Istanbul: Renowned British historian and documentarian Bettany Hughes has revealed that Trkiye played a pivotal role in her decision to become a professional historian, citing Aphrodisias, Sagalassos, and Gobeklitepe as her favorite ancient sites in the country. Known for her documentaries such as The Genius of the Ancient World and Ancient Worlds, Hughes has recently focused on exploring Trkiye's rich heritage in her Treasures of the World series.

According to Anadolu Agency, Hughes expressed her fondness for numerous sites in Trkiye, describing Aphrodisias as beautiful and Sagalassos as incredible. She emphasized the historical significance of Gobeklitepe, noting its status as one of the earliest settlements and a key to understanding the origins of civilization. Hughes recounted her first visit to Trkiye at the age of 18, which sparked her deep appreciation for the country's history and led her to pursue a career as a historian.

Hughes, who has been visiting Trkiye for over four decades, often with her family, highlighted the country's abundance of archaeological sites, stating that it boasts more such sites than any other nation. She urged travelers to venture beyond Trkiye's popular beaches to explore its inland regions and eastern areas, including the ancient city of Mardin and the 11,000-year-old site of Gobeklitepe.

In addition to her historical interests, Hughes praised Turkish cuisine, expressing her love for traditional dishes such as fresh herbs for breakfast, Turkish cheese, roasted aubergines, and desserts sweetened with rose water. She concluded by describing Trkiye as her happy place in culinary terms.