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     The 17th AHFE International Conference will be held July 20-24, 2026 at Fenerbahçe University, Istanbul, Turkey.

Welcome to Türkiye

Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.

Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey ©  (Courtesy: https://istanbul.ktb.gov.tr)

Istanbul: The Cultural and Economic Hub

Turkey is a country that enjoys beautiful scenery and a rich culture. Living in Turkey means you get to spend your time between visiting historical sites as well as beaches. The country is vibrant and buzzing with life all year long which attracts people from all around the world to come and find a new home for themselves in the heart of the country. Although many people have heard about the beauty of Turkey and life in it, not all of them know which cities to visit or live in when they move to Turkey. The aim of this guide is to do just that. This guide introduces the reader to the mesmerizing cities in Turkey and explores each one of them mentioning its main attractions and what life is like.

Istanbul is one of the world's great cities, period. For millennia, it's been at the crossroads of civilizations, where Europe meets Asia. Few places on earth have seen more history than this sprawling metropolis on the Bosphorus. Over the centuries, Istanbul served as the capital of two grand empires: the Byzantine (as "Constantinople"), then of the conquering Ottomans. Monuments to those empires still impress: the great church, then mosque, of Hagia Sophia; the gorgeous Blue Mosque; and Topkapı Palace, once the seat of sultans. But today's dynamic city — where fishermen sell sandwiches from bobbing boats, and sturdy trams and ferries carry thousands of people daily — offers more than history lessons. Sample sweets at the busy Spice Market. Pause to hear the call to prayer echoing across rooftops. Inhale apple-flavored smoke from a water pipe, let yourself be mesmerized by whirling dervishes, get cleaner than you've ever been at a Turkish bath. Linger over a seafood feast, then take in a skyline of floodlit minarets.

The Bosphorus Bridge  is the bridge in Istanbul that connects the European and Asian continents. It spans the Bosphorus Strait, a waterway that separates the two continents. The bridge is a vital transportation link and a prominent symbol of Istanbul's unique geographic position.

The Bosphorus Bridge ©  (Courtesy: https://istanbul.ktb.gov.tr)

Bursa: The Green City

Bursa, a historic city in northwestern Turkey, well known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural surroundings. As the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa is steeped in history, with multiple landmarks such as the Grand Mosque and the Green Tomb that reflect its glorious past. The city enjoys parks and gardens, like the famous Uludağ National Park, that offer a relaxing opportunity for outdoor activities, including skiing in the winter. Bursa is also famous for its thermal baths and delicious cuisine. The city's lively bazaars and markets, together with its modern shopping centers, provide a lively shopping experience. Life in Bursa is a blend of tradition and modernity, offering a unique and enriching lifestyle for citizens, expats, and Tourists.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia, a historical structure located in Istanbul, Turkey, has served as a church, mosque, and museum throughout its history, showcasing a rich blend of architectural and cultural significance. Originally built as a Byzantine cathedral, it later became a mosque under Ottoman rule and is currently used as a mosque again after serving as a museum for several decades

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a stunning region in Central Anatolia, Turkey, renowned for its otherworldly landscapes and unique historical and cultural heritage. It is most famous for its distinctive "fairy chimneys," towering cone-shaped rock formations sculpted by millennia of erosion. These geological marvels are concentrated in places like Monks Valley and Göreme, drawing in thousands of tourists each year.

Lying in south central Turkey, the moonscaped region of Cappadocia, southeast of Ankara, is most famous for 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 Uchisar) and even entire underground cities like Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, used as hiding places by early Christians. Nearby Kayseri is the gateway to the area.

 

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