Have you ever been intrigued by Turkey and ALL it has to offer to its visitors? I know I have. Today I will be telling you about some of the places YOU MUST SEE while touring Turkey.
Hagia Sophia
Once the largest cathedral in the world, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, has stood for more than 1500 years along the banks of the Bosporus Strait. Soaring 160 feet high, with a diameter of 131 feet, the grand feature of the Hagia Sophia is its large central dome. While the church has been destroyed twice due to riots, the dome was destroyed a third time during an earthquake. To fortify the interior after the earthquake, columns from the ruined Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, were used inside the church.
Hagia Sophia- Inside
2. Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul's most iconic visuals. It is the highest and oldest tower in Istanbul. The tower was built in the 14th century as part of a defense wall and was heavily damaged in 1509 due to an earthquake. The tower has a long history of being a prison, observatory, watch post, and much more. Today the Galata Tower is a popular attraction for visitors and offers panoramic views of the city.
3. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Camii)
Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Camii, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. The mosque's wonderfully curvaceous exterior features a cascade of domes and six slender minarets, making it immediately recognizable. Finished in 1616, visitors today have to venture inside the Blue Mosque to see how this famous building got its nickname. The interior is made up of over 20,000 handmade ceramic Iznik tiles that decorate the walls featuring many different tulips, roses, carnations, and lily designs.
4. Panorama Point
Get the best views over the Rose Valley, in Cappadocia, at Panorama Point. There are friendly vendors here selling fruits and souvenirs, as well as comfy seats on the valley's edge for you to sit back, eat your fruit and sip a drink while watching the sunset. What more could you ask for?
5. Sunset View Point
Sunset View Point , in Cappadocia, is worth setting your alarm for dawn and getting a glimpse of the more than 100 balloons that float above the Cappadocia scenery. The sight of the balloons, their colors magnified by the first splashes of sunlight, are guaranteed to wake you up. Talk about an Instagram-worthy picture!
The best time to catch this magnificent view is about a half-hour after dawn, but check with your hotel staff the night before to make sure the balloons will be flying.
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