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

Kars, capital of the Turkish Caucasus, is a disconcerting city. An old eastern city half in ruins, with an orthogonal centre, ruins of Armenian churches, mosques, fortress... Of dust and the nagging impression of a city on the outer limits!

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I arrived from Georgia. I travelled via Trabzon and Erzurum. Arriving in Kars, I had the impression that I was back in the Caucasus. Firstly, because of the Russian influence in the city centre, built in the colonial era on an orthogonal layout, with local black volcanic stone and neo-classical architecture.
Then because of the curious feeling of antiquity of the place, somehow remaining frozen in time. I had also read Snow, a book written by Orhan Pamuk with the storyline being set in Kars; I searched for this old city which was supposed to house a Kurdish ghetto... Since partly destroyed! You can still clearly see the site of the old town at the foot of the picturesque and very imposing fortress, which is perched on a steep bend of the river.
There are still vestiges of the old Kars: ancient baths, the ruins of Armenian churches, dilapidated houses, some of which are restored, a mosque, a renovated church converted into a mosque. The place is picturesque and you quickly feel like an amateur archaeologist. For the rest, Kars radiates a distinct atmosphere, almost insular. I especially remember the dust blowing everywhere, smothering the streets. But also the fantastic Lokantasi where you can eat a delicious doner kebab...

Kars, capital of the Turkish Caucasus, is a disconcerting city. An old eastern city half in ruins, with an orthogonal centre, ruins of Armenian churches, mosques, fortress... Of dust and the nagging impression of a city on the outer limits!

Kars Vacations

Kars: How to get there?

Kars: When to go?

Kars: For how long?

Kars: What to see in the surroundings?

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