Although because of terrorism, more and more people think about it before traveling to Turkey , the truth is that it is still one of the most touristic countries in the world, something that is not surprising if we take into account that in this nation East and West meet, resulting in a unique mix of cultures, colors, flavors and smells. In addition, it is important to bear in mind that here the past and the future go hand in hand.
Today we move to this country, the cradle of civilizations, to discover some of its most important cities , taking into account not only its population, but also its tourist interest. Would you like to join us? We assure you that you will not regret it!
Istanbul
How could it be otherwise, we are going to start talking about Istanbul which, although it is not the official capital of the state, it has been the official capital of three empires throughout history: the Roman, the Byzantine and the Ottoman. In addition, it is the largest and most populated city in the country and the one that has a more important industrial, commercial, cultural and tourist role. It is located in the northwest, on the banks of the Bosphorus, a strait that physically separates Europe and Asia. For this reason, the city is characterized by its contrasts, being very western to be Asian, and very eastern to be European.
Ankara
Second, we want to talk about Ankara, which is the capital of Turkey and the second most populous city in the country. Located in the Central Anatolia region, it attracts many tourists every year thanks to its entertainment centers, its excellent infrastructure and its many historical monuments. And we must not forget that many civilizations have passed through here: Frigos, Lidos, Persians, Romans, Greeks, Ottomans … In addition, Alexander the Great lived in this place for many years. Most of its buildings of interest are located in the historic center, situated on a hill. Therefore, from this place you can also get wonderful views of the rest of the city.
Smyrna
We also want to talk to you about Izmir (Izmir is the Turkish name), which in addition to being the second largest port in the country after Istanbul, is the third city in population. It is an ideal place to spend a beach vacation, since very close to it is possible to find many seaside resorts, as well as beautiful natural corners that have escaped mass tourism. Surrounded by mountains, many civilizations have also passed through Izmir. Of course, at the moment it is considered one of the most westernized cities in Turkey, in addition to being an important university focus.
Antalya
Another place that cannot be missing from the list is Antalya. It is not among the most populated cities in Turkey, but it is one of the most visited thanks to the fact that it is surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches , pebbles and crystal clear waters. For this reason, here it is possible to find a modern and varied tourist infrastructure, as well as large public parks, a marina and a Roman wall. Also striking are the wooden houses from the 18th and 11th centuries that can be found in the old town. Of course, these have been conditioned for tourism.
Bursa
Finally, knowing that we are leaving other important cities in the pipeline, we want to talk about Bursa, the fourth largest city in Turkey. It is important to bear in mind that it is one of the most industrialized towns, as well as being an important cultural center. Located in the north of the country, Bursa is full of parks, gardens and forests. On the other hand, it is home to a very popular ski resort. Regarding the monuments of interest, we must highlight the mausoleums of the Ottoman sultans.