HainanWel.com(e)! » 29 ноя 2014, 01:39
Top 10 holiday destinations in Eastern Turkey
Tourists traveling to Turkey, often forget that in the east of the country focused not less interesting places than in the west or south. There are no crowds of tourists, but offers excellent food and a warm welcome from the locals.
Access to eastern Turkey is not difficult. And here, despite the proximity of Iran, Syria and Iraq, it is quite safe.
Thus, the top 10 holiday destinations in Eastern Turkey
1. Diyarbakir
Welcome to the center of Kurdish culture, exciting and vibrant city outside the walls of black basalt, inferior only to the extent of the Great Wall of China. The city will be especially interesting for those interested in the customs and culture of the eastern nations. The main attraction of the city - of course, the walls, the height of which is 10-12 meters. There are also ancient mosques, caravanserais, an ancient stone bridge. In Diyarbakir operates a number of museums, including the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography. Do not leave town until you taste the local dish kaburga dolmasi (lamb stuffed with rice and almonds). But there it will have at least three of them - alone with this hearty dish and surround can not cope.
2. Şanlıurfa
This place and breathes history. In the city of the prophet Abraham lived, it was conquered by Alexander the Great. Since 1995, in the town of Gobekli Tepe in the northeast of the city conducted archaeological excavations. Already found a circle of megaliths, whose age is about 12, 000 years. And this is 7000 years older than the famous Stonehenge. It is believed that this was the first church in the world. Caravanserai Gumruk Hani will not only give shelter to weary travelers, but will also enjoy excellent coffee and hearty.
3. Mount Nemrut
Nearly 2,000 years ago, the local king decided to build a tomb on top of the mountain, at an altitude of 2150 meters. Around the tomb he ordered to install giant statues, which reach heights of 9 meters. Today this place is very popular among tourists. If you also choose to visit, do not forget warm clothes - on top of the cold even in summer. From April to May on the slopes of the mountain you can see the picturesque blanket of bright red poppies.
4. Halfeti
The city and the district is located in the province of Şanlıurfa. It is better to go on a weekday, then you do not have to wade through crowds of Turkish visitors who flock to this beautiful coastal town on the weekends. A simple wooden boat from here you can take a trip to the fortress Rumkale and partially flooded village Savas, abandoned by locals. Under the water were the ancient cave dwellings and the mosque, which is now visible from a minaret. At night you can stay in a comfortable pension Socrates Pension.
5. Ani
Located in the north-eastern Anatolia on the border with Armenia, a medieval Armenian city of Ani was abandoned. Today no one lives here. But he was once an important trading center on the Silk Road, and competes Byzantium (now Istanbul) and Rome. The city is still well preserved several churches, mosques and cathedrals. The city itself was once called the city of 1001 churches. In the same area, you can take a look at the Russian early 20th century mansions that were built in the neighboring Russian Kars.
6. Van
Reply, "What we have for breakfast today?" Van is waiting for you a very long and very appetizing list of dishes. The city is located on the border between Turkey and Iran. There are many cafes with delicious food. Sample local cheeses, scrambled eggs with peppers, chili and warm scones with honey, you can enjoy planning your trip around the city and its surroundings. There are picturesque lakes, restored Armenian Church, the historic castle. In Van cats also live with unusual colored eyes.
7. Ishak Pasha Palace, Doğubayazıt
In the days when committed overland journey from London to Kastamonu, Doğubayazıt was the last stop before Iran. Today this place is a dusty outpost uninteresting. But it is far from an architectural and historical treasure, one of the most charming and romantic buildings Anatolia - Ishak Pasha Palace. In it you can see the features of Seljuk, Ottoman, Persian, Georgian and Armenian influence, since the border at this point is often passed from one country to another. Best time to visit the castle - from June to September. If a journey divided into four extra days, you can also make the ascent of Mount Ararat, where, as is commonly believed, are the remains of the legendary Noah's ark.
8. Gaziantep
This city is known as the capital of gourmets. Here is located approximately 200 stores that sell Turkish baklava and other sweets, restaurants, ready to entertain visitors to the local kebab flavored truffles. And it serves amazing delicacy called katmer (tour. Katmer). This air of tender cake cookie with sugar, clotted cream and chopped pistachios. Labyrinthine bazaar of Gaziantep will help you burn extra calories without which does not leave the local restaurants and cafes. Be sure to also visit important local landmark - the Mosaic Museum Zugmy. The most interesting exhibits is a small mosaic in the form of the head of a young gypsy, placed in the old part of the museum. She actually became a symbol of Gaziantep, so make sure that, having been here, do not forget to see it this mosaic. The museum is open from 8-30 to 19-00 every day except Monday. Break from 12-00 to 13-30.
9. Mardin
Stone mansions pale honey color have long been the hallmark of this eastern city. They are located on the slopes of the mountain, which is crowned by the castle of Mardin. There are quite a few boutique hotels where you will have the opportunity not only to relax but also to look at the decorations and household mansions inside. The main street of Mardin is a noisy confusion of multi-level restaurants, shops silversmiths and shops that sell fragrant handmade soaps. At the local cuisine has been influenced Middle Eastern culinary traditions. As for attractions, the Mardin can be a very convenient starting point for excursions to the ancient Syrian monastery and the village Hasnkeyf on the river Tigris. After a few years of its plan to flood for the construction of new hydroelectric, so hurry.
10. Houses of local residents
Stay overnight in one of the houses near the Kurdish Şanlıurfa. You will be in a comfortable cottage with great warmth, fed delicious dishes. Enjoy a refreshing spicy cheese and yogurt, which is made from the milk of domestic sheep. You will be treated as freshly baked scones. From here, you go on a day trip in Şanlıurfa to Mount Nemrut or in Diyarbakir. More time is required for a trip to Mardin.
How to get to the eastern part of Turkey
If you go to Turkey by plane, then it's best to fly to Istanbul, and then transfer to one of the planes Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Jet and Onur Air, which make regular flights to major cities in Eastern Turkey.
If you feel confident behind the wheel, you can rent a car and explore the area more closely. The roads are mostly good, and move outside of urban areas can be easily. Bus service in Turkey enjoys good, comfortable buses regularly make long-distance flights. In the southern regions of the country with tickets for these buses can cause problems in the peak tourist season. But Eastern Turkey is not yet as popular with travelers, so buy tickets is not difficult even on the day of travel.