Despite a massive suicide bombing in its capital Ankara, an ambiguous role in the war against Daesh (ISIS), and two national elections in five months, Turkey retains its age-old appeal to visitors - justifiably, writes GP Speak team member Angela Bettess.
There are so many good things to see and do in Turkey, and reducing them to a short-list of five highlights has not been easy. Nevertheless, allow me to share my top five experiences from a recent trip to Turkey lasting three weeks…
1) Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia
Waking up before sunrise was well worth the effort as one hundred hot air balloons floated up into the air above Cappadocia --> . Serene, wild and unforgettably beautiful, Turkey’s central desert landscape was forged by three volcanic eruptions resulting in laval formations that have since been shaped by the elements. What remains is a surreal landscape of 'fairy chimneys' – or oddly shaped steeples of rock—that provide an amazing backdrop for the morning flock of multicoloured balloons . Also incredible was the skilful landing of the baskets directly onto the trailers as they came back down to the ground.
2) Exploring ancient Ephesus
Walking down the main stretch of the ruined city of Ephesus is illuminating. As the once capital of Asia Minor in ancient Roman times, Ephesus has an expansive structural layout with many intricacies. Still preserved are the remains of an amphitheatre once used for concerts, toilets, a gateway leading to the massive façade of the Library of Celsus, as well as a sign in the marble footway leading to a brothel.
3) Bathing in Cleopatra's pool
Along the hill at Pamukkale, shimmering blue pools cascade in tiers. These pools are the result of hot water springs beneath the ground: dissolved calcium precipitates to form the solid white surface that lines the Travertines. It is said that Cleopatra herself enjoyed bathing in the famous Ancient Pool where unusually warm mineral water still flows.
4) Shared stories at Gallipoli
To be where so many ANZACs had died, and also to hear the stories about some of the more personal interactions between the ANZACs and the Turkish soldiers, was deeply moving. The experience of this area echoed Ataturk’s sentiment from 1934: "There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours.”
5) Mosques and Markets in Istanbul
Istanbul is a buzzing metropolis with the Bosphorus strait separating East (Asia) from West (Europe). The Hagia Sophia is an important monument to both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires: originally a church, then a mosque, it now remains a museum of the Turkish Republic. Its dimly lit corridors and gilded domes are exquisite and conjure a wonderful atmosphere. The Blue Mosque is similarly spectacular, as the only mosque with six minarets and an interior embedded in characteristically blue tiles.
Across the city you will also find bazaars and markets filled with a myriad of shops selling jewellery, intricately painted plates, scarves, leather goods, spices, fresh food and other merchandise. Of particular interest is the famous Spice Market, where delicious produce (such as pomegranate juice) can be tested. This is also where the stairs to the enchanting Rustem Pasha Mosque can be found: although small and with only one minaret, it has a special feel due to its position within the market and the blue tiles found on reaching its door.
