Venture Through Turkey's Unexpected Wonders

For those who wish to venture through Turkey’s unexpected wonders, there’s a dynamic triangle of discovery within easy reach of Istanbul

- Lark Gould

Most travelers to Turkey head to Istanbul and for many of these travelers the ancient city of some 15 million souls is quite enough. The heart of the city, once Constantinople, stood as the beacon of power in the early centuries AD and showed its force in buildings still standing as marvels in the annals of architecture.

To be sure, traveling to and exploring Istanbul is its own reward. But beyond the pasha palaces, the religious iconography, the ancient bazaars and the thriving arts and fashion scenes of Istanbul are destinations of wonder, each bringing in its own stunning surprises.

Eye on Izmir

Just an hour’s flight (or four- to five-hour drive) south of Istanbul is Izmir, the gateway city to Alacati, the ÇeÅŸme beaches and Turkey’s celebrated wine and food region. Izmir is worthy of a day on its own. Formerly old Smyrna, the port city of four million people dates back to the days of Homer, who is said to have been born here in the 7th or 8th century BC.

Now, Izmir has a wonderful walkable (and bike-able) 25-mile strand along the coast of one of recorded history’s oldest port cities, which is flanked these days by top hotels and restaurants. The bazaar of Izmir’s Old City brings the usual ancient stone buildings, narrow pedestrian corridors and sunny café courtyards as the centuries play out in bustling market places and unpretentious shops. Find all manner of textiles here – from modern wedding dresses to traditional celebration costumes to flashy, trendy boutiques selling fancy, designer pasha pants. It is not hard to find hidden stalls selling possibly the best coffee on the planet.