Türkiye is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, where the layers of history unravel in its cities. From the early Hittite civilizations to the mighty Ottoman Empire, these cities have witnessed millennia of human history. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the past, exploring Türkiye's oldest cities offers an unparalleled journey through time. Let's dive into some of the most captivating cities that have shaped the course of history in Türkiye.
Exploring Türkiye’s Oldest Cities: A Historical Journey Through Time
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Çatalhöyük: The cradle of civilization
Located in the Konya Plain, Çatalhöyük is one of the most significant Neolithic sites in the world, dating back to around 7500 BCE. This ancient settlement provides a glimpse into early human society, with its distinctive architecture, wall paintings, and burial practices. Walking through Çatalhöyük feels like stepping back to a time when human communities were first forming.
Highlights: Çatalhöyük is famed for its unique mud-brick houses with roof entryways, its early religious practices, and stunning wall paintings depicting daily life and spirituality.
How to Visit: Located in the Konya Plain, the site offers guided tours and a visitor center providing insights into this early Neolithic settlement.
Hattusa: The capital of the Hittites
As the capital of the Hittite Empire during the 2nd millennium BCE, Hattusa is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a peek into one of the ancient world's great civilizations. Located in modern-day Boğazkale, Hattusa was once a bustling city, with grand palaces, temples, and fortifications that controlled the region.
Highlights: The capital of the Hittites boasts impressive structures like the Lion Gate, King’s Gate, the Great Temple, and the nearby Yazılıkaya Rock Sanctuary with its stunning carved reliefs.
How to Visit: Hattusa is in Boğazkale, and visitors can explore the site with walking tours, along with the museum that displays key archaeological finds.
Ephesus: The jewel of the ancient world
Ephesus is perhaps one of the most famous ancient cities in Türkiye, dating back to the 10th century BCE. It was once a bustling center of commerce and religion, home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Walking through Ephesus today, with its marble streets, grand temples, and well-preserved amphitheater, transports visitors to the glory days of ancient Rome.
Highlights: Ephesus is famous for the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, offering a remarkable glimpse into ancient Roman life.
How to Visit: Located near Selçuk in Izmir, Ephesus is best visited early or late in the day with guided tours for a full appreciation of its rich history.
Troy: The legendary city of heroes
Troy, immortalized in Homer's 'Iliad,' is one of the most legendary cities of antiquity. Located near the Dardanelles Strait, Troy has seen numerous civilizations rise and fall over millennia, with evidence of at least nine layers of cities built on top of each other. It's most famous for being the site of the Trojan War, where heroes like Achilles and Hector fought.
Highlights: Troy offers the ruins of a city layered by multiple civilizations, including the legendary walls, with a modern replica of the Wooden Horse and the fascinating Troy Museum nearby.
How to Visit: Located in Çanakkale, Troy can be visited year-round, and the nearby museum provides detailed historical context for visitors.
Pergamon: A city of science and culture
Located in modern-day Bergama, Pergamon was one of the most influential cultural centers of the ancient world. Known for its impressive library, second only to the Library of Alexandria, and its cutting-edge medical innovations at the Asclepion, Pergamon left a lasting legacy on both science and art.
Highlights: Pergamon is home to the impressive Acropolis, the famous Asclepion medical center, and one of the steepest theaters in the ancient world, offering sweeping views of the region.
How to Visit: Visitors can explore Pergamon’s hilltop ruins via a cable car from the nearby town of Bergama and visit the local museum.
Aphrodisias: The city of Aphrodite
Named after the goddess of love, Aphrodite, Aphrodisias was one of the most important artistic centers of the ancient world, known for its sculpture workshops. The city's theater, temples, and agora stand as testaments to its wealth and prominence during Roman times.
Highlights: The Temple of Aphrodite, the colossal Stadium, and the renowned sculpture workshops of Aphrodisias showcase the city’s prominence in Roman culture and art.
How to Visit: Located in Aydın province, Aphrodisias is well-preserved and includes an informative museum, open to visitors year-round.
Mardin: A blend of cultures and civilizations
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Mesopotamian plains, Mardin is a city where diverse cultures and civilizations have coexisted for millennia. With its beautifully preserved sandstone buildings and narrow, winding streets, Mardin offers a glimpse into the history of the Assyrians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Its strategic location made it a key city for trade and conquest.
Highlights: Mardin’s sandstone architecture, the imposing Mardin Castle, Deyrulzafaran Monastery, and the Ulu Cami mosque represent its rich cultural and religious diversity.
How to Visit: Easily reachable by road or air, Mardin’s old town is best explored on foot, where visitors can immerse themselves in its historical streets and landmarks.
Antakya (Ancient Antioch): The city of saints
Antakya, once known as Antioch, was one of the most important cities in the ancient world, especially during Roman and Byzantine times. Founded in 300 BCE by Seleucus I Nicator, a general of Alexander the Great, Antioch was a major center for early Christianity and later served as the capital of the Roman province of Syria. It was here that the term 'Christian' was first coined.
Highlights: Antakya is renowned for the Church of St. Peter, the Antakya Archaeological Museum’s impressive mosaics, and remnants of Roman infrastructure such as the city walls.
How to Visit: Located in Hatay province, Antakya can be explored on foot, and the museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Roman and early Christian history.
Tarsus: Where history and legend collide
Tarsus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, has a history that stretches back more than 6,000 years. It is famously known as the birthplace of St. Paul, the Apostle, and was a prominent city during Roman times. Over the centuries, Tarsus has been a meeting point for various cultures, from Hittites and Assyrians to Greeks and Romans.
Highlights: Tarsus features St. Paul’s Well, Cleopatra’s Gate, and the remarkably preserved Roman Road, making it a key destination for both historical and religious tourism.
How to Visit: Situated near Mersin and Adana, Tarsus’ historical sites are concentrated in the city center and are easily accessible for visitors.
Ani: The city of 1,001 churches
Located near Türkiye's eastern border with Armenia, Ani was once a bustling medieval city and the capital of the Bagratid Armenian Kingdom. Known as the “City of 1,001 Churches,” Ani was a major cultural and religious center during the 10th and 11th centuries. Today, the city lies in ruins, but its churches, cathedrals, and city walls still evoke the grandeur of its past.
Highlights: Ani’s highlights include the towering Ani Cathedral, the Church of St. Gregory with its frescoes, and the fortified city walls, all showcasing the splendor of medieval Armenia.
How to Visit: Located near Kars, Ani is a remote but accessible site that offers an unparalleled view of medieval architecture for those willing to venture to eastern Turkey.