Text by / MOOK Travel Life Network, Li Xinyi, compiled and reported. Partial data sourced from / Moleskine Editorial Department
What comes to mind when you think of Turkey? The Ottoman Empire, Turkish baths, the Islamic world... Having been shaped by the Hittite Empire, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire, and straddling both Europe and Asia, this land has fostered a rich and vibrant array of cultural characteristics. Those who love soaking in baths or indulging in food shouldn’t miss Turkish baths and Turkish desserts. For history and culture enthusiasts, majestic mosques are scattered everywhere, and the whirling dervish dance, one of the religious ceremonies, is one of Turkey’s iconic experiences. Moreover, the friendliness of the Turkish people is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus Strait, with major historical sites located in the Asian side. (Photo provided by Zoe Lee)
Street vendors make colorful lollipops on the spot — their sweet and soft taste is worth trying. (Photo provided by Zoe Lee)
Top 1. Enjoy the Refreshment of a Turkish Bath
Taking a Turkish bath (Hamam) is a big deal for Turks. Whether it’s before Friday prayers at the mosque, before enlisting in the military, or before getting married, a good cleansing is essential. The bathhouse spaces that use marble to conduct heat are also great for socializing and recovering from fatigue. That’s why everyone in Turkey, from sultans to commoners, loves taking Turkish baths.
The bathing areas for men and women in Turkish baths are separate, and scrubbing services for female guests are provided by female attendants. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
One distinctive feature of Turkish baths is the large central marble platform within a domed structure. The dome usually has many holes to let natural light filter through, adding atmosphere amid the steam while offering a slight cool relief to bodies enveloped in intense humidity and heat. The most unique aspect of the Turkish bath is the scrubbing service, where attendants wearing coarse gloves give bathers a full-body scrub from head to toe. This uniquely Turkish experience is definitely not to be missed when you visit.
Exterior of a Turkish bath building in Safranbolu. (Photo provided by Zoe Lee)
Top 2. Taste the Variety of Turkish Desserts
Turks have a strong preference for sweets, and the level of sweetness may be overwhelming for those from Taiwan, but skipping out on desserts almost feels like you haven’t truly visited Turkey.
Turkish dessert shops can be found everywhere and are also popular souvenirs. (Photo provided by Zoe Lee)
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