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Mustafa Atatürk: Turkey Seen Through Its Ubiquitous Founder

octubre 10th, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

I would be biased to say that Turkey is one of the most diverse and attractive countries in the world, but those who’ve visited the country would probably agree. Of the countless times I’d traveled to Turkey, I’d been blown away by its extremities: modern vs ancient, east vs west and concrete urbanity vs raw rural nature. Traveling from the hip metropolis of Istanbul to the traditional villages in Cappadocia to the vibrant beachfront city of Antalya, Turkey constantly sprang one surprise after another. I was deeply drawn to its intriguing whirlpool of culture, history and traditions.

But there was one man in particular who piqued my interest in Turkey. Wherever I went in the country, I saw portraits of him. A man who seemed to possess all the wisdom in the world and all the power in the country. He was Mustafa Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey – the most worshipped figure in the country.  Known for his  intelligence, resilience and generosity,  Atatürk was, and still is, deeply loved by his countrymen. Having fought the World War I as a military officer, he led the country towards independence and modernization after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. .

Without Atatürk, Turkey wouldn’t be where it is today: a global country that strikes a perfect balance between modern development and old cultural traditions. While keeping up with 21st-century development, Turkey has not forgotten its roots – it retains much of its rich history, which can be seen in various corners of the country. Impressive Roman ruins found in the ancient city of Esphesus and Aphrodisia show evidence of the country’s glorious days as an important centre of the Roman Empire; while Antalya‘s Fluted Minaret and Hidirlik Tower reveal a city that was once the capital of the Carabisiani Byzantine Empire. In Istanbul, its Ottoman history is on fully display through the majestic Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia.

But Turkey is very much of this century – major cities like Ankara, Izmir and Istanbul transport you straight to the present, where progressive vibes and up-to-date fashion remind you of Western European powerhouses. Stroll along the wide shopping boulevards, dine on stylish, rooftop restaurants  or just hang out in one of the numerous chic cafés, you’ll be surprised to find how multi-faceted Turkey really is.

Photo | Alaskan Dude

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Post- “Midnight Express” Turkey: Cool Culture, Hot Beaches

septiembre 6th, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in The View - (2 Comments)

[What to do in Turkey] Midnight Express

After seeing “Midnight Express,” possibly the furthest thing from your mind is to take a pleasant stroll through Turkey, but don’t let an intense film like this 1978 crime drama discourage you from enjoying the experience of sightseeing in Turkey, where cultures meet in such a spectacular manner. Remember that Hollywood movies are made to leave an impact, and that not everything you see in them, even if it’s based on actual events, is necessarily that way.

Billy Hayes was arrested at the Istanbul airport because he had poorly chosen the, um, souvenirs he was going to take back to the US, but beforehand, he had the opportunity to appreciate its streets, its culture and everything else the capital of Turkey has to offer. The words Constantinople or Byzantium (as the city was once called) give you an idea of what you may expect in such a passion-filled destination. It’s no coincidence that the historic center has been declared a World Heritage Site since 1985, nor is it that you have seen its marvelous Christian church, the Hagia Sophia Cathedral, in your history books. Together with the Blue Mosque and others scattered around the city, these sights guarantee a rich cultural experience.

Beaches in Turkey: Sun, Fun & Culture

But Turkey has more to offer than its fabulous religious buildings; it also has some highly recommendable beaches. Beaches where Hayes could have swum prior to committing the wild crime that landed him as the protagonist of “Midnight Express.” Beaches that would have refreshed his mind before running the risk of trying to leave the country with a package of heroin, and that would have saved him both the years in that horrible jail and the need to escape to save any semblance of sanity.

Antalya is one of those destinations in Turkey where tourists can truly appreciate how much the country has changed over the last 40 years. Its beaches have always been there, as have the old Roman ruins, vestiges of Greek culture and numerous mosques. But now it also has five star resorts and restaurants for every price range that make this region one of the primary tourist destinations in this part of the Mediterranean coast.

You can’t get to Antalya by train, as you might get to Istanbul, but there are daily flights that you will not regret having taken. If you do, we would love to hear what you think.

Photo | Midnight Express (Sony Pictures, formerly Columbia Pictures)

 

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Turkey, Light Between East and West

agosto 1st, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

What to do in Turkey

Light between East and West: The title may sound like a flight of poetic fancy, but in the case of Turkey, the words fit as precisely as any mathematical equation. ‘Light,’ for the beautiful sunsets that grace this country. And ‘between East and West’ because Turkey, spanning two continents and more than 2,000 years of history and culture (12,000, if you count the apparent discovery of the world’s oldest temple), is rich in contrasts thanks to its geographic location.

This bicontinental nation covers the entire peninsula of Anatolia in Asia and the southeastern portion of Thrace in Europe, separated by the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. Its grandest city, the lovely Istanbul, is among the best witnesses to the passage of time in world history: Here you can appreciate the influence of Greek conquests and the Byzantine Empire, which calls the city its birthplace. During that time, it was renamed Constantinople by Emperor Constantine the Great.

According to legend, though, the country reached the height of its splendor much earlier, during the reign of King Midas of Phrygia, part of what is today Turkey. Little by little, his territory spread eastward to the border of Urartu (today Armenia), Iran and Turkey, much like the nation’s current dimensions. Such was the wealth this king attained by maintaining trade relations with Assyria and Urartu, that the Greeks eventually adopted him into their mythology, so that today everyone knows this king for turning everything he touched to gold.

Istanbul Sightseeing Tips

If you travel to this grand European city, don’t miss the opportunity to wander its streets, visit its countless monuments and archeological ruins… and above all, don’t miss the famous dervishes and belly dancing. Who, after all, hasn’t dreamt of being able to move like those dancers?

Nor should you miss having a spot of tea in either the Üsküdar neighborhood, one of the oldest on the Asian side, in an outdoor café or on a small boat on the Bosphorus, overlooking the Galata Bridge which unites Europe and Asia, while contemplating one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. If you like to eat, in Turkey you will savor a cuisine that blends classic Mediterranean influences such as olive oil and vegetables with exotic Arab- and Indian-accented spices. The variety of Turkish cuisine is almost endless, so plan on sampling new delights every day.

Beaches in Turkey Not to Miss

Turkey’s beaches, unknown to most, offer fine white sand and crystal-clear emerald waters. The beach at Antalya in southwest Turkey is especially appealing thanks to the surrounding cliffs and mountains (don’t worry, there are good roads to get there!). After a day of sightseeing, Antalya’s crystal-clear waters and great variety of bars and restaurants will be all you’ll need to cool down and recharge.

For another must-see beach, head to the island of Kekova in the Aegean Sea. This island is also called the ‘sunken city,’ where you can explore the partially submerged marble columns and stone steps of the ancient city of Apollonia, which sank after a series of devastating earthquakes. In order to preserve this unique site, snorkeling and diving are currently prohibited, but you can see the spectacular ruins from a kayak or ferry.

Photo | Tare

 

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