Turkey for many tourists is a country of five-star hotels operating on an all-inclusive basis. However, the more you get to know this hospitable land, the more clearly you understand that, in addition to fashionable and comfortable hotels, Turkey has a lot to offer curious travelers.
This is a huge eastern country, which is characterized by insane beauty and diversity of landscapes, unique traditions, ancient culture, abandoned ancient cities, noisy oriental bazaars, valuable archaeological sites. It is washed by four seas, on the coasts of which hotel complexes are lined up in orderly rows, and is famous for its mountains with deep snow cover, ideal for skiing. On the map of Turkey, you can find national parks with paths for walking and cycling and rough rivers suitable for rafting and fishing, water parks that are real man-made masterpieces, and entertainment complexes with entertaining attractions that are popular with adults and children.
You probably won't be able to see all the sights of Turkey even in a dozen trips. There are too many of them, they are scattered all over the country, and each of them is worthy of close attention and study. Those who have visited Turkey at least once plan to return here!
Top sights in Turkey
1. Cappadocia
Cappadocia
A stunning natural wonder - tuff canyons and pillars with basalt tops resembling caps - were formed several million years ago. They occupy a huge territory, which, like a magnet, attracts thousands of tourists. Local residents used to settle in the man-made caves of these rocks. Such cities have survived to our time.
2. Galata Tower in Istanbul
Galata Tower in Istanbul
The slender tower with a peaked dome, which is one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in Istanbul, is a creation of the Genoese. They built it on the site of an ancient Byzantine fortress, on a hill near the Golden Horn Bay. The top of the tower appeared in the 20th century. The tower can be reached by lift or stairs. There is an observation deck at the top.
3. Strait of Bosphorus
Bosphorus
The 30 km long Bosphorus is the border between Europe and Asia. The most beautiful pictures of Istanbul are taken from the ferry in the summer between 15.00 and 18.00. It is best to go for a walk along the Bosphorus from Ortakoy pier.
4. Basilica Cistern, Istanbul
Basilica Cistern, Istanbul
You can look at the amazing underground water tank built by the Byzantines in Istanbul. Basilica Cistern resembles a temple that was filled with water. Walkways for tourists are laid between hundreds of marble columns. You can find a column at the base of which the face of Medusa the Gorgon is carved. The Basilica Cistern is mentioned in Dan Brown's novel Inferno.
5. Sultanahmet Mosque, Istanbul
Sultanahmet Mosque, Istanbul
A mosque with six minarets, which is quite unusual, bears the name of Sultan Ahmet I, who decided to build a temple in Istanbul, equal in size and grandeur to the mosque in Mecca. The Islamic world was agitated by this decision, and the sultan was forced to finish building two more minarets to the mosque. So, 6 minarets appeared near the Muslim temple of Sultanahmet. Even those who do not profess Islam can enter the mosque.
6. Pamukkale
Pamukkale
The word "Pamukkale", which in translation from Turkish means "Cotton Castle", is used in the country to name a village near Mount Chal and its environs, where 17 hot mineral springs were discovered. The water, saturated with minerals, flowing down the slopes of the mountain, formed amazingly beautiful snow-white terraces. They have natural pools filled with healing water, where tourists love to bask.
7. Ephesus
Hilt
The ancient city of Ephesus is exactly the place where the temple of Artemis, included in the list of the Seven Wonders of the World, stood many centuries ago. He was burned by the Greek Herostratus, who wanted to become famous in this way. From the temple to our time, one column has survived. The ruins of other temples, houses, gates, squares, Roman baths are available for inspection.
8. Silk market in Bursa
Silk market in Bursa
Silk has been produced in Bursa since the 6th century. This is the best souvenir worth going to the Koza Khan Silk Market. The market has been operating since 1491. It was opened in a former inn. In addition to silk clothes and carpets, you can buy silkworm cocoons here.
9. Water Park "Water Planet" in Alanya
Water Park "Water Planet" in Alanya
On the Mediterranean coast, a few dozen kilometers from Alanya, there is a luxury hotel "Water Planet", which has built a popular water park with the same name. People come here in large groups and families with small children. There is a suitable entertainment for every guest.
10. Troy
Troy
The city of King Priam, the legendary Troy, discovered by Schliemann, is located in Turkey, not far from the Dardanelles. Scientists who worked on the excavations of the ancient city discovered 9 historical layers here. It is believed that Troy from the time of Priam is number 6. Today, the ruins of Troy is an open-air museum.
11. Mevlana Museum
Mevlana Museum
Mevlana is a famous Persian poet who founded the order of "dancing" dervishes. The Mevlana Museum in Konya is the tomb where this outstanding and revered Muslim man was buried. His sarcophagus is the main treasure of the museum. It also displays old religious books, valuable carpets, and more.
12. Duden Falls
Duden waterfalls
The breathtaking Duden waterfalls are located near Antalya. Especially beautiful is the Lower Duden Waterfall, which falls into the Mediterranean Sea from a 40-meter-high cliff. In 2015, a modern lighting system was installed here, so when night falls, the waterfall looks especially impressive.
13. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
The fourth largest temple in Europe, the former Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, was built by the Byzantines in 532-537. n. NS. For its decor, original decorations were delivered, taken from the sanctuary of the goddess Artemis in Ephesus and the ancient temple of Zeus in Baalbek. In 1453 the Christian church was converted into a mosque. Now it is an interesting museum.
14. Ancient city of Pergamum
Ancient city of Pergamum
Pergamum is the remains of an ancient Greek city founded 32 centuries ago. Historical ruins can be found within the boundaries of the modern city of Bergama. A detailed plan of the archaeological site of Pergamum can be obtained from any tourist office in the city.
Particular attention should be paid to the ruins:
- the Acropolis, where the Altar of Zeus was discovered, now kept in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin;
- upper agora;
- the sanctuaries of Athena;
- libraries.
15. Neolithic settlement Chatal-Huyuk
Neolithic settlement Chatal-Huyuk
The most famous Neolithic village in the entire Middle East is located 40 km from the city of Konya. It was founded about 9, 5 thousand years ago. Local residents, and there were 3-10 thousand people, left their homes in 5600 BC. NS. Archaeologists are still working here. A museum has been built for tourists near the excavation site.
16. Mount Ararat
Mount Ararat
Mount Ararat, located on the border of Turkey and Armenia, is, according to biblical stories, the berth of Noah's ark. In fact, the legendary ark has not yet been discovered. Ararat is two extinct volcanoes with a common base. Agra Dagi National Park is located on the slopes of one of the volcanoes.
17. Dolphinarium in Kemer
Dolphinarium in Kemer
The dolphinarium, which is located in the Kemer park on the seashore, can be watched by up to 800 people at the same time. You can communicate with local "stars" - dolphins and sea lion - both before and after the performances, when guests are allowed to swim with them and take a photo as a souvenir.
18. Safranbolu
Safranbolu
The city of Safranbolu, named after the expensive spice saffron grown in the local fields, is famous for its beautifully preserved old houses belonging to the Ottoman nobility. Palaces, as well as public buildings (baths, mosques, towers) were erected in the 18th-19th centuries in the traditional Turkish manner.
19. Ancient city of Hattusa
Ancient city of Hattusa
It will be difficult to imagine the main city of the Hittites, Hattus, in description. To understand the scale and significance of local excavations, you need to come here, that is, to the village of Bocazkale. For tourists next to the archaeological site, a historical museum is set up. The settlement, which occupies about 160 hectares, was found in 1834. Its study began at the beginning of the 20th century.
20. Selimiye Mosque
Selimiye Mosque
The main attraction of Edirne is the majestic Selimiye Mosque, decorated with four minarets. It was erected on a hill above the city in the middle of the 16th century. The architect Sinan, who also worked on several mosques in Istanbul, was especially fond of the Selimiye Temple. The mosque was named after its customer, Sultan Selim II.
21. Mount Nemrut-Dag
Mount Nemrut-Dag
At the top of Mount Nemrut-Dag, 2 thousand years ago, which was part of the small kingdom of Kommagen, one can find evidence of this distant past. Here is the tomb of one of the rulers of Commagene - Antiochus I, son of Mithridates I. This is a mound surrounded by majestic 8-meter statues depicting ancient gods.
22. Ani archaeological zone
Ani archaeological zone
Previously closed for visits, but now turned into a profitable tourist site, the ruins of Ani - the capital of the ancient Armenian state - are located near the border with Armenia. The city was built on a plateau that had natural protection from three sides - deep steep gorges. Ani was conquered and half destroyed by the Turks in 1064. The inhabitants returned to it in the XII century, but finally left the capital at the beginning of the XIV century, when there was a strong earthquake.
23. Diyarbakir Fortress
Diyarbakir fortress
The Black Fortress rises in the center of modern Diyarbakir. It is believed that it dates back to the Roman period, but received its current form during the reign of the Byzantines. The fortress consists of two parts - external and internal. The outer fortress (Surichi) has an irregular rounded shape. Several museums and mosques are located on its territory. The inner one is called Ich-Kale.
24. Köprülü Canyon
Köprülü canyon
The canyon of the Keprüçay River, overgrown with picturesque forests, is part of the Keprülü National Park. The ancient stone bridge Oluk, which tourists love to photograph, stretches across the canyon. The canyon can be seen from below if you go down the river on a rubber raft.
25. Floodplain forests of Igneada
Floodplain forests of Igneada
The forests in the vicinity of the town of Igneada, which is located near the Bulgarian border, are recognized as a protected area. To see all the local beauty and not accidentally wander into the swamp, it is better to hire a guide for walks. He can suggest a trip to one of the five local lakes where waterfowl nest. The trip to the dunes will also be interesting.
26. Lycian tombs in Fethiye
Lycian tombs in Fethiye
According to legends, Lycia was founded by the nymph Leto, the beloved of Zeus. The land got its name in honor of the wolves who came to her aid. Near Fethiye is the majestic tomb of the Lycian Amynthos, which was created in the rock and resembles, rather, a sanctuary than a burial place. A huge staircase leads to it. More modest Lycian burials can be seen nearby.
27. Panagia Sumela
Panagia Sumela
The easiest way to get to the Panagia Sumela Monastery is from Trabzon, which is located only fifty kilometers away. This Orthodox monastery was founded in 386 on the site of the discovery of the most valuable icon of the Mother of God, which was painted by the Apostle Luke himself. In the first half of the 20th century, the Greeks who left the country took the miraculous image with them. The monastery is located on Mount Mela, at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level, in the Altyndere nature reserve. It has long been abandoned by its inhabitants.
28. Princes' Islands
Princes' islands
The people of Istanbul call them simply the Islands. They got their official name because the rulers of Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire sent there their relatives and friends who had fined them, whom it would be better to execute, but their conscience does not allow. Then the Turkish nobles took a liking to the islands, who began to build luxurious villas here. You can get to the Princes' Islands by ferry.
