Kars The Caucasus Gate

The Caucasus Gate. Kars is the city referred to as the “Caucasus Gate” of East Anatolia. The city was founded along the eastern banks of the Kars stream, which merges with Arpaçay. The city consists of two parts, Old Kars and New Kars. Old Kars was founded around the Kars Citadel, located on a hill to the north, and its center is the Kaleiçi District. New Kars, which was founded after 1878, extends towards the plain. The vast difference between the new city, which was built according to a systematic plan, where the streets and avenues intersect each other perpendicularly, and the old city with its narrow and irregular streets, can be easily noted. There are also many interesting structures built by the Russians in Kars. The city was occupied by the Russians in 1828, 1855 and 1877 and was under Russian sovereignty for approximately forty years.
The historical Kars Citadel, the symbol of the city, was built by Saltukoğlu İzzeddin Han in 1152. The citadel, which was repeatedly restored, has two sections, the inner citadel and the outer citadel. Only seven of the 220 towers have remained. The Church of the Holy Apostles, which is now a museum, is in the south of the Kars Citadel. The Church was dedicated to the Twelve Apostles in the 10th century. There are reliefs of the Twelve Apostles along the outside walls of the structure.
Ani is the most important historical city in the environs of Kars. Ani, which was founded as a fortress city, became the capital of the Bagratid Kingdom in the 10th century. The city walls in the ancient city, Menucehr Mosque, the Seljuk Palace and the Museum-Churches of Nakışlı, Keseli, the Virgin Mary and Abugamrents are all worth seeing.
Sarıkamış, a county of Kars Province, is surrounded by forests and known for its scenic wonders. The monument erected in memory of the Turks who had fallen during the First World War in Sarıkamış and the Hunting Lodge built

Travel To Trabzon Province

A Historical Port City. Trabzon is an important and large port on the Black Sea coast. It is the starting point of the transit route to Iran and has connections with the ports of the other countries having shores on the Black Sea. The city was founded by the colonists of Miletus in the 8th century B.C. Most of the architectural works in the city date back to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The most important structure in Trabzon is the Ayasofya (St. Sophia) Museum. This museum is converted from a church constructed in the 13th century. The decorations at the entrance date back to the Seljuks, and the interior sections of the museum are decorated with various frescoes. The Gülbahar Hatun Mosque is the most beautiful mosque in the city. The old streets of Trabzon give the city a picturesque appearance. The historical houses on the back streets are worth seeing. The Kızlar Manastırı (Girls’ Monastery), dating back to the Comnenian era (14th century) and the Irene Tower are among the places frequently visited by tourists.
The Altındere National Park is near Maçka to the south of Trabzon. The magnificent Sumela Monastery, which seems almost higher than the clouds, is located in this national park. The monastery, perched on the face of a cliff at a height of 270 meters, assumed its most magnificent form during the reign of the Comnenus King Alexius III. The crowning ceremony of Alexius III was held here in the 14th century. The monastery has a library, a church, rooms for priests, a chapel, a sacred spring and a kitchen.
There are very beautiful high plateaus in the environs of Trabzon. These are the Erikbeli, Hıdırnebi, Şolma, Kirazlı and Kadırga high plateaus. The famous Kadırga Festival is annualy held in the springtime at the Kadırga High Plateau. Hamsiköy is a famous mountain village to the south of Trabzon, which is known for its delicious food and its scenic wonders.
The Zigana Tunnel, which is the longest highway tunnel in Turkey, is to the south of Hamsiköy. The Zigana Ski Center, with its modern facilities, is located on the old Zigana Mountain road at the upper section of the tunnel, and an attractive place for ski enthusiasts. The silver market in the city is also famous. The famous gold and silver filigree items, and especially bracelets of Trabzon are available only here.

Travel to Rize - Province

A City on Green Ridges. Rize is the greenest province in Turkey. Agriculture is the most important sector in the economic life of the province. Thus, tea, the symbol of Rize, comes to mind. The tea plantations are closely lined up on the terraces in the environs. Along the coast, where there are many tea processing plants, the air smells of tea. At the Tea Festival held in Rize during the summer, a contest is held to select “the best tea grower”.
One can see a panoramic view of Rize with all its beauty from Ziraat Park, which is to the west of the city. The Kaçkar Mountains National Park located to the south and the slopes of this park facing the north constitute a realm of natural beauty. It is an ideal place for mountain climbing and trekking, with its glacial lakes, rapidly-flowing streams, high plateaus and mountain villages with cheerful residents.

Gümüşhane-Bayburt and Dede Korkut

Gümüşhane-Bayburt and Dede Korkut. Gümüşhane, which is located in the inland part of the Eastern Black Sea region, is named after the silver deposits in its environs (In Turkish “gümüş” means silver). Süleyman the Magnificent had a mosque and 50 houses built here and named the area. It is stated in Ottoman history that Kastamonu is a “proud and determined” small town. The Hutura Hagios Georgios Monastery Church commissioned by Alexius Comnenus in the 14th century and the famous Kelkit Plain, through which the Kelkit Spring flows are among the most beautiful places in the city.
Bayburt, located on the bank of the Çoruh River, has a rich historical background and cultural heritage due to the fact that it is an old settlement. The history of the province, which is famous not only for its scenic wonders but also for its citadel, mosques, Turkish baths (hamams), and inscribed gravestones, dates back to 2000 B.C. Due to its location on the historical Silk Road, it was mentioned in the works of Marco Polo and Evliya Çelebi and many western and eastern travelers. The tomb of Dede Korkut, one of the sages who migrated from Central Asia to Anatolia, is also located here. The year 1999 which marked the 1300th anniversary of his tales was declared the “Year of Dede Korkut” by UNESCO.

Travel Turkey - Artvin

Artvin: Famous for its High Plateaus. Artvin, located along the Caucasian border of Turkey, is known for its scenic wonders and mild climate. The most beautiful high plateaus of Turkey are in this province. When spring comes, the residents of the region start preparations to migrate to the high plateaus for animal husbandry. “The Migration to the High Plateau” is a tradition carried out in a festive mood. Kafkasör, Bilbilan, Meşeli, Meydancık, Çamlık, Yaylalar and Yarlık are the most famous high plateaus in Artvin. The Kafkasör Culture and Art Festival is held every summer on the Kafkasör High Plateau. The Çoruh River, the most important river in the province, is ideal for rafting because it is the most rapidly flowing river in Turkey.

Agri Mountain And Noah Ark.

Ağrı and Noah’s Ark. Ağrı province was founded along the transit road to Iran and is at an altitude of 1,640 m. above sea level. The most interesting place in the province, which has a long record of history, is Ağrı Mountain (Mount Ararat), famous for its majestic appearance and the Legend of Noah. Ağrı Mountain which gives the city its name is the highest mountain in Turkey and Europe, with its summit of 5,137 m. According to religious beliefs, Noah’s Ark landed on Ağrı Mountain. In the Great Flood, Noah took one pair of each of the living creatures into his ship and after struggling with the waves and the flood, the ship came to a stop on top of Ağrı Mountain which is mentioned in the Holy Books. When the waters receded, Noah, his family and the animals left the ship and the second human generation was started. Noah’s wife collected the last remnants of grain in the hold of the ship before disembarking and mixed it together, thus making the first dish of “Aşure” (Noah’s Pudding).

Doğubeyazıt is the most important town of Ağrı. İshak Pasha Palace, the most interesting structure in East Anatolia, is here. Facing İshak Pasha Palace is the Doğubeyazıt Citadel, which was first built by the Urartians. The main citadel was built by Şehzade Beyazıt in 1380 and was named after him. There are hieroglyphics, burial chambers and reliefs from the Urartians in the citadel, which was constructed on top of the rocks.
Diyadin Thermal Springs, known as the Pamukkale of East Anatolia, are in Diyadin township of Ağrı Province. The Thermal Springs, which have three water sources, are beneficial for healing various diseases. The thermal spring at the foot of Tendürek Mountain which is at an altitude of 3,542 m., is also an ideal place for photographers.

IZMIR - EFES

İZMİR - EFES

A visit to Ephesus, an important city of antiquity, is one of the highlights of any visit to Turkey. The city, which had splendid buildings, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, whose temple was considered one of the seven wonders of the Ancient world. The nearby town of Selcuk is dominated by a Byzantine citadel, close to which is the basilica of St. John, built in the 5th century on the site of the tomb of the apostle next to the basilica is the Isa Bey Mosque with its typical Seljuk portal. The archeological museum should not be missed. It houses an impressive collection of work recovered during the excavation of Ephesus. The nearby Turkish Bath museum built in the 16th century shows Turkish life at the hamam (bath).The Ephesus International Festival is held annually.Also, during the height of the seanson, world-famous artists and orcestras give performances.

IZMIR - CESME

İZMİR - ÇEŞME
The small port of Çeşme (80 km west of İzmir) is dominated by a 14th century Genoese fortress which was restored with additions by the Ottomants in the 16th century. Today, it is a popular holiday destination with excellent accommodation and restaurants. There are thermal baths here, and the 16th century caravanserai near the fortress built by Süleyman the Magnificient is now a hotel. the Emir Çaka Art Gallery is nearby.Its ancient name was Hagios Haralambos Church, and it was constructed in the 19th century. The shopping here is excellent, with the finest quality carpets and leatherwear as well as souvenir items. At night there is a lively, fun atmosphere, especially around the restaurants, cafes, bars, and discos along the promenade. Yachts can be hired daily to explore the coast of the peninsula. An International Song Festival is held every year in July.

Ilıca:Close to Çeşme, this very popular holiday center has an excellent, white sandy beach, and outstanding facilities can be found at the Altın Yunus Marina and Holiday Complex. The bay here is perfect for watersports, especially windsurfing ans sailing.The thermal spring spas in Şifne, along with the natural springs found right off the coast which mingle with the sea water in Ilıca Bay are excellent.
Dalyan:In this fishing village, built on a sheltered deep-water inlet just north of Çeşme, some of the region's best fish restaurants can be found beside the quay of its lively mooring place.
Alaçatı:This town, inland from Ilıca, is delightful and typical Aegean town with windmills on the hill above it, some of which have been converted into attractive restaurants. Several kilometers south of town lies the coast, with very nice beaches.
Urla iskelesi: Known in ancient times as Clazomenae, this town has a marina and plentiful accommodation in all price ranges. At the top of Güvendik Hill nesrby are restaurants with marvellous views of the bay and its islands.You will doubtless want to visit these by yacht and swim along the beautiful shores.
Çeşmealtı:This prospeous little fishing village is notable for its simple but excellent fish restaurants.

IZMIR MUSEUMS

PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE CITY
MUSEUMS
The Archeology Museum near Konak Square has a marvellous collection of antiquities, of which the statue of Poseidon and Agora is a fine exaple. (Closed on Mondays)
The Ethnography Museum on the Archeology Museum and houses folkloric Works and a fine collection of the famous Bergama and carpets, traditional costumes and camel bridles. (Closed on Mondays)
Atatürk Museum on Atatürk Caddesi is an house once used by Atatürk, now exhibiting photographs of Atatürk and some of his personel effects. (Closed on Mondays)
The Fine Arts Museum is located in Konak and displays the Works of famous 19th century Turkish painters.
Selçuk Yaşar Art Museum is a private museum on Cumhuriyet Bulvarı with a collection of Turkish art from the 20th century.(Closed on Sunday)
The Natural History Museum in Bornava traces the natural hisory of Anatolia displaying dinasaur bones and skeletons, a complete mastadon skeleton, as well as flora and fauna fossil displays. (Closed on Weekends)
Ödemiş Archeology Museum is about 60 km esat İzmir and displays artifacts from the region. (Closed on Weekends)
Tire Archeology Museum is about 50 km esat of İzmir and displays regional historical artifacts. (Closed Mondays)

VAN

TRAVEL TURKEY VAN
Lake Van, the lorgest take in Turkey and at an altitude of 1,720 meters, is ringed by beatiful mountains: Monut Süphan (4,058 meters) on the northwest side and the İhtiyar Şahap Mountains on the south. You can cincle the lake, visiting several ancient Urartion sites as well as others that represent the legacy of the various peoples who have inhabited the area. Some of the İslands in Lake Van have manasteries and churches built on them; no doubt the remote location offered seclusion to the resident religious communities. Forty-one kilpmeters southwest of Van Akdamar Island (a half-hour sail from shore) is the most important of these. On the Island stands the 10th century Church of the Holy Cross, now a museum, whose Stone other walls arebrichly carved with Old Testament scenes and figures. After sightseeing, swimmers and picnickers can enjoy themselves anound the Island’s almond groves. If you have time, visit Çarpanak Island to enjoy it’s landscape and to wonder around the 12th century church, which has no been converted ina museum.
Çavuştepe, 35 km from Van on the Hakkari road, is an important Urartion citadel. Excatrted in 1970, today you can see temples, a palace, a sacrifical atlar and inscriptions