Turkey is a country that spans both eastern Europe and western Asia, with a rich history connected to ancient Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Istanbul, located on the Bosphorus Strait, is home to famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace, once the sultans’ residence. Ankara is the modern capital of Turkey. Popular resorts include Antalya on the Mediterranean coast, and the Aegean peninsulas of Bodrum and Çesme. Notable historical sites include Troy, Pergamon, and Ephesus. The region of Cappadocia is known for its unique rock formations and ancient cave dwellings, and Pamukkale is famous for its natural hot springs.
places to visit in Turkey
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, was originally built as a Christian cathedral by the Roman Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 537. It is known for its massive dome and stunning mosaics. For many years, it was the largest cathedral in the world and is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. After the Ottoman Empire took control of Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque. Today, Hagia Sophia serves as the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing both Christian and Islamic history.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also called the Blue Mosque, is a famous mosque in Istanbul, built during the Ottoman era. It is known for its beautiful blue tiles that decorate the interior walls. The mosque features impressive architecture, including five main domes and six minarets, blending Byzantine elements from Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic design. It is considered the last great mosque of the classical period. Visitors can also explore its külliye, which includes a tomb, a madrasah, and a hospice. The Blue Mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic symbol of Istanbul.
Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace, located in Istanbul, was once the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, it is now a museum displaying Ottoman art, weaponry, and royal artifacts. The palace is surrounded by high walls, providing privacy and security to its occupants. Topkapı Palace offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the sultans, with its ornate rooms and extensive gardens. Visitors can explore the harem, royal chambers, and spectacular views of the Bosphorus Strait. It is one of the largest palace museums in the world.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a town famous for its unique natural hot springs and mineral-rich terraces. The white, cascading travertine terraces are created by mineral deposits from the thermal waters flowing down the hillside. Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning natural beauty. The warm, crystal-clear pools are popular for both their scenic appeal and their believed therapeutic benefits. It is a must-see destination for visitors to Turkey, offering a peaceful and beautiful environment to relax and enjoy nature.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops and 61 streets, it is a bustling hub for shopping and exploring Turkish culture. Visitors can find a wide range of products, including traditional Turkish delights, spices, jewelry, and carpets. The Grand Bazaar is a historical site as well, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Istanbul’s trade and commerce. It has been a key location for merchants for centuries, drawing tourists and locals alike to its colorful, vibrant stalls.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern, or Cisterna Basilica, is the largest of the many ancient underground water reservoirs beneath Istanbul. Built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, it was used to store water for the city. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, known for its haunting atmosphere and impressive architecture. The cistern has rows of columns, with some featuring Medusa head carvings. It was also used as a filming location for the James Bond movie “From Russia with Love.” The Basilica Cistern is a unique example of Byzantine engineering and history.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace, located in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Built between 1843 and 1856 under Sultan Abdülmecid I, it blends European architectural styles such as Baroque and Rococo with traditional Ottoman design. The palace is famous for its opulence, with rooms adorned in gold, crystal, and luxurious decorations. Dolmabahçe Palace was the last residence of Ottoman sultans and also served as the home of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.
Bodrum Castle
Bodrum Castle, also known as St. Peter’s Castle, is a historical fort built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century. It is located in the coastal city of Bodrum and overlooks the Aegean Sea. The castle has four main towers, each named after the countries responsible for their construction: England, France, Germany, and Italy. Today, the castle is home to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, showcasing artifacts from ancient shipwrecks, amphoras, and bronze items. Bodrum Castle is an important landmark and a popular destination for history lovers.
Taksim Square
Taksim Square, located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, is a central hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Known for its lively atmosphere, it is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists. Taksim Square is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a great place to explore. The area is also home to Istiklal Avenue, a famous pedestrian shopping street that leads to the square. Taksim Square is an important cultural and social center, often hosting events and celebrations, and is well-connected by public transport.
Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut, located in southeastern Turkey, is famous for its massive statues and ancient tomb from the 1st century BC. At the summit, visitors can see the tomb-sanctuary of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene, surrounded by large stone statues of the king, gods, and animals. These statues, some as tall as 9 meters, were built to honor the king and his beliefs. Mount Nemrut is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Turkey. The site is especially popular at sunrise and sunset when the statues are bathed in beautiful light.
Top destinations in Turkey
Istanbul
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey, located on both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus Strait. The city’s Old Town shows the influence of many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet area, you can visit the ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races took place, and see Egyptian obelisks. The famous Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine structure, features a huge dome and historic Christian mosaics.
Antalya
Antalya is a popular resort city in Turkey, known for its beautiful beaches and yacht-filled harbor. It is part of the Turquoise Coast, named for its stunning blue waters. The city has historical Roman landmarks, like Hadrian’s Gate, built in 130 A.D. in honor of the Roman emperor’s visit. The 2nd-century Hidirlik Tower offers great views of the harbor.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a town in western Turkey famous for its white, mineral-rich terraces formed by thermal waters. Nearby are the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. You can explore a well-preserved theater and a large necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for kilometers.
Kuşadası
Kuşadası is a beach town on Turkey’s western coast, close to the ancient ruins of Ephesus. It is a popular stop for cruise ships and has a waterfront promenade with many hotels and restaurants. On Pigeon Island, there is a Byzantine castle, which once protected the town, connected to the mainland by a causeway.
Izmir
Izmir, formerly known as Smyrna, is a city on Turkey’s Aegean coast with a rich history. It was originally founded by the Greeks, later taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great. Today, you can visit the Roman Agora of Smyrna and Kadifekale, a castle built during Alexander’s reign, which offers stunning views of the city.
Ankara
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, located in the central region of Anatolia. It is a cultural hub, home to the State Opera and Ballet, and many national theater companies. The city’s most notable landmark is Anitkabir, the large mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, who made Ankara the capital in 1923.
Best time to visit Turkey
Many people visit Turkey between July and August when the weather is hot and calm, making it perfect for a beach vacation. The best time to visit Istanbul and Cappadocia is from March to June and from September to October, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. In the inland areas, winter from November to February is cold and often snowy.
