Discover Turkey

08/08/2025

How to Spend a 48 Hour Stopover in Istanbul
In 2024, İstanbul’s two international airports – İstanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport – welcomed approximately 40.5 million transit passengers, reinforcing the city’s status as one of the world’s leading travel hubs. With its unique position bridging Europe and Asia, İstanbul continues to attract travellers seeking not only cultural exploration but also efficient global connectivity.

For passengers with time between flights, İstanbul offers an abundance of experiences that transform a layover into a memorable journey. From its rich and inspiring heritage, to its vibrant culture scene, unique city experiences, delicious cuisine, lively nightlife, and diverse shopping opportunities

Here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in this extraordinary city.

DAY 1: AN EXPERIENCE DEEP IN THE HISTORICAL MARVELS

Morning: A Journey to the Heart of History

Begin your day the Turkish way, with a rich traditional breakfast to fuel up for your adventure; and then head to the Historic Peninsula, the heritage heart of the city, early in the morning. The Hippodrome, now known as Sultanahmet Square, is the ultimate locale for a unique journey through the city’s storied past.Begin your trip with the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia, then walk to the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its breathtaking blue İznik tiles and serene ambience.

Afternoon: Palaces and Empires

Enjoy your afternoon at Topkapı Palace, which was once the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. Don’t miss the Holy Relics Room, the Imperial Kitchens, and the Harem, where the sultans lived with their families in private opulence.

Alternatively, you can opt for the İstanbul Archaeology Museums, Türkiye’s first museum complex. It is home to astounding artefacts, such as the Treaty of Kadesh, the Alexander Sarcophagus, and the Ishtar Gate. During the summer, you can extend your visit to the Archaeology Museums into the evening, as they remain open until 10 p.m. thanks to the Night Museums Project.

Evening: Markets, Flavours, and Sunset Views

A trip to İstanbul wouldn’t be complete without getting lost in the magic of the city’s legendary bazaars. With over 4,000 shops, the Grand Bazaar is a labyrinth of handcrafted treasures, textiles, and timeless souvenirs.

End your day with a walk down to the Spice Bazaar, where colourful spices, Turkish delights, and dried fruits offer a fragrant finale to your shopping spree.

DAY TWO: WHERE BOSPHORUS MEETS LIVELY NEIGHBOURHOODS

Morning: Fantastic Views and Chic Port

A crispy simit and Turkish tea in Karaköy will be a good start to your second day in the city. Then walk across to Galataport, the city’s dynamic waterfront facility. This open-air complex is more than just a cruise terminal; it’s a modern cultural hub, with galleries, restaurants, cafes and boutique shops.

Spend the morning walking along the Bosphorus on the promenade and enjoying a coffee at one of the stylish cafés. Then, explore the Tophane Clock Tower and visit the award-winning İstanbul Museum of Modern Art, as well as the prestigious İstanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture, located within the area.

Afternoon: Soulful Locales, Bosphorus Tours

Kickstart your afternoon in Türkiye’s first underground rail system and the world’s second oldest, from Karaköy to İstiklal Street. Climb the Galata Tower for breathtaking panoramic views, or if you’re a summer visitor, the tower stays open until 11pm, when you can enjoy the sunset and city night lights.

Along İstiklal’s lively street, you can see the iconic red tram glides amid historic passages, shops, art galleries, museums, and restaurants. Sample delicious Turkish home-style dishes at a lokanta (local eatery) here or try İstanbul’s famous street foods, such as mussels, fish sandwiches (balık ekmek) and pickle juice, in lively Beyoğlu Fish Market.

This is also a great time to head down to Beşiktaş, where you can embark on a short Bosphorus tour. There’s no better way to grasp the city’s grandeur than from the water, passing by Ottoman mansions and various landmarks.

07/08/2025

Why you need to go this Turkish holiday resort now before A-listers send prices into orbit

This sunshine-filled slice of the Turkish Riviera was once a cheap holiday option but has transformed into something altogether more chic – Sarah Holt uncovers how Bodrum has reinvented itself

The table in front of me is plate-to-plate with food. There are platters of lemon-drizzled clams on ice, pillowy oysters baked in parmesan, dishes of bottarga and tuna tartare, and spiny sea urchins, caught a matter of miles away from my table.

To me, it looks like the meal of a lifetime. Yet, as I quickly discovered in Bodrum, Turkey, this feast, served at sea-view restaurant Orfoz, is not that unusual for the city.

Added to the Michelin guide in November 2023, the city and the wider Bodrum Peninsula are dusted with starred, Bib Gourmand, and Michelin-recommended restaurants.

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/turkey/bodrum-holiday-turkey-resort-restaurant-b2802836.html

05/08/2025

Antalya has achieved a historic milestone in global tourism, drawing the highest number of international visitors in a single day. Known as the heart of Turkish tourism, the Mediterranean city welcomed an unprecedented wave of travelers this summer, confirming its status as one of the world’s premier holiday destinations.

The announcement was shared by Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who highlighted the city’s record-breaking performance. Antalya’s popularity continues to surge among international travelers seeking sun-soaked beaches, cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality.

On August 3, 2025, Antalya welcomed 105,284 foreign visitors through its airports, marking the highest single-day visitor count in the city’s history. This record demonstrates the strength of Turkey’s tourism sector, which has rapidly rebounded and expanded in recent years.

From the start of 2025 through August 3, a total of 9,231,309 foreign tourists have already arrived in Antalya by air. These figures underscore the city’s ability to attract international travelers consistently, solidifying its position as a top destination for beach holidays, cultural exploration, and luxury resort experiences

Minister Ersoy Praises Antalya’s Tourism Growth
Mehmet Nuri Ersoy expressed his pride in the achievement, stating: “Turkey’s tourism heart welcomed 105,284 international visitors on August 3, the highest daily count ever recorded. This milestone reflects more than just numbers; it highlights the trust, quality, and hospitality that define Turkish tourism. We are proud of this success.”

His remarks emphasize that Turkey’s appeal lies not only in visitor volume but also in the country’s reputation for safety, exceptional service, and diverse tourism offerings. Antalya’s ability to combine coastal relaxation with cultural experiences is a major factor driving this growth.

Global Appeal of Antalya
Renowned for its turquoise waters, luxury resorts, and proximity to historical sites, Antalya has long been a favorite destination for travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Tourists are drawn to the region for its all-inclusive resorts, scenic beaches, and access to ancient cities like Perge and Aspendos.

The city’s performance also reflects the broader success of Turkey’s tourism strategy, which focuses on high-quality experiences, strong infrastructure, and international marketing campaigns. Seasonal peaks, like this record-breaking August day, showcase how global demand for Turkish travel continues to thrive.

https://ftnnews.com/travel-news/news-from-turkey/antalya-sets-all-time-daily-visitor-record-in-august-2025/

05/08/2025

Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces the reopening of Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Çeşme, a flagship beachfront property on Türkiye’s Aegean coast. The resort reopened its doors on July 3rd, after a comprehensive nine-month renovation offering a completely refreshed guest experience with elevated comfort, upgraded design, and environmentally conscious enhancements.

Discover the timeless charm of Çeşme
A beloved Aegean destination, Çeşme captivates visitors with its laid-back elegance and activities for every type of traveler. Known for its golden beaches, thermal waters, and crystalline sea, the region offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Families will love Ilıca’s shallow, kid-friendly shores, while surf enthusiasts can ride the winds in Alaçatı, one of the world’s top windsurfing spots. With its cobblestone streets, stylish cafés, artisan boutiques, and lively summer nights, Alaçatı also charms couples and culture seekers alike. From vineyard visits in Urla to the tranquil beauty of Germiyan Village, Çeşme is an inspiring destination where every moment feels memorable.

A new chapter on the Aegean coast
The extensive renovation covered all key areas of the property, including guest rooms, bathrooms, exterior façades, public spaces, restaurants and bars, aligning with Radisson Hotel Group’s “Brilliant Basics” standards. Every detail was thoughtfully redesigned to deliver a seamless and enjoyable guest experience; from premium beds and acoustic insulation to state-of-the-art bathroom systems, smart in-room entertainment, and high-speed internet access, all developed exclusively for the hotel, ensuring a enjoyable and effortless stay.

Designed with purpose
Sustainability played a central role in the resort’s transformation. Environmentally friendly products and advanced equipment were used throughout the renovation, reflecting the Group’s commitment to sustainability. The landscaped gardens and surrounding outdoor spaces were also redesigned using eco-conscious materials to create a refreshed, natural ambiance.

Safety and comfort were top priorities during the transformation. The resort’s fire safety systems were upgraded and certified by accredited organizations, while new acoustic panels were installed across rooms and common areas to improve guest privacy and tranquility.

“We are delighted to welcome guests back to Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Çeşme with a revitalized look and renewed spirit. This renovation reflects our dedication to offering elevated experiences, contemporary design, and thoughtful hospitality on one of Türkiye’s most beautiful coastlines.” says Kadir Alpat General Manager of Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Çeşme.

Dining experiences inspired by the Aegean breeze
Guests can begin their day at Element Restaurant, the hotel’s main dining venue, with an open buffet breakfast offering a variety of international and local flavors in a bright, welcoming atmosphere.

For lighter fare or a relaxing coffee break, Citrus Lobby Bar offers a cozy setting with a selection of pastries, teas, fresh juices, and signature cocktails throughout the day.

During the summer season, guests can enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes at Sands Beach Bar, serving lunch and dinner by the sea in a laid-back yet elegant setting. For refreshing drinks and light snacks by the pool, Aqua Pool Bar provides the perfect spot to unwind under the Aegean sun.

A spa & wellness sanctuary
With a 3,500 m² spa and wellness center, the resort offers a year-round oasis of calm and relaxation. Guests can enjoy redesigned indoor and outdoor pools, thermal areas, a modern fitness center, and treatment rooms designed for both rejuvenation and indulgence. The revitalized spa experience places well-being at the heart of the Çeşme getaway.

Seamless meetings & memorable events
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Çeşme offers various indoor and outdoor venues for meetings, events, and seaside weddings. The property features a 585 m² divisible ballroom, seven flexible, well-equipped meeting rooms ranging from 81 to 100 m², and charming outdoor spaces perfect for ceremonies and receptions. All venues are supported by modern audiovisual technology, high-speed internet, and an on-site business center for added convenience.

04/08/2025

Türkiye, the world’s 4th biggest incoming tourism market according to UN Tourism’s 2024 data, announced its tourism performance results for the first six months of 2025 at a press conference in İstanbul. The data shows sustainable growth across key metrics, with notable resilience and spending power among visitors.

Türkiye hosted 26.4 million visitors between January and June 2025 – a 1% increase compared to the same period last year
Tourism revenues rose to US $25.8 billion (£19.6 billion) - up 7.6% year-on-year
International visitor spending rose 8% year on year to US$109 (£80) per night/person, while their average stay length was 10.0 nights – a mere 0.9% lower than last year
The UK remained Türkiye’s third-largest market, with 1.75 million visitors in the first half of the year
Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the Republic of Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, said: “Despite many geopolitical challenges that have happened in the first half of the year, Türkiye continued its sustainable growth in the tourism industry. Our strategic focus on diversifying our destinations, products, and source markets is proving effective. In this difficult environment, we have continued to see growth in key metrics, particularly in our revenue. Looking ahead to the next six months, we are confident that we will meet our year-end target of US $64 billion (£48.6 billion) in tourism revenues.”

Alongside the UK, the Russian Federation (2.61 million visitors) and Germany (2.42 million visitors) were Türkiye’s top inbound markets. Türkiye experienced double-digit growth in visitors from the Americas, Central Asia, and Asia-Pacific countries, reinforcing its global appeal.

02/08/2025

Türkiye, the world’s 4th biggest incoming tourism market according to UN Tourism’s 2024 data, announced its tourism performance results for the first six months of 2025 at a press conference in İstanbul. The data shows sustainable growth across key metrics, with notable resilience and spending power among visitors.
Türkiye hosted 4 million visitors between January and June 2025 – a 1% increase compared to the same period last year
Tourism revenues rose to US $25.8 billion (€22.7 billion) - up 6% year-on-year
International visitor spending rose 8% year on year to US $109 (€93) per night/person, while their average stay length was 10.0 nights – a mere 0.9% lower than last year
Türkiye welcomed 98,131 visitors from Ireland between January and June 2025 — up 1% compared to the first six months of 2024
Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the Republic of Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, said: “Despite many geopolitical challenges that have happened in the first half of the year, Türkiye continued its sustainable growth in the tourism industry. Our strategic focus on diversifying our destinations, products, and source markets is proving effective. In this difficult environment, we have continued to see growth in key metrics, particularly in our revenue. Looking ahead to the next six months, we are confident that we will meet our year-end target of $64 billion (€53.6 billion) in tourism revenues.”

Alongside growth from Ireland, the top three source markets for Türkiye in the first half of 2025 were the Russian Federation (2.61 million visitors), Germany (2.42 million), and the United Kingdom (1.75 million). Türkiye also experienced double-digit growth in visitors from the Americas, Central Asia, and Asia-Pacific countries.

01/08/2025

Türkiye's tourism revenues jump 7.6% to nearly $26B in H1

Türkiye's tourism revenues jumped by 8.4% in the second quarter of the year, continuing a positive momentum from the first three months to bring the total income from the key sector to nearly $26 billion in the first half of the year, official data showed on Thursday.

From April to June, tourism income came in at close to $16.3 billion, up 8.4% from the year ago, the data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) revealed. At the same time, the number of departing visitors increased by 2% compared to the same quarter of the previous year to 16.4 million, TurkStat said.

In six months of 2025, total revenues reached some $25.78 billion, marking the highest-recorded revenue for the half year ever, according to officials. The figure was up 7.6% from the same period in 2024, the data showed.

Announcing the figures, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy hailed the increase in revenues and per capita nightly revenue, despite what he described as "very challenging" first six months. https://www.dailysabah.com/business/tourism/turkiyes-tourism-revenues-jump-76-to-nearly-26b-in-h1

31/07/2025

🌍✨ Why Istanbul Should Be on Every Traveler’s Bucket List! 🇹🇷✈️
Looking for a destination that blends East and West, history and modernity, culture and cuisine all in one? Say hello to Istanbul – a city like no other!
Here’s why you NEED to experience Istanbul:
🕌 Rich History at Every Corner
From the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia to the majestic Blue Mosque and ancient Roman cisterns, Istanbul is a living museum that tells stories from empires past.
🌉 Where Two Continents Meet
Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents – Europe and Asia – offering a unique blend of cultures, architecture, and experiences.
🍽️ Unforgettable Food
Indulge in mouthwatering Turkish delights, sizzling street food, and aromatic spices. A cup of Turkish tea or coffee with a Bosphorus view? Yes, please.
🛍️ Vibrant Bazaars & Shopping
Lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar or Spice Market – full of colors, scents, and handcrafted treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
🚤 Stunning Waterfront Vibes
Cruise the Bosphorus at sunset and witness minarets and palaces glow in golden light. Pure magic.
Istanbul isn’t just a place you visit – it’s a place you feel. ❤️
Start planning your journey to this timeless city today!

30/07/2025

Thousands of carpets sunbathe at Turkish resort

Thousands of carpets and kilim rugs spread out in the sun form a festive and kaleidoscopic patchwork on the outskirts of Antalya, a coastal tourist city in southern Turkey.

From June to September, in harvested fields cleared of stubble, merchants bring their cargo to age in the sun, tempering the bright hues of their natural colours and ridding them of undesirable elements.

Hasan Topkara washed wool knotted carpets and rugs that come from across Turkey. He dries them, trims their fringes and stray strands if necessary, then spreads them out in the sunlight for three months, on the bare ground.

The wool, coloured with natural vegetable dyes, takes on pastel tones and softens between the morning dew and the heat of the day.

According to Topkara, in the past, up to 60,000 carpets were processed in each three-month drying season in the Dosemealti district.

Thousands of carpets and kilim rugs spread out in the sun form a festive and kaleidoscopic patchwork on the outskirts of Antalya, a coastal tourist city in

29/07/2025

Cullinan Belek
This is Turkey’s answer to five-star family chaos – served with a side of champagne, hibiscus tea and chocolate-dipped strawberries. From the moment you sweep into its marble-clad, mega-glam lobby, the tone is set: high-octane luxury meets full-throttle fun. Don’t be fooled by its colossal size – personal assistants make it feel slick and seamless. Kids will go mad for the easy-breezy swim-up rooms, rolling from their beds onto a lilo in seconds. There’s so much to do here, and quite frankly, it’s impossible to get bored: 13 swimming pools, an aqua park with 13 slides, tennis and basketball courts, a bowling alley and an arcade, not to mention a 36-hole golf course. While little ones conquer the Upupa Kids Club with pottery, cinema, soft play and playgrounds galore, sit back in your private linen-draped cabana on the beach as your butler fetches you one more bellini, or the adults-only pool where staff whizz you drinks and snacks on rollerblades. Days end with sushi at Nori Asian or sizzling steaks at the Beef Grill Club – worth the à la carte splurge. This is your hot ticket to fuss-free multi-gen holidays.

Address: Cullinan Belek, Kadriye Mahallesi, Üçkum Tepesi Mevkii, Serik, Antalya, Türkiye.

29/07/2025

As part of its enduring commitment to the sustainability of cultural heritage, Türkiye has achieved another milestone in preservation and repatriation efforts. After 65 years, the bronze statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, looted from the ancient city of Boubon in Burdur, has been returned to its homeland in cooperation with U.S. authorities.

The return follows the statue’s years-long display at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio. This was made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The Marcus Aurelius statue, dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, is a unique piece of ancient art history known for its depiction of the Roman Emperor as a philosopher and considered one of the most exquisite bronze sculptures in Anatolia. The artefact was illicitly excavated and smuggled out of Boubon, located in the Gölhisar district of the southwestern province of Burdur, in the 1960s.

The piece changed hands over the years before being acquired by the Cleveland Museum of Art. The statue has now been repatriated from the USA following a long and determined legal and diplomatic effort and will soon be displayed to the public in an exhibition in the Turkish capital, Ankara on August 6th.

Pioneering Research and Historic Return

The true origin of the Marcus Aurelius statue was first brought to light by Professor Jale İnan, Türkiye’s first female archaeologist. Her research helped pave the way for the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism to begin a joint investigation with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in 2021.

The joint effort led to the return of many artefacts of Boubon origin, including statues and busts of Roman emperors Lucius Verus, Septimius Severus, and Caracalla. Years of scientific analysis, archival documents and eyewitness accounts have also revealed that the Marcus Aurelius statue originally belonged to the Sebasteion structure in Boubon.

Based on this scientific evidence, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and HSI found Türkiye’s claim justified and ordered the seizure of the statue from the Cleveland Museum of Art.

A Cultural Victory of Science and Determined Legal and Diplomatic Efforts

Although the Cleveland Museum of Art appealed the seizure order and filed a lawsuit challenging the statue’s association with Boubon, Türkiye agreed to scientific analyses to substantiate its claim. For analysis, a silicone cast of the statue’s foot was taken under the supervision of Turkish Ministry experts in May 2024. The cast was found to match precisely with the bases found in the ancient city of Boubon.

Soil and lead-carbon samples were collected with extreme care and analysed by Prof. Ernst Pernicka at the Curt Engelhorn Archaeometry Centre laboratories in Germany. The samples definitively confirmed that the statue was indeed once standing in the Sebasteion. Furthermore, a soil sample from the interior of the statue has a similar chemical composition and strontium isotope ratio to three soil samples from Boubon. It also matches a further soil sample from the interior of the “Valerianus” statue in the Burdur Museum, which was reportedly found at Boubon. Following these recent findings, the Cleveland Museum of Art withdrew from the legal proceedings and agreed to the statue’s return.

In its official statement, the museum noted: “The museum appreciates the cooperation provided by officials in Türkiye and at the district attorney’s office to come to a scientific resolution of the issues surrounding the statue. Without this new research, the museum would not have been able to determine with confidence that the statue was once present at the site.”

This decision reflects a constructive approach that honours both the integrity of museum practices and the rightful return of cultural heritage.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasised the value of this international cooperation. He underscored that the investigation involved extensive witness interviews and detailed forensic analysis provided conclusive evidence that the statue had been looted from the ancient city of Boubon. He welcomed the Museum’s decision and reaffirmed the importance of returning cultural heritage to its rightful context.

The Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, described this significant restitution as a “historic achievement” in a statement shared on his social media account.

In his message, Minister Ersoy stated that the process, carried out in collaboration with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, represents more than just the return of a cultural artifact—it stands as a historic success made possible through the combined power of diplomacy, law, and science.

Although the process began with considerable challenges, it is encouraging that it concluded in a constructive manner. This laid the groundwork for future cooperation between the Museum and the Ministry.

This case also sets a valuable precedent for future cooperation between source countries, investigative bodies, and museums. It offers a model for resolving complex provenance issues through transparent and evidence-based dialogue.

Türkiye’s Global Vision for Cultural Legacy

The return of the Marcus Aurelius statue to Türkiye is not just a cultural victory but also a shared success of international law, science, and diplomacy. It is also one of the most significant milestones in Türkiye’s ongoing fight against the illicit trafficking of antiquities.

The country remains steadfast in its efforts to recover all cultural heritage assets that have been smuggled abroad. These repatriation works are part of Türkiye’s broader vision focused on the preservation and sustainable management of its rich cultural heritage. As part of the ‘Legacy for the Future Project,’ which extends excavations nationwide and throughout all seasons, the country sustains excavation and restoration work in many ancient sites and aims to increase the number of enlightening archaeological works to 800 by 2026.

26/07/2025

From history to shopping - 5 travel destinations to visit in Türkiye

https://www.news24.com/truelove/she-lives/from-history-to-shopping-5-travel-destinations-to-visit-in-turkiye-20250724-0529