Product Details

• Actors: Rick Steves
• Directors: Graham Loveridge
• Producers: Tracy R. West
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Questar
• VHS Release Date: April 30, 2002
• Run Time: 52 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 1568551835
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #258,954 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

One of the best aspects of the Rick Steves video series is that he's not afraid to acknowledge when something is purely for the tourists. In this video of Turkey, Steves--the man responsible for the Europe Through the Back Door book series as well as PBS's Travel the World television series--does a terrific job of distinguishing what's for the visitors (camel rides and folk dances) and what's for the locals (the Whirling Dervishes are genuine). Led by local guide Mehilka Seval, Steves explores the west coast and central area of Turkey. With its ancient traditions and western ways, Turkey, he points out, is safe and friendly yet has an exotic feel to it. We certainly get that impression as we follow Steves to Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pammukale, Guzelyurt, Zeive, and Ankara. As in his other videos, Steves mixes in practical advice (on staying healthy, on whether women will feel comfortable traveling alone, and such) with sightseeing. Seval tells stories as she takes us through Roman ruins, pointing out an old-fashioned toilet (48 people could use it at once) and a necropolis, which housed people of all religions. The scenery is beautiful, and the white cliffs of Pammukale will tempt you to visit Turkey yourself. Another winner from the fine Travel the World series. --Jenny Brown

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Please DO NOT view this is you love Turkey, August 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Turkey: West Coast of Turkey, Central Turkey [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I was really disappointed in this video. Many people have referred me to Rick Steves, and this was the first opportunity I've had to see one of his videos. I have not read any of his books, but after this, do not plan on doing so.

I was mainly interested in the segment on Istanbul, since I'm visiting the city this fall and have been doing a lot of research into Istanbul's culture and history. From Steves' point of view, this is a city with two or three historical sights of interest. His historical information was brief and without sufficient background to truly educate a viewer who knew nothing of this city's rich history. His information on harems, roughly quoted as, "up to 700 women lived in the harems of Topkapi, and the sultans slept there every night," is incorrect based on academic research I've done.

In short, a person viewing this video without any knowledge of Istanbul would not be inspired to visit a city that for hundreds of years was the dominant capital in both the west and the east. If interested in Istanbul, please refer to the book "Eyewitness Travel Guide: Istanbul" for a vibrant collection of the historical resources available to the experienced traveler.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Turkey Highlights, August 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Turkey: West Coast of Turkey, Central Turkey [VHS] (VHS Tape)

...I viewed his work after living and traveling in Turkey for five wonderful months. Steves showcases some of Turkey's most memorable and interesting sites, at the same time giving helpful travel tips. While he may not have gone into detail about extensive historical aspects of Istanbul, there are many other facts to know and things to do, including the rich history of the rest of Turkey. For those planning a first-time trip to Turkey, or those adventurous enough to get away from Istanbul, Steves is informative and fun.