10 vibes for Central

Be Mesmerized by The Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia, Nevşehir 

The moonscaped region of Cappadocia is most famous for its unique geological features called fairy chimneys.The large, cone-like formations were created over time by erosion of the relatively soft volcanic ash around them. Past cultures have dug into them to create dwellings, castles (like Uçhisar) and even entire underground cities like Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu, used as hiding places by early Christians. Nowadays, Cappadocia is an open-air museum full of unparalleled natural and cultural phemomena.

Travel to Neolithic Era in Konya

Located 40 km from Konya city center, Çatalhöyük is renowned as one of the earliest settlements of the Neolithic era, shedding light on the dawn of human settlement with unique examples of the earliest domestic architecture and landscape painting as well as sacred objects of the mother-goddess cult. The site has extraordinary arts and crafts, with the earliest finds dating from 7400 BCE, and it has been an important key to unlocking the mysteries of the beginnings of agriculture and civilization.

Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk in Ankara

To the mind of many Ankara’s most important monument is the eternal resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern Türkiye. This mausoleum, built between 1944 and 1953, is a magnificent, neo-classical building appropriately designed with sombre lines and set on a vast esplanade. The entry to the mausoleum, known in Turkish as Anıtkabir, is provided through a triumphant alley lined with granite lions. It is a fitting monument to the greatness of the founder of modern Türkiye.

Ski on Mount Erciyes in Kayseri

Erciyes Ski Center is on Mount Erciyes (3,916 m), the highest summit of Anatolia. Mount Erciyes is a young extinct volcano, presenting visitors with several visible volcanic cones. Erciyes is one of the world’s most centralized ski resorts by virtue of its geographical position. It is possible to access one-third of the world with a four-hour flight. There are 15 daily scheduled flights from İstanbul to nearby Kayseri. Erciyes Ski Resort is just 25 minutes to Kayseri Airport, 20 minutes to Kayseri city center, and 60 minutes to Cappadocia.

Walk Through Ihlara Valley in Cappadocia, Aksaray

Located near Mount Hasan and Mount Melendiz in Cappadocia Region, the Ihlara Valley is an incredible gorge with a stunning river running right down the heart of the valley for 16 km within the volcanic rock. It has a depth of approximately 100 m and was formed by the Melendiz River thousands of years ago. It begins at the village of Ihlara and ends at Selime Monastery at the village of Selime after making 26 bends along 14 kilometers. It is very pleasant to walk through the valley by the vineyards, poplars, and pistachio trees to the soothing sound of the rushing water of the Melendiz River, and surrounded by rich wildlife such as lizards, frogs, butterflies, birds, and sometimes eagles, and mammals like lamb and sheep.

Watch the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony in Konya 

Mevlevi Sema Ceremony is a mystical ceremony with religious elements, themes and detailed rules. The Sema Ceremony is performed with traditional Mevlevi music in places where the Mevlevi culture can be accurately conveyed. Mevlevi Sema Ceremony is on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2008.

See the One of the Most Beautiful Examples in Seljuk Architecture in Sivas

Divriği district, 150 km east of Sivas, is famous for its Divriği Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) Complex. The complex consists of a mosque and a hospital that is attached to it. An important detail is the use of shadows in the three-dimensional ornamentation of the two entrances of the mosque, which cast a giant shadow of a praying man that changes his pose as the sun moves. The whole complex was built in the 13^th century, during the Seljuk period. The exquisite carvings and architecture of both buildings place them among the most important works of architecture in Anatolia.

Do Outdoor Sports at Aladağlar National Park in Niğde and Kayseri

Aladağlar National Park is located at the intersection of the cities of Kayseri, Niğde and Adana. It is the home of the highest peaks of the Taurus Mountains range. The Aladağlar National Park is one of Türkiye's most intriguing locations from a geological point of view. The park is a favorite destination of climbers and welcomes many local and foreign climbing enthusiasts every year. Between April and September, rafting is carried out on approximately 15 km of the Zamantı River. Caving, photo, jeep, and bicycle safaris, tour skiing, paragliding, rafting, canoeing, and hiking in the Aladağlar National Park are popular outdoor activities.

Drink the Local Wines in Cappadocia, Nevşehir

In Cappadocia, it wouldn’t be fair if you’d come all this way and return without trying the delicious Cappadocian wines. This region holding the well-established winemaking tradition for thousands of years, owes its famous vineyards to the tuff formed by the volcanic activities. Anatolian grapes such as Öküzgözü, Kalecik Karası, Boğazkere, Narince and Emir grow graciously thanks to the rich tuff soil. It gets better! Cappadocia wineries are open for visitation all year long, making your trip possible at any given moment.

Take a Photo on Tuz Gölü (Lake Salt) in Konya, Aksaray and Ankara

The Lake Tuz is the second largest lake in Türkiye after Lake Van. It is mainly fed by underground water. In summer, dry period dominates which results in the formation of a salt layer about 30 cm by means of excessive evaporation in the lake. It is one of the saltiest lakes of the world. The surface of the edges of the lake looks like an empty planet in which many visitors can perceive some oasis on the horizon. So, you should not forget to take unique photos!