Istanbul
All the attractions of Istanbul are a history of the world. He is constantly becoming the capital of the new state: first the Eastern Roman, then Byzantine and then Ottoman Empire. With the advent of each new monuments were built, and the building does not obscure architects. In Istanbul, skillfully interwoven face and the West with the East, Asia and Europe, Islam and Christianity. All bulk attractions located in areas of the city such as Sarayburnu and Sultanahmet.
Istanbul is the commercial center of Eurasia due to its favorable geographical location - on both sides of the Bosphorus. But this is not its main advantage. Istanbul was the capital of the ancient Byzantine Empire and was named Constantinople. Cultural monuments and architecture remained in large numbers in the city. Genuine interest of tourists is the Topkapi Palace - former residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the Hagia Sophia. The cathedral was built around the VI century BC First it was a stronghold of the Christian faith, but after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks, he was transformed into a mosque.
Near the Hagia Sophia is the Blue Mosque - the only mosque in the world with six minarets. She got her name because of the use of white and blue tiles in interior decoration. A mile from the mosque is the largest and oldest market in the world - the Grand Bazaar or Covered Bazaar. The range of goods is striking - jewelery, leather, textiles, carpets, souvenirs, antiques and more. Inside the bazaar are all kinds of small restaurants, where you can sit and relax. No small interest as well is the last Sultans Palace Dolmabahce, in the baroque style. It is famous for its rich decor and furnishings.
Ankara
If the name of Istanbul continuously connected with the stronghold of culture, Ankara is primarily associated with the name of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, or. In 1923, Mustafa Kemal moved the capital from Istanbul to Ankara. Today it is the center of ministries of education and embassies.
Ankara is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, or. The name "Atatürk" he received from the Turkish people in gratitude for the restoration of national consciousness. Next to the mausoleum of Ataturk Museum is where you store personal belongings and books.
Also to be found in Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. It is famous for its collection of artifacts collected from all over Turkey. Putting the museum formerly used as a bath. Not to mention Hadzhibayram mosque - the oldest mosque in the city. It dates from the XV century and is still operational. The busiest street of Ankara considered street Salman. It is also called "Copper Alley" and not without reason: on this street vendors offer different copper utensils - cups, pitchers, coasters and more.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale - it is an amazing place where you saved the two miracles Turkey: hot springs and the ruins of the city of Hierapolis.
Education thermal springs occurred as a result of salt deposits from the water saturated with calcium. Water flows over limestone walls (travertine), forming a white terraces (travertine formation). The water in these sources reaches 40 degrees Celsius and has healing properties. Even in ancient times people have come here for treatment of ailments. This place has an indescribable beauty, as their year-round surface is white and resembles snow.
Hierapolis was built in the II century BC and, despite all attempts to save it in a viable state, he still was abandoned. The main attraction of the city is an unusual cemetery - city of the dead (necropolis). In antiquity, many seriously ill people came for treatment at the source. Some of them recovered, some never returned home. In Hierapolis can also visit the ancient amphitheater, one of the three largest amphitheater in Turkey.