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Ronen Paldi

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To Istanbul And Beyond: Turkey's Diverse Attractions

Posted: 09/14/11 01:13 PM ET

Those looking for an exotic and remarkable vacation can do no better than Turkey. The country is so large that nearly every climate a vacationer could want is available. Whether you want to shop, experience culinary delights, or swim in tropical waters at a beach resort, Turkey has it all. It also has gorgeous scenery and some of the most historic sites you can visit on this planet.

Despite, this many people don't realize that Turkey has all that it has to offer. Or, if they do, they hold certain beliefs because the country is predominantly Muslim -- perhaps they heard news stories about Israel and the tensions with Turkey.

In fact, Turkey has some of the earliest advanced civilizations known to man. Hacilar and Catalhoyuk date to between 7,000-6,000 B.C. Also, Turkey has had equality for women going back many millennia. In fact, Turkey gave women the right to vote before most European countries and the US.

Technically, Turkey has no national religion. They also have no sanctions against religions other than Islam. They are a Democracy with full religious freedom. They are one of the oldest democracies in the region.

So, if you are looking for a vacation you won't soon forget, in one of the world's oldest civilizations, consider a trip to Turkey. There are delights waiting for you there guaranteed to last a lifetime.


Istanbul Hagia Sophia
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Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) is one of the world’s great buildings. Built as a Christian basilica by the Roman Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, it was the world’s largest cathedral for 1,000 years. At that time, Istanbul was known as Constantinople and was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. In the 15th century, Constantinople was conquered by Ottoman Turks and Hagia Sophia was converted to the Ayasofya Mosque. It has been a museum since 1935.
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Those looking for an exotic and remarkable vacation can do no better than Turkey. The country is so large that nearly every climate a vacationer could want is available. Whether you want to shop, ex...
Those looking for an exotic and remarkable vacation can do no better than Turkey. The country is so large that nearly every climate a vacationer could want is available. Whether you want to shop, ex...
 
 
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08:23 AM on 09/22/2011
I've already submitted a short post but a couple of things i'd like to add; Turkey's large cities are very cosmopolitan; all kinds of international cuisine; alcohol is served; women and men wear western style clothes; and as was mentioned in the article; religious freedom is encouraged. In Izmir (where I lived for 3 of my six years in Turkey) there was a vibrant Jewish community. On any street one could find a Mosque, a Synagogue and a Christian church. There is the Catherdral of St.John the Evangelist in downtown Izmir, And the people are terrific, welcoming and helpful. There are beautiful beaches, ski resorts and of course history all around you.
Mochilero
Have backpack, will travel
09:13 PM on 09/18/2011
Spent seven weeks backpacking around Turkey last Spring. Great hiking, friendly people. Free Wi-Fi on the long distance buses.
02:10 AM on 09/18/2011
I'm currently in Turkey touring for two months on my 6th visit. Wish that I could add a photo from our crazy mountain ordeal in the wild East of the last two days. Let's just say not to always trust maps and GPS.

A broken oil line disabled our car on a very high mountain "shortcut" in the the middle of nowhere. Thankfully there was cell phone reception. A professional guide we had hired a few days before was terrified for us as he knew we were in a dangerous area with some very bad people.

Six men, one bed, a primitive shelter, many weapons, five bottles of fine Turkish wine (my offering), surprisingly good food and an angered tow truck driver later, we are now safe and awaiting repair of the car.

Despite this ordeal, I will continue to visit and enjoy Turkey as much as possible! Great land! Great people! Great food!
11:38 AM on 09/17/2011
I was fortunate to having lived in Turkey for 6 years. It is a wonderful country; great people, fabulous food and jaw dropping sites to visit. Highly recommend a visit.
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HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
ok so now what
wants peace, works for justice
07:56 PM on 09/16/2011
Cappadocia is one of the most amazing sites I have ever visited. I highly recommend a trip to Turkey. It's a wonderful country.
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HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
KIVPossum
Moldova Marsupial
06:12 PM on 09/15/2011
Turkey is my favorite country. If I could swing it, I'd move there in a heartbeat.
02:45 PM on 09/15/2011
this is a good collection of greek and roman sites in Turkey, but its just a small part of the story!