Asia, Turkey is a fascinating treasure trove of well-preserved archaeological and historical sites from 13 civilizations spanning more than 10,000 years. In contrast, it’s also a haven for modern-day beach resorts. Turkey has an important strategic position. Surrounded by the Black, Mediterranean and Aegean seas and bordered by Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Bulgaria, Greece, Iraq and Syria, Turkey is the epicenter of major trade and migration routes. Visitors to Turkey can watch monks perform the Whirling Dervishes dance, take a public bath in a hamam, or climb Mount Ararat to the reputed landing spot of Noah’s Ark.
As for the cities, let’s start with Istanbul, where east literally meets west, as the Bhosporous bisects Istanbul into two continents. Here the day begins when Muezzins call the devout to prayer at dawn. The city’s religious shrines are something to behold. Hippodrome Square contains two masterpieces -- Hagia Sophia, the 6th century basilica, and the Blue Mosque, with its six minarets and blue interior tiles. Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans, features jewels and other artifacts. Buy carpets and hand-painted ceramics at the 3,500-shop Grand Bazaar.
Cappadocia’s Goreme Open-Air Museum has a lunar landscape -- bizarre volcanic rock-cone formations called “fairy chimneys.” In this valley is where persecuted Christians dug subterranean cities around 400 B.C. Konya is home to the 13th century Whirling Dervish Monastery. Visit the legendary walls and wooden horse replica in Homer’s Troy. Swim in Pamukkale’s shallow thermal pools surrounded by frozen white travertine waterfalls. See the ancient Acropolis Theater in Pergamon or explore seaside Antalya’s archeological museum. Possibly the most phenomenal site in Turkey is the in-tact city of Ephesus, built in the 1st century B.C. Its Temple of Artemis is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.