Mini Guide to Turkey

Standing in both Europe and Asia, Turkey’s significance to the millennia is substantial. Constantinople was taken long ago from the Romans, and Ottomans have withdrawn in the face of abundant tourism seeking Turkey’s famous sun-soaked days, savoury kebabs and captivating culture.

Istanbul, with a stunning location at the centre of the Bosphorus, lays claim to a 3,000-year history. Tourist high points are the Topkapi Palace with its alluring harem and imperial treasury, and the Blue Mosque adorned with its signature minarets and domes. See a treasure of Christendom in the church Aya Sofya (c548 AD), then choose your carpet and negotiate your price at the Grand Bazaar. For a less mainstream tourist experience, visit the craftsmen’s haven of Uzunçarsi Caddesi, and soothe your hunger in the old city with a kebab at Istiklal Caddesi and Sultanahmet.

The government-consumed capital of Ankara is not without some redeeming qualities, such as the Byzantine citadel of Hisar, the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, and the mausoleum of Kemel Atatürk. Also of interest are the well-preserved Presidential Mansion and the ancient Roman ruins that pepper the city.

The grandest and most unharmed ancient Turkish city is Ephesus, where one can find Ionia’s Temple of Diana, the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers, the immense Harbour Gymnasium, the regal Arcadian Way with marble paving, the picturesque Temple of Hadrian, and a sprinkling of fountains, pools and more.

With a car you can check out Gallipoli, Trop, Bodrum, Antalya and the south coast, and Cappadocia.