Turkey, officially as the Republic of Turkey, is in the western part of Asia and southeastern part of Europe. It has eight neighboring countries namely Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Its vast area is 780, 580 square kilometers with a population of estimated 76.8 million. The capital city is Ankara with Republican as the people’s administration system.
The country is rich with natural wonders and breathes taking landscapes which make it a popular tourist attraction. There are a total of 40 national parks in Turkey in addition to waterfalls, lakes, marshes, forests, mountains, and canyons.
Planning a trip to Turkey is a four-hour travel from the United Kingdom, but for commercial flights, it is usually via Istanbul. Some of the country’s festivals include the Antalya Jazz Festival, Surf and Sound Festival, Istanbul Design Week, Konya Music Festival, Swim Hellespont and London Turkish Festival.
Turkey is home to one of the 7 Wonders of Asia. Now, the question is what is it and what are the 7 Wonders of Turkey? Share your voice on what they should be here.
Goreme National Park
Goreme National Park is one of the most fascinating combination of cultural and natural significance. The rock sites and geological rock formations are stunning. The way that locals embedded themselves into these rock formations and created an intricate system of tunnels and underground living, worshipping, and storing belongings is amazing.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale refers to a cotton castle, which is a natural spot in Denizli Province in the southwestern part of the country. The city has hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals from the flowing water. A total of 17 hot springs can be found in the area with temperatures ranging from 35 degrees Celsius reaching 100 degrees Celcius. Once in Pamukkale, make sure to visit the top three places including Pamukkale, Karahayt, and the Plateau.
Termessos
Termessos is considered as one of the most preserved ancient cities in Turkey. Located in the area is the Termessos National Park which houses a large number of rare animals and plants species. Tourists will also find native plants consisting of pine forests with an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Some activities worth trying including trekking, picnic, walking, picture taking, sightseeing many more.
Gulluk Dagi National Park
Gulluk Dagi National Park, located in Antalya province is in a valley hidden between mountains. The most valuable relics of the area include Hadrian’s Gate, the city walls, Gymnasium, Agora, Towers, King’s Road, Theater, Odeon, Decorated Tombs, Richly, cisterns and drainage system. Other attractions in the Natural Park are the Mecine Canyon, and the steep rocks of Gulluk Dagi along with the typical Mediterranean vegetation inhabiting endangered wild creatures like Fallow Deer, Mountain Goats, and Golden Eagle.
Patara beach
Patara beach is one of the biggest and nicest beaches near the ancient city of Patara. It is located 75 kilometers south of Fethiye. This beach is a secluded beach conducive for those who need to find peace and solitude away from the noise and hassles of the city. At 12 kilometers long and 50 meters wide, it is the longest in its region. There are a lot of turtles in the area that is, why development and infrastructures are being prohibited. It is close between the months of May and October since this is the laying months of turtles. Parata beach is popularly known as Turkey’s finest beach.
Kaymakli Underground City
Kaymakli Underground City was built under Citadel of Kaymakli and was open to the public in 1964. Its location is at Nevsehir-Nigde road and highly accessible by car or motorcycle. There are a total of eight levels, but only four are open to visitors and can accommodate 5000 people in. The first floor is used to house animals, whereas the second floor is used as a church. The next floor is a food storage where wine, wheat, and flour are stored, and the last floor is a bigger food storage, which only shows that underground people are also enjoying a quality life. Tunnels are too low, narrow and steep so claustrophobic people, as well as those with heart ailments, are not advised to go.
Discover and learn more about the Seven Wonders of Turkey.