Turkey, a beautiful country that occupies a unique geographical location which lies partly in Asia and Europe consists of distinctive flavoursome cuisine and packed with rich cultural heritage. It is a transcontinental country that bridged the continents of Asia and Europe which many wanderers seek to travel to whenever the chance arises.
It does not do Turkey justice if we place this Eurasian country in only one specific category. It is a fusion of a country sprinkled with a medley of historic colours; It is a cross between the East and the West, a convergence of myriad cultures, the mingling of different faiths all living next to one another, respecting each other, free to worship which higher power they believe in – all in one peaceful peninsula for many centuries.
Such tranquillity can be experienced by sightseers, particularly those embarking on a spiritual voyage to find enlightenment, or even connecting with their “inner balance” as they journey the steps once walked by inspiring leaders – taking a glimpse of the lifestyle led through well-preserved landmarks and artefacts since early centuries till today.
While the current pandemic situation has left all feeling doubtful about traveling to another country, fret not for those still eyeing Turkey as part of their must-travel places! As part of its initiative to promote safe tourism, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Turkey has initiated Healthy Tourism Certification program, which ensures that travellers to Turkey are able to wander the country in a safe and hygienic manner while feeling at ease during their visit.
Here are some must-visit locations recommended by the Turkish Embassy Tourism & Information Office for a blissful exploration of one’s faith quest.
Hagia Sophia Mosque
A must-see place on most tourist’s bucket list of Turkey is none other than the astounding Hagia Sophia, where a cross-culture between Islam and Christianity meets and co-exist harmoniously like the people of Turkey today. Underneath the beauty of this millennium landmark lies the tale of endurance from various centuries much like the cosmopolitan city it inhabits in.
Originally built as a Church during the Byzantine Empire which later became a Mosque during the Ottoman Empire, Hagia Sophia is a reflection of the religious changes over the centuries. In later years, Hagia Sophia was also a museum and, as of recent, a mosque once again.
Today, wanderers can marvel at the extravagant mosaics and gaze in awe at the minarets as well as Islam inscriptions while visiting this holy monument.
Topkapi Palace Museum
Step into a palace-turned-museum as the Topkapi Palace Museum is yet another must-visit location for spiritual seekers. Located at Fatih district, Istanbul, this large museum housed the Islamic Holy Relics of the prophets including Prophet Muhammad for more than 500 years, which are still kept in pristine condition for travellers to revel in the exquisiteness of Prophet Muhammad’s belongings such as his bow and sheath, the grails and swords of his companions, and many more.
These are just a few of the gems stored in the palace! Wanderers can spend the day exploring the many other majestic chambers of the Ottomans and walk the path of charismatic rulers at a residence which they once considered home.
Blue Mosque
Another sight for sore eyes to explore is this architectural marvel that has been around since the Ottoman Era. Officially named Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this eminent monument in Turkey is also popularly known as Blue Mosque thanks to its detailed hand-painted blue tiles that adorned the interior of this Mosque.
While appreciating the artwork plastered across the Mosque, feel the sense of serenity and inner peace when stepping into this Holy place. As it is an active Mosque, worshippers can connect spiritually by reciting their daily prayers during the Mosque’s opening hours.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Spend the morning by reconnecting spiritually through morning prayers in one of the renowned mosques in Turkey – indulge in the architectural beauty of the Mosque, admire the intricate design and details, and understand more of the not-so-hidden gems located within the surrounding of the mosque.
Situated in the Eyüp district of Istanbul, Eyüp Sultan Mosque was built in 1453 and is one of the must-visit places for all devotees looking to better understand their religion and its roots. The mosque duals as a preservation location of the personal belongings of Prophet Muhammad himself and a mausoleum of standard-bearer and friend to Prophet Muhammad, Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (also known as Ebu Eyüp el-Ensari in Turkish) who passed away while carrying the banner of Islam during the Arab assault and siege over the city. Not only are travellers able to appreciate more from the point-of-view of the Turks during the Ottoman Empire, they will be enveloped in the aura of respect exuded and comprehend the values incorporated into the Turks then, which are now fully embraced by the Mosque.
Grand Mosque of Bursa
Embrace an atmosphere that feed one’s soul like never before as visitors may find themselves learning about the extraordinary history of the Ottoman Empire when visiting Bursa. This is a mosque that laid out the core foundation of the Ottoman Empire and its spirituality. The historical significance of the Grand Mosque makes it inimitable as compared to other mosques in Istanbul. It is also deemed as a “calligraphy museum” where visitors can witness Quran verses crafted and decorated aesthetically on its walls.
Located in the heart of the Ottoman Empire, this 600-year-old Grand Mosque of Bursa is the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and has been one of Islam’s most prominent sanctuaries after the Grand Mosque of Mecca. This sacred monument structure was built by the fourth ruler of the Ottoman Empire, Sultan Bayezid I to commemorate his victorious battle during the Crusade of Nicopolis. Described as the “Hagia Sophia of Bursa”, it is one of Turkey’s most important tourist attractions that should be on everyone’s itinerary for religious tourism.
Yesil Turbe (Green Tomb)
Located only five minutes away from the Grand Mosque of Bursa, this tomb was part of a 14th century monumental Ottoman Complex which consists of a tomb, mosque and a theological school. A mausoleum where Ottoman Sultan Mehmed I was laid to rest in 1421, it was built by the Sultan’s son and designed by the same architect (Haci Ivas Pasha) as the Yesil Mosque, which is also known as the Green Mosque. Unlike the mosque, the mausoleum features colourful tiles on the exterior as well as the interior with the entrance crowned in a semi-umbrella design. On top of that, wanderers would notice it stands higher than the rest of the complex and it is built on a hexagonal plan.
Mevlana Museum
Feel the presence of Rumi while standing in the heart of Konya, as the Mevlana Complex Konya grace the public with its iconic green conical dome above the tomb of 13th century Persian Muslim poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, and religious leader – Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi.
Situated in the centre of town, this complex founded by Mevlana Rumi in the 14th century is the city’s main sightseeing attraction. A recent addition to the Mevlana Museum, fellow tourists can now enjoy an authentic religious performance by a group of actual Sufi dervishes (religious fraternity) as the museum grounds now holds a whirling dervish performance during the summer.
Since it is the centre of the world’s famous whirling dervishes, many tourists can now flock towards the mausoleum to pay their respect to one of Turkey’s important humanistic and Islamic mystic philosopher. For so many centuries, Mevlana Rumi – perhaps the most loved poet of all times – spoke to people of all cultures through the language of love, peace and true faith while his words and contributions to humanity echoed down for centuries. Often revered as a saint, Rumi shared about love and had helped with discussions on the concept of God as his influence transcended national borders and ethnic divisions in the Muslim world and beyond.
Halil-ur Rahman Lake
While most of the places we recommended in Turkey are the mosques or the museums and are commonly reputable buildings of Istanbul, the next suggested place is also another must-see especially for those heading to Southeast of Turkey.
Located at the courtyard of Halil-ur-Rahman Mosque, what makes this lake significant for spiritual seekers is the fact that this lake relates to the miracles experienced by Prophet Ibrahim, particularly when Prophet Ibrahim was thrown into the fires by King Nimrod out of anger but the flames were transformed into water and the logs into fish.
Today, thousands of sacred carp fish resides at this lake and tourists are encouraged to feed the fishes. Perhaps a miracle can be experienced by a spiritual seeker as legend says should a wanderer see a white fish, the heaven doors will be opened for them.
These are just a few of the suggested highlights by Turkish Tourism, and there are plenty more charms for a spiritual seeker to discover and be captivated by in Turkey. After all, Turkey is a country with many cosmopolitan cities and regions each with its own unique tale written through various landmarks, architectural designs and history waiting to be explored safely thanks to Turkey’s initiative in ensuring Safe Tourism for all.
