Visitors follow a geographical route through the 16 regions of the aquarium, beginning in the Black Sea and ending in the Pacific Ocean. Using cutting-edge technology to create realistic portrayals of each region including architectural details and climate, the aquarium ensures that the creatures on display are living in conditions nearest to that of their natural habitats. These elements, in combination with interactive games and 5D movie theaters featuring live effects such as wind, fog and water, guarantee an authentic experience for visitors. In addition, the aquarium provides 3 cafeterias, a gift shop and a restaurant with views of the ‘Panama Canal’ on one side and ocean views on the other.

Launched by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality with an investment of US$143 million, the Istanbul Aquarium is helping to improve and expand Istanbul’s already extensive list of museums and attractions for visitors and residents alike.

To learn more about the Istanbul Aquarium, visit http://www.istanbulakvaryum.com/en-US/home

For more information on Turkey, call 1-877-FOR-TURKEY or contact the Turkish Culture and Tourist Offices in New York at 212-687-2194 or in Washington, D.C., at 202-612-6800, or Los Angeles at 323-937-8066 and visit their Web sites at www.tourismturkey.org or www.kulturturizm.gov.tr.

About Turkey

Turkey is a modern country with a captivating blend of antiquity and contemporary and of East and West. The cradle of civilization and center of world history today stands as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world. Turkey was the site of the first human settlement; the seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires; the birthplace of Homer and the last home of the Virgin Mary, just to name a few. Today Turkey, with its spectacular coastline, majestic mountains, cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep is situated, literally, at the crossroads of history, encompassing pre-Hellenistic cultures and the Greek and Roman empires. Zeugma, thought to have been founded by a general in Alexander the Great’s army, was initially two cities on either side of the Euphrates River. It grew and thrived over countless centuries because it was located at the easiest crossing of the river, exactly where major trade routes in the ancient world linked east and west as well as north and south. The city’s location was considered so important by the Roman Empire period that Zeugma became a vital military center where tolls were collected on commerce and travelers. At one point the city was home to more than 70,000 people.

In the process, wealthy residents, businessmen, military officers, governors and other notables built impressive homes and villas distinguished by magnificent mosaics – on floors, in pools, courtyards, kitchens and elsewhere – to showcase their status, interests and heritage, including their own and the community’s connections to the gods and goddesses of mythology. Some even contain captions and descriptions written in Greek. Because of Zeugma’s position at the center of international trade and commerce, these mosaics represent a treasure trove of information about the interaction and assimilations of ancient cultures over the centuries.

These treasures – and an abundance of other valuable artifacts ranging from frescoes to burial objects – lay undiscovered for millennia. While Zeugma was first seriously studied in the 1970′s, little excavation was undertaken for another ten years. It was only in 2000, after suspected vandalized artifacts appeared in museums and private collections and when plans for new dams on the Euphrates meant that much of Zeugma would be forever flooded, that the race was on.

The result was an ambitious excavation project sponsored by the Turkish government, the California-based Packard Humanities Institute and American universities. The excavations discovered homes, public buildings and market squares that contained one of the largest and most important collections of Roman mosaic art ever found. Ultimately, a decision was made to build a museum to preserve and display the extraordinary mosaics from what has been called “one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Turkey.” Built by the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, the 90,000 square-foot museum features a 7,500-square foot exhibition hall, numerous conference rooms and other facilities and replaces the Bardo National Museum in Tunis as the world’s largest mosaics museum.

The extraordinary collection of mosaics includes depictions of Poseidon, god of the oceans and second only to Zeus in power, along with Oceanus and Theys, who, according to legend, had 6,000 sons and daughters that became the spirits of the earth’s rivers, springs and streams. Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, is also present, as is Achelous, who gave Heracles what the world now knows as the “horn of plenty,” or “cornu copiae.” The famous warrior Achilles is another mosaic subject.

One of the most popular and visually striking mosaics depicts what is simply called the “Gypsy Girl” – a beautiful portrait of a young face with striking eyes that some experts believe may represent Gaea, the goddess of the earth. Other pieces show the marriage of Dionysus and Ariadne and the nine muses of Greek mythology.

For additional information about the museum, http://zeugmamosaicmuseum.blogspot.com or www.gaziantepmuzesi.gov.tr/eng are two good sources. Or contact the Turkish Culture and Tourist Office in New York at 212-687-2194 or in Washington, D.C., at 202-612-6800, or in Los Angeles at 323-937-8066 and visit their Web sites at www.goturkey.com or www.tourismturkey.org

About Turkey

Turkey is a modern country with a captivating blend of antiquity and contemporary and of East and West. The cradle of civilization and center of world history today stands as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world. Turkey was the site of the first human settlement; the seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires; the birthplace of Homer and the last home of the Virgin Mary, just to name a few. Today Turkey, with its spectacular coastline, majestic mountains, cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

Below are a few suggestions for places to “see and be seen” in Istanbul:

Lunch at Istanbul Modern

Situated in a converted warehouse on the Bosporus, the Istanbul Modern features contemporary art by local artists, a sculpture garden and restaurant. After strolling through the exhibits, be sure to plan lunch on the stylish terrace overlooking the Bosporus, where the view rivals the art and the food is wonderful too.

Get a Bird’s Eye View: Mikla and 360

Mikla, located on the roof of the Marmara Pera Hotel is one of the city’s most elegant dining venues and has unforgettable skyline views. One of the coolest bars in Istanbul, 360 is a rooftop lounge with panoramic views of the city’s skyline from the spire of St. Antoine Church to Topkapi Palace and Sultanahmet. Its central location on Istiklal Street makes it popular with trendsetters in Istanbul, who congregate for sunset cocktails, artfully presented modern Turkish cuisine and the latest dance tunes played by popular DJs.

Istanbul’s newest restaurants, nightspots and cafes

• Nublu Istanbul @ Babylon, an offshoot of Nublu NYC, offers hot music groups and artists, and is owned by internationally acclaimed Turkish jazz artist Ilhan ErÅŸahin.

• Bird Bar & Grill, serves world cuisine inspired by the chef’s travels to France, Italy, New York and elsewhere.

• Up Lounge Bar & Restaurant in the New Tulip City Hotel welcomes customers with a modern Mediterranean and seafood menu prepared by Pelin Görpe, a young chef who cooked in several popular restaurants in the United States.

• Corvus Wine & Bite, owned by the Corvus Vineyards, offers a great spot for a glass of wine and tapas dishes.

• Owned and managed by the 360 Group, Fish is a multi-level venue specializing in unique appetizers and seafood dishes.

Foodie Havens: Contrast of Contemporary and Classic

• Minyon at W Istanbul: The latest venue for Istanbul’s hottest new chef, Emre Capa, Minyon has become one of the stars of the city’s trendy dining and nightlife scene. This contemporary space provides an upbeat entertaining evening of dining on Capa’s “small plates” cuisine, viewing artwork by young Turkish artists and feeling the rhythm of electronic and lounge music. Surprising dishes from around the globe such as mint and lemon risotto, a square ciabatta burger with pear confit, and mastica crème brulee blend with Capa’s special style.

• Asitane’s chef has spent years studying the recipes of the lavish Ottoman era and serves true Ottoman “court” cuisine with over 200 historic dishes. The restaurant’s charming garden provides an oasis of tranquility amidst the energy of downtown Istanbul. It is located beside a hidden treasure, ancient Chora Church with its rare and spectacular frescos of the life of Mary.

Explore a trendy neighborhood – Cihangir

Cihangir is a small bohemian neighborhood where many painters, caricaturists, actors, writers, journalists and foreigners reside and enjoy the bookstores, galleries, and boutiques. The area’s many cafes and bistros provide a venue for lively conversations about theater, film, literature, politics and philosophy. Book a table at the bustling Meyra Café and Restaurant or visit other popular spots including Café Susam, Kahvedan and Smyrna.

Cool Art on the Edge

When Americans think of Istanbul they tend to think of history, the glories of the opulent Ottoman Empire and ancient archaeological sites. In fact, Turkey’s cultural capital also has one of the liveliest contemporary art scenes in the world.

• Opened in 2005 in what had once been Istanbul’s Victorian-era Bristol Hotel, the Pera Museum is a cultural center with permanent and changing exhibits of art and ceramics

• Santral Istanbul, another new contemporary art museum, was created by Istanbul Bilgi University as a project for urban revitalization and encompasses educational programs, outdoor recreation areas, residences for visiting artists and ample space for the creation and display of contemporary works of art

• Misir Apartments, deceptively contained in a restored 19th-century building, are home to some of Istanbul’s most controversial and modern artists whose works are regularly shown in galleries on the premises. Visit the Galerist and Galeri Nev which showcase the work of local artists who have caught the attention of international dealers.

Shopping, Chic and Funky Markets and Boutiques

There may be no better place in the world to shop than Istanbul. Already famous for its Ortaköy Bazaar, the 4000 shops in the 15th century Grand Bazaar and colorful 17th century Spice Market, Istanbul is also home to trendy shopping areas full of designer boutiques, which attract sophisticated visitors from around the world:

• Nisantasi on Istanbul’s European side and BaÄŸdat Caddesi, or Baghdad Avenue, on the Asian side are the “Rodeo Drives” of Istanbul

• The handsomely restored Akaretler row houses in Besiktas are known for their expensive homes, museums, art galleries and exclusive shops

• The little neighborhood Cukurcuma is a favorite among antique experts and artists

• Equally artistic Cihangir, with its hilly streets, small boutiques, vintage shops and cafes might make you think of San Francisco.

For more information on Turkey, call 1-877-FOR-TURKEY or contact the Turkish Culture and Tourist Offices in New York at 212-687-2194 or in Washington, D.C., at 202-612-6800, or Los Angeles at 323-937-8066 and visit their Web sites at www.tourismturkey.org.

About Turkey

Turkey is a modern country with a captivating blend of antiquity and contemporary and of East and West. The cradle of civilization and center of world history today stands as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world. Turkey was the site of the first human settlement; the seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires; the birthplace of Homer and the last home of the Virgin Mary, just to name a few. Today Turkey, with its spectacular coastline, majestic mountains, cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

Here is a summary of some of the latest developments:

Hilton, one of the most famous names in global hospitality, is expanding rapidly in Turkey. Hilton Garden Inn opened in Konya in November 2010. Other Hilton Garden Inns will open in Sanliurfa, Mardin, Istanbul-Bostanci, and Istanbul-Golden Horn this year. Doubletree by Hilton opened in Avanos Cappadocia in January 2011. Other Doubletree by Hilton properties will open in Istanbul-Avcilar, Istanbul’s Asian Side-Moda, Istanbul’s Old City this year. The Hilton Bursa Convention Centre & Spa opens in late 2011, as does a new Hampton by Hilton in Bursa and in Ordu. www.hilton.com.tr

Istanbul will too have its first seven-star hotel by Spring 2011, the Edition Hotel Istanbul, a joint venture of Marriott Hotels and Palmali Holding. Costing US$ 135 million, the 15 storey tower with 78 guest rooms and a magnificent, full-floor penthouse hotel is designed by Ian Schrager, using Ottoman traditions of extraordinary craftsmanship with a thoroughly contemporary concept using a color palate of bronze and silver-gold combined with light and dark woods. This sophisticated hotel provides several venues for relaxing, working and entertaining including its Cipriani Restaurant, three-storey spa by ESPA, Lobby Bar, Drawing Room, Screening Room and Nightclub, plus its meeting spaces and business center. . www.editionhotels.com/

Divan Corlu opened in July, 2010. The first hotel chain in Çorlu, 75 miles north of Istanbul, Divan has brought its “business class” concept to the city with a 120-room property featuring a Divan Brasserie, fitness center and four high-tech meeting rooms.. Divan is also rebuilding one of Istanbul’s landmark buildings, the 50-year-old Divan Istanbul in Taksim, the city’s social, cultural and business center. The new hotel, renovated at a cost of approximately US$50 million is designed by the famous French architect Thierry W. Despont, and will open this year, with 228 rooms, 2 themed restaurants, Divan pastisserie, carpark, fitness, a spa, swimming pool and large meeting and conference rooms. http://www.divan.com.tr

Appetizing Newcomers on the Istanbul dining scene

Cipriani Istanbul Restaurant just opened. It is located in the luxurious Istanbul EDITION Hotel which will open in spring 2011. The first Cipriani restaurant was founded in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani near Piazza San Marco in Venice and swiftly became a hallmark for elegant social experience in the world’s most sophisticated cities. Cipriani at the Istanbul EDITION hotel combines the Cipriani heritage along with the relaxed joie de vivre of Istanbul’s café society.

Nublu Istanbul @ Babylon, an offshoot of Nublu NYC, offers hot music groups and artists, and is owned by internationally acclaimed Turkish jazz artist Ilhan ErÅŸahin. Snacks are served.

The Istanbul Culinary Institute is now open for dinner. Serving Turkish/Mediterranean specialties with reasonable prices and specialties that change daily, the a la carte dinner menu changes every month and includes classic dishes like risottos or fillet of beef with demi-glace or béarnaise sauce as well as traditional Turkish dishes like chickpea stew with rice and pickles, zucchini fritters or chicken and almond soup.

Bird Bar & Grill opened in October, 2010 under the direction of Joost Rooijmans. The restaurant serves world cuisine and includes a bar reflecting a combination of decors inspired during a trip Rooijmans and his wife and partner Aliye Turagay took through France, Italy and New York.

The Agatha Restaurant in the Pera Palace Hotel pays tribute to the three major stops of the former Orient Express, – Paris, Venice and Istanbul – by serving a combination of French, Italian and Turkish cuisine. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an open show kitchen and an extensive wine cellar.

Up Lounge Bar & Restaurant in the New Tulip City Hotel offers modern Mediterranean cuisine and a special seafood menu prepared by Pelin Görpe, a young chief who has worked in several popular restaurants in the United States. Guests also enjoy live jazz, soul, house and funk music.

Fish is owned and managed by the fashionable 360 Group. The multi-level venue has an open terrace and serves a variety of unique appetizers and seafood dishes.

For more information on Turkey, call 1-877-FOR-TURKEY or contact the Turkish Culture and Tourist Offices in New York at 212-687-2194 or in Washington, D.C., at 202-612-6800, or Los Angeles at 323-937-8066 and visit their Web sites at www.tourismturkey.org or www.kulturturizm.gov.tr

About Turkey

Turkey is a modern country with a captivating blend of antiquity and contemporary and of East and West. The cradle of civilization and center of world history today stands as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world. Turkey was the site of the first human settlement; the seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires; the birthplace of Homer and the last home of the Virgin Mary, just to name a few. Today Turkey, with its spectacular coastline, majestic mountains, cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

ISTANBUL (eTN) – The European Capitals of Culture, City of Year for 2010, has brought a tremendous visibility and great success to the city of Istanbul, which is founded on two continents, according to Gerhard Struger, General Manager of Istanbul’s Swissotel, The Bosphorous, and nearly 9 years in town – a eternity in the fast-changing world of hotel GMs.

“The year 2010 has been a super year for all hoteliers! We were runing over 6 months at 90% occupancy (the hotel has 500 rooms), and 2011 is promising to become another fanatastic year,” he said.

According to Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench Events, Turkey welcomed 29 million in-bound tourists in 2010 encouraging analysts to predict an increase for this year. In previous years:

- the tourism sector contributed $22 billion in 2010;

- foreign arrivals hit 29 million, up by almost 7.5% last year;

- Turkey ranked 7th as the most visited country in the world in 2009; and

- golf tourism contributed an estimated $680 million last year.

The country’s tourism and hospitality sector is earmarked to generate $123 billion by 2019, boosted by speciality tourism, with medical tourism expected to grow by 16% in the next three years.

Worsley said that opportunities for tourism development are Turkey-wide, suggesting that immediate attention be given to Istanbul, Mugla, and Antara, as well as developing key beachfront locations.

“The country’s golf tourism has seen massive growth last year, and medical tourism is expected to grow around 16 percent in the next three years. Add to it the growing leisure tourism, and Turkey becomes a hot spot for developers with an appetite to meet this demand,” Worsley said.

Worsley brought in the region’s first conference dedicated to investment in the burgeoning tourism and hospitality sector. The first Central Asia and Turkey Hotel Investment Conference (CATHIC) was held February 7-9 2011 at the InterContinental Hotel, Istanbul. For this event, 300 leading hoteliers, investors, and developers met in Istanbul.

No conference is hardly everheld without some kind of award given out, and

this conference was no different. The Best New Hotel in Turkey award was given to Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul, which opened in September 2010 after a lavish 23 million-dollar restoration. It was here that Agatha Christie was said to have writen Murder on the Orient Express in room 411.

The Best New Hotel in the Central Asia & Turkey Hotel Investment Conference was awarded to Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel in Tbilisi, Georgia, for Best New Hotel in the CATHIC region (non-Turkish). Meanwhile, the award for Outstanding Achievement was bestowed upon Haluk Kaya, the Chairman of Bekay Property Partners.

CATHIC is co-organized by Bench Events and Questex Media, who also organizes the Russia and CIS Hotel Investment Conference, Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, International Hotel Investment Forum Asia Pacific, and the International Hotel Investment Forum Berlin.

About the Turkish Tourism Investors Association

(Türkiye Turizm Yatırımcıları Dernegi -TYD)

Established in 1988, TYD is a private, non-governmental association comprising the principal tourism investors in Turkey. TYD members represent two-thirds of all private investment in tourism in Turkey. The organization’s objectives include increasing Turkey’s share of the global tourism industry, bringing together entrepreneurs who wish to invest in the tourism sector, and promoting the importance of the tourism sector to the Turkish economy to a wide audience. TYD members represent two-thirds of private investment in tourism in Turkey, and the organization works with government and non-governmental organizations in furthering its objectives.

For further information, please visit www.ttyd.org.tr

The Blue Mosque / Image via tripadvisor.com

Under the auspices of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Istanbul Governor’s Office and numerous other agencies, the Festival will include shopping until 11 pm, with special discounts featured after 10 pm, as well as price reductions and activities at some of Istanbul’s most famous markets including Taksim, NiÅŸantaşı, ÅžiÅŸli, Bakırköy, Fatih, Bahariye, BaÄŸdat and the iconic Spice Bazaar.

The discounted rates are not the only attraction of the Istanbul Shopping Festival. Attendees can look forward to free gifts, raffles, and prizes including a brand new car every day during the festival. Additionally, Turkish Airlines is supporting bargain hunters and shopaholics who attend the festival by offering special fares; the airline is even considering increasing the baggage allowance!

The Festival is set to be a celebration for shopping lovers to visit Istanbul– a city that has been a top choice for shoppers for more than 1,500 years. From hip boutiques in trendy neighborhoods and colorful bazaars and markets to over 90 modern malls featuring top designers, travelers and locals can expect a diverse shopping experience when perusing Istanbul’s wares. Famous for its handmade rugs, clothing, antiques, spices, sweets, footwear and accessories, visitors to Istanbul rarely walk away empty-handed.

For more detailed information about the Istanbul Shopping Festival, visit www.istanbulshoppingfest.org

For more information on Turkey, call 1-877-FOR-TURKEY or contact the Turkish Culture and Tourist Offices in New York at 212-687-2194 or in Washington, D.C., at 202-612-6800, or Los Angeles at 323-937-8066 and visit their Web sites at www.tourismturkey.org or www.kulturturizm.gov.tr

About Turkey

Turkey is a modern country with a captivating blend of antiquity and contemporary and of East and West. The cradle of civilization and center of world history today stands as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world. Turkey was the site of the first human settlement; the seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires; the birthplace of Homer and the last home of the Virgin Mary, just to name a few. Today Turkey, with its spectacular coastline, majestic mountains, cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

Turkey is on the way to becoming one of the top tourist destinations and is currently ranking as 7th in visitors numbers in the world. The tourism sector in Turkey has grown nearly 16% in the last 3 years whereas the more traditional destinations of Spain and France have contracted by a similar amount.

Image via travelpod.com

It should not be surprising that the Black Sea’s history was shaped by the nations that ruled the seas. Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, Genoese, the Venetians and, until the early 20th century and afterwards Ottoman Empire, all put their cultural imprint on the region. They left behind castles overlooking the sea, churches, monasteries and mosques and distinctive architecture – much still intact or lovingly restored. Today, visiting Turkey’s Black Sea by cruise ship (a number of lines based in North America offer itineraries that include one or two Turkish Black Sea ports) is one option but, for a more in-depth experience, travelers are advised to fly in to Samsun or Trabzon, two of the larger towns, from Istanbul or Ankara, and rent a car or four-wheel drive vehicle. Comfortable and friendly visitor accommodations are plentiful except in some of the more remote mountain villages.

Though the coastal areas are blessed with moderate temperatures year-round, weather in the mountainous interior can be colder, therefore spring time is the most popular season for exploring the mountains.

Traveling from west to east through the Black Sea region, a visitor might begin in Bolu. From coastal beaches to its famous multi-colored forests of oak, alder, pine, hazelnut and many more varieties of trees, visitors to Bolu can virtually travel through all four seasons of the year within the course of a short drive. Yedigoller or Seven Lakes National Park, is the centerpiece but explorers will also discover hot springs, hiking and walking opportunities and, in winter, one of Turkey’s best ski centers.

As early as the 6th century BC, the coastal town of Amasra went by the name of Sesamus, and today offers a number of historic attractions, including 14th century Genoese forts, a Roman bridge, Byzantine city walls and historic mosques. Nearby, along the sea, the fishing villages of Cide and Abana are popular excursions, particularly known for their seaside restaurants.

Just inland from Amasra is one of the region’s best known attractions: Safranbolu. Its beautifully preserved and restored buildings from the Ottoman Empire, including konaks, or mansions distinctively made of timber and stone, have earned the town a World Heritage Site designation. Other reasons to visit include the Koprulu Mehmet Pasa Mosque and the Kazdagi Mosque, Turkish baths, Shoemakers Street (the town once supplied the Turkish army with shoes) and the scenic Market Street.

Also inland is the town of Kastamonu, with its 12th century castle, ethnographic and archaeology museums, and famous handicrafts, including fabrics, tablecloths, woolens and fruit jams. The expansive pastures in the vicinity offer some of the best trail riding in Turkey and nearby Ilgaz Mountain National Park is noted for its deer, foxes and bear as well as culinary traditions that include whole lamb cooked slowly in clay ovens.

Back on the Black Sea coast, the town of Samsun is where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk drew up plans for what became the modern Turkish Republic; the hotel where he stayed honors him as the Gazi Museum. Samsun also offers an Archaeological and Ethnologic Museum, with an impressive collection of antiquities and not far away, at Bafra, are excavations dating back to the Hittite Iron Age civilization. The thermal springs of Havza, approximately 50 miles away, are another popular day trip.

Continuing eastward, Trabzon is the largest city in the region and a cruise port dating back to 7,000 B.C. It remains a major trading port, evolving from an early Greek colony to an important cultural center on the busy Black Sea. Under the Venetians, the town became an important feature of the famous Silk Route before the rule of Ottomans in 1461. Today’s visitor will find historic churches and mosques as well as other landmarks, including a villa belonging to Ataturk on the town’s periphery. Built by Maneul I in the 13th century, Ayasofia Church sits on top of a hill in the center of the city; the origins of the Church of Saint Eugenios, now the Yeni Cuma Mosque, are lost in the mists of time.

Just inland from Trabzon is the Sumela Monastery, one of the true treasures of the Black Sea region. Begun in the 4th century by the Greek monks, Barnabas and Sophronius, and built high into the cliffs of Mt. Mela, the monastery has been restored and rebuilt over the centuries.

Not far away, the alpine region of Zigana in the Kalkanli Mountains is renowned for its natural beauty and popular for day trips. The extraordinary 3,200-feet high alpine lake at Uzungol is popular among campers, hikers and fishermen, who prize the lake’s trout. Even more rugged is the Yusufeli designated conservation area inland from the Georgian border. This remote area of lakes and historic Georgian and Armenian churches offers an unforgettable white water rafting experience as well as ecotours on the famous Coruh River.

Offering more cultural comforts is the nearby town of Artvin, which is famous throughout Turkey for its many festivals celebrating regional cultures and featuring music, food, costumes, dancing and other traditional celebrations. The most popular is the Bull Fighting Festival. Visitors will also find other picturesque rural villages in the area as well as the Karagol-Sahara National Park, which is noted for its forests and lakes.

Finally, visitors to the extraordinary Black Sea region will discover unique culinary traditions: Black Sea cuisine, including the roots of the world-famous Turkish tea. Strongly influenced by geography and climate, mountains and sea, food featured in this region includes the black anchovy, or “hamsi,” corn served in endlessly interesting ways, pickled green beans, an abundance of other vegetables and Akcabat Kofte (meatballs). Sweet helva, made with corn, butter and local honey, is another local favorite, as are, of course, a great variety of Black Sea and river fish (including farm-raised trout), considered by many to be the tastiest in the world.

The Turkish tea industry is based in the town of Rize in the Black Sea region where a moist moderate climate provides perfect growing conditions. While green tea is exported all over the world, travelers should be prepared to enjoy the local favorite, the strong, smoky black variety that, traditionally served with sugar, is as much a social event and opportunity for human interaction as it is a beverage. But tea is not the only appeal of Rize and its surroundings. Not far away are the dramatic Kackar Mountains, with their waterfalls, highlands and peaks – magnets for hikers and climbers from around the world. Glacier lakes are adorned with yellow rhododendrons, found nowhere else in Turkey at these altitudes, and Mt. Kackar itself, one of the world’s ecological treasures, is home to bears, wolves, lynxes and mountain goats.

For more information on Turkey and its Black Sea region, call 1-877-FOR-TURKEY or contact the Turkish Culture and Tourist Offices in New York at 212-687-2194; Washington, D.C. at 202-612-6800; and Los Angeles at (323) 937-8066. Information is also available at www.tourismturkey.org or www.goturkey.com. Take a virtual tour of Turkey here.

About Turkey

Turkey is a modern country with a captivating blend of antiquity and contemporary and of East and West. The cradle of civilization and center of world history today stands as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world. Turkey was the site of the first human settlement; the seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires; the birthplace of Homer and the last home of the Virgin Mary, just to name a few. Today Turkey, with its spectacular coastline, majestic mountains, cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

The history of Perge, situated 18km from Antalya, in the Pamphylion Plain on the Mediterranean coast and one of Turkey’s most popular vacation destinations, dates back to at least 1500 B.C., the end of the Hittite Empire’s period. Alexander the Great, king of Macedonia and one of the great Emperor conquered there in 333 B.C. But the height of the city’s power was during the Roman Empire, in the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D. Since 1946, Perge has been carefully excavated, revealing some of the most complete and largest ancient ruins to be found in a part of the world that tells the entire story of western civilization through newly discovered antiquities, buildings, artworks and even entire towns and cities.

This in itself would be reason enough to visit Perge, and the many other ancient discoveries in Turkey but the added intrigue of Perge’s “Statue of Liberty” makes a trip there irresistible. Carved into a tall column, the three-dimensional figure bears an uncanny resemblance to New York’s own, including a crown and a torch held high and, as same as the American “lady,” a sword instead of a tablet of law. And, the similarities make sense because it turns out that Frederic Bartholdi’s inspiration for American Statue of Liberty was none other than the Roman deity, Libertas, the goddess of freedom. Could it be that Perge’s figure, with her distinctive pose and characteristics, became the model all the “Lady Liberties” down through the ages?

Americans may want to decide for themselves. In addition to a first-hand examination of the newly discovered statue, they will have the opportunity to explore the entirety of Perge’s ancient wonders, which include a large agora, or market place, that served as the center of political and social life; a theatre that held 12,000 spectators; Roman baths; a colonnaded boulevard between Hellenistic gates, the city walls, gymnasium, numerous fountains and statues of Roman gods and the mother goddess Artemis, even a necropolis for the dead. Perge is also of interest because of its connections to early Christianity, having been famously visited by Saint Paul and St. Barnabas.

Adding to the appeal of a trip to Perge, of course, is Antalya itself. Some 500 miles of Mediterranean shoreline offer some of the cleanest beaches in Europe while the surrounding province contains ancient cities, picturesque seaside villages and exceptional natural beauty.

The city is noted for its hotels and resorts, appetizing restaurants, lively nightlife and shopping as well as year-round sporting events. A Cultural Center, opened in 1995, is the focal point for special events, festivals and exhibitions showcasing music, theater and other creative arts.

EDITOR’S NOTE: High-resolution photography available

About Turkey

Turkey is a modern nation with a captivating blend of antiquity and contemporary and of East and West. The cradle of civilization and center of world history today stands as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world. Turkey was the site of the first human settlement; the seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires; the birthplace of Homer and the last home of the Virgin Mary, just to name a few. Today Turkey, with its spectacular coastline, majestic mountains, cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

For information call 1-877-FOR-TURKEY or contact the Turkish Culture and Tourist Offices in New York at 212-687-2194 or in Washington, D.C., at 202-612-6800, or in Los Angeles at 323-937-8066 and visit their Web sites at www.goturkey.com or www.tourismturkey.org

“We are extraordinarily proud and excited that Istanbul is being celebrated, not only for its own incomparable history, but also as the capital of European culture this year,” said Ms. Nihan Bekar, director of the Turkish Tourist Office in New York. “Among the many, many events and exhibitions this summer, these two reflect all of our capital’s enormous significance on history and contemporary culture. They are not to be missed.”

“Legendary Istanbul: From Byzantium to Istanbul – 8000 Years of a Capital” will run until September 4 at Sabancı University’s Sakıp Sabancı Museum. The exhibition presents the unique history of Istanbul from its founding and the discoveries from the Yenikapı excavation which dates back 8000 years, through the city’s rule as capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, to the present day. It tells the story of Istanbul’s transformation from Roman garrison to the capital of the empire after the separation of Rome into East and West, the growth and then collapse of the Byzantine Empire and its rebirth after being conquered by the Ottomans in 1453. The city’s connections to the tapestry of European history and its diverse religious heritage are also included.

The exhibition features over 500 selected works from 58 leading public and private institutions in Turkey, Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Qatar, Russia and Spain.

“Beyond Credit – Contemporary Art and Mutual Trust” at Sanat Limani in the Antrepo compound at Tophane, presents over 20 international and Turkish artists’ interpretations of the future implications of the recent global financial crisis. Working from the premise that the collapse of financial systems was based on greed and abuse of trust, the show looks at the crisis as a window of opportunity to rethink the potential for cultural renewal.

The works on display engage the viewer in ways critical, ironical, playful, analytical and just plain funny. Beyond Credit is one of the major events during Istanbul, 2010 European Cultural Capital and coincides with the Cultural Corridors Summit of Presidents and Prime Ministers of Southeastern European Countries.

The year-long celebration of Istanbul includes performances by Ricardo Muti and the Vienna Philharmonic; a new project by the internationally renowned Peter Sellars; an international ballet competition; the European Universities Theater Festival; a youth festival and much more. Major works commissioned for the occasion include “The 29th Parallel,” a comparative musical work on the use of the oud, a stringed instrument, across the Middle East; “Freedom of Prometheus,” a play from Greek director Theodoros Terzopoulos; and “10 Istanbul,” a feature-length movie in 10 parts, each created by a noted foreign director. The movie launches the 2010 Istanbul Film Festival.

In preparation for 2010, the city also made major renovations to landmark attractions and opened new museums. These include refurbishing the Ataturk Culture Center and opening the Maslak Cultural Center as a new venue for performing arts; initiating a Frank Gehry-designed opera house; renovating the famous Topkapi Palace museum and one of the world’s most famous churches and mosques, Hagia Sophia; and restoration of numerous monuments.

The year-long celebration rounds out with “Fire,” symbolizing the future of Istanbul, from September 23-December 31. The focus will be on Turkey’s contemporary art, a means of showcasing how the cultural torch continues to pass from generation to generation in a city whose history spans several millennia. “Lives and Works in Istanbul” will feature 10 prominent international artists working with 10 noted Turkish artists and 100 young talents to create art inspired by the city. An “Architectural Biennial” will bring together architects, artists and students to work on urban projects. And “Design 2010″ broadens the scope of the much acclaimed Istanbul Design Week with projects in a multitude of venues.

Visit www.istanbul2010.org or www.goturkey.com

For more information on Turkey, call 1-877-FOR-TURKEY or contact the Turkish Culture and Tourism Offices in New York at 212-687-2194, Washington, D.C., at 202-612-6800, and Los Angeles at (323) 937-8066. Information is also available at www.tourismturkey.org or www.goturkey.com