The Best Ruins in Turkey
There are many Turkish ruins floating around all over Turkey. Turkey package tours can be arranged to allow tourists and residents to enjoy and have the full Turkish experience, people travel to Turkey from all over just too see the Turkish sıghts. All the sites are brilliant for anyone wanting to widen their cultural knowledge.
Troy:Troy is one of them and its taken archaeologists more than 100 years to try and undo the damage done by Heinrich Schliemann. There is still so much to be done but the gradual progress made here in the past 10 years alone is remarkable. Troy is an amazing Turkish sight.
Pergamum:Pergamum is one of the ancient sites in Turkey that was once one of the most influential societies in the ancient world. Only minimal amounts of its greatness remain. However, high on top of the hillside, the acropolis still sings the songs of the wind through its broken pillars. The theater is the most extraordinary remnant of this forgotten society, clinging stubbornly to the side of a hill that overlooks a fruitful and expansive plain. This is one of the many popular interests in Turkey.
St.John''s Basilica:St. John''s Basilica in Selçuk is popular site as its mostly marble or cut-stone ruins you''ll see which are ankle high and shows a shadowed idea of what once was. That''s why the preserved redbrick walls of St. John''s Basilica create such a pleasantly unexpected surprise. This interesting site still contains the soul of its original purpose, pilgrims gather around the presumed saint''s tomb in an unabashed atmosphere of goodwill.
Sardis:Sardis is a famous ruin because of its synagogue which is still amazingly restored and preserved. The Jewish community''s place of worship was not really the main attraction when the city was the capital of ancient Lydia or splendid outpost of the Roman Empire.The intact shops, remnants of the bath house and soaring gymnasium walls cover just a small percent of the 290 acre expanse that was Sardis.
Ephesus :Ephesus is a very popular attraction for many tourists and residents and is among the best preserved ancient sites in the Mediterranean and its only competition is Pompeii.There is a partially reconstructed Library of Celsus, the newly excavated portions of the terraced housing,and the strangely evocative Public Latrine is a few of the amazing highlights this ancient site has to offer.
The Ancient Theatre which is also known as Hierapolis to Turkish people is known for the acoustics to be as great down in the pit as they were 3000 years ago.The extreme upper tiers overlook the great expanse of ancient Hierapolis but also thanks to UNESCO there no obstructed views of Pamukkale''s whitening terraces.
Aphrodisias:Aphrodisias is a famous site in Turkey as it is blessed by the proximity of nearby quarries of white and blue-gray marble. This ancient city hid an unprecedented quantity of sculpture. The site itself also preserves an unusually concentrated collection of grand Hellenistic monuments.
The Lycian Tombs are expertly carved into inaccessible vertical cliffs to resemble a classical temple. The idea is for them to look mysterious and dramatic, with their Gothic headdresses placed above the ghosts of royalty. There is recommended places to go to get the best view of them and those places are Dalyan, Kaunos, Myra and if out on a boat in the waters of Kekova Bay.
Pamukkale (Cotton castle):Pamukkale were more like a slushy roadside pile of yesterday''s snow. The terraces are the result of thousands of years of deposits left by calcium-rich natural springs coursing down the mountain. (In nearby Karahayit, springs rich in iron and sulfur leave reddish metallic deposits at the point of exit.) But years of irresponsible tourism had turned this wonder of nature into a dismal theme park attraction, until the Turkish authorities finally in desperation called in UNESCO for backup. In an ever-evolving geological environment, it''s normal that these natural springs would find new outlets, and part of UNESCO''s efforts have been to divert the springs to different sections on a rotating basis to restore much-needed calcium to the upper layers of the travertines. In the 8 years since their efforts began, much of the site has been restored to its original and spectacular blinding whiteness. The travertine terraces, in concert with the plateau housing the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, now make up a national park as well as a World Heritage Site, and a visit to one would not be complete without a look at the other.
Mt. Nemrut (Nemrut Dagi):Mt.Nemrut,known as Mt.Nimrod in English, rises 7,052 feet above the Anatolian plain, a ruddy outcrop of rock and stunted trees that has become one of Turkey''s most iconic historical sites. At the top of the ochre-pink, cone-shaped mountain is a stupendous spectacle: temples, each one a collection of remarkable-looking statues, stand on two terraces—one facing the rising sun, the other the setting sun—with a man-made pyramid of small rocks, the Tumulus of Antiochus, between them.
Termessos-Antalya:The attractions in Termessos start right by the parking area, with a monumental gate, part of an ancient temple dedicated to Hadrian. The steepness of the path that leads up to the craggy remains of the city walls soon makes it clear just why Alexander the Great declined to attack. Next, on your left, are a gymnasium, a colonnaded street (half of whose many statue bases once supported likenesses of famed wrestlers), a bath complex built of dark gray stone blocks, and then, up and around, is a very ruined colonnaded street and the 5,000-seat theater, whose perch at the edge of a sheer cliff has one of the most spectacular settings in Turkey. From this staggering height you can see the sea, the Pamphylian plain, Mt. Solymus, and the occasional mountain goat or ibex. Farther around is the well-preserved bouleterion, where the city council met, surrounded by several temples, the very overgrown market, and some huge underground cisterns. Termessos has one more wonder: several vast necropolises, with nearly 1,000 tombs scattered willy-nilly on a rocky hill. A signposted alternate route back to the carpark takes you past several rock-cut tombs, and back at the car park another route from the ticket office takes you to another large collection of tombs.s
Cappadocia:Cappadocia Monasteries and Underground Cities are amazing. It consists of ancient painted chapels, arches, pilasters all carved into rock and there is also a hideaway for Christians fleeing from persecution.
Yazilikaya Hattusas:Yazilikaya is the stony line up of cone headed deities (Gods) at this sacred Hittite shrine which is so much more impressive in person then in pictures. The true mystery is who was the first to discover Chamber B which is a room of enigmatic carved reliefs inconspicuously hidden inside a jagged chasm in the rock.

                                                                    Planning Your Trip to Turkey
Travelling to Turkey, Although the paint is barely dry on the Ataturk International Airport,its international terminal underwent renovations in 2007.It’s likely to be a result of the pressure that was created by increased arrivals and departures, because Turkish Airlines has spread out to the little known Sabiha Gokcen Airport,located on the outskirts of Istanbul on the Asian side of the Bosphorus.Flights are for now mostly domestic use,but budget-minded visitors may want to look into service offered by Pegasus which is from London, Bologna, and Vienna, Easyjet is from London, Condor which is from Amsterdam and Myair which is from Milan. Remember though that the bus ride into town will add 90 or so minutes to the trip.
Visitor Information, Entry Requirements & Money - Entry visas for people with American passports now costs $29 for admission to what is fast becoming one of the globe''s top destinations. Visas for Canadians now cost US$60, British pay £10, and the fee for Australians is up to $68. Kiwis get in for free. In attempt to lower the rates Turkey will be lowering its VAT rate, beginning in 2008, from 18% to 8%. New for this edition is the inclusion of conversion rates for both the U.S. dollar and the British pound.
Rising prices are not the only consequence of the current frenzy surrounding Turkish tourism. Renewed demand translates to the emergence ferry services. In the summer of 2007, Deniz Cruise & Ferry Lines (www.denizline.com.tr) brought out Istanbul-to-Bodrum cruises. Istanbul-to-Izmir excursions were organized through the summer of 2007. There is also a new passenger ferry service from Istanbul to Bursa. This resulted in the inflow of cash from tourism and foreign direct investment, the government has invested in infrastructure projects that have brought Turkey''s motorways up to European standards.
Istanbul
Travelling-A number of domestic airline start-ups are giving the standards a challenge.These include Pegasus which serves Izmir and Kayseri from Istanbul via www.flypgs.com, IZair which is Istanbul to Izmir via www.izair.com.tr and Atlasjet which serves Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum,Canakkale,Izmir,and so forth via www.atlasjet.com.tr. Fares could be as low as 45YTL (US$39/£17).
So many city renewal projects are underway in Istanbul and so much progress is being made, it just makes Istanbul offer a better Turkish experience.Istiklal Caddesi is now completely repaved with flat marble blocks. Galip Dede Sokak, leading down from Tunel to the Galata Tower, is no longer dangerous as it''s been newly paved with modern cobblestones and the sidewalks have been widened. Streets all over the city that were formerly dusty and potholed messes have also been newly cobbled. One major improvement is the completion of the tramway all the way up to Kabatas, next to Dolmabahçe Palace. Together with the new funicular connecting Kabatas with Taksim Square, makes getting around the city very easy and Taksim square is looking great. It also completes the public transport network connecting Atatürk Airport with the city. Still another funicular was completed over in the neighborhood of Eyüp, making that haul up the hill from the base of Pierre Loti Caddesi. Construction of the Marmaray Project, a 76km (47-mile) rail that at its center will include a much needed connection from Taksim to the airport is being completed as quickly as possible, given the most recent developments. During construction, workers unearthed the groundbreaking remains of a Theodesius-era port at Yenikapi and pre-classical artifacts at Sirkeci.
You do need to be careful as petty crimes seem to be on the rise throughout Istanbul. An example could be that now men aren’t safe walking alone at night as there’s a higher chance of them being mugged and people are warned to be alert whilst walking through busy places such as Taksim due to ‘pick pocketers’. It is just best and advised that all precautions are taken.
There are so many great places to stay in Istanbul, Marriott, InterContinental, Radisson, and Starwood just couldn''t sit by and watch the little boutique hotels take up all the hotel profits. The result is an addition of more than 70 big named hotels under construction in 2007 alone. Some highlights of the best hotels are the Apricot Hotel (tel. 0212/638-1658), which was forced to find new space due to a change in building ownership but is now in a more delightful spot around the corner. Several new boutique hotels have opened in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, including the very special Sultanhan (tel. 0212/516-3232) and the Ottoman Hotel (tel. 0212/513-6150).The Four Seasons (tel. 0212/638-8200) in Sultanahmet got permission to construct an annex at the back of its property. Les Ottomans (tel. 0212/359-1500) will be some serious competition for other hotels because it has 10 units making it exclusivity more than guaranteed. They’ve brought new style to the back streets of Beyoglu is the Misafir Suites (tel. 0212/249-8930) which is a seven-unit hideaway with studio like apartment. Meanwhile, two old horses, the Pera Palas and the palace section of the eminent Çiragan Palace, are undergoing extensive renovations and should be reopened soon.
Pricing increases in Turkey have not stopped the middle and upper classes from packing tables as fast as restaurants can open. This is due to the high standards provided and the good reputations they uphold. Mikla is the most recent undertaking of celebrity chef Mehmet Gürs (tel. 0212/293-5656). House Café (tel. 0212/259-2377) has emerged as a popular franchise phenomenon. The proletariat-friendly Saray Muhallebiçileri (tel. 0212/292-3434) has opened a number of new locations around the city, in addition to its current location on Istiklal Caddesi, in the space opposite its original location. Due to the cleaning up of the streets around Taksim this has pumped new life into Kurabiye Sokak, which is now a place where there are many simple and inexpensive restaurants, both old and new. One standout is Parsifal (tel. 0212/245-2588) which serves an inventive all-vegetarian menu.
A really popular Turkish attraction is the Ayasofya. The beautiful Byzantine mosaics on the second-floor gallery of the Ayasofya were just recently cleaned resulting in an extra entrance fee to the upper gallery, in addition to the museum admission. The largest collection of sarcophagi in Turkey is now on display in the Northern Wing of the Istanbul Archaeology Museum (tel. 0212/520-7740), which was inaugurated in 2007 so that would be grand to look at considering it was hidden for 25 years. On the less cerebral end of exploring Istanbul, the Süleymaniye Hamami (tel. 0212/519-5569) recently opened to the public.
Two new shopping malls have opened which are aiming for the up-market crowd. The shops at Istinye create a lovely atmosphere above the Bosphorus. And down in Nisantasi, the new indoor City Mall aims to target Istanbul''s version of those who shop on Madison Avenue or in Knightsbridge.
                                                                     Visitor Information for Turkey
For information on Turkey as well as visa requirements the Turkish Embassy website is the best one to look at as it’s specific to one''s country which is on www.turkey.org or www.tourismturkey.org in the United States. In Canada it’s www.turkishembassy.org.au and the same in Australia.For the United Kingdom it’s www.gototurkey.co.uk. The Embassy also administers a "consulate online" in English at www.trconsulate.org providing up-to-date information.
The Turkish Ministry of Culture (www.kultur.gov.tr) owns a fantastic website that contains cultural information, events, regional resources, and current-events articles. Two other great sights for current information are www.gatetoturkey.com, which also puts out The Gate magazine available in Istanbul airports, and www.mymerhaba.com, created by expats for expats living in Turkey.
In the United States, the Turkish Government Tourist Office presents itself in both New York City and Washington, D.C.: at 821 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017 and the number to call is212/687-2195, and at 2525 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 306, Washington, DC 20008 the phone number 202/612-6800. You can stock up on maps, brochures, ferry schedules to Greece, and access to practical information via an interactive computer database.
A very handy travel tip is that when wanting to buy tickets for main events around town you can buy them through Biletix (tel. 0216/556-9800; www.biletix.com) as well as at the following hotel concierge desks: Divan, Swissôtel, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, Radisson SAS, Marmara, and Marmara Pera.Tours Turkey www.toursturkey.com ,www.castletravelcenter.com.tr
                                                                          When to Go to Turkey
After a decade of some ups and mostly downs, Turkey''s tourism industry is galloping at a nice clip, thank you very much. Almost 10 international hotel chains opened properties in Istanbul in 2007 alone, and the Hilton group is planning 25 additional hotels in Turkey in the coming years. So basically, if you''re looking for a quiet bargain, the window of opportunity has long since passed. For the inconvenience of traveling on full flights, staying in hotels booked to capacity and paying top dollar for almost everything (except where the dollar sign has changed to the euro or British pound sterling), visitors will be greeted by a country of intriguing contradictions positively overflowing with optimism for a more prosperous future.
Nevertheless, the seasonal ebbs and flows of tourism in Turkey follow some general patterns. The absolute best time to go is during the "shoulder season" months of April, May, mid- to late September, and October, when families send their kids back to school, museum sites are less crowded, and the heat is pleasantly balmy. You might even need a sweater for the early morning chill or late-evening breezes, especially in Istanbul and on the steppes. Cappadocia is a great destination for rafting in the spring as well as for the autumn colors, while hiking, biking, and camping around the coastal villages are great spring or fall diversions.
Prices peak during high season, which loosely refers to July, August, and the first half of September, when the azure coastlines teem with sun-and-fun seekers. It can get excruciatingly hot during these months, especially in the hellish humidity of Antalya  perfect for a beachside or cruising vacation, but positively infernal under the blazing sun reflected off of the white stone and marble of archaeological sites.
In the winter the coastal towns shut down like a submarine before a descent, although things tend to miraculously reopen (at high-season pricing) for the Christmas and New Year''s holidays. Cappadocia takes on an otherworldly wonderland aspect covered with a dusting of snow, but icy conditions may ruin a horseback-riding trek. Also, the hilltops of the Gallipoli Peninsula can get very wet and windy, so a pilgrimage to the battlegrounds may be best planned for the summertime.
                                                                   Calendar of Events in Turkey
Listed here is a selection of events wacky, weird, or wonderful enough (or all three) to go out of your way for. It would be impossible to list all of the local or regional festivals -- besides, this book doesn''t attempt to list all of Turkey''s tourist destinations. But once arrived, keep your ear to the ground for colorful happenings such as the traditional mesir festival in Manisa, the International Pamukkale Song Competition, the Hittite Festival in Çorum, the Rose Festival in Isparta, the Golden Pistachio Festival in Gaziantep, and the Javelin games in Konya. For more information on these localized festivities, contact the tourism office in the corresponding region.
Islam follows the lunar calendar, which is shorter than the Gregorian calendar by 11 days. The result is that Muslim religious holidays fall on different dates each year. The dates for religious holidays listed here are accurate for 2008 and 2009.
January
Camel Wrestling Festival,Selcuk.Did you know that as the temperature drops,a camel''s aggression level rises?This event,scheduled erratically in January or February, provides a natural, if not inhumane, tension release as much for the poor beasts as for the testosterone-heavy locals nervously betting against the odds. The camels'' mouths are bound to prevent biting, and 14 rope bearers stand by in case the scene starts to get out of hand. The last one to remain standing or in the ring wins. Sometime in January or February; dates vary.
March
Festival of Victory, Çanakkale. This festival celebrates the Turks'' successful defense of the Dardanelles against invading British warships during World War I. Performances by the traditional Ottoman army mehter band, with its imposing cacophony of cymbals, horns, and percussion, can only suggest the terror instilled by the approaching Ottoman army. March 18.
April
International Istanbul Film Festival, Istanbul. This festival lasts 2 weeks, from the last Saturday of March to mid-April, offering movie buffs the rare opportunity to view Turkish movies with English subtitles. For schedules and tickets, contact travel agencies in Istanbul (tel. 0212/334-0700; ). Early April.
Tulip Festival, Istanbul.The Tulip,widely accepted as having been imported from Holland and cultivated by an appreciative Turkish 17th-century society, is celebrated annually in Istanbul.
National Sovereignty and Children''s Day, Istanbul and Ankara. This day celebrates the anniversary of the first Grand National Assembly, which met in Ankara in 1920 and was later decreed by Atatürk as Children''s Day. The day is marked by parades and processions by schoolchildren. Banks and public offices are closed. April 23.
Anzac Day, Çanakkale. A trip to the Gallipoli Peninsula has become a sort of pilgrimage for Australians and New Zealanders indoctrinated into the folklore of the failed Allied invasion of the Straits. Memorial ceremonies begin at dawn and are staggered throughout the morning. Keep in mind that Çanakkale is bursting at the seams with Down-Unders who, although solemn and respectful by day, let loose in the bars at night. April 24 and 25.International Music Festival, Ankara. Home of the country''s first conservatory, symphonic orchestra, opera, ballet, and theater, Ankara shows the world its importance as a major cultural center each year during this international event. There are orchestral performances, chamber music, and Turkish contemporary artists playing traditional and folk music from all over the world. For schedules and tickets, contact the Sevda-Cenap & Music Foundation, Tunali Hilmi Sok. 114/26 (tel. 0312/427-0855; www.ankarafestival.com). Late April to mid-May.
May
Festival of Culture and Art, Selçuk and Ephesus. The best part about this local festival is the use of the Great Theatre at Ephesus as a venue for some of the concerts and theatrical presentations. First week of May.Youth & Sports Day. Atatürk arrived in Samsun on this day in 1919, which signifies the beginning of the Independence War. Students nationwide participate in athletic games, gymnastic events, and parades. May 19.Fatih Festivities, Istanbul. This festival commemorates the conquest of Byzantium in 1453 by Sultan Fatih Mehmet with local celebrations. May 29.
June
Antalya Sand Sculpture Exhibition. Several dozen sand-sculpture artists convene from more than 14 countries to create temporary fantasies of oriental lore in sand. The exhibition takes place at a beach to be determined annually. Mid-June through September.
Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival. Live performances in the spectacular (now open-air) Theatre of Aspendos, the best-preserved theater of antiquity. For information, call tel. 0312/309-1409 or fax 0312/310-7248. June through July.
International Istanbul Music Festival. This world-class festival features big names in classical, opera, and ballet. Past artists have included La Scala Philharmonic, the Royal Coincertgebouw Orchestra, the Tokyo String Quartet, Itzhak Perlman, Idil Biret, and Burhan Ocaal. For schedules and tickets, contact the Istanbul Foundation for Culture & the Arts (tel. 0212/293-3133; www.istfest.org). Mid-June to mid-July.
International Izmir Festival. Not to be outdone by either Istanbul''s numerous international festivals or the popular draw of Antalya''s Aspendos Theatre venue, Izmir has proudly sponsored its own artistic extravaganza for more than 22 years (23, in 2009). A sampling of past feature productions include Sophocles''s Electra, performed at the Celsus Library at Ephesus; the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performance at Ephesus''s Great Theatre; and the Izmir State Classical Turkish Music Chorus singing at the Alaçati open-air theater in Çesme. Tickets can be purchased at a number of box offices in Izmir, Bodrum, and Çesme; for information go to www.iksev.org. Mid-June to mid-July.
Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Tournaments, Edirne (Sarayiçi) and in villages around the country. This revered national sport involves the fittest of Turkish youth and astonishing amounts of olive oil to prevent the opponent from getting a good grip. The event is usually accompanied by a colorful market and fair. Late June/early July.
July
Cabotage Day. This maritime festival commemorates the establishment of Turkey''s sea borders. Major ports with marinas usually celebrate with yacht races and swimming competitions. For more information, contact the Tourist Information Office of the town you will be visiting. July 1.
International Jazz Festival, Istanbul. Performances are held at various locations around the city. For schedules, dates, and tickets, contact the Istanbul Foundation for Culture & the Arts (tel. 0212/293-3133; www.istfest.org).
Folklore and Music Festival, Bursa. One of Turkey''s best folk-dancing events of the year, this festival features dance groups from around the country, lasts 1 week, and includes concerts and crafts displays. For more information and specific dates, contact the Bursa Foundation of Culture, Art, and Tourism (tel. 0312/427-1853) or the Bursa Tourism Information Office (tel. 0224/251-1834). Last 2 weeks in June through first week in July.
August
Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus. A special Mass conducted by the archbishop of Izmir celebrates the Assumption at the house of Mary. August 15.
Zafer Bayrami (Victory Day). This national holiday commemorates the decisive victory over the invading Greek armies during the War of Independence in 1922. Parades run through the main streets, and if you go soon, you may still brush elbows with some surviving vets. August 30.
International Ballet Festival, Bodrum. "Easy on the eyes" is an understatement when referring to the open-air dance performances staged under the warm glow of the night-lit castle of St. Peter. The annual festival hosts troupes from around the globe. Ticket sellers are ubiquitous on concert days; for advance information contact the Bodrum tourist office (tel. 0312/324-2210; www.bodrumballetfestival.gov.tr). Last 2 weeks in August.
International Mountain Biking Festival, Cappadocia. The Delta Bike Club celebrates the marriage of bicycles and monastic pathways with their annual mountain festival. The setting offers unbeatable peaks and valleys formed of ancient volcanic tufa, and various levels of difficulty (tel. 0312/223-6027). End of August.
September
International Istanbul Biennial. The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts puts on this major visual arts event organized around a current political or philosophical theme. Artists are selected from over 45 countries, whose innovative exhibitions are displayed around town, in clever venues like 500-year-old warehouses, deconsecrated churches and synagogues, and even commuter ferries (www.iksv.org). September 12 to November 8, 2009.
October
Akbank Jazz Festival. This 2-week-long festival brings the blues simultaneously to Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Now in its 17th season, the festival hosts world-renowned performers in the cities'' most atmospheric venues (tel. 0212/252-3500; www.akbanksanat.com). Last 2 weeks in October.
Golden Orange Film Festival. For 44 years, Antalya has been the host of the Altin Portakal (Golden Orange) Film Festivali, Turkey''s version of the Oscars. But with the 2005 inauguration of the Eurasia Film Festival, the combined event has made international waves and attracted the likes of Francis Ford Coppola, Sophie Marceau, and Miranda Richardson (tel. 0212/244-5251; www.altinportakal.org.tr). Mid-October to mid-November.
Cumhuriyet Bayrami (Republic Day). This event celebrates the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. Parades, public speeches, and firework displays are just a few of the organized events, but the Turks do their own celebrating as well. October 29.
November
Yachting Week, Marmaris. A star-studded international boating crowd gathers here to set sail for the Aegean or the Mediterranean. For information, call tel. 0252/455-3636, or fax 0252/455-3650. First week in November.
Anniversary of Atatürk''s Death. Turkey comes to a grinding halt at exactly 9:05am, when the population pays its respects to the father and founder of the Republic. Rather than a moment of silence, the streets and waterways echo with the blare of car horns and foghorns. Atatürk-related activities are planned for the day, such as conferences, speeches, and exhibitions, in addition to a memorial concert at the Atatürk Cultural Center''s opera house. November 10.
December
Festival of St. Nicholas, Demre. Santa Claus actually lived on the Mediterranean, as bishop of Myra in the 4th century. A festival and symposium are held at the Byzantine church that honors old St. Nick. Early December.
Mevlana Festival, Konya. Whirling Dervishes believe that spiritual union with God is achieved through the sema, a trance-inducing dancing rite. The mystical ballet is shared with the public during this December festival, providing a window into one of Turkey''s most precious cultural treasures. Book your tickets early, either through a travel agent or by contacting Konya''s Tourism Information Office (tel. 0332/351-1074). The week leading up to December 17.
                                                 The Best Things to Bring Home from your visit in Turkey
There are so many lovely things that many tourists take home as souvenirs to remember their Turkish experience. The most popular are things such as:-
Carppets and Kilims:Carpets & Kilims are good because they come in beautiful varieties and they are handmade. A great Turkish experience that is offered as a tour is going to watch the carpets being made and watch how it is done. Turkey''s tribal carpets and kilims represent a cultural tradition that goes back for centuries. The symmetrical designs are mainly from Kayseri and Hereke where the latter traditionally boasts the most exquisite silk showpieces.
Ottoman Books and Rare Prints:Ottoman Books & Rare Prints are also a much loved buy as the Ottomans were brilliant at calligraphy and embellishing the pages with dust from sapphires, lapis lazuli, gold, and other gems. Miniatures normally represent times from the life of a sultan and his family.It has colorful shades to give the page some life. One of the most valuable of originals or reproductions is the tugra, the sultan''s elaborately ornate and personal seal.The Sahaflar Çarsisi in Istanbul is the best place to find these treasures, as are the streets near Tunel in Beyoglu.
Turkish Delight:Turkish Delight is a very popular gift to take home.It’s a sweet jelly that’s made wıth dried nuts, fruits, syrup,and cornstarch is a national favorite.Another bonus is that it isn’t expensive and can be bought pretty much in any Turkish town. It''s known as lokum in Turkish. It comes in a variety of flavors so you’re not limited to one kind so guaranteed there will be a flavor for everyone. Pottery and Ceramics:Pottery & Ceramics is an interest in turkey as they have some beautiful designs and use bright, stunning colors. These arts thrived under the Ottomans as their skilled craftsmen perfected the coral red and cobalt blue of the Iznik tile. It’s only now that the intensity of these colors has been made again. The only authentic reproductions come out of the Iznik Foundation''s workshop and showroom in Iznik, which has a branch in Istanbul. Ordinary but equally stunning porcelain designs on white clay come from Kuthaya and are sold throughout Turkey.
Turkish Textiles:Turkish Textiles are widely loved and if you check the labels on any fine linens, terry-cloth supplies, and cotton T-shirts then more than likely it will have been manufactured in Turkey as they export a large amount of textiles, supplying the raw materials for well known retailers such as OP,Calvin Klein,Walt Disney and XOXO.Bursa and Pamukkale are both famous for the quality of their goods.Many residents from Istanbul go to one of these towns to stock up on plush towels and terry-cloth robes. The prices are great too as they are good-quality pieces that can be bought for about 7YTL/$6.10/£2.80. Bursa is also famous for its silks.
Turkish people use copper for pretty much everything because it looks good in particular the white copper. People who serve tea with the wide copper platters that double as tables represent typical Turkish style. The shiny white bowls you see in a Turkish bath are copper as well. For the best prices and selection then the Cadircilar Caddesi which is near the Grand Bazaar is the best option. Bakircilar Carsisi which near the citadel in Ankara is a good choice too.
Gold and Silver:Gold and Silver, like most places the price is determined by weight, but with labor being so cheap great deals are easy to find. The Istanbul Handicrafts Center has an atelier where an artisan crafts his own work.In Urgüp, many of the pieces have local precious stones. Museum gift shops are also great sources of unique jewelry.Silver shops are very popular and are usually dotted around all over and they do some absolutely stunning jewelry such as, the rings are gorgeous.
Olive Oil:Food is something that tourists like to take home due to the exoticism of the East. Istanbul''s Egyptian Spice Bazaar, where you can find over five different types of saffron at prices that will ensure you take home a sample of each. People take Turkish olive oil home as its divine and really good quality. The smoothest and most delicious is bottled by Komili.
Meerschaum Pipes:Meerschaum Pipes are carved from the magnesium silicate found primarily in Eskisehir, these ivory -colored pipes are hollowed out and polished to mimic playful or grotesque images. The pipes are sold in most souvenir shops and make fun, frolicsome showpieces.