7 Best Historical Sites in Turkey: Ancient Ruins Beyond Ephesus

Turkey is also a historical country, which means that wherever you go, you will find yourself traveling back in time. It can be said that Ephesus takes the majority of attention however, there are many other ancient sights in the country whose stories inspire more and more travelers. In this context, in this guide, I will reveal the mysterious 7 Best Historical Sites in Turkey: Ancient Ruins Beyond Ephesus that are less known to Western tourists but should be visited.

Here are the 7 Best Historical Sites in Turkey: Ancient Ruins Beyond Ephesus

1. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

Location:  Sultanahmet district of Istanbul
Best for:  Interested in history, architecture, and religious heritage

The Hagia Sophia is another architectural icon of Istanbul. Turkey shows a mixture of both architecture and culture. San Lorenzo was built in 537 AD as a Byzantine cathedral by Emperor Justinian; it was the world’s largest church for almost a millennium. In the sixteenth century, after the Ottoman conquest in 1453, it became a mosque with features of both Islamic as well as Christian.

Today it is both a mosque and a museum that attracts millions of visitors to gawk at its single vast dome, marvelous mosaics, and multiple and layered history. Hagia Sophia remains one of the symbols of the orientation of the city as the link between the East and the West.

2. Aphrodisias: The City of Aphrodite

Location: Aydın Province, Turkey
Best for: Ancient art and stunning architecture

Aphrodisias is one of the picturesque ancient Turkish cities Peeled to Aphrodite – the goddess of love. Also Well know about Roman ruins in Turkey. One of the Underrated historical sites in Turkey. Though it is as important as Ephesus, it has not gained as much popularity as Ephesus has garnered.

Its stadium is still in good condition and this Roman-era Stadium could accommodate over 30,000 spectators. For history and art lovers, the appealing sights include the Temple of Aphrodite and the artistic carvings of the Sebasteion complex for art lovers.

3. Göbekli Tepe: The World’s Oldest Temple

Location: Şanlıurfa Province, Southeastern Turkey
Best for: Archaeological mysteries and prehistoric history

Göbekli Tepe can be named as the world’s first temple, which was constructed almost 5000 years before Stonehenge. Further, this archaeological site has revolutionized the history of early societies by revealing that religious ceremonies predicated on such ideas as spirits, purity, and animality were imperative in the pre-agriculture society.

The two-meter-high stone pillars with animal reliefs make Göbekli Tepe one of the most intriguing archaeological assets of the Republic of Turkey and the whole world.

4. Blue Mosque: An Islamic architecture

Location:  Directly opposite the Hagia Sophia
Best for:  Interested in Islamic architecture, religious history, and cultural landmarks

Istanbul’s landmark is the Blue Mosque formally known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.s. Constructed in 1609-1616 by Sultan Ahmed I, it is well-known for a mixture of blue Iznik tiles decorating the interior of the mosque where it also derived the general name.

The Blue Mosque which has six tall towers and a large central dome is an example of fine Ottoman architecture with features from traditional Islamic architecture and features borrowed from the Greek influence of the building next door the Hagia Sophia. Sultan Ahmed Mosque is today in the Sultanahmet district and is still an active mosque though it also attracts a large number of tourists seeing the beautiful architecture and tranquil environment of the place.

Location: Denizli Province, Turkey
Best for: History and natural beauty

Standing on the cliff above the great white calcium springs of Pamukkale, Hierapolis was once a spa city developed by the Greeks in the second century BC. It was famous for recovering hot water springs and there is a well-preserved necropolis, the theater, and the Temple of Apollo.

The hot thermal waters mentioned in its history are still in evidence today and were thought to have curative properties.

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6. The Ancient City of Myra: The Land of Lycian Rock Tombs

Location: Demre, Antalya Province, Turkey
Best for: Lycian history and rock-cut tombs

Myra is an ancient Lycian city situated on the south coastal strip of modern Turkey, famous for rock tombs and preserved Roman theatre. It is also well known for associations with St. Nicholas, for whom the city served as a bishop throughout the 4th century.

The façade of the palace is filled with delicately carved tombs, and at present, the cliff’s walls contain mysterious tombs behind which it is interesting to explore, as well as a large open amphitheater that was able to accommodate thousands of viewers.

7. Topkapi Museum in Istanbul

Location:  Near Sultanahmet Square, Turkey
Best for: Best for those interested in Ottoman history

The Topkapi Museum is situated in Istanbul Turkey, and is among the most important ancient structures in the world. An erstwhile home to some of the most successful Ottoman sultans, it hosts a museum of historical assets of the empire.

The museum opened rooms to the general public that are dressed in jewelry and other exquisite pieces, manuscripts, and holy relics including the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword. This museum tells the visitors about the Ottoman court way of life, the building itself is monumental, with beautiful tiles and beautiful courtyards, open to the Bosphorus and this is why historical lovers should visit this place.

8. Ani: The City of 1,001 Churches

Location: Kars Province, Eastern Turkey
Best for: Medieval architecture and Armenian history

Ani, which was once the capital of the ancient Armenian kingdom, is now a magnificent, mostly ruined city on the Turkish-Armenian border.

Due to this, they gave it the nickname the “City of 1,001 Churches” where the churches and cathedrals of Ani hold some of the best examples of medieval Armenian architecture. The setting that is on a cliff face dropping down from about 150 meters develops romance in the scene.

Conclusion

There are hundreds of other historical sites throughout the country, not as grand or glamorous as Ephesus, but visualizing the country’s past nonetheless. From Neolithic temple_compare to Termessos which is situated at the very top of a mountain, each place offers visitors a glimpse into different periods in history. If you are a keen follower of history or keen interested in exploring some less well-known archaeological sites then the following sites are worthy of a visit.