With a toe in Europe and the rest of its body in Asia Minor, Turkey is rightly regarded as one of the “Cradles of Civilization"
This really is East meets West – much more than an apt description of one enormous country from its simply spectacular commercial capital of Istanbul, to the history and legacy of all the different cultures that based their empires here, cultures reflected in the enormous architectural and archaeological heritage found all over the country.
Legendary figures from Agatha Christie to James Bond to Helen of Troy have all marveled at Turkey’s mystic beauty. Truly a land of Eastern promise.
Istanbul is the thriving metropolis that bridges the east west gap across the Istanbul Strait, known to us as The Bosphorus. The current name, Istanbul, means Full of Islam and is a reflection of the Muslim heritage that characterised modern Turkish life.
Perhaps the previous names of Istanbul conjure up even more mystical images for us, Constantinople and before that Byzantium. Names that seem steeped in history.
Some less well know facts we’ve found out …The World’s First Christian church was founded by St Peter on his odyssey from the Holy Land.
St Nicolas or Father Christmas as he became better known originated in Southern Turkey
It features one of the original 7 wonders of the world – Temple of Atriums
The World renowned Ephesus has been frequented by the “rich and famous “people as diverse as Cleopatra and even our own Sir Tom Jones (although not quite at the same time – Marc Antony would have been definitely been in trouble!!)
Interestingly it also has the second largest army in NATO – perhaps because it borders 7 countries – Can you name them without looking at a map?!
So, if you feel you can't wait anymore, relax! All things come to those who wait! Perhaps you'll get your dream sooner than you imagine! In the meantime Turkey can't wait to see you!
