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Inside Turkey A guide to Turkey’s most extraordinary destinations

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Contents Istanbul 8 Bursa 26 Antalya Bodrum 14

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Golden Book

Ortakoy Mosque, Istanbul

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Istanbul Turkey’s most visited city is home to its most treasured historic monuments and the hottest new luxury attractions

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stanbul is a legendary city, one whose name conjures up images of bustling bazaars and scenes straight out of 1001 Arabian Nights; but there’s much more to the city today than spices and incense.

Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, and Byzantium long before that, was the seat of power for the consecutive Roman and Ottoman Empires – a place long accustomed to providing culture, comfort and entertainment for the local populace and visiting dignitaries.

Today the city straddles two continents – Europe and Asia – a geographical idiosyncrasy that helpfully splits it into two distinct parts, divided in half by the Bosphorus Strait. You can find some of the country’s most iconic historical attractions and modern nightspots on the European side, while some of the city’s top residential districts are located on the Asian half of the waterway, which is connected by the mighty Galata Bridge. Istanbul is also home to a stunning collection of traditional and contemporary restaurants, winning international attention from food critics worldwide.

From the ancient Hagia Sophia Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the resplendent Blue Mosque, to the modern luxury hotels that line the banks of the Bosphorus, the city is bursting at the seams with attractions to lure visitors from all corners of the globe. .

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Tastes of Turkey 1

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stanbul’s gourmet scene has exploded over the last few years, as more and more chefs and restaurateurs realised the city’s huge potential as the world’s next major tourism hotspot. Big names in the global gourmet scene like Rainer Becker’s Zuma concept have found new homes in Istanbul, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and encouraging chefs to bring new ideas to the table. From traditional Turkish cuisine to contemporary Asian fusion, there’s something for everyone.

With so much to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favourite.

1 Zuma

2 Tugra

German chef Rainer Becker’s hugely successful Zuma was an instant hit with locals and visitors alike when it opened in 2008, and it remains one of the hottest restaurants on Istanbul’s buzzing restaurant scene. The menu offers a vast selection of modern Japanese concoctions and a beverage menu to match. At lunchtime it’s full of businessmen in suits, and at night it’s packed with trendy locals and hungry tourists eager to be a part of the action.

Tel: +90 212 236 2296 www.zumarestaurant.com

For what might well be the best Turkish cuisine in town, head to Tugra Restaurant and Lounge at the elegant Kempinski Ciragan Palace and ask for a table on the terrace. The views of the Bosphorus are among the most romantic in the city, and the restaurant’s team of Turkish chefs prepare mouthwatering dishes from the “modern classic” menu, which features a sumptuous collection of Turkish and Ottoman cuisine.

Tel: +90 212 236 7333 www.kempinski.com

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3 Dragon at Reina

4 Cipriani Istanbul

5 Safran Restaurant

The city’s most popular open-air club is also home to one of its favourite restaurants, which occupies a perfect spot on the edge of the Bosphorus, on the European side of the river. Enjoy the finest Chinese cuisine in town, either inside the stylish venue or al fresco under the star-lit Turkish sky during the summer months.

As well as the fabulous food, you’ll enjoy seeing and being seen by the celebrities and high-flyers at trendy Reina after.

Tel: +90 212 259 5919 www.reina.com.tr

The Istanbul branch of super-trendy Cipriani restaurant has quickly established itself as a favourite among the city’s upper crust. Serving a mixture of classic dishes from the company’s original Harry’s Bar in Venice, and contemporary fusion dishes reflecting traditional Turkish cuisine, the restaurant is known as a hangout for the city’s social elite. Sit inside among exquisite Italian design, or out on the terrace to soak up the atmosphere.

Tel: +90 212 317 7787 www.cipriani.com

For some of the finest traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine in town, look no further than Safran Restaurant and Terrace at the Ceylan InterContinental Istanbul.

Enjoy an authentic Turkish experience in sophisticated surroundings, with traditional live Turkish music and one of the most panoramic outdoor terraces in town, where you can look down on the minarets and domes of countless mosques dotted all over the city.

Tel: +90 212 368 44 44 istanbul.intercontinental.com.tr

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Istanbul heritage Istanbul’s historic buildings are centuries-old reminders of distant empires and benevolent rulers who created some of the world’s most iconic structures

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s the former seat of the Ottoman and the Roman empires, Istanbul has welcomed some of history’s greatest architects and designers, who have created some of Turkey’s most iconic buildings and landmarks. From the glorious domes of the Blue Mosque to the soaring spires of the Hagia Sophia, the city’s religious monuments are some of the most dazzling in the world. Other sites like the magnificent Topkapi Palace and the winding alleyways of the Grand Bazaar are well-preserved windows into times gone by.

1 Blue Mosque

2 Topkapi Palace

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or the Blue Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s architectural masterpieces. Built in the early 17th century when Istanbul was the heart of the Ottoman Empire, the Blue Mosque is considered to be one of the last great mosques built during the classical period, with six towering minarets and eight smaller domes below the vast main domed roof. It remains one of the city’s most important places of worship, but it is also open to visitors, who marvel at the blue tiles that decorate its interior. www.bluemosque.co

For more than 400 years, the sprawling Topkapi Palace was the home of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire, as well as the setting for all of Istanbul’s official events and ceremonies. The palace was also the centre of the Muslim world and still houses some of Islam’s most important relics. Within its massive walls, visitors today can walk the cool corridors of the palace and visit some of the Ottoman empire’s most treasured relics, standing where sultans once directed the political and religious life of the empire. www.topkapipalace.com

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1 3 Hagia Sophia

4 The Bosphorus

5 Grand bazaar

The Hagia Sophia Mosque stood as a symbol of the might and talent of the successive empires that ruled over the city. It started out as a cathedral when Istanbul was still called Constantinople, the seat of power of the Byzantine Empire. When the city fell to Ottoman invaders in 1453, the cathedral was turned into a mosque, and remained a place of worship until it was turned into a museum in 1935.

The stunning building remains one of the best-preserved pieces of Byzantium architecture in the world. www.hagiasophia.com

Every great city of old is built around a water source, and Istanbul is no different.

The mighty Bosphorus Strait, which carves the city in two and separates the continents of Asia and Europe, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, has been a vital trade route since the city was first settled. Today, the boats that run up and down the waterway carry tourists on cruises that give them the chance to see both sides of the city from a different angle, from the palaces that line the banks of the river to the grand mosques in the distance.

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar has been the heart of the city’s trade and commerce since the 15th century, when it was the central market for traders who came from all over the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is a must-see on any itinerary. The maze-like streets and alleyways are home to more than 5,000 stalls selling arts and crafts, rich fabrics and silks, antique jewellery and other souvenirs. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the Turkey of old than by wandering through the vast covered bazaar and talking to the traders. www.grandbazaaristanbul.org

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Antalya Antalya is Turkey’s own version of the French Riviera, full of unique Mediterranean spirit and coastal charm

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trategically located on the Mediterranean Sea, Antalya is sometimes called the Turkish Riviera.

Like the French equivalent, Antalya and the surrounding coastal villages are home to an array of mouth-watering restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood, with rows of yachts and sailboats jostling for space in busy marinas or moored in idyllic bays, and a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere that seduces visitors into staying a little bit longer than planned.

The city boasts a rich ancient heritage with Greek, Roman and most recently Turkish influences. Once a trading hub, it is now best known for its beautiful beaches, natural waterfalls, and luxury resorts, as well as its proximity to more than its fair share of historic sites, from the ancient cities of Perga and Aspendos to the Antalya Archaeological Museum and its collection of marble statues.

Antalya’s mild climate makes it one of Turkey’s leading agricultural centres, with fragrant orange groves flourishing beneath centuries-old aqueducts, and mouth-watering strawberries bursting with flavour sold at roadside stands.

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Contemporary Antalya 1

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hether you prefer a beach hotel close to the bustling, ancient city, atmospheric lodgings in the historic Old Town, or a luxury all-inclusive resort along Lara Beach, Antalya has a collection of wonderful hotels to choose from. The best thing about Antalya is that it is full of attractions, so wherever you choose to stay, you’ll be in close proximity to some of the region’s top cultural spots, historic sites and the buzz of downtown Antalya.

1 Hillside Su Hotel

2 AlP Pasa Boutique Hotel

This chic, all-white member of Design Hotels offers simple elegance and a fresh, clean environment to create a soothing, spiritual ambiance. With a private beach and soothing underwater music in the swimming pool, this award-winning design hotel offers an array of sports options to promote health and fitness as well as relaxation.

Tel: +90 242 249 0700 www.hillsidesu.com

During the renovations of the authentic Konak houses that comprise the Alp Pasa Hotel, intricate ceilings and ornamental fireplaces, hand-carved doors and chests were found. Built in the Ottoman style in the historic Kaleici district for wealthy merchants, the buildings maintain many of these architectural treasures to evoke their illustrious past.

Tel: +90 242 247 5676 www.alppasa.com

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3 Mardan Palace

4 WOW Kremlin Palace

5 Divan Antalya

Located on the shores of the famous Lara Beach near to Antalya, guests enjoy spectacular service, a private amphitheatre, botanical gardens, a variety of sports, and a fleet of luxury automobiles, not to mention spa therapies from around the world. Attention to detail ensures the ultimate in luxury at this award-winning hotel.

Tel: +90 242 310 4100 www.mardanpalace.com

Known for its quirky themed hotels, Turkish company World of Wonders has recreated Russia’s Kremlin Palace along Lara Beach. The all-inclusive, family friendly hotel serves up a healthy dose of fun, activities and entertainment fit for a czar, so there is no need to leave the property, unless you give in to the lure of exploring the local history.

Tel: +90 242 310 82 12 www.wowhotels.com

Perched on a high bluff overlooking the Mediterranean, the Gulf of Antalya and the Toros Mountains, with its own private beach, the Divan Antalya is in a world of its own. Located within walking distance of the Old City and with a full array of meeting and business services and a relaxing Turkish bath, the stunning contemporary hotel offers the best of both worlds.

Tel: +90 242 248 68 00 www.divan.com.tr

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Step back in time

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he streets of Antalya and its surrounding towns and villages are littered with historic monuments and relics of the empires of old. From ancient theatres and trading centres to the cobbled streets of the Old Town, you can scarcely walk 100 yards without bumping into buildings of historical significance. If you don’t have the luxury of time on your side, there are five must-visit sites that should feature on every itinerary.

1 Kaleici

2 Perga

Enter the original Old Town through the triumphal arch of Hadrian’s Gate and you will be transported to an ancient seafaring city. From here, meander through the ancient winding streets, passing original segments of the city walls and Clock Tower, as well as the symbol of Antalya, the Yivli Minaret (Fluted Minaret) on your way to the harbour. Take a water tour along the coast to view the rugged coastline and enjoy a cay (tea) from one of the many cafés that offer incredible views of the sunset.

With almost all of the magnificent structures of this once-wealthy city still standing, including the theatre, stadium, agora, baths, fountains and columned streets lined with illustrious homes, visitors can glimpse a unique insight into daily life during ancient times. The innovative water, drainage and cooling systems for the market areas, as well as the homes of the wealthy, are impressive even today.

Although the name is Turkish, the city’s origins were Greek with Roman and Christian influences.

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3 Aspendos

4 Termessos

5 Archaeological Museum

Of all the remaining buildings of this city, which dates back to 12th century BC, the most spectacular is the Roman theatre, one of the best preserved in the world.

Although gladiators fighting wild beasts are no longer part of the programme, this 2,000 year old theatre is once again used as a performance space, with two spectacular shows staged here each summer. Once used as a hostel for trading caravans, it has a seating capacity of 8,000 on the original stone benches, and perfect acoustics.

Once a flourishing trade, agricultural and equine centre coveted by both the Greeks and Romans, even Alexander the Great could not conquer Termessos because of its protective geography. Located in the rugged hills above the Koprucay River, the baths, stadium, aqueducts, necropolis and other buildings are still only partly excavated. Scattered benches and signposts along a rugged path are the only concessions made for visitors who want to see this fascinating site, making it a rewarding trek for the hardy.

Even if you don’t see all of the important historic sights around Antalya, be sure to visit the Archaeological Museum, where you can view a unique collection of Roman marble sculptures dating from the second century AD, many uncovered in nearby Perga. Also on display are relics of St. Nicholas, who was originally from this area, as well as Byzantine church silver and Bronze Age burial silver. This is considered one of the most outstanding of Turkey’s world-renowned museums.

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Bodrum The gateway to the sublime Aegean Coast, Bodrum is a town with multiple personalities, both relaxed and charged with energy

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crazy mixture of sun, sea and history, Bodrum is one of the most popular holiday destinations along the Aegean Coast. With brilliant turquoise waters and vibrant blossoms, the area comes alive each year as the visitors and locals mingle with the same perfect harmony as the sea and the sky.

The city is also the starting point for cruises around the Aegean on traditional Turkish gulets – elegant wooden sailing vessels equipped with comfortable guest rooms and experienced crews, which take visitors on multi-day sailings of the timeless coast, with vessels and prices to suit all budgets.

Bodrum is also famed for its nightlife, which rivals Istanbul for the number of nightclubs and upscale restaurants available to hungry visitors. For those who like their holidays with less neon, the cultural attractions around the city make interesting excursions, and a number of museums and galleries showcase the history of the area. Whether you come for relaxation or adventure, you will find it here.

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Sun, sea and sand in Bodrum

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ven without the significant history of the region and some well-preserved and restored antiquities, Bodrum would still be a must-visit part of Turkey.

Wherever you can view the sea, look west to see magnificent sunsets as you savour the intrigue and peace – and enjoy all the other sites and activities offered here.

2 Castle of Saint Peter

1 Beaches

3 Cruising

5 Scuba Diving

A selection of glorious beaches ranging from sandy to rocky dot the shores of the stunning Bodrum peninsula. From the sandy, Turgutreis beach, the Greek island of Kos is clearly visible across the water.

Bitez Beach, on a natural shallow bay, is perfect for families, while the winds also make it perfect for wind surfing and other water sports. Bodrum beach is awash with sunbathers during the day, and the tables of nearby restaurants at night.

Whichever one you chose, you’ll have found paradise.

The turquoise water of the Aegean Coast is the main lure of Bodrum. Even dedicated landlubbers will enjoy a few hours or a full day on one of the tour boats that line the busy harbour. If you want a truly relaxing adventure, try cruising the rugged coastline for several days by arranging for a cabin on a gulet, a traditional wooden Turkish sailing vessel. Gather together a group of friends and set off on a tailormade tour of the nearby islands, stopping off at secluded beaches and dropping anchor to snorkel in the clear waters.

With millennia of shipwrecks, reefs, ancient walls, caverns and tunnels, the waters off the shores of Bodrum are a diver’s paradise. During diving season, which runs from April to November, you’ll see octopus, stingrays, groupers, seahorses, sponges, barracuda and maybe even dolphins and turtles. Among the most popular diving sites are Kurt Burun, Buyuk Reef (Big Reef) and Delikli Magara, where experienced divers can swim through the hole-pipe in the ceiling of a cave. Be sure to take a camera!

The most prominent landmark of Bodrum, whether you arrive by land or sea, is the Castle of Saint Peter. It was built by the Knights of St. John using many of the ruins from the Tomb of King Mausolus (now called The Mausoleum), which was destroyed by an earthquake. A prominent fortress in its heyday, it was a target of a French warship during the First World War. Today the Castle houses an impressive array of museums.

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4 Museum of Underwater Archaeology The way the exhibitions are creatively displayed makes this one of the most interesting museums you will ever visit, bringing to life the world of ancient mariners who lost their lives in shipwrecks along the coast. Relics from a FatimidByzantine ship thought to have sunk in AD 1025 are on display, as well as a life-size replica of a ship that sank off the nearby Greek island of Kas in the 14th century BC.

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Bodrum in style T

he sea and the sun make every vist a in Bodrum spectacular. However, there are some outstanding hotels that enhance the natural beauty, with superior service and unique offerings that make your visit even more magical. Whether you prefer to spend your holidays laying by the pool, relaxing with family or gazing out at the azure waters and the boats bobbing on the Aegean Sea, there is something to suit all tastes in Bodrum.

2 Rixos Premium Bodrum

4 Macakizi Hotel

Situated among the pine trees in Zeytinlikahve Cove on the Bodrum peninsula, the Rixos offers ultimate luxury surrounded by unspoiled nature. Maintaining the ambiance of a B & B, it offers a full menu of activities for children and adults – both those who want action and those who don’t. Villas as well as rooms are available, but whichever you select, be sure to take advantage of the Turkish hammam.

Tel: +90 252 337 1122 www.rixos.com

A luxury boutique hotel overlooking the turquoise waters of the Aegean, the Macakizi ‘s original concept was to provide a natural, inspiring retreat for writers, painters, intellectuals and other creatives along a private beach. The serenity has evolved and flourished, with lush gardens vibrant with hot pink bougainvillea and such elegant touches as remote-controlled curtains and Aqua Di Parma amenities.

Tel: +90 252 3776272 www.macakizi.com

1 Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay

3 Casa Dell’Arte Luxury Family Resort

5 THE Divan Bodrum Hotel

One of the most beautiful hotels along the Aegean Sea, the Kempinski Barbaros Bay offers the serenity of a secluded private beach lapped by crystal clear blue water and a Six Senses Spa for total relaxation.

But for those on the move, try Nordic walking, mountain biking, and an array of water sports.

Tel: +90 252 3110303 www.kempinski.com

Art is an integral part of this Bodrum experience. Every room features original works by established and emerging artists who may also be in residence during your stay, leading workshops for creative guests.

Vintage automobiles and a private yacht are also available to guests who want to venture beyond the beach and spa.

Tel: +90 252 367 1848 www.casadellartebodrum.com

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Named the“Most Excellent Charming hotel in Europe and the Mediterranean” by Conde Nast, this small hotel incorporates the charm of Turkish authenticity with luxury accommodation and amenities.

With a private beach, inviting pool and facilities for business meetings or special celebrations, you will feel the local ambiance in an authentic, luxurious setting.

Tel: +90 252 377 56 01 www.divan.com.tr

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Bursa For a refreshing change of scenery, the thermal waters and medical retreats in Bursa are a delight for the senses

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nown to Turks as ‘Yesil Bursa’ or ‘Green Bursa’, this landlocked city is an oasis of tranquil parks surrounded by rich farmland, lending the town its name. Long celebrated for its mineral springs and therapeutic thermal baths, Bursa is also a dynamic commercial centre, sometimes referred to as the Detroit of Istanbul. Once part of the Silk Road, it now specialises in automobiles, yachts, food and textiles, but it’s also a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Turkey.

Bursa has been known for its restorative thermal waters for centuries, making it one of the first destinations for medical tourism. An estimated 3,000 thermal baths offer today’s visitor to Bursa ample opportunity to sample their healing properties. The multitudinous choices include the New Spa, which was built in 1522 and recently restored.

Skiing at nearby Mount Uludag tempts many visitors in the winter months, and foodies will already know that Bursa is the home of many of Turkey’s most iconic dishes.

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Storytelling in Bursa A

s the first Ottoman capital the city of Bursa is rich in religious monuments, mosques and tombs. The result is that the city is chock full of important historical sites, but geography has also blessed it with some of the most magnificent scenery in Turkey.

3 Clock Tower of Tophane

6 Pithia Thermal Spa

Situated on a hilltop, the clock tower is the centrepiece of Tophane, the most ancient part of the city, which is surrounded by the remains of the Byzantine walls dating back to the first century BC. Enjoy a glass of cay, and admire the view from the gardens at the tower’s base. The Gate of Sultanate is one of the five gates of Bursa Castle, a short stroll from the tower.

One of the best things about staying in the new, centrally-located five-star Marigold Hotel is the friendly, helpful staff. However, its Pithia Thermal Spa is also one of the best in the area. With the thermal waters at a constant 46° C and an assortment of traditional and unique therapies on offer, you will feel your body revert to its natural rhythmic balance.

1 Yesil Turbe

4 Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque)

The sight of the Green Tomb (circa 1421 AD) as you enter through a pair of intricately carved wooden doors is dazzling. The depth of the colour and detail of the green tiles that ornament the interior as well as the Sarcophagus of Sultan Mehmet I are breathtaking.

Built on a hill among tall cypress trees, it is an unmissable landmark.

Bursa has more mosques than any other city in Turkey, the grandest of which is the Ulu Cami. Completed in 1399 with 20 minarets, 20 equal compartments and a striking three-tiered fountain beneath the central dome, it fulfilled Yildirim Bayezid’s promise to build 20 mosques. After damage from earthquakes and fires it has been exquisitely restored to its original glory.

2 KOZA Han (Silk Market)

5 Uludag National Park

Originally built to generate income for the Sultan in 1491, the Koza Han is still a bustling shopping centre. The upper level houses the Ipek Han, which was established to sell the fine silks produced from the cocoons of Turkish silk worms. Bursa silk is still heralded for its high quality and brilliant dyes, with each piece proudly displaying the name of the city.

Rising above the city, Mount Uludag is one of Turkey’s most desirable ski areas in winter, and during the other months offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Soar above juniper and aspen trees and hyacinths and crocus-covered slopes from the cable car that transports you to a place the Bithynians believed to be the home of the gods.

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Bursa has more mosques than any other city in Turkey, the grandest of which is the Ulu Cami

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Zuma

Hillside Su Hotel

Macakizi Hotel

Tel: +90 212 236 2296 www.zumarestaurant.com

Tel: +90 2422490700 www.hillsidesu.com

Tel: +90 252 3776272 www.macakizi.com

Ciragan Palace - Tugra

AlP Pasa Boutique Hotel

Rixos Premium Bodrum

Tel: +90 212 236 7333 www.kempinski.com

Tel: +90 242 247 5676 www.alppasa.com

Tel: +90 252 337 1122 www.rixos.com

Dragon Restaurant at Reina

Mardan Palace

Casa Dell’Arte

Tel: +90 212 259 5919 www.reina.com.tr

Tel: +90 242 310 4100 www.mardanpalace.com

Tel: +90 252 367 1848 www.casadellartebodrum.com

Cipriani Istanbul

WOW Kremlin Palace

Divan Bodrum Hotel

Tel: +90 212 317 7787 www.cipriani.com

Tel: +90 242 310 8212 www.wowhotels.com

Tel: +90 252 377 5601 www.divan.com.tr

Safran Restaurant Tel: +90 212 368 44 44 www.istanbul.intercontinental.com.tr

Divan Antalya

Kempinski Barbaros Bay

Tel: +90 242 248 6800 www.divan.com.tr

Tel: +90 252 311 0303 www.kempinski.com

Kanyon Mall

TerraCity

Tel: +90 212 317 5300 www.kanyon.com.tr

Tel: +90 242 318 1818 www.terracity.com.tr

Istinye Park

Stella’s Manzara

Almira Hotel

Tel: +90 212 345 5555 www.istinyepark.com

Tel: +90 242 316 3596 www.stellasmanzara.com

Tel: +90 224 250 2020 www.almira.com.tr

Akmerkez Mall

Fishbone Restaurant

Bursa Divan

Tel: +90 212 282 11 28 www.akmerkez.com.tr

Tel: +90 242 710 2000 www.rixos.com

Tel: +90 224 265 1000 www.divan.com.tr

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Marigold Hotel Tel: +90 224 444 1626 www.marigold.com.tr