Turkish Travel Blog

Turkish People, Culture, History, and Places inTurkey

Aegean Coast of Turkey

The Aegean coast of Turkey stretches from the North near Istanbul to the Marmaris peninsula. The region has a variety of holiday resorts, beaches, things to do and places to go. One of the highlights is the ancient ruins of Ephesus which at the height of it's existence was the second largest city of Rome. Camel wrestling is a favourite past time and tradition while the gorgeous, sandy beaches of Izmir, Bodrum, Kusadasi and the Datca peninsula will suit those who are looking for beach holidays.I also happen to be biased because it is where I live in Turkey.

Guide to the Majestic Ephesus Ancient City and Ruins

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Ah, to see the Ephesus ancient city ruins is to see one of the world's most significant historical sites. The colourful timeline of Turkey's history means the country is awash with historical sites dating from many civilizations. Out of all them, Ephesus is probably the most well-known, attracting thousands of visitors every day. Ephesus ancient city is to Turkey what the … [Read more...] about Guide to the Majestic Ephesus Ancient City and Ruins

Beautiful Pamukkale in Turkey: Thermal Pools and Ancient Hierapolis City

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Pamukkale in Turkey is a top visited attraction and a sight to wow at. Pamukkale in the Denizli region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is nicknamed "Cotton Castle" because of solidified white calcium thermal pools that cascade down the side of a hill. Sitting inland within an agricultural province, on my 2002 visit to Pamukkale and Hierapolis ancient city, I didn't fully absorb … [Read more...] about Beautiful Pamukkale in Turkey: Thermal Pools and Ancient Hierapolis City

The Impressive Stadium of Magnesia on the Meander

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I’d drove past the sign for Magnesia ancient city ruins many times. Hardly talked about or featured in guidebooks, I figured there was not much to see, yet curiosity still made me want to visit. So last month, our hobby photography group piled into the cars and made our way there. Sitting in the Aydin region of Aegean Turkey, it was just an hour’s drive away from my home, and … [Read more...] about The Impressive Stadium of Magnesia on the Meander

Things to Do in Kusadasi: Around the Port, Centre, & Close By

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I have been rather critical of Kusadasi in the past. Yet following developments in the town; I’m warming up to it and now highly admired it for the famous international reputation it has built up. It is also extremely hard to ignore the fact that there are plently of unique things to do in Kusadasi. Indeed, as a major cruising port, cruises from around the world dock in yearly … [Read more...] about Things to Do in Kusadasi: Around the Port, Centre, & Close By

Breakfast at Bafa Lake

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Sitting by Bafa Lake eating breakfast, always makes me feels creatively bohemian. Even better, is that it is a traditional Turkish breakfast, and not my native English fry up that cures my hangovers. In my mind, the rustic lakeside settings, fresh organic ingredients, and the ideal summer weather takes me away from the standard 9 to 5 lifestyle. I love saying to my friends “Oh … [Read more...] about Breakfast at Bafa Lake

My Plans and Izmir Travel Tips

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In 2012, CN Traveler called Izmir “Turkey’s most overlooked city “and they were right. Although it is the third largest metropolis in the country, it is often pushed into the shadows by the likes of Istanbul and Ankara. Let’s be honest though. Izmir cannot compete against Istanbul as a top city break destination, simply because it’s historical timeline is nowhere near as … [Read more...] about My Plans and Izmir Travel Tips

Saint John’s Basilica in Selcuk : Was He Really Buried There?

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Saint John’s Basilica in Selcuk is one of those places that still intrigues me, long after my visit. Actually, if you are a Christian, the whole district is worth visiting because the nearby grand theatre of Ephesus is where Paul the Apostle faced the wrath of the silversmith crowds, who were angry that he questioned the validity of the goddess Artemis. Also, the suspected last … [Read more...] about Saint John’s Basilica in Selcuk : Was He Really Buried There?

The Isa Bey Mosque of Selcuk

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Finding the Isa Bey Mosque was easier than expected. I had geared myself up for a bus ride or long trek, but felt quite the fool when the hotel receptionist said, “leave the hotel, turn left, walk 50 metres and it’s there.” Situated in the heart of Selcuk town at the bottom of a hill, Isa Bey Mosque was originally built in 1375 in honour of the ruler of the Selcuk region … [Read more...] about The Isa Bey Mosque of Selcuk

Priene Ancient City in Aegean Turkey and the Historical Wonders

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According to history books, Priene ancient city in Aegean, Turkey is important for two reasons: the Priene Inscription and Calendar, two informative scripts passed down for future generations. Although no city could ever leave behind a more significant legacy like that, for me, strolling around the ancient ruins provoked a state of joyful excitement, even though they are not as … [Read more...] about Priene Ancient City in Aegean Turkey and the Historical Wonders

Dilek National Park, 2 Angry Boars and a Cave

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Sitting on the Aegean coast of Turkey, Dilek National Park is a protected green area and an all-rounder in terms of things to do. Gorgeous beaches attract swimmers and sunbathers while landscape photographers adore the scenery. Hikers love the extensive range of walking trails and an abundance of wildlife lures lovers of nature. I could return  again and again to this mass of … [Read more...] about Dilek National Park, 2 Angry Boars and a Cave

Izmir City in Turkey: Misunderstood and Underrated

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Izmir city in Turkey is a good alternative if you want to swap from Istanbul. Any good travel book naturally lists Istanbul as Turkey's best destination for city-break holidays. Attempting to knock Istanbul off its throne is something only a fool would contemplate but further down the Aegean coastline, the bustling city of Izmir and surrounding coastal resorts make for a great … [Read more...] about Izmir City in Turkey: Misunderstood and Underrated

The Celsus Library in Ephesus – Turkey and Majestic Architecture

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The Celsus library in Ephesus is probably Turkey’s most photographed historical structure of Turkey. It belongs to the ancient city on the Aegean coast, near Kusadasi holiday resort and Selcuk in the Izmir province. One of my interests while living here is Turkey’s history, so naturally, I have tremendous respect for excavated ruins and their magnificent architecture. However, … [Read more...] about The Celsus Library in Ephesus – Turkey and Majestic Architecture

My Turkish Painting Holiday

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Drawing and painting have never been strong talents of mine. I believe I’m a creative person but throughout my life, have never been able to use a pencil or art brush to create pictures worth hanging on the wall. Maybe that is why I drifted towards photography instead, because it seems like all the work is done for you. The eagerness for artistic creativity has always been … [Read more...] about My Turkish Painting Holiday

Aphrodisias in Turkey: Ruins of the Ancient City of Sculptures

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Along with my guide, I arrived at Aphrodisias in Turkey, the city of sculptures, creativity, ancient ruins, and a story of how the ruins dominated one man’s life nearly 500 years after the city fell into oblivion. Sitting near current-day Aydin city, in Aegean, Turkey, Aphrodisias centred itself around the goddess Aphrodite, who represented love. However, because of small … [Read more...] about Aphrodisias in Turkey: Ruins of the Ancient City of Sculptures

The Ruins of Ephesus Theatre

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To be truthful, the Ephesus theatre is not my favourite place. I feel detest for this prominent ruined structure of the ancient Greco-Roman city, because it was also the scene for gladiator and animal fights. I don’t want to pay homage to a place, where unnecessary death and pain reigned simply for the pointless pleasure of human beings. Having said that, the natural course … [Read more...] about The Ruins of Ephesus Theatre

Why You Shouldn’t Visit the Temple of Artemis, One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

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The Antipater of Sidon, a famous Greek poet lived during the latter half of the 2nd century BC. During his travels, he visited landmarks belonging to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This included the Temple of Artemis that now stands near the ancient ruins of Ephesus, in Selcuk on the Aegean coast of Turkey. The Greek Temple, also known as the Temple of Diana, was … [Read more...] about Why You Shouldn’t Visit the Temple of Artemis, One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Visiting the Temple of Apollo in Didim – Turkey

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The Temple of Apollo in Didim is a major Aegean landmark for surrounding touristic resorts. The temple receives thousands of travellers and tourists every year, and in historical times was referred to as Didyma. Even today, signs of Greek history are everywhere. This is not the only Apollo Temple. There are four ruined temples dedicated to Apollo in Greece, three in Italy … [Read more...] about Visiting the Temple of Apollo in Didim – Turkey

Selcuk Town in Turkey: Why is it ignored by the Mainstream Travel Market?

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A particular aspect has always puzzled me about the Turkish travel market. The ancient ruins of Ephesus on the Aegean coast of Turkey are a top visited attraction of the country, receiving thousands of visitors daily, especially in summer. Yet, if I look at a majority of overnight tours on travel agency sites, hardly any of them mention Selcuk town, where Ephesus is based. I … [Read more...] about Selcuk Town in Turkey: Why is it ignored by the Mainstream Travel Market?

Sevgi Plaji – The Beach of Love and Hate

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Turks have a habit of naming places, with a direct translation that means something. For example, the bustling holiday resort of “Marmaris” means “hang the architect” in reference to an Ottoman sultan, Suleyman the magnificent who in 1522, ordered a new fortress to be built and was totally disgusted at the finished result. Likewise, Altinkum means “golden sands” referring to … [Read more...] about Sevgi Plaji – The Beach of Love and Hate

5 Things to Do in Yalikavak on the Bodrum Peninsula

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Having travelled to Yalikavak in Bodrum many times, it is now, my favourite holiday destination in Turkey. With much to admire, this beautiful seaside resort, is popular with foreign and Turkish tourists. There are five reasons in particular why I keep going back, and this article also serves as a good guide for first time visitors to the resort. Things to do in … [Read more...] about 5 Things to Do in Yalikavak on the Bodrum Peninsula

Travel Scam Alert : Fake Antique Coins in Selcuk

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Last month, on impulse, I stayed in the town of Selcuk, near the ruins of Ephesus. Due to my hasty decision, I did no research but despite my lack of planning, the trip was fantastic. I made new Turkish friends, explored recommended attractions, ate good food, and drank lots of beer! However, I was seriously disappointed by a travel scam, targeting foreign tourists. Infact, the … [Read more...] about Travel Scam Alert : Fake Antique Coins in Selcuk

Wine Tasting in Sirince Village

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If you ever find yourself on the Aegean coast of Turkey then be sure to take a visit to Sirince Village.  Known throughout Turkey for wine tasting and production, it's mountainside location is perfect for seeing natural Turkey and all through the village are shops where you can put your wine tasting skills to the test. How To Get To Sirince Village I drove a car which … [Read more...] about Wine Tasting in Sirince Village

Old Doganbey Village Near Dilek National Park

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There are many old Greek villages situated around Turkey. They now either have Turkish citizens or are deserted as in the case of the ghost village of Kayakoy on the Mediterranean coast. This happened after the Greek / Turkish citizen exchange treaty that was agreed at the end of the Turkish war of independence. Greeks had to go back to Greece and vice versa. The Greek village … [Read more...] about Old Doganbey Village Near Dilek National Park

Kusadasi Harbour in Turkey

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Kusadasi harbour is one aspect of the town that has remained true to its roots as a small village despite the growing popularity of the town as a cruise-ship destination. A lot of people miss out on this part of the town because it is  distanced from the main center. Some prefer the private marina where luxury boats dock in and restaurants charge a fortune for fine dining. … [Read more...] about Kusadasi Harbour in Turkey

The Flying Fish Boat in Altinkum

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When I lived in England, I never understood the popular sport of fishing. It seemed pointless to catch fish and throw it back in. I was also a city girl and my staple diet was fast food, or frozen microwave meals. I hardly ate fish unless it was from the local take away, coated in thick, batter, served with greasy, fat chips, and wrapped in paper. Later I moved to Turkey, and … [Read more...] about The Flying Fish Boat in Altinkum

Soke – A Town On The Aegean Coast of Turkey

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Soke is not a tourist town and does not seem to be in a rush to make itself one. It is on the Aegean coast of Turkey and is a short drive from the holiday resorts of Altinkum and Kusadasi. Alternatively, you could visit there if you are on your way to Izmir, Ephesus or Selcuk as Soke has a major bus station which is a stopover point for many people traveling by bus. I have … [Read more...] about Soke – A Town On The Aegean Coast of Turkey

Degirmen Farm, Horse Ranch, and Restaurants: Kusadasi

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I have always stated that the Aegean resort of Kusadasi does nothing for me. I find it false, pretentious, and annoying that when cruise ships dock in, prices everywhere suddenly go up and local sellers seem obsessed with American and Chinese passengers. It is a popular holiday resort though, especially for people looking for a decent package deal or some spontaneous last … [Read more...] about Degirmen Farm, Horse Ranch, and Restaurants: Kusadasi

Venosa Beach Resort and Spa

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I recently got the opportunity to have a full guided tour of a 5 star luxury resort and spa. Now,  considering how nosy I am, it did not take me two seconds to scream “yes, I am coming”.  I am talking about the Venosa Beach Resort and Spa that opened it's doors in May of this year, in the area called Yesilkent on the Aegean Coast of Turkey. Trip Advisor would indicate that … [Read more...] about Venosa Beach Resort and Spa

Is Turkish Village Life Doomed?

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This morning I was out and about, and found myself racing back to life in the touristic obsessed destination of Altinkum and normality.  English breakfasts and football shirts suddenly seemed like a welcome sight. Normally, I am a fan of getting off the beaten track and seeing traditional Turkish life so you may be asking the reason for my doom and gloom. The answer is my trip … [Read more...] about Is Turkish Village Life Doomed?