“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta”
That’s right Traveling can actually make you a storyteller, here I am the living example for it and this time my blog will take you on an amazing historical trip of Turkey.
Turkey is home to numerous historical landmarks and archaeological sites that offer rich insights into its diverse history. Here are some notable ones along with their related historical stories:
Hagia Sophia (Istanbul)
It was originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century AD, but later it served as a mosque and now it is a museum and famous tourist attraction.
Its architecture is a stunning blend of two beautiful empire that is Byzantine and Ottoman styles, reflecting the cultural and religious shifts in Istanbul’s history.
I highly recommend you that if you visit Istanbul then keep it in you check list.
Ephesus (Izmir Province)
An ancient Greek city, Ephesus was one of the largest and most important cities of the Mediterranean world. It was famed for the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Library of Celsus.
Ephesus was also significant in early Christianity, with the Apostle Paul spending time there and writing his letter to the Ephesians.
If you are visiting here, I suggest you to take a guide it will help you to understand even the little things. They will explain you every detail of that place that is beneficial than just roaming around.
Troy (Canakkale Province)
Legendary city from Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad, Troy was the site of the Trojan War.
Excavations have revealed multiple layers of settlement dating back over 4,000 years, confirming the historical basis of the Trojan War.
Pamukkale
Known for its unique natural hot springs and travertine terraces, Pamukkale is also home to the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Hierapolis was a thriving Greco-Roman city known for its healing waters and necropolis, where visitors can see well-preserved tombs and sarcophagi.
Cappadocia
Famous for its otherworldly landscape of fairy chimneys and rock-cut dwellings, Cappadocia is also rich in history.
The region was home to early Christian communities who carved elaborate underground cities and churches into the soft volcanic rock.
Göreme Open-Air Museum showcases some of the finest examples of Byzantine frescoes and rock-cut architecture in Cappadocia.
Ani (Kars Province)
Once a flourishing medieval city on the Silk Road, Ani was known as the “City of 1001 Churches.”
It was the capital of the Bagratid Armenian Kingdom and a cultural and commercial center until it was largely abandoned in the 14th century.
Aspendos (Antalya Province)
Known for its remarkably well-preserved ancient theater, Aspendos was an important city in ancient Pamphylia.
The theater, built in the 2nd century AD, is still used today for performances due to its exceptional acoustics and grand architecture.
Sumela Monastery (Trabzon Province)
Perched on a steep cliff in the Pontic Mountains, Sumela Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery dating back to the 4th century.
It served as a religious and cultural center for centuries and is renowned for its stunning frescoes and scenic location.
Aphrodisias (Aydın Province)
Named after the goddess Aphrodite, Aphrodisias was a prominent city in ancient Caria.
It was renowned for its marble sculptures and served as a center for the worship of Aphrodite.
Miletus (Aydın Province)
An ancient Greek city located near the mouth of the Maeander River, Miletus was one of the most important cities of Ionia.
It was known for its philosophers, including Thales and Anaximander, and its impressive theater and stadium
Here, we came at the conclusion part of this blog. Turkey with tall buildings, fascinating markets, amazing cuisine (of course how can I miss that) cruise trips, is also rich in its history. Guide who helped our group in sight seeing explained the historical stories, some of them literally touched my heart.
Tourist generally visit Istanbul, Cappadocia ( which are amazing too) but the places like Miletus, Ani are somewhat underrated. I can take the guarantee that if you are visiting there by road you will enjoy every second of it.