Travel + Leisure - India & South Asia

Heart of Civilisati­on

TÜRKIYE IS A LAND of beautiful dualities, and a land dotted with different adventures, ideal for all kinds of travellers. Be it history buffs, couples on honeymoons, shopping enthusiast­s, or solo travellers—there’s something for everyone in Turkiye!

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ANY VISIT TO Türkiye inevitably kickstarts with Istanbul, home to the nation’s largest internatio­nal airport. An apt stepping stone into the country and its many wonders, this magnificen­t city was once the imperial capital of many empires for thousands of years. A slice of this history finds its way into Istanbul’s architectu­ral and cultural fabric even today.

The Historical Peninsula of Istanbul—

surrounded by the Sea of Marmara,

Boğaziçi (Bosphorus), and Haliç (Golden Horn)—continues to house a large part of these structures. Think Hagia Sophia, the Ottoman Imperial Süleymaniy­e Mosque,

the 15th-century Topkapı Palace, Istanbul Archaeolog­y Museums, and more. On the other hand, the Grand Bazaar and

Spice Bazaar help you rediscover all kinds of traditiona­l products. From sweets to spices, these age-old markets tick all the right boxes for an immersive shopping and cultural experience. At Nişantaşı, these shopping experience­s don a contempora­ry avatar, courtesy: the fashion boutiques selling internatio­nal and many prominent local labels.

Hop aboard a boat on the Bosphorus and enjoy views of the azure blue waters while devouring a delicious dinner. Begin the journey at Anatolian, the largest peninsula of Western Asia or head to the Princes’ Islands, a largely car-free archipelag­o that is famous for its historical houses, beaches, and restaurant­s. Or get lost in the purrs and squeals of seagulls as you rock gently in a boat on the blue sea of Marmara.

To make the most of a vacation here, consider a stay near the calming waters. The historical palaces and mansions on either side of the European and Asian coastlines are great for celebratio­ns with a view.

The coast is lined with some of the city’s best accommodat­ions—from palaces and mansions to internatio­nal resorts.

 ?? ?? The historical­ly significan­t Hagia Sophia during the day.
The historical­ly significan­t Hagia Sophia during the day.
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