A big part of going abroad for Erasmus internship is travelling and exploring the country you are interning in. Turkey is a vast country. It has a rich history, culture and traditions. Along with visiting the most popular places and hidden gems, you’ll want to deep dive into the culture. Here’s a list of 4 unique cultural experiences you can have while staying in Turkey as an Erasmus student.
1. Go for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a unique destination you must visit in Turkey. It is most known for the hot air balloons which can be seen in the sky every morning during the sunrise. Riding in a hot air balloon is a bucket list experience for many, and Cappadocia will make this experience even more memorable.
You will be picked up in the early morning and taken to the hot air balloon. As you float higher in the sky you will have the best view of the beautiful sunrise with amazing landscape of volcanic rock formations and fairy chimneys.
2. Attend a Whirling Dervish ceremony
Whirling dervish ceremonies were started in the 13th century as a form of meditation by Jalaluddin Rumi, the Sufi Muslim mystic and poet. Whirling dervishes perform the mystical Sulfi ceremony known as sema. Their performance including their distinctive attire, melody and choreography will leave you mesmerized.
You can attend a whirling dervish ceremony at the Mevlâna Festival, which takes place every December in Konya.
3. Visit the ancient city of Ephesus
Ephesus is a big part of Turkish history. It was once the most important Greek city and the most important trading center in the Mediterranean region. Today you can observe its remains near the city of Selcuk, in Izmir district near Kusadasi. In the city once stood Temple of Artemis, which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, however only little remains of it today. There are other impressive pieces of architecture in Ephesus as well, such as the Grand Theatre and the Ancient Celsius Library. You can spend hours strolling around observing the ruins.
4. Participate in a cooking class
Uncover Turkey’s culinary secrets and learn to cook traditional dishes in a cooking class. This is a unique experience which will give you a better understanding of Turkish cuisine and different ingredients. Learn how to prepare a range of typical dishes, such as börek, kirde kebab and sweet baklava. You might even get to go shopping at small authentic stores or learn how to make Turkish coffee.
If you are an Erasmus student, and staying in Turkey, these experiences will definitely enhance your time abroad. You can find all of the above experiences and more unique ones on Tripadvisor.