On the Aegean coast in Turkey, between Selçuk and Kusadasi, is found one of the principal ancient sites of Asia Minor: that of Ephesus, which still has many ancient Greek and Roman remains today. Unfortunately, of the previously grand wonder of the world, you will only be able to admire a few fragments of columns...

The ancient site of Ephesus, from one temple to another

A cosmopolitan district of Istanbul, Kadiköy is one of the most lively areas of the mega-city. An authentic atmosphere blending modern impulses with its young population thrilling the old warriors looking to merge into the crowds.

Authentic promenade in the districts of Kadiköy

Hasankeyf is in south-eastern Turkey, a very small city containing numerous natural and human wonders. Associated with a rich, ancient history, the diverse geological and archaeological particularities definitely make this village a place to visit. You must visit Hasankeyf as quickly as possible, because a dam project will soon completely cover this little gem.

Hasankeyf, ephemeral splendour.

Classed under World Heritage by Unesco for its numerous Ottoman houses, Safranbolu has conserved the charm of its old cities. Famous for its saffron, it is pleasant to wander its paved streets, to admire its aqueduct or to go and explore the caves of Bulak, nearby.

Safranbolu, the saffron city

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Bergama

Selçuk

Ephesus

Once a troglodytic monastery,  nowadays, Zelve is an open air museum of traditional buildings with a magnificent religious complex that was carved from the rock.

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If you decide to spend two days in Zelve, I suggest you spend the first in the valleys and the second exploring the ancient town of Zelve and its open air museum.
To reach the valleys, I started out on my walk from the town of Ortahisar and finished three hours later in Çavuşir, a small village that's home to an old mill. As it gets really hot during the summer in Cappadoce, it's pleasant to walk under the shady trees and stop off at chapels along the way. I remember that the apricots and plums we picked straight from trees were delicious and juicy!
The ancient town of Zelve is small and beginning to crumble. I loved exploring its churches and houses where the earliest Christians once lived. Some dovecotes are still in use and if you clap your hands, you'll see all pigeons fly off! When you're ready for a break, try some gözleme - a pastry that's stuffed with cheese, potato or mincemeat - washed down with some ayran, a yoghurt-based drink.
I ended my tour of Zelve with a visit to the open air museum , where you'll find religious drawings, churches and fairy chimneys.

A must-see in the Cappadoce, Zelve is in the Nevşehir region. The area is famous for its fairy chimneys. Many of its residents were forced to leave their homes due to problems with erosion.

If you want to familiarize yourself with traditional troglodytic houses in Cappadocia, then the open air museum at Zelve is a great placeto go, especially as it has some architectural and historical marvels. In the heart of valleys that have been empty of people since they were evacuated for security reasons in 1952, Zelve monastery was actively inhabited from the 9th to the 13th century. Zelve is a little less impressive than Goreme monastery, which has extraordinary wall paintings, but is nonetheless worth a visit if you happen to be in <a href="/turkey/">Cappadocia</a>.

Once a troglodytic monastery, nowadays, Zelve is an open air museum of traditional buildings with a magnificent religious complex that was carved from the rock.

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