Turkey is not just well-known for its penchant for television dramas and amazing language. It has a long and complex history, and you can witness just how great it is for yourself if you ever get the chance to visit.
If you find yourself planning a trip to Turkey, then these six places are a must-see to get the full Turkish experience and take a step back through time. There are still many remnants of the Ottoman Empire as well as eras further back that tell stories that you will marvel at.
- Hagia Sophia
Speaking of the Ottoman Empire, at that time Islam was the main religion in Turkey, and mosques were built everywhere so that people could practice their daily prayers. The Hagia Sophia is one of the most magnificent buildings you will see in your life and it actually started out as a church before being refurbished during the time of the Ottoman reign. Its elaborate design and beauty have lasted through the years and it has become one of UNESCO’s heritage sites which just goes to show you that you do not want to miss seeing it at least once.
- Topkapi Palace
Sultans of the Ottoman Empire were royals who enjoyed living luxurious lives. You can see how luxurious their lives were by taking a tour of this spacious palace that has many rooms. Some of these rooms are open for the public to explore including the Harem chamber, the royal treasury, rooms full of armor, and manuscripts that take you to a completely different era. Topkapi Palace is a great addition to your travel plans because it gives you a taste of history that you will otherwise miss out on.
- The Citadel of Kaymakli
Imagine going through an underground city that was fully functional at one point in time. The Citadel of Kaymakli has a series of tunnels and underground chambers that were used by different people throughout history. In fact, because of how vast the area is, it is considered to be an underground city in its own right. It was built a couple of thousand years ago and has lasted all of this time without being disturbed. The city stretches for miles with tunnels connecting it to another underground city nearby. Some historians believe that this city was used quite a lot during Arab raids during the four centuries when Arabs and Byzantines were at war.
- Duden Waterfalls
While Turkey has a rich history that you can spend days trying to explore, there are also natural sites that will leave you in complete awe such as the Duden Waterfalls. The Duden river in Turkey has two waterfalls: the Upper Duden Waterfall and the Lower Duden waterfall. These two natural sites are amazing to visit. The Duden waterfalls are not the only attraction in Antalya, Turkey, however, there is no doubt that one of the best places to visit in Antalya is this naturally beautiful site. The calming sound of the water falling, and the amazing view that you get from that area make it an amazing place to visit if you are ever in the country.
- Ephesus
As its name suggests, this place is connected to Greece. It was built when Greece had control over Turkey after many years of war. Today, the city does not have many standing buildings, but you can spend hours exploring the ruins without growing bored since they are quite extensive. Ephesus was the main commercial center throughout the Greek and Roman empires up to the spread of Christianity. This makes it quite rich with history and stories that you would undoubtedly want to delve into.
- Ancient City of Troy
Whether you are a history buff or not, you have probably heard of the infamous Trojan War. The myth states that after ten years of fighting, the Greeks built a big wooden horse, had some soldiers climb inside, and infiltrated the city of Troy from the inside. Imagine taking a look at this city that inspired various myths and literary works that are still being studied to this day. If you visit this city, you can explore it through day and night tours as well as visit the Kilitbahir Fortress and the Troy museum.
Turkey is a country that has witnessed many great eras. On your visit, you can get a chance to witness this greatness for yourself. These six places should definitely be included in your itinerary if you do not want to miss out on amazing experiences in Turkey.
