Restaurant
Divanyolu Cad Hoce Rustem Sok No / 7 | Sultanahmet, Istanbul 34400, Turkey +90 212 522 83 56 | www.amedroscafe.com/

3. Aloran restaurant
Cuisines: International, Seafood, Turkish
akbiyik caddesi adliye sokak no: 11 | Cankurtaran, Istanbul, Turkey
00902124588528 ]

4. Imbat Restauran
Sirkeci Hudavendigar, Istanbul 34120, Turke
+90 212 520 71 61 | www.imbatrestaurant.com

Source: Trip Advisor

BLOGS / SITES ABOUT ISTANBUL (WITH SMALL EXCERPTS FROM THESE BLOGS):

1. A brief history (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istanbul)

“However, the history of Istanbul generally begins around 660 BC, when the settlers from Megara, under the command of King Byzas, established Byzantion (Latinized as Byzantium) on the European side of the Bosphorus. By the end of the century, an acropolis was established at the former locations of Lygos and Semistra, on the Sarayburnu. The city experienced a brief period under Persian rule at the turn of the 5th century BC, but the Greeks recaptured it during the Greco-Persian Wars. Byzantium then continued as part of the Athenian League and its successor, the Second Athenian Empire, before ultimately gaining independence in 355 BC. Long protected by the Roman Republic, Byzantium officially became a part of the Roman Empire in 73 AD.”

2. Things to do, sightseeing and attractions: (http://www.wordtravels.com/Cities/Turkey/Istanbul/Attractions)
“Istanbul’s most prominent attractions are of the architectural variety, a selection of formidable and historical structures that make sightseeing in Istanbul educational as well as visually rewarding.
Sightseeing in Istanbul offers attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, a huge museum and former cathedral that is adorned with stunning mosaics. Another iconic Istanbul attraction is the Blue Mosque, with its graceful minarets and tiered domes. The 1st century Sunken Palace is supported by hundreds of underground columns, an essential Istanbul landmark.
While sightseeing in Istanbul, Galata Tower offers visitors a 360º panoramic view of the old town. Nearby, the 5th century Land Walls stand testament to the city’s resistance of its 1453 conquest by the Ottoman Empire. The Covered Bazaar, or Kapali Çarsi, is the oldest and biggest enclosed bazaar in the world, a must-see while in Istanbul.”

http://www.exploreistanbul.com/default.aspx

“Shopping in Istanbul is most likely the least expensive in entire Europe, food is varied and exquisite combining unique tastes of European, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines -thanks to the Ottoman Empire once spanned from eastern Europe to Northern Africa and deserts of Arabia-, and the twelve million who live here mingle with a wide variety of people walking its streets. Like a lost and forgotten kingdom, Istanbul is waiting to be discovered again. Istanbul is a very old settlement with its 8000 years history. Istanbul is a living museum with its historical sites in open air; one can continuously find new beauties and interesting places. Istanbul is also a meeting point for all the religions.”

Map: http://www.istanbulcityguide.com/Editor/map/istanbul_map.aspx

Photo Gallery:
Various pictures of Istanbul: http://www.istanbultourist.com/photogallery.php
Pictures of the Landmarks in Istanbul: http://www.world66.com/asia/middleeast/turkey/istanbul/lib/gallery

You Tube Videos:

Istanbul Grand Bazaar:

Istanbul City Tour:

A small overview of the beautiful city of Istanbul:

Edirne: The gateway to Turkey, named after the Roman Emperor, Hadrian

Traveller — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:50:44 +0000

Edirne is the capital of the Edirne Province, in Turkish Thrace, the westernmost part of Turkey. It’s named after the Roman Emperor, Hadrian. The English name for Edirne, “Adrianople” was dismissed by the Turkish Postal Service Law of 1930, and is no longer used. Edirne is like the gateway to Turkey, as it shares its borders with two other countries: Greece (7 km) and Bulgaria (20 km) and is the first stopover for people coming in from Europe. The city’s population is less than 1,50,000.The place is popular for its Mosques, elegant domes and Minarets. Probably the most important monument in this city is the 16th-century Selimiye Mosque, built by Turkey’s greatest architect, Mimar Sinan. It is named after the then reigning the Sultan. This mosque is a perfect representation of Turkish marble handicrafts and is covered with valuable tiles and fine paintings.
Besides a host of other beautiful Mosques, the city has other attractions like the Palace of Edirne, the colourful bazaars of “Bedesten” and “Arasta”, which bring back Edirne’s rich ancient past and the lovely Ottoman stone bridges. Edirne is the centre of grease-wrestling, the national sport of Turkey. Every year championships are held here in July, and hundreds of people gather to watch this entertaining spectacle. But unlike other Turkish cities, Edirne does not attract too many tourists, maybe because of the absence of a Mediterranean tourist destination nightlife, which other Turkish cities boast of.

Best time to visit /Climate:

The climate of Edirne is Temperate Continental. Summer are hot and sometimes rainy with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees C. Winters are cold, rainy and sometimes snowy with temperatures falling as low as -10 degrees C. Spring and autumn months tend to be a bit warmer, as compared to Turkish coastal cities. The best time to visit would be during the months of February to April and September to October.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

Driving directions to Edirne from Ankara:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

Buses are the best way to get to Edirne. There are many bus services operating from Istanbul, and because of the competition, the rates are very economical.

Trains take off from Istanbul’s Sirkeci station, twice daily.

You can drive on your own. Edirne is a two hour drive from Istanbul. If coming from outside Turkey, contact your local travel and tours provider.

PLACES TO STAY (HOTELS / RESTAURANTS ALONG WITH WEBSITE / CONTACT NUMBERS):

Tourism is still on the rise in Edirne. Some top rated hotels are given below:

1. EFE Hotel Edirne
Maarif Street No 13 Kaleici, Edirne 22100, Turkey
2. Hotel Simsek Iletisim
Trakya Universitesi | Tip Fakültesi karsisi D100 karayolu üzeri, Edirne D100, Turkey
3. Selimiye Tasodalar Butik Hotel
Selimiye Camii arkasi Hamam S 3, Edirne, Turkey
4.Antik Hotel Edirne
Maarif Caddesi 6, Edirne, Turkey

Source: Trip Advisor

Edirne is popular for Liver , which is cooked in and served in a unique way. For non-vegetarians, it’s a must to try it. Edirne has a lot of liver-only restaurants. Other foods are also available from these restaurants, for people who are vegetarian or would prefer to eat something different. Some of the top rated restaurants are given below:

1. TAVA CIGER
ortakapI caddesi, Edirne 22100, Turkey
2. Kofteci Hocaoglu
Cuisines: Turkish
saraclar, Edirne 22100, Turkey
Tel : 90 284 2147300
3. Bagirans
Cuisine: Turkish
feyzullah pasa sokak, Edirne 22000, Turkey
4. Cafe Pena
alipasa ortakapI, Edirne 22100, Turkey

Source: Trip Advisor

BLOGS / SITES ABOUT ANKARA (WITH SMALL EXCERPTS FROM THESE BLOGS):

1. A brief history: http://wikitravel.org/en/Edirne

“The area around Edirne, thanks to its strategic position on the major routes towards Istanbul, Bosphorus, and onward to Asia, is one of the spots on earth that was heavily fought for—it has been site of no fewer 16 major battles and sieges since the days of Ancient Greeks.
Edirne’s former name is Adrianople (Hadrianoupolis), i.e. “City of Hadrianus”, named after the Roman emperor who founded the city on the site of Thracian village of Uskudama.
Then in 14th century, Ottomans captured the city and made it their capital, a situation which lasted until the Fall of Constantinople. Even after the dynasty moved to Constantinople in mid 15th century, Edirne was one of, if not the most, important centre’s of European part of the Ottoman Empire, which once extended all the way well into Hungary, and still was some sort of semi-capital of the empire, with some sultans even favouring the city over Istanbul and mumbling (to no avail) about returning the throne back to the city. Between 1700 and 1750, Edirne was the fourth biggest city in Europe, with an estimated population of about 350,000 people.”

2. Things to do, sightseeing and attractions: http://wikitravel.org/en/Edirne
“Main sights in downtown are quite close to the main square and to each other, and can be (hastily) done in half a day.
Selimiye Mosque (Selimiye Camii), (at the central square). That mosque which dominates the skyline of the city, built on a slightly higher hill than its surroundings. A grandiose piece of art by Sinan, the Ottoman architect of 16th century. Sinan himself considered this building as his best work. The dome of the building, which hangs high over main hall, encloses a huge space which gives the place an expansive atmosphere, had the largest diameter (31.28 mt) of all domes in the world for several centuries. And its minarets (towers) are the second highest minarets (70.89 mt) in whole world, surpassed only by Qutab Minar (72.50 mt) in Delhi, India.”

• “Watch an oil-wrestling competition, the national sport of Turks (although surpassed a little by soccer lately), which annually takes place in the stadium in Sarayiçi, northwestern outskirts of the city, on the banks of Tundzha. (Although dates vary year to year, it always takes place in late spring or early summer, such months as May, June or July.) This is the most prestigous wrestling tournament in Turkey and the winner is titled ba?pehlivan (“chief of all wrestlers”) of the year.”

Map: http://www.justturkey.org/turkey/images/edirne/edirne-map4.gif

Photo Gallery:
• Various pictures of Edirne: http://www.pbase.com/dosseman/edirne_turkey
• Pictures by a traveller: http://www.salihsaydam.com/edirne_en.html

Videos on You tube:
• Video of a busy market:

• Exploring Turkey: Edirne. www.ebru.tv