Turkey is one of the destinations with the richest history in the world, one that clearly shares messages from the Ottoman Empire and World War I. For a history student, this is an amazing architectural and cultural hub to visit. While others visit the beaches to spend their summer holiday in the all-inclusive hotels, history students can make an endless list of amazing historical places to visit in Turkey.
Turkey undoubtedly has much more to show than just big resorts and amazing beaches. The history of this country has created some of the places with the richest culture you can find in Europe and worldwide. Researching the history of any country is always interesting and pleasurable, but in a place like Turkey, it is one of the greatest experiences you will build during your travels.
Below you’ll find a list of the best places to visit in Turkey.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia has quickly turned into one of the most frequently visited destinations worldwide. Bloggers and travelers go there for the amazing architecture and, of course, the hot air balloons that look amazing in every picture. What most don’t know is that Cappadocia is fully under UNESCO cultural and natural heritage.
The area is made of a volcano and mountains that hide numerous cities, some which are completely underground. The most valuable of them all are the cave churches of Cappadocia, the greatest place to see in Turkey. This place was built to take the ancient builders closer to their god, so expect to see high tops and amazing decorations and paintings.
Ephesos
In the past, Ephesos was one of the most important cities in the region. Back then, it was located at the shore and served as a harbor city. However, over the years, sedimentation and climate changes moved the shore and placed the city kilometers away from its past location.
Right now, Ephesos is the home of some of the most popular ruins in the world. These include the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. With 117 pillars of 18 meters high each, this is one of the places in Turkey that will leave you absolutely speechless.
Moreover, the ruins include the Library of Celsus, the Theater of Ephesos, and the Temple of Hadrian.
The Blue Mosque
If you start exploring Turkey, this is one of the most photographed places you’ll find. The Blue Mosque is located in the capital of Turkey, Istanbul, and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe.
If you go to Turkey, there’ll be plenty of things to put on your list. Seeing how this is their capital, it’s also an amazing historical hub. So, hire a custom essays service you can trust to do your homework, pack your bags, and start with the Blue Mosque in your historical journey across Istanbul. When you get there, make sure to see the Turkish bath, the mosque, the Sultan Resting Mansion, Mekteb-I Sibyan, and the popular ‘Arasta’, located at the back of the museum.
Aphrodisias
Not many people know or admire this city, even though it deserves a much greater exposure than it has at this point. For a history student, this is a marvelous place to visit. Aphrodisias is filled with beautiful artifacts from various artists and philosophers. In the past, it was known as the City of Sculptures since it has masterpieces from some of the best Roman artists.
Underground Basilica Cistern
While in Istanbul, make sure to visit the Sultanahmet part of it. In this part, you’ll find the popular underground chamber called the Basilica Cistern. This attraction is 9800 square meters in area and holds over 80 thousand cubic meters of water. Its purpose was to filtrate the water for the Great Palace of Constantinople and some buildings located on the First Hill. Right now, its service is to the Topkapi Palace.
In case you didn’t know this, the Underground Basilica Cistern was a shooting spot for the James Bond Movie From Russia with Love.
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi palace is another of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in Istanbul and Turkey. It’s a masterpiece that features sprawling gardens and exotic buildings. Therefore, it attracts every person, including romantic couples, architects, pilgrims, and of course – historians.
In the past, the palace was a city of 50 thousand people and the center where the Ottoman Empire operated.
Anadoluhisari
Istanbul is also the home of a popular fortress built by the Ottoman Sultan somewhere between 1393 and 1394. It’s the oldest structure built in Istanbul, making it a perfect architecture piece to add to your list. Right now, the fortress is a museum you can only see from the outside.
Conclusion
If your path ever takes you to Turkey, these are some of the many places that every historian should visit at least once. Add them to your list and make your itinerary around them. It will be an experience you’ll never forget!
Author’s Bio
Robert is a historian and a traveler both in one. His love for history and culture made it his passion to travel the most historical places in the world and write in his travel journals and blogs. If you want to learn more about his travel stories, make sure to follow Robert on Twitter.
