Turkey is a unique country with a distinctive culture resulting from being situated on both the European and Asian continents. Turkey's history and daily life is heavily influenced by both, with most considering Turkey to be economically and politically closer to other European countries, while it is geographically located mostly on the Asian continent and is solidly positioned as an Islamic country, along with its Middle Eastern neighbors, in terms of religion.
However, most residents and visitors would agree that Turkey is set apart from other Islamic countries as far more progressive and Westernized, primarily due to its strong connection with Europe. This is one of the many reasons why gay tours to this intriguing country can be comfortably undertaken and is generally without issue.
Millions of tourists flock to Turkey each year, many of which are on gay vacations devoted to relaxing on pristine beaches in resort towns on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, exploring ancient architecture and ruins, and taking part in gay tours that include some of Turkey's most enticing spiritual, cultural and historical sites.
As the historical capital of both the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, there is virtually no end to the historic sites located throughout Istanbul and Turkey. Whether travelers opt for an urban gay travel experience in Istanbul, or a more rural vacation exploring old-world villages, visitors will feel like they have stepped into a different world where culturally-rich experiences are waiting around every corner.
From visiting hammams (traditional public Turkish baths) to sitting at sidewalk cafs drinking sweet black tea or strong Turkish coffee, gay vacations in Turkey allow travelers to immerse themselves in this distinctive culture, with plenty of opportunities to partake in once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
When opting for Turkey gay tours, you will find that your time in Turkey can be even more fulfilling and memorable with the added advantage of professional travel planners organizing the logistics of your trip.
While travelers may not see a vocal, well-organized LGBT community during their gay vacations to Turkey, they will see that there is an LGBT scene and community. Unlike other Islamic countries, there are no laws specifically targeting the LGBT community and there are numerous community discos, bars and other establishments, many of which can be found in the Taksim Square neighborhood of Istanbul.
With many fun nightspots from which to choose, those partaking in gay travel in Turkey certainly have the opportunity to indulge in a bit of Turkish LGBT life, while those who select gay vacations for their travel are sure to find that this option provides a unique experience filled with awe-inspiring sites and memorable experiences.
However, most residents and visitors would agree that Turkey is set apart from other Islamic countries as far more progressive and Westernized, primarily due to its strong connection with Europe. This is one of the many reasons why gay tours to this intriguing country can be comfortably undertaken and is generally without issue.
Millions of tourists flock to Turkey each year, many of which are on gay vacations devoted to relaxing on pristine beaches in resort towns on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, exploring ancient architecture and ruins, and taking part in gay tours that include some of Turkey's most enticing spiritual, cultural and historical sites.
As the historical capital of both the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, there is virtually no end to the historic sites located throughout Istanbul and Turkey. Whether travelers opt for an urban gay travel experience in Istanbul, or a more rural vacation exploring old-world villages, visitors will feel like they have stepped into a different world where culturally-rich experiences are waiting around every corner.
From visiting hammams (traditional public Turkish baths) to sitting at sidewalk cafs drinking sweet black tea or strong Turkish coffee, gay vacations in Turkey allow travelers to immerse themselves in this distinctive culture, with plenty of opportunities to partake in once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
When opting for Turkey gay tours, you will find that your time in Turkey can be even more fulfilling and memorable with the added advantage of professional travel planners organizing the logistics of your trip.
While travelers may not see a vocal, well-organized LGBT community during their gay vacations to Turkey, they will see that there is an LGBT scene and community. Unlike other Islamic countries, there are no laws specifically targeting the LGBT community and there are numerous community discos, bars and other establishments, many of which can be found in the Taksim Square neighborhood of Istanbul.
With many fun nightspots from which to choose, those partaking in gay travel in Turkey certainly have the opportunity to indulge in a bit of Turkish LGBT life, while those who select gay vacations for their travel are sure to find that this option provides a unique experience filled with awe-inspiring sites and memorable experiences.
About the Author:
The creator of this commentary about Turkey is Howie Holben. Howie operates Spirit Journeys, a gay retreat organization. Spirit Journeys presents spiritual gay travel destinations world wide.
