Presumably, all members have been drawn to this site because of their love for Turkey. So . . . I'm starting this thread because I want to know what it is that people love about Turkey. What do Turkish people love best about their country? What made non Turks settle in Turkey? What makes visitors to Turkey return again and again? For non Turks, what is your best and most abiding memory of Turkey?
Remember, this is a celebration.

I myself remember the many wonderful meals in Turkish homes, especially one notable breakfast. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the table laden with so many different types of food! The added bonus was I was constantly asked if I would like more .

Oh and please share your plans for future visits.

Looking forward to a good read!

I had planned on being in Turkey now but due to the backlog of passport renewal/applications etc the us govt is waaaaaaaaaaay behind and didn't get it done in time .. hopefully I will have it in 3 months

What i love about Turkey is THE BREAD, i have never tasted bread like it and then i like the sun,sea,sand,history,nightlife,the relaxed atmosphere and the people and all this for a very good price.

The mere thought of Turkish food makes me drool at the mouth. But it's not only food that I love about Turkey. I think people are very open (I can't say anything about Dudus as I managed not to meet any), much more open than here. I love the way you talk to somebody and within a few moments you feel as if you've known them for a long time.

I have been lucky enough to be living in Turkey for six months now and I love everything about the place. I love the weather (even the November storms we had - so spectacular!), the food (especially the wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables from the pazar), the people (our neighbours who never stop trying to feed us!), the beautiful scenery.

I love the fact I can find the type of shops that used to exist in the UK years ago - the ironmonger who sells everything from nails to casserole dishes (and you can buy just 2 nails if that's all you want!), the tailor who will fix a zip or turn up a skirt for a couple of lira, the carpenter who will build you a custom made cupboard in a week at half the price of an MFI one!

I am well aware of the problems that exist here in Turkey and many Turkish have said to us 'why on earth do you want to be here - we just want to get out' but thanks peacetrain for trying to bring back a bit of positivity and remind people that - presumably - they originally joined this site because they love Turkey.

(btw I am now taking bets on how soon your thread will be ruined!!)

I have only been to Istanbul and Izmir so I dont have much experience from the inland....

Istanbul was like home to me...perhaps due to the fact that my family used to live there...I loved the city, I loved the mingle between greek and turkish culture (and to be honest I couldnt really understand other greeks complaining about that....) I loved the people (although it made me sad considering how greek people have changed the last years....but then I moved to the UK and was glad we still keep the eastern way of life at some extend...looool) I loved the fact that it was so easy for me to communicate with my poor turkish and their poor greek of course I love the food but most of all I loved the fact that I felt like home, cosy and relaxed with very friednly people with which I was able to share many thing (I could easily move to Istanbul )

Izmir on the other hand I was kind of a tourist there....I wish more of the houses were saved I hade a lovely time there as well though

Lady in Red, thank you too. Another observation about Turkey that I agree with. I could have written all of these sentiments, but obviously I wanted to leave room for evryone else's thoughts. I have said to many friends that Turkey reminds me of what life was like in England during the 60s. Men, giving up their seats on public transport, the small speciality shops etc etc. It was that sort of atmosphere that took me back to my childhood. Oh and something else, which has probably not much to do with Turkey as I could have been anywhere. I was in Sultanahmet one day, and I passed a tree in blossom. The scent took me right back to my childhood. I found the nearest vacant seat and sat and breathed it all in for quite some time, it was so lovely. It also brought back many memories and made me quite tearful. I will go to that tree again next summer .

I think this thread will be fine Lady in Red.

Smiles from the heart...