Best Historical Sites in Turkey

Turkey’s allure is such that it attracts millions of tourists. There are so many historical places in Turkey that a tourist may run out of time to see everything. Picking up the best attractions in Turkey, here is the ultimate list to follow on your next holiday.

1. The Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia, or ‘Ayasofya’ in Turkish, is a world-famous 6th- century church-turned-mosque in Istanbul, whose fusion of architectural styles and massive proportions has made it Turkey’s most-visited attraction.

Today, the Hagia Sophia serves as a mosque, but it welcomes visitors of all faiths and nationalities. There are remnants of the first two Hagia Sophias as well as the current structure with its vast domed ceiling and ornate Muslim altars and chapels.

2. Ephesus

Ephesus, also known as ‘Efes,’ was a thriving classical city and trade center that now borders modern-day Selçuk in Turkey. Some of the best-preserved Greek and Roman ruins in the Mediterranean can be found here. Visitors can now enjoy exploring the numerous ruins as well as the museum, which houses many artifacts discovered at the site. Some of the famous sites and discoveries were the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus and the Basilica of St. John.

Ephesus is a treasure trove for Ancient Roman and Greek history buffs, with visitors able to walk through its streets and admire its magnificent houses, community buildings, temples, and stadiums.

3. Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace had served as the seat and residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Constructed in the traditional Ottoman style, the palace measured a staggering 700,000 meters squared in volume upon completion, consisting of a series of courtyards, the main palace, and several ancillary buildings.

It is now a popular historical tourist destination in Turkey, with visitors flocking to see its Ottoman architecture, courtyards, and Muslim and Christian relics, including the Prophet Mohammed’s belongings.

4. The Cappadocia Underground Cities

The Cappadocia Underground Cities are a collection of magnificent subterranean cities constructed by ‘cave goers.’ Some of the nearly forty known Cappadocia underground cities, including Kaymakl, Derinkuyu, Zkonak, Mazi, and Ürgüp, are open to the public in Nevshir.

The sheer scale and complexity of the underground cities are the most incredible aspects of them. Some go eight levels underground, with complete living quarters, facilities for making grape juice, cooking, drainage and plumbing, and even horse stables. Thanks to such mind-blowing experiences that visiting the cities with a Turkey visit visa is a thrilling, authentic, and fascinating adventure.

5. Van Castle

Van Castle (Van Kalesi) was an Iron Age castle that now stands as a beautiful ruin on the rocks west of Van. It was built in the 9th century BC as part of the Urartu Kingdom. Van Castle was captured by the Assyrians after the fall of this kingdom in the 7th century BC.

Van Castle’s location bears the imprints of these two civilisations, as well as others, such as the Ottoman Empire. It is particularly notable for housing the ruins of a mosque built by the Ottoman Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent (1494-1566).

6. Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a treat for visitors from all over the world. This particular town is located in western Turkey and is quite rich in the various mineral compositions that can be found there. Because of its resemblance to snow, the Turkish people sometimes refer to the location as the cotton castle.

The history and culture of the area will compel you to take some time to appreciate its beauty. So, take a look at this list of things to do in Pamukkale, a town in western Turkey, to see what best fits your itinerary!

7. Aizanoi

Aizanoi, with many relics of great historical importance, was one of the most prominent cities during the Roman Empire. Its position as a hub of trade routes had become extremely significant. When you are in Aizanoi, be sure to see the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium Theatre Complex, the Macellum, and the Kutahya Museum.

Location- Yukarı, Cumhuriyet Cd., 43710 Çavdarhisar/Kütahya, Türkiye

8. Antalya Museum

There are many well-known Turkey historical places, the most renowned being the Antalya Museum. As one of the largest museums in Turkey, it contains 13 exhibition halls and an outdoor gallery. This museum highlights the history of the Mediterranean region and Pamphylia. The incredible collection of artifacts makes a visit to this museum well worth the cost.

Location- Bahçelievler, Konyaaltı Cd. No:88, 07050 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Türkiye

9. Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias, named for Aphrodite (the Goddess of love), is an outstandingly notable historical location in Turkey. Stroll through the ruins, explore the museum, and appreciate the splendor of this site in its entirety; plan on spending about 3 hours.

Location- Geyre, Aydın Province, Turkey

10. Side

Side, an old Greek city, has many tourist attractions that are both fun and historically significant. Some must-see places are the temple of Apollo, Aspendos, Roman ruins, Pamukkale baths, and Duden waterfalls. A few must-try adventures in Side are parasailing, rafting, scuba diving, and jeep safaris.

Location- Antalya Province, Turkey

11. Anadoluhisari

Anadoluhisari, a fortress in Istanbul, was constructed by the Ottoman Sultan between the years 1393 and 1394. It is one of Istanbul’s premium historical sites and also the oldest Turkish architectural structure made in Istanbul. In the 1990s, this was transformed into a museum. Although the interior museum is not open to the public, the outer walls are still reachable and worth visiting.

Location- Istanbul, Turkey

12. The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is one of Turkey’s most photogenic and popular historical landmarks. It functions like a social complex, comprising a mosque, madrasa, sultan’s residence, Turkish baths, a fountain, a hospital, a school, rental spaces, and homes. When visiting this famous tourist site, do not forget to stop by the ‘Arasta’ bazaar behind the mosque, surrounded by the Mosaic Museum and filled with shops selling souvenirs.

Location- Istanbul, Turkey

13. Alanya Castle

If you intend to see the most remarkable historical sites in Turkey, Alanya Castle is a must-visit. Once a fortress, it is now an open-air museum that provides a scenic outlook over the turquoise waters alongside. The castle is enclosed by a 4-mile wall containing around 140 towers. Be sure not to overlook the little shops displaying homemade knitting, sewing, lamps, and more!

Location- Alanya, Turkey

14. Anzac Cove

The Anzac Cove, positioned in Turkey, is one of the significant historical places in Turkey dating back to World War I. This served as the major base for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (or ANZAC) for 8 months during an operation in that war. Thus, it represents an imperative site for understanding Australia and New Zealand’s function in World War I, even though this is not as old as many other historical sites in Turkey.

Location- Istanbul, Turkey

Historical Places in Pamukkale Turkey

Travertines

Pamukkale’s stunning white calcite precipice was formed by calcium deposits from the region’s hot springs. The stores develop on lofty slants, gradually fanning out to frame regular porches, similar to how stalactites form inside limestone. Pamukkale means “coton manor,” and the blinding white color of these travertines does resemble an unusual characteristic post.

Hierapolis City Ruins

Hierapolis was founded not long after 190 BC by King Eumenes II of Pergamon as a permanent military province. The first city was destroyed by a quake in 60 AD, and it was only after it was rebuilt that its glory days began. The remnants of a magnificent colonnaded road run parallel to the travertines beneath for a little more than a kilometer, stretching between the necropolis to the north and a Byzantine church to the south. Do explore these ruins and historical places in Turkey if you want to have an amazing time.

Hierapolis Theater

The relentless theater, with its exterior more than 100 meters long and two levels of seating, each with 26 columns, stands on a slant over what remains of the Hierapolis ruins. The performance center was built amid the reigns of the Roman Emperors Hadrian and Septimius Severus and is inconceivably safe. It has preserved much of its original detail, including the magnificent boxes from which VIP visitors would have watched the show and some ornamental boards along the stage.

Pamukkale Antique Pool

Look no further if you need to share in some beneficial hot pool drenching like as the Romans did – but without the frocks. Pamukkale Antique Pool, located next to the Temple of Apollo, allows you to relax your tired travel muscles in mineral-rich hot spring water that is a constant 36°C. It could be the most barometrically hot spring backdrop you’ve ever seen, with half-submerged segments and pieces of fallen marble scattered in the water around you. This is a relaxing experience and one of the fun things to do in Pamukkale with your Turkey tourist visa.

Pamukkale Castle

Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) was originally just the name of this eleventh or twelfth-century castle, which is located just off the road leading from Pamukkale town up to the Hierapolis plateau. Most tourists do not attempt to come up here, so this is an excellent opportunity to make tracks in the opposite direction of the visit transport swarms for some time. If you go, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the travertines from the manor ruins, which make the trip worthwhile even with the bypass.

Conclusion

Turkey is a traveler’s delight, especially if you want to walk on off-beat roads. These historical places in Turkey will leave you mesmerized as you travel back in time. Alongside with these, the top attractions and things to do in Amasra are also overwhelming. So, get your Tukey visa am fly to this epic gem destination that has a lot of your history questions answered.