Ani, often referred to as the "City of 1001 Churches," is a ruined medieval Armenian city situated in Turkey`s province of Kars, near the border with Armenia. Once the capital of the Bagratid Armenian kingdom, Ani and its many religious buildings wer... more
Ani, often referred to as the "City of 1001 Churches," is a ruined medieval Armenian city situated in Turkey`s province of Kars, near the border with Armenia. Once the capital of the Bagratid Armenian kingdom, Ani and its many religious buildings were abandoned after Mongol invasions, an earthquake, and shifting trade routes. Today, the remains of this ancient city offer a haunting, poignant sight, symbolizing the rich and tumultuous history of the region. less
The Aspendos Theatre is a well-preserved Roman theatre located in southern Turkey. Built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, it could hold between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators. Its extraordinary acoustics still impress... more
The Aspendos Theatre is a well-preserved Roman theatre located in southern Turkey. Built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, it could hold between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators. Its extraordinary acoustics still impress visitors during the regular performances of operas and concerts held in the theatre. less
Not to be confused with the more famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Aya Sofya of Trabzon also boasts a rich history. Constructed in the 13th century when Trabzon was the capital of the Empire of Trebizond, it features beautiful Byzantine frescoes. Afte... more
Not to be confused with the more famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Aya Sofya of Trabzon also boasts a rich history. Constructed in the 13th century when Trabzon was the capital of the Empire of Trebizond, it features beautiful Byzantine frescoes. After serving as a church for several centuries, it was converted into a mosque, and now serves as a museum. less
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. With its six minarets and a grand dome, the mosque is a pri... more
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. With its six minarets and a grand dome, the mosque is a prime example of Ottoman architecture. It`s still a functioning mosque but also a popular tourist attraction. less
The Bosphorus Strait, also known as the Strait of Istanbul, is a narrow, natural strait and an internationally significant waterway in northwestern Turkey. It forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia. A cruise along the Bosphoru... more
The Bosphorus Strait, also known as the Strait of Istanbul, is a narrow, natural strait and an internationally significant waterway in northwestern Turkey. It forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia. A cruise along the Bosphorus offers a unique perspective of Istanbul, passing historical castles, palaces, and a variety of typical Istanbul scenes. less
Cappadocia, in Central Anatolia, is renowned for its unique landscape of tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley and Göreme. The region`s soft stone has led to extensive tunneling and the creation of cave dwellings and underground... more
Cappadocia, in Central Anatolia, is renowned for its unique landscape of tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley and Göreme. The region`s soft stone has led to extensive tunneling and the creation of cave dwellings and underground cities, some of which date back to the 4th century. The Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases several preserved Byzantine cave churches with impressive frescoes. less
Ephesus is an ancient city in Turkey`s Central Aegean region, near modern-day Selçuk. It was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era and later became a major Roman city. Ephesus is renowned for the Temple of Artem... more
Ephesus is an ancient city in Turkey`s Central Aegean region, near modern-day Selçuk. It was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era and later became a major Roman city. Ephesus is renowned for the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the Library of Celsus, and its massive theater, which could accommodate 25,000 spectators. less
The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul`s most striking landmarks. This nine-story tower is located in the Galata district and offers a panoramic vista of Istanbul`s historic peninsula and its environs. The cone-capped cylinder dominates the skyline and... more
The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul`s most striking landmarks. This nine-story tower is located in the Galata district and offers a panoramic vista of Istanbul`s historic peninsula and its environs. The cone-capped cylinder dominates the skyline and offers a fantastic 360-degree view of the city from the balcony at its apex. less
Gobekli Tepe, in southeastern Turkey, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Dating back to around 9600 to 7300 BC, it is considered the world`s oldest known megaliths, predating Stonehenge by some 6,000 years. The Neolithic... more
Gobekli Tepe, in southeastern Turkey, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Dating back to around 9600 to 7300 BC, it is considered the world`s oldest known megaliths, predating Stonehenge by some 6,000 years. The Neolithic site features massive stone pillars arranged in circles, depicting various predatory animals, which indicates a level of sophistication previously thought impossible for such an early civilization. less
Hagia Sophia is an architectural marvel located in Istanbul. Built in 537 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it served as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral for almost a thousand years before becoming an Ottoman mosque in the 15th centu... more
Hagia Sophia is an architectural marvel located in Istanbul. Built in 537 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it served as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral for almost a thousand years before becoming an Ottoman mosque in the 15th century. Now a museum, Hagia Sophia is admired for its massive dome and vibrant mosaics, which represent significant artistic and architectural advancements. The blending of Christian and Islamic elements reflects Turkey`s rich history and cultural diversity. less
Hattusa was the capital of the Hittite Empire in the late Bronze Age. The archaeological site, located near modern Boğazkale, is notable for its urban organization, the types of construction that have been preserved (temples, royal residences, fortif... more
Hattusa was the capital of the Hittite Empire in the late Bronze Age. The archaeological site, located near modern Boğazkale, is notable for its urban organization, the types of construction that have been preserved (temples, royal residences, fortifications), the rich ornamentation of the Lions` Gate and the Royal Gate, and the ensemble of rock art. It`s an intriguing glimpse into an ancient civilization. less
The Istanbul Archaeology Museum is a group of three archaeological museums located in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet neighborhood. It houses over one million objects that represent almost all of the eras and civilizations in world history. The notable collec... more
The Istanbul Archaeology Museum is a group of three archaeological museums located in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet neighborhood. It houses over one million objects that represent almost all of the eras and civilizations in world history. The notable collections include the Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great, ancient statues from Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods, and a comprehensive collection from Istanbul`s Byzantine era. less
The Mevlana Museum, located in Konya, is the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic also known as Mevlâna or Rumi. The museum is an important place of pilgrimage for Muslims because Rumi is a saint. His poetic message of love... more
The Mevlana Museum, located in Konya, is the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic also known as Mevlâna or Rumi. The museum is an important place of pilgrimage for Muslims because Rumi is a saint. His poetic message of love and unity resonates with many people, irrespective of their religious affiliations. The museum houses many historical artifacts, including manuscripts of Mevlana`s works and various Ottoman era Islamic works of art. less
Mount Ararat, located in the Eastern Anatolia Region, is the highest peak in Turkey. This snow-capped, dormant volcanic cone is associated with the "mountains of Ararat" in the Bible—the place where Noah`s Ark is said to have landed. The mountain is... more
Mount Ararat, located in the Eastern Anatolia Region, is the highest peak in Turkey. This snow-capped, dormant volcanic cone is associated with the "mountains of Ararat" in the Bible—the place where Noah`s Ark is said to have landed. The mountain is popular among mountaineers and trekkers and holds deep cultural and religious significance. less
Mount Nemrut is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in southeastern Turkey. A 1st century BC royal tomb on top of the mountain is surrounded by colossal statues of the gods, which are an iconic image of Turkey. The heads of the statues have toppled... more
Mount Nemrut is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in southeastern Turkey. A 1st century BC royal tomb on top of the mountain is surrounded by colossal statues of the gods, which are an iconic image of Turkey. The heads of the statues have toppled off over time but seeing the sunrise or sunset here over the scattered ancient heads is a unique experience. less
Located in the capital city of Ankara, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations hosts a rich collection of artifacts from the various cultures that thrived in Anatolia (Asia Minor). The exhibits span several millennia, including Assyrian trading colonie... more
Located in the capital city of Ankara, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations hosts a rich collection of artifacts from the various cultures that thrived in Anatolia (Asia Minor). The exhibits span several millennia, including Assyrian trading colonies, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, Greek, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuq and Ottoman artifacts. It provides an excellent overview of Turkey`s diverse and rich heritage. less
Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is an awe-inspiring natural site in the Denizli province. It`s known for its terraces of carbonate minerals left by flowing thermal spring water. These travertine terraces gleam white in the sunlight, cr... more
Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is an awe-inspiring natural site in the Denizli province. It`s known for its terraces of carbonate minerals left by flowing thermal spring water. These travertine terraces gleam white in the sunlight, creating a surreal, beautiful landscape. The nearby ancient Roman city of Hierapolis, with its well-preserved theatre and Necropolis, adds historical depth to the location. less
The Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is a sprawling palace complex that served as the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. As well as a royal residence, the palace was a setting for state occasions and royal entertainment. It`s now a... more
The Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is a sprawling palace complex that served as the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. As well as a royal residence, the palace was a setting for state occasions and royal entertainment. It`s now a museum that showcases imperial collections of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans, and the famed jewel-filled Treasury. less
The ancient city of Troy, located in Turkey`s northwest, is best known from the Greek epic "The Iliad." It was the setting of the Trojan War and is a place steeped in mythology. Archaeological excavations have revealed nine separate periods of settle... more
The ancient city of Troy, located in Turkey`s northwest, is best known from the Greek epic "The Iliad." It was the setting of the Trojan War and is a place steeped in mythology. Archaeological excavations have revealed nine separate periods of settlement, including ruins of city walls, house foundations, a temple, and a theater. A replica of the wooden horse of Troy adds a touch of mythical charm to the site. less
The Whirling Dervish Ceremony, known as Sema, is a spiritual performance of the followers of Rumi, the 13th-century Muslim poet. The ceremony symbolizes the mystical journey of man`s spiritual ascent through mind and love to perfection. Watching the... more
The Whirling Dervish Ceremony, known as Sema, is a spiritual performance of the followers of Rumi, the 13th-century Muslim poet. The ceremony symbolizes the mystical journey of man`s spiritual ascent through mind and love to perfection. Watching the dervishes as they whirl in their distinctive white garments to the hypnotic Sufi music is a mesmerizing spiritual experience. less
