Turkey: The Golden Bridge Between East and West
1. Location & Area
Turkey spans both Asia and Europe, with a total area of approximately 783,562 km², making it one of the largest countries in the region.

2. Land of Geographical Diversity
From Mediterranean coastlines to Anatolian mountains, Turkey offers rich landscapes and diverse cultures.

3. Ottoman Heritage & Modern Civilization
With deep roots in the Ottoman Empire, Turkey is filled with historic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

4. Population
Turkey has about 85 million people, mainly concentrated in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.

5. A Vibrant and Growing Economy
Its economy is based on industry, tourism, and agriculture, and is considered one of the world’s leading emerging markets.

6. A Regional Transport Hub
Turkey acts as a key transport link between Europe and Asia, with modern airways and high-speed rail networks.

7. A Unique Cultural Identity
It blends modernity with Islamic traditions, offering a mix of cuisines, arts, and customs from both East and West.

8. Sports & Entertainment
Football is the most popular sport, with iconic clubs like Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe based in Istanbul.

9. Advanced Education & Top Universities
Turkey attracts international students, especially in fields like medicine, engineering, and political science.

#Turkey #Istanbul #Anatolia

Did you know that Australia’s Highway 1 is not just the longest national highway in the country, but also one of the longest in the world? Spanning an extraordinary 14,500 kilometers (9,009 miles), this iconic highway forms a loop around the entire continent, connecting all of Australia’s major coastal cities. Traveling along this route, you’ll experience breathtaking views that range from rugged coastlines and pristine beaches to lush rainforests and arid outback landscapes.

As you journey along Highway 1, you’ll pass through world-famous cities like Sydney, where the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge await; Melbourne, known for its vibrant arts scene and coffee culture; Brisbane, with its riverside parks and lively cultural precincts; Perth, where you can enjoy stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean; and Adelaide, the gateway to some of the world’s best wine regions.

Known as the "National Highway" or simply "The One," this vast road network is vital for connecting Australia’s coastal regions and urban centers. But it’s more than just a transportation route—it’s a road that tells the story of Australia’s diverse geography and rich cultural heritage.

For travelers, Highway 1 is the ultimate road trip, offering a unique way to explore the vast and varied landscapes of Australia. Whether you’re stopping to surf at a secluded beach, hike through a national park, or discover the history and culture of a new city, each segment of Highway 1 offers its own adventure. This highway is a journey in itself, a pathway to discovering the natural beauty and cultural richness that make Australia a truly unique destination.

Source: Teachers Travelers

Explore Istanbul: A City Where East Meets West in Turkey!

Discover Istanbul, a vibrant metropolis that straddles two continents, offering a rich tapestry of culture, history, and architecture. This unique city, formerly known as Constantinople, serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia and is known for its captivating blend of Eastern and Western influences.

Visit iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia mosque, masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has stood as a church, a mosque, and now a museum. Explore the majestic Topkapi Palace, the sprawling complex where sultans once ruled. Wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of shops offering everything from spices to intricate jewelry.

Stroll along the Bosphorus Strait and enjoy the scenic views, dine on delicious Turkish cuisine, and soak in the rich history and dynamic atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city. Whether you're exploring ancient sites, enjoying local coffee in quaint cafes, or watching the sunset over the skyline, Istanbul promises an unforgettable experience.

#IstanbulTurkey #TravelTurkey #CulturalCrossroads #HistoricCities #discoveristanbul

Tell Me About İstanbul

Stop! Let the water of the coffee boil,
Tell me about İstanbul, how was it?
Tell me about Bosphorus, how was it?
June is washed by the runaway rains with vibrations,
Would that seven hills get dried by
Such a hot sun like a mothers care…

Tell me people laughed there,
In trains, ferries, buses.
I like it even if its a lie, say it.
Always agony, always agony, always agony
Had enough…

Stop! Let it stay, don’t turn the TV on
Tell me about İstanbul, how was it?
Tell me about the city of cities, how was it?
While looking in my forbidden eyes from the hills of Beyoglu,
Make compliment about bridges, Sarayburnu, minarets and halic.
Could you say a hello, secretly…

Tell me people laughed there,
In trains, ferries, buses.
I like it even if its a lie, say it.
Always agony, always agony, always agony
Had enough…

Stop! Leave it, don’t move stay like that, please
Your scent is like İstanbul, and your eyes like İstanbul nights.
Now come and hug, hug me the one with henna.
Under the sky, just there together
The dream of starting over by saying thanks god
Is like a river in the desert of your longing.

Tell me people laughed there,
In trains, ferries, buses.
I like it even if its a lie, say it.
Always agony, always agony, always agony
Had enough…

Nazım Hikmet ( a famous Turkish poet )

The longest road in the world to walk, is from Cape Town (South Africa) to Magadan (Russia).
No need for planes or boats, there are bridges.
It's a 22,387 Kilometers and it takes 4,492 hours to travel.
It would be 187 days walking nonstop, or 561 days walking 8 hours a day.
Along the route, you pass through 17 countries, six time zones and all seasons of the year.

Çanakkale bridge, Türkiye

The longest way in the world on foot without the need to cross the ocean or any other significant barrier is from Cape Town (South Africa) to Magadan (Russia).

There is no need for planes or boats and there are bridges. The total distance is 21,808 km and it takes an average of 4,310 hours to walk. It would be 187 days walking non-stop, or 561 days walking 8 hours a day. Along the way, you pass through 17 countries, six time zones and all seasons.

Ortaköy Camii - Ortaköy Mosque

officially the Büyük Mecidiye Camii (Grand Imperial Mosque of Sultan Abdülmecid) in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey, is situated at the waterside of the Ortaköy pier square, one of the most popular locations on the Bosphorus. This structure is symbolic of the district of Ortaköy as it has a distinctive view of the Bosphorus Strait of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Bridge. The mosque can be viewed from the Bosphorus Cruise that is famous among tourists, to go from the Asian side of Istanbul to the European side on a ferry boat.

History
Located on the site of the present-day Ortaköy Mosque, there previously was a small masjid. Built in 1720, it was ruined during the Patrona Halil Uprising in 1731. The current mosque, which was erected in its place, was ordered by the Ottoman sultan Abdülmecid and built between 1854 and 1856, on the ruins of the Cantemir Palace. Its architects were Armenian father and son Garabet Amira Balyan and Nigoğayos Balyan (who also designed the nearby Dolmabahçe Palace and the Dolmabahçe Mosque), who designed it in the Neo-Baroque style.

The single dome of the mosque was originally built using bricks. However, the dome developed cracks throughout time and was ready to collapse, so a new dome was reconstructed using concrete. In 1894, there was an earthquake that damaged the mosque, and it also suffered a minor fire in 1984. Thus, the structure has undergone a number of repair and restoration work in its time. Today, it is in fair shape.

Features
It consists of a two-story "sultan apartment" which has a "U shaped" plan, a main venue with a square plan which is covered with one dome. The "sliced facades" with mounting columns are "enriched" by carvings as well as relief, giving the mosque a "dynamic appearance". There are two rows of windows providing the main venue a "good illumination"

The mosque is "pint-sized" in comparison to other mosques "on the other side of the golden horn". The mosque was built in Neo-baroque style. In terms of the interior space, this mosque is modest in scale, though the inside is quite spacious with its wide, "high bay windows" which refract its reflection in water as well as daylight. Floral patterned frescoes adorn the inside of the singular dome, along with "niche-like" windows bordered by imitation curtains. Materials like marble were used to build the mihrab and minbar, pink mosaics were also used to decorate the Mihrab. The reconstructed dome was built from concrete, while stone was used to build the two, slim minarets.

There are also several panels of calligraphy executed by Abdülmecid I himself, as he was a calligrapher along with being a sultan.

The Büyük Mecidiye or Ortaköy Mosque is easy to appreciate and hard to forget. Painted in opulent shades of crimson, blue, and green and glistening with gold calligraphy, the mosque will have you filled with affection for its grandeur and opulent decoration.

Pro tip: With its unique location under one side of the Bosphorus Bridge, the Ortaköy Mosque is one of the best photography spots in İstanbul. You (and your camera roll) can thank us later.

Explore more at: Selâm News

#GoTürkiye #Faith #Goİstanbul #İstanbul #OrtaköyMosque #Mosque #GoSustainable

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