Turkey
Turkey is a secular republic located in the Middle East. It is bordered to the north by the Black Sea and Georgia, to the east by Armenia and Iran, to the south by Iraq and Syria along with the Mediterranean Sea, and to the west by the Aegean Sea, Greece, and Bulgaria. This article presents an overview of Turkey, a nation renowned for its stunning attractions and remarkable destinations, particularly during the summer months.
Most Beautiful Cities in Turkey During Summer
Istanbul
Istanbul lies in the northwestern part of Turkey and ranks as the second most populous city, with an estimated population of approximately 13.4 million residents. It serves as the cultural, economic, financial, and tourism hub of the country, covering 39 districts. Unique among the world’s cities, Istanbul spans two continents. Notable attractions include:
Tourist Attractions in Istanbul: There are numerous landmarks to explore in Istanbul during the summer. Here are some highlights:
- Hagia Sophia: Originally designed as a patriarchal Orthodox cathedral, it was converted into a mosque following the Islamic conquest and later transformed into a museum by the Turkish Republic.
- Sultan Ahmed Mosque: Commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque, it was built between 1609 and 1616 under the orders of Sultan Ahmed I.
- Topkapi Palace: Once the primary residence of Ottoman sultans, this palace was constructed in 1459 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror after the conquest of Constantinople. It attracts a myriad of tourists due to its vast collection of Islamic artifacts and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its cultural diversity during the Ottoman era.
- Bosphorus Bridge: This bridge connects Asia and Europe, measuring approximately 1,510 meters (4,954 feet) in length and 39 meters in width, with a height of around 105 meters (344 feet). It ranks fourth among the longest bridges globally.
- Galata Tower: A medieval stone tower located north of the Golden Horn, it reaches a height of approximately 66.90 meters and measures 51.65 meters in length. The base diameter is about 16.45 meters, with a wall thickness of 3.75 meters.
Bursa
Bursa is the fourth most populous city in Turkey, with a population of around 1.2 million. Recognized as a significant industrial center, it boasts exceptional natural beauty and numerous tourist attractions, such as Mount Uludağ, a cable car, the tombs of the Ottomans, and a variety of traditional Turkish baths, along with abundant public parks.
Antalya
Situated on the Mediterranean coast in the southwestern part of Turkey, Antalya is renowned for its rich historical sites, including Hadrian’s Gate, Kaleiçi, Yivli Minare Mosque, and Hıdırlık Tower. It also features the Antalya Museum and the Kaleiçi Museum, among many other attractions.