'Constantinople, Ararat, the Tigris and Euphrates... Troy, Alexander the Great, Anthony and Cleopatra, the birth of ancient civilizations...' the threads that wove Turkey conjure powerful imagery where the influences are so tangible, one almost expects to experience legends unfold before your eyes.
Turkey gave birth to the famous Hittite, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations, needless to say, its name originates in the ancient Turkish word for "strong". Its blend of east and west lending it the power to bridge cultures.
The Republic of Turkey belongs to Eurasia and is surrounded by Bulgaria, Greece Iraq, Iran, Syria and Armenia. It sports three coastlines; the Mediterranean in the south and the Aegean Sea in the west, and the Black Sea to the north. Its Anatolian peninsula has revealed much evidence of early Neolithic settlements.
Territory was passed form the Hittites to the Phrygians (Indo-Europeans) then Cimmerians and later the Lydians and Lycians until west coast was eventually claimed by the Ancient Greek Ionians. When Alexander the Great conquered the area it was known as Persia.
The area known as Istanbul changed names, each of which is well known in modern-day civilization. Constantine claimed it as centre of the Roman Empire; Byzantium, which later became Constantinople.
Napoleon said that if the earth was a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.
The Diving
Eastern Turkey has a more mountainous landscape, and is home to the sources of rivers such as the Euphrates, Tigris and Aras containing Lake Van and Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest point at 5,165 metres.
The Turkish Riviera is an up and coming European diving destination. Bodrum or Marmaris are closely and favored as spontaneous destinations to dive due to their convenient locations.
An exceptional 30m visibility allows for optimal exploration of its reefs, walls, drop-offs and caverns. The abundance of marine life lacks in comparison to areas where oceans and currents converge however the groupers, morays, sting rays, and bream along with much pottery and ancient artefacts make for a mystical underwater experience. Each dive reveals something unexpected which makes up for what may be lost due to the fact that not all of Turkey's archaeological sites are open to the public.
Bodrum lies in the Aegean Sea. Its numerous offerings cater to the tastes of every level of scuba qualification.
Marmaris lies where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet and is a busy tourist centre with its diving centered around the Bay of Marmaris, Yildiz Ada and Keci Ada Islands. An 800 year old Ottoman wreck can be dived on Bedir Ada.
Alanya was a pirate stronghold, its castle a prime example of how impenetrable the fortress was. It is also known to be a gift from Rome to Cleopatra. Off the beaches that line the shores below the steep cliffs leading up to the castle, where the likes of Anthony are said to have worked on his tan, are dives such as the Rambo Cavern with its beautiful stalactites and overhangs.
Kas is located in a rocky bay which adds to excellent visibility. This historical small town is said to be on the list of the world's top 50 dive resorts. Nearby is the Greek Island Nisos - Costellorizon, easily accessible by boat and in proximity to another remnant of the Lycian Civilization - Kekova Island.
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