ARCHEOLOGICAL TOURS TURKEY AND 10 MUST-SEE SITES!
Hi everyone! We continue our blog series with a new one! In this post, we will focus on explaining Archeological Tours Turkey and 10 Must-See Archeological Sites in Turkey!
This post will take you on a journey in the depths of history by providing you the rich history & culture of Turkey over wonderful examples. As we have mentioned in almost every post, Anatolian/Turkey lands have a very rich cultural structure. The main reason for this is that it has hosted countless civilizations for thousands of years.
With archaeological sites dating back to neolithic times like Gobeklitepe in Sanliurfa, mystic ancient settlements like Hattusa whose secrets still continue to be discovered, and world-wide famous ancient ruins like Ephesus, Pergamon, and Cappadocia that shows examples from Ancient Greek and Roman Empire life; Turkey welcomes its visitors to come and uncover the mysteries of its past.
10 MUST-SEE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES IN TURKEY!
1. Gobeklitepe in Sanliurfa
Göbeklitepe, located in Şanlıurfa in southeastern Turkey, is one of the most groundbreaking archaeological discoveries in recent history. Unearthed in the 1990s, it quickly gained global attention and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018.
Dating back to the 10th–8th millennium BCE, Göbeklitepe is believed to have been constructed around 12,000 years ago. Prior to its discovery, the Stonehenge of Denmark (excavated in 1859 by Jens Jacob Worsaae, dating to 8th–7th millennium BCE) was considered the oldest religious structure in human history. Göbeklitepe, however, has rewritten what we know about early human civilization, establishing itself as the world’s oldest known religious temple.
Archaeologists and researchers from around the globe continue to study Göbeklitepe, revealing remarkable insights into prehistoric human life and spirituality. The site is open to visitors, offering a unique glimpse into the dawn of organized religion and monumental architecture. To read more about Gobeklitepe, click the link below; Gobeklitepe Turkey!
2. Ephesus Ancient City
The Ephesus Ruins, also known as Ephesus Ancient City, is a must-visit destination for anyone fascinated by history and culture. Dating back to Ancient Greek times, Ephesus reached its golden age during the Eastern Roman Empire, becoming one of the five major capitals of the Roman Empire.
As a vital port city, Ephesus served as a crucial trade hub connecting Asia and Europe, leaving a legacy of impressive architecture and urban planning. Excavations began over 100 years ago, and archaeological research continues to uncover the city’s remarkable past.
Today, around 3 million visitors explore Ephesus each year, walking through its ancient streets, marveling at its grand theaters, libraries, and temples, and experiencing a glimpse of life in one of history’s most significant cities. If you wish to learn more about Ephesus City, you may visit the below link; Ephesus Ancient City!
3. Hattusa
Hattusa was the capital of the Hittite Empire, one of the most powerful civilizations of the ancient world. Located about 200 km east of Ankara, modern-day Turkey, Hattusa was the political and cultural heart of the Hittites, who dominated much of Anatolia and Syria.
This impressive city, with its massive walls, gates, and temples, was rediscovered only in the 20th century, revealing the sophistication and wealth of the Hittite civilization. Archaeological excavations continue to this day, uncovering invaluable insights into the social, religious, and political life of one of history’s most influential empires.
Visiting Hattusa offers a rare glimpse into the ancient Hittite world, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts.
To learn more about Hittites and Hattusa, you may read our below post in which you may find very detailed information about their life; Hittites and Hattusa!
4. Catalhöyük
Çatalhöyük is one of Turkey’s oldest and most remarkable archaeological sites, offering a window into life during the Neolithic period. Located in Central Anatolia, near modern-day Konya, the site is famous for its intricate wall paintings and carvings, which provide unique insights into the spiritual and daily life of early humans.
Archaeological research at Çatalhöyük began in the 1950s, and ongoing excavations continue to reveal its extraordinary history. The settlement’s densely packed houses, elaborate murals, and symbolic artifacts make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the origins of human civilization.
5. Pergamon Ancient City
Capital of its own Kingdom of Pergamon! This ancient city dated back to the 3rd Century BC, to the Hellenistic Period. In its own time, the city consisted of 2 parts; one is the Acropolis on the top of the mountain, where the nobility lived, the other is the Asclepios, where mostly middle and low-level people lived!
The most famous structures located in Acropolis; Ancient Theatre with a magnificent view and construction technique built leaning against the slope of the mountain, bath complexes, and the Zeus Altar was dismantled(unfortunately) and its parts are exhibited in various museums around the world.
Asklepios is a wonderful ancient city in itself. The foundations of modern medicine were laid in the city of Asclepios. In its own time, it was a very famous place with its doctors and advanced medical techniques. Thousands of years ago, the symbol of this city was the same as the medical symbol(except small details) currently used by the WHO.
The ancient city of Troy is a truly remarkable site, built in nine distinct layers over different periods. Each layer represents a separate civilization, leaving behind unique cultural and architectural traces—an exceptional feature found in very few places in the world.
Troy’s legendary status has made it famous in literature and film, from Homer’s Iliad to modern movies. Located near Çanakkale, it is easily accessible from surrounding towns and cities, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. Exploring Troy offers a fascinating journey through history, myth, and archaeology, making it a must-visit destination for travelers and history enthusiasts alike. Read more about Troy Ancient City!
7. Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut is one of the most interesting, remarkable, and captivating ancient sites which Turkey has! Mount Nemrut, built by the Commagene King Antiochus I in the Hellenistic period, is a temple-tomb and a Hierothesion, the house of the Gods, built by Antiochos to honor him in life and death.
This colossal monument features statues of deities and inscriptions depicting the ancestral lineage of Antiochos and legends from both Greek and Persian roots, as well as statues of lions and eagles believed to be the guardians of the site. Today, Mount Nemrut is located in south-central Turkey and it is one of the not-to-be-missed places if you have enough time in your Turkey Travel Plan!
8. Cappadocia
Although today, Cappadocia is world-famous for its Hot Air Balloons, it has a very important texture with its historical and cultural structure! Göreme Open Air Museum, Underground Cities, and numerous ancient churches are a few of them!
It is thought that approximately 40 million travelers visit Cappadocia every year. The number of travelers as hosted by Turkey yearly known that about 50 million. So, 4 out of every 5 travelers who Travel to Turkey also Travel to Cappadocia.
So why does Cappadocia take so many travelers? We can roughly explain as follows;
It has a wonderful historical structure; fairy chimneys, ancient churches, ancient underground cities, etc. It is not possible to find any other place where these are gathered in the same place!
Great cave hotels that cannot be easily found anywhere else in the world.
Hot Air Balloon Flights which you can find only in a few places around the World!
One of the best landscape and natural formations that you may see around Turkey.
There are several other reasons to Travel to Cappadocia! You may also read more about Cappadocia by clicking the link below; Cappadocia Turkey!
9. Hierapolis Ancient City
Hierapolis or Sacred City, an ancient Phrygian city is located in South West of Turkey. It is next to Pamukkale which is a very famous thermal source. Believed that it was established by Eumenes II of Pergamum in 190 BC. The huge city of Hierapolis has been excavated since the 19th century.
Archaeologists have unearthed wonderful ancient Roman remains; baths, a gymnasium, an agora, and a Byzantine church, St. Phillips martyron, necropolis of the city, etc… They still continue their work to get more! Hierapolis was taken a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. You can read the full list of Unesco Sites in Turkey!
It is also the second most popular destination in the Aegean Region of Turkey (after Ephesus Ruins). If you have the chance to travel to Hierapolis, do not forget to see the unique Pamukkale Travertines.
10. Aphrodisias Ancient City
Aphrodisias was an Ancient Greek City in the province of Caria. Today, it is located nearby to Geyre Village between Denizli and Aydın Cities. It is about 150 km away from Kusadasi and about 50 km away from Denizli/Pamukkale.
Aphrodisias Ancient City was discovered coincidently by famous Turkish Photographer Mr. Ara Guler in 1958. Ara Güler comes to the village of Geyre while traveling to photograph the villages in Anatolia. Here, he sees the villagers living with ancient ruins without even realizing it.
The villagers used the ancient columns and artifacts as tables, chairs, or in the construction of their houses. By seeing this, Ara Güler immediately takes photographs and sends them to Turkish Archaeologist Kenan Erim, who works at NYC University. Mr. Kenan returns to the country without wasting time and devotes his entire life to Ancient City of Aphrodisias.
Aphrodisias offers its visitors wonderful hours and reveals thousands of years of history to our eyes. If you ever visit Turkey, we highly recommend visiting this stunning place, which is the most favorite ancient city within Turkey Tour Guides. Read more about Aphrodisias Ancient City and Highlights!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Turkey has a larger and richer cultural structure you can imagine. There are hundreds or even thousands of historical and cultural places that can be visited and seen. Continue reading our blog posts and benefiting from useful information to plan your Turkey Tours smoothly. If you ever need help with creating your itinerary or have questions, do not hesitate to contact our team! If you liked our posts, do not forget to share them with your friends!
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