Anatolia bears witness to 10,000 years of civilization with innumerable ancient sites dotting the landscape, inviting you to a journey into the past of humanity.
As we trace the origin of our history and gain an understanding of the various cultures and civilizations that once inhabited these lands, we gain a deeper understanding of the progress humanity has made over the millennia, invoking the feeling of being part of a greater whole than what we perceive at first.
These lands boast an amazingly rich past, from Gobeklitepe with its profound impact on our understanding of human civilizations, to ancient Anatolian civilizations, Romans, Seljuks and the magnificent Ottoman Empire, with numerous sites that lay in silent testament of their history. Here is a list of 10 historic places you must definitely visit.
Historical Peninsula, Istanbul
The Historical Peninsula in Istanbul served as the administrative center of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and many of its historic structures have stood the test of time. This particular area witnessed some of the most important historic moments of a 3,000-year period, and include several must-see historical places including the awe-inspiring 1400-year old Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque with its breathtaking blue tiles dating back to 1617, Topkapı Palace as the symbol of Ottoman Empire’s might, and the stunning Basilica Cistern with its highly adorned pillars rising from the black waters below.
The Sultanahmet Square, a UNESCO World Heritage, is full of surprising sights that that will take you back thousands of years in time, like the Obelisk of Theodosius, brought from Egypt in 390 BE by Emperor Theodosius I, the Serpent Column, which was believed to protect the city from snakes and insects, and the Milion, the zero marker for all the roads leading to the cities of the Byzantine Empire.
If you are planning to take a history tour of the area, make sure to add to your itinerary the Archeology Museum and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in the Ibrahim Pasha Palace, followed by an immersive stroll along the lively streets of the Grand Bazaar.
Göbeklitepe, Şanlıurfa
Although only partially unearthed, the archeological site of Gobeklitepe has already had a monumental impact on our understanding of human history. What makes it so special? Dating back 12,000 years according to archeologists, Gobeklitepe has shown that humans constructed buildings before the advent of agriculture, while they still lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers. The site is believed to be a sanctuary, and it is also significant in terms of showing the connection between religion and the transition from nomadic to a sedentary lifestyle. In comparison, the Stonehenge, one of the oldest known monuments before the discovery of Gobeklitepe, is believed to be constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. Gobeklitepe was abandoned circa 8000 BE, and it was backfilled for reasons unknown. This monument complex, located near the village of Örencik 18 kilometers to the northeast of Şanlıurfa, made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018.
Gobeklitepe can be visited as part of a Şanlıurfa-Harran-Halfeti tour, during which you can explore Urfa, the so-called “City of Prophets”, and visit amazing pilgrimage sites like Abraham’s Pool and Abraham’s Cave. For accommodation, there are several boutique hotels operating out of splendid mansions in Halfeti, located on the coast of Euphrates.
Ephesus Ancient City and Surroundings, Izmir/Selçuk
Walking along the ancient city of Ephesus and touching the sculptures and pillars dotting the ruins creates a peculiar feeling as if you are bridging the gap between the past and the future, witnessing the tales of all who lived here in these lands.
The earliest signs of human inhabitance in the area date back 8,000 years ago, to the Neolithic Age. Having supported and nourished life for millennia with its fertile lands, this important port city entered its glory days in circa 300 BC. Today, its ruins are highly popular international tourist attraction.
Arcadian Way, Ancient Theater, the iconic façade of the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Hadrian are but some of the captivating landmarks of the Ephesus archaeological site. The Terrace Houses, offering a glimpse at the life of the city’s wealthy, is also worth seeing with their floor heating and mosaic-decorated courtyards.
Ephesus offers much more than the ruins within the archeological site. There are numerous historical sites scattered all over Selçuk. The House of the Virgin Mary, where Mary is believed to have lived her final years together with St. John, is considered to be a Holy Place and is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics. The House of the Virgin Mary is located on Mt. Koressos, seven kilometers from Selçuk.
Another must-visit location is the Basilica of St. John, which is one of the most significant structures of the early Christian era and stands over the burial site of John the Apostle, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus.
Experience a tour program brimming with history and culture, and relax in the magnificent atmosphere of Şirince that reminds of a movie set. Şirince will jazz up your trip with its cafes, restaurants, and historical mansions and stone houses, many of which offer accommodation. The Demetrius of Ephesus Jewelry Shop, which designed the jewelry used in the renowned film Troy starring Brad Pitt, is also located in Şirince. If you are interested in designer jewelry, this is the place to go.
Ishak Pasha Palace, Ağrı
Perched like an eagle's nest on a high hill overlooking the plains in the Doğubeyazıt district of Ağrı, the Ishak Pasha Palace was completed in 1784 after almost a century of construction. Covering an area of 7600 square meters, the palace consists of a collection of buildings reflecting Ottoman and Seljuk architecture. It is considered to be the most magnificent palace to be built after the Topkapı Palace.
The palace has various areas open to visitors, such as harem, soup kitchen, bath, meeting rooms, hall for ceremonies and entertainment, courtroom, mosque, various service rooms, living rooms, quarters for servants and grooms, guardhouse, dungeons, supply depots and arsenal. Among these places, the mosque remains in the best condition. Built with stones of two different colors, the elegant minaret will surely attract your attention.
As one of the most must-see historical places in Eastern Anatolia, the Ishak Pasha Palace may be visited as part of a tour program focusing exclusively on the region, or as an extension of a larger Southeastern Anatolia tour.
Ani Ruins, Kars
A journey to Southern Anatolia is not complete without a visit to Ani Ruins. Located in Kars, this ancient city is one of the most important cultural heritages of the region and Turkey at large. The Ani archeological site is situated on the border with Armenia on the route of the historical Silk Road. It was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2016. Ani was the home of various civilizations throughout centuries, and it was one of the first settlements conquered by the Turks after their arrival in Anatolia. Ani archeological site is also the home of the first mosque built in Anatolia, the Menucehr Mosque.
The Ani archeological site is spread across a large area, and offers two tour routes for a quick or a detailed exploration of the place. This ancient settlement is nestled among an amazing natural setting, and the ideal visiting times are in summer and in winter. Although the winters are relatively harsh in the region, the site looks breathtaking under a blanket of snow, allowing you to take pictures as pretty as postcards. Furthermore, you can extend your tour to the Lake Çıldır in the vicinity and take a sleigh ride on the frozen lake. In summers, the weather in Kars is mild, perfect for relaxed excursions into the verdant nature.
While in Kars, keep in mind to experience the amazing attractions the city has to offer. Take the world-famous Orient Express, and ski down the magnificent slopes of Sarıkamış. Explore the historical buildings in the city center and Ortakapı, Yusufpaşa and Cumhuriyet districts that carry traces of Baltic architecture. If you are a fan of gourmet flavors and especially cheese, you are in for an amazing breakfast experience in the village of Boğatepe, the home of the famous Kars Gruyere cheese. As the city has been growing into a popular tourist destination in recent years, there are a variety of accommodation alternatives available. For an amazing hospitality experience, we recommend Kar’s Hotel operating from a restored historic building in the Russian architectural style, and one of the best boutique hotels in all of Turkey.
Selimiye Mosque, Edirne
Any list of Turkey’s top historical attractions would be incomplete without the magnificent Selimiye Mosque, considered by Mimar Sinan to be his masterpiece. The mosque is visible from all parts of the city of Edirne, which served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire for many years. It was constructed over a period of seven years and was completed in 1575. The mosque’s elegant yet imposing minarets, each with three
şerefes, reach a height of 85 meters, while its central dome has a span of 31 meters. The glazed tiles decorating the interior of the mosque feature 101 different tulip motifs, and were manufactured in Iznik, which was the center of tile production in its heyday. The courtyard of the mosque is equally as awe-inspiring, and it is easy to lose track of time simply taking in the sights.
If you are spending a day in Edirne, make sure to visit the Karaağaç district, which is accessible via the Meriç Bridge. Touring Karaağaç is like visiting another world, with its unique architecture, cobblestone streets, and many attractive cafés and restaurants.
Mount Nemrut, Adıyaman
Mount Nemrut archeological site is located on the border between the village of Büyüköz in Pütürge, Malatya and the Kahta district of Adıyaman, and is easily accessible from both provinces. A UNESCO World Heritage with its monumental statues of gods and kings, Mount Nemrut is actually the royal tomb of King Antiochus I of Commagene, who died in the year of 34 BC. The statues, erected as a form of offering to the gods, are divided into two groups: some facing east and some facing west. For this reason, excursions to Mount Nemrut are usually scheduled to coincide with sunrise on sunset. On the eastern and western terraces, the statues of King Antiochus and gods and goddesses are accompanied by sculptures of lions and eagles. The western terrace is also where the lion horoscope, an amazing archeological find, is located. Keep in mind that a fair bit of trekking is required to reach the statues, so wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes. It would also be a great idea to grab a thermos of coffee to enjoy, watching the sunrise or sunset in this mystical atmosphere.
Aphrodisias, Aydın
Named after Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, the ancient city of Aphrodisias is located in Karacasu, Aydın. It is remarkable due to the fact that a significant portion of buildings in the city have survived to our day.
While touring the enchanting Temple of Aphrodite, the almost-intact stadium that could host 30,000 spectators at once, and the theater, one can easily imagine visiting the city in its heyday.
In ancient times, Aphrodisias was a leading hub of architecture, arts and sculpture, and was home to one of the greatest schools for sculpture of the time, which is evident in the aesthetical quality that permeates the site. The ideal time to visit the ancient city is in spring when you can take a delightful stroll through the city, visiting the bathhouse, the agora with its pool, temple to Aphrodite, stadium, theater, theater baths, odeon, the bishop’s palace and the school for philosophy.
Çatalhöyük, Konya
Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2012, the 9400-year old Çatalhöyük is one of the earliest known Neolithic settlements. The archeological site is located a 40-minute drive away from the city center of Konya, and features a large collection of unique finds that shed a light on the history of human civilization. One of the most interesting aspects of Çatalhöyük is the architecture. This settlement, which once was home to around 8,000 people, consists of dwellings clustered together with to streets between. The houses, made from mudbrick, wood and straw, were accessible only through the roof. Their walls were adorned with murals depicting animals, dancing humans and hunting scenes.
You can visit the impressive Çatalhöyük as part of a broader tour of the Konya region. Konya offers many alternatives for visitors looking for a stylish and memorable vacation. If you can make the trip in April, make sure to visit the blooming tulip fields to relax and take pictures in a magical setting. Asya and Atlas tulip fields are must-see locations in Konya, and so are the Tropical Butterfly Garden and the Kyoto Japanese Garden, theme parks that are sure to make you believe you are on the other side of the world. If your vacation coincides with the week of December 17, you will have the opportunity to join the Seb-i Arus ceremonies, transforming your visit into a mystical tour exploring the spiritual traces of Rumi.
Sumela Monastery, Trabzon
After reaching Maçka from Trabzon, you can follow a set of direction signs against a backdrop of breathtaking natural vistas, which will lead you to the amazing Sumela Monastery, nestled in a steep cliff 300 meters above the Altındere Valley. The monastery, and the imposing cliff on which it is built, are both equally awe-inspiring.
The monastery is believed to be built by two Athenian monks named Barnabas and Sophronios during the reign of Byzantine emperor Theodosius I (375-395). It was restored and expanded by order of emperor Justinian during the 6th century. It reached its present form in the 13th century. The monastery consists of the rock church, several chapels, kitchens, student rooms, a guesthouse, a library and a sacred spring. After a period of restoration, Sumela Monastery is fully open to visitors once again.
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