13 incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey

The history of Turkey is incredibly rich and rich. This land gave birth to the first cities known to man and one of the most powerful empires - the Hittite, Lycian, Roman, Ottoman. This is the land of Troy, epic wars and the legendary horse that led it to fall. This land united continents.

Modern Turkey provides breathtaking travel opportunities. This is a country that has preserved a thousand-year history, and it gives us a chance to get to know it now. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, woven from exciting adventures, rich culture and amazing cuisine. The country of turquoise.

Hierapolis Pamukkale

Selimiye Mosque and its social complex

Built between 1569 and 1575, this mosque is the work of the famous Turkish architect Sinan Mimar and is considered his best work. The refined interior design and the four slender minarets towering above the Edirne skyline, as well as the surrounding complex of schools, a covered market and a library, make an indelible impression.

Goreme National Park and cave settlements of Cappadocia

These landscapes can also be attributed to one of the most impressive and beautiful in the world. The main feature of the species is the hundreds of stone hoodoos, or, as they are also called, the "magic fireplaces" of Cappadocia, created as a result of millennia-old erosion processes. Numerous cave dwellings served as shelters, monastery premises and pantries. Today, you can see the sights of Cappadocia by flying into the sky in a balloon.

City of Safranbolu

In the 13th century, the city became a key parking area on the east-west trade route. Many buildings built over the next several hundred years are well preserved. These are mosques, baths, taverns and religious educational institutions. The city was also widely known for growing saffron, the most expensive spice in the world.

Hattus: the capital of the Hittite kingdom

The ancient imperial city is located on a rocky hillock, surrounded by defensive walls and stone gates with skillful carvings, which were called the “Lion Gate”. A walk along the remains of this great settlement will be remembered for a long time.

Historic Areas of Istanbul

This city connects Europe and Asia through the Bosphorus, it played a key role in the ups and downs of world empires. Previously, these territories belonged to Byzantium, and the city was called Constantinople. UNESCO distinguishes four separate zones of the city:

Archaeological Park, including the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, the Constantine Hippodrome and historical churches of the 6th century AD
The Suleymaniye quarter, including the Shehzade and Suleymaniye mosques, as well as the Valenta Aqueduct
Zeyrek quarter and Pantokrator monastery
The area of the ramparts, including the remains of the fortifications built by Theodosius II, the Byzantine emperor of the mid-400s.

Nemrut Dag

This is part of the East Taurus mountain range, located in southeastern Turkey, in the Adiyaman region. At the top there is a barrow of stones with artificial terraces and an abundance of sculptures, which indicates the presence of the royal tomb of the 1st century BC. This place was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.

Archaeological complex of Troy

This stunning archaeological site reveals the history of mankind over a period of 4000 years. The place is so impressive and impressive that not to visit it, being in Turkey, would be a big mistake. In addition, here in Canakkale you can see the real Trojan horse, built for the movie "Troy".

Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigue

The region of eastern and central Turkey, where Divrigi is located, was one of the first Turkish conquests in Anatolia. The Great Mosque was founded in 1228. Its architecture is truly impressive: sophisticated carved stones around three high gates, as well as striking stone columns and vaulted ceilings inside. The adjacent hospital, founded at the same time, is a no less unique building.

Pergamum and its multi-layered cultural landscape

This place is considered the clearest example of Turkey's connection with Greco-Roman history. The educational center of the empire was located here. Ancient temples, theaters and the library are historical sites that are located near modern Bergama, on the coast of the Aegean Sea.

Chatal-Hyuk Neolithic settlement

Around 7400 BC people in this part of the world began to do what they had never done before - to lead a sedentary lifestyle and form settlements. This place is credited with the birth of agriculture, which put an end to the nomadic, hunting life of mankind and led to the creation of permanent villages, cities and, ultimately, civilization. Chatal Hyuk is located in southern Turkey. In ancient times, its population reached 10,000 people. It was an unprecedented metropolis by the standards of the time.

Bursa and Jumalykızık: the birth of the Ottoman Empire

The territory adjacent to the modern metropolis of Bursa is the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire. In the small villages of this wide valley with rivers, you can still get acquainted with the early Ottoman way of life and admire the preserved architectural styles. In winter, be sure to check out your local ski resort.

Xanthus - Letoon

Situated south of modern Fethiye, Xanthus was the center of Lycia, a Late Bronze Age civilization subsequently captured by the Greeks and Romans. A sanctuary dedicated to the mythological figure of the goddess Summer - the mother of Apollo and Artemis - called Summeron, is nearby. Xanthus is a place for those interested in the history and heritage of Lycia.