Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In

"One secular state" a Turkey Travel Page by globe_trekker

Search:
email to friend | help
Home » Middle East » Turkey » globe_trekker Turkey Travel Page

Turkey Pages by globe_trekker


"One secular state" a Turkey Travel Page by globe_trekker
See the Entire Turkey Travel Guide
Click Picture to enlarge.
 email me
 add as friend


globe_trekker   
Expect the unexpected .


Real Name: pΛt
Lives In: North America
Member Since: Dec 04, 2002
VT Rank: 1016

Sponsored Links for Turkey

Private Tours in Turkey
Istanbul Ephesus Bodrum Cappadocia Yachting Culinary Romance Religious

Charming hotels in Turkey
Small hotels and villas in Kalkan, Kas,Fethiye,Bodrum,Olympos, Dalyan

Istanbul Vacation Sale
Book now for 30% off your vacation! Deals on travel to 220 destinations

Marriott Istanbul
Book Marriott's Best Rate Guarantee Earn Rewards at Official Site.

Turkey Tours Discounted
Huge selection of escorted Turkey vacations. Budget to luxury.



 

Page Views: 143            Last Visit to Turkey: -      

One secular state

by globe_trekker - last update: Feb 14, 2008

I had once put off this country from my travel plan. I have finally made it. Just like most of the travelers who first visited Turkey, I chose and was traveling the Western Turkey, the most popular route. It was not easy to plan the trip in the winter and in addition with one major holiday, Kurban Bayrami but the trip was worth it.
Turkey’s landscape and culture is surely fascinating the traveler’s curious mind. People can find the lunar-like rocks formation in central Anatolia region to the sunny beach town along the west coast, the round roof-top of those Muslim mosques to the Christian underground cities, etc. The transportation in Turkey is great. Sightseeing and historical sites are more plentiful enough to keep the travelers busy all day long.
One of the most important factors of any trips is the hospitality or attitude toward the traveler from the local. It was a positive experience that most of the Turks I ran into are friendly and nice.
With it freezing winter and the current situation in the eastern Turkey, I decided to shorten the Turkey trip. The Eastern part of Turkey, well, I have to take the rain check for now.

Traveling around Turkey, there is one sight that I always saw and I believe every traveler would see it too. It is the sight of the great Turkey former leader: Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Statues depicted of Ataturk, his portrait are found everywhere in Turkey cities. It can be seen from the main square to the central train station, from the shopping mall to the small restaurants. Unlike from those Communist or dictator countries where their leader pictures are involuntarily posted and hanged, Turkey is different. The Turkish have shown their deep appreciation to him who has found the modern and secular Turkey. It proved that he was one of the great leaders in the world. One unique achievement was that he had separated the religion from the politics successfully which is no easy task. Turkey is Muslim country, but it is like no other Muslim countries. With the new Turkey elected president, Abdullah Gul, who steered Turkey to the path of the European Union, and the conflict between his religious-minded administrations and the military officials who are keen to keep this country in the strict secular state, where the two-face Turkey will go in the future is remained to be seen.
I only spent two weeks in this huge country. If I am asked to say about Turkey, I can sum up in these words: great destination, friendly people, and tasty cuisine. These three factors would justify for the Turkey trip if anyone still has the second thought. I believe there are many travelers would agree with me.

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

globe_trekker's Turkey Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 9 - Photos: 25
 
Restaurants
Tips: 8 - Photos: 14
Hotels & Accommodations
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
 
Transportation
Tips: 1 - Photos: 2
Local Customs
 
Packing ListsShopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1

Comments for globe_trekker about Turkey
starship Thu Jun 12, 2008 13:56 UTC
 Nice page! Good info. and pictures. Will be in Kusadasi/Ephesus for one day in August and really looking forward to seeing it!
globe_trekker Fri Feb 15, 2008 01:33 UTC
 It is too early to say "ONCE ..." even though with the recent event (headscarf issue). I still prefer to keep the title as it is right now and it should be. Btw, it is a very "interesting" comment.
Sirvictor Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:37 UTC
 What a pitty! "ONCE A SECULAR COUNTRY" Getting more islamic according to orders of Mr. Bush& Administration. What a pitty! All of them will not be able to turn the bright way of Ataturk into dark ages.

More Sponsored Links for Turkey

Exotic Tours Turkey
See Turkey with our hand -picked tour guides

Luxury Istanbul Resort
Visit Four Seasons official site. Get Special Package Rates Now

Visiting Turkey, TX?
Learn More in the Official Texas Travel Guide. Order Now for Free!

Find:       Matching:  Advanced