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The
Turkish Republic, in the southeastern corner of Europe, is a land of
beauty, a land of abundance, a land of great cities and quaint
villages, of fertile mountain valleys, and azure seas. It’s the
homeland of Turks, over fifty million of them, a proud people with a
great heritage, a deep history and a smile for every visitor.
Turkey
is part of Europe, but it’s not just like the rest of Europe. It
has a special place in world geography, history and commerce. For
centuries, the fertile peninsula called Anatolia or Asia Minor has
been a land bridge linking Europe with Western Asia. In Istanbul you
can actually walk across a great bridge from one continent to the
other. For thousands of years people have migrated across this
beautiful land, or have sailed along its shores. Many people have
stopped to enjoy its natural beauty and wealth, and have left behind
wonderful treasures of art and architecture. Turkey’s history
starts in prehistoric times and includes many important events. Did
you know that the Trojan War took place in Turkey? Classical
Hellenic culture and art was born on these shores and great men of
philosophy, science and literature lived and worked here.
Rome
ruled Anatolia and the Romans built hundreds of great theatres. At
Ephesus, Roman audiences listened to the sermons of St. Paul as he
toured the Seven Churches of Asia. St. Paul was born in Tarsus, on
Turkey’s southern shore. Did you know that the Virgin Mary lived
her last years here in a small cottage near Ephesus? The Vatican has
confirmed this fact and Pope John II personally visited this site.
Also, St. John wrote his Gospel here. A great basilica once stood on
this spot to commemorate his work. And of all people, Santa Claus
was born here! Yes, Saint Nick (Nicholas) actually began his fabled
existence during Roman times as a bishop in a city on Turkey’s
south coast. He gave his first Christmas presents to the local young
people. After his death he became a saint, and the Church of Saint
Nicholas, in the town of Demre, commemorates his life and work. In
medieval times, the Crusaders marched through Anatolia, and built
romantic castles.
Walk
the streets of ancient classical cities. Feel the warmth of the
calcium-rich, warm waters of Pamukkale, a favorite health spa of the
Romans. Explore the eerie moonscape of Cappadocia, where the early
Christians carved homes through volcanic earth far up in the hills
or down 7 seven stories into the earth and decorated churches right
out of the volcanic rocks. After all your exertion, you can rest and
rejuvenate yourself the way the Turks have been doing for centuries;
in the warmth of a traditional bath. After the bath comes dinner,
which could be Turkey’s national dish, succulent roasted lamb
called “Doner Kebab” which goes along with a delicious Turkish
wine, or seafood fresh from the blue waters of the Aegean, the
Mediterranean, the Black Sea or the Marmara Sea. Or you may choose
among hundreds of hot or cold appetizers. Discover for yourself why
people say that there are only three great cuisine’s in the world;
French, Chinese, and Turkish!
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