Greatest Destinations:

1. Greatest Destinations: Turkey

2. Fascinating Facts About Turkey Two of the Seven Wonders of the World are located in Turkey. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Bodrum. The world’s first coins ever minted came from Turkey, at the end of the seventh century B.C. Produced in Sardis, which at the time was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. The word “turquoise” comes from Turkey. The beautiful color ‘s name originated from the Mediterranean Sea on the southern Turkish coast. The rise of Christianity centers around Turkey. Many Saints including the Virgin Mary resided in several parts of Turkey; Noah’s Ark is said to have landed on AgriDagi (Mount Ararat) in eastern Turkey. The Tulip is the national flower of Turkey. In the 1500s the Turks gave the Dutch their famous tulips; they remained so intensely popular that 17th century Turkey is referred to as "The Tulip Age” for being a period of elegance and amusement.

3. Turkish Cuisine • Turkey is a food lover’s paradise! Abracadabra offers prompt, polite service even for those on a budget. The eclectic, four story restaurant uses only natural, seasonal and local ingredients. It’s Turkish etiquette to finish everything on your plate! The flavors you’ll find popular in Turkish dishes include exotic Far East spices such as galingale, senna, alkanet and more. • Zenger PasaKonagiis a traditional Turkish house restored into a restaurant (and museum) featuring panoramic views and moderately priced traditional Ottoman Turkish dishes.

4. Turkish Culture Turkey is famous for their ancient shopping centre's known as Bazaars, which can be found in all of the larger metropolitan cities. One bazaar can attract several hundred thousand visitors daily. Using centuries-old techniques, the natives produce one-of-a-kind goods. Popular items include silk, cotton and wool garments, jewelry, leather accessories, and heirloom-quality kilim (Turkish carpets). Turkey considers shopping as a form of art, and bazaars are regarded as a leisurely social experience.The Turkish shopkeeper plays the role of host, offering guests a comfortable seat and serving drinks; these efforts do not obligate the purchase of anything—this is typical Turkish hospitality.

5. Turkish Customs and Traditions It is considered rude in Turkey to stand with your hands on your hips or in your pockets, especially when talking to superiors or elders. It is common for Turkish men and women to exchange a kiss on both cheeks with friends and relatives when greeting and parting. Pointing at someone, the “OK” hand sign, and placing the thumb between the index and middle finger are all considered vulgar gestures in Turkey. People from Turkey always shake hands upon meeting and parting, with everyone present in the room—elders before children to show respect. Turks are always very punctual when invited to an event or party, and it is typical of Turkish people to bring a gift for the host . Always keep your feet flat on the ground when sitting; showing the bottoms of your feet is considered insulting in Turkey. The months of July and August are the most common months of the year for Turks to go on vacation. It is the norm for Turks to use both hands when exchanging a business card.

6. Top Cities of Turkey Istanbul Ankara Izmir Bursa

7. ISTANBUL Did You Know : Istanbul is the world’s only city located on two continents, equal parts reaching out to Asia and Europe. • Istanbul is historically known as Constantinople, named after the emperor Constantine in 330 A.D. Stretching over four miles in distance, Istanbul’s city walls were built in the fifth century by Emperor Theodosius II and have been declared a World Heritage Site. Many towers of the structure have been restored, and today it is still considered to be the mightiest fortifications in Europe.

8. Istanbul Today… The most popular attraction is the Grand Bazaar, holding over 4,000 shops among the 80 streets, known to be the core of Istanbul’s commerce.This labyrinth has suffered serious damage by fires and earthquakes, yet has been continually evolving over the past three centuries. The Dolmabahce Palace occupies an impressive 2,000-foot waterfront, but it’s best feature is its huge 750-bulb crystal chandelier weighing well over four tons. This is not only a historical attraction but also a religious landmark, for Ataurk—the founder of the Turkish Republic—died here in 1938.

9. What Makes Istanbul a Great Destination? • Among the streets of IstiklalCaddesiis the place to be on weekends, boasting hip nightlife and fashionable bars. Some historical must-sees include Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern. • Sultan Ahnetis the oldest part of Istanbul. While there, one can visit the Byzantine Hippodrom, or escape to a steam bathroom house.

10. ANKARA Did You Know: Anakara is the most European city in all of Turkey; it is considered a huge university town and all military wings are based here. The famous Angora wool comes from the Angora goat, found only in Ankara. • Anakara is a transportation nexus for all of Turkey’s bus, tran, plane, and highway routes.

11. Today in Ankara… The streets of Kizilay and bars of Sararya are filled with students most of the year, yet are still considered a must-see when visiting Ankara. Genclik Park is another popular visiting spot for tourists and natives alike. Ankara is famed by historical attractions such as the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Ataturk Mausoleum.

12. IZMIR Did You Know: • 3 of 7 churches mentioned in the book of Revelations are located in Izmir. • Izmir is famed for figs and being the birthplace of Homer. • This large metropolis in western Anatolia was formerly named Smyrna. • Most of old Smyrna was destroyed in a fire during the 1922 Turkish war of Independence.

13. Why is Izmir a Great Destination? Everyone visiting Izmir must ride a teleferik; the cable cars take you up to the mountain tops for a scenic aerial view of the city. • The Asansor is considered the symbol of Izmir, standing on the upper terrace at the top of the precipitous hill. • The Izmir Clock Tower is the best known landmark of the city, built in 1901 to commemorate the 25th year of the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid. Other must-sees include the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Temple of Zeus at the Agora.

14. BURSA Did You Know: • Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. • Turkey ‘s largest mosque is located in Bursa and known as the UluCami, built in the 14th century and considered an excellent example of Ottoman architecture.

15. Bursa Today… A favorite Bursa attraction is the medieval town of Iznik (Nicaea), the interim capital of the Byzantine Empire from 1204—1261. The historical landmark is still surrounded by three miles of 33 feet high walls which protected the city following the Fourth Crusade. • A signature dish of Bursa is IskenderKebap, slices of grilled lamb dressed with savory tomato sauce and browned butter. • Popular Bursa activities include hiking/skiing down the Uludag mountain—located just behind the city, or visiting the Muradiye Complex which houses various tombs of Ottoman royal family members.