Ep 2. Central Turkey

In season 8 episode 2 of Rick Steves' Europe, viewers are taken on a journey to Central Turkey. This episode showcases the spectacular beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region. Rick Steves explores the heart of Turkey, which is a gateway to the past and a melting pot of civilizations.

Central Turkey is located in the middle of Anatolia, which is known for its unique landscapes, preserved architecture, and amazingly hospitable people. The episode starts with Rick travelling to Cappadocia, which is famous for its fairytale-like landscape of "fairy chimneys". These are cone-shaped rock formations that were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Rick shows viewers around the colourful cities of Göreme and Urgup, which are built amidst these stunning rock formations. He also takes them on a hot air balloon ride to see the spectacular views of the region from above.

As Rick moves on from Cappadocia, he comes across the ancient Seljuk capitals of Konya and Sivas. These cities take viewers back in time to the Islamic Golden Age, when the Seljuks ruled over Turkey. In these cities, Rick gets to explore one of the finest examples of Seljuk architecture, the Alaeddin Mosque in Konya. He also visits the remarkable Sivas Museum, known for its exquisite examples of Seljuk tile work.

Continuing on, Rick travels to the archaeological site of Catalhoyuk, which is regarded as one of the earliest human settlements in the world. It is said to date back to the 7th millennium BC, a time when humans began to form permanent settlements and cultivate agriculture. Rick delves into the history of the region and explores the fascinating exhibits at the museum.

The final leg of this episode involves the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rick walks viewers through the grand ruins of this ancient city and marvels at the enormous fortress walls, monumental gates, and impressive temples. He also visits the Yazilikaya sanctuary, where he views the massive rock carvings of Hittite gods and goddesses.

Throughout the episode, Rick Steves is not only bringing the beauty and history of Central Turkey to life for viewers, but he is also sharing his experiences of the warm hospitality and friendliness of the Turkish people. He encourages viewers to travel to this amazing country and explore it for themselves.

Central Turkey is a truly magical and captivating region, steeped in history and culture. Rick Steves' Europe season 8 episode 2 is a must-see for anyone who has a passion for travel, history, and adventure.