Turkey is literally and figuratively a bridge between East and West. Its large rectangular shape (twice the size of California and thrice as large as the United Kingdom) connects Europe with Asia. For centuries Turkey has been a meeting point and crossroads for both people and ideas. A land of empires past (Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Ottoman, to name a few), Turkey has been a secular republic since 1923 when it was unified under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Turkish may be the singular official language, but the country’s population of roughly 85 million people, is a multi-ethnic tapestry of dizzying diversity (Turks, Kurds, Arabs, Circassians, Bosniaks, Armenians, Greeks, Albanians, Georgians, Roma, Laz, Zaza—and the list goes on). Largely surrounded by water on three sides, Turkey bathes in the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara, and Black Seas. Its dry and semi-arid climate covers plains and mountains, forest and farmland. In virtually every sense of the word, Turkey is blessed with richness.
Turkey is the ultimate destination for ethical, conscious travelers – a beautiful, untouched country passionate about sustainability that is calling out to be discovered! Whether you’re craving time in nature away from the crowds or seeking immersion in traditional heritage, Türkiye calls to green-minded adventurers from all over the world.
Turkey offers numerous sustainable travel options for visitors who are environmentally-conscious, seek to minimize their carbon footprint, and care about recognizing and protecting local cultures while having unforgettable experiences.
Ethical experiences for every kind of traveler
If you are interested in outdoor activities, Turkey offers choices in every region: majestic mountains and sparkling lakes, caves and national parks, and biodiversity and endemic species that are a continental feature. With many beautiful locations off the main tourist trails for exciting hiking, cycling, paragliding, and rafting experiences, you can enjoy your visit and explore your local surroundings using eco-friendly transportation, taking care of yourself and helping us protect the environment and the planet at the same time!
Enjoy history and nature at UNESCO-listed heritage sites, experience the diverse cultural delights around every corner, get to know the country’s traditional lifestyles and discover the rich and varied Turkish cuisine – every region and city of Turkey will surprise you and leave you wanting more with its unique culinary offerings!
Be sure to also check out the many local gastronomy festivals and sample delectable products grown from ancestral seeds.
Choose eco-friendly travel for a better, healthy world.
1. Big Smiles & Huge Hearts
People make the place. This is doubly true in Turkey, a country whose people seem to have an extra charisma chromosome. Gracious, warm, and fun-loving, Turkish people have a knack for making visitors feel safe and at home in their country.
2. Layers of Creativity & Culture
It makes sense that a country which straddles two continents would have an unusually rich and diverse cultural scene. In Turkey, strands of Asian and European influence weave together (and stand apart) to form an eclectic yet harmonious whole.
3. Ridiculously Delicious
By absolutely any measure, Turkey is a phenomenal place for food and drink. Regional specialties hint at distinct local climates and traditions. But wherever you go or whatever you eat, you can be assured an uncommon level of freshness and flavour.
4. Home of History
Turkey has so many layers of history you could dig practically anywhere and travel back centuries in time. For anyone with any interest in humanity and cultural evolution Turkey is an endless feast.
5. What’s Old is New Again
Remarkably, modern Turkey is defined as much by the future as the past. The roots of history may run deep, but contemporary Turkish culture is all about chic, forward-thinking expression. Design and fashion are constantly blossoming with new ideas and inventive (and re-invented) forms.
6. Built to Last
The architecture of Turkey is simultaneously rugged and robust, poetic and elegant. Stone, brick, plaster, tile and wood continue a classical dance that started centuries ago. Empires may rise and fall, but in Turkey the built form seems to endure to an amazing degree.
7. Compelling for Kids
There’s something about Turkey that strikes a chord with kids. Maybe it’s the gorgeous weather, spectacular swimming, engaging culture, yummy food, and endless activities. Or maybe it’s the simple fact that kids are warmly welcomed virtually everywhere in Turkey. It’s a country with child-like enthusiasm and energy. What kid wouldn’t love that?
8. Spectacular Hotels
Whether you’re looking for a level of luxury that would make an ancient Ottoman ruler blush, or striving to find perfection in understated simplicity, Turkey has a temporary home and blissful bed for you.
9. Perfectly Formed
At the end of the day, the natural beauty of a country is what tends to win our hearts. Be it the impossibly blue water that rings much of the country, sun-bleached stone landscapes, magically shaped terrain, or gloriously gardens and forests, Turkey is home to jaw-dropping variety of natural beauty.