Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for türkiye
Cave Churches in Türkiye
By Linda Tancs
A highlight of any Cappadocian itinerary in Türkiye is Göreme Open Air Museum, a treasure trove of ancient cave churches. A brief walk from Göreme’s village center, the UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a cluster of rock-cut churches with stunning frescoes. The most famous of them (commanding a separate entrance fee) is Dark Church, so named because it received little light through a small window in the narthex. As a result, its frescoes are vibrant and well preserved and include scenes such as the Annunciation, Journey to Bethlehem, Nativity, Baptism, Raising of Lazarus, Transfiguration, Entry into Jerusalem, Last Supper, Betrayal of Judas and the Crucifixion. Buckle Church, the oldest of the cave churches, is located outside of the open-air museum complex but does not require a fee.
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Cotton Castles in Türkiye
By Linda Tancs
Pamukkale (meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish) is a town in western Türkiye known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside, which does resemble a kingdom made of cotton. Legendary for its healing claims, it’s been a flourishing spa destination since ancient times. The closest town is Denizli, which is serviced by a bus terminal, train station and airport.
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Going the Distance in Türkiye
By Linda Tancs
Long-distance trekking opportunities abound in Türkiye. One of them, combining natural and archaeological sites, is the Pisidia Trail, a 217-mile waymarked route using the ancient name of the mountainous region located in the north of Antalya. The journey encompasses many of the ancient cities in the Pisidia region, such as Sagalassos, Termessos, Pisidia Antioch, Kremna, Adada, Selge, Pednelissos, Amblada, Anabura, Tymriada, Ariassos and Pityassus. At some points, the trail intersects the St. Paul Trail, the country’s second-longest trekking route. That trail passes entirely through Turkish countryside, so maybe a detour is in order. Lodging options include campsites and hostels. Now is a good time to go; avoid the hot summer months.
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Turkish Battlefields
By Linda Tancs
One of the bloodiest conflicts of World War I occurred at the Gallipoli Pensinsula in Turkey at the Battle of Gallipoli, where the Allied Powers unsuccessfully attempted to control the sea route from Europe to Russia. Today those battlefields are protected as a historical national park honoring over 500,000 war dead. The park includes memorials, monuments and cemeteries ringed by green hills, sandy beaches and inviting waters. You can visit from Istanbul via car or bus or via ferry from Canakkale to Kilitbahir or Eceabat. Taking the route from Istanbul will give you a better view of the battlefields.
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To limit the spread of COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.
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Cave Life in Turkey
By Linda Tancs
Ürgüp is a Turkish town located in the historical region of Cappadocia, land of the fairy chimneys. It’s particularly known for its caves, both homes and hotels, cut into the soft volcanic rock. The Esbelli district boasts a number of boutique cave hotels. Renowned for its beautifully colored stone, its prime location also sports great views of the town and surrounding mountains. The locale is reachable by bus, car or plane.
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As coronavirus proceeds, it is likely that the vast majority of us will be limited in our travels. But this, too, shall pass. Our love for travel remains, so Travelrific will continue offering travel inspiration in this medium. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.
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A Maiden’s Tower
By Linda Tancs
Located in Istanbul, Turkey, on an islet at the southern entrance to the Bosphorus, Maiden’s Tower is iconic for its scenic views of the strait and the skyline. It was originally built in 1110 as a defense tower by the Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus although legend has it that an ancient emperor built the tower to hide his beloved daughter whom a fortune teller prophesied would die from a snake bite. Since its inception it has been rebuilt and repurposed many times and now serves as a restaurant. Shuttle boats go there several times a day from both the European and Asian side of Istanbul.
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Cool Cats in Turkey
By Linda Tancs
Van is a city in eastern Turkey located on the eastern shore of its namesake lake, the largest one in the country. Like other areas of the nation, different civilizations have shaped its history. But Van has something that no other part of the country can claim: one cool cat, as in feline. Indigenous to the lake area, the snow-white, longhaired cat is distinctive for having one blue eye and one amber eye. And they’re pretty good swimmers, too.
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Rocks of Ages
By Linda Tancs
Cappadocia, Turkey, is a kingdom of caves and rock formations. Above ground, the chimney-like rocks have been carved into dwellings and, in some cases, luxury hotels. Below ground teems an ancient metropolis, carved deep into the earth by troglodytes. How best to view it depends on your point of view, literally. How about a hot air balloon ride above ground? Some of the underground cities, like Derinkuyu (the deepest), are open for tours.
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The Rise of Civilization
By Linda Tancs
In southeastern Turkey near the ancient city of Urfa lies a hilltop with prehistoric ruins dating back 12,000 years. Known as Göbekli Tepe (Potbelly Hill), the site may very well be the world’s first temple, predating England’s Stonehenge by about 6000 years. The T-shaped pillars of stone characterizing the temple site contain abstract symbols along with depictions of foxes, snakes, wild boars, cranes, and wild ducks. Like sister Stonehenge and other ancient sites around the world, it’s another mystical puzzle piece to the rise of humanity.
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A Whirlwind Event in Turkey
By Linda Tancs
A whirling dervish is to Turkey what baseball is to America, a symbol of national pride and part of its custom, history and culture. Celebrated each year in Konya during the weeklong Mevlana Festival, the dancers commemorate the life and death of Sufi master and poet Rumi, founder of the dervishes. The event takes place at the sports stadium from 10 to 17 December.
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