Turkey is the crossroads connecting Europe and Asia, a country that spans both continents. It is bordered by the Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Aegean Sea to the west, sharing borders with Greece and Bulgaria, while to the east it borders Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. Turkey's geographical location and geopolitical significance are extremely important, so which continent does Turkey actually belong to?
Turkey spans both Europe and Asia, with 97% of its territory located on the Anatolian Peninsula in Asia. The Turkish people are primarily of European descent—Mediterranean heritage—and they implement European models in political, economic, and cultural fields, making Turkey a candidate for European Union membership.
According to Baidu Encyclopedia, Turkey is classified as part of Asia Minor, but due to the geographical location of its capital in Europe, and its cultural, diplomatic, and sports inclinations towards European models, many people consider it a European country.
Many friends ask, why choose to travel to Turkey? The reason is: because it has a rich historical heritage and unique geographical features and cultural landscapes; it is relatively less crowded with tourists, and the thirteen-hour flight makes people prefer to choose Europe over the outlying Turkey, which is one of the fifty must-visit destinations in life. All of these reasons contribute to my desire to visit Turkey.
Upon arriving in Turkey, one is amazed by the well-preserved ancient architecture! As one of the three great empires of antiquity, Istanbul retains a magnificent historical heritage, with its museums, churches, palaces, mosques, markets, and beautiful strait scenery all captivating visitors. In the face of life's disappointments, many people tend to complain about their misfortunes, blaming fate and the world, yet they have never truly asked themselves if they have a "heart's desire and a path to follow." The heart's desire is the longing and aspiration within, while the path to follow is the practice guided by spirit and soul.
The local guide introduced us to the fact that the Turkish people are mixed descendants of the Turks and the original Mediterranean inhabitants of Europe. Osman I established the Ottoman Empire in 1299. On May 29, 1453, Mehmed II conquered Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire, and by the 16th and 17th centuries, especially during the reign of Suleiman I, it reached its peak, ruling over Europe, Asia, and Africa. It began to decline in the 19th century. The picture shows a Turkish couple showing affection while taking photos.
I particularly enjoy the old town of Antalya. In the evening, I wandered here alone, without many tourists around. Located by the Mediterranean Sea, the winding streets and classical-style residences have mostly been well-preserved. It has successively been a prosperous town under the rule of the ancient Romans and Byzantines, ultimately becoming a classic old town representing the Ottoman Turkish era. The old town features stone city walls and stone houses.
In the old town of Antalya, the streets are narrow and crisscrossed, with traditional Ottoman houses lining both sides. The red-tiled wooden structures vary in height and are arranged in an orderly manner, with small courtyards filled with vibrant bougainvillea, creating a stunning floral street that connects the entire area.