What Traveling Through Turkey Taught Me

When I travel, I’m not really thinking about being productive. But whether I like it or not, I always find myself seeking inspiration and learning along the way. In a way, that becomes its own kind of productivity. Not the kind that demands achievements or results, but the kind that quietly expands your perspective.

Travel, for me, is about discovering new ways of understanding a place and its people, and bringing those learnings back home to share with my readers, friends, and family. Of inculcating the lessons learned into my way of life. Of designing my home with the souvenirs and artefacts brought back from distant places. Of creating stories and memories for my children so they grow up curious about the world. And of nurturing something within myself, a deeper appreciation for culture, history, and the many ways people live their lives across the globe.

Traveling through Turkey taught me that beauty lives in the small details

During my most recent visit to Türkiye, I had the privilege of meeting Ezgi, a Turkish national and a local from Kuşadası, who shared many insights about the country with me. Through her stories and explanations, I learned about Turkey’s reforms, its deep Greco-Roman history, its rich agricultural produce, and even perspectives on modern life and women’s roles in society. At the same time, we also encountered moments that were not always pleasant, experiences that reminded us that travel comes with both beauty and imperfections.

I have a similar story from back in the day, in 2014, from an encounter with a Turkish local in Istanbul. She was so beautiful and full of life, and through her lens we immersed ourselves in the vibrancy of the city. She was an incredible storyteller. I still remember she was the one with whom I tried my very first baklava and Turkish coffee near Hagia Sophia.

Today, we also have a very close friend in Holland who comes from Türkiye. Through time spent with him and his family, we’ve experienced the same warmth again and again. The Turkish people we’ve met have been incredibly warm, generous, and hospitable, something we continue to admire and learn from.

So, you see travelling through Türkiye started with its people. Traveling through Türkiye taught me that beauty lives in the small details. For instance its name. It’s no longer Turkey, it’s Türkiye. I love the way it sounds when locals say it.. Tuuurkiyeeee… so much character in a single word. Hats off to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who pushed for the country’s international name to officially become Türkiye 🇹🇷

So stay with me as I share What Traveling Through Turkey Taught Me. Perhaps, along the way, it might inspire you too.

What Traveling Through Turkey Taught Me

When you look at the map, you immediately understand why Turkey is so unique. It is like one large peninsula embraced by three seas, the Black Sea in the north, the Aegean Sea in the west, and the Mediterranean Sea in the south. This geography gives the country an incredibly long coastline and completely different climate zones within one nation.

Turkey is much larger than many expect, nearly three times the size of England, and home to around 86 million people. The capital is Ankara, while Istanbul, with over 16 million residents, is the largest and most dynamic city. İzmir, along the Aegean coast, is the third-largest and one of the most beautiful coastal regions in the country.

#1 The Flag

I know it may sound a little silly, but the first thing I usually learn about a place is its flag. Sidd seems to know almost every flag in the world thanks to football and the different national teams. Kiu and Arya are currently learning them in school, so they are fresh in their memory. I learned them too when I was younger, but over time I realised there are many I still don’t recognise.

The Turkish flag flutters proudly in front of the lit-up Ortaköy Mosque, with the Bosphorus Bridge in the background. This is in Istanbul.

Do you know all the flags of the world? And more interestingly, do you know what the symbols on them actually represent?

Take the flag of Turkey for example. It is a deep red background with a white crescent moon and a star. The red colour historically represents the blood of those who fought for the nation and has been associated with the Ottoman Empire for centuries. The crescent moon and star are symbols that became strongly connected with the Ottoman Empire and later continued as part of modern Turkey’s national identity. Today, these symbols are often associated with the country’s history, culture, and its predominantly Muslim heritage.

#2 Turkish Food

You can say Food is their Love Language. The turkish cuisine is another reason we gravitate towards this gorgeous country. The vegetables and fruits are locally produced, fresh and flavourful. The use of spices is rich but balanced.

A delightful spread of Turkish cuisine includes vibrant Adana kebab with traditional flatbread, aromatic Turkish tea, and a rich breakfast platter with fresh olives, cheese, and savory eggs with sucuk.

Regions like the western tourist areas of Turkey, especially İzmir and Selçuk, lean more toward vegetable-based dishes cooked with olive oil. On menus for tourists these are often written with simple descriptions such as “Artichokes in Olive Oil”, “Mashed Broad Bean Dip” (Fava), and “Sautéed Wild Herbs”.

In the western and northwestern tourist hubs, especially Istanbul, restaurants usually offer a mix of dishes from all regions of Turkey because it is the country’s largest and most international city. Tourist menus commonly list items such as “Mixed Kebab Plate,” “Stuffed Grape Leaves,” “Lentil Soup,” “Grilled Sea Bass,” and “Turkish Meze Platter.”

In central Anatolia, including popular destinations like Cappadocia (around Göreme), the cuisine is heartier and more meat-focused. Tourist menus often describe local specialties as “Turkish Dumplings with Yogurt” (Mantı), “Thin Flatbread with Minced Meat” (Etli Ekmek), and the famous “Pottery Kebab” (Testi Kebab), which is cooked slowly in a sealed clay pot.

In the southern and southeastern regions, food tends to be spicier and heavily meat-based. Tourist menus typically use familiar names like “Adana Kebab (Spicy Minced Lamb Skewers)”, “Urfa Kebab (Mild Lamb Skewers)”, and “Turkish Pizza” (Lahmacun).

Their Turkish coffee, traditionally cooked over hot sand, is strong and intense. Turkish tea, brewed in a double teapot called a çaydanlık, is consumed throughout the day. Even though I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, desserts like baklava and künefe had me drooling.

Discover Istanbul through its incredible food on this guided foodie walking tour across both the European and Asian sides. The tour lasts about 5–6 hours and usually costs from around $135 per person, including 8–9 food stops, tastings, drinks, and a ferry ride across the Bosphorus.

👉 Book the food tour here (and support us)

#3 Travertines of Pamukkale

We first visited Pamukkale in the summer of 2014 with our MBA colleagues after graduating and settling in Dubai. At that time, it felt less crowded and almost unheard of. Fast forward to winter 2026, the same place, but a completely different phase of life. This time, we were travelling as a family with my kids (10 and 7 years old). It was less crowded again, thanks to our amazing planning!

Terraced pools at Pamukkale, Turkey, in its striking white travertine formations.

Pamukkale means "cotton castle" in Turkish. As you enter the Hierapolis archaeological park, you won’t even guess that something as magical as the white travertine terraces lay right up ahead! These terraces have a unique structure because they are formed by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside. Together with the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What is fantastic is how they have managed to maintain the hygiene of this place despite receiving millions of visitors year after year. So, matter of fact, sustainable tourism is possible when governments and visitors respect environmental rules. Nature creates wonders slowly, but humans must protect them carefully so future generations can experience them.

Many hotels in and around Pamukkale offer a unique experience of thermal baths or thermal pools as part of their facilities. The water used in these baths comes from the same mineral-rich thermal springs that form the famous travertine terraces. In some hotels, this thermal water even flows directly through the taps and pools. These mineral waters are believed to have therapeutic benefits, often associated with relaxing muscles, improving circulation, and supporting skin health. Guests are usually advised to immerse themselves for only about 20 minutes at a time, as the water is highly mineralised and quite warm. It’s a fascinating way to experience the natural healing waters beyond the terraces themselves.

The stunning terraces and azure thermal pools of Pamukkale, with its breathtaking natural limestone formations.

An entrance ticket gives access to both areas. Both times, however, we chose to walk barefoot through the thermal pools rather than explore Hierapolis in detail. If you are driving yourself, early morning is best, especially in summer. In winter, late mornings are manageable. Bus tours are also available from seaside towns like Kuşadası and Antalya, which is how we visited the first time.

Explore the famous white terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis on a full-day guided tour from Antalya or Kemer. This experience lasts about 14–14.5 hours and typically costs from around $36 per person, including breakfast and lunch.

👉 Book the tour here (and support us)

#4 Fairy Chimneys & Hot Air Balloons of Cappadocia

I still remember how awestruck I was when I first visited Cappadocia in 2014. One moment you are standing in the white “cotton castle” terraces of Pamukkale, and just a few hours later you find yourself in a completely different world of rocky valleys and towering fairy chimneys. Life can feel almost magical when you travel. The contrast in scenery within the same country is remarkable. It is amazing how geography and natural forces over millions of years can shape dramatically different landscapes within relatively short distances.

Ancient fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, Turkey.

We arrived by bus to a golden, dust-covered terrain dotted with these stone formations scattered everywhere. The scenery was dramatic! Nothing quite prepares you for that landscape. The fairy chimneys rise out of the earth in unusual shapes, formed by volcanic eruptions and millions of years of erosion. It almost feels unreal when you first see it. These formations are especially common in places like Göreme National Park and the valleys around Göreme.

The Awesome Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia in Turkey are one-of-a-kind rock formations have been shaped over thousands of years.

Explore the highlights of Cappadocia on this Red & Green combined tour, which brings together the main stops from both popular routes in one day. The tour lasts about 7–8 hours and usually costs around $22–$30 per person for small groups.

👉 Book the tour here (and support us)

You’ll visit famous spots like the Göreme Open Air Museum, underground cities, Pigeon Valley, and the iconic fairy chimneys, combining the highlights of Cappadocia’s northern (Red Tour) and southern (Green Tour) routes into one full-day experience.

One of the highlights of staying in Cappadocia overnight was to experience the hot air balloon ride early the next morning (around 4 am wake up). Waking up before sunrise, watching dozens of balloons lift slowly into the sky, and then floating above the valleys as the light changed, it was one of those moments that stays with you. I would say it is one of the best places on earth to go on a hot-air balloon, the other one being Bagan in Myanmar, where you can enjoy sunrise flights over thousands of ancient temples and pagodas. Credit must be given to Turkey’s tourism authorities for preserving this region so well despite its popularity.

At sunrise, vibrant hot air balloons drift smoothly over Cappadocia's one-of-a-kind rock formations, making for a stunning view.

Experience one of Turkey’s most iconic adventures with a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over Cappadocia’s Göreme valleys. The full experience lasts about 3 hours (including pickup and preparation), with roughly 1 hour in the air, and prices usually start from around $150–$200 per person, depending on season and availability.

👉 Book the experience here (and support us)

#5 Ephesus

After Rome and Athens, Ephesus is easily one of the most well-preserved Roman-Greek heritage sites I’ve seen. Walking through the ancient streets truly transforms the experience. You don’t just see ruins, you begin to imagine life as it once was. I have written a detailed blog post on Ephesus narrating my wonderful experience exploring this ancient city. Take a peak if you are interested - This is Ephesus Turkiye.

The spectacular Greko-Roman site of Ephesus in Turkey

The façade of the Library of Celsus is magnificent and naturally becomes the centrepiece of the visit. The amphitheatre, the marble roads, the remnants of homes, everything feels carefully preserved.

The AI-based museum experience nearby offers a modern perspective, helping visitors visualise what daily life in Ephesus may have looked like thousands of years ago. It adds another layer to the visit and makes the history feel more tangible.

We did this private Ephesus tour with Ezgi, and it was a truly fabulous experience. In the low season (February) it cost us $120 per person, but prices can go up to about $125 per person in high season. The full-day tour lasts around 8 hours and includes visits to highlights like Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and more.

👉 Book the tour here (and support us)

#6 Modern Transformation & Their Women

What impressed me even more during our visit was learning about Turkey’s modern transformation.

We travelled during Ramadan, and yet everything functioned normally. Restaurants were open. Food and alcohol were served. Shops selling wine and beer operated during the day. There was no sense of restriction imposed on daily life.

Embodying the blend of tradition and modernity in Turkey.

Women dressed as they wished, stylish, confident, modern. Some covered, many uncovered. They smoked, drank, socialised and no one seemed to question it. That balance surprised me.

Under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in the 1920s and 1930s, Turkey underwent major reforms. He established a secular republic, modernised legal and educational systems, and granted women the right to vote and stand for election in the early 1930s, earlier than many European nations. Civil laws promoted equality and discouraged compulsory religious dress codes. These reforms shaped Turkey into a relatively progressive society for its time, and that legacy is still visible today.

#7 Istanbul

The vibrant city of Istanbul truly deserves its place among the world’s most visited destinations. It didn’t earn this reputation through marketing alone, but through what it genuinely offers, a rich blend of culture, history, food, weather, and people all in one place. Visitors from India, China, across Europe, the Americas and Russia travel to Turkey in the millions every year to experience this uniquely positioned country that bridges both Asia and Europe. At the heart of it all is Istanbul the largest city in Turkey, home to more than 16 million people, vibrant, colourful, historic, and endlessly alive.

The iconic vintage red tram gliding through a narrow Istanbul street.

My favourite spot in Istanbul is, without doubt, Ortaköy. The place is simply mesmerising. The Bosphorus waterfront, the charming cafés, the lively streets, and the view of the famous Ortaköy Mosque set against the bridge create a scene that feels almost cinematic. It is one of those corners of the city where you can sit for hours, soaking in the atmosphere.

The majestic Ortaköy Mosque, set against the backdrop of the Bosphorus Bridge.

Enjoy a memorable Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul with a 3-hour evening sail, a private table, dinner, and live entertainment. Prices usually start from around $30–$50 per person, depending on the season and options.

👉 Book the cruise here (and support us)

Another monument that left a lasting impression on me is the magnificent Blue Mosque. Its grand architecture, intricate interior, and the stories behind its construction make visiting it a deeply fascinating experience. Standing inside such a historic structure reminds you of the layers of civilisation that have shaped this city over centuries.

Exploring the historic beauty of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, 2014.

Explore three of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern on this guided Old City tour. The experience lasts about 3 hours and usually costs from around $58–$70 per person, depending on the option and season.

👉 Book the tour here (and support us)

#8 Fresh Orange and Pomegranate Juice

And then there is something much simpler but equally memorable, the fresh orange and pomegranate juice sold on nearly every street corner. Back in 2014, I drank it almost daily and convinced myself it was responsible for the glow in my skin. This time, I remembered it vividly and made sure to enjoy it again. The abundance of oranges and pomegranates in Turkey, combined with how inexpensive and fresh the juice is, makes it almost impossible to resist.

Enjoying refreshing fruit juices in front of the historic Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya, Turkey.

Turkey’s Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for growing citrus fruits and pomegranates. Regions along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts receive plenty of sunshine, mild winters, and fertile soil, which allows fruits to grow in abundance. This is why you see endless orchards of oranges, pomegranates, lemons, figs, and olives across the countryside. With such local availability, it’s no surprise that freshly squeezed juices are sold on nearly every street corner, healthy, refreshing, and incredibly affordable.

#9 The Turkish Hammam Bath

And then, the Turkish hammam, an experience one should not miss.

I don’t mean the polished spa versions inside five-star hotels where you bathe yourself (like the image below). I mean the historic bathhouses that have stood for centuries. We experienced a traditional Turkish hammam at the historic Şifa Turkish Bath. Built in 1777, this 250-year-old Ottoman hammam in the heart of Sultanahmet is simply something that has to be experienced when visiting Istanbul.

A Luxurious Turkish Hammam bath, a one-of-a-kind experience in Turkey.

The traditional hammam involves an attendant who scrubs and cleanses your body thoroughly. You lie on a warm marble platform under a large domed ceiling, surrounded by marble walls and basins filled with steaming water. However, do note that at the Şifa Turksih Bath you won’t be alone, there will usually be a dozen or so other people bathing or relaxing on the hot marble stone. The bath areas are separate for men and women. The ones in the hotels are definitely with lesser people, often like your private hammam. The attendant exfoliates your skin with a kese (scrubbing mitt), rinses you with buckets of warm water, and often follows it with a foam massage.

It is intense but deeply relaxing. You walk out feeling lighter, cleaner, almost renewed. There’s something grounding about participating in a ritual that has existed for generations.

If you want to try this Hammam experience at the ancient Şifa Turksih Bath, book the experience here (and support us).

If you want to enjoy a relaxing private Turkish hammam experience in Istanbul’s Old City, all in a more private setting than traditional public hammams, then try this experience. This 1–2 hour spa experience includes a steam bath, body scrub, foam massage, and relaxing spa treatments, .

👉 Book the experience here (and support us).

#10 Things You Can Buy in Turkey

Turkey offers a wide range of locally produced goods shaped by centuries of agriculture, craftsmanship and trade.

If you drive in Turkey, you will see loads of Olive Oil orchards or farms in the countryside. Olive oil is one of the country’s most important agricultural products. With millions of olive trees across the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, Turkey is among the world’s leading producers. Around Ephesus and Selçuk, we also saw dozens of orchards of pomegranates, oranges, figs, citrus fruits, peaches and berries and these are the very fruits that fill local markets during the summer months. You absolutely cannot miss your daily dose of fresh orange and pomengranate juice when in Turkey!

A market in Turkey, featuring a variety of green and black olives alongside bottles of olive oil.

Turkey is also known for high-quality leather goods, including jackets, bags and shoes. Many international brands manufacture here, and local leather products are valued for their durability and craftsmanship.

A bunch of colorful Turkish leather shoes, all decked out with detailed embroidery, vibrant designs, and lined with cozy fur.

All those monuments you see built around 2 BC are made from pure marble. Where do you think the marble came from? Another major industry is marble production. Turkey is one of the world’s leading exporters of marble, and much of the stone used in ancient cities such as Ephesus was sourced from nearby quarries.

Turkish marble designs are super detailed, showing off the skill and artistry involved.

Traditional ceramics and carpets are an important part of Turkish culture. Handmade ceramics often feature Ottoman and Anatolian patterns, while Turkish carpets and kilims are woven using techniques passed down through generations. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself considering buying extra baggage allowance to bring home a few ceramic tiles or a beautiful handmade carpet.

A colorful spread of traditional Turkish carpets at an outdoor market in Antalya Old Town.

Visitors also commonly buy Turkish delight, spices, evil eye (nazar) souvenirs, lanterns and lamps, gold jewellery, and Turkish cotton towels (peshtemal), all of which reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and long history of trade.

A market stall adorned with colourful mosaic lamps and handmade crafts.

#11 What We Absolutely Didn’t Enjoy

As much as we love Turkey, it would be incomplete to ignore what disappointed us.

Before travelling this time, Sidd’s close Turkish friend had warned us that prices had risen significantly. We were prepared for that. What we were not prepared for was the level of overcharging and dishonesty we experienced in certain tourist areas.

Our GetYourGuide tour guide in Side overcharged us for shuttle tickets that cost around €1 for a return trip but charged €4 per person. When confronted, he denied it.

At Pamukkale, the ticket counter clerk insisted we purchase headphones for €9 per person, claiming it was mandatory, even though the ticket clearly stated that audio tours were optional and personal headphones could be used. It felt like a deliberate attempt to take advantage of tourists.

At the airport, sandwiches were sold without displayed price tags, €7 for a ham sandwich while a plain cheese sandwich cost €6.5. Souvenir sellers increased prices at billing counters despite marked tags. Street vendors charged wildly different rates for the same items, corn for €4 at one stall and €1.5 at another.

The constant haggling and pressure to buy became exhausting. It kept us in a state of alertness instead of ease. And the expectation of tips everywhere, regardless of service quality, added to that discomfort.

It didn’t ruin the trip, but it certainly affected parts of the experience.

#12 Antalya Didn’t Make the Cut

I’ve been to Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, İzmir, Ephesus and Antalya, and unfortunately, Antalya was my least favourite.

Scenic view of Antalya's historic harbour in summer.

It lacks character for me. Perhaps Europeans and Americans enjoy the all-inclusive resort culture, lounging by the pool all day with cocktails, basking in the sun. But having lived in the UAE for seven years, I couldn’t ignore the similarities. Palm-lined streets, brown-toned buildings, resort-style living, it felt familiar in a way that didn’t excite me. The all-inclusive resort concept, personally, does not work for me beyond two or three days. I prefer stepping out, exploring streets, learning history, interacting with locals. When everything is contained within a five-star property, I feel disconnected from the real place.

The old town seemed curated primarily for tourists. Many restaurants leaned toward international cuisine rather than local authenticity.

Yes, the sea is beautiful, undeniably so. But I wouldn’t place Antalya at the top of my list when destinations like Málaga, Marbella, parts of Italy, or even Scheveningen offer similar coastal experiences with more character, at least for me.

Final Thoughts

I am not from Turkey. I am simply someone who has visited it twice, in two very different phases of life.

What I experienced left a deep impression on me. It is a country that feels layered, dynamic and alive. It carries ancient history and modern transformation side by side. It offers incredible food, craftsmanship, landscapes and cultural depth. Despite the flaws and frustrations, we were met with warmth from many locals, kindness, hospitality and genuine friendliness.

Turkey is not perfect. But it is rich in history, culture and authenticity. And that complexity is exactly why I love it.