Turkey
Turkey
Take traditional elements of the exotic east and mix with contemporary western influences and what you have is Turkey. A rapidly modernising country, it is nonetheless where intricate carpets continue to be woven by hand, sweet palates are sated as ever by delicately flavoured Turkish Delight and mesmerising belly dancers continue to seduce their audiences.
Of this vast country’s 7 regions, that embracing the Aegean/Medterranean coastline basks in the loveliest of weather with popular seaside towns such as Bodrum, Marmaris and upcoming Altinkum, traditional fishing and farming villages and unspoilt islands scattered around and about its turquoise, crystal clear waters.
The Aegean shoreline is peppered with pretty bays, coves, peninsulas and beautiful beaches, and one of the best ways of appreciating these is from the deck of a sailing vessel. Herodotus, the 5th century BC historian, described this coast as being the most beautiful and having the best climate in the world. Many a modern day visitor would agree.
A deep lasting impression is left by the friendliness of the Turks, for whom hospitality is central to their culture stemming from a belief that visitors should be treated as guests of God. This warmth translates into easy conversation and entertaining repartee from its traders, who inject humour into haggling and who offer their customers refreshments such as refreshing apple tea.
One of the world’s few self-sufficient food producers, ingredients supplied to restaurants and tavernas are fresh and succulent with inventive and memorable dishes that are way beyond what you find in the exported ‘kebab’ takeaway.
Like the aubergine based dish Iman Bayildi, meaning ‘the priest fainted’, Turkey is a destination so rich it will blow you away.