Turkish Delights

Turkish Delights

Few countries provide more of a contrast of experiences than Turkey—from its disparate geography, amalgam of Eastern and Western ideals, or juxtaposition of old with new. The Andrew Harper Traveler sat down with Andrew Harper’s own Pam Sigler to discuss the highlights of her recent—and first—visit to Turkey.

Turkey is blessed with a beautifully diverse landscape, a wealth of cultures and traditions dating back as far as 10,000 years, not to mention adventurous opportunities galore. Its location astride the divide between Europe and Asia affords a fascinating meld of customs and lifestyles, and visitors flock to Turkey year-round for everything from its healing waters to its exotic cuisine to its multiple sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Andrew Harper’s Director of Travel Partners Pam Sigler took her first trip to Turkey last summer, and recently shared her experiences and fondness of the country.

AHT: This was your first visit to Turkey. What made you want to go there?

Sigler: I wanted to visit a place that was interesting but easy to travel to, yet slightly different from the rest of Europe. Turkey was all of those things, plus filled with surprises. And it had all the good restaurants, hotels and mix of people.

AHT: Turkey is such a fascinating and beautiful country. How did you narrow down where you wanted to go and what you wanted to do?

Sigler: I only had seven days to spend in Turkey, so I was limited in how much I could cover. I knew I wanted to get a good grasp of Istanbul and visit Cappadocia, plus see a bit of the Aegean coast. The pace was fast; I would really recommend at least 10 days for a thorough visit.

AHT: What other advice would you give to others planning a trip to Turkey?

Sigler: Turkey was more sophisticated than I expected it to be, so pack like you would for any big, warm-weather European city. Also, try to read up before you go. There’s a lot of info to take in, and it would have enhanced my trip to have read up on some of the history beforehand.

AHT: What was your favorite part of the trip and why?

Sigler: Cappadocia would have to be at the top of the list because it’s so unique. The rock formations and caves there are so different from other places; it was not only interesting to learn about the history behind it, but fun to explore the caves themselves and view the unique landscape from a hot-air balloon.

AHT: What surprised you the most about Turkey?

Sigler: The planning of the trip tends to focus on visiting the many historic sights, but then you arrive, and you’re surprised at the modern-day pace of places like Istanbul, which is a vibrant, worldly city. The ancient and modern exist together in Turkey to make for a very rich travel experience.

AHT: How would you describe the landscape of Turkey?

Sigler: Each region has its own landscape, but along the Aegean coast it felt very much like the California coast both in scenery and weather. The road that goes from Izmir to Kusadasi hugged the coastline very similar to the Pacific Coast Highway in California.

AHT: How would you describe the people of Turkey?

Sigler: They were very welcoming. Istanbul is busy and bustling, so they are fast-paced, but still friendly. I think in general the people there are eager for Turkey to be recognized for all it has to offer.

AHT: Turkey has so many revered historical and spiritual sights, like the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus. Was there one in particular that stood out to you?

Sigler: That’s a tough question, because there are so many. The Blue Mosque is, of course, the must-see location in Istanbul, but the Chora Museum was a delightful surprise. It’s a Byzantine church with two dozen early mosaics in excellent condition. Visitors are allowed to get close to the mosaics, so you really gain an appreciation for the details and the skill of the artists when you see firsthand how small the individual pieces are. Yet, when you step back, a perfectly proportioned scene unfolds. The Goreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia is also a fascinating glimpse into the history of Turkey.

Next to the ruins of Ephesus, we went to the Roman Villas, a complex of upscale residences dating back to the second century. It’s surprising what a nice lifestyle these people had for not having electricity. They had hot and cold running water, gutter systems, elaborate mosaic floors. You have to pay an additional entrance fee to get in, but I would definitely recommend it.

We also experienced a traditional whirling dervishes ceremony. Where we went to see it, Saruhan Caravanserai, was once a spot on the Silk Road where weary travelers stopped in for the night; the bar where we waited for the show to start used to be the stables. At the ceremony itself, the men come out in their robes, do some meditation, then some chanting, and then they slowly start spinning around, going faster and faster as the music speeds up. It’s a spiritual experience for them. They believe dance is a way to draw closer to God.

AHT: What was the food like in Turkey?

Sigler: The food was nice; it reminded me of Greek food. They have this really good dessert, called halva, which is made with sesame seeds and honey. The problem is it can also be pretty bad at some places. I suggest sticking to the ones at the nicer hotels and restaurants. Turkish coffee is another staple; it’s strong and they drink it in small amounts, like espresso. I kept saying, “when do people sleep in Turkey?” Because they have these big, long dinners, followed by Turkish coffee at like 9 p.m.

AHT: We can just imagine all of the great souvenirs one can pick up in Turkey. Tell us about your favorite shopping experiences.

Sigler: The Cappadocia region is known for its beautiful and intricate handmade carpets. It’s incredible to think of the hours that go into making them. There are also lots of interesting textiles in Turkey. One thing I did buy is pottery, these ceramic tiles with highly detailed paintings. The spice market was also a lot of fun to go to because it was for everyone, not just tourists, so we felt like we were part of a true local experience. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul was somewhat overwhelming. You definitely have to have your energy up before you go there. Maybe drink a cup of Turkish coffee.

AHT: Where would you suggest people go for the quintessential Turkey experience?

Sigler: Istanbul felt like a melting pot given the variety of people living there, along with the combination of modern city life going on surrounded by amazing historical sites. I think you can understand Turkey more by visiting Istanbul, but the Cappadocia region really is one of a kind, so at a bare minimum I suggest at least starting in Istanbul with a brief visit to Cappadocia. A good way to see Istanbul is a cruise on the Bosporus. It’s a huge river that cuts right through the European and Asian sides of the city.

AHT: What kind of traveler would you say would most enjoy a trip to Turkey?

Sigler: Turkey is a place for travelers who want to visit a very unusual and interesting place with all the comforts of luxurious travel. The hotels and restaurants are fabulous, with good service. It has the urban sophistication of other European cities, yet its location as a bridge between Asia and Europe brings an intrigue and mixing of cultures that is different than anywhere else.

AHT: Yasar Karadag of New Faces Travel in Istanbul helped you plan your trip. What’s the benefit of working with a local travel operator on a vacation like this?

Sigler: Yasar and his team at New Faces bring the country alive for their visitors. Their guides are top-notch, with a vast knowledge of history and the practical know-how to keep the pace moving and eliminate problems that would surely arise traveling on your own. They know how to navigate visitors through the many sites as well as the airports. They have beautiful vehicles with terrific drivers, and they are very caring.

AHT: Was there a certain attraction or area that you didn’t get to that you definitely want to check out should you ever go back?

Sigler: I would love to spend more time on the coast, but farther south. Most Andrew Harper members go to Bodrum, which is supposedly like Beverly Hills or Cannes.

AHT: What’s the most common misconception about Turkey in your opinion?

Sigler: Unfortunately, I don’t think Americans give much thought to Turkey, and that’s too bad, because there is a lot to see and do there.