Turkey is a country that is rich in culture and history, and various landmarks in Turkey contribute significantly to that. If you’re looking to explore some of the most famous Turkish landmarks, you’ll want to visit some of these amazing places!
From ancient ruins to natural marvels, Turkey has much to offer the curious traveler. Each landmark is unique and offers a different perspective to visitors, regardless of your interests.
To experience Turkish history and culture, grab a hearty Turkish breakfast and hit up some of the famous landmarks in Turkey
Most Popular Landmark In Turkey
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the most popular Turkish landmarks and is definitely a must-see for any traveler visiting Turkey. This stunning mosque was built in the 17th century and is known for its blue tiles that line the interior walls. This is where the mosque gets its name as Blue Mosque.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
The historical landmark has a rich history that dates back to 1616, when it was first built by Sultan Ahmet I. The blue mosque took seven years to complete and is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul.
Over time, the mosque has been damaged and restored multiple times, but still retains its beauty and charm. Today, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul as travelers come to marvel at its beauty!
Istanbul, Turkey Landmarks
It probably come as no surprise that the capital city is home to many famous landmarks in Turkey. Visiting these attractions are some of the best things to do in Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia Mosque
The Hagia Sophia Mosque is located in Istanbul, Turkey and is one of the most famous landmarks in the country. The mosque was originally built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, but was later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
The Hagia Sophia Mosque is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, and is one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque’s interior features beautiful mosaics and marble pillars, and its massive dome is an impressive sight.
The Hagia Sophia Mosque is definitely worth a visit for its historical significance and stunning architecture.
Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque is a Turkish mosque located in the district of Eminönü. It was commissioned by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and designed by architect Mimar Sinan.
It is one of three imperial mosques in Istanbul together with the earlier constructed Ayasofya and later constructed Fatih mosque. The Suleymaniye Mosque complex consists of four buildings including two madrasahs built within its grounds and an octagonal türbe behind it.
The complex was completed between 1557-1558 AD during the rule of Ottoman sultan Süleyman I, hence its name “Suleymaniye” which means “Süleyman’s Mosque”. The construction of the mosque was started in 1550 and completed nine years later.
It is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul and is one of the most prominent landmarks of Turkish-Islamic architecture. The magnificent mosque sits on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn, and offers a nice view of the city.
Basicila Cistern
The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Sarayi (sunken palace) is a subterranean cistern in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD.
The cistern is 336 meters long and 67 meters wide, with a capacity of 80,000 cubic meters of water. It currently holds up to 22 million gallons of water. The Basilica Cistern gets its name from the nearby Basilica of Hagia Sophia.
The Basilica Cistern was a water storage facility for the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings in the area. After the city fell to the Ottomans in 1453, the cistern was used as a dumping ground for Turkish prisoners.
In the early 20th century, the cistern was restored by the Turkish government. The Basilica Cistern is now a tourist attraction and receives over 500,000 visitors each year.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey is one of the largest and oldest bazaars in the world. The bazaar was founded in 1455 by the Turkish Sultan Mehmed II, and is now home to over 4,000 shops.
The Grand Bazaar is a popular tourist destination and is famous for its colorful architecture and labyrinthine layout. Here is always where you can find traditional trinkets and a whole bunch of stores selling popular Turkish desserts.
The bazaar is open every day except Sundays and is definitely worth a visit when in Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace is one of the most popular Turkish landmarks that travelers should visit. It is located in Istanbul and was the home of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years.
The palace has a beautiful gardens and many interesting features, such as a collection of jewels, armor and weapons from around the world. It also has a library with over 30,000 manuscripts.
Dolmabahce Palace
The Dolmabahce Palace is a beautiful Turkish landmark that travelers should visit when in Istanbul. The palace was built in the 19th century by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid and is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture.
The palace has many interesting features, such as its massive crystal chandeliers, beautiful murals and gold-leafed ceilings. It is also home to the largest collection of Bohemian crystal in the world. The Dolmabahce Palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul.
Pamukkale, Turkey Landmarks
Pamukkale Thermal Pools
The Thermal Pools are one of the top landmarks in Turkey. It is a natural wonder that is made up of hot springs and travertine terraces. The pools were used by the ancient city of Hierapolis for their baths and spa.
The area was given its Turkish name Pamukkale, which means “cotton castle”. This is because the cascading white terraces resembles a cotton castle, and also cotton is a common agriculture crop in the region.
The area is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts over 1 million visitors each year.
Hierapolis Ruins
The Hierapolis Ruins are located in Pamukkale, Turkey and are a popular tourist destination. These ruins date back to the Roman period and are some of the best-preserved ruins in all of Turkey.
The site include an impressive amphitheater, as well as a number of other temples and buildings. The Hierapolis Ruins are well worth a visit for their historical significance and stunning architecture.
Cappadocia, Turkey Landmarks
Göreme National Park
Göreme National Park is a historical landmark located in the Turkish city of Nevsehir. The park is home to a number of ancient cave dwellings and rock-cut churches that date back to the Byzantine era. Göreme National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey.
Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys, Göreme
The Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys are a must-see for any tourist visiting Turkey. These strange and fascinating rock formations are located in the town of Göreme and date back to the volcanic eruption that created the Cappadocia region millions of years ago.
The Fairy Chimneys are a popular tourist attraction for good reason – they are unlike anything else in the world. They vary in size and shape, and some of them have been carved into strange shapes by wind and weather.
The Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys are a unique natural wonder and an impressive landmark of Turkey to visit. One of the most common way to take in all the views is via a hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia. It is a magical experience to witness this with the sunrise.
Cave Houses, Goreme
The Cave Houses of Goreme are a unique landmark located in Cappadocia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The houses are carved into the soft, volcanic rock of the region and date back to the Byzantine era.
They are some of the oldest cave dwellings in the world and offer a unique glimpse into Turkish history.
The Cave Houses of Goreme are a popular tourist attraction and are well worth a visit for their historical significance and stunning architecture. Some of them are now luxury hotels which you can stay in, although it is going to cost you.
Selime Monastery, Cappadocia
The Selime Monastery is another fascinating Turkish landmark in Cappadocia. This historical monastery was built in the 13th century and is famous for its unique construct that is carved right into the stones.
The Selime Monastery has an amazing rock-carved facade and is one of the largest monasteries in Cappadocia. It is believed that the monastery took over 200 years for the monastery to be complete.
Despite it requiring a climb to access, this landmark is a must-see for tourists visiting Turkey and is a great place to learn about Turkish history and culture.
Derinkuyu Underground City, Nevşehir
Derinkuyu Underground City is a Turkish archaeological site in the Nevşehir Province. It was used as an underground city and storage area from Byzantine times until Turkish times.
The Turkish name “Derinkuyu” means “deep well.” Derinkuyu was used as a storage place for food and other supplies in times of war. It was also a place to hide from enemies.
The underground city has 18 levels reaching depths of 60-70m. The city could have housed up to 20,000 people with all its rooms, schools, churches, stables, and wineries. There are also wine and oil presses on the lower levels of the city.
The city has an intricate water system including toilets. It also has many ventilation shafts to provide fresh air throughout the city.
The site is open for tourism since 1969 but visitors can only get access to specific portions of the city.
Uchisar Castle, Uchisar
Uchisar Castle is a Turkish landmark located in Uchisar, Turkey. The castle consists of several structures including tunnels, caves and a fortress.
It is one of the oldest landmarks in Turkey, having been around since the 4th century BC. The castle has been used as a fortification, prison, palace and even a Turkish bath.
Today, it is open to tourists and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors should be sure to climb to the top for the best view.
Other Famous Landmarks In Turkey
Ephesus Ruins, Selcuk
The Ephesus Ruins in Selcuk Turkey are a must-see for any tourist visiting the country. These ruins date back to the Roman period.
During its glory days, the city was a key trading center. With its importance, the ancient greek city also saw many attacks and conflicts throughout history.
The site gives an idea of how the historical significance of this city. It is also home to some of the best-preserved ruins in all of Turkey. These include an impressive 25,000 seat amphitheater, the iconic Hadrian Temple, Temple of Artemis, and the impressive Library of Celsus.
Ruins Of Aphrodisias, Geyre
The Ruins of Aphrodisias is a historical Turkish landmark and also one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Turkey that travelers need to visit.
You can probably guess from the name that the ancient greek city held the goddess Aphrodite in high regard. The Temple of Aphrodite is one of the key structures in this archeological site. Other impressive ruins include the roman theater, Bouleuterion, and Monumental Gateway.
The site might not be as popular as other landmarks in Turkey, but still features many unique features such as its impressive size, rich history, and interesting facts about who used to live there for all those years ago!
It is also great to not have to deal with crowds and immerse yourself in the historical past.
Myra Ruins, Antalya
The Myra ruins are an ancient archaeological site located in Antalya, Turkey. These ruins date back to around 3rd century BC and are known for their distinctive architecture.
The Myra ruins are also home to a number of tombs and churches, which make them a popular tourist destination. One of the most famous features of the Myra ruins is the theater, which is the largest and best-preserved theater from the period.
Gallipoli Battlefields, Çanakkale
The Gallipoli Battlefields in Çanakkale is one of the most popular and famous landmarks in Turkey. It is the site of a major World War I battle that took place in 1915.
The battle was between the Ottoman Empire and the Allied Forces, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The Ottomans ended up losing the battle and were forced to retreat.
Today, the Gallipoli Battlefields are a tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can see the trenches, bunkers, and memorials from the battle.
Natural Landmarks Of Turkey
Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut is a Turkish landmark in the Taurus Mountains. It is historically important as it was once an ancient site for worship and now has UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
The site is famous for the huge stone heads at the summit. These are remains of enormous ancient gods’ statues that are over 2,000 years old. One of key reasons for the statues is because the top also marks the burial grounds of King Antiochius I.
The mountain is also home to a number of different animal species and provide incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
The nearest city to Mount Nemrut is Adiyaman, which is about eighty kilometers away?
Manavgat Waterfalls
The Manavgat Waterfalls are in Antalya, Turkey, and is a part of the Manavgat River that flows from the Taurus mountains down to the Mediterranean Sea.
The waterfalls are known for their beauty and the fact that they are a natural wonder. The crystal clear waters come down from the Manavgat River. Despite it being just around 4m high, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Turkey.
The area also has great tourist infrastructure including cafes and restaurants to sample some delicious Turkish cuisine while taking a break from exploration.
You can visit this attraction even at night when the night lights hit the clear water, giving it a whole different feel. If you like to immerse deeper into nature, there is also a Manavgat River cruise, taking you around the area.
Kaputas Beach
Kaputas Beach is a Turkish landmark where travelers can enjoy the Lycian Coast and experience the natural beauty of Turkey. The gorgeous cove is near the city of Kas and offers one of the most picturesque beaches in Turkey.
It is a beautiful sandy beach that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Turkish coastline. Kaputas Beach is one of the most popular natural landmarks in Turkey for both Turkish and international tourists.
Van Lake
The Van Lake is the largest lake in Turkey and is famous for its stunning natural beauty. The lake is located in the eastern part of the country and covers an area of 3,775 square kilometers.
It is a tectonic lake surfaced more than 600,000 years ago; its original outlet was blocked by the volcanic eruption of Mount Nemrut creating a crater.
The lake has a number of interesting features, including a high salinity level that stops it from freezing even at an altitude of 1,640 m.
The lake has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was once a vital part of the Silk Road trade route and a stopover point for traders and travelers. Today, it remains a popular tourist destination and landmark in Turkey.
Discovering Landmarks In Turkey
Turkish landmarks are some of the most beautiful and historical places in the world.
When traveling to Turkey, be sure to visit some of its famous landmarks. These landmarks are not only historically and culturally significant, but they offer stunning views and unique experiences that you can’t find anywhere else.
From the ancient Myra Ruins to the breathtaking views over Göreme National Park, Turkish landmarks are well worth your time. These are just some of the popular landmarks of Turkey to explore and there are tons more to discover. So don’t miss out – uncover everything that Turkish landmarks have to offer!
