first went to Turkey in 2003 i think and i fell in love with it straight away i have been back dozens of times since and have been lucky enough to see so much more of the country rather than just the holiday resorts, althought they are beautiful. All that travelling to different parts of Turkey became a reality when i met my wonderful fiance.Maşallah.

First time I went to Turkey was in February 2006, I wanted just a city trip as a rewarding for myself after a nasty divorce. Berlin, Paris, London, Vienna I had been there so I thought why not Istanbul? I expected a big city, nothing more, nothing less. I got caught by the people, the culture, everything. For my summer holiday I went back in May and June 2006 and I travelled 37 days through the middle and east, backpacking all by myself. Then I met that man I fell in love with and I returned to Istanbul to meet him again - not a good decision I can tell now. Fourth time was in October/November together with my sister because I had three weeks autumn holiday and I didn't want to spent them by myself here in Holland. It became Alanya, to see some culture things and to be honest because it was cheap. The fifth time was only 3 weeks ago, I went to Kuşadası for seeing marvellous sites and meeting a friend from Turkish Class. Now I am planning a new trip to the south, east and north probably in June and July 2007. And what I did, saw and who I've met during these trips I already wrote in my essays.

Great thread!!!
Thank you, KaithL for opening it.
I never visited Turkey(not yet). Doesn't mean never will do.
That's my dream, and all of you made me very impatient with your memories shared with us. I wish that day will come soon.
Kayakebab, you made me comfortable.
I was filling weird all the time thinking I had previous life in Turkey because every day I discover many new things very familiar to me.
Thank you, guys with sharing your stories and impressions with us.
I wish to all who will visit Turkey in near future wonderful time.



Bridge across Bosphorus

My dream to step on it one day.

First time I went to Turkey was in 2004 and I went there with my family. They had bought an apartment in Alanya in April and had to go there in the summer to finish some paperwork and they thought we might as well make a holiday out of it (originally we were going to Tunis but cancelled it). I didn't expect much other than making a typical holiday but I got ill and spent most time at the hotel (our apartment was not ready yet).

The second time around was in December 2004-Janurary 2005 and I went to Istanbul because I needed a break from life. And well, what to expect from Istanbul? Of course I didn't know it then but still the city intrigued me. I met my (now) husband there and saw a great deal of the city, from the inside, because of him.

I went back to Istanbul in February 2005 to see him and I was particularily happy that it was Istanbul because at the same time, I had fallen in love with Istanbul; the ultimate city in my opinion. I had high expectations and was not disappointed.

Then in June 2005 I moved to Alanya to stay with my hubby (though we weren't married at the time) and although I'm not so fond of the tourism aspect, we were somewhat content there.
In October-November 2005 we went to Hakkari (and Van) so I could meet his family and stayed there during Ramazan. I was both excited and skeptical about going there, especially since some turks told me that they'd never dream of going there. The way religion is more central in everyday life shocked me because I have never seen it before and apart from some minor arguments with his oldest brother and the fact that I had to go to the hospital because of bacterial infection that kept me awake during the nights I liked staying there. Still I was happy when it was time to go back to Alanya.

On New Years Eve, after having spent a week in Denmark. I flew to Antalya and was the first 'tourist' to set food on Turkish soil in 2006 so the press welcomed me with flowers and questions. I ended up in many newspapers the following days and it was really funny.

Neyse, we went back to Van and Hakkari in May 2006 to attend my brother-in-law's wedding and I enjoyed it much more than the first time because I understood the culture better and felt that I could be myself, but especially because of my mother-in-law who's the most special and loving woman I have ever met. Everybody were so nice to me and sometimes I felt like a tourist attraction

All together it's hard to know what to expect when travelling to Turkey because there are so many sub-cultures and differences in each region that makes it special. I have been to Ankara a couple of times as well, so I have seen a great deal of the country, though never historic important places. I'd like to do that in the future and especially I'd like to go to Trabzon because of it's beauty.
I feel that Turkey is my home and I hope to see more of it when we can afford it. Actually I'd say that I feel more unsafe in Alanya than I do in Hakkari.

I read a ton before going and spoke to Turkish friends so I had an idea what was ahead.

But the lasting impression is by far...realizing that smiling at everybody was a 'come hither boy' message to many men. So much for my mom teaching me to smile more!

Ok guys,any other interesting stories ?!
What is your experience there,what will you surely do next time you go,and what will you be aware not to do ?!

Turkey is so vast, I don't know where to begin on my next trip. It is like being a kid in a candy store, so much to choose from. I would love to see Cappadocia and take a hot air balloon ride.(very touristy I know).

I also want to go to Ephesus and see the Virgin Mary's house. And my in-laws are originally from Gumushane, so I would love to travel to the Black Sea coast. I have seen pictures and the scenery is breath-taking. But no matter what I do, I know that I will enjoy myself, because I always seem to notice something different or meet new people, and it is always fun to travel.(well at least for me )