Turkey

TurTurkey is considered to be one of the richest countries in terms of archaeology and is by far the biggest "open air museum" of the world. Turkey is a nation in western Asia and southeastern Europe. It has always been a bridge between the East and West and has been noted by scholars as the "melting pot" of various cultures. From the first known urban city settlement of "Çatalhöyük" to the historically famous Troy to the greatest empires of the world, the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman, many cultures were established and indeed flourished in and around this country.

Turkey has drawn on these diverse influences to develop its own distinctive identity and a rich culture expressed in architecture, the fine arts, music, and literature. Turkey is also a democratic, rapidly modernizing society.

Food and Recreation

In addition to being the refined product of centuries of experience, Turkish cuisine has a very pure quality. The variety and simplicity of the recipes and the quality of the ingredients are guarantees of delicious meals. Kebabs are dishes of plain or marinated meat either stewed or grilled. Lamb is the basic meat of Turkish kitchen. A delicious Turkish specialty is "pilaf,” a rice dish which comes in many variations. The country’s sweets are famous throughout the world.

Along the coastline, mile after mile of beautiful uncrowded beaches offer sun, swimming, and relaxation. The Mediterranean coast boasts long stretches of sandy beach, world-class golf courses, and the biggest concentration of 5 star hotels. The Mediterranean region stretches from beautiful Patara, birthplace of St. Nicholas, all the way along to Antakya, where there is a world-renowned archaeology museum. Attractive marinas and palm-lined streets lend a cosmopolitan atmosphere to costal cities, alongside excellent restaurants and lively nightlife.

Architecture and Museums

Turkey is renowned for its historic architecture, especially the magnificent mosques designed and constructed during the Ottoman period. Turkey’s architectural gems include the Selimiye and Suleymaniye mosques and the world-famous church of St Sophia, which became a mosque under the Ottomans and is now a museum.

Museums are located in all of Turkey’s major cities and also at many popular tourist sites. Turkey’s most notable museums include the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara, with exhibits of the ancient Hittite and Phrygian civilizations, and the Ethnographic Museum in Istanbul, which contains Greek and Roman artifacts. Many famous archaeological sites, including the great Greek and Roman cities of Ephesus and Pergamum, are open to public view.

For more information, check out www.turkishembassy.org.