Turkey welcomes tourists with that special oriental flavor that emanates from the fairy tales of Scheherazade. Here they will find the atmosphere of antiquity, saturated with secrets and riddles, contemplation of extraordinary masterpieces created by nature and the hands of talented craftsmen, and enjoyment of amazing views of the enchanting Bosphorus. It is impossible to put it into words, you just need to feel it by visiting the most famous sights of Turkey. What to see in Turkey if you come here for the first time? Especially for you, we have compiled this list of the most interesting places in Turkey.
What to see in Turkey first of all
The prospect of plunging into the atmosphere of antiquity and visiting a real oriental bazaar attracts millions of tourists. Those who will be accompanied by guides in Turkey, who will instruct in advance how to behave on the street and in temples, as well as quickly solve any problem that arises, can not be afraid of negative reactions from local residents.
1. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (Istanbul)
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
No walk in Istanbul is complete without visiting this most successful representative of the architecture of the Byzantine Empire – the Hagia Sophia Cathedral. The five-year work of 10,000 workers of Constantinople and the countless amount of money spent on its construction were reflected in the gigantic structure, which was destined to become a symbol of the power of Byzantium.
The temple itself was built of brick, but expensive materials were used for decoration: ivory, gold, silver, precious stones. The cathedral was consecrated in 537 and symbolized the power and greatness of the empire. After the capture of Constantinople by the Turks, it was renamed Hagia Sophia.
The temple is located in Sultanahmet district, in the heart of the old part of Istanbul. It is crowned by an architectural masterpiece, represented by a dome system of huge dimensions. The main value of the mosque’s interior decoration is mosaics and frescoes of amazing beauty. The light pouring in through 40 windows creates the illusion of a dome floating in the sky.
The imagination of tourists is amazed not only by the beauty of the temple, but also by the powerful energy that is felt inside it.
Official website: https://ayasofyamuzesi.gov.tr
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2. Topkapi Palace (Istanbul)
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
Almost all excursions in Istanbul include a visit to this place. The main residence of the sultans during the 4th centuries, the Topkapi Palace served as a haven for 25 sultans of the Ottoman Empire. It was built in the XV century for Sultan Mehmed II. In the middle of the XVI century, Suleiman I, at the request of Roksolana, built a harem for women with children. In the middle of the XIX century, the Dolmabahce Palace was built as the sultan’s residence.
As a museum, this landmark of Turkey was opened in 1923 by order of the Turkish and Ottoman politician and reformer Ataturk.
The outer palace is represented by official and public buildings. The Sultan’s private chambers are located in the inner one. In the first courtyard there is a Museum of the Ancient East, an Archaeological Museum and a Tiled pavilion. From the second courtyard you can get to the Harem and the inner treasury.
Through the Gate of Happiness they pass into the third courtyard with the sultan’s private chambers and the Throne Room. The Ahmed II Library and the Holy Mantle Pavilion are also located here. An amazing view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn opens from the Fourth Courtyard, where parks, gazebos, swimming pools and tiled pavilions are located.
Official website: https://topkapisarayi.gov.tr
3. Blue Mosque (Istanbul)
Blue Mosque in Istanbul
Those who do not know what to see in Turkey can safely go to the Sultanahmet area – the mass of attractions located here will broaden the horizons of even the most sophisticated tourists. One of the most famous is the Blue Mosque, whose dome attracts attention from afar.
A large number of blue and white tiles were used in the interior decorations, which is why the mosque got its name. It consists of 6 minarets, two of which are located on the outer corners, and four on the sides. The unusual addition of two minarets (their classic number is 4) makes it unique. The architecture is a surprising mix of styles: Byzantine and classical Ottoman.
The interior is as luxurious as the facade. The floral ornaments on the tiles and 260 stained glass windows on the wall, which are turned to when praying, are impressive. There are luxurious handmade carpets on the floor. The mihrab– a niche for prayer made of a single piece of marble, deserves special attention.
Official website: https://www.sultanahmetcamii.org
4. Basilica Cistern (Istanbul)
The ancient underground reservoir of Constantinople
In summer, you want to find the sights of Turkey that would help you escape from the scorching sun. This is exactly what is located in the Sultanahmet area – the Basilica Cistern, which is an ancient underground reservoir that has been perfectly preserved since the time of Constantinople. At a depth of 10-12 m, you can see a lot of interesting things.
The presence of 336 columns in the architecture with a height of 9 m gives the Cistern a resemblance to a palace. Brought from several ancient temples, they have external differences. Once the Greeks took care of the safety of water in the Cistern, so they made walls 4 meters thick of refractory bricks and covered them with a special waterproofing solution.
The faint illumination of the room inside creates an atmosphere of mystery and privacy.
What to visit in Turkey to remember forever? The “Column of Tears” in the Cistern of the Basilica. According to legend, inserting a finger into one of the curls with which it is decorated, you need to rotate it 360 ° and make a cherished wish. This place will be remembered forever, especially if the wish comes true!
Official website: https://yerebatansarnici.com
5. Suleymaniye Mosque (Istanbul)
Beautiful Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul
All the sights of Turkey reflect certain stages of national history. This largest mosque in Istanbul is no exception. Once upon a time, the treasury of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent was very impoverished due to the huge expenses for its construction.
The size of the building can accommodate about 5 thousand visitors. In addition to the mosque, there are baths, kitchens, madrasas, observatories, libraries and 4 high minarets on its territory. There is also a hammam – Turkish baths for couples (a lone tourist will not be allowed there). During the excursions, erudite guides in Istanbul will certainly tell at least one romantic story dedicated to the unearthly love of the sultan and the former harem slave Roksolana.
Inside, the mosque is flooded with light penetrating from the outside, which helps to see the amazing stained glass windows.
Some elements of the mosque are symbolic. For example, the presence of 10 balconies means that the Sultan was the 10th in the dynasty, and 4 minarets proclaim that he was the 4th Sultan of Istanbul.
Despite the 89 earthquakes that have been experienced, the mosque has still preserved its majesty and the elegance of the lines transmitted by talented architects.
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Turkey!
6. Istanbul Archaeological Museum (Istanbul)
Facade of the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul
There is a lot to see in Turkey for people interested in Turkish culture from different times. This, one of the largest museums in the world, has about 1 million exhibits.
The Istanbul Museum is located in three buildings next to Topkapi Palace and Gulhane Park. It includes the Main Building, the Museum of the Ancient East and a Tiled pavilion with samples of Turkish ceramics.
The opening of the museum was initiated by Osman Hamdi Bey, a Turkish diplomat, artist, archaeologist, and cultural figure. In 1891, the first part of the museum building in the neoclassical style was opened, the construction of the latter was completed in 1908.
Among the exhibits, tourists can observe busts of Alexander the Great and Zeus, the sarcophagus of a Weeping Woman discovered in the necropolis of Sidon, the Sidonian sarcophagus of King Abdalonimos, ancient Greek statues, artifacts from the excavations of Troy, fragments of the temple of Athena, the obelisk of Adad-Nirari III and other masterpieces of Byzantine and ancient art. Some of them have global value.
Official website: https://www.istanbularkeoloji.gov.tr
7. Grand Bazaar (Istanbul)
Large indoor market Grand Bazaar
Not all the sights of Turkey make you solemnly freeze when you contemplate them. On the contrary, at the sight of the Istanbul Grand Bazaar, the blood begins to play, anticipating the sweetness of the famous Turkish shopping.
The beginning of the construction of the Grand Bazaar dates back to 1461. You can get inside through several gates. The most beautiful gate is considered to be the Nourosmane Gate, made in the Moorish style in the form of an arch.
The huge bazaar complex includes 22 gates, 2 covered markets, 24 hotels, market squares, mosques, restaurants, fountains, snack bars, and a sauna. There are more than 4 thousand shops here, and the entire territory is divided into more than 60 streets. Jewelry, spices, carpets, ceramics, clothes, and Turkish weapons are sold here. It seems that you can buy everything here.
The success of shopping in this place is the ability to bargain. Considering that the initial price may be inflated by 2 or more times, the desired item can be obtained for a much smaller amount.
The ancient streets of the Grand Bazaar evoke a special oriental atmosphere, so it’s worth coming here even without the intention of buying anything.
Official website: https://www.grandbazaaristanbul.org
8. Chora Monastery (Istanbul)
The Monastery of Chora is an island of Byzantine culture
What to see in Turkey if you already have a complete understanding of its Muslim culture and want something new? The monastery of Chora is a prominent representative of the culture of the Byzantine era. The second word in its name means “suburb, remote area” in Greek.
The history of the Monastery reflects part of the difficult history of Istanbul itself, which has had to change its name several times. More than once the building was destroyed, then rebuilt again. The building that has survived to this day dates back to the end of the XI century. In the middle of the XV century, during the capture of Constantinople by Turkish troops, an icon of Our Lady of Hodegetria, who was considered the heavenly intercessor of the city, was transferred to the Monastery, which was then called the Church of Christ the Savior in the Choir. Half a century later, the Turks, neglecting the shrine, plastered its frescoes, making a Turkish mosque out of the building. In the middle of the XX century, during the restoration, they were cleaned.
The church of the Choir, which remains from the monastery, has an unsightly facade. But inside it fascinates with amazing beauty of mosaics and frescoes. Special attention is drawn to the dome with a fresco of the face of Christ surrounded by the apostles.
Official website: https://kariye.muze.gov.tr
9. Galata Tower (Istanbul)
Galata Tower – the old monument of Istanbul
There is a lot to visit in Turkey and in the European part of Istanbul. The Galata Tower, together with the bridge of the same name, is a symbolic part of the city. With a huge height of 61 m and its location on a hill, it can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. With a diameter of 9 m and a wall thickness of about 4 m, it makes a strong impression.
Built in the middle of the XIV century. the building was called the “Tower of Christ”. At the beginning of the XVI century. it was slightly destroyed during the earthquake, but it was subsequently rebuilt. The tower was opened to visitors in 1965.
One of the 2 elevators located inside lifts visitors to a 137-meter height, which offers a view of the Golden Horn Bay, the whole of Istanbul and the Marmara Sea. The observation deck of the tower has long been favored by tourists for photos. They are especially successful in the evening, before sunset: panoramic images of Istanbul at night are magnificent. There is also a restaurant and cafe upstairs.
10. Cappadocia (Turkey)
Cappadocia Tourist Center
It is impossible to see all the sights of Turkey. But some of them are definitely worth a visit. Cappadocia, a historical region with no clear political boundaries, is located in the center of the country. Walking around a major tourist center makes you think about staying on another planet. The amazing nature allows you to admire the valleys, mountains, and rock massifs.
There are real shrines and underground cities in Cappadocia, which, once here, cannot be ignored. Among them are the Goreme Open-air museum with 30 cave churches, the Ikhlara gorge with many temples on steep walls, the underground cities of Urgup, Nevsehir, Derinkuyu, Kaymakly. The last two are connected by a 9 km long tunnel.
There are many small villages on the territory of Cappadocia, replete with small temples. To explore the landscape, you can rent a scooter, and a balloon tour will be interesting to explore the surroundings from a height.
It is impossible to travel around Cappadocia in a day, so tourists can use small hotels where they can spend the night.
Sights of Turkey: what else to visit while in Turkey
The impression of the trip as a whole directly depends on which excursions a traveler chooses in Turkey, so you need to take this issue seriously. Moreover, there are many tourist attractions in every Turkish city. You definitely can’t do without our list – it will become your guide to the world of local attractions!
11. Pamukkale Resort (Pamukkale, Turkey)
Geothermal springs of Pamukkale resort
What to visit in Turkey for health promotion? Pamukkale medical resort, 250 km from Antalya, with 17 geothermal springs with water of different temperatures, is at your service! Hydrogen sulfide and calcium oxide, which they are rich in, will make you forget about ailments. Treatment here takes place under the supervision of doctors.
In addition to healing springs, Pamukkale has historical monuments that attract the attention of tourists. Among them are the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient city with an age of about 3 thousand years. This Turkish landmark has a swimming pool, in which, according to legend, Cleopatra herself swam. This place never lacks tourists.
Another valuable reminder is the well-preserved amphitheater of amazing size, capable of accommodating 12 thousand spectators.
Pamukkale owes its exotic natural landscape to the action of hot springs, which contribute to the formation of calcareous deposits on travertine terraces. Falling from a height, the water has been creating petrified white cascades for centuries, shimmering in the rays of the sun. This fascinating sight and the possibility of treatment attract millions of tourists here. Pamukkale can be safely included in the top of the most beautiful places on our planet.
Official website: https://www.pamukkale.net
12. Aspendos Amphitheater (Turkey)
The Amphitheater of Aspendos in our days
Almost all the sights of Turkey draw the gaze of tourists back to ancient times. The ancient city of Aspendos, based on two hills, is no exception.
Founded in the 5th century BC, the city became one of the 3 major cities of Pamphylia. After his transfer to the power of Byzantium, he lost his power and ceased to exist.
Today, tourists are shown many buildings, the remains of which have survived to the present day. The most popular amphitheater is of enormous size, built around the second century. The orchestra pit was designed for 500 musicians, and 9 rows of 96 m long steps could accommodate 17 thousand spectators, who were always closed from the scorching sun by an arched gallery of extraordinary beauty.
Opera productions, ballet performances, and musical concerts are still held in the Aspendos Amphitheater. Amazing acoustics give artists the opportunity to perform without microphones. Thanks to the durable limestone and special layout, this building has been perfectly preserved to this day.
13. The ancient city of Demre-Mira (Demre)
The ancient city of Demre-Mira
Famous sights of Turkey are always ready to offer their tourists maximum services that make their leisure time more comfortable. Demre, a Turkish town with a rich history, has all the infrastructure necessary for a quality holiday: hotels, restaurants, car rental shops, travel agencies. This place is called tomato paradise: the number of greenhouses where tomatoes are grown is impressive!
The architecture of the city is unremarkable: only faceless boxes of buildings. But the city is famous for something else – historical monuments.
Telling what to see in Turkey, guides often advise you to come to Demra and walk through the ruins of the ancient city of the World, which is located here. The most important city of Lycia, it was once a religious center. Even when it lost its power after the flood in the seventh century, pilgrims did not stop flocking to it. They were attracted by St. Peter’s Church. Nicholas, who is here.
Today, only ruins remain of Mira. Tourists are offered an open-air museum with the remains of the acropolis, Lycian tombs, sarcophagi. The impression is made by rock tombs, some of them are carved in the shape of a house.
This striking example from the Lycian past is truly worth a visit.
14. Maiden Tower (Istanbul)
High Maiden Tower
Some of the sights of Turkey have inspired artists and writers to create famous works of art. Such objects include the Maiden Tower, which served as the center of the plot for one of his paintings by the Russian artist Aivazovsky.
The stories that the guides tell about the tower sometimes look like fairy tales. Her image can be found on magnets, mugs, postcards, and other souvenirs for tourists.
The Maiden Tower is located in a narrow place of the Bosphorus Strait, which makes different stories about its original purpose logical. According to one version, the tower was built to control the Greeks over the Persian ships, according to another – to monitor the strait by the Byzantines.
The history of the tower is rich: it has been a customs house, a lighthouse, and a prison. In 1999, the facility was renovated. A restaurant, an observation deck, souvenir shops, and cafes were opened here. A beautiful panorama of the city opens from the observation deck.
15. Emirgan Park (Istanbul)
The multicolored tulips in Emirgan Park
Let the main sights of Turkey impress tourists with the luxurious decoration of the sultan’s chambers and rich facade decoration, but there are places in amazing Istanbul that deserve special attention. These include the picturesque Emirgan Park, which stretches along the shore of the Bosphorus along the European side.
Today, looking at this well-groomed splendor, it’s hard to believe that wild forests once grew here. In the 17th century, the Ottoman Sultan presented this piece of land to the Iranian Khan Emirkhan (the park is named after him), after which he changed hands several times.
Now the park is an amazing place for citizens and tourists to relax. Over 120 species of shrubs, flowers and trees can be observed on a huge territory (about 450 sq. m.). In addition to the plants characteristic of Turkey, specimens imported from exotic latitudes also grow here.
The rich nature of the park is complemented by numerous pavilions with restaurants, shops, cafes. Picnic areas, playgrounds, a small pond with ducks and swans are equipped for visitors. The Tulip Festival is held here every year in April in the spring.
Heading towards the strait, you can see the summer residences of Turkish nobles. Perhaps, this is the best place in Istanbul for outdoor recreation.
16. The Bosphorus Strait (Istanbul)
The largest Turkish city is Istanbul on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait
Istanbul is not only the largest Turkish city, it is unique in its own way due to its location in two parts of the world at once, in Europe and Asia. And the border between them runs precisely along the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway in which the Black and Marmara Seas converged. It is believed that the strait was formed about 8 millennia ago, during the mass melting of oceanic glaciers. Today, a trip to Istanbul is not complete without visiting the Bosphorus, exploring local monuments and beauties. For example, in the surrounding areas you can see ancient marble palaces, stone fortresses, ancient Turkish mansions and ultramodern hotels. In order to fully experience the charm of this place, it is worth taking a trip on a tourist steamer or yacht through the waters of the strait. The main attractions of the bay are the Bosphorus Bridge and the Golden Horn Bay, on the coast of which ancient Byzantium once existed.
17. Dolmabahce Palace (Istanbul)
The main gate of Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul public domain
View from the Bosphorus Strait of Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul DavidConFran
The ceremonial hall with a chandelier donated by Queen Victoria in the Dolmabahce Gryffindor Palace
If you want to see the original architectural sights of Turkey, Istanbul will demonstrate in all its glory a magnificent building in the Baroque and Rococo styles, so unusual for this place. Dolmabahce is the palace of the Ottoman sultans, located on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait. Once this creation was a symbol of the prosperity of the Ottoman Empire, and its history began in the 19th century, when Sultan Abdul-Majid ordered the creation of a European-style complex. In the 20-30s of the last century, the palace was the residence of the first president of the republic, Ataturk, who stayed here until his death. Since then, the palace complex has turned into a museum, it is visited daily by up to 3 thousand people. The palace includes almost 3 hundred rooms, 46 reception halls, 6 baths, as well as a mosque, library, harem and other premises. The entrance to the palace is decorated with magnificent Treasure Gates decorated with textured molding.
Official website: https://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr
18. The ancient city of Ephesus (Selcuk)
Ruins of the temple of Artemis in the ancient city of Ephesus Adam Carr
The ancient city of Ephesus, which preserves Neolithic artifacts, evidence of Byzantine domination and fragments of the history of the Ottoman Empire, today has the status of an open-air museum and is ranked among the world Heritage sites. It was founded in the 10th century BC by the Ionian Greeks as a port city, it was during that period that the temples of the gods Athena and Apollo were built. In the following centuries, power over the city changed hands, and in the 5th-6th centuries Ephesus was one of the most important cities of the Byzantine Empire. The most interesting sights of the archaeological complex today are the library of Celsus, the Bolshoi Theater, the theatrical Gymnasium, the gates of Hercules, the basilica, the marble road, the temple of Domitian and a number of valuable ancient ruins. From the legendary temple of Artemis, which underwent arson back in the 4th century BC, only one dilapidated column and a couple of stone blocks remained, the rest of the ruins slowly disappeared over the centuries, submerged in the local swamp.
19. The ancient city of Side (Antalya)
The ruins of the ancient theater in the ancient city of Side Autumn mist
Dozens of sites with ancient ruins testifying to the existence of the world’s earliest civilizations are priceless historical and archaeological sites of Turkey. Side is an ancient city, which is called an open—air museum. Today it is a resort with secluded beaches and beautiful nature, but there is still a lot of evidence of ancient civilizations in these territories. For example, here you can see the amphitheater, which could accommodate up to 20 thousand spectators, the ruins of the ancient temple of Apollo, of which only five marble columns remain, the ruins of the Agora market, where slaves were traded. On the way to the Old Town, you can meet other objects of antiquity — the Nympheum fountain, the arched gates that were erected in honor of the Roman Emperor Vespasian, and the museum of ancient art operates in the well-preserved basements of ancient Roman baths.
20. The ancient city of Phaselis (Antalya)
Extant buildings of the ancient city of Phaselis evatutin
In search of the archaeological site of Turkey, Antalya will reveal to everyone the secrets of another ancient city — Phaselis. This is a great place for educational excursions and recreation — there is a shady coniferous forest, a quiet harbor, picturesque views, and pristine beaches. But undoubtedly, the main advantage is the ancient ruins of the city, founded in the 7th century BC and which had a rich history. Phaselis was once a large settlement, it had three harbors, was famous for roses and purple oil, and after becoming a member of the Lycian League, minted coins on the model of this commonwealth. However, the ruins of urban structures still belong to other periods — Roman and Byzantine, starting from the 7th century AD. Among the preserved structures are the aqueduct, the ruins of the temple of Athena, an amphitheater, baths, as well as the main avenue about 20 meters wide, lined with stone slabs.
21. The ancient city of Troy (village of Tevfikie)
A sanctuary with wells in the southwest of the ancient city of Troy
Odeon for musical performances in the ancient city of Troy
Numerous open—air museums are a real treasure of the historical land on which modern Turkey is located. The ruins of the city of Troy are invaluable evidence of the legendary Trojan War, the events of which were reflected in ancient Greek literature, including the famous poems “Odyssey” and “Iliad” by Homer. According to historians, the history of Troy began with a small settlement, and only then did large buildings and fortifications of brick and stone grow there, eventually occupying an area of 270 thousand square meters.m. In turn, archaeologists count nine layers of the ancient city, starting from about the 30th century BC. One of the cult monuments is the famous Trojan horse, or rather a wooden copy of that very horse. Visitors may enjoy visiting the Temple of Athena, the Odeon Concert Hall, the Excavation Museum, as well as the preserved houses of the Trojan rich and celebrities.
22. Fortress (Alanya)
A medieval fortress of the XIII century in the city of Alanya
The real symbol of Alanya, a city within a city, the most important landmark — all this is an ancient fortress built on a 250-meter elevation of the peninsula above the sea. Today, it is still visible from anywhere in the city and at the same time is an excellent observation deck. The main part of its buildings was erected in the 13th century — for example, in 12 years 7 kilometers of walls, about 150 towers, a lot of other structures and, of course, a citadel on the very top of the mountain were erected here. Many of these monuments have preserved a view close to the original one. You can start the tour from the Ehmedek fortress, built for the defense of the fortress, and climbing to the top, complete the tour with the main object — the Ich-Kale fortress. Along the way, you can see the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Church of St. George and the “balcony of death” Adam Atajak, which is a natural ledge serving as an observation deck.
Official website: https://www.alanya.bel.tr
23. Kyzyl Kule Tower (Red Tower) (Alanya)
View of the Red Tower and the port from the observation deck of the fortress in Alanya
Kyzyl-Kule means “Red Tower” in Turkish. The building is located in the port of the city and is a symbol of Alanya. The octagonal red brick tower with 5 floors was built in 1226 by order of Aladdin Keykubat. Currently, the first floor of Kyzyl-Kul is occupied by the Ethnographic Museum of Alanya.
Official website: https://www.alanya.bel.tr
24. Lycian tombs (Demre)
Lycian tombs carved into the rocks at Demre in Antalya Province, Turkey
The ancient World, founded in the 5th century BC, was once a powerful religious center and an object of mass pilgrimage – after all, according to the scriptures, the disciple of Christ, the Apostle Paul, preached here in 60 AD. It is on the territory of ancient Mira that the Lycian tombs are located — one of the most ancient burial structures in the world. The Lycians believed that after death the soul reincarnates into a winged creature, and believed that the higher the body is buried, the faster the soul will get to heaven. That is why the ancient necropolis was built on a cliff, carved right into the rock. The work on the creation of tombs required enormous forces, so only the most noble persons were buried here — each tomb had two rooms inside with a sarcophagus located in one of them, and externally the structure was made to look like the facade of a house or temple, carving into the firmament the likeness of columns, pylons, relief images, etc.
25. Green Canyon (Green Canyon) (Taurus Mountains)
Stunning landscape of the Green Canyon in the Taurus Mountains Alexander Annenkov
The Green Canyon is the largest canyon reservoir in Turkey Alexander Annenkov
The peninsula of Asia Minor, on which part of modern Turkey is located, is not only traces of great history and popular resorts, but also interesting nature. There is a Green Canyon near the southern coast of the peninsula — contrary to the name, this is not a canyon in its usual sense, but a huge reservoir that has become a joint creation of nature and man. The man-made reservoir and the territories in the Taurus Mountains that surround it have for some time acquired the status of a national park. And if the mountains originated here in the Paleozoic era, then the reservoir appeared quite recently — in 1983, when the dam was opened. In fact, this is a valley artificially flooded with water, which is delivered here by 27 mountain springs. Today, the canyon is especially loved by tourists — they come here to admire the views of the mountains, take a boat trip, swim in the emerald waters and relax in one of the local restaurants.
26. Panagia Sumela Monastery (Trabzon)
Panagia Sumela Monastery on the chalky rock of Trabzon on the Black Sea coast
One of the oldest monasteries and Orthodox churches in the world is located 50 kilometers from the city of Trabzon. The monastery of Panagia Sumela, founded in the 4th century AD, is unique not only for its antiquity — it is also interesting because it is carved right into the rock. The monastery is located at an altitude of about 300 meters above sea level on the slope of Mount Mela, on the territory that belongs to the Altyndere National Park. The main value of the monastery was once the first miraculous image of the Mother of God “Panagia Sumela”, which means “All-Holy from Mount Mela”. This image was painted by the apostle and Evangelist Luke himself, the first iconographer in history. The temple, which was repeatedly looted by the Turks, managed to preserve the most valuable shrine. During another raid, the monks saved the icon by burying it in the ground. And in 1923, a brave monk took out the icon and transported it to Athens — it is still kept in Greece, in the city of Naousa.
27. Damlatash Cave (Alanya)
Stalactites and stalagmites in Damlatash cave in the center of Alanya BillBl
Tourists inside the beautiful Damlatash salt cave Kostya Wiki
Few people know that Alanya, in addition to the possibilities of a resort holiday, conceals very interesting places, a visit to which will dilute the passive rest on the coast. The most interesting thing is that one of these places is located in the very center of the city, and it’s quite easy to get here. This is the Dalmatash cave, discovered in the middle of the last century quite by accident, on the site of a quarry that worked here: with another explosion of rock, workers discovered amazingly beautiful views of the dungeon. Colored stalactites and stalagmites, which are about 15 millennia old, create an incredible sight, like some fantastic scenery. It is noteworthy that the air of the cave is heavily saturated with carbon dioxide — doctors claim that this property helps in the fight against lung diseases. The territorial accessibility and fabulous atmosphere of the cave are ideal conditions for visiting the attraction with children.
28. Cleopatra’s Pool (Pamukkale)
Antique marble columns at the bottom of the Cleopatra pool in Pamukkale
One of the wonders of the world is called the popular tourist site Pamukkale, striking in its beauty. On the way to Pamukkale, there is another natural attraction — the Cleopatra thermal pool, based on nearby warm thermal springs. The rich mineral composition of thermal waters has a beneficial effect on health, revitalizing and rejuvenating the body. The depth of the bath reaches 10 meters, the water is crystal clear and transparent, and at the bottom it is easy to see stone fragments of ancient Roman buildings — once the pool was surrounded by an ancient portico, but as a result of an earthquake in the 7th century, the surrounding columns collapsed to the bottom – they lie there today. Going to explore the sights of Turkey on your own, you should definitely visit this place to take a healing bath in a calm atmosphere devoid of noise and sightseeing fuss.
29. The fiery mountain of Yanartash (Kemer)
“Fire-breathing Chimera” at the top of Yanartash Mountain Carole Raddato
Fiery Yanartash Mountain is the most visited place among tourists Elena Pleskevich
The fiery mountain of Yanartash at night Andrew Fysh
If you want to see the most mysterious natural sights of Turkey, Kemer will demonstrate an amazing geological phenomenon that occurs on the fiery Yanartash mountain. The mountain got its name for a reason — large accumulations of gas that seep through the rock, ignite spontaneously when released into the air. It is not surprising that many legends were born around this unique place, one of which tells about a fire-breathing Chimera that lived on the mountain. During the battle with the ancient Greek hero named Bellefronte, the terrible Chimera was defeated and thrown into the nearest abyss — since then the mountain has become “fire-breathing”. Yanartash is the only mountain of its kind, where the fire has not been extinguished for thousands of years. It is especially beautiful at the top at night, when the area is illuminated by many natural torches. And in the afternoon, the mountain offers stunning views of the Cirali Bay.
30. Manavgat Waterfall (Side)
Small picturesque Manavgat waterfall on the Manavgat River in Antalya province user:pufacz
Antalya is rich in architectural, entertainment, historical and cultural attractions of Turkey. The presentation of this province, however, will not be complete without the natural beauties of the area. Manavgat Waterfall is a charming corner located in the area of the resort town of Side. In fact, it is not a waterfall in the full sense of the word, but a wide picturesque threshold on the river of the same name, up to 2 meters high and about 40 meters wide. The river itself originates in mountain canyons, where underground springs are beating, and therefore the water in it is crystal clear and cold, no higher than + 12 degrees. There is a park around the waterfall with several observation decks from which you can observe a beautiful natural phenomenon. There is also a network of walking roads in the park, along which shops, souvenir stalls and cafes are located.
31. Mount Nemrut-Dagh (Adiyaman)
Panorama of the Nemrut Dagh mountain range in southeastern Turkey Florian Koch
Huge stone heads on Mount Nemrut-Dag Florian Koch
In the south-east of Turkey, in the area of the eastern Taurus range, there is a peak — Mount Nemrut Dagh with a height of 2,150 meters. The peculiarity of this natural site lies in the ancient structures and sculptures of the Hellenistic era preserved on the top. The fact is that a huge history has been made on this mountain, which has been measured for thousands of years. So, in the 2nd century BC, the mountain belonged to the territory of the state of Commagen, which, although small, but its rulers were distinguished by authority and ambition. For example, King Antiochus created his own religion here, assigned himself the status of God, and ordered the construction of a large religious complex in his honor on Mount Nemrut. However, after his death, the work stopped and the construction was not completed. Nowadays, you can see a huge burial ground and a sanctuary dedicated to the proud Antiochus, as well as a number of stone heads that once “belonged” to statues of the gods.
32. Mount Ararat (eastern Turkey)
Mount Ararat is a popular tourist destination in eastern Turkey
In search of the most impressive natural attraction in Turkey, the guide will take you to the east of the country — to where the majestic Mount Ararat, covered with a snow cap, rises. This is the highest peak in Turkey, it is a volcano with two volcanic peaks — one peak has a height of more than 5,100 m, the second is about 4,000 m. This volcano has erupted five times in its history, and the last eruption shook the surrounding area in 1840, resulting in the destruction of the local monastery and village. Although Ararat is not the world’s tallest mountain, it is famous not for this, but for its involvement in biblical history. Every Christian knows this place as a haven for Noah’s Ark when it was being saved from the flood. Nowadays, the volcano sleeps, and its elevation can be ascended from the north, where fascinating views will open, but only experienced climbers can climb the glacier.
Next to Turkey is the country of myths and ancient legends – Greece. While staying in Turkey, think about visiting this country as well. Read about the sights of Greece and get inspired for your further journey through Asia!