T

urkey forms the bridge between Europe and Asia, with land on both continents. It guards the sea passage between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, which runs through the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmora and the Dardanelles, scene of WWI slaughter. For a thousand years Turkey was the hub of the Byzantine Empire; for nearly 500 years it was at the centre of the Ottoman Empire; and today it forms the south eastern flank of the NATO alliance.

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul

The Turks, who once controlled a quarter of Europe, have a reputation as a race of warriors, and violence lies near the surface in domestic politics. Modern Turkey has an area of about 780.000 km square and a population of 50 million – it is the most populous country in the Middle East.

Impressive waterfall near Antalya

The weather ranges from Mediterranean warmth on the coast to the hot summers and bitterly cold winters of the central plains and the snow of the high mountains. About a quarter of Turkey is covered by forests, nearly all of which are state owned. These are mainly coniferous, but include deciduous beech, poplar, walnut and oak. The north is the most densely wooded area and there are sub-tropical forests by the Black Sea. In the South and West large areas are covered by thick Mediterranean shrub.

The National at Antalya, Belek

Turkey has never been considered as a golfing destination until quite recently but after having been discovered by both Scandinavian and German golfers and an increasing number of British many new courses are being developed for travelling golfers. At present golf is more or less confined to the exclusive resort of Belek, close to Antalya Airport in the middle of Turkey’s southern coast. Here there are five courses laid out, two with 27 holes, and several more are being developed which gives a good range for visitors. Belek is a purpose built resort with a selection of five star hotels located on the beach as well as other accommodation.

Klassis Golf & Country Club, Istanbul

Designed by Tony Jacklin the Klassis Golf and Country Club is conveniently close to Istanbul. It is an 18 hole layout and also boasts a 9-hole academy course complete with driving range and putting green.

Klassis golf course, Istanbul

For those who have already had the pleasure of holidaying in Turkey, the fact that the country is getting into the golfing market will come as pleasurable news. Many have likened it to the Spanish Costa del Sol thirty years ago, a place unspoilt as yet by mass tourism and where its people are pleasant and genuinely pleased to see you. The fact that these are early days in the tourism business are also reflected on the prices at which things are sold and service is obtained.

Lykia Links, a recent addition

Many Turks are also turning to golf, apart from their national sports which are soccer, horse riding, archery and wrestling – a Turkish form of wresting is Yagli Gures, greased wrestling. The contestants, who wear long tight leather breeches, pour olive oil over themselves to make holds more difficult, not too dissimilar from trying to catch the soap in a bath!

Tat Golf, another recent addition

Turkey's growing popularity as a destination will certainly keep prices competitive throughout Europe and at the same time introducing the country's population to another Turkish delight - golf.

The Aspendos Amphitheatre near Belek