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What Turkey Has To Offer For Gay Vacations
Many U.S. gay travelers are choosing to visit Turkey because they want to immerse themselves in a different culture. There are many things to see and do in this country that is positioned in both Asia and Europe. Though Turkey has become more integrated with the western world through its membership in NATO, the Council of Europe, and other organizations, it continues to have a distinct culture.
Most of modern Turkey lies in the Anatolian peninsula, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions on our planet. The Republic of Turkey was proclaimed in 1923 and the political atmosphere of the country is considered a parliamentary representative democracy. Human rights have been at the forefront of international issues regarding Turkey and continue to be addressed.
In the last two decades, tourism has grown rapidly and in 2008, tourist contributed revenues of $22 billion. Turkish Airlines is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world and provides travelers with convenient access to the many vacation destinations within the country. A call to the local Turkish Consulate will clarify travel visa requirements.
Turkey has many tourist attractions and the Haghia Sophia Museum is considered the best by many. Justinian built this Byzantine art masterpiece in 6th century AD. At the time the church was constructed, it was the largest one known to exist. It became a mosque in 1453 and since 1936, it has served as a museum.
Cappadocia in Central Turkey is considered a geological wonder. This plateau is 3,270 feet high and is 60 million years old. It lies in a triangle between three cities and contains more than 600 rock-cut churches. Sardis, the former capital of the Kingdom of Lydia and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, is another must-see. It is located on the banks of Pactolus, the renowned gold-bearing river.
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