Turkish Cuisine
In Turkey, as a result of its geographic and historic heritage it is possible to find a lot of diffrent kind of dishes. The dishes’ origins are especially coming from Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe and of course from Anatolian. Although Turkish cuisine is especially known for its spicy, hot and meat dishes, vegetable dishes are also quite diverse. It can be considered as a paradise for vegetarians! Moreover, not only dishes but also desserts are quite diverse and appealing to every palate.
Must-try dishes and desserts other than kebab, doner, lahmacun and baklava: Turkish pita, Turkish ravioli, baked beans and rice pilaf, aromatic rice stuffed bell peppers with olive oil, wrapped grape leaves, lentil soup, rice pudding, kunafa, kadayif and ashoura.
(Ashoura pixabay.com)
Natural Landscapes
It is possible to see the geographic changes' marks in Turkey, which has been subjected to many changes in different periods since the formation of the earth. You may see different natural landscapes in each region! Although one of the best knowns of these is the rock-hewn sanctuaries in Nevşehir, there are many other natural landscapes that will fascinate you. For example, Pamukkale Travertines in Denizli/Pamukkale where lime is formed as a result of chemical reaction.
Natural wonders that you must see: Yedigöller National Park (Bolu), Late Tuz, Heaven&Hell Caves (Mersin), Saklıkent National Park (Muğla), Ayder Plateau (Rize), Girlevik Waterfall (Erzincan)...
Pamukkale Travertines (Denizli) pixabay.com
CittaSlow
This international union, founded in Italy in 1999 and consisting of the words "citta", which means city in Italian, and "slow" in English, is a union based on living calmly and enjoying life despite the acceleration of today's life. It is imperative to comply with this view in order to be included in the Cittaslow cities. There are 72 criteria for being a quiet city.
Güdül district of Ankara has also been involved to this union. You can browse on this page if you want to check 18 cittaslow cities in Turkey.
http://www.sakinsehirgudul.net/
Coasts
Due to the three sides surrounded by the sea, Turkey is a peninsula, so that you could find a beach that addresses all kinds of requests. The hot, clear, and salty water of the Mediterranean; the cold, wavy, less salty water of the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea, which is between these two seas and full of islands! You can also do many activities such as surfing, parasailing, diving and parachuting on these shores, where you can encounter every shade of blue.
Beaches you can go to enjoy the sea, sand and sun: Butterfly Valley (Muğla-Fethiye), Ölüdeniz (Muğla-Fethiye), Kaputaş Beach (Antalya-Kaş), Olympos Beach (Antalya-Kumluca), Sardala Bay (İstanbul-Şile), Güzelcehisar Lava Columns (Bartın), Sazlıca Bay (İzmir / Foça)
Ölüdeniz (Muğla-Fethiye) pixabay.com
Historical Monuments
Over the centuries, many civilizations different from each other, empires, and states hosted at Anatolia territory. Thanks to this rich historic heritage it is impossible not to see a historical construction everywhere you step into the territory of Turkey. Especially for history buffs, Turkey might be considered as an oasis. You can see many different historical monuments from east to west.
Among these monuments we can count Aya Sofya Mosque (Istanbul), Sumela Monastery (Trabzon), Selimiye Mosque (Edirne), Mountain Nemrut (Adıyaman), Göbeklitepe (Şanlıurfa), Kayaköy (Muğla), Çatalhöyük Neolithic City (Konya) and many other.
Mountain Nemrut (Adıyaman) pixabay.com
Open Bazaars
Open bazaars in Turkey, are an important part of the culture of city life. They are appeal to both locals and tourists. In these open bazaars, you can find many things from grocery shopping to clothes, from vegetables and fruits to household needs. Also, you can get closer to the local people and get your needs at a much cheaper price!
These open bazaars which you can come across in almost every neighbourhood, are opened every week, on certain days. Turkey's most famous and one of the most touristy bazaars, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, definitely needs to see!
Grand Bazaar (İstanbul) pixabay.com
Trekking Routes
Do you love nature, sports and more importantly walking? Wonderful trekking routes are waiting for you! You can take a pleasant walk on routes in the warm Mediterranean climate or under harsh winter conditions.
Among these routes where you can spend days full of adventure, the Hittite Road, Lycian Way, Kaçkarlar, Kaz Mountains, and Ihlara Valley can be shown.
Lycian Way pixabay.com
Hospitality
Hospitality is one of the most important and one of the best-known attributes of Turkey. You might come across this naive hospitality in all sections of the community. We can almost guarantee that the guest who comes home will never feel lonely in this country where the visitor considered as "guest of God". In a place you visit, especially in a house, the landowner will do everything in his/her power to make you leave happy. Food? check, respect? check, comfort? check. Bingo!
The place where you can enjoy this hospitality in the best way will undoubtedly be the family home atmosphere.
Turkish coffee pixabay.com
Ancient Cities
If you want to feel like you are living in an ancient age, there are many ancient cities where you can feel just like that! So, it is possible to call Turkey an open-air museum. These cities, where civilization was born, appeal to both archaeology enthusiasts, amateur/professional photographers, or anyone who just wants to enjoy the place.
Ancient cities that you should definitely see are Ephesus Ancient City (İzmir), Pergamon Ancient City (İzmir), Aphrodisias Ancient City (Aydın), Derinkuyu Underground City (Nevşehir), Gordion (Ankara), and many more.
Ephesus Ancient City (İzmir) pixabay.com
ESN Ankara University
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is the biggest student association in Europe. It was born on the 16th October 1989 and legally registered in 1990 for supporting and developing student exchange. We are present in more than 1000 Higher Education Institutions from 42 countries. The network is constantly developing and expanding. We are ready to do everything to make your Erasmus experience better with our 30 members! With our friendly, helpful, and funny members, you can participate in many invitations and trips as well as take part in social responsibility projects. You will never feel lonely in this small family community. Well hospitality requires it!
Written By Fırat GÜLOĞLU
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