UNESCO World Heritage Sites in TURKEY

Turkey boasts a remarkable 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each one a testament to the country’s rich history, diverse cultures, and architectural marvels. From ancient ruins to Ottoman masterpieces and breathtaking natural landscapes, these sites offer a captivating glimpse into Turkey’s soul.

1. Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia: Step into a fairytale landscape of otherworldly rock formations, carved into intricate churches, monasteries, and dwellings by early Christians. Witness the breathtaking “fairy chimneys” and subterranean cities, a testament to human ingenuity and adaptation.

2. Historic Areas of Istanbul: Immerse yourself in the heart of a city that straddles two continents. Explore the Hagia Sophia, a mesmerizing architectural wonder that has served as a church, mosque, and now a museum. Marvel at the opulent Topkapi Palace, seat of the Ottoman Empire for centuries, and wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of shops overflowing with treasures.

3. Hattusha: The Hittite Capital: Journey back to the Bronze Age and discover the ruins of Hattusha, the powerful capital of the Hittite Empire. Explore the remnants of palaces, temples, and fortifications, and imagine the grandeur of a civilization that once ruled Anatolia.

4. Nemrut Dağ (Mount Nemrut): Ascend to the summit of Mount Nemrut and be awestruck by the colossal statues of gods and kings, frozen in time against the backdrop of a breathtaking panorama. This ancient tomb-sanctuary, built by the Commagene King Antiochus I Theos, is a testament to the power and ambition of long-gone rulers.

5. Hierapolis-Pamukkale: Bathe in the therapeutic waters of Pamukkale’s “Cotton Castle,” a series of cascading travertine terraces formed by hot springs. Explore the ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, including temples, baths, and a necropolis.

6. Xanthos-Letoon: Delve into the Lycian civilization at Xanthos, where intricate rock tombs and monumental ruins tell stories of a powerful kingdom. Discover the nearby sanctuary of Letoon, dedicated to the goddess Leto and her children Apollo and Artemis.

7. City of Safranbolu: Wander through the charming Ottoman town of Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Admire the traditional wooden houses, adorned with ornate bay windows and carved facades, and soak in the atmosphere of a bygone era.

8. Archaeological Site of Troy: Unearth the legendary city of Troy, immortalized in Homer’s epic poems. Explore the archaeological layers spanning millennia, from the Trojan War period to the Roman and Byzantine eras. Stand atop the ancient citadel and let your imagination run wild with tales of heroes and myths.

9. Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex: Witness the architectural genius of Mimar Sinan at the Selimiye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Admire its soaring dome, intricate tilework, and harmonious proportions, and explore the adjoining complex, including a madrasa, library, and caravanserai.


10. Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük: Step back in time and discover Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic settlement dating back to 7500 BC. Explore the maze-like houses, adorned with colorful murals and intricate plasterwork, and learn about the lives of the early farmers who inhabited this remarkable site.


These are just a few of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites that await you in Turkey. Each site offers a unique window into the country’s rich and diverse past, and together they paint a vivid picture of a land that has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey through history and culture in the land of ancient wonders and modern marvels!