On the Aegean coast in Turkey, between Selçuk and Kusadasi, is found one of the principal ancient sites of Asia Minor: that of Ephesus, which still has many ancient Greek and Roman remains today. Unfortunately, of the previously grand wonder of the world, you will only be able to admire a few fragments of columns...

The ancient site of Ephesus, from one temple to another

A cosmopolitan district of Istanbul, Kadiköy is one of the most lively areas of the mega-city. An authentic atmosphere blending modern impulses with its young population thrilling the old warriors looking to merge into the crowds.

Authentic promenade in the districts of Kadiköy

Hasankeyf is in south-eastern Turkey, a very small city containing numerous natural and human wonders. Associated with a rich, ancient history, the diverse geological and archaeological particularities definitely make this village a place to visit. You must visit Hasankeyf as quickly as possible, because a dam project will soon completely cover this little gem.

Hasankeyf, ephemeral splendour.

Classed under World Heritage by Unesco for its numerous Ottoman houses, Safranbolu has conserved the charm of its old cities. Famous for its saffron, it is pleasant to wander its paved streets, to admire its aqueduct or to go and explore the caves of Bulak, nearby.

Safranbolu, the saffron city

Göreme

Anatolie

İstiklal Avenue

Zelve

Ani is an unusual site. The ruins of the medieval capital of Armenia are today within the borders of Turkey, separated by an Armenian canyon which they dispute. On the site, eloquent ruins of churches, mosques and palaces. 

Europe

Turkey

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

Oceania

At the edge of a picturesque canyon, on the high plateaus of the Lesser Caucasus, Ani was once an incredible capital. When you see the distance which separates the various monuments, you can only imagine how a Caucasian city of the Middle Ages was able to occupy such a territory. 
I arrived at Ani down the dusty track that runs from Kars to this end of the country with my driver, Djelil, one early morning in March. I found myself alone as I passed through the door of the walls that remained, to discover this majestic plain strewn with Armenian churches in ruins, half-open with collapsed domes... Each is a monument with genuine charisma, those of the years which pass over the stone and reveal what has happened before, there were men who wanted to relate the history for posterity. Cut stone strewn here and there, incredibly preserved frescoes on the side of an apse, the plain and a mosque in ruins, that of a palace.
I was very touched by the poetry of the ruins of Ani, dominated in the distance by the hollowed summits of this luminous, open landscape. And the contrast of the ruins with reality: a border which passes through the middle of the canyon, a neighbour in dispute over this site... And in the neighbouring valley of cave dwellings still used today by Kurdish shepherds.

Ani is an unusual site. The ruins of the medieval capital of Armenia are today within the borders of Turkey, separated by an Armenian canyon which they dispute. On the site, eloquent ruins of churches, mosques and palaces.

Ani Vacations

Ani: How to get there?

Ani: When to go?

Ani: For how long?

Ani: What to see in the surroundings?

Turkey: our articles for your vacation