HIGHLIGHTS OF TURKEY !!!

(ISTANBUL, MARMARA REGION, CENTRAL ANATOLIA REGION, WEST ANATOLIA REGION, SOUTH ANATOLIA REGION, SOUTH EAST ANATOLIA REGION, EAST ANATOLIA REGION,
NORTH EAST ANATOLIA)

 I S T A N B U L

The biggest city of Turkey with a population of almost fifteen million. The city is divided   in two parts by the Bosphorus. One part of Istanbul is on the Asian side and the other is    on the European side.The city is a synthesis of the past and the present, the ancient and   the modern and is vividly alive with the continual rumble of vehicles on its streets, the hurrying of crowds and the sounds of shipping in the ever - busy port.

Topkapi Palace : The great palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th century to the 19th century. Today, it is one of the richest museums of the world housing  the treasury of the Ottoman Royal Family.

 

St. Sophia : It was built first by Constantine the Great and the building we see today was built by Justinian in the 6th century. It is one of the greatest marvels of architecture of all times.

 

Blue Mosque : Sultan Ahmet Mosque is also known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue Iznik tiles used for its interior decoration. This mosque facing the St. Sophia is also famous for its 6 minarets.

 

Hippodrome : Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races, sports activities, and the center of Byzantine civic life. The monuments decorating the Hippodrome are The Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpantine Column and the Column of Constantine.

 

The Underground cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) : This cistern is thought to have been built after the Nika revolt in 532 AD. It was known as the Basilica Cistern during the Roman period, as there was a Stoa Basilica above the pre-existing one at the time. After the conquest of the city by the Ottoman Turks, it was forgotten of and nobody knew that it existed. Re-discovered in 1545, it was used to water the gardens of Topkapi Palace. Today it has a rather eery and mystical ambiance.

 

Chora : The Church of St. Saviour in Chora, built in the 11th century, is decorated with superb 14th century frescoes and mosaics on a gold background.

 

Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent : The Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent where he and his wife are buried, is considered as the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul. It was built in the 16th century by the famous architect Sinan who was the chief architect in the Ottoman Empire for a long time.

 

Dolmabahce Palace : Build in the mid 19th century by Sultan Abdulmecit, it has 286 rooms and 43 halls. Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, died here on November 10, 1938.

 

Bosphorus : It is a 32 Km. long natural canal connecting the sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. Two shores of the Bosphorus on the European and the Asiatic sides are lined with modern hotels, old wooden villas called "Yali", palaces of marble, fortresses and small fishing villages.

 

Rumeli Fortress : It was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1452 prior the conquest of Istanbul. The fortress is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture in the world.

 

The Prince' Islands : These pleasure islands for the Byzantine princes are famous for their beautiful pine wooded scenery and beaches. The largest and most enjoyable one is Buyukada (Grand Island). On the island you can enjoy a ride in a horsedrawn phaeton (carriage) among the pine trees and relax on the beaches of the numerous coves surrounding the island. The other popular islands are Kinali, Sedef, Burgaz and Heybeliada.

 

The Galata Tower : The Galata Tower, is located in Istanbul, Turkey, to the north of the Golden Horn. One of the city's most striking landmarks, it is a huge, cone-capped cylinder that dominates the skyline on the Galata side of the Golden Horn.

 

The tower was built as Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) in 1348 during an expansion of the Genoese colony in Constantinople. The 66.90 m tower (62.59 m without the ornament on top) was the city's tallest structure when built.

 

The upper section of the tower with the conical cap was slightly modified in several restorations during the Ottoman period when it was used as an observation tower for spotting fires.

 

In 1638, Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi flew as an early aviator using artificial wings from this tower over the Bosphorus to the slopes of Üsküdar on the Anatolian side.

 

Turkish And Islamic Arts Museum – Istanbul : Turkish and Islamic Works Museum is the first Turkish museum covering the Turkish and Islamic art works wholly. The establishment works that have been started at the end of the 19th century have been completed in 1913 and the museum has been opened for visit in the soup kitchen building located in Süleymaniye Mosque complex. The museum has been moved to İbrahim Pasha Palace from the soup kitchen building in 1983.

 

Ibrahim Pasha Palace, which is one of the most important samples of the 16th century Ottoman civil architecture samples is on the stages of the historical hippodrome, the history of which goes back to the Roman Period. This building, (the precise construction reason and date are not known), has been presented to İbrahim Pasha by Kanuni Sultan Süleyman in 1520, who would be his grand vizier for 13 years.

 

Ibrahim Pasha Palace, which is claimed to be bigger and more magnificent than Topkapı Palace by the history has been the stage of many weddings, feasts and celebrations as well as rebellions and turmoil and called with the name of İbrahim Pasha after the death of this person in 1536. It has been used by other grand viziers, and had functions such as barracks, embassy palace, register office, Janissary band house, sewing workshop and prison.

 

Sadberk Hanim Museum : The Sadberk Hanım Museum is a private museum located at the Bosporus in Büyükdere,

Istanbul, Turkey, which was established by the Vehbi Koç Foundation in memory of Vehbi Koç’s deceased wife Sadberk.

 

The building, constructed of wood and lathe-and-plaster on a masonry foundation, was known as the "Azeryan Yalısı". The Azeryan Yalı occupies 400 square meters of space set in grounds measuring a total of 4,280 square meters in all.

 

The ceiling over the main entrance, which is no longer used, is decorated with plaster moldings inspired by ancient Roman architecture. Wooden stairways lead to the upper floors. The walls are painted so as to resemble veined marble.

 

The centrally located main halls of the second and third floors and the rooms opening onto them are used for display purposes. The attic is used for storage and also contains offices and a library.

 

The crossed wooden moldings decorating the exterior give the building a distinctive appearance quite different from that of its neighbors. It is because of these molded facades that the building was for a long time popularly known as the "Threaded Yalı".

 

In 1983, the Vehbi Koç Foundation purchased the Hüseyin Kocabaş collection for the Sadberk Hanım Museum. It was decided to purchase and restore a semi-dilapidated yalı adjacent to it to house these new acquisitions. The facade of this second yali, which is thought to have been constructed in the early part of this century, was faithfully reconstructed according to the original. This museum, was given the name the "Sevgi Gönül Wing" after the daughter of Sadberk. It houses works from the pre-Islamic period.

 

Ortakoy : Ortaköy,  is a neighbourhood, formerly a small village, within the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, located

in the middle of the European bank of the Bosphorus.

 

It is a cosmopolitan area, with communities of Turks, Greeks, Armenians and Jews. The neighborhood hosts many different religious (Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox, and other Christian) structures. It is also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with its art galleries, night clubs, cafés, bars, and restaurants.

 

The Neo-Baroque style Ortaköy Mosque is a beautifully ornate structure, right on the jetty of Ortaköy, bordering the waters of the Bosphorus, and thus highly visible from the passing boats.The European pylon of the Bosphorus Bridge, one of the two bridges that connect the European and Asian banks of İstanbul, is also situated in this neighborhood.

 

Ortaköy has had an important place in the daily life of the city during both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Turks, Jews, Greeks and Armenians still live there peacefully, side by side. One of the oldest buildings in Ortaköy is the Turkish Bath built by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan in 1556. The famous Ortaköy Mosque, located on the coastal pier square, was originally built in the 18th century. Later, in the 19th century, the current mosque, ordered by Sultan Abdülmecid and designed by architects (father and son) Garabet Amira Balyan and Nigoğayos Balyan in Neo-Baroque style, was edificed between 1854 and 1856.

 

Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) - Istanbul : The Spice Bazaar, ('Mısır Çarşısı', Egyptian Bazaar) in Istanbul, Turkey is one of the oldest bazaars in the city. Located in Eminönü, it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar.

 

There are different accounts regarding the origin of the name of the bazaar. Various spices from the Orient were offered here in the past, Egyptian Bazaar was so named because the spices used to be imported from Egypt. On the other hand, in the Byzantine period, the site of the Spice Bazaar was the centre of corn trade. And the word mısır has a double meaning in Turkish: "Egypt" and "corn".

 

The Spice Bazaar was designed by the chief court architect Koca Kasım Ağa, but completed by architect Mustafa in 1660.

 

 Covered Bazaar (Kapali Carsi) - Istanbul : During the Byzantine period the area of the Grand Covered Bazaar was a trade center.  After the Turks came to Istanbul two bedestens which formed the essence of today’s Grand Bazaar were built between 1455 – 1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in an attempt to enrich the economic life in the city.


The intriguingly exotic Covered Bazaar has endured innumerable fires and earthquakes, but has lost none of its significance and allure as the vital source of trade for both locals and visitors. With sixty-six streets and alleys, over four thousand shops, numerous store-houses, moneychangers and banks, a mosque, post office, police station, private security guards and its own health center, Istanbul’s Kapali Carsi is said to be the largest covered bazaar in the world.

 

Istanbul Modern : Istanbul Modern seeks to integrate the experience of Turkey’s artistic past, the dynamism

of its present, and the cultivation of its cultural future. Istanbul Modern, the first private museum devoted to modern and contemporary art in Turkey, was founded in 2004 in order to promote wider enjoyment and understanding of modern art among the public.

 

Located at the former customs warehouse Antrepo no. 4, beside the Bosporus, the strait separating Europe from Asia, the museum brings together the Istanbul cityscape with the production of arts ranging from painting, sculpture, and photography to video and new media.

 

The museum aims to collect, preserve, and exhibit modern and contemporary art and to provide a venue fostering the integration of the visual arts with the rich cultural spectrum of Turkey.

 

Mosaic Museum : The marketplace behind the Sultanahmet Mosque is situated on the remains of a great palace of the Byzantine Emperors.

 

Now named as “mosaıc museum”, it contains a small yet evocative collection of mosaics, found on the spot by archaeologists looking for remains of the Byzantine imperial palace. Experts believe that the mosaics date from the reign of Justinian the Great (527–565).

 

The mosaics (in vivid color) discovered are thought to decorate the floor of a large hall in the palace.

 

Scenes depicted by these realistic mosaics panels show a variety of wild and domestic beasts and includes some hunting and fighting scenes.

 

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Bursa : Today's modern city of Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Green Mosque and Green Mosoleum, Silk Market, Grand Mosque and Uludag (Olympos mountain)are the most important places to be seen in this beautiful green city.

 

Troy : It is a city to which legends are made, the mythological center of Asia Minor. Homer's legend "Iliad" provided the city with the fame it owns now.

 

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Ankara : Is the capital of the Turkish Republic since 1923. There are very important places to visit in the city such as the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, the Citadel, the Augustus Temple, Hacibayram Mosque and the Mausoleum of Ataturk.

 

Cappadocia : Situated in Central Anatolia, between the towns of Aksaray, Kayseri and Nigde, there lies a mysterious and breathtaking landscape, Cappadocia. Eroded by the weather and carved by men, this volcanic area with porous stone turned into a wonderland through centuries, with hundreds and hundreds of strangely shaped pillars, cones and enchanting "Fairy Chimneys" that range from shades of pink through yellow to russet brown. Famous places to visit there are Goreme and Zelve Valleys, Underground City of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, Natural Citadels of Uchisar and Ortahisar, Avanos and villages of Avcilar and Cavusin.

 

Hattushas : The vestiges of the mythical city of Hattusas, the capital and cradle of Hittite Civilisations, are scattered over a steep terraced slope that overlooks the houses of Bogazkoy. Hattusas (Eastern 217 km from Ankara) there is an early Hittite sites lie with impressive double walls, in which are set the Royal Gate, the Lion Gate and the Yer Kapi (an underground tunnel), ring the Hittite city of Hattusas, known today as Bogazkale. This city was the Hittite religious center, also was known as the City of Temples because over 70 temples stood there. The largest ruins are those of the great temple of the Storm God Tesup. The Acropolis contained government buildings, the Imperial Palace and the archives of the Hitite Empire. In 1180 B.C. the Phrygians devastated the city. After through excavations at the site, the city walls are now being extensively restored. The top most part of acropolis is occupied by the majestic ruins of the Buyukkale or Great Citadel entrance to which is through the so called Gate of Lions, flanked by two lions in hard bazalt. The citadel complex contained by living quarters of the Hittite sovereigns and a number of rooms to be used by the public, including one thought to have been a library from which numerous examples of cuneiform writing have come, and in a particular a baked clay tablet incised with the Treat of Kadesh, stipulated between the Hittites and the Egyptians in 1279 B.C.

 

Yazilikaya : Yazilikaya means "Inscribed rock". The most famous Hittite gods and goddesses adorn the walls, carved into the native rock, dating back to the 13th century B.C.

 

Konya : An important city in Central Anatolia famous for its works of Seljuk art and architecture and for its tomb of the famous 13th century poet and philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the founder of the sect of the whirling dervishes. Every year in December, ceremonies are held in Konya for commemoration of Mevlana and the whirling dervishes.

 

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Izmir - Ancient Smyrna : Known in Turkish as "Beautiful Izmir" the city lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf furrowed by ships and yachts. In the first millenium B.C. Izmir, then known as Smyrna, ranked as one of the important cities of the Ionian Federation and it was during this period, Homer is believed to have lived there. It is one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse and also famous for its castle built by Lysimachus in the reign of Alexander the Great.

 

Ephesus : The largest Greco-Roman city of the ancient times had a population of 200.000 inhabitants. Important historical figures lived in Ephesus such as St. Paul. Along with historical facts, mythological stories are told to take place in Ephesus; the twelve labours of Heracles have taken place around the region. It is one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation and the 3rd Ecumenic Council has also been held there.
The places to be seen on the excavation site are Kurets Street, Marble Street, Hadrian's Temple, Theater with 24.000 seats and Celsius Library.
Basilica of St. John and the House of Virgin Mary are nearby and open to the visitors.

 

Pergamum - Acropolis : It was the capital of the Pergamum Kingdom and later the capital of the Asian province of the Roman Empire. The oldest ruins date back to the 5th century B.C. Famous ruins of Acropolis are the Altar of Zeus, Athena Temple, Trajan Temple, the steepest theater of the world and the library.

 

Pergamum - Asclepion : It was the most famous hospital of the ancient times after Epidauros and Kos. Different healing methods were used like therapy with music and sound of water. The temple there is dedicated to Asclepious, the god of Health.

 

Sardes : The ruins of ancient Sardes, once the capital of the Lydian realm of Croesus lie on the Sart cayi (Pactole river). It is one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation. The Temple of Artemis and a restored gymnasium testify to the city's past splendor as does the important 3rd century synagogue.

 

Pamukkale : A magical and spectacular natural site, unique in the world, Pamukkale (Hierapolis) is a fairyland of dazzling white, petrified castles. The hot springs have been used since Roman times for their therapeutic powers. Both the thermal center with its hotels and thermal pools and the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis are situated on the plateau.

 

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Antalya : The ancient city of Attalia, was founded in the 2nd century by Attalos II. of Pergamum. This picturesque city is one of the favorite holiday destinations among travellers of all tastes. The city, bathed in sunshine 300 days a year, offers unique experiences to the traveller like skiing followed by swimming in the warm, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The city possesses the remains of two great cultures, Roman and Seljuk Empires.

 

Side : Side was a major port and notorious for piracy and slave trade in the 9th and 10th centuries. Most of the monuments date back to Roman times. Today, Side is a pretty resort where natural beauty, history and legend mingle is surrounded by picturesque orange groves, banana plantations and cotton fields.

 

Perge : It is a very important Roman city famous for its theater, Roman baths, the Agora and the Temple of Artemis. It was in Perge that St. Paul, who had come from Cyprus, preached for the first time and succeeded in converting people to Christianity.

 

Aspendos : Aspendos is an impressive Roman site famous for is very well preserved theater.

After passing into and out of Greek and Persian hands, it submitted to Alexander the Great ca. 333 B.C., but had to pay annual tribute of 2600 kg. of gold to him! Subsequently it was variously controlled by the Seleucids (Syria) and the Ptolemies (Egypt). During the first and second centuries A.D. significant building activities took place. At the site the theater, aqueduct, and stadium are quite well–preserved.

 

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Mardin : Mardin is one of the oldest cities of Upper Mesopotamia. The greater part of Mardin lies in the Tigris section of Southeastern Anatolia. Mardin is one of the most poetic cities in the Southeast with its architectural, ethnographic, archaeological, historical, touristic and visual values giving the impression of time having stopped there.  Mardin shares a common border with Syria and Iraq. Mardin first obtained political sovereignty in the year 2000 B.C. when the First Babylonian Kingdom was established. Places to visit are, The Deyrulzafaran Monastery which is located 5 km to the east of Mardin and was built towards the end of the 4th century as a holy shrine and the center of the Assyrian bishopric. Today Assyrian Christians visit this holy shrine, Mardin Citadel which was built during the Roman era. The structural remains, dating from the Akkoyunlu period, indicate that it was a much used edifice, Ulu Mosque located in Kızıltepe township, built in 1176 during the Artukid period, Mardin Museum located on the first street in the city centre. Constructed in 1895 as a centre of the Syrian Orthodox patriarch and used in different ways since then, this building has been a museum since 1995 and  the Mor Gabriel Monastery is located along the Midyat-Idil road. It was built in 397 by Mor Samuel and Mor Şemun.

Gaziantep : Gaziantep is the oldest living settlement on earth : 600.000 years old and also one of the oldest of Hittite origin. Being the center of pistachio nut cultivation in Turkey and with its extensive olive groves and vineyards, Gaziantep is one of the important and industrial centres of Turkey. The old city known as Aintap is located 12 kilometres to the north of the present city, on the upper slopes of Nizip Hill. The area was continuously inhabited starting from the Palaeolithic age and witnessed the domination of such powers as the Assyrians, Persians, Romans, the Byzantines, Abbasid and the Seljuk Turcs. The times of ascend for the Ottoman Empire meant the same for the city. There are many mosques, inns, baths and medresse built during this time.

 

Hromgla (Rum Kale) : Hromgla was an important pilgrimage site for Christians in the middle ages. It is famous with the church of the great Saint Nerses the Graceful, who served the Armenian people as Patriarch from his headquarters in Hromgla in the 12th century. He was a great man of God, with strong faith and deep love. Saint Nerses had a special gift for reconciling and peace making between different peoples. It is his moral presence, and also the place where his remains were committed,  which make this site holy and special for pilgrims.

 

Zeugma : The ancient city of Zeugma, originally, was founded by Selevkos Nikador, one of the generals of the Alexander the Great, in 300 B.C. At that time the city was named after the general and called “ Selevkaya Euphrates.” And the population in the city was approximately 80 000. In 64 B.C. Zeugma was conquered and ruled by Roman Empire and with this shift the name of the city was changed into Zeugma to mean “bridge-passage”. During the roman rule, the city became one of the attractions in the region, due to its commercial potential originating from geostrategic location. Because, the Zeugma city was on the silkroad connecting Antiach to China with a quay on the river Euphrates. Later on, in the 10th and 12th centuries a small Abbassid residence settled in Zeugma. Finally a village called “Belkis” was founded in the 17th century. Later on Belkis/Zeugma became one of the four major attractions of the Kingdom of Commanage. During the Roman Era, troops called “Schythian Legion” consisting of Anatolian soldiers was positioned around Zeugma. For about two centuries the city was home to high ranking officials and officers of the Roman Empire, who transferred their cultural understanding and sophisticated life style into the region. Thus the military formation acquired a Roman character and gave rise to an artistic trend of necropolis sculpture. In this respect, samples of beautiful art appeared in the form of steles, rock relieves, statues and altars. This unique trend in sculpture and art made the newly emerging Zeugma art well recognized in whole region. Zeugma became considerably rich, owing to the liveliness created by Legion formation.

 

Sanliurfa : On the great plain of High Mesopotamia, Sanli Urfa, known in ancient times first as Ur and later as Edessa, proudly exhibits the legacy of all the civilizations that have prospered in this region. In the second millennium B.C., it was a city of a Hurrite state. Tradition relates that Abraham was born in a cave near the area where the Mevlid Halil Mosque now stands. Today the cave is a pilgrimage site and flocks at pigeons don't seem to disturb the elderly men praying around the entrance. The remains of a castle with two lane Corinthian columns rising above the ruined walls, stands a tob a small crest. At the foot of the hills, the lovely Halil Rahman Mosque is built around a quiet pool in which sacred carp swim. The 17th century Ottoman Ridvaniye Mosque aria the Firfirli Mosque, formerly the Church of the Apostles, are worth a detour. The archaeology and ethnography museum, one of the best in Turkey houses important Neolithic and Chalcolithic finds from the Lower Firat region. To capture the spirit of Sanli Urfa, wander through the vaulted eastern bazaar and linger in the courtyards of the old hans (inns); try to find Gumruk Hani and Barutcu Hani-they are the the most interesting.

 

Harran  : The city of Harran was founded around 2000 BC as a merchant outpost of Ur, situated on the major trade route across northern Mesopotamia .The name comes from the Sumerian and Akkadian "Harran-U", meaning "journey", "caravan", or "crossroad".  For centuries it was a prominent Assyrian city, known for its Temple of Sin, the Moon God (44).The theology of the Harranians can be divided into three periods. The first is the Assyrian-Babylonian period from about 2000 BC up to the beginning of the Christian era.  During this time Sin was the supreme deity. The second period can be noted as being from the beginning of the Christian era to the Islamic period. During this time the Harranians still clung to their belief in Sin and appear to have expanded into various sects.  The third period begins in the 10th century AD.  This time period gives us a wealth of information on the Harranians.  Not only do the Harranians retain Sin, but also they now claim to have been descended of Abraham and note Adam among their ancestors . Believed to be the ancient city of the same name mentioned in the Old Testament, Harran is known more now for its unusual beehive dwellings than as the place where Abraham spent several years of his life. The archaeological remains include those of the largest ancient Islamic University,city walls dating from the eighth century, four gates and a citadel. The GAP project will transform Harran into one of the most fertile areas in Turkey.

 

Diyarbakir : Situated on the banks of Tigris (Dicle), Diyarbakir still carries a medieval air with its walls encircling the city. These black basalt walls are perfect examples of the military architecture of the Middle Ages. They are also very well known since they are the second largest (5.5 kms) and bestpreserved walls in the world after the famous Great Wall of China. Although there were Roman, and probably earlier walls here, the present walls date back to early Byzantine times. There are sixteen keeps and five gates, each of which deserves seeing along with their inscriptions and relief. There are four main gates along the wall called as Dag Kapi, Urfa Kapi, Mardin Kapi and Yeni Kapi. Another fascinating sight in the city center, is the Ulu Mosque, notable for its original architecture and the ancient materials used in the restoration of the building at various times. Nearby the Ulu Mosque is the Mesudiye Medresse and Hasan Pasha Han, a caravanserai now being used by carpet and souvenir shops. The Nebii Mosque is a typical example of the Ottoman style. The Church of the Virgin Mary is interesting and it is still in use. The Kasim Padisah Mosque is also interesting, especially due to the engineering which built a large tower upon four tiny pillars about two meters high, called the Dort Ayakli  Minare. The location of noted mythological cave Eshab-ul Keyf, and Dacianus ruins are in the town of Lice. The holy Mount Zulkufil and Hilar Caves are in the town of Ergani. Within the environs of Diyarbakir are the Birkleyn and Hasun Caves, the Antak City ruins and the Cayonu Archaeological Site. The city holds many mosques and buildings of long historical and archaeological importance. There are four museums in the city center. When you add to those the renowned watermelons of about 40 kilograms approximately, and its silver and copper artifacts Diyarbakir certainly stands as a destination to be visited.

 

Adiyaman : Adiyaman is one of the oldest settlements in history, dating back to 40 th century B.C.  Historical findings indicate that between 7.000 and 3000 B.C. Paleolithic, Neolithic and Chalcolithic Ages reigned in the area. It has been the host of many civilizations, including Hittite, Persian Kommagene, Roman and Byzantine.

 

Mount Nemrut (Adiyaman) : The site was constructed by Antiochus 1, who prided himself on his royalty and power. He was deposed in 38 BC by the Romans after a 26 year reign. Antiochus believed himself to be the descendent of Apollo so, he built a statue of himself along with those of Apollo, Zeus, Tyche (Fortuna) and Hercules flanked by a lion and an eagle. An artificial mountain peak of rock 50 meters high is piled between the two ledges of the gods, and some suspect Antiochus' tomb may be underneath it. The colossal heads of the ancient gods now lie scattered at the summit of the mountains making an impressive picture at sunset. Mount Nemrut (2150 m above sea level) is Commagene's sacred mountain located in the middle of Taurus Mountains in Southeastern Turkey in the province of Adiyaman. The hierothesion (sacred last resting place) built by Antiochos I sits on top of Mt Nemrut . It consists of a tumulus and three terraces. The tumulus was created by heaping up the fist-size pieces of stone which were left over when the statues on two of the terraces were sculpted. The colossal statues represent Antiochos I, the goddess Commagene, Apollon, Zeus and Heracles. Lion and eagle statues were used as the guardians of the hierothesion. Their average height is 8- 10 m. These are made of stone, too heavy and large to be carried to the muesum and remain where they were originally erected. The tumulus is 50 m high and 150 m. in diameter. Although the inscriptions at the back of the thrones on east and west terraces record that Antiochos I had chosen the hierothesion as his sacred last resting place or a place where his body will sleep for endless eternity, sysmic research did not show any grave chamber or large cavity in the tumulus. The best time to visit Nemrut is at dawn in order to watch the sun rise. The view is really unique, while the moon sets behind, the sun rises creating a fascinating color harmony. The beauty of the monumental sculptures as well as the splendor of the scenery are unrivalled. The site is considered as the 8th wonder of the world.

 

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Ahlat : Ahlat is famed for its Seljuk period mausoleums, whose magnificent architecture and stone carving have led historians to describe it as the land of the Seljuk renaissance. These tombs number among the greatest monuments of early Turkish civilisation in Anatolia. The history of this region can be traced back to the 15th century BC. It was ruled in turn by the Assyrians, Urartians, Medes, Persians, Macedonians, Seleucids, Parthians and Alatosians, to be followed by the Byzantines, Abbasids and diverse principalities.

 

Van : The province of Van sits by Lake Van, and was the ancient Urartian capital of Tuspa. It is situated in a green, fertile oasis in the midst of rocky mountains in the Eastern Anatolian Region of Turkey. An impressive citadel stands on one of these peaks and dates back to the 9th century BC. There are steps carved into rock leading to the fortress, and while descending you will be able to see some cuneiform inscriptions paying homage to Persian King, Xerxes of the 5th century BC. In the fortress, the Urartian royal tombs are of interest. The surrounding area is full of  Urartian remains. In the old city there are many mosques and mausoleums such as the Ulu Mosque, the Hüsrev Pasa Mosque, the Kaya Çelebi Mosque and the Ikiz Kümbet. The Archaeological Museum in the new city exhibits the Urartian finds. At Van Harbor you may find pleasant places to rest. For swimming and camping you may head for Edremit, 14 kilometers to the southwest. It is a holiday resort center from where you may do some sightseeing excursions. At Gevas, there is a Seljuk graveyard, filled with extraordinary headstones, as well as the lovely Halime Hatun Tomb.

 

Akdamar : Breathtaking in the beauty of its surroundings, the ruined church of Akdamar Island in Lake Van represents one of the most sublime examples of Armenian religious architecture. The church is the sole remaining building of the palace of Aght'amar built by the architect Bishop Manuel between 915 and 921 AD. Constructed during the reign of the Armenian King Gagik Ardzrouni of the Vaspurakan dynasty, the complex of buildings originally included streets, gardens and terraced parks surrounding the palace and church. Constructed with a cruciform plan (cross-shaped) and a conical roof domed on the inside, the building is made of red colored tufa stone brought to the island from distant quarries.  The name given to the island, Aght'amar, is explained by a local legend. A nobleman who fell in love with a beautiful girl named Tamar visited the island every night to see her. As he was crossing the lake one stormy night, his boat capsized and fighting the waves, he drowned uttering the words "Ach Tamar". Tamar, awaiting the arrival of her loved one, grieved deeply upon hearing the news of his death and died soon after. Hence, the island was called "Ach Tamar" (Aght'amar) ever since.  Local folklore also tells that the lake is enchanted and that angels go in and out of the water. The island lies close to the shore Lake Van (Turkey's largest lake) and is approximately 55 kilometers from the city of Van. In the springtime, when the island's trees are blooming with fragrant flowers, the island is a place of truly enchanting beauty.

 

Erzurum : Erzurum is the largest province in Eastern Anatolia and is located on a high plateau (1950 m). The province has always been a transportation junction and is now the transfer point for air, rail or bus connections for travelers coming to Eastern Turkey. The history of the city extends back to 4000 BC and it has seen many civilizations in Anatolia. One of the most important remains from this periods is the well preserved Byzantine city walls. Most of the historical finds are kept in the collections of the Archaeological Museum, which is a part of the Erzurum Museum. Walking south you will see the Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler). Another interesting tomb is the elegant 13th century Hatuniye Tomb. The Yakutiye Medrese of the 13th century is one of the most important historical monuments of Erzurum with its beautiful portal and richly tiled minaret. Here is an elaborate mosque built by the great architect Sinan in the 16th century, the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque. The Aziziye monument commemorating the Turkish - Russian War, the citadel and Bell Tower, the Rüstem Pasa Caravanserai and the Bedesten are other historical places of interest. For nature lovers Lake Tortum, 120 kms from Erzurum, and Mount Palandöken provide perfect opportunities. Palandöken winter sports and skiing resort which is reached by mountain roads of scenic beauty, is only 6 kms from Erzurum. This winter sports spot is competitive with those of Europe.

 

Kars : Standing at an altitude of 1750 meters in Eastern Anatolia, has played an important role in Turkish history and was at the center of the Turkish-Russian War. The Russian legacy can still be seen in much of the town's architecture. The lower city unfolds at the foot of an impressive Seljuk fortress of the 12th century. Nearby, the Havariler Museum (the 10th century Church of the Apostles) reveals a curious mixture of architectural influences. Bas-reliefs representing the twelve apostles in rather stiff and awkward poses, ring the exterior drum of the dome. The Archaeological Museum houses beautiful wood-carvings, an excellent collection of coins found in the surrounding region, as well as many ethnographic items relating to eastern Turkey. Kars is particularly known for its distinctive kilims and carpets. On the mountain pastures, villagers produce excellent Kasar cheese (yellow cheese) and delicious honey.

 

Ani Archaeological Site : Forty-two kilometers east of Kars, on the ancient Silk Road, the medieval city of Ani (Ocakli) lies mostly in ruins. Impressive fortified walls still encircle the ruins of numerous churches, mosques and caravanserails. Although the ancient settlement of Ani began as an Armenian settlement, had endured waves of successive conquerors; Muslims, Byzantines, Mongols, among them.

 

Agri Dagi (Mount Ararat) : Ararat is located at Agri in Eastern Turkey near the Russian and Iranian borders. As the crow flies, it is about 250 kilometers east of Erzurum, 130 kilometers southeast of Kars, and 160 kilometers north of Van. The main road between Turkey and Iran goes from Erzurum through Dogubayazit (just south of Ararat) to Tabriz. The summit of Mt. Ararat is 5,165 meters above sea level. It is higher than any mountain in the continental United States except for Alaska or in Europe outside the Caucasus. Ararat is a dormant volcano; the last eruption was on June 2, 1840. At present the upper third of the mountain is covered with snow all the time; the last hundred meters of snow at the top have turned to ice. For climbers on the mountain, fresh running water is available after the sun has been up a while to melt the snow, but it is cut off in the late afternoon when cold air has overcome the heat of the sun. Below the snow the slopes are covered with great blocks of black basalt rock, some as large as village houses. Over the years various groups have explored Ararat in the hopes of finding remains of Noah's Ark. Both Josephus in about 70 A.D. and Marco Polo about 1300 A.D. mention its existence on the mountain, but their reports are based on others' accounts. Josephus remarks that its remains are on display for all to see without need of an organized exploration. In more recent years many groups have hunted for it there. The possibility that ancient fables are historical fact is intriguing, and each new discovery of truth in previously discredited records gives additional strength to continuing the search for archaeological confirmation.

 

Dogubayazit (Agrı) : 95 kms east of Agri, is the town Dogubayazit, comprising spectacular ruins from earlier periods Ishak Pasha Palace, 6 kms outside the town center, is the most important sight, and was constructed by the Ottoman governor, Ishak Pasha, in the 17th century. It has been restored many since, and has become an original building of mixed  architectural design. An Urartian king relief and a rock tomb dating to the 9th century BC, are other historical remains near the palace, while ruins from the same period are also to be found near Patnos, another important town of Agri province.

 

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Sumela Monastery (Macka) : Situated in a very beautiful and natural setting, Sumela Monastery built in the 14th century is nestled into the side of rocks in a famous valley in Maçka, only 50 kilometers away from Trabzon. The setting is 1200 meters above the sea level.

 

Two Greek monks, Barnaby and Sophronios started the original building. The 7th century Icon apparently painted by an anonymous Trabizond (Trabzon) artist became the symbol of the monastery. Some say that the name "Sumela" comes from the Greek word "melas" which means "black" and it refers to the characteristic dark color of this icon. But others say that "Melas is the name of the mountain above the monastery, "sou" in the Pontian Greek dialect means "at the", so Sumela (Sou + Mela) means "at the Melas (mountain). The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin and the large monastery complex had 5 floors and a total of 72 rooms. The upper floor was used as a gallery and a lookout post. The whole building was full of frescoes and the wall paintings. The large part of the building was hewn out of the rock. It stands in front of a beautiful valley scenery and sharp rocky mountains behind.

 

Trabzon : The Byzantines gave special importance to Trabzon from the military point of view. During the reign of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century the city walls were thoroughly repaired and enlarged. A road from Trabzon to Persia was opened. Huts for defense were built at bends and effort was given to establish Christianity so that the tribe Can, the dwellers along the road would be obedient. Aqueducts of Saint Eugenius were built. In the 8th century the Moslem Arab armies entered Anatolia and came down to Trabzon, invading the area around the citadel. They saw hazel nuts for the first time.

 

In the 9th century the Moslem Turkish armies started coming to the Trabzon area and outer part of the citadel went under the sovereignty of the Moslem Turks. Inside the citadel there were still the Greek colonists. It is in this period that construction of the Saint Ann Church in the Ayvasil district completed.

 

Uzungol Natural Park : Uzungol is an excellent camping spot, at a lovely alpine lake, surrounded by mountains and meadows . The Uzungol Lake was formed as a result of the rocks piling up on  the mouth of the Demirkapı river. It is a popular stop on the trekking route in the valleys and mountains.  

 

Ayder Plateau (Rize - Kackar mountain National park) : Ayder Plateau has many hot springs and it provides good opportunities for a peaceful time surrounded by nature  and offers an interesting insight into the cultural and social nature of the region. The village at Ayder Plateau has good facilities and a thermal spring. It is a popular stop on the trekking route in the valleys and mountains.

 

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