Post card from Turkey 1991

Ship in Bosporus strait Istanbul

 Turkey a country of contrasts; its historical centre and commercial heart Istanbul is uniquely positioned with one half in Europe and the other in Asia, separated by Bosporus strait. There is clear division between the rich and the poor on the streets of Istanbul, veiled women walk side by side with young girls dressed in European fashions, there are bazaars alongside Western designer shops.

 Travelling to  Istanbul, Gumusluk, Dalyan, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Boddrum and Dalaman was full of new experiences; visiting all the historical mosques and palaces and not missing the Turkish steam and mud bath, watching dancing bears, riding smelly camels, enjoying the belly dancers in hotel which was once visited by Agatha Christie and wearing skirt provided for men to visit the famous Blue mosque of Istanbul (no shorts allowed).   

 

The tombs carved into the cliff face in a little village of Dalyan is a popular tourist stop with attractive hotels and swimming pool for stay. 

 

 What did the Roman do for Turkey? They conquered the land and left behind so much of their architecture that in the old town of Ephesus my partner was allowed to sing Frank Sinatra's song for his claim for fame in the Roman theatre with 25000 seats which is used for festival every year in May.   

 

Another interesting tourist stop is Pamukkale where tourists and local gathered to experience this extraordinary wonder of nature, cascading calcium deposits.

 

 

The small town of Bodrum with sandy beaches nearby was a good place for rest before returning home to England.