Getting Ready

Since its territory includes land both in Europe and Asia, Turkey is technically a Eurasian country with a rich history and culture that reflect the flavors of both continents. Turkey's ancient cities mark it as one of the oldest continually inhabited regions in the world, influenced by many civilizations that preceded the Turks, with the Asian side settled as early as 7000 BC. For a time, the Hittite, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires each controlled the Anatolian peninsula now considered modern Turkey.

Over the years, Byzantium, later renamed Constantinople and then Istanbul, has held its ground as a powerful city. In fact, during the 4th Century, it even rivaled Rome as the center of the Christian world. When the Seljuks (Turks) arrived at the end of the 11th Century, they introduced Islam and a different language to the country. They were eventually defeated by the Mongols, and then the Ottomans took control of Constantinople in 1453.

The Republic of Turkey was born in 1922, when the Ottoman Empire fell after the end of World War I and the newly formed Republican assembly of Turkey overthrew Sultan Mehmet VI Vahdettin. Turkish nationalists won the Turkish War of Independence, which established modern Turkey's boundaries as stated in the Treaty of Lausanne, signed on July 24, 1923. Turkey's new secular, democratic government, with Mustafa Kemal (dubbed Atatürk by Turkish citizens) as the first president, reformed the country and moved the capital to Ankara.

Following Atatürk's death, Turkey signed a peace treaty with Germany during World War II and officially remained neutral until near the end of the war, whereupon the country declared war on Germany and Japan - a gesture that was largely symbolic. On October 24, 1945, Turkey became one of 50 original members to sign the United Nations Charter. Turkey remains one of the world's favorite destinations, thrilling visitors who come from every corner of the globe to bask in its exotic glories.

Ancient Turkey, A Traveller's History

Written by the former head of the British Archaeological Institute in Ankara, this book is an indispensable account of Turkey's ancient civilizations and monuments. It's a lively tale of cultures and conquest, from prehistoric times to the Christian era. With maps, drawings, site plans and a section of color photographs. Buy now

Alexander the Great

This popular biography of the famed warrior and conqueror Alexander the Great is noteworthy for its scholarship, great descriptions and psychological insight. Buy now

Turkish Reflections, A Biography of a Place

Settle returns to the country that was the setting of her award-winning 1978 novel. Her exemplary travelogue is a richly detailed, captivating portrait of contemporary Turkey, its people, myths, treasures and traditions. Buy now

Istanbul, Memories and the City

Nobel Prize-winner Pamuk writes with melancholy and quiet grace of the city of his birth, celebrated in his many novels, a magic place of crumbling wooden mansions and Ottoman riches, mingling Asian, Islamic, secular and European influences. Buy now

A Traveller's Companion to Istanbul

The heart of modern Turkey, and the splendid center of a once-glorious empire, Istanbul’s fascinating history spans 28 centuries. This anthology features an illuminating selection by writers, foreign and Turkish, on Istanbul over the ages. Buy now

The Children's Homer, The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy

Three-time Newbery Award-winning author Padraic Colum retells the great adventure stories for young readers. Featuring Helen of Troy, the Cyclops, and other legendary characters, it’s a great introduction to the world of Homer. Buy now

The Iliad

In this brilliant retelling of the classic, popular children's author McCarty recounts in vivid detail the triumphs and defeats of Achilles, Odysseus, and Hector. Buy now

Troy

Told from the point of view of four Trojan teenagers, this highly acclaimed young adult novel puts a spin on the classic “Iliad” by giving it a young and feminist perspective. Buy now

Turkey

A detailed overview of the history, geography, and culture of Turkey, and the challenges the country faces as the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Includes maps, illustrations, and anecdotes. Buy now

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films transport you to the mystical lands of Persia for this wildly entertaining, epic action-adventure. It's a race against time when a rogue prince reluctantly teams up with a rival princess to safeguard a magical dagger that gives its possessor the power to reverse time and rule the world.
Buy now

Troy (2007)

When Paris, the Trojan prince, convinces Helen, Queen of Sparta, to leave her husband and sail away with him, an epic war results between Troy and Greece. This film, a retelling of the classic Iliad, follows the fates of the men involved. Buy now

National Geographic Video: Beyond the Movie — Troy (2004)

Through historic recreations and interviews with noted scientists, historians, and archaeologists, this video explores such mysteries as whether Troy really existed, where it might have been, the facts behind the Trojan War, and who Helen of Troy really was. Buy now

Helen of Troy (2003)

This 4-hour TV miniseries is a powerful retelling of the epic adventure story about a famed beauty and a legendary war. Buy now

From Russia With Love (1964)

Directed by Terence Young, the second James Bond spy thriller is considered by many fans to be the best of them all. Certainly Sean Connery was never better as the dashing Agent 007, whose latest mission takes him to Istanbul to retrieve a top-secret Russian decoding machine. Buy now

Age of Mythology

This award-winning game transports players to a time when heroes battled monsters, and gods dabbled in the affairs of men. Players are cast as one of nine ancient Greek, Egyptian or Norse gods, commanding all aspects of their empire from wars to trade routes. Buy now

In Istanbul, women should dress modestly, but it is not necessary to cover your head, arms and shoulders unless you are visiting a mosques or other holy site. Pack a scarf that can double as a lightweight cover-up and a headscarf. Boys under 12 can wear shorts. Men should wear long pants when visiting Mosques, though shorts are OK on boats or on the beach.

This is primarily a boat trip. You will not need much, and better yet, you get to unpack once! Cottons and other natural fibers will be the most comfortable. Bring a light jacket or sweater for evenings.

Since the kids will be in and out of water, a change of swimsuits and/or a cover up is often handy. You should also bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and flip flops.

We pack board games, cards, art supplies, paperback books and journals.

I bring a 35 mm digital camera with several lenses, and pack inexpensive digital cameras for each child. I also have a daypack for each child for our land excursions.