A Natural Masterpiece in Eastern Türkiye

The forests encircling Lake Hazar, one of eastern Türkiye's most significant natural wonders, have undergone their annual metamorphosis, creating a breathtaking contrast against the lake's deep blue waters. This seasonal phenomenon occurs each year as temperatures drop in the elevated terrain of eastern Anatolia, transforming the area into a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking to capture Türkiye's autumn beauty.

Geological and Ecological Significance

Lake Hazar, situated approximately 30 kilometers from Elazığ city center, represents one of eastern Türkiye's most important tectonic lakes, formed within a significant fault line in the Anatolian region. The surrounding forests, part of the broader Eastern Anatolian ecosystem, feature diverse tree species that contribute to the spectacular color variation each autumn. This natural area in Sivrice district has become increasingly recognized as an ecological treasure within Türkiye's rich landscape portfolio.

Tourism and Conservation Balance

Local authorities in Elazığ have noted increasing visitor interest in Lake Hazar's autumn display, highlighting the importance of sustainable tourism practices in this sensitive ecological zone. The Sivrice district, while promoting its natural attractions, maintains focus on preserving the pristine condition of one of eastern Türkiye's most cherished landscapes. This approach ensures that Lake Hazar remains a premier destination for experiencing Türkiye's magnificent seasonal transformations.

A Legacy Carved in Stone

The site's main attraction is the collection of gigantic seated statues and scattered stone heads, depicting Greek, Armenian, and Persian gods alongside the king himself. These monumental sculptures, standing over 8 meters tall, were part of a grand royal cult complex constructed in the 1st century BC. The meticulous craftsmanship and syncretic religious symbolism reflect the Commagene Kingdom's position at the crossroads of civilizations.

Sunrise and Sunset Pilgrimage

A key ritual for modern visitors is the trek to the summit before dawn to witness sunrise over the monumental statues, a spectacular event that illuminates the stone figures against the vast Anatolian skyline. The equally impressive sunset views provide another prime viewing opportunity, making a visit to this historic site in Türkiye a profound experience that connects the present with the ancient past.

Boosting Cultural Tourism

The ongoing appeal of Mount Nemrut plays a significant role in the cultural tourism strategy of Türkiye, bringing vital revenue and international attention to the Southeastern Anatolia Region. Efforts by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism to preserve and promote the site ensure that this iconic landmark will continue to serve as a testament to the nation's deep historical roots for generations to come.

The expedition is being carried out under the auspices of the Turkish Presidency and led by the Industry and Technology Ministry in coordination with the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) MAM Polar Research Institute.

The research team departed from Istanbul and traveled through Oslo and Tromso before reaching Longyearbyen in Svalbard, at 78 degrees north latitude, where scientific activities are now underway.

In a post on X, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir announced the launch of the expedition, following the successful completion of Türkiye's ninth National Antarctic Science Expedition earlier this year.

He said the scientific team will collect seawater and sediment samples, examine microplastics on the ocean surface, and track atmospheric dynamics using GNSS and meteorological systems. “The traces of climate change will be tracked in the polar regions,” Kacir said.

He also highlighted the participation of three high school students, winners of Türkiye's TEKNOFEST technology competition, who will test their projects under Arctic conditions and contribute to the expedition's scientific efforts.

The mission includes joint projects with researchers from Argentina, Bulgaria, and Ecuador, which Kacir described as a strong example of Türkiye's commitment to science diplomacy.

He said the country, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership, will continue expanding its polar presence through science-driven initiatives.

- Arctic mission focuses on climate, marine ecosystems, and long-term monitoring

Prof. Burcu Ozsoy, coordinator of the expedition, said the mission will be based entirely in the Arctic, unlike previous research missions to Antarctica.

“We plan to start and end our expedition in Svalbard and to carry out research in the Arctic Ocean throughout the mission,” she said.

The projects cover a wide range of scientific areas, including atmospheric measurements, marine water and sediment sampling, and studies of Arctic ecosystems.

She noted that many of the observations will contribute to long-term monitoring using ground-based data and satellite imagery to track the effects of climate change.

- High school students contribute to polar science

Asli Kilci, an 11th-grade student at Dumlupinar Science and Art Center in Afyonkarahisar, joined the expedition after winning first place in TUBITAK's 2204-C competition for her project on 19th-century polar exploration illustrations.

“I analyzed these illustrations using symbolic analysis methods and created a digital comic book for middle school students, aiming to raise awareness,” Kilci said. “Just as early explorers illustrated the poles through their own eyes, I now hope to depict the Arctic through mine.”

Kaan Yusuf Odaci, from Ozlem Burma Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Kastamonu, was selected for his mobile device that uses artificial intelligence to measure air quality. He won first place in the 2204-D competition.

Elif Berra Demir, an 11th-grade student from TUBITAK Science High School in Gebze, Kocaeli, also joined the expedition after winning in the sustainability and welfare category of the same competition.

The expedition is aligned with Türkiye's “National Polar Science Strategy,” focusing on national and international scientific priorities and strategically important research themes.

The opening ceremony of the project was attended by Ankara Governor Vasip Şahin, Colonel Mansour Alotaibi, Director General of Hac and Umrah Passport Affairs at the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Ankara Fahad Bin Assaad Bin A. Abu Al-Nasr, and several other officials.

Pilgrims will not have to wait at Esenboğa Airport. A special section designated for Saudi officials was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Ambassador Abu Al-Nasr guided Governor Şahin through the area where Turkish pilgrims will undergo the necessary procedures by Saudi officials. With passport controls and all necessary details handled before departing from Ankara, pilgrims are expected to save approximately 6 hours of time.

Approximately 20,000 pilgrims will benefit from the project. Time-consuming procedures such as passport and fingerprint checks, conducted by Saudi officials, will initially begin at Istanbul and Esenboğa Airports. Around 20,000 pilgrims will be able to move quickly at airports in Mecca or Medina. As capacity is expected to increase in the coming years, other major airports in Türkiye will also implement the Mecca Road Project, providing convenience to pilgrims.

In a statement, The Tunisian Culture Ministry said the resort island was voted to the list during the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

The ministry said Djerba island takes the number of Tunisian sites on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites to nine.

The list already includes Amphitheatre of El Jem site, the Archaeological Site of Carthage, the Medina of Tunis, the Ichkeul National Park, the Punic Town of Kerkuane and its Necropolis, Kairouan, Medina of Sousse and the Dougga archeological site, which was the last to be added to the list in 1997.

Covering an area of nearly 500 square kilometers (198 square miles), Djerba island is situated in the Gulf of Gabes on the Mediterranean Sea.

With a population of 160,000, the resort island is a main attraction for foreign tourists in Tunisia.

The island is known for its religious diversity, having ancient mosques, churches and synagogues in addition to its natural landscape.

Djerba is a special destination for thousands of Jewish visitors every year who stop by the El Ghriba synagogue built 2,400 years ago for Jewish prayers and rituals.

“We have a good news! We have registered our 20th asset to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Gordion Ancient City, one of the unique cultural assets of our Ankara, has become a 'World Heritage',” said Mehmet Nuri Ersoy on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Thanking those who contributed to the achievement, Ersoy said: “It is not over yet! We are waiting for another good news from UNESCO.”

“With the good news we expect to receive from the wooden-supported mosques of Anatolia, we will hopefully increase our number on the World Heritage List. Congratulations,” he added.

The decision was taken at the 45th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting held in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh.

Gordion is one of the most important historical centers in the ancient Near East, according to UNESCO’s website. The ancient site lies around 90 kilometers (56 miles) southwest of Ankara at the intersection of the great empires to the east such as Assyrians, Babylonians, Hittites and the west Greeks and Romans.

The site “occupied a strategic position on nearly all trade routes that linked the Aegean and Mediterranean with the Near East,” it added.

“Gordion’s historical significance derives from its very long and complex sequence of occupation that spans nearly 4,500 years, from the Early Bronze Age (ca. 2,500 B.C.) to the Medieval period (ca. 1400 A.D.) and thereafter to the present day,” the website said.

“The Phrygian kingdom was ruled by King Midas, whose wealth was expressed by the stories of his Golden Touch, and long after the demise of his kingdom, the Phrygian citadel became closely associated with the triumphs of Alexander the Great in the late fourth century B.C.” it added.

Speaking to Anadolu at the country's premier technology and aerospace event, TEKNOFEST, Alper Gezeravci said that his 14-day mission to low-Earth orbit will include scientific experiments.

Training began in the US in 2023 and continues, including training in Japan and Germany, he told Anadolu.

He said the Turkish Space Agency will launch him into space at the end of 2023.

"My limit of dreams was the sky, the sky that I could see with my bare eyes and aircraft, so that's the moments of the next journey," he said. "Now, the path to the space is open, and our little friends, young generations, are up to carry out their dreams all the way into deep space."

Türkiye selected Gezeravci and Tuva Cihangir Atasever as the country's first space travelers in TEKNOFEST's Istanbul edition in 2023.

Gezeravci, a pilot in the Turkish Air Force, will be sent to the International Space Station, while Atasever, a system engineer in the Turkish missile producer, Roketsan, in the field of space launch systems, was chosen as a reserve candidate.

Türkiye established the Turkish Space Agency in 2018 and announced its space program in 2019, as well as a crewed space mission.

"But when it was first announced that the first Turkish astronauts were going to be selected, I applied without hesitation," said Atasever, who added that the space mission was beyond his conceptual limits.

He said he and Gezeravci came to TEKNOFEST on a quick trip and following the event, they are going back to Houston, the US, to continue their training.

"We are being exposed to all kinds of technical and theoretical information to carry out the scientific space mission that we are going to," he said.

Atasever advised young people to cling to whatever field they are interested in, citing the importance of having ambitious dreams and then turning them into decisive goals.

The number of foreign arrivals in January-July rose 16.22% on a yearly basis, the Culture and Tourism Ministry said.

Istanbul, Türkiye's largest city by population and a top tourist draw, welcomed 36.5% of all foreign visitors, or nearly 9.77 million, in the seven-month period.

It was followed by the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya with 7.7 million foreign tourists and Edirne in northwestern Türkiye, which borders both Bulgaria and Greece, with 2.7 million foreign visitors.

As for the nationalities of foreign tourists, Russia took the first place with 13% – nearly 3.5 million visitors – over the same period, followed by Germany (12%) and the UK (7.71%).

In April alone, 7.1 million foreigners visited Türkiye, up 7.25% on a yearly basis.

The figure is 24% more than the number of tourists in 2022 but still 1.6% less than 2019 levels when 38.2 million visitors traveled to Spain before the coronavirus pandemic.

Spain received 8.3 million visitors in June alone, marking an increase of 11% compared to the same month last year.

The INE said foreign tourist spending increased 14.3%, reaching €46 billion ($50.3 billion).

In the first half of the year, it said, the UK had the highest cumulative spending among all countries, followed by Germany and France, respectively.

Communities that received the highest cumulative spending were the Canary Islands, Catalonia and Andalusia during the same period, it added.

Lina Mendoni provided details in an interview with Real FM of the pilot program that will be implemented, as a result of the Cultural Resources Management and Development Organization (ODAP) research.

Mendoni said the program would enhance the safety of historical monuments, professionals serving the areas and provide a better experience for visitors.

The number of daily visitors to the historical Acropolis should not exceed 20,000, based on the findings.

Visitors to the Acropolis will be restricted starting Sept. 4, according to specific time intervals as part of the pilot project.

Located 3.5 kilometers (more than 2 miles) south of Tal Abyad district and 80 kilometers (some 50 miles) north of Raqqa province, the spring suffered from neglect during the occupation of Tal Abyad town by the YPG/PKK terrorist group as some areas near Ain al-Arous fell victim to looting and destruction.

However, following the Peace Spring Operation in 2019, which successfully cleared the town of terrorists, the local council took the initiative in restoring Ain al-Arous to its former glory through comprehensive repair and maintenance efforts.

Back in 1935, the renowned archaeology researcher Sir Max Mallwan and his wife, the British writer Agatha Christie, were so captivated by the spring's azure waters and nostalgic ambiance that she devoted a chapter to it in her diary titled "Come Tell Me How You Live" after their visit to Ain al-Arous.

Ain al-Arous is "a spiritual and historical gem for Tal Abyad residents," Salih Haj Abdullah, the president of Tal Abyad Local Council, told Anadolu.

He said that one of the council’s priorities after Türkiye's Peace Spring Operation was paying attention to Ain al-Arous.

"We cleaned the ruins and transformed the area into a green park with lush grass. Tables, chairs, and a designated barbecue spot were set up for the comfort of visitors," he said. "Additionally, we revitalized the spring's pool and installed an efficient lighting system in the park."

Abdullah emphasized the council's commitment to preserving the historical water mill in the area operated by the ancient aqueduct, making Ain al-Arous a cherished place for the people of Tal Abyad, both spiritually and historically.

"We've created a space where the people of Tal Abyad can find respite. Throughout history, historians, poets, and travelers immortalized their moments here in writing," he said.

For his part, Abud Hoja, a resident of Tal Abyad, expressed his frequent visits to Ain al-Arous to escape the blistering heat.

"This is the only place where we can cool off. We find both rest and relaxation here," he said. Hoja recalled how, during YPG/PKK’s occupation, Ain al-Arous suffered from neglect, transforming into a "swamp." However, thanks to the efforts of the local council's teams, the area has been restored to its magnificent condition.

"The expanded parking area and the enchanting night lighting make our family visits all the more enjoyable," Hoja added.

Qusay al-Muhammed, a 12-year-old visitor, also enjoyed the spring's cool waters as he swam with friends, expressing his delight in engaging in sports in the park area.

Ain al-Arous Spring, once again, stands as a witness to the rich history and natural beauty of Syria, offering a breather and refreshment to all who seek its rejuvenating waters amid the summer heat.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat

The historical aqueduct Pont du Gard, built in the first century AD in the Roman region of Gaul, was captured in aerial footage.

It was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1985 in recognition of its historical importance and distinguished architecture.

The park offers its visitors an opportunity to engage in activities such as hiking, photography, cycling, and camping in tents and caravans, allowing visitors to experience unique scenic beauties in all seasons.

Hidden gem 💎 in the mountains:

In a photo-rich feature entitled "Turkey’s hidden alpine wonderland," Rize stands as an undiscovered mystery for numerous global wanderers. The city's untouched mountain landscapes echo a siren song, enchanting those bewitched by nature's raw grandeur.

Escaping the scorching heat:

Rize unfurls a tapestry of solace in its lofty mountain ridges, verdant valleys, and highlands. The narrative underscores how these areas, blessed with abundant rainfall and untouched by expansive human habitation, stand as serene retreats from the swelter of the heat.

Çamlıhemşin: The most attractive spot:

"Çamlıhemşin is the most attractive part of Rize province," the feature said. The feature continued: Çamlıhemşin, a rural village that surrounds the district, is a place where nature largely remains untouched. A verdant passage carved through the mountains by the Fırtına River connects the Black Sea coast to Çamlıhemşin, making the journey as mesmerizing as the destination itself. In this space of eternal stillness, high-altitude villages, meadows, and valleys coalesce, as traditional practices of forestry, beekeeping, and livestock rearing paint a timeless tableau.

Experiencing Rize’s natural opulence:

The feature stressed that basking in the highlands, meandering through green meadows and woodlands, discovering flora in its natural habitat, and inhaling the clean, mountain air are integral parts of the Rize sojourn. The feature also unfolds the simplistic dietary practices of the Şişman family living in the Pokut Plateau, highlighting that their homemade fare revolves around the wholesome produce of their free-roaming cattle and bountiful gifts of nature. Amidst their humble offerings, one finds fresh clotted cream, cheese, butter, honey, preserves, home-laid eggs, homemade bread, and fresh-from-the-garden produce.

Translated by: Khan Muhammad An Nazmus Saqib

These cities, known for their monumental fountains that have been restored and supplied with water from their original, ancient sources, offer a unique opportunity to explore the past.

Sagalassos, often referred to as "the city of loves and emperors," and Kibyra, renowned as the "city of gladiators," attract those seeking an alternative route during the holiday with their impressive Roman architectural structures.

The restoration of the 1,800-year-old Antonine Fountain in Sagalassos was completed in 2010, followed by the discovery of a monumental fountain in Kibyra in 2016, which was also restorated and connected to a water source.

Both cities, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, were visited by around 100,000 people during the year before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amidst the serene ambiance of flowing water and surrounded by awe-inspiring Roman structures, these ancient sites offer a fascinating journey through time.

Ibrahim Emre Gursoy, Burdur's culture and tourism director, said the Antonine Fountain, restored using 400 blocks in Sagalassos, has been attracting considerable interest for the past 13 years.

Gursoy also stressed the restoration and revival of the 2,000-year-old monumental fountain with a circular plan in Kibyra, saying: "There are two of these fountains in Türkiye, and both of them are in Burdur. We invite visitors to explore our ancient cities during the holiday and throughout the season."

* Writing by Seda Sevencan in Istanbul.

A group of 39 passengers arrived at Milas-Bodrum Airport on Thursday, having departed from the capital city Manama. Following the swift completion of necessary procedures, they proceeded to their intended destination in scenic Bodrum district on the Aegean coast.

The highly anticipated flights are scheduled to operate a total of 28 round-trip journeys until mid-September, utilizing the state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers.

The new air route aims to bolster connectivity and further promote tourism and business ties between Bahrain and Bodrum.

ANKARA (AA) - Türkiye welcomed more than 299,000 cruise passengers from January to May, surging 114% from a year ago, the country's transportation minister said.

Cruise tourism gained momentum after Istanbul's new mega Galataport became operational in the last quarter of 2021, Abdulkadir Uraloglu said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Cruise tourism investments will continue and 'Century of Türkiye' will be the century of cruise tourism," he said.

The number of cruise ships docked at Türkiye's ports soared 43.1% year-on-year in the first five months of this year.

A total of 157,940 cruise passengers were hosted at Kusadasi Port on Türkiye's Aegean coast, 67,740 at Galataport, 3,276 at Istanbul's TDI Sarayburnu dock, and 14,777 passengers at Antalya port, he said.

Turkish Technic will carry out base maintenance services for further 17 Boeing 777 aircraft in the Emirates’ fleet, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

The base maintenance operations for the first aircraft under scope of this agreement is set to begin this July.

"Building on the success of the initial base maintenance annex we signed in April, this new agreement not only reflects Emirates' confidence in our services but also highlights our jointly shared commitment to excellence," said Mikail Akbulut, the CEO of Turkish Technic.

Turkish Technic provides maintenance, repair, overhaul, engineering, modification, tailor-made power-by-the hour (PBH) and reconfiguration services to many domestic and international customers at five locations.​​​​​​​

The figure increased by 16% from 6.4 million passengers in May 2022.

The flag carrier saw an 11.3% annual hike in passengers on international routes, hitting 4.5 million in May. The number of domestic passengers rose 24.4% to 2.9 million in the same period.

The passenger load factor, or seat occupancy, rose to 81.8% in May -- 80.7% on domestic flights and 82% on international flights. The figure was 80% in May 2022.

The volume of cargo and mail it carried fell by 6.6% to 134,500 tons in the same period.

By the end of this May, the number of aircraft in the fleet was 417, the statement added.

- 5-month figure

In January-May, the airline carried 31 million passengers, a rise of 29% from last year.

International to international passengers carried increased by 49.2% on an annual basis to 11.6 million in the 5-month period.

The load factor reached 81.1% in the first five months of this year, the statement said.

Cargo and mail carried dropped 9.6% to nearly 608,100 tons in January-May.

Located in the central province of Nevsehir, Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has gained worldwide fame in recent years for its unique volcanic cones, known as fairy chimneys, as well as its underground cities, hot-air balloon rides, rock-carved houses, and early Christian structures such as churches, chapels, and shelters.

Previously known as a popular destination for honeymooners' photo shoots, Cappadocia now attracts a growing number of photography enthusiasts, largely influenced by social media posts.

Hundreds of tourists, including honeymooners, flock to Cappadocia to capture its beauty through their lenses simultaneously.

Halil Gunes, head of the Cappadocia Photographers Association, revealed that both domestic and international visitors come to the region daily, solely for photography purposes, which has positively impacted the area.

To cater to the demands of photography enthusiasts, the region has witnessed an increase in the availability of costumes and classic vehicles, Gunes added. "A few photo shoots take place at sunrise and there are people who want to take pictures at sunset, but the majority occur during the hot-air balloon departures."

Gunes believes that photography accounts for about 30% of the tourism sector in the region.

Mustafa Caner Yalcin, a photographer providing services to tourists in the area, stressed that some visitors come to Cappadocia for just a day to pose in front of the camera.

Yalcin said that photography tourism has contributed to the diversity of tourism in Cappadocia.

"This is a situation related to the penetration of social media into our lives. One of the purposes of people visiting the region is to take pictures," he said.

Another photographer, Saban Ciftcibasi said they ensured that tourists capture the most beautiful images from dawn till dusk.

"Photography in Cappadocia has become a part of tourism. We start photographing with the departure of the balloons in the morning and continue until sunset. Especially during morning hours offer excellent photo opportunities with the balloons. Both domestic and international tourists exhibit high demand," Ciftcibasi stated.

Enes Ozcen, who traveled from northwestern Bolu province solely for a day of photography, described the scenery in Cappadocia as extraordinary.

“The Muslims of sub-continent have loved Türkiye for long, and during the fall of the Ottoman Empire, in early 20th century, they started the Khilafat movement (Caliphate movement) in its support. Hagia Sophia reminds us of the inspirational history of conquering Constantinople (Istanbul) by Sultan Mehmet II,” Abdullah Al Mahmud, professor of world religion and culture at Dhaka University, told Anadolu Agency.

He said the 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia has always attracted a huge number of tourists from all over the world.

“We, the Muslims, in the South Asian belt, have been dreaming to see Hagia Sophia as a mosque since it was converted into a museum in 1934. As our dream has been fulfilled, we are now interested in offering prayers in this mosque,” said Mahmud.

On July 10, 2020, a Turkish court annulled a 1934 Cabinet decree that had turned Hagia Sophia into a museum, paving the way for its use again as a mosque.

The monument was restored to its former glory as the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque on July 24, 2020, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joining hundreds of worshipers for the first Muslim prayer in 86 years inside Hagia Sophia.

Hagia Sophia served as a church for 916 years and 86 years as a museum. However, it was a mosque from 1453 to 1934, nearly 500 years.

In 1985, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is among Türkiye’s top tourist destinations.

“Many university teachers and students frequently consult with me on how to get Turkish visas as they know that I have visited the country several times. Almost all of them are mainly interested in visiting Hagia Sophia,” added the professor.

- One of the best countries to visit

Young Bangladeshi entrepreneur Faruk-e-Azam, who visited Türkiye and Hagia Sophia recently, said Istanbul is one of the best cities to visit.

“I got a different feeling when I saw Hagia Sophia and offered salat (prayer) there ... I could imagine the historic victory of Istanbul by Sultan Mehmet,” he told Anadolu Agency.

Mohammad Rakibul Islam, a university student, told the Turkish leading news agency that he has not visited any country, but has dreamed of a trip to Türkiye.

“I have a dream to visit two countries. Firstly, Saudi Arabia to visit our holiest site the Kaaba in Mecca, and the graveyard of our Prophet Muhammad in Medina. I also wish to visit Istanbul and offer salat inside the Hagia Sophia mosque,” said Islam.

- Symbol of boldness

Abul Hossain Asad, noted Bangladeshi cyclist and television anchor, who has visited 45 countries and is currently living in Portugal, told Anadolu Agency that his visit to Türkiye was different from other tours.

“Türkiye is a symbol of boldness and Hagia Sophia reminds me that Muslims have a responsibility to establish justice everywhere, and should not fear any tyrannical force,” he said.

He recalled that while Muslims in different parts of the world were oppressed and their achievements were being destroyed by Mongol forces, remote Turkish Kayi tribe incredibly stood against them.

“Thus, through enormous struggle, the Ottoman Empire established rule of law and justice across the world and this is the golden history of Muslims that all of us should know,” said Asad.

“Not only Hagia Sophia but there are historical sites throughout Türkiye ... I have a plan to visit this country many times and also write a book,” he added.

Asli Ozbay, who has traveled soli to countries in East Africa to the southern tip of the continent on her motorcycle, began her journey in Kenya in June and now has the countries on the southern Atlantic coast of Africa on her agenda.

While Ozbay shares her experiences regularly on social media as she has done previously. She plans to make a documentary that will show Africa through the eyes of a Turkish woman with visuals she shot in the process.

Ozbay, who is also an academician with the faculty of sports sciences at Turkey’s Istanbul Gedik University, also wants to contribute to strengthening academic ties between Africa and Turkey with the trip.

- ‘Each route feels like a different journey that brings me together with myself’

Ozbay told the Anadolu Agency about her experiences on a motorcycle to the depths of the African continent where "not everyone goes."

She previously experienced riding a motorcycle on several routes from the deserts of Morocco to the Himalayan Mountains.

"Each route feels like a different journey that brings me together with myself,” she said.

She had hesitations about security issues before starting his trip. "I thought it would be dangerous, but on the contrary, the trip to Africa has been one of the safest and most comfortable trips I have ever felt -- like I’m home," she said.

Contrary to what she expected, she said she was having economic difficulties and the African route was one of the most expensive she has ever seen.

Ozbay said the average cost of accommodation in some countries, such as Botswana, can be 1,000 Turkish Lira ($73,35) per night and she advised those who are planning to visit the continent to bring tents to take advantage of affordable and safe camping areas.

She has visited Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa on her motorcycle, and her next route is Namibia and Angola.

- Perception of time in Africa

She said she has good memories of each country. "Tanzania has been the most impressive country I have visited in Africa so far."

Emphasizing that the African people have always approached her positively, Ozbay stressed that Africans have changed the way she perceived life.

And her perception of time in Africa is different from the rest of the world.

"Things can go a little slow here,” she said.

“We decided to go to the market place together with the receptionist of the place where I stayed in Botswana once. I was going to pay for the road.

“The receptionist said: 'It's too close, it'll take five minutes, let's walk.' Our walk took about 1.5 hours.”

- No regrets

Although it is difficult because of broken roads in some parts of Africa, she said she was able to overcome the difficulties thanks to the helpfulness of African people.

"For example, once a pregnant African woman carrying her other baby on her back came to help me and tried to push the 350-kilogram (772-pound) engine. It was very impressive for me,” she said.

Ozbay advised those wanting to travel in Africa on a motorcycle that they receive safe driving training from a professional instructor, noting that safety is not a major danger in most countries.

She said the look she found in the eyes of an African person greatly affected her.

"I think that the most beautiful continent that can be seen in the world, the most beautiful countries are in Africa,” she said.

“If you come here, you will definitely not regret it," she added.

Going higher than ski lifts could ever reach, heli-skiing enthusiasts jump from helicopters onto steep mountain slopes, challenging their bodies along with their high-alpine skiing skills.

After the skiers get down to their destination, helicopters can ferry them back up to the top of the mountain again to take another go.

Heli-skiing has been offered along the Black Sea coastal destinations of Camlihemsin, Ikizdere and Yusufeli since 2005, as organized by the Ayder Heliski Aviation and Tourism Company.

This week the Kackar Mountains has welcomed two dozen ski lovers from Spain, Switzerland, and France.

When snowfall didn’t allow for traveling by copter, the skiers arrived in the Galer Duzu region using a special snow-track vehicle.

A total of 370 skiers are currently slated to enjoy heli-skiing fun through the end of March.

According to a statement issued by Nordwind, weekly flights on the Moscow - Gabala - Moscow route will be available on Sundays, starting January 16, 2022.

"The time of departure from Moscow to Gabala is 00:10 (GMT +3), arrival is at 04:10 (GMT +4). Departure from Gabala is scheduled at 05:20, and arrival in Moscow is at 07:25," the company said in a statement.

A comfortable Boeing 737-800 with 189 passenger seats was allocated for the scheduled flights.

Nordwind Airlines also operates flights from Baku to destinations such as St. Petersburg, Vladikavkaz, Voronezh and Mineralnye Vody.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport Manager Miodag Mirkovic said Ankara-Belgrade flights will be made twice weekly and it is a first in history.

"THY (Turkish Airlines) is among our main partners. I am sure that our airport will serve incoming passengers very well,'' said Mirkovic.

Anadolujet General Manager Samil Karakas said access to the famous destination of Cappadocia is now easier for Serbians.

"I invite our Serbian friends to Ankara and of course Cappadocia with Ankara-Belgrade flights. Ankara is one of the capitals to be seen. Cappadocia is also a fairy tale. It has magnificent valleys with chimneys. You can make this visit with our new flights,'' he said.

Turkish Ambassador Hami Aksoy said tourism between the two countries is gradually accelerating.

AnadoluJet will organize reciprocal flights between Ankara and Belgrade on Thursdays and Sundays.

The airport sent the first guests of the Belgrade route with flowers.

It served 6.4 million passengers in the first 11 months of 2021.

In a statement, the German government said the Cabinet made changes in coronavirus entry regulations.

A negative result from a test taken no more than 48 hours before departure must be submitted.

So far, Germany has listed the UK and eight African countries, including South Africa, as virus variant areas and tightened rules for travelers from these countries.

Only German citizens and residents with a negative PCR test will be allowed to enter the country from the UK, according to the new rules. They will need to go into a two-week quarantine after arriving in Germany irrespective of their vaccination status.

Neighboring countries France and Denmark were classified as “high-risk areas.” Travelers from these countries will need to self-isolate for 10 days if they cannot submit proof of vaccination or recovery. The quarantine period may be ended after five days at the earliest with a current negative COVID-19 test.

"The people of Africa cannot be blamed for the immorally low level of vaccinations available to them, nor should they be collectively punished for identifying and sharing crucial science and health information with the world," Guterres said at a news conference at UN headquarters in New York alongside African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat.

"With a virus that is truly borderless, travel restrictions that isolate any one country or region are not only deeply unfair and punitive -- they are ineffective," said the UN chief.

Guterres reiterated his call to all governments to instead consider repeated testing for travelers along with other appropriate and effective measures.

"And this is the only way to reduce the risk of transmission while allowing for travel and economic engagement," he added.

Mahamat condemned the travel measures that have "no basis in science nor common sense."

"To condemn a country because its scientists alerted the world of the prevalence of a new variant is immoral. In the face of a common enemy, the life of a human being should be the same," he wrote on Twitter.

"It has been found that this variant was circulating in Europe before it was identified in South Africa," he said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned Tuesday that temporary travel bans would not prevent the spread of the omicron variant and instead all countries should include travel-related measures as part of their strategy to fight the deadly virus.

“Over suspicion of a bomb on board, the plane landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka for emergency and we have been able to instantly evict all the 135 passengers,” airport police Ziaul Haq told Anadolu Agency over the phone.

He, however, confirmed that law enforcers and other concerned authorities of the airport searched the whole flight and luggage of the passengers to detect any threatening element.

“We have searched everything several times and have not found any explosive or other threatening materials,” Haq said, adding that they had just found one suspicious item but it turned out not to be something “harmful” after unwrapping.

Security measures have been beefed up in and around the main international airport of the South Asian country after the incident.

Haq said the flight will resume after search is completed, and until then all passengers will be kept at the airport terminal.

According to airport sources, the MH196 flight left Kuala Lumpur, while its destination is not known yet.

The organization on its website first thanked South Africa and Botswana “for their capacities in surveillance and sequencing and for the speed and transparency” as it helped other countries adjust to the situation, take related measures immediately and give an effective response in the face of such a threat.

It also urged all other countries to act in the same way.

“It is expected that the omicron variant will be detected in an increasing number of countries as national authorities step up their surveillance and sequencing activities,” it said.

“The WHO is closely monitoring the spread of the omicron variant, and studies are ongoing to understand more about these mutations and their impact on transmissibility, virulence, diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines,” the statement added.

The WHO also gave advice to all countries on how to respond to the omicron strain.

“Countries should continue to apply an evidence-informed and risk-based approach when implementing travel measures in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR),” it said.

“National authorities in countries of departure, transit and arrival may apply a multi-layered risk mitigation approach to potentially delay and/or reduce the exportation or importation of the new variant.

“Such measures may include screening of passengers prior to travelling and/or upon arrival, including via the use of SARS-CoV-2 testing or the application of quarantine to international travelers,” it noted.

“All measures should be commensurate with the risk, time-limited and applied with respect to travelers’ dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as outlined in the IHR (2005).”

“Blanket travel bans will not prevent the international spread, and they place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods. In addition, they can adversely impact global health efforts during a pandemic by disincentivizing countries to report and share epidemiological and sequencing data.

“All countries should ensure that the measures are regularly reviewed and updated when new evidence becomes available on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of omicron or any other Variant of Concern (VOC),” the statement said.

The organization also advised that “any travel-related risk mitigation measures should be part of an overall national response strategy.”

“Essential international travel – including travel for emergency and humanitarian missions, travel of essential personnel, repatriations and cargo transport of essential supplies – should continue to be prioritized at all times during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the WHO stressed.

“In addition, all travelers should be reminded to remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, to get vaccinated when it is their turn and to adhere to public health and social measures at all times and regardless of vaccination status, including by using masks appropriately, respecting physical distancing, following good respiratory etiquette and avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.

“Persons who are unwell or at risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease and dying, including people 60 years of age or older or those with comorbidities (e.g. heart disease, cancer and diabetes), should be advised to postpone travel.”

On Nov. 25, South African scientists announced that they had discovered the omicron variant, which has several mutations that may carry the risk of reinfection. Cases of the same variant have since been found in a number of Western countries.

On Friday, the WHO declared the strain a "variant of concern," naming it omicron.

Since December 2019, the pandemic has claimed over 5.21 million lives in at least 192 countries and regions, with more than 262.7 million cases reported worldwide, according to US-based Johns Hopkins University.

Travel bans for South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini took effect immediately, said the head of Iran's Center for Disease Control, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya.

Moreover, noting that no passengers from these countries will be accepted to Iran, he stated that Iranians who are arriving from the seven African countries must have two negative PCR tests, otherwise they will be kept in quarantine for up to 14 days at the border gates.

The new heavily mutated variant that might be able to evade vaccines was first identified on Nov. 11 in Botswana.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Friday that the new variant is a "variant of concern," and named it Omicron.

The declaration came after the Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution, an independent group of experts, met to assess the variant that was initially named B.1.1.529.

“Travel from Botswana, Republic of South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe to our country through all our land, air, sea, and rail border crossings will not be allowed as of tonight,” Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Twitter.

The World Health Organization has declared the new coronavirus strain from southern Africa a “variant of concern,” naming it Omicron.

The UK has also suspended flights from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, whereas EU member states have agreed to introduce rapid restrictions on all travel from these countries as well as Mozambique.

“The European Commission will propose, in close coordination with Member States, to activate the emergency brake to stop air travel from the southern African region due to the variant of concern B.1.1.529,” Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the EU executive body said in a tweet.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said they were “monitoring closely the developing situation of the B.1.1.529” coronavirus variant, and promised to issue their assessment later on Friday.

Officials of the World Health Organization (WHO) will also meet on Friday to discuss the situation.

UK also decided on Thursday to suspend flights from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

The new heavily mutated variant of the coronavirus, that might be able to evade vaccines, was first identified Nov. 11 in Botswana.

“There is a military conflict ongoing in the north of Ethiopia. Military clashes are now occurring in Tigray, Amhara and Afar regional states. The conflict has the potential to escalate and spread quickly and with little warning,” it said in a statement.

“The FCDO advises against all travel to Ethiopia except Addis Ababa Bole International Airport because of the risk of the conflict spreading to new areas without prior warning,” the statement added, referring to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

All UK nationals “should leave Ethiopia now while commercial options are still available. It is likely to become much more difficult to leave Ethiopia in the coming days. Consular support is severely limited across Ethiopia.”

South Sudan said Tuesday that it will take care of South Sudanese students who have been asked by authorities in Ethiopia’s Amhara region to leave amid the heightened fighting between government forces and Tigray rebels that forced the closure of educational institutions.

South Sudan’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Deng Dau Deng expressed concern over the students who are in Ethiopia, especially in Amhara, saying they are ready to offer them support.

He added that the government will decide on what is to be done about them.

Countries across the East African region are worried about their citizens in Ethiopia and are urging them to leave for security reasons.

- Zambian president orders evacuation of nationals

President Hakainde Hichilema said Tuesday that he had ordered Zambians who live and work in Ethiopia to leave because of the civil unrest in the East African nation.

“Fellow Zambians, on my orders, we have today safely evacuated our fellow citizens from Ethiopia. We thank the Ethiopian authorities for their cooperation and everyone involved in this operation and we pray that the conflict in Ethiopia is resolved as soon as possible,” Hichilema’s office said in a statement.

A group of 31 Zambians arrived aboard an Ethiopian flight at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in the capital Lusaka and were greeted by Foreign Minister Stanley Kakubo.

“We started [the evacuation] with our female diplomats and non-essential staff last week. We still have a skeleton staff to man the mission and also to arrange for any other eventualities,” Emmanuel Mwamba, the outgoing ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU), said via a text message to reporters.

Hichilema asked the AU and the UN to work with Ethiopian authorities to quickly address the volatile situation in Ethiopia, saying his government remained fully engaged in the matter, as a conflict-free Africa was good for everyone.

“For us, the lives of our Zambian citizens matter wherever they are. We will do everything to get them home safely when faced with insecurity,” he added.

Under the new rules valid as of Tuesday, residents from Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Jordan, Kuwait, Namibia, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay can travel to the EU for non-essential purposes.

The same applies to Chinese citizens, in case Beijing grants the same rights to EU citizens.

The travel list grants access to 27 EU states and non-EU members of the Schengen zone (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).

However, EU governments are allowed to disregard the recommendations and allow visitors from other countries, as well as restrict the entry of those on the list if they are not fully vaccinated.

The bloc imposed travel restrictions last March in order to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), total demand for air travel this September fell 53.4% from the pre-virus level in September 2019, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said in a statement.

This marked an uptick from August, when demand was 56.0% below August 2019 levels.

Domestic markets across the world, except Japan and Russia, bounced back from a month ago, down 24.3% from September 2019.

However, international passenger demand worsened on a monthly basis amid continuing border closures and quarantine measures, contacting by 69.2% in September from the pre-crises level.

Meanwhile, the IATA revealed that demand in global air cargo markets continued to be well above pre-crisis levels while capacity constraints persist.

Global demand, measured in cargo ton-kilometers (CTKs), climbed 9.1% compared to September 2019, the IATA data showed, as manufacturers tend to use air transportation for speed amid supply chain congestion which led to long supplier delivery times.

Capacity for air cargo was down 8.9% pre-COVID-19 levels, the IATA noted.

Stressing that capacity constraints are limiting the ability of air cargo to absorb extra demand, IATA head Willie Walsh said: "If not addressed, bottlenecks in the supply chain will slow the economic recovery from COVID-19. Governments must act to relieve pressure on global supply chains and improve their overall resilience."

"We call upon all Qatari citizens in Ethiopian territory to take the highest degree of caution and to leave the Republic of Ethiopia as soon as possible," the Qatari Embassy said in a statement on Twitter.

The decision came "in view of the recent security events and the declaration of a state of emergency throughout the Republic of Ethiopia."

Ethiopia declared a state of emergency on Monday, as the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) made military gains in the Amhara region, adjacent to Tigray region.

Last week, the TPLF said it has controlled the strategic cities of Disi and Kombolcha in the northern state of Amhara.

The Tigray conflict erupted last year following a TPLF attack on an army base, amid reports of human rights violations in the region, where thousands of civilians were killed.

The conflict caused the displacement of hundreds of thousands, and the flight of more than 60,000 to Sudan, according to observers, while Khartoum says that their number has reached 71,488 people.

Millions have been internally displaced due to the conflict according to the UN, which has warned of a humanitarian catastrophe.

"With rising demand for business travel and a record result of Lufthansa Cargo we have mastered another milestone on our way out of the crisis: We are back to black," chief executive Carsten Spohr said in a statement.

Airlines of the Lufthansa Group carried 19.6 million passengers in the third quarter of this year, equal to 46% of the pre-crisis level in the same quarter of 2019, thanks to people's desire to travel and the easing of pandemic-related travel restrictions.

In the third quarter, sales of the group nearly doubled (up 96%) year-on-year to €5.2 billion ($6 billion) from July to September.

Lufthansa Group's adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to €17 million, improving from a loss of €1.3 billion a year ago.

The net loss of the group totaled €72 million in the third quarter while it was €2 billion last year.

Backed by the further opening of important long-haul markets for travelers from Europe, especially the US, new bookings rose markedly, reaching around 80% of the pre-crisis level at the end of September, Lufthansa said.

"The decision to keep flying into Kabul was taken on purely humanitarian grounds, and on the strong insistence of friendly organizations,” PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan said in a statement sent to Anadolu Agency.

He added that the insurance premium on these flights was so high that it was simply “impossible” to operate.

The PIA spokesman denied charging $2,000 or above and said the charter price per seat was $1,500 because of the insurance premium.

The announcement came hours after the Taliban’s Ministry of Transport and Aviation issued a statement, demanding the PIA and Afghanistan domestic airline, Kam Air, reduce the price of tickets for the Kabul-Islamabad flights.

The statement warned that in case of violation, flights of Pakistan International Airlines and Kam Air on the Kabul-Islamabad route will be suspended.

Earlier this week, Kam Air announced it was not allowed to fly from Kabul to Islamabad by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior over a set of new rules.

Sohrab Amini, deputy director of Kam Air, told local Salam Afghanistan radio that the reason for the new law was not clear and only PIA was flying between Kabul and Islamabad until further notice.

* S.K. Khan contributed to this story

Luanda is Turkish Airline's 61st destination in Africa, the airline said in a statement, bringing the number of countries in its network to 128.

Reciprocal flights between the two cities will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper said 255 passengers were aboard the Libyan Airlines flight.

A protocol celebration was organized by the Cairo International Airport to welcome the A330 model Libyan airliner, the newspaper said.

The Libyan flight is scheduled to fly back to Tripoli later on Saturday with 250 passengers on board.

Direct flights between Cairo International Airport and Libyan airports resumed on September 30 after a seven-year suspension.

Libya has been torn by civil war since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

On March 16, a new transitional unity government headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah was approved to lead the country to elections this December.

Through this step, Azerbaijan has shown its deterrence in keeping all transportation routes, Azerbaijan Airlines said in a statement.

The flight via Armenian airspace will save time and fuel, the AZAL said, noting that the company uses all airspaces, including the Iranian and Armenian.

Azerbaijan has previously refused to use Armenian airspace because of the Upper Karabakh dispute between the two countries.

According to a statement from the low-cost carrier on Wednesday, Mehmet Tevfik Nane will commence his one-year term at the 78th Annual General Assembly to be held in June 2022 and will be IATA's first Turkish chair.

Nane will also become a member of the IATA's chair committee for three terms, it added.

"As IATA, which today represents 82% of total air traffic, equating to 290 member airlines from 120 countries, the biggest task ahead of us is to work so that our industry, which is a driving force of world economies, returns to pre-pandemic levels as soon as possible and continues its sustainable growth," Nane said.

The embassy said the decision only includes direct flights between the two countries but did not give additional details about the reason for the suspension.

In May, Russian authorities announced a resumption of commercial flights with eight countries, including Morocco, after a period of flights' suspension as part of Russian health measures to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

Russia modified its decision in September and conditioned the entry of passengers from Morocco to direct flights or a transit flight via Belarus.

SunExpress will resume flights to Germany's Saarbrucken and Nuremberg in winter, while continuing to fly to Bremen, its newest destination among the German routes.

For the first time, the carrier will not halt flights to Amsterdam which are only operated in summer, while it plans to relaunch some major routes such as Paris, Brussels, Copenhagen, Budapest, and Polish cities of Warsaw and Katowice in winter.

The airline also announced to continue its flights to London and Manchester during Christmas.

SunExpress also expanded domestic destinations from the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya and Aegean province of Izmir to the southeastern Mardin province, dubbed “the city of civilizations.”

"Tourism is resilient and will bounce back," Zurab Pololikashvili told Anadolu Agency, pointing out that the desire to travel has not faded and that the sector has led the way in adapting to the unprecedented challenge posed by the virus outbreak.

Tourism has suffered significantly since the onset of the pandemic which led to worldwide travel restrictions, border shutdowns, and an overall drop in consumer demand.

International tourism and its closely linked sectors suffered an estimated loss of $2.4 trillion in 2020, a report jointly presented by the UNWTO and UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) showed.

Highlighting that domestic tourism will be the first to bounce back, Pololikashvili said that safe international travel was also now possible with clear leadership and international cooperation.

"This first requires the harmonization of travel rules and protocols, as well as measures to restore trust in travel and make people feel safe again," Pololikashvili explained.

The UNWTO expects pre-pandemic trends in tourism to continue and perhaps even accelerate, he said, adding: "This includes stronger interest in unique and authentic travel experiences, for instance, cultural tourism, gastronomy tourism, and wine tourism."

Pololikashvili highlighted that tourists would now be more aware of the impact of their journeys and behavior and will want to make a difference for the communities they visit.

"We expect the movement towards greater inclusivity and sustainability -- both are core principles of UNWTO -- will continue as we restart tourism and guide our sector's recovery," Pololikashvili added.

According to the latest UNWTO data, international tourist arrivals slipped 85% compared to 2019 levels (or a drop of 65% from 2020) in January-May.

Pointing out that tourism has been at the forefront of adaptation and has led the digital transformation of societies, Pololikashvili said: "As such, the boom in tourism sector innovation we have seen during the pandemic as the sector adapts to an unprecedented challenge and drives the restart of safe travel is no surprise. We expect to see this innovation continue as we emerge out of the pandemic."

To ensure that tourism's restart is sustainable and as strong and resilient as possible, it also has to be inclusive, he underlined.

Pololikashvili noted that the theme of World Tourism Day 2021 was "Tourism for Inclusive Growth."

"Now is the time to recognize we need to ensure everyone is part of the conversation as we plan tourism's restart and recovery -- and that the economic and social benefits this will bring are shared as widely and fairly as possible."

Oya Narin, the head of the Turkish Tourism Investors Association (TTYD), said the momentum in the country's tourism sector would continue to improve in 2022-23 with vaccination becoming more widespread to curb COVID-19.

"The sector will overtake the 2019 levels by 2023-24," Narin said.

The interest in touristic cities, especially Istanbul, Turkey's largest city by population and a top tourist destination, will increase in the normalization period, she underlined.

Players in the tourism sector accelerated their efforts this year by implementing various projects, such as Istanbul Modern, a museum of modern and contemporary art, the Ataturk Cultural Center, the science and culture center of Tersane Istanbul, and Galataport, Narin said.

In subsequent years, the city will witness the opening of various museums that will make Istanbul a leader in bringing developments in arts and culture infrastructure to the world, she stressed.

"We believe that similar promotional activities will greatly benefit the extension of the tourism season," Narin noted, adding that competition in international tourism is expected to be very sharp during recovery.

Turkey's tourism revenues may surpass $100 billion by 2033 if the transformation in tourism becomes a government policy, Narin underlined.

Iberia, Binter, Canaryfly and Vueling are among airlines that canceled flights although airports declared operational, local Efe Agency reported.

The first cancellation came from Binter earlier in the day when it said the stoppage will continue until conditions improve and allow flying to guarantee safety. The airline mainly connects La Palma with Tenerife North and Gran Canaria airports.

The volcanic eruption that has continued since Sunday, has destroyed nearly 400 homes and 200 hectares (494 acres) of land.

About 6,000 people have been forced from their homes and many will never be able to return.

Agricultural land, much of it for banana production, as well as businesses and roads, have also been razed by lava.

The volcano erupted for the first time in 50 years.

Starting Wednesday, Britons are traveling to Turkey without compulsory hotel quarantine upon return, a move which eases travel and tourism between the two countries.

Mugla is one of the most preferred holiday centers for British tourists. More than a million British citizens spend their holidays in Mugla's favorite tourism resorts Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye and surrounding areas every year.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Dalaman Airport official Hamdi Guvenc said Mugla hosts most tourists from the UK, Russia and Ukraine.

"When we look at the pre-pandemic period, an average of 90,000 tourists from the UK visited Turkey in October. This figure is nearly 60,000 for now, but reservations still continue. We believe that we can reach pre-pandemic numbers again,” Guvenc said.

As many as 1,000 people booked for holidays in Mugla over the past two days, he added.

“We have been to there several times before. With the resumption of flights, we came for a holiday with our child. We love Turkey and longed for Mugla during the pandemic,” British citizen Peters Steven, who is accompanying his wife, told Anadolu Agency.

Turkish authorities implement strict measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in planes, airports and hotels to ensure tourists have a healthy and secure holiday.

As of 4 a.m. (0300 GMT), all those arriving from Turkey will no longer need to self-isolate in a designated hotel, which was a mandatory process before.

Passengers arriving in England from Turkey will have to have a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their arrival, and self-isolate at an address they will provide for 10 days.

On the 2nd and 8th day of the isolation, they will have two more tests, of which the results need to be shared with British health authorities. They also have to fill a passenger locator form before entering the country.

However, those arriving from Turkey and who are fully vaccinated in the UK, US, EU or EFTA will not have to self-isolate depending on the pre-journey test and the 2nd day test.

From Oct. 4, those who are fully vaccinated will not need a pre-departure test before arrival into England from a non-red country, according to a statement by the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

Turkish authorities are in talks with British authorities for recognition of vaccinations in Turkey, according to a statement from the Turkish Embassy in London.

Alongside Turkey, Egypt, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Oman, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Kenya were also removed from the red list.

According to a report published by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK), the trade volume between Hungary and Turkey has grown by 55% in the last 10 years.

Bilateral development especially started accelerating in 2013 when a Strategic Cooperation Council was established, and tourism and trade activities between the two countries have increased considerably since then.

In the last five years, the amount of direct investment from Turkey to Hungary also increased from $100 million to $2 billion.

Adnan Polat, head of the Turkey-Hungary Business Council, previously said Hungary is a country with serious investment incentives as well as logistics investments.

"Mutual investments make it possible for Turkey to open up to the European market and for Hungary to trade with the Middle East."

Additionally, he said, Hungary provides lucrative incentives for investment.

"It has the lowest corporate tax in Europe. Hungarian Eximbank also supports investors," he stated.

With some $1.6 billion bilateral trade volume five years ago, it rose to $3.6 billion before the COVID-19 pandemic, he elaborated.

"Five years ago, Turkish investment in Hungary did not reach €100 million ($118 million), now it is over €2 billion," Polat added.

Viktor Matis, Hungary’s ambassador to Turkey, said once: "A few years ago Turkey said it would be among the world's 10 largest economies and there is no question whether this will happen or not. The only question is when. We think this will happen in a short time."

In general, 97.5% of Turkey's exports to Hungary consists of industrial products and 2.5% of which is agricultural products.

In the Hungary's imports, Turkey ranks 15th with a share of 1.2%.

- Facilitative measures, cultural ties

Turkey and Hungary have worked together over the years to make bilateral travel easier for their citizens.

For Hungarians, there is no need for a visa to enter Turkey.

During the pandemic, Budapest reciprocated by keeping Turkey on its list of safe travel countries, also offering exemptions to Turkish businesspeople and even dropping the requirement of vaccination proof for visa applications last month.

According to Matis, Hungary is a gateway to Europe for Turks; and for Hungarians, Turkey is a bridge between the East and the West.

He said that Hungarians view Turkey as a second home, with the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya featuring as their favorite destination.

Renowned for its cultural activities and events, Hungary has been hosting a traditional Turkish event – Great Kurultaj – since 2008.

Budapest has also long been a supporter of Ankara’s bid to join the EU.

Matis also reaffirmed that Hungary fully backs Turkey in this matter and will continue to do so.

“Hungary is a door to the EU for Turkey and Turkey is a bridge for Hungary to the Middle East,” the envoy said.