Turkey stradles Europe and Asia, which makes it culturally and geopolitically unique. For example, in modern times, Turkey is one of only two Muslim nations in NATO (the other is Albania). In more ancient times, its strategic position made for the success of the Ottoman dynasty that at its peak ruled over much of the know world.
Visiting Istanbul aka Constantinople
Constantinople is the former name of Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city. It was the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over 1,000 years, and was also at various times the capital of the Roman Empire, the Latin Empire, and the Ottoman Empire.
Cathy and I get a taste of Istanbul over 2 days of touring. We explore the famous Blue Mosque . Built in the early 1600’s during the Ottoman era, it is very impressive both inside and outside. And we cross the Bosphorus Strait from the European to the Asia quarters of the city and visit the markets.
Just a note that we are in Turkey in November and we are treated to cold and at times snowy weather. So plan to dress appropriately.
Tracing early Christendom at Ephesus
The ancient ruins in Ephesus are open and accessible, and this means we are free to walk pretty much anywhere. A highlight for me is to enter the Grand Theater of Ephesus. Here is where Paul the Disciple, who spent 3 years in Ephesus, preached to 25000 potential converts to Christianity. It is also where Elton John and Sting have performed in more recent times. The natural acoustics are so good that you can hear every word on the stage from the last of 66 rows of seats.
Cruising the Eastern Meditteranean around Italy, Greece and Turkey
Cathy and I join friends for a cruise around Turkey and the Eastern Meditteranean, on a Celebrity ship. We start and end in Rome’s port Civitavecchia. Then through the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini. In Turkey we spend time in Istanbul and Ephesus. Next, stops in Athens, Greece and Naples, Italy, and back to Civitavecchia. During the 12 day trip, we have 2 sea days as well. We took ship sponsored excursions most days and with so many things to see, we were well worn out by days end.
Cathy and I spent time kicking around these areas when we were students and had not yet met. Those trips were done on the skinny. For this trip, we had a nice balcony cabin in concierge class. We played dress-up most nights, and challenged the bartenders to come up with a martini each night that matched the ladies dresses.
Check out Italy and Greece for the full story of our trip.