Turkey：Step Back in Time to Witness a Fascinating Blend of History and Culture

Turkey sits on the edge of both Asia and Europe, with the historic city of Istanbul split between the two continents, for this reason the country has long been a melting point of numerous cultures. Straddled by three seas; Black sea, the Aegean sea and the Mediterranean sea, the country offers beautiful beach getaways perfect for soaking up the sun. Travel inland however and you'll find an array of unique landscapes you won't find anywhere else on earth.

1. Blue Mosque (Istanbul)

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The Sultan Ahmad Mosque, also called the Blue Mosque should be high up your list of places to visit in this stunning city. First built by the famous architect Mohammed Al-Agha the mosque has one of the most beautiful domes in Istanbul. The structure of the Mosque is studded with gold decorations and inscriptions of Koranic verses. Its exterior design was borrowed from sacred mosque such as Mecca and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

2. Hagia Sophia (Istanbul)

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Another of Istanbul's most prominent landmarks, Hagia Sophia is one of the most beautiful historical monuments in the city. Once a Greek cathedral and then later an imperial mosque during the Ottoman empire, the building is now used as a museum. At its time of completion in AD 537, the Hagia Sophia was the largest structure in the world and is often credited with changing the history of architecture. Overlooking the Bosphorus and the Blue Mosque it also offers unparalleled views of the city.

3. Cappadocia (Central Turkey)

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Famed for its highly unique rock formations called 'fairy chimneys', Cappadocia is covered in dramatic rocky scenery dotted with fascinating historical architecture cut into the rock from the people who have long lived in the region. The other-worldly scenery is best viewed on one of the many hot air balloons that fly over the area, a sight worth watching in itself.

4. Dolmabahce Palace (Istanbul)

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The Dolmabahçe Palace symbolizes the splendor and prosperity of the Ottoman Empire through its beautiful design and huge construction cost. It's located in the Besiktas region on the European coast of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. It was built by order of Sultan Abdulhamid I in 1843, combining the prevailing architectural styles of France, Germany, and Italy at that time.

5. Göreme (Gyoreme)

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A highly-unique looking town with a deep historical significance, Göreme lies in the heart of the beautiful Cappadocia region. At the edge of numerous kingdoms, the locals tunneled into the rocks and caves to escape from the conflicts. Nowadays people still live in such rock houses, with some of them even being used for hotels and restaurants.

6. Pamukkale Thermal Pools (Pamukkale)

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A beautiful natural site known for its gleaming white terraces of hot springs, Pamukkale is another site which shows just how unique much of Turkey's landscape can be. Apart from bathing and enjoying the scenery of the hot springs, be sure to check out the nearby Hierapolis, an ancient Roman city with beautifully preserved ruins still standing there.

8. Archaeological Site of Troy (Canakkale)

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An ancient city that once ruled proudly over the area thousands of years ago, the site of Troy is a must-visit for anyone interested in its colorful history and the incredible story of the Trojan War. Much of the area is still being excavated and the ruins of the city are mostly just foundations but is still fascinating to witness for its strong place in history. If you want to see a more complete ruined city then be sure to head further south to the Greek city of Ephesus.

9. Basilica Cistern (Istanbul)

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The last surviving of the ancient Byzantine cisterns or water systems constructed under the city when it was known as Constantinople. The 6th-century-built structure has long since been drained and offers a wonderful insight into the ancient empire as you walk between the forest of Byzantine pillars.

10. Safranbolu

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Safranbolu is famous for its numerous historic Ottoman houses dotted around the old town and its surroundings. The town is a fascinating insight into the empire that ruled Turkey and beyond from the 13th century till early in the 20th century. Apart from its historical significance, the old town itself is stunningly picturesque with its quaint white-walled structures and old cobbled streets.

Conclusion

A country rich in historical heritage and unique cultures, Turkey is the perfect site for stepping back into and witnessing history while comparing it with the modern face and mash of cultures that define the region today.

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