Getaway spots to make the most of long bayram

The Bayram holidays in Turkey have become synonymous with taking a trip these days. When the government decides to extend the bayram holidays, the big cities, in particular, become deserted. For residents of Turkey's major metropolises here are a few suggestions from daily Hürriyet's travel writer Mehmet Yaşin.
ISTANBUL
Following Sinan
For the residents of Istanbul, tracking the masterpieces of Sinan, the legendary architect of Ottoman times during these moments of relative calm provides the perfect opportunity. The famed architect’s works are always visible from a distance, but taking a closer look is seldom an affordable luxury when life in the city is business as usual. This bayram spare a day to explore the works of Sinan.

Start by visiting the Rüstempaşa Mosque just in front of the Süleymaniye Mosque. One will come across not only the architectural genius of Sinan, but also some of the finest examples of ceramic glazed tiles from İznik.

Then one can observe Sinan’s works at the peak of his architectural talent by taking in the Süleymaniye Mosque, which looks down on the city from above.

Afterward, watch the mystical embrace between time and space at Şehzadebaşı, in the Şehzade Mehmet Mosque, which the master described as, "the work of my apprenticeship period." Later, witness how Sinan combined stone, color and light in the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque at Edirnekapı. The final stop is at Edirnekapı: The Gazi Kara Ahmet Paşa Mosque.

If an architectural journey does not hold any appeal, consider fishing along the shores of the Bosphorus, taking a walk in the forests of Şile or Ağva near Istanbul, followed by a seafood meal at one of the many restaurants dotted along the area.

ANKARA
Back to the past
If in Ankara during the bayram holiday, get in a car and go to Beypazarı, an hour and a half drive from the capital. Beypazarı is not only one of the most beautiful towns in the area, but was an important settlement of the historical Silk Road caravans, especially for those traveling to Baghdad. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes because long walks await through the back streets of the town.

There were 3,060 two-storied houses with cobbled walls in the town, according to the famous Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi. Now, nearly half of these houses have been restored and returned to their former glory. A walk through the narrow streets is like a journey into the past.

Beypazarı’s cuisine is as renowned as its houses. Yarımca pastry, stuffed vine leaves, hot pots of chicken, vegetables and meat, and a special baklava consisting of 80 layers are among the delicacies on offer. Beypazarı also has another reputed treat called "Kuru" which consists of flour, milk and butter, this cracker-like concoction is the pride of the town.

If Beypazarı holds no appeal, a walk through the flatlands of Abant or Kartalkaya is a viable option, along with a trip to the picturesque Yedi Göller (Seven Lakes), or a visit to the capital’s renowned Hittite Museum.

ADANA
To the capital of history
If in Adana during the bayram holidays, definitely consider spending a day in Tarsus. It is an hour’s hour drive at most. Enter Tarsus through the Gate of Cleopatra. According to legend, Cleopatra came here to meet the Roman commander Marcus Antonius in 41 B.C. The gate, which was by the seaside back then.

After entering the town through the gate, a visit to the church of Paul the Apostle is a must. This church was built upon the foundations of an older one.

Tarsus was the capital of the Hittites, Assyrians and Achaemenid Empires. A walk down the "antique street," discovered by accident in 1993, is a good way to better understand the glory of Tarsus’ past. The street with its basalt stones represents the durability of the infrastructure and richness of the town from ancient times. Make it a priority to visit the restaurant by the waterfalls to taste Tarsus’ famous mini lahmacun, a very thin Turkish pizza, kebabs and buttered hummus. If that does not whet the appetite, try eating liver at the Kazancılar Bazaar.

ANTALYA
Undying ancient fire
There are a lot of options for those spending this bayram holiday in Antalya. It is wise to leave Antalya to tourists and escape to the surrounding areas. A drive to Yanartaş in Olympus might just be the thing to do.

The ancient fire at Yanartaş (Burning Stone), has been burning for ages on one of the hills of Mount Olympus. It takes a one-hour climb on a narrow forest path to get there.

The fire comes out of a hole in the middle of a rocky spot surrounded by a dense cover of trees. Homer described this fire as a creature that looks like a lion from the front, and from the middle, a goat that breathes fire, thus leading to its association with the mythical creature of chimera. A walk down the narrow streets of Kaleiçi, a visit to nearby Saklıkent, a visit to the ancient theater of Termessos, or an expedition to the Bey Mountains are other viable options.