Turkey has much to offer Halal conscious travellers. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey is the only country that is bordered by both the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. The coastal areas bordering the Mediterranean Sea have a temperate Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters, whilst the areas bordering the Black sea have a temperate Oceanic climate with warm, wet summers and cool to cold, wet winters. Its ideal location makes it a large economy and major regional power. Tourism in Turkey constitutes an important part of its economy with over 30 million tourists recorded in 2011 and largely focuses on historical sites and seaside resorts. Halal Turkey holidays are extremely popular.
Halal Turkey holidays are geared towards Muslim families who abide by Sharia values, and offer various facilities in accordance with the religious beliefs of Muslim tourists. Several hotels and seaside resorts in Turkey have found it beneficial to serve Muslim tourists, and so do not serve alcohol and have separate swimming pools and spa facilities for men and women. Many hotels and resorts in Turkey serve Halal food that is slaughtered in accordance with the teaching of Islamic Sharia and is free from forbidden substances such as pork and alcohol.
Turkey is the ideal Halal holiday destination as it offers everything that one would want from a beach holiday while maintaining Islamic values. From women only beaches to cloistered beach areas, females are now able to enjoy beach holidays like anyone else. Hotels in Turkey are going the extra mile for Muslim travellers – food, menus and even restaurants are now choosing Arabic themes. In addition, some places even hire people of Arab origin to provide translation services and other services required by Muslim tourists as well as provide the direction of Kiblah and carpets to facilitate prayers.
There are many destinations that are suitable for a Halal Turkey holiday. The Mediterranean region is ideal for those looking for a beach holiday, with many unspoilt beaches backed by lush gardens with mountains beyond near Antalya in southern Turkey at resorts such as the Adenya Hotel or BeraAlanya. If you have children, then enjoy the harbour town of Kas in southern Turkey, which offers snorkelling, a castle and farm visits. The Organic Eco Farm located in Fethiya, south west Turkey is also ideal for a Halal Turkey holiday. Those interested in extraordinary landscapes should visit Cappadocia, Central Anatolia which offers a dramatic gorge and an underground city of Kaymakli. The mosque of MahmutBey, Kasaba, near Kastamonu is situated in the Black Sea region and is an excellent place to visit during a Halal Turkey holiday. The mosque was built in the second half of the 14th century, and has motifs painted on its carved wooden columns.