Türkei
Travel destination Turkey
Turkey: A Fascinating Destination for Every Taste
Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia and a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It borders Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, the Black Sea to the north, Georgia to the northeast, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, Iraq and Syria to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea to the southwest and west. Ankara is the capital of Turkey, while Istanbul is the largest city and the economic center of the country.
The history of Turkey
The history of modern Turkey begins with the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. Even before the war's end, other powers had shown interest in seizing large territories due to the Ottoman Empire's weakness, and a partition of significant areas was becoming evident.
However, starting in May 1919 from Samsun, Mustafa Kemal Pasha, later known as Atatürk, initiated the Turkish War of Independence against the occupying powers. This war lasted until 1923 and led to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey within its current borders.
The Sultanate was abolished in November 1922, and the sovereignty of the new state was internationally recognized with the Treaty of Lausanne in July 1923. Finally, the Republic of Turkey was proclaimed on October 29, 1923.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first President, initiated profound political and social reforms to transform Turkey into a modern, secular state oriented towards Europe. This included the abolition of the Caliphate in March 1924, the introduction of a new constitution, and the script reform. After Atatürk's death in 1938, Turkey initially remained neutral in World War II, but declared war on Germany shortly before the end of the conflict and joined the United Nations in 1945.
The post-war era was marked by a democratic experiment that was, however, interrupted by political instability and several military coups, such as in 1960 and 1971. The subsequent decades were characterized by polarization and radicalization in politics. Starting in 1980, after another military coup under General Evren, a phase of liberalization followed, but also a conflict with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which had been founded in 1978. The 1990s brought shifting political majorities and governments. A new era began with the electoral victories of the AKP under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan starting in 2002, which was initially marked by a sense of awakening but has since around 2012 seen the country being led increasingly authoritarianly, accompanied by an ongoing currency and debt crisis as well as high inflation. Turkey's unique position between the Orient and the Occident, as part of the Islamic world and simultaneously integrated into the West, continues to shape the country's diverse internal and external conflicts.
Tourism and Culture in Turkey
Tourism in Turkey is considered one of the most important sectors of the Turkish economy and, apart from setbacks such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, has developed into one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide in recent years.
The country possesses exceptional tourism potential, combining a well-developed infrastructure with a multitude of attractions. Besides the classic beach holiday at the many Blue Flag-certified coastal resorts like Alanya, Bodrum, or Marmaris, which were specifically developed as holiday destinations, other forms of tourism are also gaining significance. These include geothermal tourism, where Turkey holds a top position in Europe with its 1,500 thermal springs, as well as cultural tourism, particularly in regions such as Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia, which still offer untapped potential. The historical and ancient sites of Anatolia have already been attracting travelers since the 19th century.
The culture of Turkey is characterized by a fascinating mix of Islamic, national, and European elements and the coexistence of various ethnic groups such as Kurds, Circassians, Arabs, and Greeks, which lends the country a special depth and uniqueness.
Traditions are deeply rooted in family life, social interactions, and religious practices. Islamic festivals such as the Sacrifice Feast (Kurban Bayramı) and Ramadan are widely celebrated, bringing families and communities together. Weddings feature festive customs such as the Henna Night or the tradition of sprinkling the couple with money.
The Hamam, the traditional Turkish bath, is an important social and cultural institution, serving not only for physical cleansing but also for relaxation and social interaction.
In social life, hospitality plays a central role, with hosts placing great value on their guests feeling comfortable and being treated with respect. The way stray animals in the streets and parks are treated also testifies to a special level of care.
Turkey's rich dance tradition reflects stories of heroism and love, with dances often imitating the movements of birds and animals. The Turkish population lives in a harmony of modernity and tradition, with the equality of women in social and economic life legally enshrined early on, namely in 1934.
The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism also promotes the publication of Turkish works in culture, art, and literature in other languages through various projects.
Best time to visit Turkey
The best time to travel to Turkey depends on which region you plan to visit and what activities you want to do.
The peak season in Turkey runs from June to September. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The sea is also warm, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to travel.
If you want to avoid the crowds and find more affordable prices, the shoulder season (April to May and September to October) is a good choice. The weather during this period is still pleasantly warm, with average temperatures from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The sea may not be quite as warm, but it's still comfortable for swimming.
No matter when you travel, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
-
Pack light clothing for warm weather, but also bring something warm for the evenings.
-
Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
-
Wear high-SPF sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
-
Respect the local culture and traditions.
-
Learn a few basic Turkish phrases.
Travel Destination Turkey - A Summary
Turkey presents itself as an extremely diverse travel destination that offers far more than the well-known All-inclusive resorts on the Turkish Riviera. Whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, a sun worshipper, or an explorer – the country has the perfect experience ready for virtually every type of holidaymaker. From the bizarre tuff rock formations of Cappadocia and the ancient ruins in Ephesus and Istanbul to the green landscapes of the Black Sea coast and the picturesque beaches on the Aegean and Mediterranean, the mix of history, culture, and nature is unique. Especially those who travel off the beaten track can discover hidden treasures and traditional life.
Excellent value for money and service
One argument often mentioned in favor of a trip to Turkey is the excellent value for money that stands out across the entire Mediterranean region. The standard and service in the hotels are particularly praised, as they meet guests' wishes with top-notch service and often extensive leisure facilities such as aquaparks. The country is quick and easy to reach, which further adds to its appeal as a holiday destination.
Hospitality and Cultural Encounters
The warmth and hospitality of the Turkish people are a consistently positive element of many travel experiences. Whether in Istanbul or in more rural regions, visitors are often welcomed wholeheartedly, and the locals are generally helpful. Spontaneous conversations over a cup of tea or jointly trying local specialties like Gözleme contribute to authentic and unforgettable travel memories. The rich and diverse local cuisine is a highlight for food lovers.
Challenges and Critical Voices
Despite the many positive aspects, some travelers also report challenges. In areas with high tourist traffic, visitors can sometimes feel pressured by persistent vendors and service providers or feel that they are being overcharged or ripped off for attractions or services. Furthermore, everyday inconveniences, such as the smoking ban, pay toilets, or heavy traffic at times, can be perceived as stressful for solo travelers or cultural tourists seeking a high degree of relaxation. In addition, the political situation and the security conditions in the country remain a constantly present factor for some travelers. You can find more information about crime in Turkey HERE!
Final Summary - Travel Destination Turkey
In short, a trip to Turkey is definitely worthwhile for most vacationers. The country offers an unmatched combination of ancient sites, modern metropolises, stunning coastlines, and breathtaking nature, coupled with high service quality and great hospitality. Whether for a relaxing all-inclusive family holiday, a romantic getaway, a city trip to Istanbul, or an active adventure vacation—Turkey can provide unforgettable experiences for every type of journey, provided one is aware of the potential challenges when dealing with tourists and perhaps plans their trip outside of the high season to enjoy milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
You can find and book activities in Turkey here:
Destinations Turkey
Destinations found
11
