BY AYESHA BİLAL (PSYC/III)
ayesha@ug.bilkent.edu.tr
While you may be tirelessly waiting for temperatures to rise and the sun to heat up the water before you start thinking about your next holiday in this beautiful country, you mustn’t forget that Turkey has much more to offer than stunning aqua-blue beaches and endlessly stretching sandy shores surrounded by towering cliffs and buzzing restaurants with delicious cuisine. Turkey is what I call the “history capital of the world.” Head to any place, even the smallest of towns, and you’re bound to find traces of human life going back hundreds and thousands of years: countless cultures and civilizations and periods of history that existed in the very place you now stand! And if you’re unmoved by the prospect of exploring such historic places, then the abundance of winter sports and other cold-weather activities ensures that everyone’s interests are covered. Snowy mountaintops, the likes of Kayseri and Uludağ, are usually active from December to March, providing exciting opportunities for skiing, snowboarding and enjoying winter amidst the picturesque beauty of the mountains.
I could keep going on and on about the various places you probably already know about, but I’m sure you want to learn more than what’s just a Google search away. What many may not know or realize is that the same places people flock to in the summer to enjoy sunny beaches and the relief of cool salty water can also serve as great vacation spots even in the wintertime; maybe not each and every one of them, but a vast majority nevertheless.
You see, while the temperature may drop and the water get colder, the wonderful historical and natural sites don’t go away. In fact, for those who are interested in this kind of sightseeing and wish to use every opportunity possible to explore different provinces and the jewels they hold, I actually contend that winter may be an even better time to visit places such as those around the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, and inland cities in the western part of Turkey. Though temperatures drop, these areas never get unbearably cold, as does Ankara at times, and so not only is it a break from the below-zero temperatures, but it’s also the best time for hiking and trekking in the mountains and around the historic sites that lie scattered in these regions. Without the scorching heat that tires you out during summertime treks, this is the perfect time to embrace nature in conditions that are cool and conducive to a perfect hike.
Perhaps the best place to do this is along the Mediterranean coast, where various well-constructed hiking trails and paths exist, going from town to town: for example, the Lycian Way, which begins near Fethiye and goes all the way to Kemer. Though the complete trek could take almost a month, depending on what time of the year you go and how much time you choose to spend in each town, you can easily create your own route from one point to another along the path, in accordance with the time constraints you may have. The only downside to this is that the small coastal towns lining the Mediterranean tend to sort of die down when it’s not tourist season, so most shops and restaurants outside the downtown areas are closed, and finding hotels and places to eat might be slightly more difficult than in the summertime.
For me, however, this downside is completely offset by the fact that when it comes to exploring ancient Greek ruins or museums, or hiking through the endless forests, the lack of tourists and the serenity of the environment make the trip all the better. I like the feeling of having the whole place to myself and being able to see the sights comfortably, without the hustle and bustle of crowds and long ticket lines.
Moreover, as soon as winter turns to spring, camping fans can get out their tents and sleeping bags and head to the coast, where the camping season never really shuts down. The Black Sea coast also offers campsites at extremely cheap rates and the additional tranquility that comes with the area. Campers need only wait until spring comes along and the nights become slightly less frigid, while the days are still cool and breezy, to head northward or southward.
Inland, destinations such as Cappadocia offer a quick trip and beautiful scenery that never goes away. Although just right now it may be too cold and snowy to enjoy it in its full glory, the area will soon start to warm up a bit but will still be free of large tourist crowds, so that you can enjoy it peacefully. Places such as Ürgüp are smaller towns that enjoy the exquisite setting of Cappadocia but host fewer tourists than its more popular towns, and they generally don’t shut down when it isn’t tourist season, so small hotels and restaurants will not be difficult to find. I personally remember going to Ürgüp around late February-early March and staying in a beautiful rock hotel, carved into the mountains much like the rest of the city. The weather was not incredibly cold, and the experience was unforgettable.
Before the semester heats up and free time gets scarce, rev up Google and check out the ample array of locations around the coasts, where it’s never too cold, and all the travel destinations this country offers year round. Make the best of the weekends and any free time you may have this semester, and explore as much as you can! With that, I hope you start this semester well, and end it even better. Welcome back to Bilkent, folks!