Turkey is a land of living history perched at the cusp of the western and ancient civilisations. Life here is amidst some of the world’s most magnificent architectures, bazaars that offer the globe’s most exciting shopping experiences and out of the world adventure like the thrilling hot air balloon ride over a cave city! If it is history that excites you, Turkey has plenty to offer: the brilliant Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the blue mosque in Istanbul, the Kayamkali underground city in Cappadocia, St. Mary's house in Ephesus, the Trojan house in Troy and so on. For the spiritual, the Sufi dervishes twirling and dancing in ecstatic meditation is soul-lifting.
Your venture into this land of converging histories would typically start with Istanbul, the capital of Turkey. Previously known to the world as Constantinople, Istanbul straddles across the Bosphorous - the narrow strait that connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea; and tying together Europe and Asia.
The first stop in Istanbul is the incredible Hagia Sophia, a 1500-year-old basilica turned mosque turned museum, on the European side of the city. This magnificent structure reflects the confluence of the Byzantine and Ottoman architectures, the two major civilisations that flourished in Turkey. Hagia Sophia is said to have “changed history” while in the making, and is also a celebrated sacred destination. Originally built in fourth century by the first Christian emperor Constantine as a church, the monument was rebuilt by successors to the throne over the years. It was attacked and destroyed many times over during religious upheavals and restored as many times. In 1453 and for another 500 years, it served as the principal mosque of Istanbul before it was secularised and converted into a museum.
Istanbul also reminds us of the popular movie Tapkopi named after the opulent Tapkopi Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient palace once served as the residence of Ottoman Sultans between 1465 and 1856. The massive palace was constructed around 1459, for Sultan Mehmed II and is made of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. While its architecture is the main draw, the exquisite display of porcelain, royal attires, armour, shields, jewellery, Islamic calligraphy and murals from the Ottoman Empire are enthralling.
If there were 100 things to do when we are alive, a visit to the grand bazaar in Asian side of Istanbul is a must do. It is among the earth’s oldest and largest covered markets, rightly dubbed as 'the mother of all markets'. It spans 61 covered streets and over 3000 shops and was once the hub of Turkey’s local and international trade. The bazaar built in 1730 is estimated to host close to 400,000 visitors on a daily basis. Peppered with beautiful water fountains and lantern displays, the market offers a flood of stores dealing with Turkish jewellery, ceramics, carpets and textiles.
The shopping thrills do not end here. Close by is the Spices Bazaar, which is largest Spices market in the world. As the name suggests, this market is the centre of spice trade in Istanbul and has been selling fruits, spices and nuts since 1664. Here, one find the best in spices, dried fruits, olives, oils and essences and the popular confection called Turkish delight.
The list of must-do in Istanbul is long. Other prominent spots include the historical blue- tile walled Blue Mosque; the former circus called Hippodrome; and the Rustem Pasa mosque among others.
After soaking in the delights of Istanbul, it’s time to fly into a land which packs history from time of Darius the Great, Alexandar the Great and beyond. This land is called Cappadocia. Travel aficionados vouch that hot air ballooning in Cappadocia offers one of 'life’s best thrills'. A must see in Cappadocia is the extraordinary natural formations such as the Fairy Chimneys.
While in Cappadocia, one must not miss the Devrent valley, also known as the pink valley or the imaginary valley. Striking and unique is its lunar like terrain, owing to many rock formations, some in the form of animals like camel, snake, sheep, dolphin and the like.
Turkey offers much to a traveller both in its history and its modernity. Visiting Turkey is like stepping inside a live museum where history is still in the making. Due to its geographic vantage point, Istanbul in particular and Turkey at large has always attracted people from every direction. Some have come in peace, some conquering. It was only after Kemal Pasha Ataturk did Turkey ascended up the slide to modernity embracing western culture.
Koushik Varaghur
Chariot World Tours Limited Bangalore
