Türkiye | A Living Mosaic of Civilisations

Spanning two continents and countless civilisations, Türkiye is a destination that effortlessly fuses East and West, ancient and modern, the spiritual and the sensual. From the cosmopolitan buzz of Istanbul to the lunar valleys of Cappadocia, and the turquoise shores of the Aegean to the mystical whirling dervishes of Konya, travelling in Türkiye is a multi-sensory experience filled with warmth, depth, and surprises at every turn.

Photo by Daniela Cuevas

Türkiye is home to 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has been a cradle for some of the world’s most influential empires – from the Hittites and Romans to the Byzantines and Ottomans. Its geography alone is astonishing: bordered by eight countries and surrounded by four seas, it’s the only nation in the world that sits on both Europe and Asia. This unique position has shaped a rich cultural and historical heritage, visible in every city, ruin, and mosque.

Cappadocia: Dreamscape in Central Anatolia

For a completely different landscape, head to Cappadocia. This otherworldly region is famed for its “fairy chimneys” – cone-shaped rock formations formed by ancient volcanic eruptions and centuries of erosion. Many travellers rise before dawn to take a hot air balloon ride over the valleys, witnessing the surreal terrain from above. Don’t miss the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı, carved into the earth thousands of years ago as shelters from invaders.

Istanbul: Where Worlds Converge

No trip to Türkiye is complete without immersing yourself in the layered beauty of Istanbul. Here, you can hear the call to prayer echoing across the Bosphorus as ferries glide between continents. Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, once a church, then a mosque, now both. Wander through the Grand Bazaar’s labyrinth of spices, textiles, and antiques. Take in the shimmering tiles of the Blue Mosque and catch the sunset over the Galata Tower. Every corner tells a story, and within walking distance you can find so many popular tourist spots and hidden gems.

Photo by Engin Yapici

A Culinary Tapestry: Foodscape of Türkiye

Turkish cuisine is a delicious tapestry of regional flavours. Start with breakfast – “kahvaltı” – a generous spread of cheeses, olives, eggs, fresh bread, and homemade jams. For lunch, try mantı - tiny dumplings filled with spiced meat, topped with yoghurt and chilli oil - or iskender kebap, served over pita with tomato sauce and melted butter.  Aegean areas will offer an unimaginable variety of fresh fish dishes, served at cosy restaurants. In the Black Sea region, sample hamsi (anchovies) served in so many ways, and muhlama - a gooey cornmeal and cheese dish.

Turkish pastry is a separate category of delightful bureks, pides, lahmacuns, and many more filling and affordable hunger tamers. On a street food spree, try the famous balik ekmek - fish sandwich; midye dolma - mussels stuffed with rice, and çiğ köfte - spiced bulgur appetiser served with fresh lettuce. Don’t forget the unmatched Turkish ice cream sold at small stalls, and buying it is already a cultural experience itself.

And everywhere you go, end your meal with a glass of çay (tea) or strong Turkish coffee and a square of lokum (Turkish delight). Both are very special to this country and will round out your epicurean experience in a traditional way. 

Photo by Roxanne Desgagnés

For food lovers, shopping in Türkiye is a dream-like experience. Local markets – pazars – overflow with colourful produce, sun-dried fruits, hand-ground spices, fresh herbs, and homemade cheeses. In towns like Gaziantep and Antakya, spice bazaars showcase fiery red pepper pastes and rare regional ingredients.

Istanbul’s Kadıköy Market is a sensory overload of olives, honeycombs, nuts, and pickled everything. Don’t miss the chance to bring home a bag of Turkish coffee, vacuum-packed sucuk (spicy sausage), or artisanal baklava from a traditional patisserie. Many shopkeepers offer tastings, and bargaining with a smile is part of the fun.

Traditions of Healing | Wellness in Türkiye

Türkiye’s wellness traditions run deep, blending centuries-old rituals with modern luxury. At the heart of this culture is the iconic Turkish hamam, a steamy marble sanctuary where exfoliation and relaxation go hand in hand. From the historic Çemberlitaş Hamamı in Istanbul – designed by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan – to tranquil boutique hamams in Cappadocia and Bursa, these cleansing rituals offer more than physical relief; they’re a cultural experience. 

Photo by Arnaud Civray

For travellers seeking a more immersive wellness escape, Türkiye is also home to numerous thermal resorts, especially in Pamukkale, Yalova, and Afyonkarahisar. Known since Roman times for their healing waters, these regions offer mineral-rich thermal baths, spa hotels, and wellness retreats surrounded by natural beauty. Whether you're soaking in Pamukkale’s travertine terraces or enjoying a massage overlooking olive groves near Bodrum, Türkiye’s wellness offerings are as restorative as they are scenic. 

Many spas also incorporate local ingredients like rosewater from Isparta, thermal mud from Afyon, and sea salt from the Aegean in their treatments. Increasingly, resorts are embracing mindful travel trends, offering yoga sessions, organic dining, forest walks, and digital detox packages – perfect for couples or solo travellers looking to truly unwind.

Official travel info-source: www.goturkiye.com

Museum Pass Türkiye: www.muze.gov.tr

Book authentic Turkish hamam: www.turkishbaths.org

Personalised tours: www.feztravel.com