Turkey offers a plethora of popular attractions that every tourist should visit, including natural wonders, historical heritage, and much more.
The enchanting beauty of Turkey, a true Eastern fairy tale, offers hundreds of fascinating places to visit. The regions in this country vary significantly, and the list of attractions is awe-inspiring. Here, everyone will find something that resonates with them, whether it's breathtaking landscapes, centuries-old mosques and towers, or luxurious palaces.
Sights bestowed by nature
Contrary to popular belief, Turkey's natural attractions are not limited to just the coastline and mountains. The country is abundant in caves, lakes, and waterfalls that captivate even seasoned travelers.
Mount Ararat
This volcanic mountain with two peaks, standing at heights of 4,000 and 5,000 meters, last erupted in the mid-19th century. At that time, an entire village located at the foot of the mountain fell victim to its eruption. However, Ararat is primarily known as the place where Noah's Ark is said to have come to rest.
Damlatash Cave
Despite being discovered only half a century ago, this cave impresses tourists as much as ancient man-made structures. The stalactites and stalagmites, formed 15,000 years ago, create whimsical shapes that fascinate both children and adults.
Location: Alanya city.
Green Canyon
Green Canyon is a reservoir located on the southern coast of the Anatolian Peninsula near the Taurus Mountains. Since the artificial lake's creation in the 1980s, the surrounding area has been designated as a National Park.
Tourists come here for:
a leisurely walk through the shady expanses;
a short trip by boat or boat;
admiring 27 mountain springs;
swimming in the local emerald waters;
lunch at a restaurant located right on the lands of the Reserve.
Location: Taurus Mountains.
Mount Yanartaş
A rare geological phenomenon of a natural gas seepage igniting within the mountain rocks, Yanartaş is known as the "flaming mountain." The flames have been burning continuously for thousands of years, both day and night.
Location: city of Kemer.
Oludeniz
The Blue Lagoon, where you can witness the mesmerizing turquoise waters. Its photos often grace the covers of travel guides and promotional billboards showcasing the country.
Location: Fethiye.
Düden Waterfall
Water streams cascade down from an impressive height of 45 meters. The scenery captivates even the most seasoned travelers.
Location: Antalya.
Emigrand Park
This luxurious park area is named after its first owner, Emirhan, an Iranian ruler to whom the Turkish Sultan gifted a portion of his estates.
The resting place for citizens is located in the European part of Istanbul. On an area of 450 square meters:
Several hundred shrubs, trees, rare exotic flowers are located.
There are restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.
Each year in April, Emigrand Park hosts the Tulip Festival.
Location: Istanbul.
Bosphorus Strait
The water artery of Istanbul, the Bosphorus Strait, combines not only the waters of the Black and Marmara Seas. It unites East and West.
Scientists estimate the strait to be around eight thousand years old, formed when glaciers started to melt on a large scale.
On the banks of the strait, you can see many historical sights. It is not surprising that a Bosphorus boat, steamer or yacht cruise is one of the most popular tourist excursions.
Location: Istanbul.
Historical and cultural monuments of Turkey
The most extensive list of attractions in Turkey comprises its historical treasures. Exploring ancient cities, palaces, and castles, and enjoying panoramic views from local towers will delight every traveler.
Lycian worlds
The city of Myra is considered one of the oldest on Earth. It was founded in the 5th century BC. Apostle Paul chose Myra as a base for his mission to spread the teachings of Christ.
The most intriguing attractions are the Lycian tombs for affluent individuals of that time. Each sarcophagus is a true work of art, consisting of two parts, with one resembling a house adorned with decorative elements or relief sculptures.
Location: Demre.
Pamukkale
Located 250 km from Antalya, the resort town of Pamukkale is famous for its healing thermal springs and historical landmarks:
the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis with the pool of Cleopatra herself;
an old amphitheater for 12 thousand spectators;
Pamukkale palace of the same name - "cotton castle" - a cascade of water flows from a thermal spring.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a historical region in Turkey with indistinct boundaries. Here are some must-see attractions:
Hareme Underground Museum and its 30 churches;
Ihlara temple cave;
several underground cities: Kaymakli, Urgup and Derinkuyu.
In addition, Cappadocia is a natural wonderland with unique valleys, volcanoes, and mountains.
Dolmabahce Palace
The unusual Dolmabahce Castle combines many curious features:
baroque and rococo styles not typical of Istanbul;
three hundred rooms, of which 46 are halls for official receptions;
6 baths, both traditional Turkish and European;
mosque and library;
harem;
technical rooms.
Dolmabahce Palace was built in the 19th century as a testament to the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. It receives around three thousand visitors daily.
Location: Istanbul city.
Side
The ancient city of Side boasts a dozen different historical treasures:
an amphitheater - an open-air museum, ready to receive about 20 thousand spectators;
ruins of ancient temples, for example, Apollo;
Ancient slave market Agor;
Nymphaeum fountain;
gate in the form of an arch;
A working museum of ancient art.
Location: Antalya city.
Ancient city of Phaselis
The remarkable ancient city of Phaselis is a popular tourist destination. Travelers enjoy the shady grove with picturesque views and the cozy nearby harbor.
The main historical attraction is the ruins of the settlement founded in the 7th century BC. Highlights that captivate every visitor include an aqueduct, hammams, baths, and a stone-paved promenade.
Location: Antalya city.
Fortress
The iconic landmark of the famous resort city of Alanya is the fortress, perched 350 meters above sea level. The panoramic view is complemented by the following architectural marvels of the structure:
an ensemble of buildings from the 13th century;
7 kilometers of walls of various fortifications;
150 defense towers;
the very citadel of Ich-Kale;
several mosques.
Location: Alanya city.
Red Tower
The Kyzyl Kule, or Red Tower, is a five-story brick structure located in the port of Alanya. It was built in the 13th century and today serves as an Archaeological Museum.
Today the building is the Archaeological Museum.
Location: Alanya city.
Ephesus archaeological site
Ancient Ephesus was founded by the Greeks in the 10th century BC as a port city. Throughout its history, it became one of the most significant cities for the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. During a tour of the archaeological complex, tourists can see the following well-preserved attractions:
Celsius library;
Grand Theatre;
balizic;
theatrical educational institution of that time;
Gate of Hercules;
marbled path;
several places of worship;
The ruins of the Temple of Artemis. Once the building was one of the seven wonders of the world.
Location: Selcuk town.
Basilica Cistern
The Yerebatan or Basilica Cistern is an underground water reservoir built in the 6th century BCE during the time of Constantinople. This attraction is located 12 meters underground and provides a cool retreat from the hot summer days, especially during the peak season.
The Basilica Cistern is interesting primarily for the 330 columns that support the ceiling. Thanks to them, the reservoir looks more like a palace. One of them - a column of tears - according to legend, helps to fulfill cherished desires.
The walls of Yerebatan, lined with refractory bricks, are about 4 meters thick.
The lighting system complements the amazing atmosphere of a fairy tale.
Location: Istanbul city.
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace complex was constructed in the 15th century and served as the residence for 25 sultans of the Ottoman Empire for about four centuries. Since the last century, it has been open to the public.
The complex of structures includes:
outside buildings for receiving guests;
first inner palace: Museum of Oriental Culture, Museum of Archeology, Pavilion of Tiles;
second inner palace: chambers, harem, library of Ahmed II, Pavilion of the Holy Robe, treasury.
The Topkapi Palace grounds also feature an equipped observation terrace with a view of the Bosphorus.
Location: Istanbul city.
Troy
The ancient city immortalized by Homer in the "Iliad" is practically an open-air museum. Its area covers 270,000 square meters. Historians have identified around nine layers of the settlement, with its history dating back to the 30th century BCE.
The following historical monuments meet each traveler:
statue of the legendary Trojan horse;
Temple of Athena;
concert hall Odeon;
Museum of excavations.
Where is located: Tevfikiye village.
Archaeological Museum
The building of the Archaeological Museum, constructed in the Neoclassical style, was completed in 1908. Within its walls, the museum houses about 1 million historical artifacts, including:
busts of deities and rulers, such as Zeus and Alexander the Great;
sarcophagi from the necropolis of Sidon;
several ancient Greek statues;
objects excavated in Troy;
parts of the temple of the goddess Athena;
other objects of ancient Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman art.
Location: Istanbul city.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul was founded in the mid-15th century. It invites visitors to enter through one of its 22 gates, with the most attractive ones being the arch-shaped gates in Moorish style.
On the territory of the Grand Bazaar, tourists will be able to see:
two original markets with roofs;
24 hotels;
open-air retail space;
several mosques;
restaurants, cafes, eateries;
baths and hammams.
In total, the Grand Bazaar is home to 4,000 shops and 60 trading streets. People come here for its unique atmosphere. Many prices are inflated, but bargaining is encouraged!
Location: Istanbul city.
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower, located in the Christian part of the city, stands in the Galata district. The height of the tower is over 60 meters, and its diameter is approximately 4 meters.
During the construction in the XIV century, the building received the name of the tower of Christ. After experiencing several earthquakes and the final reconstruction in the middle of the 20th century, it was opened to guests as the Galata Tower.
Inside the complex, there are two elevators that take visitors up to the observation deck. The panoramic view from the top includes not only the city of Istanbul but also the shores of the Sea of Marmara.
Location: Istanbul city.
Amphitheater of Aspindos
The amphitheater of the ancient city, built on two hills, was built in the II century AD. It includes the following elements:
a huge orchestra pit for half a thousand musicians;
Nine rows of steps-visual places for 17 thousand visitors.
The limestone structure has survived to this day. It still receives visitors who can see open-air opera and ballet performances here.
Location: the city of Aspindos.
The ruined city of Demre-Mira
The ancient city of Demre-Myra is appealing to visitors due to the following highlights:
historical values: the acropolis, tombs and sarcophagi, the ruins of the church of St. Nicholas;
a well-developed modern tourist infrastructure: hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, massage parlors, transport rentals;
Greenhouses where fresh vegetables and fruits are grown. Demre is sometimes called a tomato paradise.
Location: Demre.
Maiden Tower (Istanbul)
The tall Maiden's Tower is located within the Bosphorus Strait. It is famous, particularly for being depicted in one of Ivan Aivazovsky's paintings.
Throughout its centuries-long history, the structure has served as a prison, a lighthouse, a customs point, and a guard post. Today, it houses a restaurant and souvenir shops. From the tower, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire Istanbul.
Location: Istanbul.
Religious sights of Turkey
Contrary to popular belief, Turkey is not only home to mosques. The multi-century history of the Byzantine Empire has left its mark on the local religious structures.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, the magnificent Christian cathedral, was built in the 6th century. However, nine centuries later, it was converted into an Islamic mosque.
It took five years to construct, with the labor of approximately 10,000 people. Hagia Sophia was intended to serve as a symbol of the unshakeable Byzantine Empire.
Today, Hagia Sophia is a museum that showcases an astonishing eclectic fusion within its walls:
Christian murals and Islamic mosaics;
ivory and wood;
gold, silver, precious stones;
a dome system of 40 windows surrounded by unique frescoes.
The temple is open to all tourists, regardless of their religious denomination.
Location: Istanbul city.
Blue Mosque
This Muslim mosque, like many other landmarks, is located in the Sultanahmet district. Inside the mosque, visitors can admire the following architectural features:
blue and white ornaments;
six minarets;
combination of Byzantine and Ottoman styles;
floral patterns on the tiles in the courtyard of the temple;
a huge number of stained-glass windows: 260 windows of various sizes;
handmade carpets inside the temple;
Marble niche for prayer (nihrab).
Location: Istanbul city.
Suleimaniye Mosque
The Greatest Mosque of Istanbul and one of the greatest temples in Turkey is the merit of Suleiman the Magnificent. Suleymaniye Square can accommodate about 5,000 worshipers.In addition to the main prayer hall, the mosque complex includes the following buildings:
baths;
several kitchens;
observatories and libraries;
4 minarets.
Every detail of the mosque is symbolic: the presence of 10 balconies represents Suleiman the Magnificent's place in his own dynasty, and the four minarets pay homage to the tradition and signify Suleiman as the fourth ruler of Istanbul.
During its history, Suleymaniye has experienced almost 90 earthquakes.
Location: Istanbul city.
Chora Monastery
One of the remarkable and original religious structures, the Chora Monastery, stands out from most Turkish temples as it is built in the traditional Byzantine style.
Despite its unassuming exterior, the interior of the monastery is mesmerizing. Visitors will be captivated by numerous frescoes and mosaics depicting Christ and other Christian saints.
Location: Istanbul city.
Panagia Sumela Monastery
This ancient Christian monastery complex, located 50 kilometers from Trabzon, was founded in the 4th century AD. The temple structures are carved directly into the local cliffs.
The main attraction of the temple is the icon of Panagia Sumela(which means "Holy from Mount Mela"), painted by the Apostle Luke himself, the first saint-painter in history.
Location: Trabzon city
Turkey can be explored endlessly. The enigmatic Eastern tale will unfold in new ways each time for its visitors.
