I loved my 2 weeks in 3 major
areas [Istanbul (5 days), Kusadasi (4 days), and Cappadocia (5 days)] while walking over 100 miles in
Turkey. There so much you could say
about how Turkey is a fusion of old and new or Christian and Islam history but
instead I’ll summarize Turkey in three words and a few pictures: Ruins, Religion, and Hills.
Ruins: From Hittite, Ottoman, and Romans to Turkish ruins Constantinople and now Istanbul has been the crossroads of the world for a really long time!
Religion: Its an interesting blend of Christian and Islamic influences.
Hills: I didn't realize that the number of steps I took on level ground can probably be listed on one hand...there are a ton of stairs and hills to climb, but all worth it!
Hagia Sophia is HUGE and magnificent.
World's largest tulip carpet (that's what they say anyway).
Inside the Hagia Sophia, they say the Statue of Liberty would fit in inside. That's a dome!
Mosaic covered up by Muslims when they took over the Hagia Sophia church. Interestingly this helped preserve them.
View of the Hagia Sophia from the Blue Mosque.
The Blue Mosque
Yes, there are lots of lines. Get your museum pass so you can skip most of them (as long as you don't try to use your metro card accidentally - that's another story).
Grand Bazaar. Shopping at its oldest form.
Spices! I think they are sanitary?
Don't miss the Cisterns.
Stronghold along the Bosphorous.
Topkapi Harem - definitely worth the extra cost.
Suleymaniye Mosque. Iconic mosque sitting on top of one of the many hills.
Dolmabahce Palace - has the world's largest chandelier in it!
Galata Tower - a great view towards Old Town. According to Evliya Çelebi, Ottoman historian and traveller, Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi flew as an early aviator using artificial wings from the tower to Üsküdar. The Sultan at the time initially taught of rewarding him, then changed his mind and sent him to exile in Algeria. Doh!
Okay, this isn't Turkey...its Samos Greece just a short ferry ride away. Take a day to go see it!
Look at how cute this little old lady is.
Remember how I said there were lots of stairs? That's a short run of stairs.
Afrodisias Hippodome was incredible - I ran like Chariots of Fire, or at least thought about it!
The Temple of Afrodite - one of the coolest places to visit as so few others go.
Laodikia is being reconstructed but has some nice ruins.
Pamukkale was amazing...just get there early to avoid the crazy crowds!
While this looks like soft white cotton and they say it doesn't hurt your feet to walk barefoot know that they lie! The pain is worth it however.
Google has this marked wrong (its 1 mile north) but the Akkoy Yukari Mosque is incredible. Definitely take the time to go out of your way to see the inside of this camii.
That's some serious tile work! If you can, check out the old mosque next door with original wood murals.
Ephesus crowning jewel is the Library of Celsius. Make sure to start at the top of the hill and walk down - its more scenic and easier.
Cappadocia is filled with crazy cool rock structures. This is a hike through Pigeon Valley.
People lived in this region since 2500BC and as recent as 1950! Take the time to crawl around the many ruins. There's no OSHA here!
Whirling Dervish ceremony was enlightening on a religious practice I didn't know much about. Although I sadly still can't figure out how they don't get dizzy. I got dizzy just watching them.
A balloon ride over Cappadocia is breathtaking.
Zelve allows you to view history up close and person.
The Fairy Chimney's are similar to the Toadstools in Southern Utah.
Goreme Open Air Museum has neat old Christian churches.
Ilhara Valley walk includes seeing old Christian ruins as well as some natural beauty which looks a lot like the Snake River Valley.
If you want to see additional pictures I've taken please visit my photo album at TrekkingTrego Public Gallery. All pictures are available for purchase.
