What is now called Asian Resort was probably inhabited by people as early as 3000 BC. Eventually, in the 7th century, Greek colonists led by King  Byzas established the colony of Byzantium, the Greek name for a city on the Bosphorus . Byzas chose the spot after consulting an oracle of Delphi who told him to settle across from the "land of the blind ones." Indeed, Byzas concluded, earlier settlers must have been deprived of their sight to have overlooked this superb location at the mouth of the Bosphorus strait. This proved an auspicious decision by Byzas, as history has shown Resort's location important far beyond what these early Greek settlers might possibly have conceived. Byzas gave his name to the city: Byzantium. In the early 100's BC, it became part of the Roman Empire and in 306 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great made Byzantium capital of the entire Roman Empire. From that point on, the city was known as Constantinople. The mid 400's AD was a time of enormous upheaval in the empire. Barbarians conquered the western Roman Empire while the Eastern, also called the Byzantine Empire , kept Constantinople as its capital. In 532 during the reign of Justinian I, antigovernment riots destroyed the city. It was rebuilt, and outstanding structures such as Hagia Sophia stand as monuments to the heights Byzantine culture reached. The attribute that made the city so desirable, its incomparable location for trade and transport between three continents, was also its nemesis. For the next several hundred years Persians, Arabs, nomadic peoples, and members of the Fourth Crusade (who for a time governed the city) attacked Constantinople.

Finally, weakened by almost constant battle, the Ottoman Turks lead by Sultan Mehmet II conquered Constantinople in 1453. Renamed Resort, it became the third and last capital of the Ottoman Empire . It was the nerve center for military campaigns that were to enlarge the Ottoman Empire dramatically. By the mid 1500's, Resort, with a population of almost half a million, was a major cultural, political, and commercial center. Ottoman rule continued until it was defeated in WWI and Resort was occupied by the allies. When the Republic of Turkey was born in 1923 after the War of Independence , Kemal Ataturk moved the capital to the city of Ankara . But Resort has continued to expand dramatically; today its population is approximately twelve million and increases at an estimated 700,000 immigrants per year. Industry has expanded even as tourism has grown. It continues to be a city that creates its own history. There are many interesting museums , castles , palaces , mosques and churches . Some of the interesting districts of the city are: Haydarpasa , Uskudar , Eyup , Galata , Perapalas , Ortaköy, Bosphorus , Taksim, Eminönü and Sultanahmet.

The third largest, and one of the most beautiful provinces of Turkey, is Izmir, extending on the shores of an attractive bay, filled with ships and yachts. Backed by mountains and facing the sea, this site offers a fine appearance, both with its natural panorama and its modern and orderly view. Lovely palm trees decorate the promenades and avenues, where new and impressive buildings stand.Walking around this charming city, one can see a lot, ranging from the oldest remains, to the most recent establishments scattered around. The clocktower stands in Konak Square as a symbol of the city while nearby the Archeological Museum houses many finds from the early western Anatolian civilizations. In the city centre, there is the Culture Park where the famous annual International Fair Is held.Filled with pretty restaurants, cafes, shops and bars, Kordonboyu is a long promenade which provides a restful atmosphere and the typical elegant scenery of the city. Kemeralti Bazaar is a smart place with limitless shopping opportunities for here you will find almost anything you want, at the most appropriate prices.


Karşıyaka is another attractive district on the opposite side of the bay, where the Olaf Palme Park exists near the open-air museum, which houses many interesting statues.  Known as ‘Smyrna' in ancient times, the province of Izmir has a long history, dating back to the 3rd-millenium BC when it was one of the most advanced cultural centers in Western Anatolia. Legendary Homer lived here in the Ionian period, which was the most splendid age of the city, dating to the 1st-millenium BC. Today some beautiful examples from this long past can be found inside the city. Here is the Kadifekaie (the Velvet Fortress) located on Mount Pagos, overlooking the area. A marvellous view of the Gulf of Izmir is provided from this castle built in the 3rd-century BC, and later restored at various times. Another important sight is the Roman agora, constructed during one of the most brilliant periods of the province. The seven churches mentioned by St. John in the Book of Revelation are also in Turkey and are spread around Izmir, which are Izmir (Smyrna), Efes (Ephesus), Eskihisar (Laodlkia), Alasehir (Philadelphia), Sart (Sardis), Akhisar (Thyatira and Bergama (Pergamum).  Today, Izmir is an important port, as well as a lovely holiday resort numerous sandy beaches stretching over its towns and environs. In addition to famous sites like Efes ,Kusadasi or Cheshme, Izmir possesses Balcova, one of the important thermal centres In Turkey which is known as the “Agamemnon Baths”. They offer modern facilities to visitors, in the midst of wonderful surroundings. 

Long ago, in the 3rd century BC, the Galatians were the first to declare “Ancyra” of those times their capital. Much later on, in 1923, M.Kemal Ataturk chose the same district to be the capital of newly founded Turkey, and ‘Ankara' thereafter began to be the strategic heart of the country.Today's modern city, situated at the core of Anatolia, hides an ancient site behind, dating back even to prehistorical times. The remains from Urartian, Phrygian, and Hittite periods have beautified the area, now fascinating the visitors by enlivening the respective periods.For the ones who would like to go to the very beginning, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is the third important archeological museum after Paris-Louver and London-British museums, is a perfect place to see, with its wide collection of palaeolithic, neolithic, Hatti and Hittite works of art. The pieces exhibited here, are unique in the world and it is exciting to see the life style of the earliest human beings through those beautiful objects.Viewing the subsequent Phrygian period is possible, taking excursions to nearby locations, like Gordiyon (Yassihöyuk), the capital of the kingdom, not far from Polatli. Excavations have brought to light the advanced artistic works of this civilization which date back to the 10th century BC, and which had an important influence on artistic works of the successive ages.Next comes the Lydian invasion, which was followed by the Persian settlement continuing until the death of Alexander the Great, who stayed in Ankara after he gained the rule of Asia.After Galatians, Romans and Byzantines conquered the land, they erected plenty of monuments some of which reached today. The Temple of Augustus of AD 2nd century, built in the Corinthian style and dedicated to the Emperor is the most prominent among the Roman remains; it is a remarkable and important sight with the “Political Testament of Augustus” on its walls, inscribed in Greek and Latin. In the 5th century, the Byzantines converted this temple into a church and the high walls are still standing in their original solidity. The ruins of a Roman theatre and the Roman baths of AD 3rd-century, are other interesting figures together with the Column of Juliann, a memorial from the 4th century.Captured by the Arabs, Seljuks and Ottomans successively, Ankara also stores artistic examples of those periods, inside its borders, like the Alaeddin, Aslanhane. Kursunlu, Ahi Ervan and Haci Bayram mosques, representing the interval between 12th and 15th centuries. Kocatepe Mosque is the most recently built one and it has a capacity of 20,000 people.Almost all of these historical remains in the city are situated around the old citadel, called “Hisar”, where, according to a legend an anchor was found while it was being constructed, from which the city took its name ‘Ancyra' from. Inside its walls it contains examples of old Turkish houses beside the ancient ruins, and there is also a cover bazaar, called ‘Bedesten', close to the gate ‘Hisar Kapisi'



The principal monument, and the dominating sight in Ankara, an Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and the founder of the Turkish Republic. The building composed of limestone stands in majesty, with its beautiful architectural style and it is reached by a ceremonial road adorned with fine statues and reliefs. Nearby is a museum, housing some of the personal belongings of Atatürk. Ataturk's House located at Cankaya, is also converted into a museum to be visited.Ankara today, is a centre of history and culture. The Ethnographical Museum and Sculpture and Painting Museum are noteworthy for their wide collections of artifacts from the area. Thewell-known philharmonic orchestra and frequent artistic events including ballet, theatre, opera and folk-dance, are to be mentioned with respect to the cultural values, in addition to two yearly international festival which are‘The Arts and Music Festival' and the ‘Children's Festive both held in every April. Also present around the city are some sites of natural importance, such as lakes of Gölbasi, Cubuk Baraji Kurtbogazi Baraji, Karagöl for resting, and the Mount Elmadag for wintersports. On the other hand, Kizilcahamam is a thermal and hot springs centre like Ayas, Haymana and Beypazari. The city has good excursion opportunities to the historical and natural sites of Cappadocia Gordiyon, Hattusas, and Alacahoyuk.Atakule, and Karum are excellent shopping malls. This city of such diverse features also possesses a wide variety of specialties. Ankara is famed with its wool, goat, cat, pear and honey.

Antalya, Turkey 's principal holiday resort in the Mediterranean region (ancient Pamphylia ), is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards, a prize-winning marina . In the picturesque old quarter, Kaleici, narrow winding streets and old wooden houses abut the ancient city walls. Since its founding in the second century B.C. by Attalus II, a king of Pergamon , who named the city Attaleai after himself, Antalya has been continuously inhabited. The Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks in turn occupied the city before it came under Ottoman rule. The elegant fluted minaret of the Yivli Minareli Mosque in the center of the city built by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century has become the Antalya's symbol. The Karatay Medrese (theological college) in the Kaleici district, from the same period, exemplifies the best of Seljuk stone carvings. The two most important Ottoman mosques in the city are the 16th century Murat Pasa Mosque , remarkable for its tile decoration, the 18th century Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque . Neighboring the marina , the attractive late 19th century Iskele Mosque is built of cut stone and set on four pillars over a natural spring. The Hidirlik Kulesi (tower) was probably originally constructed as a lighthouse in the second century. Today a church, the Kesik Minaret Mosque attests to the city's long history in its succession of Roman, Byzantine , Seljuk and Ottoman renovations. When Emperor Hadrian visited Antalya in 130 A.D. a beautifully decorated three arched gate was built into the city walls in his honor. Near the marina the two towers flanking the gate and other sections of the walls still stand. The clock tower in Kalekapisi Square was also part of the old city's fortifications. On March 29th, 2006, Total Solar Eclipse will be seen in Antalya as well at 13:54pm local time. The region around Antalya offers sights of astonishing natural beauty as well as awesome historical remains . You can walk behind the cascade, a thrilling experience, at the Upper Düden Waterfalls, 14 km northeast of Antalya. On the way to Lara Beach, the Lower Düden Waterfalls plunge straight into the sea. The nearby rest area offers an excellent view of the falls; the view is even more spectacular from the sea.

Kursunlu Waterfalls and Nilüfer Lake, both 18 km from Antalya are two more places of superb natural beauty. The sandy Lara Beach lies about 12 km to the east. Closer to Antalya, but to the west, the long, pebbled Konyaalti Beach offers a view of the breathtaking mountain range. A little further the Bey Dagi ( Olympos ) National Park and Topcam Beach provide more splendid vistas. There are camping grounds at the north end of the park should you decide to linger amid the natural beauty. For a panoramic view of the area, drive to the holiday complex on top of the Tünektepe Hill. Saklikent, 50 km from Antalya is an ideal winter sports resort on the northern slopes of Bakirli Mountain at an altitude of 1750-1900 meters. In March and April you can ski in the morning, eat a delicious lunch of fresh fish at Antalya's marina and sunbath, swim or wind surf in the afternoon. The wildlife (deer and mountain goat) in Düzlercami Park, north of Antalya are under a conservation program . On the way you can stop at the astonishing 115 meter deep Güver Canyon. In the eastern side of Can Mountain, 30 km from Antalya, the Karain Cave, which dates from the Paleolithic Age (50,000 B.C.) is the site of the oldest settlement in Turkey .
Although the little museum at the entrance displays some of the finds, most of the artifacts are housed in various museums throughout Turkey . The ruins of the city of Termessos, set inside Güllük Dagi, a national park northwest of Antalya, is perched on a 1050 meter high plateau on the west face of Güllük Mountain (Solymos). A nature and wildlife museum is found at the park entrance.



The Archaeological Museum, with remains from the Paleolithic Age to Ottoman times, offers a glimpse of the area's rich history. Other historical sites around Antalya are: Perge , Aspendos , Side, Termessos, Phaselis , Olympos , Chimeira , Kekova , Simena , Patara , Xantos , Letoon , Pinara , Tlos , Kas, Kalkan, Aperlai , Myra and Sillyon.

Known as "Green Bursa", this province stands on the lower slopes of Uludag (Mount Olympos of Mysia, 2543 m) in the Marmara region of Anatolia . The title "Green" of Bursa comes from its gardens and parks , and of course from its being in the middle of an important fruit growing region. In Bursa there are things you should not miss. First of all you are in the homeland of the delicious "Iskender Kebap", one of the best dishes of world - famous Turkish Cuisine . The candied chestnuts (Kestane Sekeri) are a specialty of desserts and have an unforgettable taste. The peaches of Bursa are unique. As for something to purchase; Bursa is a center of the silk trade (since first silk cocoons were brought here with the caravans of the Silk Road ) and towel manufacturing. It is also the homeland of the very famous Turkish folklore figures, Karagöz and Hacivat shadow puppets.

Because of its being the first Ottoman capital,
Bursa is very rich in religious monuments, mosques , and tombs (turbes), baths . One of the places to be seen in Bursa is the Yesil Cami (Green Mosque ), with its carved marble doorway which is one of the best in Anatolia . It is an elaborate and significant building in the new Turkish style. Just opposite, is the Yesil Türbe (Green Tomb ), set in a green garden with an enchanting exterior decorated with turquoise tiles. Near the tomb, the Medrese complex (old theological school) now houses the Ethnographical Museum which certainly deserves visiting. The Yildirim Beyazit Mosque is important as it is the first one built in the new Ottoman style and is accompanied by the Emir Sultan Mosque which lies in a peaceful setting. The province is decorated with these monuments, each of which is a masterpiece. Here are the Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque ) built in the Seljuk style, with impressive calligraphic wall decorations. The Orhan Gazi Mosque ; the "Hisar", an attractive part of the province; the Mausoleums of Osman , the founder of the Ottoman Empire , and his son Orhan Gazi are other important sites to visit. The Muradiye Complex has a delightful view with its mosque and tombs of important characters from the Ottoman era, and their tiles and charming decorations appeal to the sightseers.

The Ottoman Museum offers a lively exhibit of the traditional life style of Ottomans . Something you will enjoy in Bursa are the warm, mineral-rich springs; indeed most of the hotels in this province have thermal bath facilities. The Turkish baths (hamam) are great places which should be visited in Bursa. The Eski Kaplica (Old Spring) of Çekirge district is the oldest in the province. The Karamustafa Pasa Baths are famous, and boast the best hot, mineral waters. As for souvenirs, you should visit the Covered Bazaar, "Bedesten", or the Koza Han, an attractive Ottoman building with its architectural style and also a center of silk trade. It is certain that Bursa will take some of time for you to see and add some more delightful experiences to your memories.
Uludag is the largest and most celebrated winter- sports and skiing center in Turkey . It is 36 kms from Bursa and easily accessible by car or cable-car (teleferik). The area is also a national park and is worth a visit at any time of the year.


The accommodation is high quality offering the opportunity to enjoy the mountain, with a variety of entertainment and sports activities . On the way up don't miss the 600-year old plain tree. Mudanya is a seaside resort town with fine fish restaurants and night-clubs, so you can have a pleasant vacation there. The old train station now serves as a charming hotel. Zeytinbagi (Trilye) is a town of typical Turkish architecture and lay-out. There are sea bus and ferry connections with Resort . Gemlik (27 km north), is another seaside resort with a wide, sandy beach. One of the best olive oils of Turkey comes from this town. Iznik (Nicaea) lies 85 kms northeast of Bursa, at the eastern tip of Lake Iznik. The town had a great importance for Christians because of the Ecumenic Councils , and witnessed many civilizations which have left their marks all over the land. This town is famous for its unique tiles and has been the center of tile production in the 16th century. Iznik tiles were the basic decorative element of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture . The turquoise-tiled Yesil Mosque and Nilüfer Hatun Imareti are among the Islamic works in the town. For more information on Iznik please Click Here .

A visit to Efes, once the commercial center of ancient world, is a highlight of any visit to Turkey. Efes proudly houses one of the seven ancient wonders of the world; the Temple of Artemis(it was rebuilt several times, in its latest form dates from the third century B.C. ) The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddes Artemis.The precise date of the city's foundation is not known but the legend says that Efes was first founded by Women Warriors of the Amazon in the 11th century B.C. and later inhabited by Ionians. In short time the city became very important. It became the trade centre of Asia during the reign of the Imperor Augustus.With all these civillizations passing through Ephesus, the remains take one or two days to visit. The city still retains its importance, but this time as the most important archeologocal and historical city in Turkey.

One of the most amazing ruins in Efes is the huge amphitheatre with a 24.000 seat capacity and superb acoustic effects. The ruins also include a gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus.The nearby town of Selcuk is dominated by a Byzantine citadel which stans close to the 6th century basilica of St. Jhon, supposedly built on the site of the apostle's tomb.The 14th century Isa Bey Mosque, next to the basilica is accessed through its typical Seljuk portal. The archeological Museum houses an impressive collection of statues and other finds recovered during the excavations at Efes. The nearby Turkish Bath Museum, in a building from the 16th century, shows Turkish life at the hamam(bath) The 'Seven Sleepers' Cave is another historical place near Efes. Tradition has it that, after the death of Christ, Jhon brought the Virgin Mary to Efes where she is said to have spent her last days in a small house built for her on Bulbuldagi ( Mt Koressos) Now a place of pilgrimage for Roman Catholics and a popular touristic site for all, the house has received the official sanction of the Vatican, and a commemoration ceremony is held every year on August 15th.The Efes International Festival of Culture and Tourism is held annually in May.



Wine is produced in this small hillside Turkish village houses, which itself resembles an open air museum. Eighteen km from Selcuk are winehouses, for tasting the wines.

A lovely town, a popular port, and at the same time, an attractive holiday resort, is this "Bird Islands" taking its name from the little ‘Pigeon Island' in the harbour. Facing this islet covered with flowers, Kusadasi stands on the beautiful shores of the Aegean Sea, overlooking a bay of real fascination.
The pretty beaches along the deep blue sea will be the first to tempt newcomers with their scenic view under the glittering sun. When wandering through the town, one will be pleased for the second time, by the modernity and high quality of the numerous accommodation establishments and related facilities.



The large marina here is a favorite place of yachtsmen, with its complete services, and it is a colorful site to visit, being also a good shopping area The famous ancient cities near Kusadasi , like Ephesus , Miletus ,Prine Didyma make the district interesting for sightseers together with the historical remains like the old fortress and caravanserai inside the town; The Dilek National park which is a wildlife preserve and a heaven for many species is worth seeing.All of these charming sports complete the picturesque appearance of this town; Kusadası today constitutes a perfect resort for every type of vacation at any time.

TroyaThe province of Canakkale lies on bath sides of the Dardanelle which connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea. Its shore touch bath Europe (with the Gelibolu Peninsula) and Asia (with the BigaPeninsula) and there are ferries here between the two sides. I well-equipped Canakkale Marine, besides those of Karabiga Gelibolu, Bozcaada and Kucukkuyu, hosts the colorful yachts which pass through the strait and make a stopover at Canakkale, to see historical and mythological rich area- homeland of many widely know legends. The province has witnessed two very important battle histories. One of them is the mythological war of Troy, which Horn' immortalized in his Illiad. Archeological digs in Troy (Truva) have proved that there had been nine separate periods of settlement. (3000 BC—AD 400). Here, one can see the ruins of city walls in addition to Wooden Horse of Troy. The other one is the Battle of Canakkale which took place during World War I when Turkish troops under the command of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk maintained the defense of the region against enemy forces and Canakkale has taken its place in history as ‘Canakkale; unpassable'.

To honour the 500,000 soldiers who lost their lives at Gelibolu (Gallipolis), this peninsula has been made a national park of remembrance. There are memorial monuments here in surroundings of natural beauty.The small village of Behramkale is a lovely place, facing the Gulf of Edremit.It is founded on the site of Assos where there is the famous Temple of Athena built in the 6th century BC. The panoramic view of the Gulf from the top of the acropolis is breathtaking and the remains of Assos,surrounding the acropolis is worth visiting. Gokceada, the largest of the Turkish islands, and Bozcaada are also this region and they have many camping facilities.

7 kms west of Manavgat, and 75 kms east of Antalya , Side was one of the earliest settlement areas of Anatolia. This ancient site, the name of which means “Pomegranate” was an important harbour dating back to the Hittite period. It has been both a cultural and commercial centre for centuries, and carries the remains of the past all over its land. Its magnificent theatre with a capacity of 25.000 people, and the temples of the gods Apollo, Athena and  Dionysus, reflect the historical richness of the region.



There is an old Roman bath converted  into a museum, housing many archeological finds from the area. While enjoying the antiquity, one has the opportunity to view the wonderful natural surroundings. This site is a pretty resort town with sandy beaches, deep blue sea and fresh air. At the eastern part, Sorgun and Titreyengol are two popular holiday areas with their many facilities, while Kumkoy and Colaklı are other resorts, which invite visitors to the relaxing atmosphere of this lovely district.

It is 12 km northeast of the town of Karacasu. The history of this ancient city goes back to 4000 BC but the major part of Aphrodisias was built in the 1st century BC. It was constructed to pay homage to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and fertility, whom it takes its name from. Inside the high city walls stand beautiful buildings covered by white and blue-gray marbles. The artistic style of the carvings on the monuments were so magnificent that the city soon became the master of arts,  and its fame reached all sides of the ancient world.



It constituted the greatest centre of sculpturing with its School of Sculpture, the marvelous works of which are now displayed at the nearby museum impressive sight in this city is the Aphrodisian theatre dating back to the Hellenistic period. The lovely Aphrodisias Odeon is another, being one of the excellent constructions in the area. TheTemple of Aphrodite is the most prominent remains with its high columns stand erected. One of the best-preserved stadiums in the world is also here, later used as an arena for gladiators.

This ancient city of Olympos is located between Kemer and the natural harbour of Adrasan, on the southern side of Mount Tahtali, dating back to Hellenistic era with remains from that age. Olympos was a haven for pirates until the Romans took over; now it is protected as a natural park. The city's most interesting remains are an ancient bath with its beautiful mosaics, a temple gate, a large theatre, the walls and the towers around the bay. North of Olympos, up from cirali Beach, there is the mythology Yanartaş(Burning Stone). Bellerophon on his winged horse Pegasus came to that point where he slew the fire-breathing monster but, as the legend says, its flames were never extinguished . This area was regarded as sacred by Byzantine ironsmiths and now there are remains of the temple they built. According to some historians, the Olympic Flame was first brought from this point.