Oh, Turkey — or shall we say Türkiye? The country officially changed its name at the United Nations in 2022 to better reflect its rich culture, values, and traditions.
How do we even begin talking about all those, plus the unique landscapes, and otherwordly views?
The country uniquely sits between Europe and Asia, making it a popular stop on European travels, particularly on popular cruises from around the world.
But Türkiye deserves a trip of its own. A 12-hour flight from the Philippines will take travelers to the bustling capital of Istanbul, where Türkiye’s European side takes front and center. Everyday conveniences like various public transportation options, never-ending shops and cafes, and a whole lot of modernity can make the city feel commonplace. Locals, who speak fluent Turkish and English, are so warm and open. Always down for a small talk, they can easily make visitors feel understood and instantly welcomed.
Located mostly in Asia Minor — with smaller parts of the country sitting in Southeast Europe — Türkiye boasts of a diverse set of cultures, races, and religions. It is primarily a Muslim country with prayers heard daily, but the country has a deep history with Christianity, which is also still being practiced today.
And that’s all from just scratching the surface.
In this series, GMA News Online explores the wonders of Türkiye.
LAST OF FOUR PARTS
Consider Türkiye a destination for those seeking guidance and healing.
Mysticism and spirituality are big in Turkish culture, after all. For instance, it considers the Evil Eye, popular among new age and astrology enthusiasts, a lucky charm.
The famed Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia was named such because for the locals, only fairies could have made such wondrous landscapes. They are gifted with unique mountains and rock formations that locals thank Mother Nature profusely for giving them these views.
But Türkiye has quite the rich history of religion as well. Cappadocia is also where the early Christians lived, back when Christianity was not accepted. They held mass in caves and painted their imagery on its walls, now known as the Goreme Open Air Museum.
These days, Türkiye is primarily a Muslim country, with prayers heard and masses held daily.
If you’ve been stuck in a rut, struggling, and looking for some spiritual compass, consider this your sign.
1. Learn about the Turkish Evil Eye
The Evil Eye is a significant part of Turkish culture, prominently displayed in most, if not all, shops, restaurants, cars, and even on posts.
According to our guide, the Evil Eye or Nazar is a Turkish lucky charm. The figure with its large iris has a superstitious story. Locals believe that when you look at it with good intentions and a good heart, your positive intentions will go back to you.
Similarly, bad intentions will be reflected back to you if you look at the Evil Eye with bad intentions.
Throughout the shops in Türkiye, the Evil Eye is available for sale as bracelets, room charms, scarves, necklaces, ceramic items, and more to serve as protection from negative energy.
2. Fly over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon
Flying over the Cappadocia region in a hot air balloon is one amazing way to take in the breathtaking landscapes that cannot be found anywhere else. It’sCappadocia’s top tourist activity for this very reason.
Viewing wondrous landscapes from up there — like inactive volcanoes Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan — is in itself a way to be one with Mother Nature.
But that’s not all. Marveling at Mother Nature at dawn from up in the air makes for a humbling moment. It can make you feel small — in a good way because it puts all your worries, your bad experiences, your heart break to scale. Seeing dawn break from the sky — it’s hard not to be grateful for life, and for this earth.
Read more from this series:
3. Healing crystals are sold at most souvenir shops
Healing crystals in their natural forms or as jewelry are sold at most souvenir shops in Türkiye. These crystals are never perfect and come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, adding to their beauty.
Some shops even sell these by the gram, or could be chosen randomly from a large container. The staff are also always willing to share their benefits.
A bright red stone, coral, caught my eye, and as they always say, a crystal chooses you and not the other way around. Coral harnesses the power of the Turkish Evil Eye and also provides stability and focus. Physically, it strengthens the heart and the spleen.
4. Make a wish on Evil Eyes
The Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia not only holds a panoramic view of rock formations, the early Christian caves, and the Fairy Chimneys, but is also a place where wishes can be made.
The Pigeon Valley has a tree with numerous Evil Eye amulets tied around its branches, as guests are welcome to buy a charm, make a wish, and tie it around.
Under the tree, there are huge natural obsidian rocks or volcanic stones, as the valley is located in a volcanic area. Historically, it was used to hunt animals.
But from a spiritual point of view, obsidian is a dark gemstone best known for being protective. It can block and transform negative energies, and is regarded as a stone for grounding. Obsidian is also available in its natural rock shapes or as jewelry at souvenir shops.
5. Learn about people you admire
The Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul is best known as the place where detective author Agatha Christie frequently stayed at, specifically in Room 411 between 1926 and 1932. In fact, she wrote her world-famous novel, The Murder on the Orient Express, at the hotel.
As an avid reader, just standing outside the hotel was a surreal experience. To think that a legend walked these same streets and lived their lives in the same city I was standing in grounded me in new ways. I couldn’t help but think about the thoughts running through Agatha’s mind, what her life in Istanbul was like, and how like myself and everybody else, she was just trying to figure life out.
This story was produced through a familiarization trip sponsored by Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA).
— LA, GMA Integratd News
