Turkey attracts tourists with its vibrant cultural traditions, stunning natural landscapes, and rich historical heritage. The brotherly country, where every stone tells a story, offers a captivating journey to tourists, from the bustling streets of Istanbul, where East meets West, to the enchanting Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.
By traveling to Turkey, it is possible to discover the historical wonders of Ephesus and Troy, enjoy the unique landscape of Cappadocia, and savor the mouth-watering flavors of Turkish cuisine. Whatever your travel purpose – adventure, relaxation, or business – Turkey guarantees a heartwarming and pleasant experience.
Modern.az website presents a report prepared from a trip to Turkey.
Tourism Dynamism Created by TGA in the Region
Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) operating under the ministry play a significant role in developing the country's tourism potential, forming new tourism routes, and achieving international recognition. The innovative projects implemented by TGA, including the “GoTurkey” platform, digital marketing campaigns, presentations at international exhibitions, and cooperation programs with foreign media representatives, drive the sustainable development of Turkey's tourism sector.
Furthermore, significant work is being done towards the preservation of cultural heritage, the revitalization of regional tourism, and the attraction of new investments. As a result of these activities, Turkey has become one of the most visited countries in the world in recent years.
The factors that make Turkey attractive are numerous, and among the most important are its incredible natural beauty, grand mosques, historical museums, world-class cuisine, modernizing Asian culture, high-quality service, and hospitality.
Nothing is Accidental...
My first trip to the brotherly country for the purpose of tourism promotion was to the city of Bursa in 2022. The city of Bursa, once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, was declared the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” by TÜRKSOY in that same year. Being in this enchanting city at the end of March as a correspondent for AZERTAC, through the Embassy of Turkey in Azerbaijan, to cover the extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Council of Culture Ministers of TÜRKSOY member countries, walking its streets, and meeting its people left pleasant memories.
Bursa, which ranks fourth among Turkey's largest cities and is located at the foothills of Uludağ, holds great historical significance as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. My great interest in history and the fact that my first visit to the brotherly country coincided with Bursa further enriched my impressions.
They say there are no coincidences. Perhaps it is so; I believe that my first acquaintance with Turkey, specifically with Bursa, was also not accidental. I would like to emphasize that Bursa is a unique city that attracts attention by combining historicity and modernity. Because Bursa is a city where history, nature, and culture converge.
Eastern Anatolia Along the Euphrates River
My second and third trips to enchanting Turkey coincided with the Eastern Anatolia region, a historical and mysterious area of the country, distinguished by its geography. It is no secret that Eastern Anatolia attracts everyone's attention with its cultural diversity, natural wonders, and historical-architectural style.
In the report titled “Eastern Anatolia Along the Euphrates River” (//azertag.az/xeber/ferat_chayi_boyunca_serqi_anadolu____reportaj-3071178), we provided readers with information about the Bingöl, Tunceli, and Elazığ provinces of this region. These places captivate with their charm and uniqueness. The region, which exhibits a certain degree of distinctiveness in its traditions, lifestyle, and nature, has endured the trials of history to reach the present day.
We learned the secret of the Floating Islands in Bingöl. There are 22 floating islets in Turkey, and the three largest of them belong to Bingöl. It should be noted that Bingöl province was initially under the rule of the Qara Qoyunlu, and then the Aq Qoyunlu.
Tunceli is known for the Munzur Valley, and Elazığ for Harput Castle, where two famous commanders were imprisoned. Harput Castle, also known in history as the “Milk Castle,” was built on top of a mountain and extends deep into it. In this dungeon, two famous commanders – King Baldwin II of Jerusalem and Count Joscelin of Edessa – were once held captive. Upon entering the dungeon, one experiences strange feelings...
The “Forgotten Cities” of Eastern Anatolia
Mother Nature has not withheld her beauties from Eastern Anatolia. What I experienced during our most recent trip to the brotherly country surpassed everything. We enjoyed the accommodation, guided tours, historical sites, grand mosques, delicious delicacies, and vibrant diversity. Our group, together with our guides Mustafa Yalçınkaya and Serdar Solmaz, experienced fulfilling days and did not notice how time passed.
The Bitlis, Siirt, Muş, and Batman regions of Eastern Anatolia, which captivate with their charm and uniqueness, left deep impressions on our memory. It was so interesting that one involuntarily wishes to visit these places again.
Muş and Bitlis, included among the “forgotten cities” of Eastern Anatolia, have very high potential. Muş, notable for its historical significance, is the place where Turks first set foot in Anatolia during the Seljuk period.
In the city center stands the magnificent statue of Alp Arslan, son of Çağrı Bey, one of the founders of the Great Seljuk State, and nephew of Seljuk Sultan Tughril Bey.
Bitlis is an important place with its castles and Islamic monuments. Bitlis Castle, which Alexander the Great could not capture, is captivating with its grandeur and dignity. The more you look, the more you want to keep looking.
On one side, a castle calling you to history, on the other, ordinary city life and people rushing about their daily concerns... these are strange feelings.
After visiting these places, I am once again convinced that Muş and Bitlis have very high tourism potential, and I believe that the influx of tourists to these areas will greatly increase.
Siirt and Batman, Distinguished by Their Cultural Diversity
Siirt and Batman, on the other hand, are very rich in cultural diversity. Here, Kurds, Turks, and Arabs live side by side in friendship. This model serves as an example for other regions.
Siirt, whose history dates back to the Neolithic period, has hosted various civilizations. The city attracts attention with its historical bridges, castles, tumuli, religious monuments that defy time, and its beautiful and mysterious nature.
Siirt is also famous for its historical bridges connecting the two banks of the Tigris River. In particular, the Malabadi Bridge holds the title of the world's largest stone arch bridge. It is not only an engineering marvel but also holds an important place in the socio-cultural life of the region.
The Malabadi Bridge is one of the 5 main famous bridges in Turkey. Including the Malabadi Bridge, the Bosphorus Bridge (Istanbul), Mimar Sinan Bridge (Adana), Osman Gazi Bridge (Izmit), and Devil's Bridge (Ardahan) open pathways between places, serving as windows to Turkey's rich natural beauty, abundant cultural heritage, and historical past.
Every place, every city, has a special point of interest, a gem, so to speak. I believe that Siirt's gem is the Botan Valley, in other words, Botan National Park. It's impossible to move here due to the crowds. There are too many visitors; some come with their parents, others with friends, to enjoy the wonder of nature. Those starting a family record their happy days here so that they remain in their memories. The caves in the park create a strange impression. Naturally, people once lived in these caves.
While visiting the city of Batman, it is impossible not to notice its development. Naturally, the discovery of oil wells in this area directly contributed to its development. However, Batman is not just a “Petroleum City”; it is a city that is renewing and modernizing, alongside its history and traditions.
Hasankeyf, belonging to the Batman region, is another world altogether. We intend to write about our impressions of Hasankeyf separately...
Saadat H.
