Turkey: a flavour of Western & Eastern, Modern & Archaic

Turkey is a parliamentary republic in Eurasia situated at the crossroads of the Balkans, Caucasus, Middle East, and eastern Mediterranean. The country is home to some of the most alluring destinations. A Mecca for art and history lovers, the stunning Turkish land is shrouded in an elegant archaic aura. It was my deep desire of touching two continents at once!!! Continent hopping in Istanbul. Hands-down one of the best travel destinations on the planet.

World’s only naturally occurring transcontinental city in the world bridging two continents - Europe and Asia. With its feet set in Europe and its body sprawling into Asia, Istanbul at once is Western and Eastern, modern and archaic. The magic of Istanbul will enchant anyone with its tall minarets, beautiful mosques, buzzing markets and vibrant culture. This Turkish city has attracted the likes of some of the greatest empires in history, such as the Greeks, the Romans, and the Ottomans. Its mesmerising to witness the sun setting in the background of Istanbul' s beautiful skyline.

Istanbul caters to tourists from across the world, from history lovers to foodies and artists. I wanted to have glimpses of this beautiful city and so by taking the morning tour, I immersed myself in Istanbul’s six best sights. It was like fitting all of the best attractions into one packed day. Strolling on Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighbourhood, brimming with iconic buildings and storied streets was a great delight. Next I ventured into Sultan Ahmed Mosque/Blue Mosque, one of the most important sites in the Muslim world. It was a feast to the eyes admiring its six signature minarets and many ornate Iznik tiles that come together to form its dazzling blue walls.

Thereafter, I delved into history of the Hagia Sophia, an UNESCO-listed museum that was once a church and a mosque. Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays.

Next, I strolled over Topkapi Palace, a crown jewel of Istanbul wherein, I explored its intricate corridors and intimate rooms where sultans once entertained elite guests—and were entertained by their harems. Guide pointed out interesting bits of backstory to the rooms, bringing to life this ornamental palace and museum. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

After a while, I moved on to the Hippodrome, where one can admire a granite Egyptian obelisk that was a gift to Istanbul. At one point, this location was marked the epi centre of the city’s sports life and also served as a political centre.

Just as I was about to move to next destination I heard a sound of big explosion. It was a bomb blast at Sultanahmet Square right where I was half an hour before the explosion. God is the saviour. It was such a narrow escape from death. The cops ordered to shut down everything. My tour was called off. After a short while, everything was in order and people resumed their chores. I covered my remaining spots on my own and visited Istanbul’s sunken palace, the Basilica Cistern, one of the biggest ancient cisterns in Istanbul.

The final stop was one of the most iconic which one surely can not miss out: the bustling Grand Bazaar. It was a great stroll through its colourful alleys, more than 60 in all, in awe of the crafts, smells, sounds and sights. As one of the most famous souks in the world, you won’t want to miss this. Grand Bazaar is closed Sundays.

I departed from the marketplace and reached the waterfront for Bosphorus Strait cruise. Guide explained how this historic expanse of water links the European and Asian continents. After I boarded the ship, the vessel cruised by the Dolmabahçe Palace. I admired its elegant façade. Then, I saw one of the largest Ottoman palaces Beylerbeyi Palace and learnt about the sultans who spent time off here. Then the cruise continued along the European side and I saw the impressive 15th century Rumeli Hisari. The magnificent coastline of Turkey warms the soul while you cruise and take in the pretty sights.

The Golden Horn (Halic) is a horn-shaped fyord on the European side of Istanbul and is fed by two small streams. It is considered to be the world’s largest natural harbour that separates the European shore of Istanbul into two. It’s a harbour where Byzantine and Ottoman fleet and commercial ships were anchored. Today, it's surrounded by parks and promenades with ancient sites around it. Its name comes from the colour of the water when at sunset it shines with a gold colour because of the reflection of the sun. The best places to observe the Golden Horn’s activity and grace are the Galata Bridge if you want ringside seats, and the Topkapi Palace or Pierre Loti Café if you prefer a bird’s-eye view.

After Istanbul, next place in Turkey I explored was a land which seems to be a fantasy: Cappadocia!!! Its fairy chimneys are unique to Turkey. What a sight to watch the lunarscape panoramas with the geological oddity of honeycombed hills, spectacular & surrealist landscape of rock caves, capped pinnacles and fretted ravines in colours ranging from warm tones of red and gold to cool tones of green and grey & towering boulders of otherworldly beauty.

Hiking in Ilhara valley was an absolute joy. Ihlara is a gorge cut by a deep green river and red cliffs, and the tour guide called it the "Turkish Grand Canyon". The scenery was gorgeous, and in addition, there were Byzantine churches galore for exploration.

The most captivating experience for me was chanting “Om” in the underground caves of Derinkuyu as the voice echoed everywhere. Bedding down in one of Cappadocia's cave hotels is an experience in 21st-century cavern dwelling truly bagging the rights of unique accommodation. Words are inadequate to describe the beauty and charm of Cappadocia. Its craggy ridges are perfect for hiking while its scenic beauty can be captured brilliantly from a hot air balloon.

Next I ventured into the place which is the highlight of this tour for me: Pamukkale. Turkey’s most famous natural wonder that is a MUST VISIT. Its pristine white terraces amid the green landscape will leave you wondering at nature’s bounty. The Cotton-Candy Beauty of Pamukkale, Turkey.

As if sheer beauty and a dip in curative thermal waters weren’t enough to make Pamukkale interesting, it shares its cliff site with the well-preserved fascinating ruins of an ancient Roman city called Hierapolis (“Sacred City”).