Hosting many civilizations and their remnants, Turkey is one of the leading countries for cultural tours. It offers an abundance of stories and unforgettable places. You can walk around one of the oldest settlements in the world, Alacahoyuk. Or you can sit with the ancient gods and goddesses to watch the sunrise and set at Mt. Nemrut. Or you can just be fascinated by the carvings of the oldest temple in the world, Gobekli Tepe…
Below, you can find the highlights of the cultural destinations of Turkey. For more, please contact us.
SOME INTERESTING FACTS…
- The world’s oldest temple, “Gobekli Tepe” is in Sanliurfa.
- It is said that the legendary civilization of the Amazons lived in Turkey’s Black Sea region.
- Turkey has 11 sites chosen by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites: the archaeological site of Troy; the city of Safranbolu; the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği; Hattusha, the Hittite Capital; Old city of Istanbul; Nemrut Dağ; the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük; the Selimiye Mosque and its associated buildings in Edirne; Xanthos-Letoon; Göreme National Park and the rock sites of Cappadocia; and Hierapolis-Pamukkale
CULTURAL MASTERPIECES & MONUMENTS & SITES OF TURKEY…
HAGIA SOPHIA
A strong symbol of two empires, Hagia Sophia shines among the other edifices in Istanbul. Its size and great decoration are breathtaking.
SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
Ruling the skyline of the old city, Suleymaniye Mosque is the best example of 16th century Ottoman Mosques. Its structural elegance and lovely views are not to be missed.
TOPKAPI PALACE
The Ottoman Empire ruled its lands from this point for over four hundred years. Today, you can see the remnant of old victories and wealth in the gardens of the Palace.
BASILICA/YEREBATAN CISTERN
The mystical ambiance of this cistern caused to Turkish people to believe that it was an underground palace for the Djin.
DOLMABAHCE PALACE
With the westernization winds of the 19th century, the Ottoman Empire encountered art styles such as Baroque and Rococo, and discovered Baccarat Crystal, Limoges porcelain, and other precious goods from Europe.
GRAND BAZAAR & SPICE MARKET
The smell of spices blends with the vendors’ jokes and colors of the shops. These covered bazaars are the place where time stops.
ISTANBUL ARCHEOLOGY MUSEUM
Consisting of three different buildings, it is one of the most important archaeology museums in Turkey. Included in its treasures is the Sarcophagus of Alexander, one of the best of its kind and a delight for its viewers.
ANKARA ANATOLIAN CIVILIZATIONS MUSEUM
In the heart of Turkey, Ankara, this special museum exhibits the best items of the ancient period where you can watch the evolution of humanity.
GOREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM
Dating to the 10th to 12th centuries, this open air museum hosts the best samples of cave churches in Cappadocia
PAMUKKALE & HIERAPOLIS
This natural beauty has attracted people since antiquity. You can become part of history as you visit this place and the great antique city of Hierapolis, the city of the sun.
HARRAN
It is counted as one of the oldest, continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Mentioned in the Old Testament, Harran is famous for its cone-shape houses and its university.
EPHESUS
Awe-inspiring Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient sites in the world, will amaze you with its beauty. Its library and terrace houses will give you a new perspective about life in this important city.
ANTAKYA MOSAIC MUSEUM
As the second biggest mosaic museum in the world, you can find an extensive collection of masterpieces from the region.
ANI RUINS
The medieval Armenian capital city of Ani will tell its own story with the whispers of the wind. Ruins of this great city help us understand and appreciate the power of that old empire.
YEDIKULE FORTRES
This is the perfect place to see the great defense system of the medieval Byzantine Empire. Its Golden Gate still marks the site of the frightful prison of the Ottoman Period.
For more information, please contact me!