Turkey

Europe and Asia meet at a historic heart of western civilization

Turkey sticks its toe in Europe through the Balkans, while the other 97% of the country sits in Asia between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. As a fence-straddling nation between the Western countries and the exotic east, Turkey is both traditional and modern. The only secular Muslim country on the planet, it also bills itself as the cradle of western civilization. A bit of a boast or not, it shelters more Roman archaeological sites than Italy and more Grecian ruins than Greece itself. The art and culture of its Byzantine reign and of its Ottoman Empire are also plentiful.

The best times to visit are April to mid-June--although the early spring can be a bit rainy--and mid-September to October when Turkey enjoys mild weather. November to March is likely to be chilly and rainy, and summers are very hot, humid, and uncomfortable.

For more information on Turkey contact the Turkey Tourist Board.

© 2009, Wiley Publishing, Inc.