subject: Middle East Backpacking Tips [print this page] The Middle East is a region is full of places to see and experience. Obtaining a visa is generally an easy process for those coming from most Western nations, but there are exceptions. Turkey is on one end of the Middle East, and a country that welcomes tourists with open arms.
Istanbul has extensive public transportation and taxi services, and there are plenty of opportunities to shop around the city and in the Grand Bazaar alone. It is the oldest covered market in the world, and even with several trips to the bazaar, it may be impossible to discover every street of vendors and cafes. There are also several beautiful and historic mosques in the city, and the Hagia Sofia Mosque is a must see. A church during Byzantine rule, Hagia Sofia (Ayasofya in Turkish), was later converted into a mosque under Ottoman rule.
A few hours southeast of Istanbul, Cappadocia is a historic town and a popular tourist destination. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because the site consists of natural rock formations and underground villages dating back centuries. Visitors can seek accommodation in one of the several hotels that are located in the rock dwellings , and you can avoid high prices during off peak months.
Compared to Turkey, obtaining a visa to travel to Iran or Yemen proves to be more difficult. In order to begin the process of obtaining a visa to Iran, US citizens should contact the Iranian Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington. Keep in mind that those with a stamp from Israel in your passport, or if you are applying with an Israeli passport, you will be denied a visa to Iran. The United States government does not have diplomatic relations with the Iranian government, so there is no American embassy in Tehran. The Swiss embassy can help American citizens through Switzerland's agreement with the US, so be sure to inform them of your travel plans to Iran, just in case.
Tabriz is one of the largest cities in Iran, located in its northwest Azeri province. Kandovan is a famous site in Tabriz. It is made up of homes carved into rock formations, similar to those of Cappadocia in Turkey, that have been inhabited for up to 700 years.
Yemen can also prove to be difficult to travel to, and it seems that security there is more of an issue than in Iran. Obtaining a visa is not easy, but can be done, and Yemen is one of the least traveled-to countries in the world.
The Old City of Sana'a is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the capital of Yemen. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Sana'a has been continuously inhabited for 2,500 years. About 30 minutes away, Kawkaban is a historic fortress that was built several centuries ago. and a must see for travelers.
From one end of the Middle East to the other, the region is full of history and culture that is often untapped by backpackers.
