Turkey lies between Europe and Asia, it's a multifaceted country, a melting pot of east and west, full of unforgettable scents and colours! If you are looking for a holiday of discovery, Netferry recommends Turkey! There are some fantastic places, landscapes and people with big hearts and good food. The southern coast of Turkey has dreamy beaches and tourists flock to the southern towns to swim in the crystal clear waters and soak up the sun.  

Turkey is a big country, and the landscapes are incredibly varied. Don't miss watching the sunset on the Bosphorus; or taking a walk in Pamukkale at sunrise, afterwards heading for the thermal baths. Then if you're looking for a fairy tale landscape,  don't miss magical Cappadocia, and its red earth pyramids.

Here are five facts about Turkey, to stimulate your curiosity to visit this extraordinary country.

1) Since we are in the Christmas season, we cannot keep silent about the exact origin of Santa Claus or San Nicolaus. The character who inspired this festive figure was the bishop of the city of Demre, formerly known as Myra, on the southern coast. It is said that St. Nicholas was born in nearby Patara and that he dropped bags of gold coins into the fireplaces in houses of where young girls of marriage age lived! Watch out ladies - Santa's about! This is how he (somehow) became the protector of virgins and children!

2) The famous Trojan War featuring the hero, Ulysses, took place in Turkey, and even today near the city of Cannakale, on the Gallipoli peninsula, you can admire the archaeological site that hosted the battle of Troy along with a big replica wooden horse. This is the well-known wooden statue in which 40 of the most courageous men from Ulysses's army hid before they defeated the Trojans.

3) The Turkish culinary tradition is full of desserts and sweet treats, through recipes developed through the generations of different cultures that form the melting pot that is modern Turkey! One of the best-known desserts is Asure and legend has it that this was the last meal eaten on board Noah's ark. Asure is made with cereals, cinnamon, pomegranates, almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, raisins and sugar. Traditionally, it was prepared in the coldest months because it is full of calories. Today it is eaten throughout the year, but especially on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Turkish calendar.

4) Remaining in the theme of Noah's Ark, Mount Ararat in Turkey, was the place that Noah came after the great flood. It is the highest mountain in Turkey and is located in the eastern part of the country on the border with Armenia. Standing at 4000 meters above sea level, Turkish and Chinese researchers have found the wooden remains of the ark, that date back to 4800 years ago. The structure is said to be divided into compartments, to house the different animals.

5) Turkey is also the birthplace of some famous historical figures, such as the poet Homer. Although there is no definitive evidence about the birth and life of this renowned author and poet, he seems to have originated from western Turkey. Moving on to biblical history, St. Paul the Apostle was also born and spent a significant period of his life in Tarsus, in the province of Mersin. Mersin has always been a lively and exciting city, as all the merchants and sailors passing through carried with them knowledge, culture and religion as well as material goods. Finally, Aesop, magical writer of fables who still teaches young and old today is also from Turkey.

NETFERRY FERRIES

Don't miss a trip to Turkey, just visit the NetFerry website and discover so many destinations onboard ferries and ships for Turkish ports. Netferry keeps you updated on departure and arrival times, available accommodation and the best ticket prices. Book your ferry trip to and from Turkey on Netferry's Online Booking site quickly and safely.

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