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Ankara
The Turkish capital of Ankara, in the heartland of what was known as Asia Minor in antiquity, has Greek and Roman ruins galore as well as Ottoman-era mosques like the Alaaddin and Ahi Elvan. Ankara known throught the world got its Angora gots.
Highlights:
The
Museum of
Anatolian Civilizations
Lovers of archeology should know that it is worth going to
Ankara just to see the incredible collections in this museum. Thousands of artifacts are displayed here, those from the Assyrian trade colonies, the mighty Hittite Empire, the Phrygian and Urartu civilizations.
The Ataturk Mausoleum
The magnificent tomb of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is evidence of honor of which the memory of the commander of the Army for National Independence and the founder of the modern
Republic of
Turkey is held. This is definitely a place which an visitor to
Ankara must visit.
Temple of Augustus
This square is considered by all to be sacred. It is very special to the Moslem population as it includes the historical Haci Bayram Mosque which has been built adjacent to the ruins of this Roman temple. The walls and foundations of the ancient building can be clearly seen.
State Art and Sculpture Museum
This museum is close to the Ethnography Museum and houses a rich collection of Turkish art from the late 19th century to the present day. galleries which host guest exhibitions |
Antalya
The city of
Antalya is one of the most importantant tourist centers in
Turkey.
The
Kocaali
Park, Yivli Minare, Hadrian’s Gate and the outstanding
Museum of A
rcheology as well as Kaleici (
Old
Town), or the inner citadel are the greater attractions in the town
Highlights:
Phaselis
Located in the midst of a wonderful natural setting, the city was founded in the 6th century B.C., as well as the Agora and the theater complex. You may go all way up the ancient theater, overlooking all three ports and enjoy the scenery.
Olympos
Olympos was founded in the 3rd century B.C. Today, the most interesting structure is the remains of the portal of a temple, located to the west of the river. In Chimera near Olympos, a flame comes out of the ground constantly.
Myra
The ancient
Myra was one of the six largest cities in
Lycia. St. Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus lived in
Myra as a priest. The rock cut tombs in
Myra are some of the best preserved in the region and worth to see.
Aspendos
The city of
Aspendos is known all over the world for the attractive
Roman
Theater, that is still in excellent shape. Aspendos Theater is the best preserved theater building of the ancient times and has survived to our day without losing none of the vital features.
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Izmir
Izmir is the third largest city of
Turkey.
The city is a major port and a very important commercial center, with the International Trade Fair, held every fall. The rich history and the strategic location of the city, in correlation with many other historical sites on the
Aegean, makes your visit all the more interesting.
Highlights:
Ephesus
The city of
Ephesus is one of the most interesting and extensive ancient sites in the world, and the very center of attraction in the Aegean region. The site and the ruins are highly admired by almost all visitors, on a day excursion from the cruise liners, or spending their vacation in the region.
House of Virgin Mary
We know that
St. John spent the last years of his life in
Ephesus and wrote his Gospel here. Jesus left his mother with John, therefore, it is believed that Mother Mary came to
Ephesus and lived here until the end of her life. Today, the small chapel here is a place of pilgrimage for the Christians from all over the world, and deeply respected by the Moslem people.
Pamukkale (
Hierapolis)
The site is located a half hour drive from Denizli and 250 km far from
Izmir. The outstanding natural site attracts people from all over the world, and the formations look almost unreal. The rich calcium content of the mineral water from the nearby thermal springs is the major cause behind the amazing land formations. You can walk on the travertine terraces, but only bare foot, and put your feet in the lukewarm mineral water.
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