NESTLED between Europe and Asia and surrounded by the Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and Caspian Sea, Türkiye stands as a bridge between worlds. Rich in history and cultural fusion, it captivates with its landscapes, especially the enchanting Cappadocia (Kapadokya in Turkish) region.
In May, a select group of Philippine media traveled to Türkiye's most iconic city, Istanbul, at the invitation of Turkish Airlines. They then took a connecting flight to Cappadocia to explore its unique geography.
Cappadocia's geographical wonders
Cappadocia is among the world's most fascinating landscapes, shaped by nature over millions of years. Scientific studies and local legends alike suggest that the region's remarkable rock formations were formed by the eruptions of three now-dormant volcanoes: Mount Erciyes, Mount Melendiz, and Mount Hasan. These eruptions layered the land with solid, dense rock beneath and softer sediment above, gradually sculpted into extraordinary formations by wind and water erosion.
One of Cappadocia's highlights is the "fairy chimneys" in Urgup, Goreme, and Nevsehir. Some locals refer to these surreal rock pillars as "the mushrooms." According to guides and geological records, these formations evolved as the elements eroded the softer layers, leaving behind towering pillars topped with protective basalt caps. Legend has it that these structures were once the homes of fairies, who, when they left, returned as pigeons. In Pigeon Valley, these birds once served as messengers thousands of years before modern communication.
Cappadocia is also famed for its caves, many of which early Christians converted into homes and churches.
"Forty years ago, there was little interest in these natural wonders. Today, they're not only tourist attractions but also serve as unique cave hotels, complemented by Cappadocia's famous hot air balloon rides," explained a local guide.
'Land of Beautiful Horses'
The name Cappadocia comes from the Hittite word "Katpatuka," meaning "the land of beautiful horses."
The region's heritage is closely tied to horses known for their speed, agility, and endurance.
Once highly prized by kings and emperors, Cappadocia's horses today enhance the region's allure, offering visitors unforgettable rides through the valleys and rock formations.
Early Christian sites and churches
The Goreme National Park and Open-Air Museum reveal Cappadocia's history as a refuge for early Christians fleeing persecution from the Romans and Persians.
Unable to read Greek, Roman, Hebrew, or Arabic, they illustrated the stories of Jesus, Mary, the Apostles, and figures like Emperor Constantine on the cave walls, transforming them into lasting symbols of faith.
Underground cities
Equally astonishing are Cappadocia's subterranean cities, feats of ancient engineering with complex designs for irrigation, food storage, and shelter. Kaymakli is among the most visited, with a capacity to house up to 5,000 people.
The newer Derinkuyu, Türkiye's largest and deepest underground city, could accommodate up to 20,000 people.
Other significant sites include Uchisar Castle, Ortahisar Castle, Avanos Town, and Gulsehir Town, each offering unique rock formations and insights into Cappadocia's past.
Istanbul – the capital of the world
Straddling the Bosphorus Strait — one of the world's busiest waterways — Istanbul is a transcontinental city, the only one as such. Its commercial and historical center lies in Southeastern Europe, while a third of its population lives in Southwestern Asia.
The Bosphorus Bridge or 15 July Martyrs Bridge is the main bridge that connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The other two are the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge.
Istanbul's spectacular location has made it a place where many civilizations lived or why people wanted to settle there.
They say that everyone who came to Istanbul to visit was fascinated in every period.
Of the many books written, songs composed, and movies made in the city, some most remarkable quotes about Istanbul have also been quoted by visitors and travelers and made it their own in describing the breathtaking views and vibe of the city.
"Istanbul reflects the harmonious aesthetics of Asia and Europe with harmony and those who witness this becomes speechless."
"Istanbul is the real capital of the world. Regarding geographical location, there is no rival in the world."
"Istanbul is a universal and immense beauty in front of which the poet and the archaeologist, the diplomat and the merchant, the princess and the seafarer, the North and the South all shout out with the same sense of fascination. The whole world thinks that this city is the most beautful place in the world."
"No brush and pen can describe the beauty of Istanbul thoroughly."
"There is no more spectacular sight on Earth than Istanbul."
Of the many interesting places in Istanbul, must-visit are those that elicit awe, elegance and amazement.
Blue Mosque. Considered Istanbul's most photogenic building, the exterior features domes and six minarets, with blue Iznik tiles adorning the interior and giving its unofficial but commonly used name.
Aya Sofya or Hagia Sophia. Just a few steps away is a mosque full of grandeur and history as it was also used as a Christian church.
Basilica Cistern. Used as water storage and source during the Byzantine era. One of the most popular features are columns and statues, with the head of Medusa fallen sideways in one of the dark spots of the underground attraction.
Grand Bazaar. With around 5,000 shops and 61 covered streets with a total area of 30,700 square meters, it is considered one of the oldest shopping malls of the world. It was listed as the number one among most visited tourist attractions of the world in 2014 and continues to be so with 250,000 to 400,000 visitors daily.
Hippodrome and Sultanahmet Park. Then the center of Byzantine and Ottoman life spans millennia, the obelisks and statues still stand to this day.
Bosphorus Strait. Any time of the day but more magnificent at sunset is the view of the Bosphorus. This is what separates Asian Turkey from European Turkey.
Hippodrome and Sultanahmet Park. Then the center of Byzantine and Ottoman life spans millennia, the obelisks and statues still stand to this day.
Bosphorus Strait. Any time of the day but more magnificent at sunset is the view of the Bosphorus. This is what separates Asian Turkey from European Turkey.
Istiklal Avenue. It is one of the oldest streets in the world and most popular in Istanbul. Its name is derived from the word meaning independence. Ancient and modern shops from both sides adorn the 1.4-kilometer pedestrian street. One of the side alleys lead to the Catholic Church of Saint Anthony of Padua.
Galata Tower. It was built as a watchtower at Galata part of the Beyoglu district of Istanbul. Shops, clubs, pubs and eateries adorn the street leading to it on both sides.
Istanbul offers more sights and interesting spots for all types of visitors who want to experience both modernity and ancient history. Truly, it is the city capital of the world.
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