Reconsidering Turkey: why the time to go is now

21.07.2023 - 08:31 / roughguides.com

Turkey is the most accessible of the Middle Eastern nations. A natural land bridge, it connects the eastern part of Europe to the Caucasus, and the viridian Black Sea coast to the arid Arab peninsula. With Emirates, Etihad and most major airlines serving flights to Istanbul, you can easily fly from Europe, the United States and Asia.

Yet with its proximity to war-torn Syria and the dubious reputation of its president, there are currently certain factors that deter people from exploring Turkey’s infinite potential for travel. Here's why you should move beyond the bad PR and reconsider this incredible country.

Truth be told, certain remarks from Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have not helped the country's global reputation. But that’s exactly why you should visit now: Erdoğan is not Turkey; its people are. Go now to experience the incredible hospitality of the Turks first hand – on the ground, Turkey really is another world from what is described in newspaper headlines.

Whether you decide to travel slowly by train from Istanbul to Erzurum, the gateway to eastern Anatolia, or fly with one of the major airlines from Istanbul to Kayseri to marvel at the eerie rock formations of Cappadocia, the Turkish people will welcome and charm you with their history, rich culinary traditions and incredible sense of hospitality.

Tea being served in Turkey © Leyla Ismet/Shutterstock

For the most part yes, it is. But the Kurdish areas in the southeastern corner of the country – literally facing war-torn Syria – can be unpredictable. While traveller message boards report that it's generally safe to visit the layered city of Mardin, the unofficial capital of Turkish Kurdistan, Diyarbakır, still sees occasional unrest. But remember – Turkish people are charming, chatty folks who never shy away from sharing a witty conversation over a glass of tea. And even if English speakers thin out the more one travels east, language barriers don’t change the fact that the hospitality is always top-notch.

If you don't fancy flying with one of the major Middle Eastern carriers (and you're feeling adventurous), Turkey is one of the world's easiest countries to hitchhike — it's often possible to cover up to 800km in a single day. However, solo women travellers should be aware that the most conservative pockets of Turkish society are not used to seeing women travelling alone.

Sumela Hanging Monastery © WitR/Shutterstock

Few know of any city besides the obvious Istanbul and capital city Ankara. But among the underrated highlights there’s Trabzon, a long, thin settlement on the eastern Black Sea coast, nestled between mountains and sea. The Walls of Trabzon enclose the stunning old town, with its upper part, that once functioned as a citadel,