By Kimberley Riccio
The ultimate wealth of Turkey is in its historical tourism. There are biblical sites such as Mount Ararat, sites of past civilizations and sites of ancient battles such as Troy. A historical vacation to Turkey is worth the effort. Turkey is a vast country, with many landmarks and festivals to investigate and discover. However, be sure to allow enough travel time as well as sightseeing time.
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
Constructed in 1459, the Topkapi Palace was the home of Ottoman Emperors. Today, the palace is a museum with collections of art, architecture, weapons and jewelry. A Harem section of the palace can also be toured, but by a guided tour and separate ticket. The museum's hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the tourist season. Fee for the main part of the museum is about $15.
Kultur Bakanligi Anitlar ve Muzeler Genel Mudurlugu,
II. Meclis Binasi, 06100, Ulus, Ankara, Turkey.
Phone: +90 312 310 4960
Website: kultur.gov.tr
The Goreme Valley near Cappadocia
The Goreme is an Open Air Museum that encompasses a complex system of medieval caves, churches, rectories and a religious school. Many of the churches within the museum complex are famous for being thousand-year-old churches that house A.D. 1200 Byzantine frescoes painted by the medieval monks. The cave homes and dwellings that make up the underground towns are what remain of 4th century human habitats. The museum is about a mile from Goreme on the road to Uchisar, and worth the 15 minute walk. However, visit early in the morning to avoid the heat. There is $9 entrance fee. The museum hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Phone: +90 384 271 2167
Website: sacred-destinations.com/turkey/cappadocia-goreme-open-air-museum.htm
Ephesus in Anatolia
One of the greatest archaeological sites is the many ruins at Ephesus. Ephesus, at one time was the center of Roman culture and trade. The Temple of Artemis, God of War, is located at Ephesus, as it the Cave of Zeus. The early Christians also have their holy sites for pilgrimages, with the burial site of Apostle John and the Virgin Mary. The best way to visit all the sites of Ephesus is with a tour company such as Ephesus Tours. On the other hand, an interesting if not economical way to tour Ephesus is by hiring a minibus and professional tour guide and creating your own tour program.
Saglik Cad. Oge Sok. No: 61
Post Code: 09400
Kusadasi - Aydin / TURKEY
Phone: +90 256 614 4205
E-mail: info@aboutephesus.com
Website: aboutephesus.com/content/view/44/10/
Bodrum Castle
The castle built by the Knights of St. John, has served as a military garrison, a compound enclosing a tiny village, and even as a fortress prison. Today the museum is home to many impressive artifacts from underwater archeology. The museum is open between 9 a.m. and Noon, and again between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology
Bodrum - Mugla - Turkey
Phone: +90 252 316 2516
Website: bodrum-museum.com/index.htm
About the Author:
Kimberley Riccio has been writing professionally since 1978. She writes travel articles for various e-magazines and other online publications. Riccio holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from Wilmington University, culinary certification from Le Cordon Blu and a Master of Science in cultural sociology from the Defense Graduate Institute.
