Welcome to Istanbul, a city that inhabits two uniquely different worlds. Istanbul has always been a city that combined the East and the West, shaped by the region's eclectic cultures and history. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia dominate the skyline.
Karatepe National Park is known as an outdoor museum that overlooks a beautiful lake. The hills are verdant with trees that spread outwards from the lake. Magnificent relief panels are next to the southwestern gate. The panels depict life in the ancient empire and are guarded by stone lions that face the water
The modern city of Antakya was once known as the ancient city of Antioch. The alleyways are lined with old stone buildings and charming arches. The Orontes River streams alongside town. Visit the Hatay Archeology Museum.
Visit the city of Gaziantep and stop in Yesemek along the way. The Open-Air Museum encompasses the entire hillside and is decorated with more than 300 statues. The air is calm and warm & to Gazinatep.
Ur city is a spiritual center for pilgrims that wish to visit the biblical homes of Job and Abraham & The Great Mosque of Urfa is situated alongside the cave. The outer cave is now filled with a solid rock foundation.
The beehive mud houses of Harran are some of the most ancient and continuously inhabited houses on earth. You can see cotton fields sprouting over the vast flatland. The Aleppo Gate was restored and stands as the entrance to the city.
Mount Nemrut rises over 7,000 feet high and its summit is decorated with large, ancient statues. The peak is spellbinding in its height and decor. Close to the mountain peak you can see statue heads sitting in the pebbled slopes.
North of Sanliurfa is Gobeli Tepe, possibly the world's first temple. Two monumental pillars stand at the center of each temple and are surrounded by walls. Some pillars are adorned with animal images, such as wild boars and cranes.
The golden color of the Syriac-Jacobite Monastery shines against the background of the blue sky. The arched doorways and walls make the holy site feel more like a palace that presses against the golden mountainside. The atmosphere is quiet and the history is tangible.
The Tigris River was home to one of the oldest settlements in history. Outside of Mardin you will come to the stunning town of Hasankeyf. The Tigris flows alongside the base of the rolling hills.
Akdamar island is one-mile off the coast and is situated in Lake Van. The Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross is an auburn stone church that rises over the lush trees.The mountains in the background add to the stunning and peaceful scenery.
The sunrise over Van glints off of the lake and brings a golden hue to the morning. The peak of Baset Dagi makes the skyline at 11,851 feet. The tiles of the Blue Mosque continue to shimmer in the daylight.