Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

17 November 2025

3-minute read

Embark on a fascinating journey to the crossroads of Europe and Asia—Türkiye. From the bustling streets of Istanbul, with their iconic masaajid and bustling bazaars, to the breathtaking natural wonders of Cappadocia and the sparkling coastline along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, this captivating country promises something for every traveller.

Sharing his insights and experiences, Brother Ahmed Alli Jeena, an experienced guide of this ancient land, was born and raised in South Africa. He relocated to Türkiye almost 6 years ago and is based in Istanbul, where he is dedicated to helping South Africans experience Türkiye through travel, investment and citizenship, bridging the gap and creating a reliable path for those seeking to expand their horizons abroad.

When sightseeing in Türkiye, especially in Istanbul, travellers should include the iconic Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Musuem in their itinerary. Added to that is the 1453 Museum showcasing the Conquest, as well as the Suleymaniye Mosque, Galata Towers and the Princess Islands. The Grand Bazaar has a masjid close by that houses the footprints of Nabi SAW, while another masjid in the Fatir area is worth a visit. A tip Brother Ahmed recommended is to take a good pair of walking shoes as most tours in Istanbul require a lot of walking. Away from the city, there are also natural spots to visit like waterfalls and mountains.

The beaches are beautiful, but Ahmed laughingly says, “there is nothing better than the Durban beach.” The best beaches are along the stunning coast of Antalya, where your feet “just slip” into the soft sand. It is best to book early when visiting during peak periods as these regions do experience a large number of European visitors and tend to get crowded. Beaches offer boat cruises that you can dive off as well as other activities like jet-skiing and parasailing.

Regarding halal tourism, there are many halal resorts and hotels with facilities for women and children all over Turkey that Ahmed suggests booking. Resorts on the beach offer easy accessibility to private beaches. The best time of year to visit Türkiye is during August and September as the summer months are extremely hot and the winters are quite cold.

It easy to get around this non-English speaking country as a lot more Turks now speak English. Public transport for tourists exploring different regions of the country is very accessible and reliable. However, Ahmed does suggest familiarising oneself with Google Translate to converse with taxi and Uber drivers as they may misunderstand your required destination.

Having lived in South Africa, Brother Ahmed, says that the key difference between South Africa and Türkiye is the safety aspect and the efficiency and accessibility of services, as well as the cleanliness of the country. Key tips for first-time visitors to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip is to stay vigilant, be wary of pickpockets, leave your valuables in the hotel safe, and stay away from crowded spaces and beggars who often turn out to be criminals.

Renowned for its vibrant history, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality, Türkiye offers a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern living for every type of visitor.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Muhammad Kara, Ml Ibrahim Daya and Ahmed Jeena.