Dec 6, 2011

Ataturk’s Memorial in Ankara My father told me he would kill me if I ever joined the military. Out of fear – and philosophical issues – I never did. However, when I visit a place like Ataturk’s Memorial in the middle of Turkey’s capitol, Ankara, I can see the value in the force for revolution that creates change for the common good. The memorial

Nov 6, 2011

My trip spanned across Istanbul, Bursa, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Pamukkale, Kasdasi, and Canakkale before returning to Istanbul. I traveled through great attractions and history: Ephesus, Perge, Pergamon, and Troy, to name just a few. I met many people – some of whom expertly attempted to sell me a rug. I took 1200 photos and came to believe

Sep 28, 2011

Bursa, Turkey, was a surprise. I found plenty to do, including a bustling bazaar, impressive history and a charming, safe city about hour and a half outside of Istanbul. For those who visit Bursa — especially if one is on a tour — The Green Mosque (or in Turkish known as Yeşil Cami) and the Green Tomb is a must-stop destination. Sadly, I

Sep 23, 2011

It is my second day of a 15-day trip in Turkey with FLO-USA, a tour operator. As I have several writers already go on the FLO USA’s trip for ITKT over the years, I have to admit, I was pretty excited about making the journey. After spending the day visiting the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern, my feet are sore but

Aug 15, 2011

LOS ANGELES, California, July 5, 2011 – Turkish Airlines today announced special round trip pricing on direct flights from Los Angeles, CA, the Airline’s newest U.S. gateway, to Istanbul, Turkey, and other Turkish Airlines’ destinations countrywide.   Dubbed the “Early Bird Special,” round trip flights from Los Angeles’ LAX to Istanbul’s

Aug 14, 2011

ISTANBUL, TURKEY (July 19, 2011) –The magnificent city of Istanbul has long served as the cultural center of Turkey, and now the vibrant metropolis is offering a totally new experience in modern luxury. The Istanbul EDITION, a fifteen-story tower located on the European side of the city in Istanbul’s lively Levent neighborhood, epitomizes style and

Jul 22, 2011

ISTANBUL, TURKEY (July 19, 2011) –The magnificent city of Istanbul has long served as the cultural center of Turkey, and now the vibrant metropolis is offering a totally new experience in modern luxury. The Istanbul EDITION, a fifteen-story tower located on the European side of the city in Istanbul’s lively Levent neighborhood, epitomizes style and

Jul 1, 2011

Libertyville, IL, June 28, 2011—There’s a reason tourism to Turkey increases by leaps and bounds each year.  The people are welcoming, the food is delicious and the countryside is like an open-air antiquities museum. Now TourCrafters is offering a land-only 5-night/6-day Highlights of Turkey tour that costs only $890 and includes arrival and departure

Apr 17, 2011

New York, NY- The vibrant, hip, yet historic city of Istanbul is the perfect location for a spring getaway, thanks to the multitude of attractions it offers visitors, from its annual Tulip Festival to the nine islands known as the Princes’ Islands. One of the main reasons for visiting Turkey now is that in springtime, Istanbul’s gardens are full of tulips

Jan 21, 2011

NEW YORK, NY (January 19, 2011) — Encompassing much of the country’s northern boundary and isolated by the rugged Kackar mountains, the narrow coastal Black Sea region of Turkey, is well off the beaten path of many international travelers but treasured by those who discover its unique charms. In addition to fascinating reminders of Turkey’s

Nov 13, 2010

“Oh Tamar”, those were the last words of a drowning lover. According to legend that explains how Akdamar Island, located in Lake Van in eastern Turkey, got its name. It seems that a princess living on the island had a sweetheart in Van. Her father didn’t approve so they had to meet in secret. The ardent lover swam every night across the lake to be with his

Oct 16, 2010

Believe me, there is a silver lining to just about anything. In this case it was the place where the bus broke down. I was on my way from Van in the extreme east of Turkey near the border with Iran back to Didim on the Aegean coast. As I love to do, I was travelling by coach, a hike of about 27 hours. Turkish coaches are very comfortable and many are the latest

Jun 13, 2010

I must admit that I associate mummies only with Egypt, until I visited Turkey’s Black Sea region last week and came to a town by the name of Amasya, about 100km south of the coastal city of Samsun. What catches the eye first is a steep mountain cliff dropping some 700M down to the Yesil River below. The mountain is crowned by a huge castle, which actually

Here is what happens when you have to rely on your imagination rather than on your language skills. I was sitting happily in a public tea garden in the mountain town of Amasya located in Turkey’s Black Sea region. Several small restaurants and stalls lined the edges of the garden and as I was feeling a bit peckish, I took a look at what was on offer. To my

Istanbul has just been declared one of three cultural capitals of Europe, so I think another story about this glorious city is in order. It’s also a story about what happens if you don’t do your homework properly. Then again, the greatest pleasure of travel are surprises. I heard about the Flower Passage or Cicek Pasaji in Istanbul’s Beyoglu