TURKEY “The Cradle Of Civilizations”

These civilizations are the Hittites, the Urartians, the Phrygians, the Lydians, the Ionians, the Persians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Seljuks, the Ottomans, AND NOW THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY.

 Population; about 70 million  National language; Turkish  Capital City; Ankara  Land area; 779,452 square kilometres  There are 81 cities in Turkey  Neighbours; Greece,Bulgaria,Georgia,Armenia,Syria,Iraq,Iran  Turkey is the member of NATO(the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and OECD,the Black Sea economic cooperation Organization,the Europen council,the Europen Parlement, the Islamic Conferance Association and an associate member of the Europen Union.  Turkey has a rich flora and fauna.  Turkish people are friendly, positive generous and hospitable.  They are tolerant to different religions and cultures.  Turkey, which is divided into seven geographical regions.

The city of Troy the site of ancient Trojen Wars, is located in western Turkey. MARMARA REGION: ÇANAKKALE

ABANT LAKE IN BOLU ULUDAĞ SKI-CENTER IN BURSA

THE CENTRAL ANATOLIA REGION There are lots of lakes and marshes that Naturalists want to see. A few volcanic cones and both Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan are situated in there. Mount Erciyes

Ankara has an artistic life with many select ballet, theatre, opera and folk dance performances.

In Konya, you can see RUMİ. Rumi was a 13th century Persian Poet and Sufi mystic.

Cappadocia is unique in the world. Naturalists like visiting here.

THE BLACK SEA REGION There are many mountains. It is a mainly agricultural region, where corn, flax, fruit trees (hazelnuts, cherries, plums...), tobacco (Samsun, Trabzon), and tea in the eastern part (Rize) are grown. Sümela Monastery, is located in Maçka. After 3 km walking you can see Sümela Monastery.

Safranbolu is a town in Karabük. You can see traditional houses there.

THE AEGEAN REGION It has popular holiday villages, famous historical and natural sites, all this makes the region extremely attractive to the tourists. İzmir is the biggest and the most important city in this region. Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" is a natural site in Denizli. The city contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Denizli-Pamukkale İzmir

EPHESUS is located near the Aegean Sea. It was one of the great cities of the Greeks in Asia Minor and home to the Temple of Artemis. THE CHURCH OF VIRGIN MARY (THE CHURCH OF COUNCILS) This church is very important for Christianity. This church was dedicated to Virgin Mary.

EASTERN ANATOLIAN REGION Mount Nemrut is located near the village of Karadut. Mount Nemrut is notable for its vast range of statues. Mount Nemrut Central Park

It is a palace that was built on a hill in east Beyazit in 1789 by İshak Pasha. This palace is a good example of Ottoman tradition.

THE SOUTH-EASTERN ANATOLIA REGION You can see Euphrates River there. The Euphrates is the longest and one of the most historically important rivers of Western Asia. In Şanlı Urfa, you can see the cave of Abraham and a pool with Holy Carps. Abraham's Cave is believed to be the birthplace of the prophet Abraham Şanlı Urfa-Pool With Holy Carps Euphrates River

THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION Antalya is one of Turkey's most popular holiday destinations. There is an enormous number of exciting water slides. In Adana you can see one example of traditional foods in Turkey ‘kebap’. Also, you can eat delicious fruit ‘watermelon’. Antalya Adana

Isparta is a city of roses. The main economic activities of Isparta are rosewater production and handmade carpet making. Lake Eğirdir has two islands, connected to the mainland by a long causeway into the town. It is the fourth largest lake in Turkey. Isparta Eğirdir Lake

Sagalassos is an archaeological site in south- western Turkey. You can see the ancient ruins of Sagalassos there. Burdur-Ruins of Sagalassos

Hatay (Antakya) is a geographical, economical and cultural region. In Hatay, you can see the ancient city of Zeugma. Hatay Zeugma mosaic

You can see good examples of textile and eat delicious ice cream there. Mersin, is a large city with a port. You can see Corycus there. Kahramanmaraş Mersin Corycus

Myra is an ancient town in Lycia. You can see the small town of Demre there.

Termessos is the most interesting ancient city. When you go there, you can have a walk among ruins in a beautiful natural setting. Side is one of the best known classical sites in Turkey. When you visit Side, you can see the Temple of Apollo.

Cyprus is the third largest and third most popular island in the Mediterranean.

The rich tradition of the Turkish cuisine is popular around the world. It includes a wide variety of hot and cold starter known everywhere as “meze” a wide selection of grilled meats “kebap”, seafood, stuffed and wrapped vegetables “dolma” savory pastries “ börek”, pilav and dishes,Turkish delight,baklava, helva, kadayıf and several puddings. Dolma Baklava Turkish Delight

Börek Kebap Helva

Turkish tiles and ceramics, rugs and kilims have decorated houses in our country and all over the world. These Turkish crafts are so popular and have great attraction for the tourists. Turkish Crafts