Turkey was home to an astounding number of ancient cultures and the cradle of 10 of the world's greatest civilizations. From Hittite and Assyrian to Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine cultures, each group has left relics that can be found in many corners of the country.

Where else can you find so many scientists, philosophers, gods, authors, religious and political leaders?

Here are some of them;

The god of the art, Apollo; the goddess of fertility and abundance, Artemis; the goddess of love, Aphrodite; Mevlana, the philosopher who said "Come again, whatever you are"; Cleopatra, who chose the Mediterranean coast for her honeymoon; Virgin Mary, St. Mary Magdalane and St. John, saints who found peace in this land; Yunus Emre, the poet of the love still alive in our hearts; Father Christmas, who still visits childrens' dreams; Alexander the Great, who could not resist the temptation of Anatolia; Thales, the mathematician who predicted the eclipse of the Sun; Sultan Süleyman the Magnificient, famous for his laws; King Midas, who wanted to turn everything into gold; Fatih Sultan Mehmet, who conquered Istanbul, one of the most beautiful cities in the world; and those who created the poetry of this city, Orhan Veli, Piyer Loti, Yahya Kemal and Lamartina; the famous admiral Piri Reis, who prepared the first correct maps of America and Atlantic Ocean; Nasreddin Hoca, famous for his witticisms; Barbaros, hero of the seas; and the charismatic leader who founded the contemporary Turkish Republic, Atatürk...

Travelling in Turkey means passing from one scene, legend or world to another. Crossing the endless sunflower fields of Thrace, you will find yourself in the magical vistas of Istanbul. While travelling along the Aegean or the Mediterranean coasts, you will see how the blue sea embraces the fresh green of the forests. Stop by Ephesus, the most fabled city in Asia Minor, to see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the remains of the Temple of Artemis. On the Black Sea coast, you will discover many different tones of color and will be fascinated by the intensity of emerald- like greenery. In Central Anatolia, visit the Goreme Valley, an eerie corner of the Earth resembling the lunar landscape.

The varied geographical characteristics of Turkey; faciliate many sports and holiday activities. Our country offers you many ideal bays for wind surfing and endless beaches for sand surfing. You can discover a lot by diving into mysterious eeps waters. Are you interested in hunting, ornithology in flora or carves? In Turkey, you will find ideal chances for investigating all of these. Do you like hiking, camping at plateaus, parachute diving or balloon excursion? Come to Turkey! Are your hobbies tennis, skiing, climbing or grass skating? Fishing? Having your fun in local festivals is a particular pleasure. And a special pleasure if you win a prize in the contests. But what you really win, is coming to Turkey.

Shopping is the indispensible pleasure of any vacation. Its appeal increases because of special handcrafts which vary from one region to another in Turkey. The bazaars, carpet and kilim workshops, and copper working shops ar very colourful shopping places where Turkish handcrafts are produced. World famous Turkish carpets and kilims are matchless with respect to quality and beauty. World famous Turkish leather and textile products bejewell the shopwindows with latest fashion in the larger cities and touristic centres.