The Country of Turkey

Turkey is one of the best-kept holiday secrets in the travel business. Europeans have spent their holidays here for many years, taking advantage of the unbelievably low prices for travel services that can be had. Yet among many people, Turkey is probably one of the most misunderstood countries on Earth. It is common for travelers arriving in Turkey to be surprised at the number of misconceptions they had about Turkey. Here are some facts about Turkey to set the record straight.

Turkey is a secular democracy. Although the population is 99% Muslim, Turkey's government is stauchly secular. If you read The constitution of Turkey, which a search on Turkey Central will enable you to do, you'll see that Turkey's government is not unlike the typical European or American government.

Turkey is not a desert. Camels are not from here, although the logo of the pyramid and camel on a pack of Camel cigarettes, and the inscription "Turkish American Blend" imply this. Camels were imported to Turkey years ago, however you will probably never even see one. While Turkey is often confused with middle-eastern countries, many areas of Turkey are covered in forests, lush with greenery, while others are more dry. The coastlines and beaches are very beautiful with cliffs and sandy beaches. There are mountains with fantastic ski resorts, large lakes and rivers, and places where the foliage changes beautifully with the seasons. The Southwest coast of Turkey resembles Southern California for its climate in the Summer. Turkey also has some of the most unusual geological sites in the world, for example, the "fairy castles" of Capadoccia and the mineral pools of Pamukkale, among other places.

Turkey is rich in history, especially Biblical history. The Apostle Paul traveled and lived around Turkey for years, The Apostle John and the Virgin Mary lived in Ephesus, and many of the Old and New Testament stories happened throughout Turkey. Noah's Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat in Eastern Turkey. Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas) actually came from Demre, Turkey, and was buried in Turkey (telling your kids this is your option). It would take pages to cover all of the Biblical history that occurred in Turkey, but it is often referred to as the "second holy land." One of the oldest known human cities, Catalhoyuk, is in Turkey and is currently under excavation. Of course, Turkey is also a place where much Muslim history occurred, since the Ottoman Empire, controlled much of the known world in its time, with its magnificent mosques and palaces still wowing tourists in its former capital, Istanbul. Turkey is the land of the Seljuks, the Phrygians, the Hittites, the Urartians, and other ancient cultures as well. Each culture has left traces of their presence, resulting in Turkey being known as "the cradle of civilization." Today Turkey is replete with museums, ruins, and monuments built by its ancient inhabitants. So if you want to visit the holy lands, but are concerned about your safety, Turkey is your best alternative, if not a primary choice of destinations.

Violent crime is not common in Turkey. While all cities have some level of crime, violent crime is relatively rare in Turkey when compared to most US and European cities.

There is a lot to do in Turkey. Do you dive? like to paraglide? Hike? Shop? Swim? You name it, you can do it in Turkey, and spend a lot less doing it. There is some fantastic diving to be had there, some places are actually underwater museums where you can explore ruins non-divers will never see. You can take a balloon flight over Cappadocia and see this fantastic scene from above in the tranquility of its skies. The shopping offers some fantastic bargains on carpets, gold and jewelry, and hand-made crafts. If you just want to party and have the time of your life, visit the world's largest outdoor disco in Bodrum, the Halicarnus Disco. You can't help but have a good time--believe us--Bodrum and the other popular tourist destinations have no shortage of happening nightspots. If you're interested in a relaxing holiday on the beach, visit places like Fethiye or the many undeveloped, pristine beaches in Antalya. Anywhere you decide to go, there is a wonderful experience awaiting you, no matter how you would like to spend your holiday in Turkey.

Turks genuinely like foreign people. If you've been to Turkey before, you'll know exactly what we're talking about. But if not...you'll just have to visit and experience Turkish hospitality on your own. Many tourists and visitors leave with a lasting positive impression of the Turks, and have found them to be a very polite, kind, and proud people, with an open heart towards others. It is said that if you make a friend of a Turk, you have a friend for life.

Turkish women don't wear burkhas. Turkish women don't wear chadors, burkhas, or any of the head-to-toe coverings. Although you will see Turkish women dressed modestly and wear headscarfs, this is not required, or even encouraged, and has more to do with family traditions and personal religious expression. You will more likely see Turkish women wearing stylish western clothing. Women in Turkey are free to enjoy all of the freedoms that men do, and also serve in prestigious positions in business and government. Turkey recently had a woman prime minister, and their freedoms are guaranteed by the constitution of the Republic of Turkey.