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Turkish cuisine

Turkish cuisine is particularly varied in taste. Due to the different historical influences, Turkish food has changed more and more. Starting with the starter, called meze in Turkey, you can expect both cold and warm dishes. Different types of dips, filled grape leaves, cigar böreks and much more are served in a similar form to Spanish tapas. There is also fresh flatbread, which is nibbled in good company.

Even with the main courses, your mouth watered while reading. Served in a fresh flatbread with salad and sauce, the “rotating grilled meat” (kebab) became famous in Austria under the name Döner. But Turkish cuisine has a lot more to offer than just kebab. So-called kofte, meatballs made from beef or lamb, which are served well seasoned with bread, are particularly popular. The Pide dough boats, which are topped with different ingredients, are also extremely tasty . Vegetarian variations often contain potatoes, cheese and spinach, while the normal pide still have a minced meat topping. Overall, the diversity of the Turkish cuisine makes it a poem even for vegetarians. Of filled peppers and aubergines, to filled puff pastry pockets with spinach and cheese, so-called Böreks, there is something for every taste.

In addition to hearty specialties, Turkish cuisine also offers delicious desserts. Everyone of you probably knows baklava. Between sheets of puff pastry there is a delicious mixture of chopped walnuts, almonds or pistachios. The delicacy is rounded off with a sugar syrup bath. Not for calorie counters, but incredibly tasty! A little more unusual is the angel hair dessert, also known as Künefe. Thin threads of dough are placed in butter and coated with cheese. After baking, the whole thing is soaked again in lemon syrup.

The yoghurt drink Ayran is an indispensable part of Turkish cuisine. Consisting of water, salt and yogurt, it is considered the national drink of Turkey. The Turkish tea çay should not be missing from the most popular drinks of the Turks. Served in small glasses, you will find it on the generously laid table at every meal.

Activities in Turkey

In addition to admiring the countless sights of Turkey, the country of two continents offers you many more activities. If you love the underwater world, I can recommend diving in Turkey to you. In addition to various reefs and a colorful variety of fish, you can also explore sunken ships here. If you don’t want to go that deep, you can try snorkeling first. In most hotels on the Turkish Riviera you can rent the snorkeling equipment you need. After all, the cool water is always a refreshing change after extensive sunbathing.

Also hiking in Turkey is a popular activity. Discover the different hiking trails, which differ significantly depending on the region. In the plateau of the Taurus Mountains you can expect a pretty mountain landscape with green meadows and in winter even with snow. In the lower plains, on the other hand, you can look forward to coasts and beaches. For longer hiking tours, the Lycian way is suitable, which leads you over 509 kilometers from Antalya to Fethiye. On the way you should make a longer stop at the famous Öludeniz beach insert. The picture-book beach enchants with its blue lagoon and untouched nature. Are you drawn to the sea again at the sight of this beautiful blue? No problem. How about a sailing trip? In Turkey you have the opportunity to learn to sail or just relax on a sailing boat and let a fresh breeze blow your nose.

Hotels and accommodations in Turkey

In Turkey you will find a particularly large number of luxury hotels where you can spend a wonderful vacation on the beach. If you book these hotels with all-inclusive meals, you don’t have to worry about anything. But budget hotels or apartments also invite you to travel to Turkey. Regardless of which region of the country you want to visit, a multitude of hotels await you everywhere. Whether in the pulsating metropolises of Istanbul and Antalya or directly on the beach on the Turkish Riviera, the hotels all have one thing in common: They give you a wonderful break from everyday stress. The various holiday apartments and houses ensure more personal accommodation in Turkey. Right on the beach, in the middle of Istanbul, or would you prefer nature with your own pool? There are no limits to your wishes.

Holidays in Turkey 2019

The dates of the holidays in Turkey differ depending on the use of the Islamic lunar calendar or the Gregorian calendar. Below you will find the dates of the public holidays in Turkey according to the Gregorian calendar. Victory Day and Republic Day of Turkey are especially celebrated. In addition to military parades, a wide variety of events for young and old take place. On public holidays, offices, schools and shops are closed or have shortened opening times. It is best to find out how much you are affected directly at the holiday destination.

Holidays in Turkey 2019:

• Tuesday 01.01.2019 New Years
• Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 national sovereignty and child holiday
• Wed. May 1st, 2019 Labor Day
• Sun. May 19, 2019, a holiday of youth, sport and the memory of Ataturk
• Wed-Fri 05.06.-07.06.2019 Festival of the breaking of the fast
• Sun-Wed 11.08-14.08.2019 Islamic Festival of Sacrifice
• Fri. 08/30/2019 Turkey Victory Day
• Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 Republic Day of Turkey

Turkish for Beginners

To make the Turks happy, you can try to learn a few bits of Turkish before your trip. I have picked out the most important vocabulary for you, which you can probably quickly save in your head. Get to know the culture of your hosts better and spend an incomparable time in Turkey.

• Hello – Merhaba
• Hello – Iyi günler
• Goodbye – Görüşürüz
• Yes – Evet
• No – Hayır
• Thank you – Teşekkür ederim
• Please – Memnuniyetle
• Sorry – Özür dilerim
• My name is… – Benim adım…
• Help – Yardım edin