Turkey is a country rich in history. Several civilizations and empires passed through its territory, and some of the country’s current cities were home to major events that defined the world narrative. Two of these important cities are Izmir and Tróia, both share characters and importance within what we know of the context of civilization, and when visiting them, it is possible to glimpse the past.
Izmir (Esmirna):
One of the main tourist cities in the Türkiye, Izmir brings in all its territorial extension facts, memories and events of humanity which allows the tourist to enjoy unmissable itineraries. The ruins in various parts of the city date back to the historic past of the region, while the archaeological museum is one of the attractions that keeps in its collection a large collection of antiquities, including statues of Poseidon and Demeter, which were in the Agora of the Greeks.
For the Christian world and for religious tourism, the destination also gains prominence since two of the seven churches mentioned in the apocalypse are in the city, they are the church of Izmir and the church of Ephesus. The ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus are even considered a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
Located on the coast and bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, Izmir still allows you to enjoy beautiful coastal landscapes. The city’s cuisine is another good point to explore, as it combines the rich flavors of traditional continental Turkish cuisine with coastal dishes and spices.
Find out more about Izmir
It is an ancient city in Western Anatolia that has existed since the third millennium BC. In 1500 BC it came under the influence of the Hittites, people who conquered the peninsula and remained there until the XIII-XII BC. The city has great historical importance. A temple to Athena was found there, and Homer is believed to have lived there between the first millennium BC With the decline of the Hittite empire, the region became the so-called kingdom of Lydia, where coins are believed to have been invented. Izmir was still part of the Roman, Byzantine and finally Ottoman empires, which would later become present-day Turkey.
Troy:
Tróia is perhaps the city that is most part of the popular imagination, having already been immortalized and honored in several poems, stories and films. It all started with Homer in “The Iliad”, going through Brad Pitt in the Hollywood epic.
When visiting Tróia, it is possible to visit archaeological sites that refer to its historic war, the construction and reconstruction of the city, in addition to the possibility of visiting museums. In the center of the city there is the greatest symbol of this context, presented by a large “horse”, which gives even more space for the imagination of its visitors.
The great story of Troy involves war, love, lust and betrayal. Priam who was the king of Troy was bribed by Aphrodite to win a beauty contest designed by Zeus, accepting the deal, the king made Aphrodite the winner, and in return won the love of the most beautiful woman in the world. The woman was Helen, wife of Menelaus. Priam and Helena fled together to Troy in love, but the betrayed husband, thinking that his wife had been kidnapped, entered a war that lasted 10 years, and only came to an end due to the giant horse that was given as a gift, but that sheltered the soldiers. who thus managed to dominate the city.
Already in modern times, several excavations were carried out by Tróia and with them it was discovered that its origin dates from 3000 BC, and that it went through nine periods of settlements, each one of them identified by constructions, ruins and traces of civilization.
About to Turkey
Located in the Mediterranean, divided between the Asian and European continents and separated by the famous Strait of Turkey, its geography is rich and allows for different climate models, ranging from oceanic to Mediterranean. Turkey borders 8 countries and has Ankara as its capital, while Istanbul is the largest city and main cultural and commercial center, home to the Grand Bazaar, a tourist spot that brings together more than 4,000 stores and several visitors a day. With a population of approximately 80 million, the country is home to several charming cities such as Bodrum, Antalya, Kusadasi, Göreme, in addition to having an affectionate and hospitable people and rich cuisine.
