In our cover
story in this edition, H. E. Şakir Özkan Torunlar, Ambassador of Turkey to
India talks about the multiple aspects that make this marvellous country
perfect for Indian travellers
Turkey is an astounding destination that straddles Western Asia and Eastern Europe. It is well-known for its lively culture, delectable food, infinite history, beautiful beaches, archaeological wonders, historical sites, and friendly people. Add to it, glorious landscapes – from the sun-soaked Mediterranean beaches to the mighty mountains and arid steppe. Take a break and visit Cosmopolitan Istanbul, walk through the city, laze on the beach, explore history or see some of the world’s most surreal panoramas in Pamukkale and Cappadocia or Ankara, Turkey’s modern capital. This country has attractions galore.
1. Tell us about three places to see, or things to do in Turkey for the first time- visitors.
With world-class hotels, restaurants, pristine beaches, mountains, adventure sports, nightlife, etc, there is plenty to see and explore in Turkey for everyone. Destinations like Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, are extremely popular with tourists and always feature on top of the itinerary of the majority of travellers. These are very touristy destinations and is a must visit if you are a first-time visitor to Turkey.
Antalya is a Turkish resort city with a yacht-filled old harbour and beaches flanked by large hotels. It’s a gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast for its blue waters. Istanbul’s Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.
Cappadocia is known for its distinctive ‘fairy chimneys,’ – tall, cone-shaped rock formations – clustered in Monks Valley, Göreme, and elsewhere. Other notable sites include Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls by troglodytes (cave dwellers) and later used as refuges by early Christians.
2. Turkey is a paradise for food lovers serving delicious food. Share the gastronomic journey on the local food.
Turkish cuisine is fast making a name for itself on the worldwide culinary platform. The combination of flavours and ingredients are blended together to form dishes historically influenced by a number of cultures, including the Ottomans, Middle-Eastern and Balkans. Traditional dishes will vary from region to region.
Turkish cuisine is amongst the richest cuisines in the world with influences of Central Asian, Middle-Eastern, Eastern European and Balkan cuisines. Indian tourists and foodies should definitely try Turkish cuisine for its flavours and diversity. Turkish kebabs, desserts like baklava, Turkish coffee, and seafood, are extremely popular with tourists. There are local delicacies like Meze, Dolma, Pilav, Durum that are popular too. There are plenty of options in Turkish cuisine and there is something for everyone.
3. Is Indian food easily available for the Indian visitors?
It isn’t hard to find Indian food there. However, we encourage tourists to try out local cuisine. There’s plenty of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.
4. What are the similarities between India and Turkey?
Turkey is on the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East and that in itself makes it unique. So when one visits Turkey today you will find the richness of this diversity in every part of the country. Thus one would find a great mix of religious worship places, cuisine, and culture, all under one roof, in Istanbul.
Both India and Turkey share common platforms in terms of cuisine, general characteristics amongst our people, hospitality and even language. In fact there are more than 5,000 words that are the same, or similar, in both the languages. Sufism is another string that binds both the countries musically and culturally.
5. Which is your favourite place in Turkey and why?
Istanbul. With its 8,500-year history, it is so rich that there are too many things to do. For first timers, I suggest the historic peninsula with Haghia Sophia, which has decorated the city’s skyline for 1,500 years, and Topkapı Palace, where the Ottoman dynasty ruled the world for 400 years. There is also the Turkish and Islamic Works Museum and the Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest and biggest covered market. I tell my friends to walk from the Grand Bazaar to the Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar) via Mahmutpaşa and see all the local markets on the way. There is also Büyük Valide Han on the way. Its rooftop offers one of Istanbul’s best panoramic views.
6. Throw some light on the new airport. What makes it so special?
The new airport is expected to become the world’s busiest airport with up to 200 million passengers passing through per year. The first phase of Istanbul’s new airport will open 22 miles north of the city centre shortly. While the project will be completed in four phases, the first phase will open with three runways and a terminal that can accommodate up to 90 million passengers annually. The new airport’s terminal is being built to reflect the style of Istanbul’s domed mosques and baths, while the air traffic control tower’s shape is inspired by a tulip, one of the traditional symbols of Istanbul.
7. You always wanted to visit India and have been in India since a while now. What do you like the most about India and why?
India has retained its diversity from the ancient times till date and continues to do so, which is really unique. The endless varieties of physical and cultural features prove that India is the epitome of the world. The culture here is so rich; there are so many languages, customs, festivals, and colours. People are so warm and welcoming. Indian cuisine is so good with so many varieties. Every day there is some festival or celebration. Being the world’s largest democracy, the country is progressing and is brimming with talent. There is so much to do in India and we discover something new everyday.