Turkey ''The Dream Destination''
TRAVEL TURKEY WITH SHAWANA
CAPPADOCIA
I am sure you have seen 100's of hot air balloons flying in the sky all over the social media. And if you wondered where it was… well here it is in Cappadocia. This place is known to be the best place to fly in a hot air balloon.
Every morning if the wind is not too strong and the weather conditions are fine the hot air balloons start going up one after the other from 4 am on wards. This is definitely one of the bucket list things to do if you are not afraid of heights or flying in a basket. You will be flying over and between the fairy chimneys and through the impressive surreal valleys each with distinct rock formations, features and colors. But there is a hefty price tag to it. Prices are between 125€ and 260€ depending on the duration of the flight and how many people are sharing the flight. The duration is usually between 1 – 3 hours and passengers between 12 – 15 people. The balloon companies will pick u up from your accommodation at around 4:30 am in the morning and bring you to the location of flight take off!!
What is even more beautiful and magnificent than riding a hot air balloon is to see them take-off as the first rays of sun starts coming out. If flying in them is a little out of your budget or if height scares you this is the best way to experience them. To be honest, this was my favorite thing to do. You can go to several take-off locations to see the go up in the air. If you don’t want to miss the first rays of sunlight falling on the balloons you definitely want to be on the viewpoints early.
Here are some of the spots from where you can see them fly
BOSPHORUS BRIDGE
The impressive structure cost around $200 million to build. It has 8 lanes, 3 in each direction, plus an emergency lane and a sidewalk, although pedestrians are no longer allowed to walk across the bridge. It is estimated that over 180,000 vehicles pass over the bridge daily. On July 15th 2016, the Bosphorus Bridge was officially renamed Martyrs Bridge, although it is often still referred to as First Bridge.
The Bosphorus Bridge was the first of three suspension bridges to connect the naturally divided city. Prior to its construction, the Bosphorus strait could only be crossed by boat. Ferry services still function regularly and are perhaps a more pleasant way to make the crossing, some believe that if you make a wish made while passing under the bridge it will come true. Day Cruises on the Bosphorus Strait will bring passengers to the Bosphorus Bridge, stopping at many Istanbul attraction on the way.
HAGIA SOPHIA
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque / Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi, with its innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance and extraordinary characteristics has been fighting against time for centuries, was the largest Eastern Roman Church in Istanbul. Constructed three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. With its breathtaking domes that look like hanging in the air, monolithic marble columns and unparalleled mosaics, is one of the wonders of world’s architecture history. The sheer dazzling beauty of mosque with its magnificent play on space, light, and color provokes worship in the believer! Hagia Sophia pose on the ground of the first hill of Istanbul, precisely at the tip of the historic peninsula, surrounded by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn on three sides.
Today's Hagia Sophia (Turkish:Ayasofya, Latin: Sancta Sophia, Spanish: Santa Sofia, Russian:Собор Святой Софии, literally:Holy Wisdom or Divine Wisdom) is the third building constructed in the same place with a different architectural understanding than its predecessors. Hagia Sophia considered the embodiment of Byzantine Architecture and also said changed the history of architecture. By the order of Emperor Justinianos, it was built by Anthemios (mathematician) from Tralles (today's Aydin) and Isidoros (geometrician and engineer) from Miletos (today's Balat). The construction started in 532 and was completed in a period of five years and opened for worship in 537 with great ceremony. An earthquake swarm which hit the Constantinople from May 7,558 to following the years 546 and 557 were destructive. The dome of the Hagia Sophia collapsed and thousands of houses couldn't resist magnitude of quakes.
The Hagia Sophia and Byzantine city of Constantinople sacked and looted in April 1204 by the Venetians and the Crusaders on the Fourth Crusade which regarded as shocking betrayal amongst Christians. The crusader nobleman Baldwin of Flanders was crowned as emperor in Hagia Sophia, but most Byzantines refused to recognize him, and the empire fragmented into four small independent states.
The opening ceremony for worship in Hagia Sophia Mosque held on 24 July 2020, with the attendance of President of the Republic of Turkey Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Before the prayers, President Erdoğan recited from the Qur'an inside the reverted mosque, choosing verses from both the Surah Al-Fatihah and the Surah Al-Baqarah. Some 350,000 people participated in traditional Friday prayers at Istanbul's historic Hagia Sophia Mosque. Administrative duties for the mosque split between Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate, or Diyanet, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Diyanet administrate religious activities, while the latter continue to administer conservation and restoration projects, and the management of relics contained within the mosque. Addressing the nation regarding Hagia Sophia Mosque’s re-opening for worship, President Erdogan said: “Hagia Sophia’s doors will be, as is the case with all our mosques, wide open to all, whether they be foreign or local, Muslim or non-Muslim. With its new status, Hagia Sophia, the shared heritage of humanity, will continue to embrace all in a much more sincere and original way.”
Authorities announced that the features of Hagia Sophia will continue to be preserved and protected, and will remain open to the public in the same manner the Blue Mosque is open to visitors and tourists of all denominations and faiths. Apart from functioning as a working mosque, the Hagia Sophia is also among Turkey's top tourism destinations for domestic and foreign visitors alike.
TAKSIM SQUARE
Taksim square, with its location leading to the monument, Gezi park, domed church of Aya Triada, nostalgic tram, Huseyin Aga Mosque and famous Istiklal Street, is the most popular square in Istanbul as well as in Turkey. It is just like the famous ones in the Europen countries.
Strolling around the Taksim Sqaure, watching the crowd and than passing to Istiklal Street and enjoying the lively atmosphere are one of the best things to do around.Located just by the Taksim Square, the Gezi Park is a beautiful park and the only intense green area of Taksim. You may take a good rest there by watching the liveliness of the city under the big trees and gardens.
Istiklal Street (Istiklal Avenue) is probably the most famous street and entertainment area in Istanbul. It is a long colorful pedestrian street full of all kind of shops, restaurants, cafes and street shows. You may visit the fantastic Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the amazing St. Anthony of Padua Church and Pera Museum there. If you would like to have a dinner and night entertainment, you may spend the evening at the famous Asmalimescit dining and wining street. Read more about Istiklal Street
You’ll find Taksim Square in the heart of the Taksim neighborhood of the Beyoglu district.
FOOD IN TURKEY
38 Delicious Turkish Foods
Here’s a list of the top Turkish cuisines that are perfect for hardcore foodies. Make your holiday in Turkish an amazing culinary experience by gorging on these delicious treats. Take a look to see what all awaits you there in terms of the finest Turkish traditional food before you settle down in a cozy cafe and start ordering away!
- Mantı: Mini Ravioli
- Köfte: Turk’s Meatballs
- Lahmacun: Turkish Style Pizza
- Menemen: Turkish Egg Delicacy
- Şiş Kebap: Turkish Seekh Kebab
- Döner: Turkish Sub
- İskender Kebab: Strips Of Lamb
- Corba: Turkish Soup
- Kuzu Tandir: Lamb Delicacy
- Pide: Turkish Patty
- Meze: Dish With A Fish
- Çiğ Köfte: Spicy Balls
- Pilav (Pilaf): Turkish Pulao
- Yaprak Sarma: A Healthy Snack
- Dolma: Vegetarian Delicacy
- İmam Bayıldı: A Spicy Delight
- Borek: Spinach Or Meat Puffs
- Durum: Non-Veg Wrap
- Kumpir: Must-Have Snack
- Balik Ekmek: Fish Sandwich
- Simit: Turkish Pretzel
- Kunefe: Most Famous Dessert
- Baklava: Pastries
- Lokum: Yummy Jellies
- Halva: Unique Halwa
- Mozzaik Pasta: Chocolate Cake
- Güllaç: Traditional Dessert
- Turkish Tea & Coffee: A Delightful Beverage
- Kayısı Tatlısı: Dried Apricots
- Mercimek Köftesi: Delicious Koftas
- Haydari: Turkish Dip
- Tursu Suyu: Refreshing Juice
- Kahvalti: Turkish Breakfast
- Kazan Dibi: Burnt Dessert
- Hunkar Begendi: Dish Of The Royals
- Islak Burgers: Wet Hamburgers
- Salep: An Orchid Drink
- Yogurtlu Kebab: Tomatoes, Herbs & Yogurt!
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