CURATED BY Roberto Girotti
This month, together with our new DMC Ambrosia Sophisticated Luxury Travel and Turkish Airlines, I had the pleasure of going back to one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Türkiye (as they prefer to be called now)
Türkiye is a transcontinental country, straddling both Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosporus Strait. It serves as a natural bridge between East and West, both physically and culturally. Its landscapes range from the turquoise beaches of the Aegean and Mediterranean to the snow-capped peaks of Eastern Anatolia.
Turkey is a cradle of civilization. It was home to ancient empires like the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Cities like Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) are layered with history—from Byzantine churches to Ottoman mosques. It also features world-renowned archaeological sites like Göbekli Tepe, Troy, and Ephesus.
Modern Istanbul is a vibrant metropolis where ancient heritage meets cutting-edge urban life. Spanning two continents, it pulses with energy—skyscrapers and luxury malls rise alongside Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches. Chic cafes, rooftop bars, and art galleries thrive in neighborhoods like Karaköy and Nişantaşı, while tech startups and global firms drive its economy. The Bosphorus teems with ferries, linking the historic European side to the bustling Asian districts. Istanbul’s youth culture is dynamic, fashion-forward, and globally connected. Yet amid the modern rush, tradition endures in its bazaars, tea gardens, and the call to prayer echoing through the skyline.
Turkey blends Islamic, secular, and modern influences. Its society is shaped by both conservative and progressive values, and the diversity of its regions (Kurdish, Turkish, Arab, Greek, Armenian influences, among others) creates a complex social fabric.
Turkish cuisine is rich, varied, and globally loved. Dishes like kebabs, baklava, meze, and Turkish tea and coffee reflect centuries of cultural blending and regional diversity.
Cappadocia is a fairytale landscape carved by nature and history—imagine soaring over surreal valleys in a hot air balloon at sunrise, with ancient cave dwellings and “fairy chimneys” dotting the earth below. Underground cities, carved into volcanic rock, whisper secrets of civilizations long gone. It’s a place where time bends, blending natural wonder with mystical charm.
Bodrum, by contrast, is Turkey’s glitzy seaside escape. Nestled on the Aegean coast, this sun-soaked town offers whitewashed houses, bougainvillea-lined alleys, and a sparkling blue sea. By day, explore the ancient ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus or sail the turquoise coast on a gulet. By night, the city transforms—buzzing beach clubs, elegant marinas, and rooftop terraces offer unforgettable views and vibrant energy.
Istanbul, Cappadocia and Bodrum capture Türkiye’s magical contrasts: a vibrant metropolis, a city shaped by fire and stone, the other by sun and sea—all unique and unforgettable.
