The Magic of Two Continents
From Istanbul’s Charm to Cappadocia’s Mystique
For travelers seeking cinematic nature, historic oldtowns, and chic European-style promenades withinexpensive budget or visa hassles, Türkiye is the ultimate destination.
ISTANBULS CHARM
Our journey began in Istanbul, ametropolis that is not just a transithub; it is a city where history lives in every square inch. Our first dropped pinis in Sultanahmet, the district housing thecity’s world-class landmarks.
The first stop is the Hippodrome,once the Byzantine era’s largest chariotracing arena. It now stands as a quiet park.Yet, standing beside the Obelisk and theSerpent Column, it isn’t hard to visualizethe former grandeur of the Eastern RomanEmpire.
Few steps away lies Hagia Sophia,an absolute must-see. Its 1,500-yearlegacy is awe-inspiring, transformingfrom a Byzantine cathedral to an OttomanMosque, then a museum during theRepublic of Turkey, and now a mosqueagain, which is the symbols of religion,arts, and politics. Inside, Christian mosaicssit peacefully beside massive Arabiccalligraphy panels, a stunning fusion offaith and art.
Opposite stands the Blue Mosque,famous for its cascade of domes and tensof thousands of blue intricate Iznik tiles.Specially, when sunlight hits the interior,the atmosphere turns ethereally calm andcaptivating. It is also a place for worship.Tourists are welcomed with strictlyrespecting regulation. At the rooftop of theSeven Hills Hotel is highly recommendedfor the signature panoramic postcard shot.Sipping hot Turkish tea (Çay) here, withtwo mosques and the Bosphorus strait asyour backdrop, is magical. We capped offthe day with a Bosphorus Cruise, driftingpast the Dolmabahce Palace and luxuriousYalı mansions lining the shores of twocontinents.
In Canakkale, history is not preserved it is present, standing firm by the sea
Heading south, we reached the port city ofCanakkale, home to the legendary Trojan Horse. Theregion is a treasure trove of antiquity. We marveled at theLibrary of Celsus, with its impeccably preserved stonecarvings, and the Great Theatre, a colossal Roman arenathat once hosted 25,000 spectators for gladiatorial gamesand concerts. Between sites, we refueled with authenticDöner Kebab—grilled meat sliced thin and served withfresh veggies in bread. Simple, yet delicious.
Next up is Pamukkale, or the “Cotton Castle.” Thesesnow-white limestone mountains, formed by millennia ofsedimentary deposits, look like a frozen wonderland. Thehighlight here is walking barefoot across the travertineterraces, wading through turquoise thermal mineral waters(a pleasant 35°C) once believed by the Romans to havehealing powers. It is well-known for a resort town at the topof the mountain for a long time.
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