Car Hire Turkey
Mini guide to Turkey
With a foot in both Europe and Asia, Turkey’s importance over the millennia cannot be underestimated. Constantinople has long since been taken from the Romans, and the Ottomans have retreated before an army of tourists that come for Turkey’s sunshine, kebabs and enchanting culture.
Istanbul's history spans 3,000 years and its location, straddling the Bosphorus, is unsurpassed. The Topkapi Palace, with its harem and imperial treasury, along with the unmistakable minarets and domes of the Blue Mosque are the biggest tourist draw cards. Aya Sofya (c548 AD) is one of the greatest churches in Christendom. If you’re looking for carpets and some haggling, head for the Grand Bazaar. Uzunçarsi Caddesi, full of craftsmen, is the less-touristy alternative, while Istiklal Caddesi and Sultanahmet, in the old city, are delightful places for a kebab.
Ankara is the government-dominated capital with only a few redeeming features such as the Hisar, a Byzantine citadel, the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and Kemel Atatürk's mausoleum. The Presidential Mansion is well preserved and the ancient Roman ruins dotted about the city are interesting.
Ephesus, including Ionia's Temple of Diana, Grotto of the Seven Sleepers the colossal Harbour Gymnasium; the grand marble-paved Arcadian Way; the impressive Temple of Hadrian and a scattering of fountains, pools and more, is the grandest and best preserved ancient Turkish city.
By car you can explore Gallipoli, Trop, Bodrum, Antalya and the south coast, as well as Cappadocia.
