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.

  • A picturesque view of Nemrut Mountain in Adiyaman, Turkey, featuring the colossal statues of gods and King Antiochus on the East Terrace, set against the stunning backdrop of a sunrise with vibrant colors in the sky and rugged mountain landscape.

    Nemrut Mountain

    Nestled in the Kahta district of Adiyaman province, Nemrut Mountain [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the Ruins of Ani in Kars, Turkey, featuring the well-preserved remains of the Ani Cathedral, the Church of St. Gregory, the Seljuk Palace, and the Mosque of Minuchihr, set against a backdrop of barren plains and the Arpaçay Valley under a clear blue sky.

    Ruins of Ani

    Nestled on the barren plains above the Arpaçay Valley, which [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the archaeological site of Çatalhöyük in Konya, Turkey, featuring well-preserved ruins of ancient houses, murals, and figurines set against a backdrop of lush green plains and a clear blue sky.

    Çatalhöyük

    Çatalhöyük, located in the Çumra district of Konya, Turkey, is [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Ḫattuša in Turkey, featuring well-preserved ruins of the Lions' Gate, the Great Temple, and the rock sanctuary of Yazılıkaya, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

    Hattusa

    Ḫattuša, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire, is a [...]

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  • A picturesque view of Kalamaki (Kalkan) in Antalya province, Turkey, showcasing the harbor filled with boats, traditional whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea set against a backdrop of lush green hills.

    Kalamaki

    Kalamaki, also known as Kalkan, is a picturesque town located [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Letoon in Turkey, featuring well-preserved ruins of the temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo, and Artemis, with intricate mosaic depictions and the Nymphaeum, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

    Letoon

    Letoon, an ancient city located on the Fethiye–Kas highway, is [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Laodikea in Denizli, Turkey, featuring well-preserved ruins of the theater, the Temple of Zeus, and the Bouleuterion, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

    Laodikea

    The ancient city of Laodikea, located in Denizli province, Turkey, [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Miletus near Soke, Turkey, featuring the well-preserved ruins of the theatre, the Temple of Apollo Delphinios, and the Bouleuterion, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

    Miletus

    Miletus, an ancient Greek city located near the modern town [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Phokaia in Foca, Izmir, Turkey, featuring the well-preserved ruins of the ancient theater, the Temple of Athena, and rock-cut tombs set against the backdrop of the beautiful Aegean Sea and lush green hills.

    Phokaia

    Situated in the charming town of Foca in Izmir province, [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Sardis in Turkey, featuring well-preserved ruins of the Temple of Artemis, the gymnasium and bath complex, and the synagogue, set against a backdrop of lush green hills and clear blue skies.

    Sardis

    Sardis, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Lydia, is [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Telmessos near Fethiye, Turkey, featuring the well-preserved ruins of the ancient theater, rock-cut tombs, and the Tomb of Amyntas set against the backdrop of lush green mountains and the blue Mediterranean Sea.

    Telmessos

    Located near the modern town of Fethiye, Telmessos is an [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Xanthos in Turkey, featuring well-preserved ruins of the amphitheater, Harpy Tomb, and Nereid Monument set against a backdrop of lush pine forests and the Xanthos River.

    Xanthos

    Located near Fethiye in southwestern Turkey, Xanthos is an ancient [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Termessos in Turkey, featuring well-preserved ruins of the theatre, temples, and rock-cut tombs set against the backdrop of Mount Güllük.

    Termessos

    Built on a natural platform on top of Mount Güllük [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Smyrna, now modern-day Izmir, featuring well-preserved ruins such as the Agora of Smyrna, the Roman Theater, and the hilltop fortress of Kadifekale.

    Smyrna

    Smyrna, the ancient name of Izmir, is not only one [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Myra in Antalya, Turkey, featuring well-preserved rock-cut tombs, the grand theatre, and the Church of Saint Nicholas.

    Myra

    Nestled in the fertile lands of Kale in Antalya, Myra [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Limyra in Finike, Antalya province, featuring well-preserved ruins such as the Heroon of Pericles, rock-cut tombs, and the grand theatre.

    Limyra

    Located in the picturesque Finike district of Antalya province, Limyra [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Sagalassos in Turkey, featuring the well-preserved ruins of the Antonine Nymphaeum, the Roman theatre, and the Agora, set against a backdrop of lush hills and clear blue skies.

    Sagalassos

    Nestled close to the town of Aglasun in Burdur province, [...]

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  • A picturesque view of the ancient city of Aphrodisias in Turkey, featuring the well-preserved ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite, the richly decorated Tetrapylon gate, and the expansive Agora.

    Aphrodisias

    Aphrodisias, an ancient city named after Aphrodite, the goddess of [...]

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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 Karaman, Turkey featuring the historic Karaman Castle.

Karaman

Karaman, a city steeped in history and culture, is a [...]

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Collage showcasing various landmarks and cultural highlights of Şanlıurfa, Turkey, including Göbekli Tepe, Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish), Urfa Castle, Harran's beehive houses, and the Şanlıurfa Bazaar.

Şanlıurfa

Şanlıurfa, often referred to as the “City of Prophets,” is [...]

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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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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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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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Scenic view of Siirt, Turkey with historical landmarks, mountains, and lush greenery.

Siirt

Siirt, a city located in southeastern Turkey, is a blend [...]

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A picturesque view of Erzincan, Turkey with the Munzur Mountains in the background, Girlevik Waterfalls cascading down lush green surroundings, and the historical Tercan Mama Hatun Complex in the foreground.

Erzincan

Erzincan, a city with a rich historical tapestry and breathtaking [...]

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Yozgat

Nestled in the heart of Central Anatolia, Yozgat is a [...]

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Scenic view of Zonguldak, Turkey featuring the city's port, coal mines, green mountains, and Black Sea coastline.

Zonguldak

Zonguldak, a city located on the picturesque Black Sea coast [...]

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Izmir

Izmir, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Aegean,” [...]

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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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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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Historic Cities of Turkey

Priene

Limyra

Lotape

Sardis

Side

Harput

Phaselis

Assos

Kalamaki

Patara

Smyrna

Letoon