Sightseeing in Turkey

Overview

Straddling both Europe and Asia comfortably, Turkey benefits from an envious fusion of culture, history, and architecture.  With more Greek remnants than all of Greece and more Roman ruins than all of Italy, this medical tourism destination is full of countless historical and religious monuments cherished by Moslems, Jews, and Christians alike.  There are remnants of Byzantine and Ottoman rule, underground cities carved out of stone, crumbling temples, Roman aqueducts, surreal volcanic landscapes, museums, and bazaars.  Even Noah’s Ark is available for the searching as you hike up Mount Arafat.  Add to that a warm and generous people, and you have a medical tourism experience you’d find hard to duplicate anywhere else. 

Ankara

Far less glamorous than Istanbul, the capital city of Ankara nevertheless does have its share of Roman ruins and monuments. This was an important city during Roman times, and the Temple of Diana at the ruins of Ephesus should be on every medical tourism itinerary. 

Istanbul

As a city that has known many masters, Istanbul is full of diverse treasures such as mosques, churches, and palaces. Some of the more inspiring features include the Blue Mosque and the Hague Sophia (which began as a cathedral, morphed into a mosque, and now serves as a museum).   

Antalya

This picturesque resort town is perched on a cliff on the Mediterranean coast, and has many mosques, Roman ruins, and churches. 

Other Cities

Located on the Aegean coast, check out Izmir, the birthplace of Homer. The ancient city of Konya is where Jalaluddin Rumi founded his Order of the Whirling Dervishes.  And don’t miss the Aladdin Mosque that dates back to the 13^th century, and the second oldest town in the world, Catalhoyuk, just south of Konya, founded in 6,500 BC.