Turkey

More on Turkey

Absorbing the influences of 21st century Europe and the oriental splendour of the Middle East, much of the delight of Turkey lies in its diversity. Here sites of extraordinary antiquity lie alongside sophisticated holiday resorts. Dramatic pine-covered mountains sweep down to deserted, palm-scattered plains. Ancient traditions and modern attractions combine to give this fascinating country its unique appeal.

The History
Turkey's Mediterranean coast was first inhabited an astonishing nine thousand years ago, with the region's first great civilisation, the Hittites, dominating the area for several hundred years from about 1900 BC. Alexander the Great captured Turkey from the Persians during his domination of the Middle East and then the Romans brought relative peace and prosperity for almost three centuries. Since then the country's turbulent history has included the birth of Muhammed, invasions by the armies of Islam and Mongol hordes, the formation of the Ottoman Empire and defeat by the Allies in the First World War, none of which appears to have diminished the spirit of the Turkish people or the uninhibited warmth of their welcome to today's constant stream of enthusiastic visitors.

The Country
Turkey is so much more than its clichéd image of belly dancers, magic carpets and highly scented confectionery. Admittedly, Turkish delight and belly dancing lessons are readily available almost everywhere and a spot of haggling can secure the purchase of many an oriental (though not necessarily magical) rug, but these traditional images are complemented by a myriad other attractions. Turkish cuisine is seriously delicious, the countryside is extraordinarily and sometimes unexpectedly beautiful and the cost of living compares most favourably with other Mediterranean destinations. Activities range from climbing the mountains to diving the oceans with all sorts of sporting exploits in between and inactivity is made equally appealing by the quality of the beaches and the temptations of a vibrant nightlife. Nature lovers may not spot the native white wildcat, but may well see a porcupine, a vulture or a stork, amateur archaeologists will find much to impress and amaze and dedicated sun worshippers are almost guaranteed a sun tan throughout the summer months.

The Resorts
Legend has it that Antony and Cleopatra spent their honeymoon on Turkey's Mediterranean coast and whilst the thousands of holidaymakers who have flocked to the country's westernmost shores since then may not all have enjoyed the turbulent love lives of those early visitors, few have failed to appreciate the beauty and excitement of this unique holiday region. Amongst the area's fascinating historical sites, sightseers can marvel at the ancient city of Perge and the Roman amphitheatre at Aspendos. Beach lovers will find apparently endless stretches of sand and shingle beaches overlooked by imposing mountains and lapped by turquoise seas. Holiday resorts range from tiny local villages with little more than a kefeneion or coffee shop and a pretty little church, to bustling modern towns with a non-stop nightlife, shops and restaurants to suit every taste and palate and modern accommodation with every amenity under the sun.

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