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Sunset in Istanbul Turkey Travel Fast Facts Getting there: regular flights from major cities to Atatürk International Airport in Istanbul What to see: Istanbul, Antalya, Troy, Ephesus, Tarsus, Konya, Samsun, Mount Ararat Currency: Turkish lira Official language(s): Turkish

A blend of Middle Eastern and European, modern and ancient, Turkey borders Bulgaria and Greece to the west, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia to the northeast, Syria, Iraq and Iran to the southeast.

With miles of beautiful coastline, Turkey is a summer paradise of dazzling Turkish beaches, the most famous of them at Antalya on the Mediterranean, a particular favorite of European tourists.

The country's largest city, Istanbul impresses with a stunning variety of architectural wonders including the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, the Byzantine beauty of Hagia Sophia and the ancient wonder of Roman temples.

Also be sure to make your way to the 15th century Grand Bazaar for some traditional haggling over souvenirs, or by night head out to the glimmering hubbub of Istanbul's discos, clubs & restaurants.

Beyond Istanbul

Byzantine beauty: Hagia Sofia, Istanbul

Other places of interest clearly show off the breadth and depth of the country's tourist industry including fascinating tours of the ancient cities of Troy, Ephesus, Tarsus, Konya, Samsun, Erzurum, and Trabzon.

The historic Aegean ports of Izmir and Bodrum are additional must-sees and, for an attraction of Biblical proportions, be sure not to miss Mt. Ararat, widely believed to be the landing place of Noah's Ark.

DID YOU KNOW? Turkey Travel Fun Facts

Like a whirling dervish.

• Whirling dervishes originated in Turkey, and refers to dancers who spin rapidly during religious ceremonies symbolizing their spiritual ascent.

• The Mediterranean resort city of Antalya holds the world record for having the highest number of “Blue Flag” certified beaches in the world, awarded for water quality and cleanliness.

• İmam bayıldı is a savory eggplant dish that translates to the “imam swooned” with the legend that the dish was so delicious that the imam, or prayer leader at the mosque, swooned at the taste of it!

• Instead of "hello" it is the custom for Turks to answer the phone with "efendim" meaning "my master". In common usage it is a very polite way of saying "I am listening."

also see in Wine -> Turkish Wines & Vineyards

More about Turkey travel & tourism around the Web:

Welcome to Turkey - Check out the official travel guide packed with information on top regional attractions including downloadable travel brochures covering the Aegean & the Black Sea, Istanbul & The Marmara and more, plus a hotel guide, practical travel tips, related links.

Turkey Travel Information - Get expert tips on what to see and do from Lonely Planet with information on travel to Mt. Ararat, Gallipoli Peninsula, the capital at Antalya, plus maps & photos, practical travel tips, related resources

Turkey Travel Planner - Author of the Lonely Planet and Frommer's travel guides shows you further around with insider tips on what to see and do, 'been there' advice on hotels & restaurants, itinerary planner, maps & photo gallery.

Top Ten Turkey - Like it says, with information on top attractions, cities, museums, and things to do, with essential Turkish phrases, suggested hotels, maps, photos, related news updates & travel resources