Belly dancing. Bustling bazaars. They all scream Turkey. With one foot in the East and one in the West, it’s an explosion of cultures and influences. And as one can imagine, the results are pretty amazing.
Ottoman mosques rub shoulders with Roman temples. Spice markets sit alongside chic boutiques. And dramatic mountains sweep down to sun-baked beaches. Talking of which, Turkey comes out all guns blazing on the sun, sea and sand front with waters of deepest blue whispering sweet nothings to gold-dust sands. More on that , when I move to Troy… J
What’s best is, most of Turkey’s destinations have lost little of their native flavor. You’ll find sugar-cube towns, old castles and temples peppering many of the key sun-traps.
And if it’s history you’re after, you couldn’t ask for more. Each and every place is a Journey back in time. One can spend hours together gazing in awe at needle-like minarets in Istanbul. The Haga Sophia mosque, right in the middle of the city, lives up to its title of being one of the “Key Attractions” of Istanbul..
The Topkapi castle and the and the Aya Sophia Muezi take you back to the world that was, during the time of Istanbul was Constantinople..
And if by any chance one gets misleaded that Istanbul is all about History, Culture and nothing else, Well umm.. This city of surprises has loads to offer.. ! This exotic country is also moving with the times. If one side of the city is filled with Tradition, (Sultanahmat), the other end (Taksim Square) is ready to show you the ever lively night life. A street filled with eating joints, pubs, Clubs, shops and bands playing songs, people walking aimlessly just to while away time, you have it all…
The most enchanting visit was to the City of Troy, just 4 hours of drive from Istanbul. The History behind that four lettered City is so intense that one can be immediately be transported to the battle ground where the fight between Prince Hector and Achilles took place.. Etched more in our minds as Brad Pitt fighting Eric Bana.. J
Wherever you make tracks in this mesmerizing Middle-East-meets-Europe land you’re sure to fall for its charms in a heartbeat.
For More pictures visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/82916621@N00/sets/72157626078335803/
Cheers..Kash !
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