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Highlights of Turkey Tour |
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Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of
Turkey as only Oba Tours can succeed it! Join us
to experience the beauty and explore the history of Asia
Minor in total security and comfort. Our elegant
Highlights of Turkey tour visits all the wonderful
places from Istanbul to Izmir, and Ankara to the sunny
and chic Antalya… Just join us! |
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Turkish Delight Tour |
| Enjoy the fabulous sites of
Istanbul, the extraordinary landscapes in
Cappadocia and Antalya, a city like no other
in the world, on our most impressive fully escorted
tour! This is the most exciting Turkish destination
you will ever experience in your life. Impressed! |
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Anatolian Escapade Tour |
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The wonderful ten-day Anatolian Escapade… Journey
to the ruins and myths. Two of the most visited sites in
Asia Minor, Troy and Ephesus, on this
deluxe Turkish tour package. Plus mountains of olive
groves, turquoise waters and unique Turkish people
hospitality await you in this trip. Take it! |
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Taste of Turkey
Tour |
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Visit Topkapi Palace, plus the most exquisite
sights in all of Istanbul on this deluxe,
fully escorted tour with Elkay. A perfect
combination of great museums and ancient sites, covering
all the highlights of western Turkey. Enjoy forever |
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Magical Turkey
Tour |
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Definitely this is real Turkey at its very best with
Oba Tours and covers the most of the
highlights of Turkey: The enchanting sights of
Istanbul, the magical monuments of
Eastern Black Sea and also a memorable cruising
along the Mediterranean Sea coast. Join
the magical trip! |
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See Itinerary... |
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Full Day Antalya Tour |
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Tour the unspoiled ruins of Perge
and the well-preserved Aspendos theater. Plus Roman
Aquaducts nearby. Then visit the Temple of Apollo which
is surrounded by many ancient relics in Side. |
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$90.- per person |
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Book Now |
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Full Day Ephesus
& the Virgin Mary's House |
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Ephesus with its fountains, temples,
brothel, library, odeon, agoras, and spectacular theater.
St. John's Basilica, the Virgin Mary's Cottage and the
Temple of Artemis. |
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$90.- per person |
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Book Now |
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Full Day Istanbul Tour |
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An exciting day
includes Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, St.
Sophia, Underground Cistern and the Grand Bazaar. |
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$90.- per person |
Book Now |
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Istanbul
Walking-Tour with Elkay |
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A wonderful and enjoyable half day
walking-tour itinerary includes these places: Taksim,
Istiklal, Cicek Pasaji, Pera, Galata Kulesi, Tunel,
Galata Koprusu and Eminonu. |
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$40.- per person |
Book Now |
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Bosphorus Walking-Tour with Elkay |
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This exciting walking tour along the
Bosphorus takes about four hours and includes these
jewels of the Istanbul strait: Bebek, Arnavutkoy, and
Ortakoy. |
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$40.- per person |
Book Now |
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Half Day Ottoman Highlights |
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A fascinating half-day
tour includes Topkapi Palace, Archaelogical Museum, the
famous Spice Market and New Valide Mosque in Eminonu. |
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$45.- per person |
Book Now |
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Half Day the Blue Mosque &
Surroundings |
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A magnificent half-day tour includes
St. Sophia,
Basilica Cistern, Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and
the mysterious Arasta Bazaar. |
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$45.-
per person |
Book Now |
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Istanbul Golden Horn Boat Tour
with Elkay |
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This amazing Golden Horn harbour boat tour takes about
just only two hours and includes these vistas of the
Halic in Istanbul: Eminonu, Kasimpasa, Ayvansaray,
Sutluce, Fener, Balat and finally Eyup area. Plus
spectacular views of domes and minarets of colossal
mosques rise in moody outline, just above the Golden
Horn in Istanbul. |
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$45.-
per person |
Book Now |
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Turkish Bath in Istanbul |
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Just treat your body & soul this time in Istanbul like
the Ottoman Sultans used to do in the centuries old
turkish bath house, designed by the famous Otoman
architect called Sinan the great. Enjoy it! |
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$30.-
per person |
Book Now |
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Istanbul Whirling Dervishes
Sema Show |
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In this ritual dance
called Sema, the performers seek a mystical state.
Dressed in symbolic white robes and tall hats, they
whirl round each other, representing the rotation of
heavenly bodies in the very old Istanbul ceremonial hall. |
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$30.-
per person |
Book Now |
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Half Day Bosphorus Cruise |
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A unique boat trip provides
rewarding views of the waterside mosques, palaces,
fortresses, colorful villages, and the distinctive
wooden villas known as yalis, all backed by forested
hills. |
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$40.-
per person |
Book Now |
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Istanbul by Night |
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Drive through illuminated Istanbul. Dine at a first
class restaurant, and enjoy the belly dancers, local
voices, and also a stunning Anatolian Cultural Folklore
show. Simply a great night out in Istanbul! |
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$90.- per person |
Book
Now |
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Half Day Istanbul Jewish
Heritage |
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Enjoy the visits of
Galata Tower, Neve Shalom, the Ashkenaz Synagogue,
Ahrida Synagogue along the Golden Horn, and also the
Balat & Pera neighborhoods. |
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$85.- per person |
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Book Now |
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Testimonials |
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Penelope Hamlin & Ronald Zarter (Mr & Mrs R..R.. Zarter) of El Paso, Tx |
| "Omer was a tour guide for us for two trips to
Turkey. The second trip included my 10-month old
granddaughter. He planned and delivered wonderful
experiences. Omer was able to meet our expectations and
then some. His knowledge of the country, its history and
the people is superior. He and our driver, Dogan, took
us to many special out of the way places while still
seeing the “highlights” of Turkey. The accommodations
and food were always excellent. Do visit Turkey with
Omer!" |
| Julia Rogers -
Freelance Tour Manager , U.K |
| "I have worked with Mr Omer Elkay doing tours in
Turkey with groups of British holiday makers. My
experience of him is that he is a thorough guide, always
reliable, very informative and with a good sense of
humour. He has an excellent command of English and is
always smartly presented. Of utmost importance is his
ability to get on well with people from all walks of
life and to do a first class job of caring for his
customers." |
Leopold G. Koss, M.D /
Professor and Chairman Emeritus, NYC |
| "Omer was my guide in Turkey several years ago. He
guided me through the mainland Turkey and through Asia
Minor in an expert fashion. He was exceptionally
knowledgeable about the places and sites that we visited.
He was a delightful companion whose English skills were
remarkable." |
| Caren & Bud Zisson,
Florida |
| "Omer made our trip to Cappadocia so very special!
He seems to know everybody there, and we were able to
meet people, go places and do things that other guides
cannot offer. He knows Turkish history, politics, and
all the best places to visit, eat and shop. He even gave
us great information and even contacts about other areas
in Turkey that we visited after our week in Cappadocia!
He is the best and most memorable guide that I have ever
had in any country. You can't go wrong with "Omer the
Magnificent"!" |
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Joe Helmkay of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
| "In 2001 my wife, myself and our two friends had the pleasure of touring Turkey with Omer as our personal tour guide.
Although our tour had an set itinerary, Omer was extremely flexible allowing us to alter several stops maximizing our time
in places that we wished to spend a few extra moments. Omer was not only very knowledgeable about Turkey's history, he was
also able to share an enormous amount of knowledge and insight about modern day Turkey. Omer gave good advice on how to honor
local customs, he gave excellent advice on how much we should have to pay for certain souvenirs and he always made sure that
we were having as much fun as possible. We really got to do and see everything that we went to Turkey, to do and see;
Omer was a big reason why." |
| Vera Schwartzbord and Her Group of 8 Friends, FBI Travel, Melbourne, Australia. |
| "We are a group of 8 friends, who decided to travel around Turkey together. We didn't want to rush through the country and after doing a lot of reading, we decided that we wanted a personalised tour.
All we needed was an excellent guide, to make it as interesting as possible, and of course to make it run smoothly. We found Omer Elkay and all our expectations were met and surpassed.
Omer knows his country well and also knows how to make travellers feel at ease and have a great trip. All our group still talk about our time spent together with Omer and we still say it was our best group holiday ever.
Thanks Omer for being such a great ambassador for your country and for being the perfect guide."
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Peter Wardle, Australia |
| "I arrived in Cappadocia in January. It was absolutely beautiful the snow covered the ground.
Omer and his driver met me for lunch and then showed me some of the region during the afternoon.
We spent all of the next day together savouring the delights of this ancient land. Omer was fantastic.
His knowledge and love of the region was delightful. I had a great time." |
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Danny Levy, Seven Seas Fine Art, Los Angeles, CA |
| "There are many ways of visiting a historic country like Turkey.
And then, there is a way of experiencing a country like Turkey.
That is what we got to experience on our trip to Turkey, thanks to Omer.
Getting to see what most tourists would never have a chance.
While driving through the country we would get to stop by different markets, shops, restaurants, and historic homes to visit what seemed like old friends.
It seems like Omer has a friend in every block of each city, that could show us something interesting, and of course offer us some tea.
His knowledge of the country and its history was impressive, he had some information about everything we saw.
We all had a great time, thanks so much to Omer and our wonderful driver." |
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Rhona Rombro / Rainbow Travel - Orlando |
| "Your country is wonderful! Istanbul is exotic! The Blue Mosque is breath-taking! Hagia Sophia is absolutely superb!
Topkapi is so interesting! But the most memorable part of our Turkish journey is our charming, delightful, kind, knowledgeable, helpful, and great-sense of humor guide.
How fortunate our group was to have had such good luck in obtaining the best guide in all Turkey!!
You made our stay wonderful, and we shall always have fond memories of you & Istanbul. I hope our paths will cross again one day." |
Betty and Don Hammell, Miami, Florida |
| "Our Turkish tour was probably the most interesting of our eight
trips abroad. We would place it ahead of the others because of the
content, especially the ancient ruins and the varied landscape, so
unusual. Our enjoyment was no doubt enhanced by Omer as our guide. Being
a native Turk (his English is excellent) he was able to add so much
color to everything with his decriptions and his sense of humor. It also
helped as he seemed to know the best restaurants in every town. We would
recommend him and his tours without hesitation." |
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Morgan Price & Ron
Thomas, British Columbia, Canada |
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"We count ourselves very lucky to have had Omer as a
tour guide for a week in Turkey. His personalized
service and knowledge was extraordinary and the tour was
a highlight of our many travels. Omer took us on little
side trips, evening walks in small villages, and
arranged a visit to a local family which gave us
experiences we would not have had on a commercial tour.
He took care of all the planning, entrance fees, driving,
and other details which freed us up to just enjoy the
country. He and Turkey were a delight!" |
Steffi Weisman, Pfizer - NYC |
| "Being a single woman and traveling alone for the first, I was very nervous about my plans for a 3-day tour of the Cappadoccian region in Turkey. I had also never done a ‘private’ tour before. From the first moments of being picked up at the airport in Kayseri, I started to relax. Omer was warm, kind, and very respectful to me. As for the tour, he was extremely knowledgeable and I loved his relating the sites to the history of the country. He offered far more interesting tidbits of information than a ‘standard’ tour guide. Omer can be your friend or just an excellent tour guide, but I am happy to say I consider him my friend."
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Doni Morrison, High School Teacher, Los
Angeles, CA |
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"“TURKISH DELIGHT", best describes our trip with
Omer. My friend and I spent three weeks in Turkey with
Omer as our personal guide. Omer called us his two
“princesses” and we referred to him as our “prince.” We
were treated like royalty. Omer creates only the best
for his clients and shares not only his expertise but
also his heart. We were introduced to family, friends,
shopkeepers, a nomad family, a goat herder, a headmaster
of a village school and danced with school children. In
addition to the highlights of Turkey, we experienced the
mystical whirling dervishes and luxuriated in the
Turkish bathhouses (a must!). Our trip was an intimate
experience with the beauty of the country, the warm
hospitality of the Turkish people, the excellent and
healthy cuisine, and new friendships. I can hardly wait
to return." |
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Charles J. Skuba, Washington, DC |
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"I had the good fortune to visit Turkey several years
ago with some friends for a grand tour of Istanbul and
the Aegean Coast. For several days we joined Omer Elkay
and a small tour group in order to get the lay of the
land before setting out on our own. As a veteran
traveler I generally prefer the adventure of being my
own guide, but I must say that I would have missed a
great experience without Omer. I'm a student of ancient
history and am reasonably knowledgeable about the many
civilizations of Turkey, but Omer knows his stuff and
made ruins come alive. Not only is he a knowledgeable
and professional guide, he works very hard to ensure
that his visitors enjoy their tour. Our group thoroughly
enjoyed his warm sense of humor and genuine concern for
our vacation pleasure. I'm delighted to recommend Omer
to help you enjoy the wonderful country of Turkey." |
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Shirley Meyer, New Mexico |
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"Being a lover of adventurous world travel especially
ancient historical sites, the idea of visiting Turkey
seemed to be calling to me especially after meeting Omer
our enthusiastic guide with so much love for his country.
His English was excellent and his heart honest and true
to his promises. Needless to say we were overwhelmed by
the sites, good food, friendly people, history, beauty
and adventure. Because of this trip I have been in awe
at Turkey and its change for peace through the
leadership of their amazing historical leader "Ataturk"
(1920's) giving the people their independence and self
respect. It can be done. We felt so safe at all times.
Thank you once again for your caring and helpful ways." |
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Tony and Pauline Bottrill, The World Bank,
Washington, DC |
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"On our trip to Turkey, Omer was always concerned to see
that we experienced everything and enjoyed it all -
whether it was climbing up into Christian churches in
Capadoccia, down into the underground city, enjoying
night club belly dancers, marvelling at Whirling
Dervishes at a caravanserai, bargaining all afternoon
for carpets, or cheering the Turkish soccer team on
television with a crowd of excited fans at a roadside
restaurant. Omer was the man for all occasions." |
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Ravneet Chowdhury, Standard Chartered Bank,
Kenya |
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"My family and I visited Turkey in 2003 and were
fortunate enough to have Omer as our tour guide. Omer
was with us in Istanbul and also travelled to other
regions to help us out. Omer was very impressive with
his knowledge of the history of Turkey, its buildings
and mosques and historic palaces. But then any good tour
guide would know that! Omer distinguished himself by
helping us with places to eat ( with authentic Turkish
food), places to shop and shows to see in the evenings.
He went out of his way to devote his personal time to
make us comfortable and explain everything in the
minutest of detail. Indeed our Turkey trip would not
have been half as good without Omer. We strongly
recommend him to any other group." |
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Laraine Sammler, Yale
University, New Haven, CT |
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"My husband is a Yale Professor in the Arts. My adult
daughter is a professional photographer. I am a culture
and history buff. We love to travel, each in search of
new understandings-often constructing our tours as
independent adventures. Because of the language and its
vast historical sites, I was reluctant to undertake
Turkey on our own. It was the best decision of our lives.
Omer met us as we departed Istanbul and graciously led
us through the country’s Cappadocian region. He more
than satisfied each of our quests explaining the unique
nature of the geography and the history that effected
the evolving culture as he guided us through a most
beautiful land. He included stops in local towns, meals
in fine restaurants well off the tourist trade, and
invited us to visit a friends’ unusual home in a village
where the houses incorporated early cave dwellings. He
addressed my daughters search to include a profound
understanding of the land in her photography and
patiently waited as she captured Turkey’s marvels with
her camera. Her work has been exhibited in several
galleries in the States enabling her to share Turkey’s
special magic." "Turkey is the first destination that I recommend for
any traveler who seeks an adventure in understanding. I
recommend Turkey with Omer to not only enhance the
experience but to truly make the trip a joy. I have
never encountered a better guide." |
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Malcolm King, Hebredian Spirit
Cruise Line, U.K |
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"Dear Omer
I write to express once again my sincere delight and pleasure in the tour guide you led for those of us on board Hebredian Spirit last week. Your knowledge of the places and sites visited was truly amazing and I am convinced that we could not have obtained a better guide for our travels throughout the length and breadth of Turkey. I hope that next year when I return on board Hebredian Spirit next year we shall have the privilege and pleasure of having you as our guide.
When I left you at Izmir Airport to return on our flight to Britain I said that you were the most beautiful man with such a caring nature. I hope that you will always retain this and your wonderful sense of humour with or without Raki!
Take care of yourself
Malcolm the Pastor whom you named." |
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"Oba Tours
offers customized educational & religious packages for
the individuals and groups. For special pricing, please
contact us." |
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| "Istanbul is
only city in the world located on two continents, where
Europe faces Asia across the winding turquoise waters of
the Bosphorus. It has been the capital of both an
Islamic and a Christian empire. In the history, Istanbul
has been the capital of three great empires: Roman,
Byzantine, and Ottoman."
"In the world history, the first known city was
established at Catalhoyuk, Turkey."
"Two of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World were erected in Turkey, the
great Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the famous
Mausoleum at Bodrum.
"Ottoman
Turks introduced coffee to Europeans."
"The first time
in the World history, the Lydians invented the gold and
silver coins at Sardis in Turkey."
"The word “turquoise“ comes from
“turc”, meaning Turkish, and was stemmed from the
beautiful color of the Mediterranean Sea on the southern
Turkish coast line."
"First time in the history, Ottoman Turks introduced
the tulips to the Europeans in the 1500’s by bringing
the bulbs from Istanbul to Vienna during the reign of
Sultan Ahmet III. Besides this, the cherry trees are
originated to Black Sea Coast of Turkey!"
"Rugs and kilims originated as tent furniture among
Turkish nomadic immigrants from Central Asia. The most
valuable silk carpet in the world is in the Whirling
Dervishes Museum in Konya, Turkey."
"According to many archeologists,
the first university and the public restroom were built
in the Southeastern Turkey, Harran and Van."
"Lots of
important events surrounding the birth of Christianity
occurred in Asia Minor. St. John the apostle was buried
on the hilltop near to Ephesus in Turkey. Apostle Paul’s
birthplace is located at Tarsus in southern Anatolia.
The Apostle Peter founded the first Christian church at
Antioch in southern Turkey. A small stone house on the
Mount Koressos, where St. John the apostle is supposed
to have brought the Virgin Mary to live after Jesus’
death is located at Seljuk town in Turkey."
"Many historians and biblical
scholars believe Noah’s Ark landed on Mount Ararat in
eastern Turkey, Agri."
"The Seven Early
Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation are all
found in Asia Minor: Laodicea, Philadelphia, Sardis,
Thyatira, Smyrna, Ephesus and Pergamum."
"Turkey is the
birthplaces of many historic figures and legends, such
as Homer, King Midas, Herodotus, St. Paul and St.
Nicholas. Plus Ataturk, Suleyman the Magnificent and
Sinan the great Architect were born also in Turkey."
"The Roman and
Greek civilizations were born in the other side of
Aegean Sea, but both have flourished and expanded in the
Asia Minor."
"The first man
ever to fly was an Ottoman Turk. Using two man-made
wings, Hazerfan Ahmet Celebi flew from the Galata Tower,
European side of Istanbul, over the Bosphorus Strait to
land in Uskudar, Asian side of Istanbul, in the 17th
century."
"The Turkish
hospitality is legendary and her people are some of the
friendliest ones in the world!"
"Turkish cuisine
rates as one of the best in the world."
"In short, Turkey:
A fascinating blend of East and West, Past and Present,
Modern and Exotic…"
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Basilica
Cistern in Istanbul |
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This awesome columned
cavern was the water reservoir for both the Grand Palace
of the Byzantine Empire and for the Ottoman Turks’
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.
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Blue
Mosque in Istanbul |
This mosque was built in the early 17th
century
for Sultan Ahmet and is probably the most famous
mosque in Turkey. This temple
is distinguished by six slender minarets and its
interior walls covered with
amazing blue Iznik tiles. |
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Boat Cruise
on the Bosphorus |
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This cruise stops at various fishing villages on
the way to the Black Sea in the north. Dividing
European Istanbul from Asian Istanbul, the river
is also a direct artery between the Black Sea
and the Sea of Marmara. |
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Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul |
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Sultan Abdul Mecit commissioned Dolmabahce
Palace on a spot along the Bosphorus in the
19th-century rococo residence style and Ataturk
died in this palace in 1938. Visitors are
admitted in groups and led by the official tour
guides. |
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| Grand Bazaar
in Istanbul |
| The Covered Bazaar was built in the 15th
century. The Grand Bazaar has several gates: the
most popular ones are Nuruosmaniye and Beyazit.
Istanbul’s mysterious bazaar is a labyrinth of
over 4,000 little shops and is everything you
dreamed an oriental market could be. All kinds
of Turkish treats are available in rich
abundance at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
“Enjoy Shopping
in Istanbul with the Shopping Butler of Oba Tours Int’l.” |
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More Attractions... |
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