TURKEY– Istanbul Day 1

The largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is the country’s economic, cultural and historical heart. The city is located on both sides of Bosphorus which is on the European and Asian continent.

The city’s biggest draw is the Historic Areas of Istanbul which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formerly known as Constantinople, the city was proclaimed the capital of the Byzantine Empire or Eastern Roman Empire. At point of writing, Istanbul with a population of 13.9 million, is the 2nd largest city by population in the world.

TURKEY–Asklepion & Troy

Asklepion was a healing temple in the Ancient Greece, built in the name of Aesculapius, God of Health and Medicine in Greek mythology. Built as early as the 4th century BC, it was not until the 2nd century the Asklepion gained prominence under the Romans.

Located on the slopes of Mount Geyikli of which springs were believed to have healing effects. Not only the Asklepion was the world’s famous ancient medical centre but it is also the world’s first psychiatric hospital.

TURKEY – Sirince Village

Sirince Village is an old village located on the hills, situated at 12km away from Ephesus. It is famous for its wine and beautiful scenery.

TURKEY – Ephesus

Ephesus, located on the West Coast of Turkey, next to Selcuk is an ancient Greek city and later a major Roman city. Famed for the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), Ephesus is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation as one of the seven churches of Asia.

The ancient city of Ephesus is the jewel in the crown of Turkey’s archaeological sites which was once famed for its beauty and wealth. Founded in the 13th century BC, it had become a major Aegean Port with a population of more than 300,000 by the end of the first century BC. By the time of Augustus Caesar, it was the capital of Roman Asia.

In 27 BC, when Augustus became emperor, he made Ephesus the capital of proconsular Asia and it was second in importance and size only to Rome.

TURKEY - Pamukalle

Pamukkale or in Turkish, the name literally means Cotton Castle, is a natural site in Denizli Province in south-western Turkey. Naturally, the highlight of Pamukkale is the Cotton Castle.

But other than the natural wonder of Cotton Castle, there is the ancient city of Hierapolis. Just above the bizarre calcium cliff bathing pool, is the ruins of Hierapolis. Both Pamukkale and Hierapolis was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.