Ancient Cities in Turkey

Explore the ancient cities of Turkey, from the ruins of Ephesus to the rock-cut temples of Cappadocia. Discover the rich history and archaeological wonders that make Turkey a top destination for history enthusiasts.

  • Ancient stone pillars at Göbekli Tepe, arranged in circular formations with detailed carvings depicting animals and abstract symbols.

    Göbekli Tepe, Şanlıurfa

    Göbekli Tepe, located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey, [...]

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  • Karahantepe archaeological site with ancient T-shaped obelisks in Turkey.

    Karahantepe, Şanlıurfa

    Karahantepe, located 60 km east of Şanlıurfa, is emerging as [...]

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  • Ruins of Choma Ancient City in Antalya, Türkiye, with remnants of a Byzantine church and Lycian-type sarcophagi against the Taurus Mountains backdrop.

    Choma, Antalya

    Choma Ancient City, also known as Hacımusalar or Beyler Mound, [...]

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  • Beautiful view of Simena (Kaleköy), Turkey with ancient fortress, turquoise sea, submerged ruins, and traditional houses.

    Simena

    Nestled along the stunning Lycian coast, Simena is a captivating [...]

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  • Scenic view of Patara, Turkey with ancient ruins, lush green hills, and the pristine Patara Beach.

    Patara

    Nestled along Turkey’s beautiful southwestern coast, Patara is a treasure [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Olympus (Lycia) in southwestern Turkey, featuring well-preserved ruins surrounded by lush greenery. The scene includes ancient stone structures, a clear blue sky, and the majestic Mount Olympus in the background.

    Olympus (Lycia)

    Nestled in the lush landscapes of southwestern Turkey, the ancient [...]

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  • A scenic view of the ancient city of Telmissos in Bodrum, Turkey, featuring well-preserved ruins of the Hellenistic period, including the towers of the city's walls, with lush green hills and clear skies in the background, and tourists exploring the site.

    Telmissos

    Introduction to Telmissos Nestled on the Bodrum-Turgutreis road, just three [...]

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  • A stunning view of the ancient city of Anavarza in Adana, Turkey, featuring well-preserved ruins of Anavarza Castle, the Roman baths, and the triumphal arch, with lush green hills and clear skies in the background and tourists exploring the site.

    Anavarza

    Introduction to Anavarza Situated in the Cilicia region of Adana [...]

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  • A scenic view of the ancient city of Colossae in Denizli, Turkey, featuring well-preserved ruins of the acropolis, rock-cut tombs, and surrounding structures, with lush green hills and clear skies in the background and tourists exploring the site.

    Colossae

    Introduction to Colossae Nestled in the outskirts of Denizli province [...]

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  • A stunning view of the ancient city of Stratonikeia in Aydin, Turkey, featuring well-preserved ruins of the castle, entrance door, small theater, and gymnasium, with lush green hills and clear skies in the background.

    Stratonikeia

    Introduction to Stratonikeia Stratonikeia, often referred to as the “City [...]

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  • A scenic view of the ancient city of Priene in Aydin, Turkey, featuring well-preserved ruins of the Temple of Athena, the theater, and the agora, with lush green hills and clear blue sky in the background and tourists exploring the site.

    Priene

    Introduction to Priene Nestled within the borders of Aydin province [...]

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  • A scenic view of the ancient city of Alacahöyük in Çorum, Turkey, featuring well-preserved Hittite ruins, including the Sphinx Gate and Royal Tombs, set against lush green hills and clear skies with tourists exploring the site.

    Alacahöyük

    Introduction to Alacahöyük Nestled in Alaca town within the Çorum [...]

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  • A stunning view of the ancient city of Phaselis in Antalya, Turkey, featuring well-preserved Roman and Byzantine ruins, including the harbor, agora, and aqueduct, set against lush green forests and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

    Phaselis

    Introduction to Phaselis Nestled amidst the lush green nature of [...]

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  • A scenic view of the ancient city of Knidos on the Datça Peninsula, Turkey, featuring ruins of the Temple of Apollo, round temples, and hillside houses with the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea in the background, and tourists exploring the site.

    Knidos

    Introduction to Knidos Knidos, an ancient city situated at the [...]

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  • A scenic view of the ancient city of Lotape in Antalya, Turkey, featuring Roman and Byzantine ruins by the turquoise sea, with tourists exploring the site against a backdrop of lush greenery and clear blue skies.

    Lotape

    Introduction to Lotape Located in the picturesque province of Antalya, [...]

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  • A scenic view of Harput in Elazığ, Turkey, featuring the ancient Harput Castle on a hilltop, the Great Mosque (Ulu Camii), and traditional houses with lush greenery and distant mountains in the background.

    Harput

    Introduction to Harput Nestled within the province of Elazığ, Turkey, [...]

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  • A stunning view of the ancient city of Halicarnassus in Bodrum, Turkey, featuring the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Myndos Gate, and the ancient theater, with lush greenery and the blue waters of the Aegean Sea in the background.

    Halicarnassus

    Introduction to Halicarnassus Halicarnassus, known today as Bodrum, is one [...]

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  • A breathtaking view of Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia, featuring the iconic fairy chimneys, rock-hewn churches, and an underground city entrance, set against a stunning landscape of valleys and hills under a clear blue sky.

    Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia

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Explore Ancient Cities of Turkey

Discover the ancient cities of Turkey with our comprehensive guide. Visit the iconic ruins of Ephesus, marvel at the rock-cut temples of Cappadocia, and explore the historical treasures of Troy and Pergamon. Turkey’s rich history and archaeological sites offer a fascinating journey through time. Perfect for history buffs and travelers seeking to uncover the past, these ancient cities provide a glimpse into Turkey’s storied heritage. Start your exploration of Turkey’s ancient wonders today!

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Discover the best of travel Turkey. Explore top tourism spots, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities. From ancient ruins to stunning beaches, find tips on the best destinations, hotels, flights, and tours to make your Turkish adventure unforgettable. Dive into the wonders of tourism in Turkey and plan your perfect trip today!

Top Destinations in Turkey

Explore Turkey’s top destinations, from Istanbul’s vibrant streets to Cappadocia’s unique landscapes and Antalya’s beaches.

A picturesque view of Bilecik, Turkey featuring restored Turkish houses with traditional architecture, the Karasu River flowing through the city, and lush green hills in the background.

Bilecik

Bilecik: Nestled in northwestern Anatolia, Turkey, Bilecik is a city [...]

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Vibrant scene in Diyarbakır, Turkey with the Diyarbakır Fortress, Great Mosque, and bustling markets.

Diyarbakır

Diyarbakır, the largest Kurdish-majority city in Turkey, is an administrative [...]

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Çorum

Located in the heart of Turkey, Çorum has recently gained [...]

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Aerial view of Karabük city with steel works and lush surrounding landscapes in Turkey’s Black Sea region

Karabük

Nestled in Turkey’s picturesque Black Sea region, Karabük is a [...]

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A picturesque view of Artvin, Turkey featuring Lake Karagöl-Sahara National Park, the Çoruh River, and Artvin Castle on a hill.

Artvin

Artvin, a charming city located in northeastern Turkey, is a [...]

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A picturesque view of Gümüşhane, Turkey, showcasing its historical landmarks and natural beauty with ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, a lush green valley, a river, and the Zigana Pass mountains.

Gümüşhane

Gümüşhane, a city nestled in the rugged mountains of northeastern [...]

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A picturesque view of Bitlis, Turkey, featuring a historic medieval castle on a steep hill, surrounded by traditional stone houses with flat roofs and narrow winding streets.

Bitlis

Bitlis, a city nestled in the heart of southeastern Turkey, [...]

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Scenic view of Kütahya, Turkey with ancient ruins, traditional Ottoman houses, and vibrant ceramics market.

Kütahya

Nestled in the western part of Turkey, Kütahya is a [...]

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A realistic view of Afyonkarahisar, showing the Afyonkarahisar Castle atop a rocky hill, surrounded by traditional Ottoman-style houses with red-tiled roofs. The scene includes green trees, a clear blue sky, and people walking in the streets with cafes featuring outdoor seating.

Afyonkarahisar

Afyonkarahisar, often simply called Afyon, is a captivating city nestled [...]

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A picturesque view of Elazığ, Turkey, showcasing the historical Harput Castle on a hill overlooking the city, with the Keban Dam reservoir in the background. The scene includes a mix of traditional and modern architecture, lush greenery, and a clear blue sky.

Elazığ

Nestled in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, Elazığ is [...]

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Scenic view of Tunceli, Turkey with rugged mountains, Munzur Valley, and historical sites.

Tunceli

Tunceli, a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, [...]

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Scenic view of Malatya, Turkey with ancient ruins, apricot orchards, and modern cityscape.

Malatya

Malatya, a large city in the Eastern Anatolia region of [...]

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Historic Cities of Turkey

Halicarnassus

Zeugma

Olympus (Lycia)

Hierapolis

Çatalhöyük

Göbekli Tepe, Şanlıurfa

Harput

Ephesus

Anavarza

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia

Sardis

Troy