Rick's Turkey TV Shows
articleIf you'd like to enjoy the four "Rick Steves' Europe" TV shows that cover Turkey, you have three options: wait for your local public television to air the shows; read the scripts (linked below); or order the DVD!
Istanbul
At Europe's gateway to Asia, we explore the historic, crowded city of Istanbul. We get lost in the Grand Bazaar, feast like kings at a fishermen's wharf, and follow stories of the Byzantine Empire at St. Sophia and Topkapi Palace. We board a boat on the churning Bosphorus to see the Bridge of Galata and the elegant Dolmabahce Palace.
Script from the show.
West Turkey
We visit spectacular Greek ruins at Ephesus and Aphrodisias and ancient hot springs at Pamukkale before traveling up the Meander River and steaming in a Turkish bath. Rick provides tips on staying healthy in foreign countries, and makes exotic Turkey feel more familiar, showing its devout Muslim beliefs and compelling blend of ancient and modern nomadic life.
Script from the show.
Central Turkey
In central Turkey, we folk-dance through tea-soaked and hospitable ancient villages, seeing geological wonders, cliff dwellings, and the red pottery kilns of Avanos. Leaving the camel rides and carpets behind, we arrive at the modern city of Ankara to learn about Ataturk — the "father of the Turks" — who led this sultans' empire through to the twentieth century.
Script from the show.
Eastern Turkey
After a Mount Ararat sunrise, we visit Abraham's 4000-year-old home town, tour one of the world's biggest dams, cheer on grease wrestlers, meet the gods atop Mount Nemrut, and dance with new friends in a village.
Script from the show.