Diving in Turkey

The Southwest coast of Turkey resembles Southern California for its climate in the Summer. Turkey also has some of the most unusual geological sites in the world, for example, the "fairy castles" of Capadoccia and the mineral pools of Pamukkale, among other places.

Turkey is rich in history, especially Biblical history. The Apostle Paul traveled and lived around Turkey for years, The Apostle John and the Virgin Mary lived in Ephesus, and many of the Old and New Testament stories happened throughout Turkey. Noah's Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat in Eastern Turkey. Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas) actually came from Demre, Turkey, and was buried in Turkey (telling your kids this is your option).

It would take pages to cover all of the Biblical history that occurred in Turkey, but it is often referred to as the "second holy land." One of the oldest known human cities, Catalhoyuk, is in Turkey and is currently under excavation. Of course, Turkey is also a place where much Muslim history occurred, since the Ottoman Empire, controlled much of the known world in its time, with its magnificent mosques and palaces still wowing tourists in its former capital, Istanbul.

Dalyan Turkey

Turkey is the land of the Seljuks, the Phrygians, the Hittites, the Urartians, and other ancient cultures as well. Each culture has left traces of their presence, resulting in Turkey being known as "the cradle of civilization." Today Turkey is replete with museums, ruins, and monuments built by its ancient inhabitants. So if you want to visit the holy lands, but are concerned about your safety, Turkey is your best alternative, if not a primary choice of destinations.

Violent crime is not common in Turkey. While all cities have some level of crime, violent crime is relatively rare in Turkey when compared to most US and European cities.

There is a lot to do in Turkey. Do you dive? like to paraglide? Hike? Shop? Swim? You name it, you can do it in Turkey, and spend a lot less doing it. There is some fantastic diving to be had there, some places are actually underwater museums where you can explore ruins non-divers will never see. You can take a balloon flight over Cappadocia and see this fantastic scene from above in the tranquility of its skies. The shopping offers some fantastic bargains on carpets, gold and jewelry, and hand-made crafts. If you just want to party and have the time of your life, visit the world's largest outdoor disco in Bodrum, the Halicarnus Disco.