Holiday to Turkey

[Faisalabadimunda]

Salaam, Guys im thinking of going to turkey for 3 days next week. Could anyone tell me any good flight websites that i could check. Secondly does anyone have a good idea as to how much would 3 nighs hotel and flights cost for one person.

 

[Zaz]

Check out skyscanner. Prices of flights and hotel vary depending on where u go and how much/little comfort you want

 

[Tiger T]

where abouts in turkey are you planning to go?

 

[talha3]

Just been to Turkey. Check out expedia.

 

[Nice-N-Fresh]

Try to book your hotel in Istiklal area. It´s very beautiful area in the heart of Istanbul. Close to the subway aswell. Many shops, restaurants and cafés there.

Have a nice trip, you will love it!

 

[Faisalabadimunda]

Write guys going to be flying out on 8th feb to istanbul and returning on 12th feb.. Costs including hotel and flight = £200.. Do you guys reckon thats a good price...

 

[Zaz]

^very good price but beware its very cold there at mo Coldest its been in istanbul for 30 years

 

[Robert]

I loved Turkey. Went there for my honeymoon, down by Bodrum.

 

[Fireworks11]

Use tripadvisor for hotel review and plenty more. Istanbul is wonderful.

 

[Sabali]

Are u going from the UK and if so which airport you flying too? As the main airport Ataturk is closer to the city whereas Sabiha Goken (sp) is miles away.

If it is the former get one of those taxis waiting outside they are licensed and regulated and they always stick the meter on.

First time i went Istanbul was with the lads with EASY jet, cheap flights into Sabiha airport. It were miles from the city and our hotel. We planned on getting the bus, but went to the "information" point which as it happens had a private hire co situated there and we were duped into hiring one of their "executive" cars! The guy said the bus stops n takes 2 hrs, whereas he will only take 30 mins. We were confused and slightly tired so went with him. Cost like £120, which is expensive, but luckily we split it four ways.

The point i am trying to make is be careful especially if u are going alone or just 2 of u cos it will end up costing u loads and it still takes about 90 mins in a taxi (traffic in Istanbul is a nightmare!). Got the bus back it was fine.

Second time went with the Mrs and flew into Ataturk, i got a taxi as it was less hassle, but If u fly to Ataturk u could get the metro very efficient, cheap and probably quicker than a taxi.

Istanbul is a great city, but dont fall for the tourist traps!

 

[Zaz]

btw watch out for the scammers in istanbul! A popular one at the moment is where a stranger strikes up a conversation with you and then asks you if you fancy a drink.

You go to a bar and after a few drinks the bills comes to a few hundred pounds!! Many people have been accosted and forced to pay up so just be aware

 

[Sabali]

Well pointed out Zaz, especially if someone is a relatively new/naive traveller. However, anyone with any sense should know that people are not your friends for the sake of it. They always want something from u - esp when on holiday.

However, in my experience u only get those characters if u are out looking for that kinda stuff or in the shady areas. Ive never encountered this problem but saw plenty of White folk being duped!

The bar trick is common in many a seedy places not just in Istanbul, and I actually found Istanbul was much cleaner than most other cities.

 

[Zaz]

^Some locals in istanbul tried the bar trick on me twice, once i was with my friend, the other time i was on my own

Both times i said we dont do drinking/clubbing and politely declined Only later did we realise its a scam

 

[Saj]

Went to Antalya.

Interesting place. Beautiful weather if you like the temperatures around 100 degrees.

Have to say though, disappointed with some of the hotel food which seemed to be largely catered for Russians and Germans.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Went to Antalya.

Interesting place. Beautiful weather if you like the temperatures around 100 degrees.

Have to say though, disappointed with some of the hotel food which seemed to be largely catered for Russians and Germans.

I think Antalya is close to the Greek border, always got the feeling the food on that side is more catering for western palate anyway. Beautiful coastline which is what makes it attractive but might be the food is more our style further east you go.

 

[Saj]

I think Antalya is close to the Greek border, always got the feeling the food on that side is more catering for western palate anyway. Beautiful coastline which is what makes it attractive but might be the food is more our style further east you go.

Yes true and also add to this that a large number of tourists in this part of Turkey are from Russia and Germany and Austria who bring in a lot of cash to the Turkish economy.

 

[khan-92]

Went to Antalya.

Interesting place. Beautiful weather if you like the temperatures around 100 degrees.

Have to say though, disappointed with some of the hotel food which seemed to be largely catered for Russians and Germans.

Should have went to Halal friendly resorts, more family oriented & food is good.

 

[finalfantasy7]

Went to Antalya.

Interesting place. Beautiful weather if you like the temperatures around 100 degrees.

Have to say though, disappointed with some of the hotel food which seemed to be largely catered for Russians and Germans.

antalaya nice - but too touristy, the cleopactra beach is great, but again too crowded with tourists.

Food is good - thr soupy meat dishes are great - better than thr plain meat dishes - as these are too dry.

I am very fond of turkish delight - and thr apple tea, However i went with a group of friends who have been to Istanbul - they do agree for sight seeing/culture/food - Istanbul is way better - just missing a beach

 

[finalfantasy7]

Should have went to Halal friendly resorts, more family oriented & food is good.

Halal resorts are becoming massive in turkey, when i went to analya - which is like 40 miles just outside antalya - god amount of halal hotels

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Halal resorts are becoming massive in turkey, when i went to analya - which is like 40 miles just outside antalya - god amount of halal hotels

I read about this a couple of years ago, but what marks a halal hotel or resort out from the rest of them? No bars? Segregated swimming areas?

 

[IMMY69]

I read about this a couple of years ago, but what marks a halal hotel or resort out from the rest of them? No bars? Segregated swimming areas?

What fun in that?

 

[khan-92]

I read about this a couple of years ago, but what marks a halal hotel or resort out from the rest of them? No bars? Segregated swimming areas?

Yes no Alcohol, segregated swimming pools etc.

 

[KingKhanWC]

What fun in that?

I think its more of a case of desperate neccesaity for those who go to Turkish resorts with the family thinking its a Muslim Nation but find its no different to Magaluf or Ibiza. The way some western holiday makers esp English behave being drunk can be disgusting to see.

Even the Turkish who live in those resort towns complained a few years ago and a ban on alcohol After 3am was put in place.

Istanbul is real Turkey , amazing city with so much history.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I think its more of a case of desperate neccesaity for those who go to Turkish resorts with the family thinking its a Muslim Nation but find its no different to Magaluf or Ibiza. The way some western holiday makers esp English behave being drunk can be disgusting to see.

Even the Turkish who live in those resort towns complained a few years ago and a ban on alcohol After 3am was put in place.

Istanbul is real Turkey , amazing city with so much history.

If you go on a cheap package you will probably end up with the booze fuelled crowd, but there will be plenty of decent resorts and good hotels which are a step up. It doesn't sound like much of a holiday if you are going to be segregated from your own family or going on the beach in a burqa.

 

[finalfantasy7]

I read about this a couple of years ago, but what marks a halal hotel or resort out from the rest of them? No bars? Segregated swimming areas?

yes, so no alcohol at all, all food is halal, the hotel i stayed at, ground floor swimming floor - kids men can be thr, women swimming -middle floor, the highest roof swimming pool - family orientated.

Honestly having a prayer room was awesome in the hotel.

Also i forgot to add - i had no idea in the public toilets in antalya - its a hole in the ground and you have to pay to use them

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Great time to visit Turkey now due to the value for money you’ll get given what’s happened to their currency in recent times.

 

[KingKhanWC]

If you go on a cheap package you will probably end up with the booze fuelled crowd, but there will be plenty of decent resorts and good hotels which are a step up. It doesn't sound like much of a holiday if you are going to be segregated from your own family or going on the beach in a burqa.

Cheap & burqa have nothing to do with it . You haven’t been I’m assuming so I’ll explain. If you go to resorts such as Marmaris or Bodrum the bars, clubs , sales of alcohol are all in the main tourist spots , on the main roads near restaurants etc . Muslims who may not even have a beard or wear headscarves go to Turkey because they unknowingly believe it’s a Muslim country , will have halal food therefore it won’t be like Benidorm . But Turkey has become popular with Russian & western foreigners too . Not all but a large amount think they are back home on Friday night in their local towns , fighting like Ben Stokes & vomiting like Katie Price. It’s not something many people including Turkish locals want to see .

This is one aspect of found in British culture which is disgraceful , no need to defend everything British unless you too like a good old knees up , scrap & urinate in the open on the weekends?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Cheap & burqa have nothing to do with it . You haven’t been I’m assuming so I’ll explain. If you go to resorts such as Marmaris or Bodrum the bars, clubs , sales of alcohol are all in the main tourist spots , on the main roads near restaurants etc . Muslims who may not even have a beard or wear headscarves go to Turkey because they unknowingly believe it’s a Muslim country , will have halal food therefore it won’t be like Benidorm . But Turkey has become popular with Russian & western foreigners too . Not all but a large amount think they are back home on Friday night in their local towns , fighting like Ben Stokes & vomiting like Katie Price. It’s not something many people including Turkish locals want to see .

This is one aspect of found in British culture which is disgraceful , no need to defend everything British unless you too like a good old knees up , scrap & urinate in the open on the weekends?

I have been actually, I stayed in a place called Altinkum, it's about 60 miles from Bodrum on the coast across from Greece. There were tourists from all over Europe, but I didn't really see any rowdy behaviour. That said I did go off season in September, weather was perfect between 25-30 degrees. It seemed very relaxed and family friendly at the time, although it was only me and the wife. One of the guys working at a local restaurant did say it was a lot busier during the summer holidays, maybe that's when you get all the rowdies.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I have been actually, I stayed in a place called Altinkum, it's about 60 miles from Bodrum on the coast across from Greece. There were tourists from all over Europe, but I didn't really see any rowdy behaviour. That said I did go off season in September, weather was perfect between 25-30 degrees. It seemed very relaxed and family friendly at the time, although it was only me and the wife. One of the guys working at a local restaurant did say it was a lot busier during the summer holidays, maybe that's when you get all the rowdies.

Go to the places ive mentioned in season & youll understand why Turks who benefit from tourism dont like some behavior they see .

 

[Saj]

I don't think the locals like tourists from UK and prefer the Russians and Germans.

 

[King-Misbah]

I don't think the locals like tourists from UK and prefer the Russians and Germans.

The Turks love Pakistanis. I was hosted a few times for lunch and dinner by the local Turks. This was in Istanbul.

 

[shaz619]

Istanbul is incredible, I had never been there before until recently [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] wasn’t put of by the event last year in the slightest.

For their history, culture, halal food and weather, you really can’t beat it. It’s also the safest place I’ve ever been to, more than any big city in the UK or US.

Some highlights were the harem in the Topkapi palace really gives you a mind blowing insight into how the Ottoman’s family members lived, the harem is almost like a mini town in itself. In the palace itself the Holy Relics section just took me off guard, saw some materials from the Holy Kabah, the sandles of the Prophet pbuh and his sword, there was also a sword of Umar bin khattab and prophet musa’s as staff!! I did duah over there.

The Hagia Sofia Masjid has now been completely converted, I was told previously there were relics alluding to Jesus etc as it was a Church previously, but now this has been replaced with Allah swt and Muhammad pbuh. Wherever you go, the sultan ahmed (blue masjid) stands out in all its glory, whether you’re nearby, at the Galata tower or bosphorus river, it’s magnificent, prayed Jummah there.

Evening walks are so pleasant when the sun sets and that breeze hits you, people from all walks of life, reinforces why the empire lasted so long.

The Turkish people go out of their way to ask where you’re from and they speak so fondly of Pakistani people which is heartwarming.

The Lira has been impacted a bit and there are some issues, but the people are proud and resilient. I tipped each and every single person, some outright refuse etc it’s a good place to do sadqa to

Anywhere else you’d recommend in Turkey / one of the beach city’s? going by your earlier posts, it seems our lot have ruined it to some extent

 

[Mamoon]

Most overhyped tourist destination in the world.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Most overhyped tourist destination in the world.

Based on what your clueless opinion on everything?

 

[Amjid Javed]

I have been actually, I stayed in a place called Altinkum, it's about 60 miles from Bodrum on the coast across from Greece. There were tourists from all over Europe, but I didn't really see any rowdy behaviour. That said I did go off season in September, weather was perfect between 25-30 degrees. It seemed very relaxed and family friendly at the time, although it was only me and the wife. One of the guys working at a local restaurant did say it was a lot busier during the summer holidays, maybe that's when you get all the rowdies.

Altinkum, is a very good place to visit. Even In middle of the summer when their are tourist over their you will never get any issues or problem. Plenty of nice places to visit and eat etc. The Apollon temple is a good place to visit as well. You do have some very busy beaches, but if you go towards Didim (where my mum has lived for 2 years, before that 20 years in instanbul) their are quieter beaches you can walk around. The further you go towards Bodrum thats where you get more tourist spots, even then its always got nice people there.

I went to see my mum for a week last week of May and I will go again in either August or September.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Istanbul is incredible, I had never been there before until recently [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] wasn’t put of by the event last year in the slightest.

For their history, culture, halal food and weather, you really can’t beat it. It’s also the safest place I’ve ever been to, more than any big city in the UK or US.

Some highlights were the harem in the Topkapi palace really gives you a mind blowing insight into how the Ottoman’s family members lived, the harem is almost like a mini town in itself. In the palace itself the Holy Relics section just took me off guard, saw some materials from the Holy Kabah, the sandles of the Prophet pbuh and his sword, there was also a sword of Umar bin khattab and prophet musa’s as staff!! I did duah over there.

The Hagia Sofia Masjid has now been completely converted, I was told previously there were relics alluding to Jesus etc as it was a Church previously, but now this has been replaced with Allah swt and Muhammad pbuh. Wherever you go, the sultan ahmed (blue masjid) stands out in all its glory, whether you’re nearby, at the Galata tower or bosphorus river, it’s magnificent, prayed Jummah there.

Evening walks are so pleasant when the sun sets and that breeze hits you, people from all walks of life, reinforces why the empire lasted so long.

The Turkish people go out of their way to ask where you’re from and they speak so fondly of Pakistani people which is heartwarming.

The Lira has been impacted a bit and there are some issues, but the people are proud and resilient. I tipped each and every single person, some outright refuse etc it’s a good place to do sadqa to

Anywhere else you’d recommend in Turkey / one of the beach city’s? going by your earlier posts, it seems our lot have ruined it to some extent

Istanbul is amazing, my mum lived there for around 20 years. Its 3 times size of London, like you say loads of good places to visit. Blue mosque, hagia Sofia, underwater cisterns where you can see heads of medusa, their are 5 different palaces in the city. My Aunties husband once took me to a galatasary match which was a different experience. Every time I visited my mum would take me somewhere different. Yes like most big cities it is expensive compared to rest of Turkey. But if you find right places to eat and site see its good. Places like taksim square are good as is isticlaar where you can walk down a steep hill with shops on both sides as you take the long walk down.

 

[Mamoon]

Based on what your clueless opinion on everything?

Turkey is a funny country with a serious identity crisis - caught between its obsession to ape the West versus staying loyal to its Ottoman roots. Not interested in the mosques and architecture the Ottomans stole from the Byzantines and the fake museums with replicas promoted as original artifacts.

Turkish food is great but you can find authentic Turkish food in almost 100 countries.

Not worth visiting.

 

[topspin]

Turkey is a funny country with a serious identity crisis - caught between its obsession to ape the West versus staying loyal to its Ottoman roots. Not interested in the mosques and architecture the Ottomans stole from the Byzantines and the fake museums with replicas promoted as original artifacts.

Turkish food is great but you can find authentic Turkish food in almost 100 countries.

Not worth visiting.

Marmaris is certainly not worth visiting. It's full of pind origin Pakistanis from Birmingham and Bradford.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Marmaris is certainly not worth visiting. It's full of pind origin Pakistanis from Birmingham and Bradford.

If you go to most holidays resorts in any country which is geared towards bring in tourists from UK and elsewhere what do you expect. Places like there don't represent the rest of the country.

It's like someone not from the UK visiting Liverpool, Birmingham or Bradford you would think the whole UK was a rubbish place to visit.

 

[topspin]

If you go to most holidays resorts in any country which is geared towards bring in tourists from UK and elsewhere what do you expect. Places like there don't represent the rest of the country.

It's like someone not from the UK visiting Liverpool, Birmingham or Bradford you would think the whole UK was a rubbish place to visit.

Very true. Some of the white grannies here also have a reputation wherever they go. Look up what they get up to in Gambia.

One time in Turkey, I opened the window of my hotel and found some older British women getting all wild and shaking their bootys. It was so cringe, I experienced second hand embarrassment

 

[SalimBhai]

Been to turkey 10-12 times. Other than far eastern northern parts I have been almost everywhere. . Absolute a gem of a country. As much as improve Istanbul I loved the country side even more. Great food, great historic sites and due to the economic crisis it’s very cheap for Americans .

 

[Amjid Javed]

Very true. Some of the white grannies here also have a reputation wherever they go. Look up what they get up to in Gambia.

One time in Turkey, I opened the window of my hotel and found some older British women getting all wild and shaking their bootys. It was so cringe, I experienced second hand embarrassment

Marmaris is pretty much the Blackpool of Turkey. What you see is what you get. If you visit the real nice resorts (none tourist traps) you will see proper good culture. Same goes for main cities like Istanbul.

For example you go to bodrum is a nice tourist resort all year round. You get a lot of tourists june till August. But you also get a good mixture of locals and also people who have come from other countries and settled in that area.

Every country is like that for example I've been Thailand 3 times and if you visit the "tourist spots it's full of loud travellers, and locals just try and make money off it and don't care for area. In turn you visit the quite and secluded parts of Thailand ul see real culture and good sites.

That's why I never get why people make observations on a country when visiting the worst possible places in that country only.

 

[Saj]

I went to Antalya, Side to be precise before Covid.

Enjoyed it, nice weather, the Turks know how to look after their guests.

The only thing I didn't like was that they really do run after the Russians and Germans a lot.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Istanbul is incredible, I had never been there before until recently [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] wasn’t put of by the event last year in the slightest.

For their history, culture, halal food and weather, you really can’t beat it. It’s also the safest place I’ve ever been to, more than any big city in the UK or US.

Some highlights were the harem in the Topkapi palace really gives you a mind blowing insight into how the Ottoman’s family members lived, the harem is almost like a mini town in itself. In the palace itself the Holy Relics section just took me off guard, saw some materials from the Holy Kabah, the sandles of the Prophet pbuh and his sword, there was also a sword of Umar bin khattab and prophet musa’s as staff!! I did duah over there.

The Hagia Sofia Masjid has now been completely converted, I was told previously there were relics alluding to Jesus etc as it was a Church previously, but now this has been replaced with Allah swt and Muhammad pbuh. Wherever you go, the sultan ahmed (blue masjid) stands out in all its glory, whether you’re nearby, at the Galata tower or bosphorus river, it’s magnificent, prayed Jummah there.

Evening walks are so pleasant when the sun sets and that breeze hits you, people from all walks of life, reinforces why the empire lasted so long.

The Turkish people go out of their way to ask where you’re from and they speak so fondly of Pakistani people which is heartwarming.

The Lira has been impacted a bit and there are some issues, but the people are proud and resilient. I tipped each and every single person, some outright refuse etc it’s a good place to do sadqa to

Anywhere else you’d recommend in Turkey / one of the beach city’s? going by your earlier posts, it seems our lot have ruined it to some extent

I love Istanbul, one of the nicest cities in the world.

Antalya and Bodrum are worth a visit too but they are quite resorty. Good, cheap holiday if you have kids though.

I'd recommend going to Konya for a bit and Cappadocia too.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

If you go to most holidays resorts in any country which is geared towards bring in tourists from UK and elsewhere what do you expect. Places like there don't represent the rest of the country.

It's like someone not from the UK visiting Liverpool, Birmingham or Bradford you would think the whole UK was a rubbish place to visit.

Tbh Marmaris isnt that bad as others are claiming in the thread.

Cheap and cheerful.

If you compare it to similar type of places in England and Spain it wins hands down.

 

[ElRaja]

i second the comment re istanbul, if u understand history and appreciate it, its one of the greatest cities on earth, i went a few years ago and would deffo go again. they have preserved everything well enough that if u know ur history u can contextualise everything. also great kebabs, cheap buses, nice shisha, and great art if ur into that. its the only city in Europe id consider going to again.

 

[Punisher]

I'm going in November for 10 days to Turkey so was looking for suggestions for places outside of Istanbul as already been there once before.

Based on experiences, has anyone been to Konya, Cappadocia, Canakkale (Troy) as was looking to explore the real country and history.

Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Tbh Marmaris isnt that bad as others are claiming in the thread.

Cheap and cheerful.

If you compare it to similar type of places in England and Spain it wins hands down.

No I agree, that's why I said to a few on here don't judge all of Turkey on one or two places they have been to.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Tbh Marmaris isnt that bad as others are claiming in the thread.

Cheap and cheerful.

If you compare it to similar type of places in England and Spain it wins hands down.

I can understand why some people turn their nose up at it, it does have the touristy vibe, but actually the city itself is vibrant, and it has a great marina. Best of all though, it's got a fabulous coastline with stunning mountain view backdrops. You can make whatever you want of a place like that.

 

[Mamoon]

One of the reasons why Pakistanis love going to Turkey is because they get to hear good things about Pakistan and are praised.

Turkey is probably the only country left in the world where Pakistan has a positive image and there is nothing like hearing good things about your country especially when you know that it is not deserved.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

One also gets the feeling that some of the Modi fan "Pakistanis" who diss the country have never actually been there themselves. They watch Ertugrul and imagine that the country is all about the Ottoman Empire, and are perhaps horrified that a Muslim country can be so much better than their Bollywood dreams.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

It's ironic because when I've been I've bumped into a few Indians from the UK out there, and they have been really enjoying it. But that's because they go there for a vacation, not to peddle political claptrap on behalf of vested groups.

 

[Major]

One also gets the feeling that some of the Modi fan "Pakistanis" who diss the country have never actually been there themselves. They watch Ertugrul and imagine that the country is all about the Ottoman Empire, and are perhaps horrified that a Muslim country can be so much better than their Bollywood dreams.

RIch coming from a coconut who ironically looks down on Pakistanis. Reminds me of Samuel L Jacksons character in Django Unchained.

fyi, Ertugul isn't bollywood

 

[Mamoon]

One also gets the feeling that some of the Modi fan "Pakistanis" who diss the country have never actually been there themselves. They watch Ertugrul and imagine that the country is all about the Ottoman Empire, and are perhaps horrified that a Muslim country can be so much better than their Bollywood dreams.

The irony is that the only reason why this “Muslim” country, like UAE, has become a popular tourist destination is because of its attempts to ape the west.

So as a Muslim country, if you want to become a popular tourist destination, your best bet is to compromise your religious beliefs and copy the infidels.

 

[Mamoon]

One also gets the feeling that some of the Modi fan "Pakistanis" who diss the country have never actually been there themselves. They watch Ertugrul and imagine that the country is all about the Ottoman Empire, and are perhaps horrified that a Muslim country can be so much better than their Bollywood dreams.

You are right. There is a lot more to Turkey than Ottoman history. Stealing Byzantine architecture and fake museums with replicas promoted as original artifacts is also part of the experience that you get in Turkey.

 

[shaz619]

Beefing over holidays lol probably an inner tribal instinct

 

[shaz619]

Istanbul is amazing, my mum lived there for around 20 years. Its 3 times size of London, like you say loads of good places to visit. Blue mosque, hagia Sofia, underwater cisterns where you can see heads of medusa, their are 5 different palaces in the city. My Aunties husband once took me to a galatasary match which was a different experience. Every time I visited my mum would take me somewhere different. Yes like most big cities it is expensive compared to rest of Turkey. But if you find right places to eat and site see its good. Places like taksim square are good as is isticlaar where you can walk down a steep hill with shops on both sides as you take the long walk down.

I love Istanbul, one of the nicest cities in the world.

Antalya and Bodrum are worth a visit too but they are quite resorty. Good, cheap holiday if you have kids though.

I'd recommend going to Konya for a bit and Cappadocia too.

For value Morocco is unbeatable imo although I’ve not been to Tunisia or Egypt (places within reach to us)
[MENTION=51465]DeadlyVenom[/MENTION] isn’t Rumi’s tomb found in Konya?

Definitely looking to go to a beachy place next iA

 

[shaz619]

Istanbul is amazing, my mum lived there for around 20 years. Its 3 times size of London, like you say loads of good places to visit. Blue mosque, hagia Sofia, underwater cisterns where you can see heads of medusa, their are 5 different palaces in the city. My Aunties husband once took me to a galatasary match which was a different experience. Every time I visited my mum would take me somewhere different. Yes like most big cities it is expensive compared to rest of Turkey. But if you find right places to eat and site see its good. Places like taksim square are good as is isticlaar where you can walk down a steep hill with shops on both sides as you take the long walk down.

That’s pretty cool you must have got to visit there regular. It’s alright price wise, not the worst, it depends on what you do as well etc I move about and try a bit of everything to balance things.

Did you ever try the Halka ? it’s like a Churro and Jalebi combined in one, I got it from Safa near the Bosporus river. One of the best sweet items I’ve ever had

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

RIch coming from a coconut who ironically looks down on Pakistanis. Reminds me of Samuel L Jacksons character in Django Unchained.

fyi, Ertugul isn't bollywood

The irony is that the only reason why this “Muslim” country, like UAE, has become a popular tourist destination is because of its attempts to ape the west.

So as a Muslim country, if you want to become a popular tourist destination, your best bet is to compromise your religious beliefs and copy the infidels.

You are right. There is a lot more to Turkey than Ottoman history. Stealing Byzantine architecture and fake museums with replicas promoted as original artifacts is also part of the experience that you get in Turkey.

Here they come, Bollyboys to the rescue. )

Look guys, firstly there's nothing wrong with many aspects of western life. Good hospitals, relaxed outlook, great hygiene and wonderful town planning. Why wouldn't you want these? Turkey has the added advantage of a fabulous climate and warm people, not to mention good food.

Would you really rather be in Dehli? I mean it's fine if you would, but we westerners like Turkey for reasons given above. And let's face it, you would love it too if we were talking about Greece and not Turkey. Same experience basically, except the food is probably a bit more bland and probably haram.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

For value Morocco is unbeatable imo although I’ve not been to Tunisia or Egypt (places within reach to us)

[MENTION=51465]DeadlyVenom[/MENTION] isn’t Rumi’s tomb found in Konya?

Definitely looking to go to a beachy place next iA

Yeah Rumi's tomb is there. I went there for a week for a class I was taking.

Egypt is a mess man, quite a stressful place, everyone is a scammer.

Tunisia is super resorty ( and in my experience only ofc) not the best place to travel off the beaten track. Lovely place + people but their tourism is centred around the resorts.

Turkey I go to every year or two now for a stress free break that caters to all the family.

 

[Mamoon]

Here they come, Bollyboys to the rescue. )

Look guys, firstly there's nothing wrong with many aspects of western life. Good hospitals, relaxed outlook, great hygiene and wonderful town planning. Why wouldn't you want these? Turkey has the added advantage of a fabulous climate and warm people, not to mention good food.

Would you really rather be in Dehli? I mean it's fine if you would, but we westerners like Turkey for reasons given above. And let's face it, you would love it too if we were talking about Greece and not Turkey. Same experience basically, except the food is probably a bit more bland and probably haram.

I would love to go to Greece although I don’t think it will happen.

They didn’t steal anyone’s architecture and didn’t convert another religion’s place of worship into their own. Also, I’m pretty sure they don’t have fake museums with replicas promoted as original artifacts.

 

[shaz619]

Yeah Rumi's tomb is there. I went there for a week for a class I was taking.

Egypt is a mess man, quite a stressful place, everyone is a scammer.

Tunisia is super resorty ( and in my experience only ofc) not the best place to travel off the beaten track. Lovely place + people but their tourism is centred around the resorts.

Turkey I go to every year or two now for a stress free break that caters to all the family.

I’ve heard the same about Egypt. What’s the best beach city you’ve been to in Turkey with the closest experience to Istanbul ?

 

[Amjid Javed]

For value Morocco is unbeatable imo although I’ve not been to Tunisia or Egypt (places within reach to us)

[MENTION=51465]DeadlyVenom[/MENTION] isn’t Rumi’s tomb found in Konya?

Definitely looking to go to a beachy place next iA

Morocco is a lovely country, nice culture, amazing weather some good cities to visit and good food.

 

[Amjid Javed]

That’s pretty cool you must have got to visit there regular. It’s alright price wise, not the worst, it depends on what you do as well etc I move about and try a bit of everything to balance things.

Did you ever try the Halka ? it’s like a Churro and Jalebi combined in one, I got it from Safa near the Bosporus river. One of the best sweet items I’ve ever had

So when my mum was in instanbul I would go twice a year usually around start and end of summer, she would always take me to see somewhere different each time.

Now she is living in the south in Didim, which is a small fishing village on the west coast of bodrum. Nice place, very quiet, loads nice beaches, good good, some good sites to see. Also centre of bodrum isn't to far away and you can get the ferry and do day trips to Kos which is good. Il be doing that in late August or September. Because I only have to pay for flights its always a good holiday for me.

Yeah ive tried halka it's good. Most addictive thing for me is apple tea which I always bring back loads with back to UK after holiday.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

So when my mum was in instanbul I would go twice a year usually around start and end of summer, she would always take me to see somewhere different each time.

Now she is living in the south in Didim, which is a small fishing village on the west coast of bodrum. Nice place, very quiet, loads nice beaches, good good, some good sites to see. Also centre of bodrum isn't to far away and you can get the ferry and do day trips to Kos which is good. Il be doing that in late August or September. Because I only have to pay for flights its always a good holiday for me.

Yeah ive tried halka it's good. Most addictive thing for me is apple tea �� which I always bring back loads with back to UK after holiday.

I've been to Didim, lovely area, a bit quieter than the big resort cities. I know quite a few British ex-pats are living out there, very nice residential areas. How is she finding life over there?

 

[JaDed]

Most overhyped tourist destination in the world.

Not really lot of character, Dubai is most overhyped.

 

[JaDed]

Beefing over holidays lol probably an inner tribal instinct

) absolutely this is insane

 

[JaDed]

I really want to checkout Tehran too, Indian vloggers have been going to Tehran now and looks so unique.

Wonder if posters have been to these places.

 

[JaDed]

Turkey is a funny country with a serious identity crisis - caught between its obsession to ape the West versus staying loyal to its Ottoman roots. Not interested in the mosques and architecture the Ottomans stole from the Byzantines and the fake museums with replicas promoted as original artifacts.
.

That’s not confusion but smart of them it’s exactly how Japan China Korea are too.
I also hope India follows similar lines.

 

[SalimBhai]

I really want to checkout Tehran too, Indian vloggers have been going to Tehran now and looks so unique.

Wonder if posters have been to these places.

Iran has been one of the best places I have ever been. Great destination

 

[Amjid Javed]

I've been to Didim, lovely area, a bit quieter than the big resort cities. I know quite a few British ex-pats are living out there, very nice residential areas. How is she finding life over there?

Yeah there are loads of British ex-pats in Didim, Altinkum and other districts of Bodrum region as buy properties there 10-15 years ago was so cheap so people found it easy to initially use them as holiday home and now use as their retirement homes. Who wouldn't want to live somewhere cheaper then the UK, nice weather, and in some cases nicer people.

Yeah my mum likes Didim, it's a lot different to when she was living in Istanbul, but my mum is happily retired and pretty much all my family that are in UK go and visit her at different times of the year. I always go twice a year so it's a good combination of holiday and family time.

You literally can get into the car and drive to Altinkum or even centre of bodrum easily and enjoy a bit more livelier places.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Yeah there are loads of British ex-pats in Didim, Altinkum and other districts of Bodrum region as buy properties there 10-15 years ago was so cheap so people found it easy to initially use them as holiday home and now use as their retirement homes. Who wouldn't want to live somewhere cheaper then the UK, nice weather, and in some cases nicer people.

Yeah my mum likes Didim, it's a lot different to when she was living in Istanbul, but my mum is happily retired and pretty much all my family that are in UK go and visit her at different times of the year. I always go twice a year so it's a good combination of holiday and family time.

You literally can get into the car and drive to Altinkum or even centre of bodrum easily and enjoy a bit more livelier places.

Ive been tempted to buy a property out there for a while to have somewhere to go and chill in the summer, prices arent the best atm but still considering it.

Ive found that in a lot of more rural places English is not spoken much. Does this impact your mums day to day life at all?

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I’ve heard the same about Egypt. What’s the best beach city you’ve been to in Turkey with the closest experience to Istanbul ?

Nothing compares to Istanbul. Of course you will find history and architecture everywhere but Istanbul is a truly global city.

It would be like comparing Cornwall to London.

 

[Double Trouble]

Istanbul is my favourite destination in the world after Saudi.

Try to go once a year with family book cheap flights & hotels so we can go every year.

 

[shaz619]

Nothing compares to Istanbul. Of course you will find history and architecture everywhere but Istanbul is a truly global city.

It would be like comparing Cornwall to London.

True, it’s unbeatable in that regard and comparisons would be difficult. What’s the best beachy places you’ve been to that’s decent for muslims

 

[shaz619]

So when my mum was in instanbul I would go twice a year usually around start and end of summer, she would always take me to see somewhere different each time.

Now she is living in the south in Didim, which is a small fishing village on the west coast of bodrum. Nice place, very quiet, loads nice beaches, good good, some good sites to see. Also centre of bodrum isn't to far away and you can get the ferry and do day trips to Kos which is good. Il be doing that in late August or September. Because I only have to pay for flights its always a good holiday for me.

Yeah ive tried halka it's good. Most addictive thing for me is apple tea which I always bring back loads with back to UK after holiday.

Ah that sounds like a lovely place to retire!! will you be joining her there? I would look to in your place then again, maybe living there compared to holidaying is different, how does she find it assuming she has lived in the UK for some time

Haha I bought some apple tea with me to, best hot drink I’ve tried in some time, while I was there I was asked how do they make it? I go they just boil apple juice )

 

[Technics 1210]

Turkey is a funny country with a serious identity crisis - caught between its obsession to ape the West versus staying loyal to its Ottoman roots. Not interested in the mosques and architecture the Ottomans stole from the Byzantines and the fake museums with replicas promoted as original artifacts.

Turkish food is great but you can find authentic Turkish food in almost 100 countries.

Not worth visiting.

If Indians opined Turkey as a great holiday destination then you would have a different opinion. You just love to be controversial for the sake of winding up Pakistanis.

The entire West lacks an identity, heck the West cannot identify genders let alone their roots, and you aspire and dream to move to the West.

Turkey is one of the top holiday destinations in the World, with its rich culture, history, and cuisine. Then again, why would you care, you prefer to spend your holiday in India with its nationalistic pride, history, cuisine, and depressing arts.

 

[wasim-fan]

Lovely country. A bit of cocktail of cultures and influences which makes it more interesting. Mix of west and the east. But degrading very quickly. In last 5 years itself the country has gone backwards in a big way. From a tourism point of view, for now, it's a great proposition esp with weak currency.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Who doesn't like amazing views of Turkey - 35 degrees here currently this week in Didim (Bodrum)

 

[SalimBhai]

Was there last year. Some great kebab restaurants in the non fancy party of bodrum