Summary
- Turkey is an ancient country with a rich history, where the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires have all left their mark.
- From ghost towns to well-preserved castles, Turkey is home to incredible historic sites that tell fascinating stories of conflict and conquest.
- The country also boasts some of the oldest temples, churches, and ruins in the world, offering a glimpse into the impressive architectural and creative skills of early civilizations.
Turkey is an iconic ancient city on the border between Asia and Europe, soaked in history, having witnessed the rise and fall of many great empires. The Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires have all ruled the area now known as Turkey, leaving their historical footprints on its landscapes.
The country is also home to some places mentioned in the Bible, and some sites here are as old as time. The list is endless, but here are the most incredible historic sites in Turkey and the stories that define them.
10
Kayakoy
Abandoned buildings in Kayakoy near Fethiye, Turkey
Kayakoy is a ghost town near the holiday resort of Fethiye with an interesting history. The town once bubbled with life and activities until it was deserted in the early 1900s following a population swap between Greece and Turkey which had been caused by a conflict between both nations.
The town had been inhabited by Greek Orthodox Christians and Ottoman rulers peacefully, but everything changed when Greeks, Christians, and other minorities were massacred throughout the Ottoman Empire during the first world war. The Greek Christians were then compelled to abandon the village and return to Greece, while the Turkish Muslims in Greece were ordered to return to occupy the village.
Due to the rumors of ghosts of dead Greeks haunting the village, the Turkish Muslims in Greece refused to return, and so the village was left abandoned. It has since been a ghost town, safe for tourists who come to learn of its history and roam the cobbled streets where ruins of churches, old houses, schools, and temples can be seen gradually being swallowed by nature.
- Location: Near Fethiye, Southwest Turkey
9
Alanya Castle
Alanya Castle is among the most impressive medieval castles in Turkey, standing 250 meters atop a hill in the city of Alanya and overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. The castle dates to the 13th century and was built on Byzantine and Roman ruins, and it is one of the best castles in Turkey to visit.
Today, the castle is used as an open-air museum that features the massive Red Tower, cobbled stone streets, a Byzantine church, and remains of a Seljukian palace.
8
Troy
Ruins of Troy covered by fading grasses
Troy needs no introduction, as it has been popular since ancient times and is one of the best ruins in Turkey to visit. It was at the gates of this city that men, gods, and demigods fought side by side and against each other in one of the most epic wars in history. According to the legend, Paris – a prince of Troy – kidnapped Helen, the wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta, and this single event led to the 10-year siege of Troy by the Greeks.
Heroes like Achilles, Odysseus, Ajax, Hector, and many others all fought, and some laid their lives in this war which eventually ended with the Greeks burning Troy to the ground. Today, the ancient city of Troy lay in ruins in a place in Northwest Turkey.
- Location: Hisarlik, Northwest Turkey
7
The Church Of Saint Nicholas
A statue of St. Nicholas
The Church of Saint Nicholas is a renowned East Roman basilica built above the grave of Saint Nicholas, a Christian Bishop who inspired the idea of Santa Claus with his secret gift-giving habit. The church was built in 520 AD with the Byzantine architectural style by the Roman Empire ruled by Justinian the Great and is one of the world’s oldest surviving Byzantine churches, even after several modifications.
History lovers can tag their kids along on a visit to this church, where Santa Claus originally began, and also marvel at the impressive structure.
- Location: Demre, Antalya Province, Turkey
6
Aspendos Theater
Aspendos amphitheater, Antalya Turkey
The Romans had a history of building amphitheaters everywhere they reigned, which served as fighting pits, exhibitions, and entertainment centers. Turkey was not left out of this, as it was once part of the Roman Empire, and the Aspendos Theater is one of the most famous Roman amphitheaters in Turkey worth a visit.
Built during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (160 to 180 AD), the Aspendos Theater in Turkey stands out for its massive size and is famous for being the best-preserved ancient theater in the world. To date, it is still being used for entertainment and hosts the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival. It is among the best Roman ruins in Turkey to visit for anyone who is a history buff.
5
The Blue Mosque
A close-up view of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul
The Blue Mosque is one of Turkey’s finest architectural masterpieces, and it also comes with an interesting story. Also known as Sultan Ahmet Camii, the mosque was constructed between 1609 and 1617 AD by the young Sultan Ahmed I to serve as a show of strength alongside the Hagia Sophia Mosque, which stands far away in the opposite direction.
Everything about this grand mosque evokes a feeling of wonder, from its impressive Ottoman layout to its six minarets to the over 20,000 ceramic tiles that decorate its interior. Today, it remains the best legacy of Sultam Ahmed I, who died at the untimely age of 27 and is among the top attractions in Turkey.
- Location: Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul
4
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace Seen from the Bosherphus
The Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is one of Turkey’s famous historic sites, built in the 15th century. The palace served as the administrative and residential quarters of the Ottoman sultans. Today, the former Ottoman royal residence is a museum and library, and thanks to its massive size, the palace is home to abundant relics and pieces of historical elements spread across several buildings within the palace complex.
The palace hosts important relics, including Islamic sacred relics and other artifacts reminiscent of the city’s historic past and the dedication of the Ottomans to Islam.
- Location: Istanbul, Turkey
3
Gobekli Tepe
Gobekli Tepe is a UNESCO World Heritage site
Since it was discovered in 1963, Gobekli Tepe has become one of the top historic attractions in Turkey and has fascinated the world in so many ways. It is famous for being the oldest temple in the world, as it was built between 9,600 and 8,200 BC. The site, home to some of the best ancient ruins in Turkey, is believed to have been erected by hunter-gatherers, and that was even before the invention of agriculture, writing, pottery, and many other human discoveries.
What makes this site so fascinating is the impressive designs of the structures and the fact that hunter-gatherers were creative enough to build such a complex site. Merely looking at the structures, it is clear that humans have been skilled builders far earlier than once thought.
- Location: Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey
2
Ephesus
Library of Celsus in Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus was once a popular Greek city that eventually became a haven for early Christianity. Human inhabitation of the area dates back to 6000 BC, but the city itself was founded in the 10th century BC by the Greeks. Throughout its history, it was captured several times and ruled by different powers, including the Cimmerians, Lydians, Persians, the Romans, and more.
The city became particularly famed as it served as a place for early Christianity, but it was also famous because Paul the Apostle lived and organized missionary activities from there for some years. John – one of the twelve disciples – is said to have written the Book of John from the city. The church at Ephesus was also particularly busy in the early Christian days, as it was addressed in the Book of Revelation.
Today, Ephesus boasts some of the best historic sites in Turkey; it’s home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheater, the Celsus Library, which once had 12,000 scrolls, and many other ruins from ancient times. The city was also home to the temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, although only ruins of the temple’s foundations can be seen today.
1
Hagia Sophia
A view of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul Turkey
A church turned mosque, Hagia Sophia now stands as the most impressive attraction in Turkey and one of the world’s greatest monuments. It was built in the 6th century AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I as a church until the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
The aftermath of the conquest saw the conversion of the church to a mosque, a museum, and again a mosque which is now being used for prayers, although this has not sat well with many individuals, organizations, and international leaders worldwide.
The exterior of Hagia Sophia is just as impressive as its interior. Outside, the massive monument greets the eyes with its gigantic domed roof, and inside, large marble slabs, Islamic minarets, and Christian mosaics (covered with curtains) welcome tourists and worshippers alike today.
- Location: Faith District, Istanbul, Turkey
