Turkey The cradle of great civilizations and empires. Every civilization and empire that Turkey has embraced left clear memories and monuments on this land. These places witnessed different stories from the developments of history, as well as the lifestyles and ruling powers of their time.
By visiting these historical sites, in addition to understanding the way of life of ancient peoples, one can also uncover the secrets hidden in the heart of history. This presents 10 of the most important and impressive historical sites in Turkey.
2. The Historical City of Ephesus
The history of the city of Ephesus, located in Turkey’s Izmir province, dates back to nearly 6,000 years before Christ. At that time, this city was the second largest city in the world.
The remains of this ancient city are considered among the most attractive tourist areas for visitors who love archaeological sites.
There are ten beautiful tourist attractions in Ephesus worth mentioning: the Vedius Gymnasium, the Church of Saint Mary, the baths, the Square of Verulanus, Arcadian Street, the Great Theatre, Marble Street, the Library of Celsus, Curetes Street, the Magnesia Gate, and the Temple of Hadrian.
By travelling to this city you can enjoy the charm and beauty of history, and you will be amazed at the sight of the remains of historical landmarks and past civilizations.
This historical and religious site, which is considered one of the most important and famous tourist attractions in Turkey, is also one of the masterpieces of Byzantine architecture, because this remarkable place, despite its ancient history, still represents the art and history of this country and stands before the eyes of tourists with its beautiful and unique harmonious arches and columns.
1. Hagia Sophia Mosque
Hagia Sophia Mosque is located in the Sultanahmet district, at the heart of Istanbul. This historic building was constructed 1,500 years ago as a great church of the Byzantine Empire.
After Ottoman forces occupied Istanbul, it was converted into a mosque by order of the Ottoman Sultan, and with the official proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in place of the Ottoman Empire, this historical site was converted from a mosque into a museum.
This historical and religious site, which is considered one of the most important and famous tourist attractions in Turkey, is also one of the masterpieces of Byzantine architecture, because this remarkable place, despite its ancient history, still represents the art and history of this country and stands before the eyes of tourists with its beautiful and unique harmonious arches and columns.
3. The Historical Site of Hierapolis
The historical city of Hierapolis is one of the most famous archaeological destinations recommended for a visit in Turkey. The city of Hierapolis, known as Pamukkale Castle, is located in Turkey’s Denizli province, close to Cotton Castle or the Pamukkale area.
The word Hierapolis means “the sacred city” because of the abundance of temples and landmarks that speak of the Greek religion.
What remains of this historical city, full of secrets, includes a great theatre where festivals and contests between champions were once held. The area designated for royalty in this theatre is of tremendous architectural beauty, with its tall columns.
The Plutonion cave, also known as the Gate of Hell, as well as the Temple of Apollo, are among the most beautiful sections you can encounter in Hierapolis.
The Hierapolis pool, which can still be used to this day, as well as the carved rocks, the enormous columns, and the thick stone entrances, are among the impressive things at this destination.
4. The Archaeological City of Aphrodisias
The archaeological city of Aphrodisias, or the Aphrodisias archaeological site, is located 230 kilometres from Izmir and 30 kilometres west of the city of Denizli.
This beautiful city, whose history dates back to 5,000 years before Christ, is one of the most beautiful archaeological cities in Turkey, made up of various sections that astound visitors with their exquisite and unparalleled designs. The Temple of Aphrodite, with its towering grey columns, stands at the centre of the city.
The museum is another section of this city where you can view the most beautiful architectural and engineering artefacts and pieces that have been uncovered in the city of Aphrodisias.
The stone sarcophagi, on which various images of people have been carved, are among the things that inspire wonder at this destination.
The bouleuterion, as well as the baths, the stone carvings, and the theatre, are among the other things you can see at this destination.
5. Mount Nemrut: A View of Stone Gods
Mount Nemrut is a place connected to the history of religions and is one of the most famous ancient attractions in Turkey. This mountain is approximately 43 kilometres from the city of Kahta, and one must obtain a travel ticket from Istanbul or Ankara to reach this place.
This mountain, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a stone tomb of King Antiochus I, whose grave is said to lie beneath a rock standing 50 metres tall.
On Mount Nemrut there are statues with severed and broken heads placed on the ground without bodies, and statues in the form of bodies lacking distinct and clear heads; however, archaeologists have placed the heads beside their bodies, and this makes for a fascinating sight on this mountain.
These colossal statues were the faces of the gods of Nemrut, placed in front of the main sanctuary.
Among these statues, tourists can also see the statue of Zeus, father of the gods and of mankind, and they are surprised to find statues of Hercules, Apollo, Mithra, Hermes, Helios, and Antiochus I on this mountain. Tourists can enjoy viewing the artistry of the ancient sculptors who created these enormous and magnificent carvings.
6. Hattusa: City of Stone Columns
The city of Hattusa was the capital of the Hittite Empire. The history of the city of Hattusa dates back to between 1,180 and 1,600 years before Christ. This city is situated between the Levant and Mesopotamia and is close to the Black Sea.
This city was recently registered as a World Heritage Site on the UNESCO list. The city can be recognised by its stone columns firmly set in the ground and protected by walls.
In this city, stone gateways crafted with great artistry can be seen, conveying the power and might of its inhabitants during that era.
Tourists can enjoy walking through this city to see the remains of historical artefacts, which are now summarised in stone fragments. Some valuable historical pieces, now kept in the Istanbul Museum and the Pergamon Museum in Germany, were discovered in this area.
By travelling to this city, tourists can appreciate the greatness of ancient empires and the power that prevailed at that time. Tourists can also discover the way of life of the inhabitants of those regions by viewing the remains of this city.
7. Troy: Land of Historical Epics
The land of Troy is located at the Anatolian mound of Hisarlik in north-western Turkey and the south-west of the Dardanelles strait, close to the sea.
This city has been registered as an important archaeological site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This city was destroyed and rebuilt 9 times throughout history.
According to what Homer recounted in the Iliad and the Odyssey, a great war took place between Troy and the king of Sparta, which led to the destruction of this city.
By travelling to this ancient and famous city, you can see enormous and astonishing landmarks from history that captivate the eye with their unique beauty. A great wooden horse has been made in this area as a monument representing the historical Trojan Horse.
8. Cappadocia: Land of Wonders
Cappadocia is a stunning historical region in the heart of Anatolia and is one of the most magnificent tourist attractions in Turkey and the world, and it is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This place, full of secrets and wonders, is one of the locations that played significant roles under various governments.
The Goreme Open-Air Museum, the village of Goreme, the underground city of Kaymakli, the Lou Open-Air Museum, the underground city of Derinkuyu, the Byzantine churches in the village of Cavusin, Soganli Valley, and Pasabag are among the most beautiful different areas that can be seen in the beautiful Cappadocia region.
This place contains a great many natural, historical, and geological sights.
Cappadocia is a stunning historical region in the heart of Anatolia and is one of the most magnificent tourist attractions in Turkey and the world, and it is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
9. Dolmabahce Palace
This palace, located on the eastern shore of the Bosphorus strait, is one of the most important and famous historical sites in the European part of Turkey and in the city of Istanbul.
This palace served as the residence of 6 Ottoman sultans and was also the residence of Turkish President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. This palace has a magnificent architectural design.
Dolmabahce Palace has been adorned with the finest precious stones, and its walls hold 202 exquisite oil paintings by the most celebrated artists.
Dolmabahce Palace is carpeted with more than 100 hand-woven silk rugs, and the number of rooms in this palace totals 285.
This palace, with all its facilities and its beautiful and breathtaking architecture, is considered one of the most beautiful historical landmarks for tourism in Turkey and one of the finest destinations for taking photographs and learning about the history and civilisation of Turkey in the modern era.
10. Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is one of the most important attractions for historical tourism in Turkey. This palace is located in the east of the Fatih district, in the European part, specifically in the Sultan Mehmed neighbourhood.
This palace was built at the highest point of the mountain slopes and overlooks the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. The history of Topkapi Palace dates back to the period of Ottoman rule in Turkey. This palace served as a base for many Ottoman sultans and courtiers in the fifteenth century.
This palace is made up of four courtyards, each with an impressively beautiful architectural design, and there is a section that was dedicated to the Sultan’s harem, which can acquaint tourists with the rituals and culture that governed the royal family at that time.
The area designated for the Sultan’s seat, the areas set aside for paying respects and greetings, the gardens, and the beautiful courtyard architecture of this palace’s walls are all worthy of careful and attentive observation.
Turkey has a countless number of historical and interesting places, and since there is no opportunity to present them all here, only some of the important historical sites in Turkey are mentioned below, such as the Blue Mosque, the Suleymaniye Mosque, Galata Tower, the Chora Church, Rumeli Hisari Castle, and others.
For more official information about destinations and events in Turkey, you can refer to the official travel guide to Turkey.