10 Historical Places to See in Turkey

History doesn't just reside in books or museums; sometimes it appears in a stone, a wall, or the quiet of a village. Turkey is home to structures that have survived for centuries, bearing the traces of the past in every corner you step into. Walking on these lands, you can feel the breath of countless civilizations stretching from Rome to Byzantium, from the Seljuks to the Ottomans. One day you sit on the steps of an ancient theater listening to the Aegean wind, the next day you touch the sky in a castle rising on the slope of a rugged mountain. Each of these places, whispering their own stories, offers not only a visual feast but also an inner journey. If you are one of those who love to chase the past, don't set off without checking out our list of the 10 must-see historical places in Turkey.

1. Hagia Sophia – Istanbul

Hagia Sophia is not only one of Istanbul’s but also the world’s most important historical landmarks. Originally built as a church in 537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, this magnificent structure was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in 1453. It served as a museum from 1935 until 2020, when it regained mosque status. Its massive dome and mosaics continue to fascinate visitors. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hagia Sophia attracts an average of 3.7 million visitors annually.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Istanbul Hotels page.

2. Ephesus Ancient City – Izmir

Ephesus was one of the largest and most advanced cities of the Roman era. Even today, it has not lost its magnificence, being especially famous for the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater. Once home to 250,000 people, making it one of the most populous cities in the ancient world, Ephesus now welcomes around 2 million tourists each year. Visitors can explore ancient streets, temples, and baths.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Izmir Hotels page.

While traveling, we often rely on public Wi-Fi networks, which can put our data at significant risk. One solution is a VPN for Android. With VeePN active on your Android device, your data is encrypted. The VeePN VPN app also routes traffic, preventing your online activity from being tracked. This is an investment in security and privacy.

3. Cappadocia and Kaymakli Underground City – Nevşehir

Cappadocia is famous for its unique fairy chimneys and underground cities. The Kaymakli Underground City, with roots dating back to 2000 BC, is particularly fascinating. Built by communities seeking protection from invasions, these underground settlements such as Kaymakli and Derinkuyu form labyrinth-like networks of tunnels. Cappadocia is also renowned for its hot air balloons, attracting nearly 4 million tourists every year.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Cappadocia Hotels page.

4. Topkapi Palace – Istanbul

One of the main administrative centers of the Ottoman Empire for 600 years, Topkapi Palace is where history and grandeur meet. Commissioned by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1460, the palace impresses visitors with the Harem, the Sacred Relics Section, and its breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. Visitors can also see artifacts, weapons, and priceless manuscripts once belonging to Ottoman sultans.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Istanbul Hotels page.

5. Aspendos Ancient Theater – Antalya

Aspendos is one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD, it boasts a massive amphitheater with a capacity of 15,000 people. Still used for concerts and performances today, Aspendos is renowned for its incredible acoustics, allowing voices to be heard clearly even without microphones or speakers.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Antalya Hotels page.

6. Göbeklitepe – Şanlıurfa

Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple, dates back to 9600 BC making it even older than the pyramids. This archaeological site has reshaped history books, proving that humans were capable of building monumental structures even before the advent of agriculture. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018, Göbeklitepe continues to attract archaeology enthusiasts from around the globe.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Şanlıurfa Hotels page.

7. Troy Ancient City – Çanakkale

Famous from Homer’s epic The Iliad, Troy is known as the site of the legendary Trojan War. Discovered by archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, it remains one of the world’s most significant excavation sites. Today, visitors can see a replica of the famous Trojan Horse, along with the layered remains of different civilizations that once inhabited the city.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Çanakkale Hotels page.

8. Mount Nemrut – Adıyaman

Mount Nemrut is home to the mysterious ruins of the Kingdom of Commagene, most notably its colossal stone statues. It is one of the most breathtaking places to watch the sunrise and sunset. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, the statues have survived for over 2,000 years, underscoring the site’s immense historical importance.

9. Sumela Monastery – Trabzon

The provided text seems inconsistent, but to clarify: The Sumela Monastery is one of the most iconic religious structures in Turkey, dramatically perched on the cliffs of Trabzon’s Maçka district at an altitude of 1,200 meters. Dating back to the 4th century, the monastery is famous for its frescoes, unique architecture, and stunning natural surroundings. It is a major cultural and spiritual heritage site that draws thousands of visitors each year.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Trabzon Hotels page.

10. Ani Ruins – Kars

Known as the “City of 1001 Churches,” Ani was one of the most important trade centers of the Middle Ages. Once the capital of the Bagratid Armenian Kingdom in the 10th century, the city was later abandoned, leaving behind striking ruins. Ani is especially enchanting in the snowy winter months, welcoming around 100,000 visitors annually. It remains a unique discovery for history enthusiasts.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Kars Hotels page.

Conclusion

Turkey has hosted countless great civilizations throughout history. From Istanbul to Kars, Şanlıurfa to Antalya, every corner of the country is filled with historic landmarks and ancient cities waiting to be explored. If you’re planning a journey into history, these 10 destinations should definitely be on your list. And don’t forget using a VPN during your travels is an important step to ensure your online security!