Turkey has long become one of the favorite vacation spots for Russians. The warm climate, well-developed tourist infrastructure and many attractions attract beach lovers and those who dream of seeing historical and architectural monuments to this country.
One of the most interesting sights in Turkey worth seeing is the well-preserved ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. It was a powerful and influential city in Asia Minor, famous for the Temple of Artemis, which was included in the list of 7 wonders of the world. In Ephesus, there are the ruins of huge theaters that could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators, where the works of ancient authors were staged, and during the era of Roman rule, gladiatorial fights were held. Ephesus also played an important role in the history of early Christianity: here the Apostle Paul preached among the pagans, here she spent the last years of her life with the parents of the Apostle John the Mother of God - to him, His beloved disciple, the Savior bequeathed the care of His Mother.
Istanbul can be called a real open-air museum - the former great city of Constantinople, Constantinople, the capital of Byzantium, which had a special influence on the history of Russia. The city is built on the shores of the Bosphorus, dividing it into European and Asian parts. The long turbulent history of Istanbul is reflected in its unique appearance.
One of the city's attractions is the Hagia Sophia Museum, a former Christian Orthodox church built in the first half of the 6th century by the famous architects Anfimyos Trallsky and Isidor Miletsky. In the middle of the 15th century, the city was captured by the Turks, and the church was turned into a mosque. Minarets were attached to it, and the building was decorated with elements of Islamic art. In 1935, by order of Kemal Ataturk, Hagia Sophia was restored and turned into a museum of two world religions - Christianity and Islam.
Unusually beautiful is the Blue Mosque, built in Istanbul at the beginning of the 17th century next to Hagia Sophia. Its building is decorated with intricately patterned tiles. A whimsical light is pouring through the stained glass of two hundred windows. 6 minarets rise above the city, and the cry of the muezzin calling the believers to prayer attracts numerous tourists to this treasure of the Islamic world.
The Topkapi Palace, built in the middle of the 15th century on the ruins of Konastantin's Palace, is definitely worth a visit. It is a huge architectural complex spread over four courtyards. The former Mint, the Archaeological Museum, the hospital, the harem, the Sultan's personal library, the Throne Room, numerous lush gardens and palace services are located here. Topkapi Palace has been converted into a museum of the Sultan era, which receives hundreds of visitors daily.
The resort of Pamukkale is very popular among tourists. On the high hills are the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you can see the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the ancient amphitheater and the tomb of St. Philip the Apostle, who was martyred in this city. And below, in the valley, there are natural pools in the form of huge limestone bowls, into which warm thermal waters flow from springs gushing on the slopes of the hills. Over the millennia, lime streaks have formed white walls, making the pool a true wonder of nature. Healing waters contain radon and a rich complex of minerals that have a beneficial effect on health.
