Turkey is a fascinating country, surrounded by water on three sides. It is a shimmering vacation destination for those who love to explore history, gorgeous landscapes, culture, and mouth-watering delicacies. Millions of visitors flock here annually with their accessible Turkey visa online to enjoy and relish the taste of the Turkish lifestyle while capturing memorable moments to the core.
Turkey is famous for its historical significance. It witnessed the rise and fall of many empires, including the Byzantines, the Ottomans, the Greeks and Romans, the Selijuq Empire, and, of course, the current Turkish Republic. The legacy of these great empires, followed by their culture and heritage, left ancient cities and pre-historic ruins, abandoned villages, and underground mysteries; Turkey has so much to offer history enthusiasts.
With so many overwhelming options, get your Turkey visa online and explore these most beautiful historical places to visit in Turkey.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is one of the world’s most significant and stunning mosques. The mosque was built during the Roman period in 537 by Emperor Justinian and served as the cathedral for Constantinople. It was then the largest Christian church in the Eastern Roman.
Empire and held its title for over 1000 years. Today, the church-turned-mosque displays a beautiful blend of architectural styles. The mosque allows visitors of all faiths to acknowledge the legacy of its remarkable construction.
The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the most spectacular architectural pieces in the heart of Istanbul. The mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 during Sultan Ahmed’s rule, which made it a worthy neighbor to Hagia Sophia.
The mosque is famous for its hand-painted blue tiles that line the interior walls. There are more than 200 stained glass windows, while the beautifully carved marble Mihrab stuns most visitors. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1985 and is a famous landmark in Turkey.
Ephesus
Ephesus is a famous landmark in Turkey and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 10th century BC under the ancient Greeks. It was a vibrant city lying on the coast of Ionia, covering an area of 6.6 square kilometers. Today, Ephesus represents some of the best-preserved Greco-Roman architecture.
The major highlight of Ephesus is the Temple of Artemis, which is deemed one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It also houses the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Roman Amphitheatre, which can hold 24000 spectators. Ephesus is undoubtedly a treasure trove for historians and explorers.
Sumela Monastery
Sumela Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery built on the rocks on the skirts of Mount Karadag. The church dates back to 386 AD and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is located against a stunning backdrop at an altitude of around 1200 feet above sea level and is one of Turkey’s marvelous architectural attractions.
Sumela Monastery is one of the most significant icons of Christian belief and was reopened after several years of restoration. It has witnessed several states of damage due to falling rock and weathering, and the last batch of the renovation was completed in 2017. The monastery continues to be a popular site, visited by monks, Christians, and Muslim pilgrims.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is another popular tourist destination, attracting visitors to its gorgeous Ottoman architecture, Muslim and Christian relics, courtyards, and the remnants of the Prophet Mohammed. It was once the home of Ottoman sultans in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Now, the palace is open to public visits and serves as a large museum, displaying collections of weapons, miniatures, religious artifacts, clothing, and manuscripts. It has four main courtyards and smaller buildings where the family’s female members lived. There were also homes for state officials, the Grand Vizier, and an Imperial Council building.
The Basilica Cistern
One of the ancient cisterns running underneath the city of Istanbul in Turkey, the Basilica Cistern, is located 150 meters southwest of Hagia Sophia. It is one of the greatest and biggest surviving Byzantine sites, boasting its imposing columns, mystical ambiance, and grand scale. Though it mostly seemed flooded, it was a former water storage chamber.
You can explore the cistern, viewing its raised platforms and the 336 beautiful marble columns. Enjoy the eerie setting while not ignoring its scenario in the famous James Bond movie, From Russia with Love, and more.
Van Castle
Van Castle, also known as the Fortress of Van, is a massive stone fort.Built between the 7th and 9th centuries by the Urartu Kingdom,it is one of the top historical places to visit in Turkey. Following the kingdom’s fall in the 7th century BC, Van Castle was conquered by the Assyrians, leaving the marks of these two significant civilizations, including the ruins of the Ottoman Empire.
The Van Castle was restored after the 2011 earthquake, and today it welcomes visitors across the world.
As much as Turkey is a stunning destination, there are loads of things that are still curious to many. These historical legacies have left a strong mark on Turkey’s every generation, seen in their culture and customs. You get to explore and experience numerous things, making your trip worthwhile. So, while here, don’t forget to explore these beautiful places that are a must visit.
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