Istanbul is hot. And we’re not talking about the weather. These days, there are more happening restaurants, bars, galleries and clubs around town than there are exquisite Ottoman mosques (and that’s a lot). The international fashion and design press have been talking up İstanbul ad nauseam, but the most significant thing about the accolade ‘World’s Hippest City’ is that İstanbullus themselves have come believe it. The creeping sense of decrepitude that had fallen like a pall over their once-all-powerful home town has vanished, replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not seen since the days of Süleyman the Magnificent.
The city’s over-abundance of important historic buildings and exciting new art galleries and museums provides visitors with more than enough to see during the day, but it’s at night that the place swings into high-velocity, mega-stylish action. Locals are flocking to see and be seen at an ever-growing array of bars, clubs and restaurants, bringing with them an infectious sense of joie de vivre and a discerning ability to judge these places on their standard of service, drinks, music and food as well as their position in the what’s-hot-and-what’s-not stakes.
That’s not to say that the locals are turning their backs on much-loved city institutions such as the rakı-soaked meyhane (tavern) or tranquil çay bahçesi (tea garden), because they wouldn’t dream of doing anything so foolish. They know, after all, that such institutions are one of the reasons that their home is – and always has been – rightfully dubbed the ‘City of the World’s Desire’.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Turkey
http://www.travelturkey.com/pyt.htm
http://www.1000traveltips.org/istanbul.htm
urkish Delight in İstanbul
Image by jg-fotos
Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir was the most famous of all Ottoman confectioners. He came to İstanbul from
the mountain town of Kastamonu in 1777 and opened a shop in the Old
City where he concocted delicious boiled sweets and the translucent
jellied jewels known to Turks as lokum - and to the rest of the world as Turkish Delight. Today, locals still buy their lokum from branches of the business he began over two centuries ago.The flagship store of Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir is located near the Spice Bazaar. There are also stores on İstiklal Caddesi and in the produce market at Kadıköy. A more recent family dynasty has been established at Herşey Aşktan, opposite Pera Palace Hotel. Its delicious Turkish Delight can be packaged in decorative boxes, creating a perfect gift to take home to friends and family.
Aya Sofya, Turkey
Image by Sev!
History Turkish Bath (http://www.turkishbath.net/index2.htm)
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Basically a steam bath, in Turkish called Hamam is now-a-days the most
relaxing way for the tourists who are on holiday in Turkey.
During
the Ottoman times, turkish baths were places to socialize, to bath and
to get together. It was when Europeans learned about Turkish Baths. In especially Western Europe, it was Victorian era when Turkish Baths became the method of getting clean and relaxing. The word "hamam" derives from hammam in Arabic which means heat. Turkish baths during the Ottomans started as annex buildings of mosques but very quickly turned into monumental structural complexes, especially with the works of the famous Ottoman architect Sinan. Hamam consists of three rooms called "sicaklik" (hot room), the warm room and "sogukluk" (cool room). Sicaklik is used for soaking up steam and getting massage. The warm room is for washing up with a soap and sogukluk is used for relaxing, dressing upand have a drink. Turkish Baths have separated quarters for men and women. Especially for women, turkish baths were the best places to get together before weddings, holidays and such celebrations. There are some accessories which are used in hamam, like pestemal, nalin and kese. Pestemal is a piece of cloth made of silk or cotton, to cover the body, used as towels. Nalin is a wooden clog, worn in the Turkish Bath, to prevent slipping. Kese is a rough mitt for massage to take off the dead skin. |
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example of budget tour in turkey..
| Day 1 Kusadasi
Welcome to Turkey! Depending upon your arrival time today, you could absorb yourself in history with an optional tour of one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis and the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey, Ephesus. Maybe paddle in the natural calcium formations of Pamukkale and visit the ancient spa town of Hierapolis or simply spend the day relaxing on an Aegean Beach. Overnight Kusadasi |
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Day 2 Kusadasi to Köyceğiz
This morning we check out some local Turkish handicrafts before heading to Koycegiz where you have the option of taking a late night boat cruise on Lake Koycegiz and experience the therapeutic properties of the mud and thermal baths.Overnight Koycegiz (B) |
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Day 3 Köyceğiz to Fethiye via Saklikent Gorge
After a short drive this morning, you will have the chance to see how Turkish carpets are made by hand and find out what determines their value. Then experience one of Turkey s highlights as we trek up Saklikent Gorge or go tubing on the slightly chilly current of water rushing out of it. Overnight Fethiye (B ) |
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Day 4 Fethiye
Today you have the option to relax on a day cruise around the 12 Islands of Fethiye, go paragliding or maybe chill out on a nearby beach, the choice is yours. Overnight Fethiye (B) |
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Day 5 Kas to Olympos Treehouses
We drive along the Turquoise coast today, stopping for a swim at the spectacular Kaputas beach and then a lunch stop in Kas, traditionally a small Turkish fishing village. Take a stroll around the town before heading to the world famous tree houses of Olympos.Overnight Olympos (B, D) |
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Day 6 Olympos
Time for some relaxation, you can do nothing but chill out and meet new people or you could try a host of adventure activities on offer - rock climbing, diving and canyoning just to name a few. Don t miss out on your chance to see the natural phenomenon of the mythical flames of Chimera.Overnight Olympos (B, D) |
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Day 7 Olympos
Another day for choices, with so many options you will be wishing you could stay for a week. Overnight Olympos (B, D) |
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Day 8 Olympos to Cappadocia
Early morning we head out to follow an ancient silk trade route across the Anatolian Plain, on the way you will have the opportunity to visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya and then the Sultanhani Caravanserai just as the ancient traders did. Overnight Cappadocia (B) |
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Day 9 Cappadocia
This morning you have the option of taking a hot-air balloon ride in a region famed for being one of the best places in the world for ballooning. You will be back in plenty of time for the optional tour to check out the carved cave villages, underground cities and spectacular fairy chimney formations.Overnight Cappadocia (B) |
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Day 10 Cappadocia
Today you are free to explore the wonders of Cappadocia at your own pace. Tonight, do not miss the optional Turkish Folklore evening, which includes nearly 3 hrs of entertainment and all the food and drink you can handle!Overnight Cappadocia (B) |
| Day 11 Cappadocia to Istanbul via Ankara
Early morning start today as we head back to Istanbul, via Ankara, the nation’s Capital. You will have time to visit the Mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and discover what happened to the Turkish nation after the ANZAC s left. Upon arrival at the Fez Travel office your tour concludes and sadly it is time to say good bye to new friends. | |
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