istanbul city and other touristical places nearby are an important and amazing touristic attractions on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey with its perfect weather and splendid harmony of historical, archaeological and natural beauties, 12 months of the years. Daily tours to nearby touristic areas from the center like Side, Alanya, Kemer, Olympos and Termessos are easy to find and go. Also there are longer tours to Pamukkale or Cappadocia or anywhere you would like to go. Professional tourist guides are available in most of the hotels and tour operators.

Sightseeings

Old City Walls : The memorial Hadrian Arch and The Clock Tower are splendid old structures and date back to Hellenistic era.

Kaleici : This is the center of a city which embraced many civilizations during the history. It is now restored totaly and has became the most attractive touristic centre with its boutique hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities and shopping oppurtinites. Kaleici preserves all the original ancient Turkish archaeological characteristics. The istanbul port marina has been completely renewed and is definitely worth visiting. The restoration activities in Kaleici won the Golden Apple Prize which can be considered as the Oscar of tourism.

istanbul Museum : A prize winning museum and one of the most notable archaeology museums of the world. It is also the only museum in the country with a childrens department exhibiting ancient monuments appealing to children.

Hadrians Gate : This ornamental marble arch was constructed in 2nd century BC by the Romans in honour of the Emperor Hadrian. It is the most interesting area in the whole ancient Pamphylia region.

Kesik Minare (Broken Minaret) : Almost in all postcards of istanbul, a mosque once a Byzantine Panaglia church, and later converted in to mosque...

Yivli Minaret : This fluted minaret of 13th century was built by the Selcuks. Decorated with dark blue and turquouise tiles, the minaret eventually became the symbol of the city.

Karatay Medresesi, Hidirlik Tower, Ahi Yusuf Mescidi, Iskele Mosque, Murat Pasa Mosque, Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque, Balibey Mosque, Musellim Mosque, Seyh Sinan Efendi Mosque and Osman Efendi Mosque are other places worth visiting and easily accesible on short walking distances.

Hans are Seljuk or Ottoman inns which have architectural significance. Some worth visiting are the Evdir Han, Klrkoz Han, Alara Han and Castle and Sarapsu (Serapsu) Han.

Ancient Cities

Termessos : It is a Pisidyan city with remnants of an theatre, agora and an odion. It has a reputation of being the most fascinating necropolis on the Mediterranean, 35 kilometers northwest of istanbul.

Perge : 18 kms northeast of istanbul. The ruins are spread on two hills, the theatre on one and the acropolis on the other. According to the legend, Perge city was built by three heros from Troy.

Sillyon : 34 kms from istanbul on the Alanya direction. It is situated between Aspendos and Perge and dates back to fourtenth century BC.

Aspendos : One of the most important Pamphilian cities. It is situated on the point where the Kopru River meets the sea. Once an important port and a commercal centre. It is now hosting concerts of all kind in a historical spirit.

Olmypos : Olimpos is known for a pristine little beach, a pine forest full of tumbledown marble temples, tree house-hotels, and the Chimera, a natural flame that has burned ceaselessly for millennia. Discovered by backpackers on a budget, Olimpos became popular early on for its tree-house camps and pensions, the most famous of which is the renowned Kadirs Tree House (but Bayrams is also well-regarded).