While Turkey still has a mysterious quality, it is fast becoming a modern
country and a popular destination for travelers. Turkey’s history combined with
the Turkish people’s hospitable reputation and delicious cuisine is drawing in
many travelers.
The most popular destination in Turkey is its capital Istanbul. The skyline
of Istanbul is a spectacular mix of domes, mosques and castles. As you walk the
streets of Istanbul you will be surrounded by history. The ground you are
walking on is the same ground once walked on by crusaders. There is ancient
architecture everywhere in Istanbul, from mosques to palaces.
Possibly one of the most stunning pieces of Islamic architecture is the Blue
Mosque in Istanbul. Both the exterior and interior of the Blue Mosque is
amazing. The gorgeous domes and towers outside the mosque are an eye-catching
sight. Fine marble and handmade tiles are abundant inside the mosque. During
prayer times the Blue Mosque is closed to non-Muslims, and areas within the
mosque are reserved for private prayer throughout the day. When visiting the
Blue Mosque you should dress modestly and women should cover their heads; shoes
are removed before entering. Admission to the Blue Mosque is free, although
donations to continue the maintenance of the mosque are gladly appreciated.
One thing every visitor in to Istanbul should experience is a Turkish bath.
This spa like treatment has been popular in Turkey for thousands of years. These
bath houses are the perfect place to not only cleanse the body, but to relax.
The process used in taking a Turkish bath is comparable to a sauna, but dates
back to the bathing practices of the Romans.
You begin your Turkish bath in a relaxing in the warm room. Relax as warm air
flows throughout the room before moving on to the hot room. After your stay in
the hot room, your Turkish bath experience continues into a cold pool. You then
receive an exfoliating body wash and massage before retiring into the cooling
room for some more relaxation.
Another popular place to visit in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar. Here you can
practice your negotiation skills with the local merchants. Remember never to
accept the asked price and that when the salesman turns away upset you have
reached his lowest price. Prepare yourself for many techniques used by the
vendors to attract you. Many will offer a “special price, just for you.” This of
course is not a price just for you, but a starting point for negotiations. If
the scene at the Grand Bazaar seems too hectic for you, plan to go to the Bazaar
during Friday prayer. The number of open vendors drastically decreases, but with
many vendors selling similar products you should not have a problem finding what
you are looking for.
There’s a fantastic culture and thousands of years of history to experience
in Istanbul, making Turkey a hidden gem that many travelers overlook.
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