After one month in Turkey I have a lot of memories and beautiful pictures. Not scared after watching Midnight Express I decided to discover oriental beauty of the country, where European and Asian cultures mixed for hundreds of years. I have passed by many cities and stayed a bit longer in others. Which ones I really remembered? Mardin Ankara Izmir and Istambul.  Mediterranean bays, enchanting villages, snowy mountains. Let’s see together the beauty of Turkey.

‘Istanbul: City of a Hundred Names’

Let’s start with the closest to Europe ancient city, historically known as Constantinople and Byzantium. It’s Istambul. Originally founded by the Greeks in the seventh century BC, located at the crossroads of civilizations Istambul is amazing city with rich culture and incredible history. I recommend this original, old and rich city, where Orient meets Occident and  East meets West.

I believe it’s worth to know the origins of the cultures, religions, big conquests and where culture was flourishing. It has been the site of human settlement for approximately three thousand years! Can you imagine that hundreds years ago Homerus, tragedian, Theodosius II- Eastern Roman or Byzantine Emperor or Elia Kazan, 20th century director, actor, producer. It’s an opportunity to take pictures to the old, historic buildings and learn the interesting history of this region.  Don’t miss the country’s economic, cultural, and historic center!

Ankara- adventure in forgotten capital

Located at the heart of both Turkey and Central Anatolia Ankara is Turkey’s capital and second most populous city. The population is around 4.5 million. I have an impression that it’s underestimated, forgotten beautiful place, which also had a rich history and was a significant city through ages. What is more, Ankara is the seat of government and diplomacy . If you wish to do some shopping, see  gorgeous historical sites and natural scenery you should visit Ankara! What have I seen in Ankara?

• Ataturk Mausoleum
• Anadolu Medeniyetleri Muzesi
• Natural History Museums
• Haci Bayram Mosque (Haci Bayram Camii)
•  Sacred & Religious Sites

Ankara is a good place to find some information about the history of the country and it’s people. Highly recommended by me.

Mardin and Izmir- enchanting cities

Mardin is a rich in cultural and religious influences city, which has reflections in amazing historic buildings and shrines.  It is known for old stone houses, the Artuqid architecture of its old city, and important aspect of Mardin’s cuisine-  its local spices. Turkey is famous for its fragrant, colorful and exotic spices. Will you dare?  Mardin  has plenty of experiences to delight the eye and feed the soul.

Izmir-coastal, the third most populous city in Turkey, after Istanbul and Ankara, proudly liberal and deeply cultured. It was  known as Smyrna in antiquity, you can admire ancient monuments which are kept in good condition. Nowadays is one of the fastest-growing cruise-ship ports and gives perfect opportunity to  be lounging on the beach. In terms of tourism Izmir doesn’t really compare to cities mentioned above, but still had it charms and I believe it’s worth to see it!