Turkey's Top Five Historical Places

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As a destination that straddles both the Eastern and Western world, Turkey can claim to be offer a real mix of cultures, from ancient mosques to bustling party resorts. However, it seems that for this enigmatic country a cultural mix is nothing new and Turkey's top five historical destinations help give us a real insight into a country that has throughout history played host to a wide range of different people and beliefs.

Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a pilgrimage destination for the thousands of Australians and New Zealanders who visit the destination on April 25th every year in order to pay their respects and watch the ANZAC day memorial celebrations. The Turkish leader feared that if England, France and Russia defeated Germany in the Great War then Turkey would be derived of more of its empire, so Turkey joined forces with Germany and fought against the allies. This saw New Zealand's entrance to the Great War and although the campaign was minor in numerical terms, it still holds great significance and personal importance to the Australians and New Zealanders who knew someone that fought there. On your holiday in Turkey the area is definitely worth a visit and you can expect to see an extensive collection of Great War paraphernalia from sunken battleships to guns, forts and battalions.

Cappadoccia

The fairytale castles of Cappadocia are simply breathtaking and a hot-air balloon ride over the peaks of them provides the perfect finale to your holiday in Turkey. The area is steeped with mystery and although the rock formations are said to be the result of years of fire, water and wind working together to create the outstanding landscapes, no one is quite sure why the inhabitants choose to live underground in cave houses. The houses date from 3000 BC and you can visit the inside of one whilst on your holiday in Turkey.

Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus is a tremendously popular site with tourists on their holidays in Turkey. The city is said to be the best preserved ancient city in the Eastern Mediterranean, and many believe it to be one of the best preserved Greek sites in the world. The city was home to the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the seven original wonders of the world, but now is only represented by a single column standing in a lake. Nevertheless there is still plenty to see on a visit to Ephesus and you certainly won't be disappointed on your Turkey holidays. The Basilica of St. John is the resting place of St. John the evangelist and is therefore a popular Christian pilgrimage destination, whilst the Cave of the Seven Sleepers tells the legend of seven Christian boys who fell asleep in this cave in 250AD and woke up in the 5th century.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is an ethereal destination, with a name that translates into English as "Cotton Castles". The landmark is a made up of a naturally occurring phenomenon of white stalactites and water-filled plateaus. The geothermal hot springs that stand on this site are full of naturally occurring minerals, predominantly chalk and limestone, so when the water hardens whilst coming down the mountain this unique landscape occurs. Of course, something this spectacular can't be missed whilst on your holiday in Turkey and many tourists visit this area in order to bathe in the spectacular sacred pool, which is located inside the Pamukkale Hotel.

Didymia

Didymia is an ancient Greek Temple located near Turkey's holiday resort of Altinkum. The word "Didymia" is Ancient Greek for twin and this refers to Apollo and Artemis, who were the twin children of Zeus and Leto. The temple was an important Greek site for oracles, where deities gave answers to questions through the mouth of a priest. The Persians and Earthquakes may have destroyed a large amount of the Temple but the remains are definitely worth discovering on your Turkish holiday.