Turkey is a fascinating country. It is a vast country spread over Europe and Asia continents with a rich history. Its strategic location ensured rule over the centuries by many – Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The country also has a varied landscape and some epic historical sites. There are too many Turkey landmarks to be covered in depth but I have mentioned 25 of the famous landmarks in Turkey. These famous landmarks in Turkey include historical sites in Istanbul and elsewhere in Turkey and natural landmarks all over Turkey.
So many Turkey landmarks to be visited that one trip is not enough. Some of the famous landmarks in Istanbul are easily accessible and attract thousands of visitors while others are hidden gems.
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25 Landmarks in Turkey
The map at many spots shows the city and not the landmark.
Istanbul Landmarks
Istanbul is a treasure trove of landmarks in Turkey. There is no other city in Turkey with a greater density of famous Turkish landmarks than Istanbul. You can easily spend a week exploring all these historical sites on your Istanbul itinerary. Here I cover 5 of the famous attractions in Istanbul.
You can book an Istanbul private guided tour to cover all these highlights.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its history and architectural beauty. This famous monument was constructed as an Eastern Orthodox Church, then converted to a Catholic Church. Later it served as a mosque and then became a museum. In 2020, the site once again became a mosque, but its architectural and historical significance remains undiminished. It is one of the most famous landmarks of Turkey.
The opening hours of Hagia Sophia are between 09:00 AM to 10:00 PM on all days. Do note that the mosque remains partially open to tourists and non-worshippers during prayer hours.
Blue or Sultanahmet Mosque
The Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Camii is the most famous mosque in Istanbul. It serves as a functioning mosque and attracts a large number of visitors. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Turkey and popular monuments of Ottoman architecture. The Blue Mosque is named such because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design.
The Blue Mosque is open to visitors from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Due to its function as a working mosque, it is closed during designated prayer times. There is no entry fee to this mosque.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi signifies a life of opulence and grandeur of a bygone era. It is the largest and oldest palace in the world to survive to this day. Until 1856, it served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and was the main residence of its sultans (kings). Topkapi has now transformed into a museum and the most important rooms are now accessible by the public.
Topkapi Palace opening hours are 9 AM until 6 PM. It is closed on all Tuesdays. It is best to visit early on weekdays or in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace is located in Besiktas, on the European side of Bosporus Strait. After Topkapi, it served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. This was built as a modern palace for the sultans to live and overcome all the issues faced by the medieval Topkapi Palace. It was built in a baroque style and transports to some luxury land in France or Austria.
There are many attractions to explore within, such as its ornate interiors, the Imperial Dolmabahce Harem, Ceremonial Hall, the Palace Museum, Dolmabahce Mosque, the palace gardens, and the Clock Tower. The opening hours are 9 AM until 6 PM. Dolmabahce Palace is a popular attraction in Istanbul, so it tends to get extremely crowded during the weekends. The best time to visit the palace is during the mornings on weekdays.
Grand Bazaar
This colorful and chaotic bazaar lies in the heart of Sultanahmet, the old city in Istanbul. It is one of the largest covered markets in the world and thus a landmark in Turkey. There are 61 covered streets and more than 4000 shops.
Even if you don’t want to buy anything, do go to have a look. This 500-year-old covered market is a great cultural experience and a nice way to spend an afternoon. You can find everything from hand-woven rugs to Turkish souvenirs to spices to antiques and pottery and clothes. Grand Bazaar opening hours are between 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and on religious holidays.
Besides the above, Istanbul has many other landmarks in Istanbul like the Galata Tower, Basilica Cistern, Suleymaniye Mosque, and Rustem Pasa Mosque.
Other historical landmarks in Turkey
Turkey has many other famous landmarks beyond Istanbul. Many of these historical sites are still being explored by archeologists. Some are quite famous like Ephesus and attract a lot of visitors, while others are hidden gems on the eastern side of the country.
Ephesus
Ephesus was an city in ancient Greece in present-day Izmir province of Turkey. The city was famous in its day for the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus and a theatre capable of holding 24,000 spectators. This ancient city has seen successive settlements both in the Greek and the Roman era. Ephesus is considered Europe’s most complete ancient city, making it one of the best ancient ruins to see.
The ruins of Ephesus are a major tourist attraction and amongst the most famous Turkey landmarks. Ephesus is on the west side of Turkey, about 20 km from the Aegean Sea. Visiting Ephesus should be a part of your Turkey trip. It can be done as a day trip from Istanbul, or best to stay overnight in Izmir or Selcuk and visit the ruins.
You can book a customised Ephesus tour from Izmir or Kusadasi.
Pergamum
Another Izmir attraction is Pergamum. It’s about a 2-hour drive north of the city of Izmir and overlooks the town of Bergama. Pergamon (or Pergamum), once a great center of culture, survives as one of Turkey’s finest archeological sites. The city experienced its golden age until the end of the 3rd century AD during Hellenistic and Roman times.
The acropolis of Pergamon was the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty, a major centre of learning in the ancient world. Later the city became capital of the Roman province of Asia known for its Asclepieion healing centre. What you will see at Pergamum is the Altar of Zeus, Pergamum theatre (steepest ancient theatre in the world), and more. You can base yourself in Izmir or Selcuk and explore both Ephesus and Pergamum. This Pergamon Tour gives you the opportunity to discover Roman Heritage.
Troy
Troy is located on the mound of Hisarlık, which overlooks the plain along the Turkish Aegean coast. It is about 20 miles from the city of Çanakkale. It is one of the most important ancient cities in the world with a history of 5,000 years. This ancient city was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt during its occupation. Troy is best known for the setting of the Greek myth of the Trojan war.
The archaeological site is open to the public to visit. The ruins of Troy have been well-marked-out for tourists, with a clear route to follow via gravel paths or a wooden boardwalk. There is a large model wooden horse at the site, re-imagining what the famous Trojan Horse might have looked like.
You can take a full-day tour from Istanbul to Troy. Or a 2-day trip to visit both Gallipoli battlefields and Troy ruins.
Aphrodisias
Aphrodisias was a small ancient Greek city in the western Anatolia, Turkey. This city, now a famous Turkey landmark and an archaeological site, was named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. The current site consists of two components: the archaeological site of Aphrodisias and the marble quarries northeast of the city. The temple of Aphrodite dates from the 3rd century BC and the city was built one century later.
The proximity of the marble quarries to the city was a major reason that Aphrodisias became an outstanding high-quality production centre for marble sculpture. Sculptors from the city were famous throughout the Roman Empire.
There is lots to see at the site including the beautiful Tetrapylon, the ancient stadium, Temple of Aphrodite, the Aphrodisias Museum and more. You can organise a day tour from Istanbul to visit Aphrodisias. A better alternative is to take a day trip from Pamukkale / Hieropolis.
Bodrum Castle
Bodrum Castle is a historical fortification located in southwest Turkey in the port city of Bodrum. Also known as the Castle of St.Peter, is a magnificent structure on the waterfront. It has four towers known as the English, French, German, and Italian towers, bearing the names of the nations responsible for their construction. 249 separate designs still remain at the castle, including those of grand masters, castle commandants, countries, and personal coat of arms of knights and religious figures. There are Ottoman additions like minaret on the chapel and Turkish bath (hamam).
The castle remained under the Ottoman empire for almost 400 years. After remaining empty following World War I, castle became a museum in early 1960s. It is a stunning historical landmark that is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Bodrum. Bodrum Castle is open to visitors every day of the week, except Mondays. This Bodrum city sightseeing walk includes a visit to the Bodrum castle.
Ancient Tombs in Dalyan
The impressive ancient Lycian tombs are a tourist highlight on the banks of the Dalyan River. The city of Kaunos is believed to be founded by the Carians around 8th and 9th century BC. Over the centuries, the city came under several influences like the Persian Empire, the Athenian League, Caria, many others and eventually the Roman Empire.
The temple tombs what we see today are the remnants of the Kaunos necropolis that once had over 170 rock-cut graves. The tombs mostly date back to mid 4th century BC and have influences of Anatolian, Greek and Persian elements. Although the tombs are inaccessible now, their imposing sight is a memorable one.
The site is at a driving distance from major resort towns like Marmaris and Oludeniz. Yo can admire the ancient Lycian Tombs carved into the stone cliffs on this boat day tour from Marmaris.
Anitkabir
Anıtkabir is a complex located in Ankara, which includes the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Ataturk was the father of modern Turkish Republic and remains an inspiration to the Turkish people even to this day. The construction of Anıtkabir began in 1944 and was completed in 1953. In addition to the mausoleum building, the complex consists of various structures and monuments, as well as a wooded area known as the Peace Park. Along with this history, the architecture is stunning using a traditional style.
The main building in the complex is the mausoleum, which includes Atatürk’s symbolic sarcophagus in the section known as the Hall of Honor, while his actual tomb is located in the lower level of the building. The entrance to the complex is through a tree-lined avenue called the Lions’ Road, which leads to the ceremony square. One of the must-see things in Anıtkabir is the moment of the soldier’s switching guards. Anıtkabir is open to visitors every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Sumela Monstery
Nestled in a steep cliff at an altitude of about 1,200 metres in the Karadag Mountain in Trabzon region, it is a site of great historical and cultural significance. This is one of the Black Sea region’s unquestionable highlights in Eastern Turkey. Sumela monastery is the Greek orthodox monastery of the Virgin Mary and was built by 2 monks in the 4th century.
Even if you cant visit the monastery, just seeing the exterior from the ‘Seyir Noktası’ viewpoint is worth the 40km drive from Trabzon. You can even go inside though some parts are still under renovation and you can see the rocks are secured by nets all around.
You can reach Trabzon, the closest city to Sumela monastery, from Istanbul by flight, or by an overnight bus. Take a dolmus (minivan) from Trabzon to reach the monastery, or hire a taxi. Or explore the Sümela Monastery on a full-day tour with a guide from Trabzon.
Urfa
With a history spanning over 12,000 years, Urfa is a city from stories and legends. Situated in south-eastern Turkey, Urfa has been part of the Hellenistic, Persian and Roman civilizations by turns. Today, Urfa is a solemn yet beautiful city, and a pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims. It’s home to an ancient citadel, huge walls, fascinating museums and numerous religious sites.
Urfa’s greatest claim to fame is being the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. Balikli Gol, located in the center of Sanliurfa, is home to one of Urfa’s main attractions: the Pool of the Holy Fish. There are several museums in Urfa which are well worth visiting when you’re in the city. One of the best is the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum. There are direct flights to Sanliurfa from Istanbul and Ankara. Plus Urfa city is connected via bus to all major cities in Turkey.
Gobekli Tepe is the most ancient archeological site in the world, outside Urfa city. This site is famous for its large circular structures that contain massive stone pillars erected by hunter-gatherers in the Neolithic age between 9,600 and 8,200 BCE. The megaliths predate Stonehenge by some 6,000 years! The monuments were probably used in connection with social events and rituals. Some of the pillars, which are abstract depictions of the human form, also feature low reliefs of items of clothing, as well as reliefs of wild animals.
You can take a 2-day tour to Gobeklitepe & Sanliurfa.
Zerzevan Castle
Also known as Samachi Castle, Zerzevan is one of the newest archaeological sites in southwestern Turkey. Zerzevan was the outmost eastern border of the Roman Empire, where a large Roman garrison was controlling the strategic trade route. But the history of Zerzevan dates back to Assyrian period around 9th century BC. The site was located on the Royal Road of the Persians who ruled in Asia Minor between 6th and 4th centuries BC and controlled the safe passage.
This castle was a military settlement. The artifacts uncovered by the excavations provide important information about the Roman soldiers, civilians’ daily lives and the battles. The most interesting building at Zerzevan is the Mithraeum from 2nd or 3rd century AD. A temple dedicated to the god Mithras worshiped by a mystery religion. The site is partly open to tourism.
Erzurum Castle and other landmarks
Erzurum has a rich history dating back to 4000 BC, with many civilizations leaving their mark, including the well-preserved Byzantine city walls. The Citadel of Erzurum is a historic fortress that towers above the city. This large castle and fortification was originally built by the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century and has been occupied by various conquerors throughout its history. A small entrance fee grants visitors access to the castle’s 12th-century minaret, which has been converted into a clock tower with a fully functional original mechanism.
The Yakutiye madrasa is a notable Islamic educational institution and a historical monument located in the city of Erzurum. The madrasa was built in the late 14th century during the reign of the Jalayirid Sultanate and was named after its founder, Yakutiye. It is a rectangular building with an inner courtyard, surrounded by rooms for the students. It has a monumental portal decorated with stone carvings and one minaret with geometrical decorations. Today the building is used as a museum dedicated to ethnography and Turkish and Islamic art.
The Three Tombs of Yakutiye, also known as the Three Kümbets, were built in the 14th century and are considered to be some of the finest examples of Seljuk architecture in Turkey. The tombs were constructed for the three sons of a medieval Erzurum governor. Each tomb is unique in its design and decoration. The largest of which was dedicated to the eldest son and features intricate stonework and a domed roof.
Zinciriye Madrasa
The Sultan Isa Medrese or Zinciriye Madrasa is a historic landmark and former madrassa in Mardin. Its construction was completed in 1385. The building was actually a religious complex, consisting of a madrasa, a mosque, a mausoleum for the founder Sultan Isa, and other elements arranged around two courtyards.
A distinctive feature of the madrasah is the two large domes. They are located on the east and west edges of the building. When one looks from the south, there is mosque under the sliced dome in the west and tomb under the sliced dome in the east. At the present time Zinciriye Madrasa is one of the most famous tourist sights in Mardin.
Another impressive landmark lies just 30 km southeast of Mardin. Dara ancient city was a strong fortress for the Romans and one of the most populated areas in ancient Mesopotamia.
One of the most impressive building groups of Dara is the rock-cut tomb groups, carved directly on bedrock. The main attraction of Dara are the remains of huge water cisterns, some of which are hidden underground. Dating back 2,300 years, the ancient city of Dara is one of the most glorious settlements in the region of Mardin.
Natural Landmarks in Turkey
Lake Van
Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey and the second largest in all of Middle East. The lake is located in the region of eastern Anatolia near the border of Iran. This triangular-shaped lake contains salt water that is unsuitable for drinking or irrigation.
Lake Van region is is renowned for its beautiful scenery and unique geological features, including the nearby volcanic Mount Nemrut. From the scenic Akdamar Island and its 10th-century Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral to the formidable Castle of Van, there are many attractions in this area. Akdamar island is surrounded by the vividly blue soda-salt water of Lake Van, with a breathtaking backdrop of Ararat mountain . The Castle of Van is another important landmark that you can visit. It is the largest fortress of its kind, and it offers a great vista of Lake Van and the city center at the top.
Blue Lagoon
One of the most picturesque destinations on the Turkey coast is the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz, famous for its turquoise blue waters and lush surrounding landscape. The Blue Lagoon is renowned for its mesmerizing shades of turquoise, azure waters, along with its soft sands and tranquil atmosphere. Now it’s a bustling beach that attracts thousands per day. This Lagoon is the much photographed gem of Turkey’s Southern Coast. Bodrum Peninsula itself is known for many Turkish beach resorts.
There are many things to do in Oludeniz besides the beach: para gliding, scuba diving, paddle board, banana boat etc. If you’re looking to get the iconic shot of the Blue Lagoon from above, then you’ll want to hike the last section of the Lycian Way, which is reachable from the town of Oludeniz. The hike is only about 20 minutes until you reach the viewpoint of the lagoon, and it’s fairly easy underfoot with little elevation.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, is the natural formations inside the archaeological site. The area is famous for the travertine limestone deposited by the hot springs. The calcite-laden waters have created an unreal landscape, made up of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins.
Hierapolis can be visited along with Pamukkale. Its location was centred upon the remarkable hot springs in southwestern Anatolia. The hot springs have been used as a spa since at least the 2nd century BCE. When visiting, don’t miss the Roman Theatre, the agora and the on-site museum.
Explore both Pamukkale and Hierapolis with this full-day tour. You can combine your visit to Pamukkale with Ephesus.
Fairy chimneys in Cappadocia
The most famous geographical structures in Cappadocia are the fairy chimneys. These odd and spectacular formations may be found throughout Cappadocia’s outstanding terrain. A geological process that started millions of years ago gave rise to the rock formations that have made Cappadocia one of the most well-known tourist sites in the world.
The fairy chimneys that are visible today, reaching up to 130 feet into the sky, were formed when the natural forces of wind and water erosion finished their work.The triangle Avanos-Ürgüp-Uçhisar are where they are most frequently seen, you can put these easily on your Cappadocia itinerary.
You get great views on a hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia. The Red Tour in Cappadocia includes a visit to the fairy chimneys, ancient caves, and historical churches.
Another amazing specialty of Cappadocia is the underground cities which are still being discovered. The ones in Kaymakli and in Derinkuyu are the most famous ones. These cities with 8-9 floors underground have been completely carved in volcanic tuff and were used by Christians as places to retreat to and live in until danger from their enemies had passed. This Green Tour of Cappadocia includes the region’s highlights, including the Uçhisar Panorama, Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City among others.
Hevsel Gardens
The Hevsel gardens are 700 hectares of cultivated, fertile lands near the Tigris in eastern Turkey, between the Diyarbakır Fortress and the river. The fortified city of Diyarbakır and the landscape around has been an important centre since the Hellenistic period, through the Roman, Sassanid, Byzantine, Islamic and Ottoman times to the present.
The Hevsel Gardens have a rich history dating back to the 9th century BC. The gardens are divided into five terraces that control the flow of irrigation water in the area. The uppermost parts of the gardens were strategically placed and played a critical role in the city’s location. The gardens were regarded as sacred because of their important provisioning role, and have been compared to the Garden of Eden. 19th-century travelers who visited the area reported seeing a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. Nowadays, about one third of the gardens is used for growing poplars and the rest for cultivation of a great range of produce.
Diyarbakir is a city in eastern Turkey with the largest Kurdish population in the country. It has incredible Roman city walls that are left largely standing and free to climb and wander around. The fortress stretches for 3 miles (5 km) around the city date back to the 4th Century.
On Gozlu Bridge, also known informally the Ten Eyed Bridge thanks to its ten arches, is a stone bridge crossing the River Tigris south of Diyarbakir. It was made using volcanic black stone and dates back almost 1,000 years to 1065.
Mount Ararat
Ararat has two peaks, Great Ararat, at 5,137 m the highest point of elevation in Turkey, and Little Ararat, almost 4,000 m. Ararat is traditionally associated with the mountain where Noah’s ark came to rest at the end of the biblical Deluge. This mountain has a dormant volcano; the last eruption was on 2nd of June 1840. At present the upper third of the mountain is covered with snow all the time; the last hundred meters of snow at the top have turned to ice. Despite lying outside the borders of modern Armenia, the mountain is the principal national symbol of Armenia and has been considered a sacred mountain by Armenians.
In 2004, Ararat Mountain and surroundings were declared as the 35th National Park of Turkey by the Government so it’s attracting more visitors and help to the local economy as well.
Mount Nemrut
Located in the southeast region of Anatolia, Turkey, Mount Nemrut is one of the most important natural landmarks in Turkey. The statues of King Antiochus is the topmost attraction of the place. Its complex design and colossal scale combined to create a project unequalled in the ancient world.
Giant heads built in the 1st century B.C. under the Commagene Kingdom look out over an incredible sunrise and sunset every day. These massive sculptures are like just about nowhere else in the world, weighing at 6 tons and are a full 10 meters tall. The sculptures were built by King Antiochus I Theos of Commmagene as a tomb-sanctuary for himself.
The steep plateau and landscapes of the Mount Nemrut region also have a lot of other attractions to explore as well. Consider this 2-night tour from Cappadocia of Mt. Nemrut, Sanliurfa, and Harran.
This is not a comprehensive list of Turkish landmarks, there are many more famous attractions and hidden gems ini this vast, diverse country.
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