Tourist Attractions

Famous Tourist Attractions in TURKEY

Istanbul:

The only city in the world that bridges two continents, Europe and Asia. It is the largest city in Turkey (population over 10 million). Istanbul is full of history, culture and beauty.

Bursa:

The capital of Ottoman turkish rule until 1416 when the Ottomans took Istanbul. The city lies at the foot of the Uludag Mountains and is reknown for its beautiful architecture, therapeutic spring waters and as a winter sports resort.

Troy:

Dates bact to the early Bronze Age. Best known as the famous city of Helen and the horse of Trojans from Homer’s Illiad.

Assos:

Seventy three kilometres south of Troy lies preserved one of the most important monuments of the ancient city, the Temple of Athena. This example dates from the 6th century BC.

Bergama (Pergamon):

To the south of Troy are the ruins of the great city of Pergamon, a centre of learning and arts, where the ruins of one of the biggest libraries of antiquity is found. Nearby the Ascelpion, one of the most important medical centres of classical times dedicated to the god of health.

Ephesus:

The roman capital of Asia and a very important religious and trade center in ancient times. Only 2 % of the city has been excavated and it is still the largest ancient city ruins in the world. The Atemis Temple is found here, the most important shrine of Asia Minor and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Virgin Mary spent her last days in a small house in Ephesus.

Pamukkale (Hierapolis):

Known as the “cotton castle” here calcereous hot springs falling tens of meters have created spectacular white terraces and basins. A magical site famous for its invigorating spa.

Bodrum (Halicarnassus):

In ancient times the birth place of Herodotus and the home of the Mausoleum one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Later the crusaders built a castle here which now houses the most famous underwater archeological museum in the world.

Ancient LYCIA:

Thought to be of Creteon origin the Lycians occupied here and defended the Mediterranean coast around 1400 BC They created a very big confederation including. Xantos, Olympos, Myra Pinara, Patara and Tlos. Here amongst very beautiful coastlines lay many sunken cities.

Antalya:

Antalya is the main city on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Considered to be the Turkish Riviera because of its spectacular location between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean.

Perge:

The capital of ancient pamphilya. It was founded by Akhas who came down to the south around 2000 BC after the Trojans Wars.

Aspendos:

The best preserved roman theater of antiquity. It dates back to 2nd Centery AD and is still used for classical music concert and festivals.

Side:

Cleopatra and Marc Antony’s spot for a romantic tryst. A beautiful city designed in perfect harmony with its ancient and classical remains.

Antakya (ANTIOCH):

Antioch had a population of half a million making it a primary center of Hellenic Civilization in its time. The first St Peter’s Church is located here which sponsored St. Paul on his journeys and Christ’s followers were first called Christians.

Urfa:

Originally inhabited by the Babylonians, this region was the dwelling place of the patriarch Abraham before he migrated to Palestine.

Harran:

According to the bible this is where Abraham and Terah dwelled. In the city there are the remains of the oldest Islamic University and the famous bee hive dwellings.

Mt. Nemrut:

This mountaintop burial site was constructed by Antiochus I in the first century BC. Named by UNESCO as the 8th Wonder of the World.

Van:

One of the worlds highest large lakes and the largest lake in Turkey.

Dogubeyazit:

Famous for the impressive 18th century Ishak Pa?a Palace. Nearby is the ancient Urartian reliefs and rock tombs from the 9th century BC.

Erzurum:

The largest city in eastern anatolia. It has been ruled by Arabs, Byzantines, Armenians and Seljuks and was also invaded by the Russians. Here lie some beautiful Seljuk remains.

Trabzon:

This eastern black sea port town was founded in the 7th century BC. Byzantines, Selcuks and Ottomans conquered her. Nearby carved high in the cliffs is the spectacular and remote Sumela Monastery.

Ankara:

Ankara is the capital of the Turkish Republic. All the government institutions such as the ministries, the parliament and the state opera are concentrated here. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations houses one of the world’s finest collections of ancient artifacts.

Konya:

Was the home of the 13th century mystic poet Mevlana who founded the Order of Whirling Dervishes, a religion based on the virtues of goodness, charity, humanity, love and union with God.

Cappadocia:

One of Turkey’s most visited sites with its unique geological formations, rock carved churches decorated with fine frescoes from earliest christianity, and ancient underground cities. Christianity was first brought here by the Apostle Paul (born in Tarsus) and later in Byzantine times experienced a rapid development.