Turkey

Istanbul has remained the center of political importance for many years due to its critical position on the trade route from Asia to Europe. It lies on both sides of Bospherous a narrow strait connecting the Black Sea and Marmara sea. It is the only city which lies part in Europe and part in Asia. Rulers from Roman Catholic Europe and Muslim Middle east have ruled Instanbul and it is a great mixture of both civiliazations and cultures. During Roman rule the city was named Constantinople. Before sea route was opened to India and Asia from Europe Constantinople or Istanbul has remained very important center governing trade route.   

Another recent Indian connection to Turkey is Gallipoli. During World War I many Indian soldiers have laid their lives here. The Helles Memorial near Sedd el Bahr is on the tip of the Gallipoli peninsula and should be visited by every Indian visiting Turkey.   

Places of Interest

Istanbul

Capadocia

Antalya

Pamukkale