8 Most Impressive Ancient Ruins of Turkey You Must Visit
Rich with age-old architecture and folklores, the ancient ruins of Turkey make it a classic destination to visit on vacations. Seeped in ancient history, the country is home to a plethora of evidence to prove its historical allegiance. The ruin of this middle-eastern country is a gateway to understand the traditional Turkish way of life. The country continues to boast its well-preserved culture in the form of its local markets (bazaars), traditional baths (hammams) and love for coffee. Here is a list of eight ancient ruins in Turkey that will take you back in time.
Troy: The Legendry City
When speaking of mystical vibes, no one can miss Troy. An ancient hill town that has legendry tales tucked away in the age-old ruins. From the structures that depict prolonged Trojan War to the evidence of Bronze Age, witness here the remarkable architectural remains of the past. The tale of this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been adapted in a film named, Troy: The Fall of a City. Troy is not as big as compared to other ancient sites of the country, but it is worth a visit.
Ephesus: The Extraordinary City of Two Empires
Travel back in time at one of the most prominent historical sites of Turkey. Ephesus is significant in the books of history because it has not just been a part of the Greek Empire in the 10th century but also the Roman Empire in the 27 BCE. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some exceptional architecture like The Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian and the Odeon, and the largest ancient theatre.
Hattusa: The Famous Capital of Hittite
Another must-visit in Turkey is Hattusa. With a history that dates back to 1600BC, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was the capital of the Hittite Empire. Home to well-preserved literature, temples, homes and other important architecture, a tour of this place will help you understand the culture and lifestyle of the ancient times.
Basilica Cistern: The Cistern from Dan Brown’s Inferno
Venture into an unknown era in the underground world of Istanbul. Basilica Cistern is an exceptionally well-designed cistern of the Byzantine Empire, that dates back to the 6th century. Famous for its 336 marble columns, this historic site houses a café and art exhibit to make the tour pleasant and convenient.
Hagia Sophia: A Church, a Mosque and a Museum
Hagia Sophia is a museum that has seen several renovations with time. It was a church which was later converted into a mosque, and therefore, flaunts a mixed architecture with inspirations from different regions. Today, the site boasts a 4th century-old history, and an excellent architecture built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian.
Göbekli Tepe: The One with World’s First Temple
This 12,000 years old ruin is the oldest archaeological evidence of faith and worship. The site was discovered in 1963 and is still being unearthed. Considered as home to the world’s first temple, the Göbekli Tepe signifies the rise of human civilisation. There are about 200 pillars in 20 circles, and each pillar has a story to tell. If you fancy detailed information on the site, head to the newly-opened Şanlıurfa Haleplibahçe Museum, which stores a replica of the site.
Aphrodisias: The City Exported Marble to the World
The ancient Greek city, once home to the Roman emperors, is now a brilliant UNESCO World Heritage Site. Named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, the site has some remarkable awe-inspiring structures in store for you. Witness the past at the structures like the Temple of Aphrodite, the stadium and the Sebasteion. The ruins of the Sebasteion has been well preserved at an on-site museum. This museum is a gateway to the legendary history of Greeks and Romans.
Hierapolis: The Community Centre
When we talk about the famous natural wonder of Pamukkale, we cannot miss the historical wonder of Hierapolis. Built-in 190BC as a community centre, equipped with baths and gymnasium, this place was a source of entertainment for the locals. The Great Roman Theatre that survived the 1334 AD tremors is still standing there as a proof of bustling civilisation.