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Bridge between Continents

Türkiye uniquely straddles the two continents of Europe and Asia, is considered part of the Middle East, and was part of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, then later taken over by the Ottoman Empire. Turkey’s history and central position on the map lend a rich depth of culture, trade, and architecture.

A melded culture is particularly observed in the city of Istanbul, which was once called Byzantium, then Constantinople. It is here that its European identity is most prevalent, while interwoven with its Middle Eastern culture. Muslim mosques stand prominently while commingling with Christian churches and Jewish Synagogues.

Regions of Turkey

♦ Marmara

Istanbul

♦ Aegean

♦ Mediterranean

♦ Black Sea

♦ Central Anatolia

♦ Eastern Anatolia

♦ Southeast Anatolia

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Turkey

Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia (meaning “Holy Wisdom” in Greek) has remained one of the most profound wonders of my study of architectural history and one that I always dreamed to visit in person. Fortunate to make this reverie a reality, I was struck with awe by its massive size, vast interior space covered by a 184-foot-high dome, antiquity (you…