Istanbul is home to hundreds of stunning sites, but it also has its most significant population of stray cats. These cats may be found in almost every part of town, crossing streets, racing on roofs, basking on sculptures, and jumping across ledges for fun. They may also be seen beneath restaurant tables, begging for a small portion of your great Turkish food dish. Some cats have even graced Istanbul’s major attractions, gaining international fame. So, without wasting a minute apply for a turkey visa online to see these international fames.

You’d think that with so many stray cats, many of them would be dirty and hungry, yet the opposite is true: Istanbul’s big cats are well-nourished, clean, and friendly. Do they, therefore, belong to other tourists? If not, who looks after them so well? Where did all the cats come from, and why are there so many? Should you be concerned if a cat appears outside your guesthouse late at night? Stay with us as we investigate these furry kings and queens of Istanbul’s streets to find the answers to these and other fiery questions.

Why Does Istanbul Have So Many Cats?

To begin, we must put the cat population in context: Istanbul has a population of 15 million inhabitants and an estimated 125,000 cats roaming the streets. These cats don’t belong to anyone but rather to the city, and their large population is attributed to Islam, the country’s primary religion.

Islam’s Fascination with Cats

Unlike in Christian Europe, where cats were historically connected with witchcraft, cats have long been valued in Islam for their cleanliness. As a result, these fluffy felines are seen as ritually clean and hence revered. They are allowed to visit mosques in Islamic tradition, and food touched by cats is still halal. Water taken by a cat is likewise OK for wudu.

Prophet Muhammad banned the harassment and killing of cats in the Hadith. “If you murder a cat, you must construct a mosque to be forgiven by God,” according to a famous Islamic saying. On the other hand, the Prophet showed a passion for cats on several occasions, and one of his associates, Abu Hurairah (which means “father of the kitten”), was well-known for it.

According to one story, the Prophet was saved from a snake assault by Abu Hurairah’s pet cat. According to legend, the Prophet blessed the cat by conferring upon them the well-known superpower of landing on their feet. Aby Hurairah also heard the Prophet say that a lady would go to hell for refusing to feed and water a cat. Another story claims that when Muhammad had to rise for prayer, he took off his sleeve to avoid frightening a cat sleeping on his robe.

Cats were considered guardians in Islamic culture because they protected libraries and granaries from rats and mice. By eliminating rodents, they also prevented rat-borne plagues, which wreaked havoc in the ancient world on occasion.

The result of this fascination

Cats were given a unique position in the Ottoman and other Islamic empires because of the religion’s teachings on cats. Sultan Al-Zahir Baybars of the Mamluks, a cat-loving ruler, donated a complete garden for the cats of his city, where all of their requirements, including food, were fulfilled. Even the park was sold, the endowment remained in place, and individuals continued to care for the cats according to the King’s wishes.

How are cats treated now?

Cats were prized throughout the Ottoman Empire, and this custom continued even after Turkey became a republic. As a result, the cat population has thrived under the communal care of entire cities such as Istanbul; cats are fed by everyone yet belong to no one, allowing them to keep their independence. Small containers beside the roadside are a common sight as you go throughout the city. The town residents serve portions of food to their animal friends here.

Restaurant owners also feed the stray cats that lurk on their premises. Finally, some visitors refuse to be left out of the noble custom and drop some food on the cats from under tables, carefully monitoring them. These factors have contributed considerably to the number of cats strewn across Istanbul’s streets.

Nonetheless, not all cats are on the city’s good side when it comes to felines. Strays in the poorer parts of town have it tough and constantly fight for what little food is available.

Is there a non-profit organization that can help these cats?

In addition to the efforts of residents, Istanbul has several non-profit groups dedicated to assisting stray cats. Some are founded by locals or the government, while foreigners or international organizations establish others. These non-profits have opened animal shelters and advocated for greater animal rights to aid the city’s furry residents.

Malicious behaviour directed towards cats and other animals, for example, was not criminal until 2004. As a result, terrible individuals would get away with animal abuse without even a slap on the wrist, barring the glares of other residents. Lobby groups and animal rights organizations worked to make animal cruelty punishable by fines, and Turkey is now drafting proposed laws that will punish animal abuse by jail time.

Non-profit organizations and animal shelters working to improve the lives of Istanbul’s big cats include:

Tails of Istanbul (TOI) organization

Tales of Istanbul is a non-profit organization started in 2016 by Therese, a Swedish tourist. She travelled to the city to aid refugees, but she found over a hundred abandoned cats in her shelter’s courtyard. The situation motivated her to create a charity that generates funds for the cats’ veterinary care and raises awareness for their adoption.

Yedikule Animal Shelter

Fatih municipalities and volunteers run this shelter.

Cihangir Cool for Cats

This is a voluntary organization run by a British ex-pat that works to preserve street animals across the city. Thousands of creatures have been saved by the group throughout the years from all across the city.

Forest Angels

Another volunteer organization strives to protect stray dogs and cats living in the pockets of Istanbul’s forests.

HAYTAP

This is an Istanbul-based animal rights group. It is also a group of other animal rights groups centred in Istanbul, and it was founded in 2008 to bring all similar organizations under one umbrella. Its goal is to raise awareness of human rights violations in the city by employing public relations and school-based education programmes to spread the word. Currently, the organization is lobbying for stricter animal cruelty laws.

Istanbul’s Cat Celebrities

The city’s cat culture has also resulted in the creation of well-known cat celebrities. Some of the most notable are:

1. Tombili

Tomblin (Turkish meaning “chubby pet”) was a well-known street cat from the Kadikoy district’s Ziverbey. She was known for her kindness and signature position of resting against the staircase. When photographs of the cat in this pose went viral, she became a social media sensation worldwide, further boosting her status in Kadikoy. Tomblin, however, became unwell and died in early August.

Following her death, 17,000 people signed a petition to honour her memory, which the mayor of Kadikoy accepted. As a result, a local sculptor recreated her renowned posture in a statue. On World Wildlife Day, October 4, 2016, the sculpture was unveiled.

2. Gli

Gli was a Turkish artist whose work graces the famous Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul. She was born in 2004 and spent 16 years of her life at the Hagia Sophia. Tourists flocked to see her throughout her life, and she became a famous symbol of the mosque. When Barack Obama visited the mosque in 2009 and stroked the cat, her celebrity reached new heights.

When the mosque reopened in 2020, the cat regained her fame, and photographs of her shot by tourists filled the internet. She even has a web blog about her life and an Instagram account with 118,000 followers. After getting treatment, Gli died on November 7, 2020, and was buried on the Hagia Sophia grounds.

Do they get together with Istanbul’s stray dogs?

Although cats are the city’s most well-known furry residents, dogs also roam the streets in large numbers. According to the New York Times, around 130,000 stray dogs in Istanbul alone. No, don’t be scared; Istanbul’s stray dogs are just as friendly as the city’s cats. Also, the cats and dogs’ relationship isn’t as aggressive as you might think; they’ve learned to cohabit relatively civilized way.

Dogs in Istanbul, however, have not always had it easy. They were not given the same level of care and attention as the cats for a long time. In truth, the city’s municipality poisoned dogs in the twentieth century and early twenty-first century, which was inhumane and created a severe health issue.

Things have improved for the dogs since then. Dogs are cared for by the same non-profit organizations that care for stray cats in the city. Don’t be frightened if one approaches you during your trip because the dogs are fed and vaccinated. New animal laws have also gone a long way toward assisting Istanbul’s dog residents in is homeless.

Don’t forget to watch the cat movie!

The documentary Kedi, about the life of Istanbul’s cats, was released in 2017. The film shows a day in the lives of a cat and the inhabitants’ reactions to their cat neighbours. Kedi ends with a warning about Istanbul’s fast modernization’s dangers to the city’s cats.

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Two of Turkey’s most prominent cities are Ankara and Istanbul. Many people wrongly believe that Istanbul is the capital; however, this is not the case! Ankara is Turkey’s capital, whereas Istanbul is the country’s largest and most important city.

People travel between Istanbul and Ankara for several reasons, the most common being business. However, Istanbul is undoubtedly one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations, with plenty to see and do. So why are you waiting to apply for a turkey visa online right away and explore these beautiful cities?

If you’re visiting Turkey, you may be interested in learning how to go from Ankara to Istanbul or from Istanbul to Ankara. There are a few choices available in this case. Travelling by train is certainly one of the most efficient.

From Istanbul To Ankara By Train

Aside from flying, the fastest and most convenient way to get from Ankara to Istanbul and back is to take a train.

By rail, the distance between Istanbul and Ankara is 352 kilometres, and a high-speed train runs between the two cities various times a day. Trains are pretty modern, with lots of legroom, comfortable seats, and sufficient luggage space. The train also travels a beautiful scenic path, so you get to see some of the best of the country while resting.

For a visitor or someone unfamiliar with the country, learning how to go by train from Istanbul to Ankara or the other way around is not difficult.

Ankara Istanbul high-speed train tickets can be quickly booked online, and the site is available in both English and Turkish. You may also go to a railway station and purchase your tickets at the ticket counter.

Trains travel four times a day from Ankara Central Station to Istanbul’s Sirkeci Railway Station on the European side. The first train from Ankara to Istanbul leaves at 7 a.m. and another at 10 a.m. Trains leave around 4 and 5 p.m. If you wish to travel by train from Istanbul to Ankara, the Turkish rail network, TCDD, offers four additional trains every day.

You may sit back and relax when you travel by train, knowing that you save time. The rail journey from Ankara to Istanbul takes around 5.5 hours, whereas the trip from Istanbul train station to Ankara takes slightly over 4.5 hours.

Travel By Plane From Istanbul To Ankara

If you want to fly, that is also an option. Every day, several flights connect Ankara with Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Europe. The journey is slightly over an hour, and tickets may be purchased online or at the airport. However, keep in mind that you’ll probably spend more if you delay until the day of travel.

If you’re travelling from Istanbul to Ankara, getting to the airport is probably easier than going to the railway station. Istanbul is huge and highly crowded. If you’re not close to Sirkeci Railway Station, taking the bus to the airport is always better. However, you have the choice to do so.

Ankara Esenboga Airport is around a half-hour drive from the city centre, and you may easily connect by taxi or bus. Regardless of the airport you’re travelling to/from, Havas buses will take you to the airport regularly throughout the day in Istanbul. You can also plan for a private transfer.

Travel By Bus To Ankara From Istanbul

Travelling by bus is another option. If you don’t have enough time, taking the bus is a great way to relax and unwind. The journey will take around 6.5 hours by bus, with several stops. However, because buses are a very cheap way of travel, they are the most popular choice.

Turkey’s long-distance buses are of excellent quality. You’ll find comfortable seats on the bus, with plenty of legroom, snacks and beverages along the way, multiple restroom stops, and Internet access. Kamil Koc and Pamukkale manage the primary services. You may buy tickets online and travel to any of Istanbul’s major attractions. There is just one main stop at the central bus station in Ankara, while in Istanbul, you may go to either the European or Asian sides, depending on your needs.

As you can see, getting from Ankara to Istanbul and back is relatively simple. It all differs on how you wish to travel between Ankara and Istanbul.

Flying between Ankara and Istanbul is the fastest option, but the train is the best option if you want to see some Turkish landscape. On the other hand, Buses are undoubtedly the most cost-effective way of travel.

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Van is a city in Eastern Turkey known for its quirks, one of which is a rare breed of cats that live around Lake Van. Van cats have two different-coloured eyes, one amber and the other blue, and a peculiar preference for swimming in the large Lake Van. So, why are you waiting to apply for a turkey visa online now?

Aside from exotic cats, Van is proud of its long history, which dates to 5,000 BC. Van’s history was shaped by various civilizations and kingdoms, including Urartian, Armenian, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman.

The Van Fortress (Urartian) and the Holy Cross Church are an example of notable constructions from each of these eras (Armenian). Nature has also given a lake in the town of Van, which is Turkey’s largest body of water.

Things to Do and See in Van

Van Museum

The Van Museum, located in the charming town of Van, houses objects from the prehistoric, Urartian, and Ottoman Turk eras in Turkey’s history. The Genocide Part of the Van Museum is an intriguing section where you may learn about the horrible killings in the region.

Cuneiform tablets and Hakkari Stelae can be found in the inner courtyard; Urartian gravestones with writings can be found in the yard; terracotta potteries, Urartian gold jewellery, and bronze artefacts can be found on the lower level; and more ceramics, ancient coins, and manuscripts can be found on the upper level.

The Citadel of Van

The Citadel of Van, a colossal stone fortress that overlooks the ruins of the 3,000-year-old town of Urartu, is a massive stone fortress. The Citadel of Van is the world’s most enormous stone fortress, built of basalt (foundation) and mud bricks for the significant portions between the 9th and 7th centuries BC.

The Sardar Tower, located near the citadel, contains inscriptions from the beginnings of the ancient kingdom of Urartu. In the 5th century BC, Xerxes the Great wrote the note in three languages: Old Persian, Babylonian, and Elamite. The inscription has remained in pristine condition, surviving all elements.

The Island of Akhtamar

According to legend, the island’s name was inspired by love. There was once a gentleman who fell in love with an island girl. He crossed Lake Van every night to visit her, and one time he battled the rages of the storm, but his boat sank, and he was calling out to the girl Tamar, “Ach Tamar,” as he fought the furious waves (Oh, Tamar).

The Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross, which dates from 915, is the island’s main attraction. The church’s architecture is impressive, but the artworks on its outside walls, representing scenes from the Bible, are much more so.

Holy Cross Church

The Holy Cross Church is perched on top of Aghtamar’s island mountain, surrounded by Lake Van. The Holy Cross Church, built by Armenian architect Trdat Mendet between 915 and 921, is the island’s primary draw.

It represents not just the island’s religious importance but also the island’s profound respect for art and culture. The church had undergone many renovations, the most recent of which was in 2005. The gorgeous red tufa stones imported from nearby islands’ quarries may still be found, and the frescoes within the church are still worth seeing. Its exterior is decorated with sculptures representing Biblical scenes.

Hosap Castle

The Ho sap Castle is a magnificent mediaeval castle built on a rock outcrop on the Hosap River’s coast. According to mythology, the castle’s architect, Kurdish man Mahmudi Suleyman, had his hands cut off by authorities so he couldn’t build another castle to rival Hosap.

The Ho sap Castle was built in 1643 and is divided into outer and inner castles. The outer castle, which has a mosque and various towns, is guarded by forty turrets. On the other hand, the inner castle is strategically located on the outcrop’s highest point. There are three walled courtyards, each separated into two floors. The guardhouses, ramparts, and entrance area are on the lower level, while the Observation Kiosk is on the upper level.

Cavustepe

The ancient kingdom of Urartu is known for its mighty fortresses, one of which was built for Sarduri II and is known as Cavustepe. The Cavustepe, also known as “Sardurihinili” (a city built by Sarduri), is made of cut stones in the style of Urartian castles. It is separated into lower and upper fortresses, each with its own set of structures.

A temple dedicated to the deity Haldi was constructed on the higher fortress. On the other hand, the lower fort once housed workshops and storage chambers for grains and wine. In the Cavustepe complex, there is another temple dedicated to the deity Irmushini.

No doubts Van is easter Turkey’s most famous city, and there are numerous attractions to see and explore. So, pack your bags, and apply for a turkey e visa or turkey visa right away.

Turkey is undoubtedly one of the most powerful countries to visit because of its remarkable diversity. It’s hard to compile a list of cities to see in Turkey because each town (and even district within cities) in this fascinating country is distinct and offers visitors a unique taste of Turkish culture.

If you want to explore Turkey’s cities and villages, book a group or a solo trip to turkey, and apply for a turkey visa online.

Istanbul is the top destination for the great majority of tourists, whereas places like Bursa and Trabzon are ignored. However, there’s no reason not to visit some of Turkey’s lesser-known cities if you have the time. Each of these stunning cities may be found throughout Turkey’s magnificent land.

“If you have the time” is the key point here. Because Turkey is such a large country, several of the Turkey cities and towns on this list will need you to drive (if you have a rental car) or take buses or trains for long distances. But once you’ve visited each of these Turkish cities, you’ll see why we advised going such a long distance!

Turkey has a lengthy and fascinating history, as you will learn as you read (or may already know if you have visited Turkey). Many people have called Anatolia home, from prehistoric civilizations to the mighty empires of the Ottomans and Roman. This has caused a cultural and historical richness in modern-day Turkey, differentiating each of the cities on this directory.

The east & west, the north and south, are very distinct, and many people feel as if they are entering a new nation each time, they travel through them.

After that, it’s time to explore Turkey’s most underrated cities…

Bursa

Bursa was given the moniker “Yeşil Bursa” because of the numerous parks and magnificent mountains inside and around the city (Green Bursa). It was initially the capital of the Ottoman state, and its importance as an industrial powerhouse is even felt now.

In the wintertime, the ski resort of Mount Uludag, which disregards it, is a popular destination for skiers. The mountain gives relief from the heat and incredible mountain views in the summer. Take the teleferik to the top.

Cumalkizik is a restored Ottoman town just outside the city centre with quaint cobblestone streets that provide a look into the usual Turkish way of life; come here for the large village breakfast buffets.

Ebru paintings, filmography, pottery and tiles, calligraphy, metalwork, and Ottoman-period antiquities may all be found in the Kayhan Bazaar. Also, don’t miss out on the natural thermal baths and hammams!

Trabzon

Trabzon is located on the Black Sea in northeastern Turkey, and the Pontic Mountains pass through it, creating a hill-station-like feel.

The location offers a distinct perspective of Turkey, with plenty of quiet moments. Explore the Sumela Monastery, founded by the Greek Orthodox Church in 346 AD.

Spend the night at the Uzun Göl or Long Lake, enjoy the sunset over the Black Sea in Boztepe, and pay your respects to the nation’s founding father at the Trabzon Ataturk Kosku museum. In addition to Istanbul, Trabzon is one of the greatest Turkish cities to visit. It also boasts its own Hagia Sophia, which is not the same as the one in Istanbul!

Kusadasi (Aydin Province)

Kusadasi is a busy and entertaining city to visit, and it is a popular holiday destination because of the various package-tour companies.

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Tourists may enjoy a variety of hotels, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs along the shore, with the party scene being particularly memorable. & it’s important to note that, despite all these amenities, Kusadasi (Aydin) is still less popular than its neighbours, Izmir and Mugla.

Kusadasi is worth visiting due to its proximity to numerous intriguing historical and natural monuments and the lovely beaches and spectacular sea views. The Ephesus ancient site, one of Turkey’s most important archaeological sites, is fascinating to see, and the Dilek Peninsula National Park is great for coming in touch with nature.

Canakkale

The seaport of Canakkale is located on Turkey’s Dardanelles strait’s Asian coast, in a region rich in ancient and present history and time-tested tales and stories.

Many of Canakkale’s sites and events are tied to the city’s most renowned legends. Canakkale was initially colonized some 6,000 years ago during the Copper Age and has had multiple invading armies pass through the region and is controlled by several different areas.

The famous Trojan Wars and the Gallipoli Campaign, the most well-known battle between the Allied and the Ottomans in World War I, were nearby, as did the classic Greek love romance Hero & Leander.

Going on a historical tour of Gallipoli, seeing the various museums within the city, appreciating the gigantic castles, and paying your respects to the martyrs of the deadly First World War are the most important things to do here. This is without a doubt one of Turkey’s best-kept secrets.

Sanliurfa

Sanliurfa, also famous for Urfa and ‘the Prophet’s City,’ has a plethora of lovely old structures scattered throughout town, and many visitors come for pilgrimages or to refresh their spirits. It’s exhilarating to go through the local market, trying to take in everything going on. It has a distinctive Middle Eastern flavour.

Though the city is constantly developing due to urban development plans, the lovely Dergah Park and Mosque Complex serves as a cue of the city’s old heritage. Anyone visiting Urfa should visit the ancient Gobekli Tepe temple, which is one of Turkey’s most beautiful non-touristy destinations.

Konya

Konya is a lovely city that would appeal to poets and dreamers alike. In the 13th era, Mevlana Rumi, the famous Sufi poet and whirling dervish composed his famous, impassioned poetry here. Your first destination should indeed be the Mevlana Museum, which is adorned with lovely flowers and includes the tomb of the renowned poet.

Its Semahane houses a museum of historical religious artefacts. Go to the Alaeddin Tepe park in the evening for a walk and a cup of Turkish tea.

The Tile Museum and the Museum of Wooden and Stone Carving represent other fine arts in Konya, ensuring that all art lovers have a fantastic day!

Adana

The rolling hills of the Cukurova region, memorialized in Yaşar Kemal’s famous novel Memed, My Hawk, surround Adana, Turkey’s sixth-largest city, across the Seyhan River.

It’s most renowned for manufacturing Turkey’s Adana kebab, and foodies will almost certainly make a point of sampling it in one of the city’s restaurants when they visit. On the other side, this city has more to offer visitors.

The hinterland of Adana is dotted with archaeological monuments and historical tourist attractions, making it one of the most incredible places in Turkey for touring. It’s also an excellent spot to start because you can go to Turkey’s eastern Mediterranean region from here.

Last Thoughts

To summarise, Turkey is a country that is rich in contrast and diversity. All of the notable Turkish towns on this list and the beautiful villages in Turkey are unique in their way.

Each city has a unique storey to tell, whether it is about natural beauty or historical significance. And one thing is sure: getting out of the tourist traps of Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir is the most excellent way to make your trip to Turkey genuinely unique. Hopefully, this list of Turkey’s top off-the-beaten-path ideas has aided you in deciding where to visit this exciting country if you have a turkey e visa.

The Rustem Pasha Mosque in Eminonu is one of the historical mosques in Istanbul with the most magnificent tile designs. While many visitors to Eminonu go to the Yeni Mosque, they are unfortunately unaware of the Rustem Pasha Mosque, one of Mimar Sinan’s most beautiful creations. So, apply for a turkey visa online and book your tour with family and friends to see this beautiful mosque.

Although the mosque in Tahtakale, which is located between businesses, appears modest from the outside, it feels like a tile museum. This magnificent structure was created by the grand vizier Rustem Pasha, the wife of Mihrimah Sultan, Suleiman, the Magnificent’s daughter.

The most advanced and beautiful Iznik tiles of the time may be seen in the Rustem Pasha Mosque, known for its tiles. Tile designs run the length of the mosque, starting at the portico where the main entrance is placed. Tiles in this mosque are unlike any other in terms of colour and pattern density. Tile decorations surround the interior, including the walls, side portions, massive pillars, arches, dome transitions, and mihrab.

The tile patterns within the mosque feature 66 typical tulips and 45 different carnation themes. A tile panel reminiscent of the Garden of Paradise may be seen on the left side of the main entry door on the courtyard side. This panel has a spring tree design with tulips, hyacinths, pomegranate blossoms, bunches, and other flowers in tile decorations around two large tree trunks.

Within the plant motif composition on the tile tiles, a Kaaba tile is on the right side of the main entry door, which appears to have been added after the mosque was built. Constructions in the Masjid al-Haram included Kaaba tiles, which are thought to have been built around 1651 based on their writing.

The mihrab part of the mosque has the most striking tile designs. There are six vases with twin handles and legs on the panels inside the mihrab, with flower designs on the vases.

Aside from the panels, themes are produced by merging several tile tiles in the mosque. These patterns have a soothing harmony that soothes the soul.

Story of Rustem Pasha Mosque

Rustem Pasha, a Balkan immigrant, was raised in Topkapi Palace. He married Mihrimah Sultan and acquired the honour of being a groom while a Beylerbeyi in Diyarbakir. When Prince Mustafa was killed, he was dismissed, but he climbed the ranks to become Grand Vizier again before dying in 1561. The mosque was constructed during Rustem Pasha’s second grand viziership.

Although a small graveyard is located on the Hasircilar Avenue side of the mosque, Rustem Pasha’s grave is located in the Sehzade Mosque, built by Kanuni Sultan Suleyman for his prince Mehmet, who died at a young age.

The structure was constructed during the Ottoman Empire and combined a business area and a mosque. The mosque, located on the ground level, offers a commanding view of the Golden Horn. There are warehouses and businesses on the bottom floor of the building, which is entered by climbing the stairs. Apart from the market, there is a fountain, a large and a small inn within the complex construction.

Features of Rustem Pasha Mosque

Mimar Sinan used his eight-supported dome experiment for the first time at this Rustem Pasha Mosque after failing to follow the plan he used in one mosque in another mosque. In Edirne Selimiye Mosque, a more advanced version of the Rustem Pasha Mosque design was completed.

The dome of the Rustem Paşa Mosque is supported by eight massive pillars and is roughly 16 metres in diameter. By connecting the huge legs with arches, an octagonal space was created.

As at the Uskudar Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, the mosque’s main entrance is roofed and surrounded by a five-domed portico. Under the ceiling, the wooden decorations are lovely.

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Turkey is a fascinating place to visit, with a culture of friendly people. It’s a destination with a lot of history, beautiful scenery, and lots of adventure for travellers. Turkey is a safe place to visit if you use common sense and take the same precautions you would at home. Understanding a country’s culture is essential for enjoying your travels and connecting with its people. 

Turkey welcomes foreign tourists with open hands, but turkey has its own rules and regulations. So, before entering Turkey, apply for a turkey visa online.

So, here are some recommendations for female travellers visiting Turkey.

1. Dress more formally

Turkish individuals in Istanbul and around the Mediterranean coast are used to dressing in a Western or European way. The attire in the eastern part of the country is more reserved and formal than in the western region. When travelling there, I recommend covering your shoulders and knees, wearing a high neckline (no cleavage), and avoiding transparent or form-hugging clothing. You’ll get respect by treating others with respect. Unless visiting a mosque, female travellers are not required to cover their hair.

Knee-length capris, loose-fitting jeans, and loose yoga pants are excellent choices. It’s also a perfect chance to do some local shopping. Visit well-known stores to observe what local ladies are wearing and pick up a few items. This will help you blend in and present you with unique souvenirs from your vacation to Turkey.

2. Mosque etiquette: Time to rock that headscarf

You must hide your hair, shoulders, and knees and remove your shoes when visiting a mosque. Both a long skirt and a pair of loose, knee-length capris will look fantastic. Also, don’t be worried about walking about barefoot; the floors are covered. Visiting Turkey’s dramatic and magnificent mosques is an excellent occasion to buy a massive scarf from the Grand Bazaar. Alternatively, bring your favourite from home.

3. Carry yourself like a local

You could be the gregarious buddy at home who enjoys parties, people, and giving hugs to anybody — even strangers. I recommend toning it down and appearing more socially reserved when visiting Turkey. Avoid hugging strangers, avoid smiling at males on the street, and only shake hands with men if they start it. In Turkey, being overt is a traditional indicator of sexual desire and flirting; therefore, a hug or seemingly harmless arm touch might be misunderstood. I’m not advising you to be anything other than yourself; instead, I urge you to be the more reserved version of yourself. This will help you avoid unwanted attention while also respecting the people.

4. Meeting locals: The ultimate ice breakers

Getting out to groups you naturally identify with before leaving home is an excellent approach to meeting locals and ex-pats. If you enjoy photography, look for a local photography club or organization on the internet. Look for a local cooking class or group if you enjoy cooking. Many of these groups have monthly activities and might be a fantastic addition to your calendar. They can also assist with on-the-ground information, suggestions, individuals to meet for coffee and invitations to people you’ve already researched and developed trust with for dinner.

When meeting locals, chatting about your family and friends back home and inquiring about their family might help to bridge the cultural divide. All cultures have a similar theme: our affection for our family and friends. Have a few images of your loved ones on hand or in a convenient location. It’s a terrific conversation starter, and before you know it, you’ll be sharing family memories over a cup of mint tea with a seller or a student you met at a nearby café.

5. Etiquette in the home

Visiting a friend or family member in Turkey may be a wonderful cultural experience. Turks like entertaining and organizing dinner parties. Bring a small gift; homemade cookies from a local bakery are usually welcome. Don’t forget to bring your hunger. There will be several courses, and your hosts will want to ensure that you are adequately fed. Say elinize saglik, which means “health to your hands,” to thank the cook at the end of the meal. It’s a way of expressing how much you enjoyed your dinner.

Remember to remove your shoes before entering the house. Because shoes are not permitted in residence, you will most likely be given a pair of slippers to wear. Join the women in the kitchen to assist them in preparing the food when you arrive before lunch. This is a wonderful prospect to meet new people and learn about Turkish cuisine.

6. Toilet paper is travellers’ gold

Black gold is a term used to justify oil. Oil may not seem gold when travelling through Turkey, but toilet paper will. Toilet paper is becoming more widely available, but don’t expect to find it everywhere, and mastering the little hose installs is a skill. Most touristy places have toilet paper; however, whether it’s stocked is another story. Always bring a little roll of toilet paper with you.

7. Grab that hotel business card

It might be challenging to convey addresses and places when travelling in a new city or town. Get a business card from your hotel or have the name, address, and phone number written down. This will come in helpful if a taxi driver gets lost and can’t find your hotel or if you require directions back to your accommodations. Also, if you’re staying near any famous sites, keep in mind that they might be valuable reference points.

8. Learn a few Turkish words

A few Turkish words are usually welcomed with a grin and an invitation to coffee. Turks are incredibly proud of their country and language. Learning simple words like “hi,” “goodbye,” and “thank you” can help you connect with locals, smooth interactions, and bargain lower prices in the Grand Bazaar. selam (hello)Teşekkür, ederim (thank you), ander iyi günler (goodbye or have a wonderful day) are all useful phrases to use when striking up a discussion with a local.

9. Timing at the hammam

A journey to Turkey isn’t complete without stopping at one of the country’s famous hammams. It’s a peaceful, rejuvenating, and culturally fascinating experience to spend a few hours at these hammams, lots of which date back hundreds of years. Although more hammams offer unisex expertise, make sure to double-check the timings before going. Specific times of the day are reserved for males only, while others are reserved for women alone.

10. Pack your feeling of adventure, humour and a big smile

Experiencing Turkey is an adventure, just like visiting any new place. Your experience will be more enjoyable if you have a sense of humour, are willing to be flexible, and smile thoughtfully. Most individuals you meet will genuinely want you to enjoy your trip in their country and will generally go out of their path to assist you. Travel with the idea that you will meet interesting people and have fantastic experiences, which you will almost certainly do. So without wasting a second, first apply for a turkey e visa online and book your solo or group trip now.

Many countries prohibit their residents from travelling internationally. Because the Omicron variety is so widespread and undetectable, nations try to limit the virus’s spread into their territory from the outside. A test before arriving in your hometown or quarantine in a specific hotel are instances of these precautions. While many countries require a test when you return from Turkey, some merely require a vaccination card. The Republic of Turkey allows travellers with a pre-arrival test and, in some instances, simply a vaccination certificate. The finest part about visiting Turkey is seeing the sights and attractions, mostly set against the backdrop of the beautiful Mediterranean sky. Turkey is known for its amazing historical cities, beautiful landscapes, and crystal-clear blue seas on its beaches. Apart from a few museums and landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and The Anatolian Civilizations Museum, most of the city’s major tourist attractions are all outdoors. The Open Air Museum of Goreme and the Open Air Museum of Zelve, for example, are the most visited museums in Cappadocia, and they both deserve the adjectives in their names. So, if you want to explore these historical sites and landscapes, apply for a turkey visa online right away.

Who can come to Turkey?

Anyone can travel to Turkey, but don’t let the prospect frighten you. Every second, the Ministry of Health works with the Ministry of Tourism to update travel restrictions to Turkey. While those with negative PCR tests acquired 72 hours before arrival can enter Turkey, some citizens are tested upon arrival at airports. Turkey has banned travel from some countries to Turkey because of the Omicron strain. People who have not been vaccinated must submit negative tests upon arrival, and they will also require negative PCR results when travelling in Turkey on domestic flights or public transportation. Before visiting Turkey, you must complete the Turkey Entry Form, which can be carried as a physical copy or a soft copy on your mobile device. If you contract the virus while travelling in Turkey, you and your close contacts will be confined to your home for 14 days. If you test negative on the 10th day of your quarantine, you are allowed to go. Children under six and transit passengers are not obliged to present test or vaccine information.

What is the situation now?

Turkey was affected by Covid, but our health system could cope with the outbreak since we were the earliest of the first countries to begin a rapid vaccine campaign. Turkey is back available for internal and international travel after a period of lockdowns and curfews. Tourism professionals are all vaccinated, and I haven’t met anyone in the sector who hasn’t received their third dosage in Turkey. Cafes, restaurants, and shops are open, but masks must be used within. Please be aware, however, that domestic curfews have never affected visitors. While Turkish citizens were locked inside their homes on some weekends, foreigners were free to travel as they wanted.

Double-Check

This information has just been updated on April 25, 2022, and for the most up-to-date information, please visit the Turkish Airlines page. We are looking ahead to welcoming you to our lovely country.TurkeyVisaOnline purely deals in turkey e visa. Apart from our Turkish visa online, we have updated our readers about turkey travel information, Covid, tourist attractions, weather, turkey visa documents and much more.

Turkey may be the ideal spot in the region for your fantasy summer vacation because it is inexpensive, cheerful, and culturally rich. It has the beaches, the clear sea, the spectacular sites (architectural and natural), the food (filling, delicious, and diverse), and – most significantly – people who genuinely care about your visit. Turkey offers enough to tempt you outside of the summer months, from big-city thrills to exotic landscapes. Are you ready to apply for a turkey visa online and plan your solo adventure? Continue reading.

What’s the mood like?

In a nutshell, the word “welcoming” comes to mind. Perhaps it’s something in the water, but Turks are exceedingly cordial, kind, and helpful. Whether you need instructions or help with a menu, you’ll find someone happy to help you with their English, however limited. This is a Muslim country; therefore, traditions generally prioritise excess, especially outside the large towns and beach resorts. But you won’t be repressed; instead, you’ll be surprised and happy to have found such a unique country.

A Turkey solo trip overview

This is a hugely diversified country, ranging hundreds of miles from the Aegean Sea in the west – with its international resorts and high-end vacation homes – to its eastern borders with Armenia, Iran, and Syria. Between them are Anatolian expanses of land where life is essential and agricultural. In all honesty, you’re more likely to want to visit the former (western section); however, the Black Sea coast to the north is unspoilt, undiscovered, and entirely enticing for a bus journey ending in Trabzon.

If you’re visiting Istanbul for a city vacation, allow at least four days a week to a fortnight if you’re seeking summer sun on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

Where to stay in Turkey as a solo traveller

It’s all here: luxury, local, boutique, and cheap. Hotels in large cities like Istanbul range from five-star international hotels to quirky designer hotels to basic B&Bs and self-catering flats in hip neighbourhoods. You’re included no matter what your budget is. On the seaside, uncomplicated pansiyons with generous breakfasts of cheese, bread, honey, and juicy tomatoes may be had for a decent cost. From Bodrum to Antalya, boutique hotels and luxury resorts are highly demanded.

Apply for a turkey e visa online and look at our list of the top hotels in Turkey for some helpful advice on where to stay.

What to do in Turkey as a solo traveller

Nightlife in the city, sunbathing, or rural adventure (complete with a hot-air balloon flight) … Turkey will keep you full for a long time. However, the following elements should be on your to-do list.

Istanbul by ferry

Since its founding, the city of Byzantium, later renamed Constantinople and today known as Istanbul, has had a love affair with the water. From the broad blue (or iron-grey in winter) Bosphorus strait, which the city clusters on each side of, to the Golden Horn creek that flows in from the west to the vast Sea of Marmara, sprinkled with islands, water defines the location. So the primary mode of public transportation is ferries, which are gorgeous, frequently old-fashioned (although some contemporary closed-in versions), and lovely to sit on with a cup of tea in hand, taking in the city as it develops in front of you. A ferry must cross from Europe to Asia, travel north to the Black Sea, or visit Buyukada Island, which has a modest Byzantine church at its summit.

The Datca Peninsula

The peninsulas of Turkey’s western and southwestern coasts stretch west into the Aegean Sea, practically interlocking with numerous Greek islands, and make for magical summer vacations. The Bodrum peninsula is probably the most well-known since the same name resort has long attracted Mick Jagger-style celebrities. Datca, to the south, has a gentler pace that we enjoy. Luxury resorts with infinity pools and cocktail experts are few and far between, but the coves and white-pebble beaches, set against pines and rocky hills backdrops, are blissful and time-warped. Swimming at Palamutbuku (followed by a seabass and wine lunch), exploring the ancient Greek remains of Knidos, and taking in the ambience of Datca town at night, with its festive throng and black moonlit port waters, are among the highlights.

Cappadocia

Next stop: east-central Anatolia and the Cappadocia region’s Hobbity landscape, a natural marvel. As you’ve probably seen on posters, spectacular volcanic conical-rock formations rise from the harsh plateau, among time- and rain and wind valleys. The most excellent way to take it all in is from a hot-air balloon around dawn or dusk when the place is at its most peaceful and mystical. Discover rock-cut churches from Byzantine and early-Islamic times before settling into your (usually cave-enclosed) accommodation on the ground level (and below).

Eating and drinking in Turkey

Since Turkish cuisine is undoubtedly the most delicate comfort food, you will not go hungry. To wash up the hangover at breakfast, think puffy bread, creamy dips (cacik, like Greek tzatziki), crisp-fried pockets of cheese (borek), and honey-soaked pancakes (gozleme).

You may go high-brow with food produced for sultans in Ottoman times – think grilled meats with savoury rice (try hunkar begendi: lamb cooked with tomato sauce then laced with aubergine puree) – or low-brow with the most basic simit (sesame-coated bread ring) or balik ekmek (spicy rice) (freshly caught fish in a hunk of bread).

Five-star city restaurants with great wine lists and views are available. Several laid-back seaside fish restaurants serve grilled levrek (sea bass) with a bottle of rosé. In short, Turkey is a foodie’s dream – and the prices are even better. To drink or not to drink. Thanks to the rise of boutique vineyards, Turkish wine has come a long way. Look for Anatolian okuzgozu red and rosé made from narince grapes grown in Cappadocia.

Stay safe, stay happy in Turkey

Don’t be concerned about coming to Turkey; Turks are among the most helpful and friendly people. To be totally relaxed (or as close to it as possible), follow the same rules you would everywhere else: no strangers’ drinks, no dodgy-looking cabs after dark, no strolling around rough areas alone, and no getting plastered then trying to locate your hotel in vain.

Getting around in Turkey as a solo traveller

In cities and seaside resorts, taxis are numerous. They were also cheap. Buses, such as those from Kamil Koc, are the clear choice for longer journeys (driving is not the most tranquil way to spend a holiday, and road accidents are rife). Consider your rail options; after all, you may travel between major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara by train.

Cultural need-to-knows in Turkey

Turkey is a Muslim country despite its 21st-century modernity and beach-holiday liberal living. That decorum in dress and behaviour must be respected while not on the sands or in the nightclubs. When visiting religious locations, respect is essential. Be careful of Ramadan dates – when the faithful fast during daylight hours, show respect by abstaining from eating or drinking in public places.

Suppose you want to explore Istanbul and Cappadocia rock valley, vibrant bazaars and make some adventure trips in this ultimate turkey itinerary. So, this is a decent time to apply for a turkey e visa and turkey visa.