Across the Golden Horn, in stark contrast, is modern Istanbul, Pera, equipped with large hotels, spacious squares and international nightlife. On the third shore lies Uskudar (Scutari), the Asian part of Istanbul, where Florence Nightingale nursed the sick during the Crimean War.
Ankara
The hub of a vast, central plateau - the cradle of the ancient Hittite and Phrygian civilisations - is the modern metropolis of Ankara. Kemal Ataturk supervised the construction of Ankara, a capital to replace Istanbul, in this hither-to underpopulated region during the 1920s and 1930s. Memorials to this national hero abound and the mausoleum of Ataturk dominates the new city. Ankara was, however, built on the site of more ancient settlements and it is fitting that the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, built under the ramparts of the Citadel, should house such a unique and magnificent collection of Neolithic and Hittite works. There are also reminders of the area's more recent past - as part of the Roman and Seljuk Empires - and many fine mosques, some dating back to the 12th century.
Antalya
The region surrounding Antalya is also known as the "Turquoise Coast" or The Turkish Riviera, due to its almost year-round sunshine and a magnificent coastline of secluded, sandy bays. It is also a region steeped in history and legend as portrayed by its ancient mosques, citadels, fortresses and gates. Antalya is the principal resort of the Mediterranean magnificently situated atop the high cliffs of a wide crescent-shaped bay surrounded by the towering peaks of the Toros Mountains. It is an attractive city with shady palmlined boulevards; a prize-winning marina and picturesque Old Quarters called Kaleici with narrow winding streets and quaint old wooden houses next to the city walls. Colourful, exotic plants, trees and flowers are arranged in an extraordinary blend of old style architecture within modern settings. This display of nature in the sunshine, the shimmering water of the bay and the mountains in the background, hand in hand with the rich historical beauty of the region, make Antalya the ideal choice for a holiday.
Izmir
The magnificent coast of ancient Ionia, one of the earliest cradles of western civilisation, boasts many important sites and picturesque resorts. It is thought that the remains of Troy lie along this coast. Of the nine levels of the excavated settlement mound, the sixth is supposed to be the Troy depicted in Homer's Iliad. The ruins of the great city of Pergamum (modern Bergama) lie to the south of Troy. The city was once famous in antiquity for its splendid library. Visit the sanctuary of Asclepieum and the two fine temples, the acropolis and the redbrick basilica. Izmir, the birthplace of Homer, is Turkey's third city and an important port.
A modern metropolis with many large hotels, Izmir lies in a beautiful curving bay and is surrounded by terraced hillsides. As a result of earthquakes and a great fire, there are only a few reminders of old Smyrna - Kadifekale, the 4th century fortress situated on top of Mount Pagos. The fortress affords a superb view of the city and the Gulf of Izmir, the Roman agora with some well preserved porticos and the statues of Poseidon and Artemis. Cesme is one of the worlds many popular resorts in the Izmir region, and is noted for its excellent beaches, thermal springs and 15th century fortress. The picturesque port of Sigacik, the ruins of the ancient Ionian city of Teos and the sandy beach at Akkum are all situated between Izmir and Cesme.
Sardis
Sardis which holds a prominent place in mythology (King Candaules, Gyges and the Queen). Sardis felt the influence of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Highlights will be the 3rd century A. D. Synagogue, Gymnasium, House of Bronzes, Temple of Artemis, and of course the Church.
Pergamon
A royal city indeed, Pergamon makes an appearance in history in 399 B.C. Among the impressive structures of this city we will see the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000 volume library which was surpassed only by that found in Alexandria at the time. The Asclepieum of Pergamon was a famous health-centre where methods of treatment included blood transfusions, music therapy and meditation.
