Historical places to visit in Turkey; Turkey is a world-famous country that hosts rich history, culture and natural beauties. Another name for the geography of Turkey, which is called the cradle of civilizations, is Anatolia. In terms of its geographical structure, Türkiye is in the east; It hosted deep-rooted civilizations such as Sumerians, Hittites, Persians and Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome and Lydians in its west. It is known as the capital of Christianity after Christ. Cappadocia and Constantinople are important centers of Christianity.

Most of the historical cities remaining from the periods before Christ are Greek and Roman ruins. You can visit the Anatolian geography, which is rich in historical and cultural tourism, at any time of the year. In this guide, we have listed the historical places to visit in Turkey under headings. You will discover the natural beauties as well as the regions and historical areas in these regions.

Historical Places to Visit in Turkey

This guide will help you create your travel plan before visiting Turkey. After making a list of the places you want to visit, you can make your accommodation plans. You can get ‘Antalya car rental with driver‘ or transfer service for your trips from our company. You can visit these areas with our specially allocated vehicles. There are guides to accompany you throughout the trip. We have vehicles for the size of groups of 5 people, 14 people, 16 people and 25 people. You can get an offer by clicking the link above.

Map

You can examine the locations on the map below.

Antalya

Aspendos Ancient Theatre

Aspendos Ancient Theater is a Roman theater that was built in the 2nd century AD and has survived to the present day in magnificent shape. It is known for its capacity of 15,000 people and its magnificent acoustics. It is one of the prominent structures of the ancient world with its architectural elegance and usability for theatrical events.

Perge Ancient City

Perge is one of the important ancient cities of the Pamphylia region. It was founded in the 4th century BC and reached its peak during the Roman Empire. It is famous for its ancient theatre, stadium, agora and mosaics.

Termessos

Termessos is an ancient city located in a mountainous area. It is one of the rare cities that even Alexander could not conquer, thanks to its natural defense elements. The theater and agora ruins located high above offer visitors a unique experience.

Temple of Apollo in Side

Side Ancient City was an important port city in ancient times. The Temple of Apollo is located on a magnificent coastline by the sea and offers a magnificent view as the sun sets.

Alanya Castle

Alanya Castle is a large castle located in a position overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This castle from the Seljuk period attracts history lovers with its historical walls and structures inside.

Olympos Ancient City

Olympos was an important Lycian city in ancient times. It is famous for its ancient theatre, ruins and beaches. It also attracts attention with its natural volcano flame.

Phaselis Ancient City

Phaselis is an ancient city with three harbours. It stands out with its ancient theatre, agora and walls. It is also famous for its natural beauties.

Myra Ancient City

Myra is an important city belonging to the Lycian Union in ancient times. It is known for its rock-carved tombs and ancient theatre. It also hosts the church commemorating St. Nicholas.

St. Nicholas Church (Santa Claus Church)

St. in Demre Nicholas Church is a religious center where the tomb of St. Nicholas is located. Saint Nicholas, an important figure in the Christian world, is commemorated here.

Patara Ancient City

Patara is an important member of the Lycian League. It attracts attention with its wide beaches, ancient harbor and theatre. It also houses a monumental column from the Roman period.

Xanthos Ancient City

Xanthos was the capital of Lycia and was an important center in ancient times. It is known for its rich historical ruins, ancient theater and tombstones.

Saklıkent National Park

Saklıkent is famous for its enormous canyon and crystal clear waters. This canyon, formed by snowmelt in winter, is a great hiking and winter sports venue for nature lovers.

Kaleiçi (Old Town)

Kaleiçi, the historical center of Antalya, has a fascinating atmosphere with its narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses and harbour. Ancient port ruins, Ottoman architecture and various shops make this place attractive to visit.

Cappadocia(Nevşehir)

Göreme Open Air Museum

Göreme, one of the most famous regions of Cappadocia, is famous for its unique rock churches and underground cities. Göreme Open Air Museum exhibits the historical and cultural heritage of the region.

Pasabag Valley

Paşabağ Valley is famous for its unique fairy chimneys. This region offers its visitors an unforgettable experience with its historical riches and natural beauties.

Ürgüp Fairy Chimneys

Ürgüp is another fascinating region of Cappadocia. Fairy chimneys are among the natural formations of the region and offer a unique view.

You can examine Turkish works of art and buy souvenirs in historical bazaars. In addition to Turkish cuisine, you can dine at restaurants featuring many world food cultures.

Pamukkale

Travertines of Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a natural beauty formed by the collapse of hot water springs onto limestone terraces. White travertine terraces combine with the ancient city of Hierapolis to create a unique landscape.

Hierapolis Ancient City

The Ancient City of Hierapolis, located right next to Pamukkale, is known for its ruins from the Roman period. It includes important structures such as the Grand Theatre, ancient pools and the Necropolis.

Laodicea Ancient City

Laodicea was an important trade and cultural center in ancient times. It attracts attention with its ancient theater and ruins from the Roman period.

Izmir

Izmir Archeology Museum

Izmir Archeology Museum exhibits artifacts from the ancient Smyrna period. It hosts important artifacts from a wide range of history, from the Bronze and Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period.

Ephesus Ancient City

The Ancient City of Ephesus, located in the Selçuk district of Izmir, was one of the most important port cities of the Roman Empire. It includes important structures such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis and the Grand Theatre.

Pergamon Ancient City

Pergamon was an important cultural and medical center in ancient times. Drawing attention with its historical ruins such as the Acropolis and Asclepion, Bergama attracts history lovers.

Konya

Museum of Mevlana

Konya hosts the tomb of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. Mevlana Museum is a center that conveys the mystical atmosphere and culture of Mevlevi dervishes to visitors.

Karatay Madrasa

Karatay Madrasa, which belongs to the Seljuk period, is currently used as a ceramics and tile museum. It contains rare examples of traditional Turkish tile art.

Alaeddin Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Konya, was built in the mid-13th century. The mosque, built by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, is a beautiful example of Seljuk architecture. It includes structures such as social complex, madrasah and tomb located in the same complex.

Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia, one of the symbols of Istanbul, was built as a church by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 537. Hagia Sophia, which was later converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Empire and is used as a museum today, fascinates with its architectural beauty.

Topkapi palace

Topkapi Palace, the palace complex of the Ottoman Empire used from the 15th century to the 19th century, is famous for its rich collections, harem section and magnificent garden.

Blue Mosque (Blaue Moschee)

Drawing attention with its 6 minarets and magnificent dome, the Sultanahmet Mosque is one of the most important works of Ottoman architecture. It is known for its interior covered with blue tiles.

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar, the historical shopping center of Istanbul, has been operating since the 15th century. Famous for its thousands of shops, the bazaar offers a wide range of products from traditional handicrafts to modern souvenirs.

Göbekli Tepe

Prehistoric Wonder: Göbekli Tepe is a protected area of great historical and archaeological importance. Dating back to 10,000-8,000 years ago, Göbekli Tepe is considered the oldest known temple complex in the world.

Site on the World Heritage List: Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This special area is of great importance for understanding human history and belief systems.

Giant Monumental Structures: Excavations in Göbekli Tepe have revealed a temple complex decorated with giant stone columns and reliefs. These giant columns are decorated with animal figures and geometric patterns, and their architecture is quite remarkable.

Traces of the First Agricultural Communities: Göbekli Tepe is an important archaeological find that shows the transition of people to settled agricultural communities and the formation of complex social structures. The excavations carried out here allow us to re-evaluate human history.

Discovery and Studies: The discovery of Göbekli Tepe was made by German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt in 1994. Schmidt and his team think that this area had a great impact on the belief systems and rituals of societies in the Neolithic Age.

Area Open to Visitors: Göbekli Tepe is an area open to visitors today and is a place where archaeological excavations continue. Visitors have the opportunity to explore this ancient temple complex and observe this important heritage that sheds light on human history.

Göbekli Tepe is an important milestone on the path to understanding human history and offers visitors the chance to experience the mysterious atmosphere of this ancient temple complex.

Nemrut Mountain

Traces of the Ancient Kingdom of Commagene: Nemrut Mountain is located in the Kahta district of Adıyaman province, in the Southeastern region of Turkey. B.C. It is famous for its mausoleum and temple complex built by Antiochus I, one of the kings of the Kingdom of Commagene, which was founded in the 1st century.

Giant Statues and Temple: At the summit of Mount Nemrut, there is a temple complex with huge ancient statues and reliefs representing gods. This memorial complex of Antiochus was built to symbolize unity between gods, kings and the deceased.

Surrounded by Natural Beauties: Mount Nemrut is surrounded by an impressive natural environment with its monumental structures. Located at the foothills of the Southeastern Taurus Mountains, this mountain has a fascinating view from its peak to the surrounding valleys.

On the UNESCO World Heritage List: The monumental complex on Mount Nemrut was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. This indicates that the cultural and historical importance of Mount Nemrut is recognized internationally.

Sunset and Sunrise Viewing Point: Mount Nemrut offers magnificent views, especially at sunset and sunrise. Climbing to the top provides an unforgettable experience for visitors who want to explore this natural wonder and ancient heritage.

Kahta River and Cendere Bridge: Kahta River, passing from the foothills of Mount Nemrut, accompanies the natural beauties around it. Additionally, Cendere Bridge, built in ancient times, is located on the road leading to Mount Nemrut.

Area Open to Visitors: Mount Nemrut is an area open to visitors. However, to protect the ancient ruins, visitors are not allowed to enter some sections. Guided tours are ideal for those who want to explore this ancient complex.