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Turkey is a unique nation with a distinctive history and culture, resulting largely from its particular location on two continents: Europe and Asia. This positioning has influenced Turkey throughout its long history and is evident in daily life, with most placing it more in line with Europe when it comes to the economy and politics, while it is geographically mostly Asian and distinctly Islamic, like most of its Middle Eastern neighbors.

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 visitors come to Turkey each year, many on gay vacations filled with relaxing days on breathtaking beaches on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, visiting ancient ruins and old-world architecture, and participating in gay tours that include visits to some of the most intriguing cultural, historical and spiritual sites in Turkey.

Throughout its history the city that is presently called Istanbul has been the capital of the Byzantine Empire, the Roman Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire, which has resulted in there being essentially no end to the sites of historical importance located throughout the city and throughout the nation. Whether visitors choose luxury resort vacations on pristine beaches, urban gay travel in Istanbul or a rural experience in an old-world village, travelers will find that culturally-rich attractions and experiences are waiting to be had around every corner.

From sipping strong Turkish coffee or sweet black tea at sidewalk cafs, to visiting hammams (traditional Turkish public baths), gay vacations to Turkey allow you to immerse yourself in the unique culture of Turkey and to indulge in numerous opportunities to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

When you opt for participating in gay tours to Turkey, you will find that the experience will be truly unforgettable and that the added benefit of having a travel professional manage the logistics of the trip allows for a more relaxing experience with nothing to worry about but making memories and having the time of your life.

While visitors will not see a vibrant, vocal LGBT presence during gay vacations in Turkey, you will find that the LGBT community is alive and well. There are a number of community bars, discos and other establishments, particularly around the Taksim Square area in Istanbul, and – unlike most Islamic countries – there are no specific laws targeting same sex behaviors in Turkey.

With numerous establishments from which to choose, visitors enjoying gay travel to Turkey have the opportunity to experience the Turkish LGBT community during their stay, and those who opt for participating in gay vacations will find that this is an excellent way to see some of the most awe-inspiring sites of historical, cultural or spiritual significance that Turkey offers.

Gay trips to Turkey tips by Howie Holben. His company, Spirit Journeys, is a gay couple vacations firm. Spirit Journeys makes available spiritual lesbian retreats world wide.