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40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Istanbul) - Despite its importance recognized by historians and its proximity to popular tourist destinations like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the first museum in Istanbul designed to display only preserved Islamic art remains largely unnoticed. In a historic mansion, it accommodates more than 13,000 works of art, ranging from the early Islamic period to the 20th century. - Location: Meydanı Sok. No: 46 İbrahim Paşa Sarayı Sultanahmet/Istanbul
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
The Great Palace Mosaic Museum (Istanbul) - Another unnoticed gem near the Hagia Sophia, the Great Palace Mosaic Museum encloses the partially intact mosaics which once furnished Byzantine palaces. This museum shows art within history, and therefore attracts aficionados from both areas. The mosaics here mainly tell stories about the everyday ancient life, the animal world and also some moral stories from mythology. - Location: Arasta Çarşısı, Sultanahmet Mah., Fatih, Istanbul
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Haseki Hürrem Hamam (Istanbul) - The Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamamı was made for Ottoman Sultan Suleiman’s wife Hürrem Sultan, upon her request, by Mimar Sinan, the great architect. The main purpose of the hamam was to serve the religious groups who visited the Hagia Sophia, which is nearby. It was built on the sight of the Baths of Zeuxippus, which were the main public baths of Constantinople in the Byzantine era. Old changing rooms, frigidariums and caldariums can be seen here. - Location: Cankurtaran Mah., Ayasofya Meydani No: 2, Istanbul
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Saint Stephen Bulgarian Orthodox Church (Istanbul) - The Sveti Stefan Church is a Bulgarian Orthodox church located in Istanbul’s Fatih district which serves Bulgarian Istanbulites. The main attraction of the church is it is one of the rare iron-cast churches that still stands. The Eiffel Tower’s creator, French engineer Gustave Eiffel, designed iron churches what were sent as far away as the Philippines and Peru. This particular church, built in 1849, was made out of cast iron because of its weak foundation caused by an in-house fire. - Location: Saint Stephen Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Balat, 34087 Fatih/Istanbul
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital (Sivas) - Let’s move out of Istanbul to discover more of the country’s obscure gems. According to a question answered by famous Turkish historian İlber Ortaylı at daily Hürriyet headquarters last year, the Great Mosque of Divriği and its adjacent hospital is one of the most underrated landmarks in Turkey. Built in 1228-1229 by the local dynasty of the Mengujekids in the eastern province of Sivas, the complex first mesmerizes its visitors with its colossal, beautifully crafted gate. The mosque was built for Suleiman Shah’s son, Ahmet Shah, and the hospital was built for his wife, Melike Turan Melek. The site was adopted by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1985. - Location: Kemenkeş Mah., 58300, Sivas
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Hattushash (Çorum) - Hattushash or Hattusa became the capital when the king decided to reside there shortly after the foundation of the Hittite Empire, presumably around 3000 B.C. It is located 80 kilometers outside of the central Anatolian city of Çorum. Until the discovery of Hattusa, historians believed the Hittite Empire was limited to the Middle Eastern region. During the Hittite Empire era, the city’s population was estimated at around 40,000. The site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. - Location: Hattuşaş, 19310, Boğazkale, Çorum
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
City of Safranbolu (Karabük) - Safranbolu is the perfect example of Ottoman urban architecture. Thanks to the city’s ability to preserve all that it has to offer, it was adopted by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1994. The number of monuments with historical value has been estimated at around some 1,200, 1,008 of which have been registered. All these monuments are under protection. - Location: Safranbolu, Karabük
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Troy (Çanakkale) - Troy is one of the world’s most famous ancient cities, but it is still not visited by a greater number of tourists due to its location, which is relatively farther from Turkish metropolises compared to other sites such as Ephesus. Archaeologists estimate the first sign of civilization in the area was around 3000-2500 B.C. The famous myth says Ithacan king Odysseus made the Greek alliance conquer the besieged city by fooling its residents by gifting a giant horse full of soldiers hidden within it. - Location: Troya Tarihi Milli Parkı, Ezine / Merkez, 17060, Çanakkale
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük (Konya) - The Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük in central Anatolia signifies the transition of humanity to innate communal civilization. The site is dated at around 7400-5700 B.C. It also contains signs of the dawn of agriculture and hunting. These signs can be found on the walls of 18 stories of Neolithic sites, along with many other drawings, sculptures and other artwork. Çatalhöyük has been a place of commune at the same location for 2000 years and is well preserved. - Location: 42500, Küçükköy, Çumra, Konya
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Karain Cave (Antalya) - The Karain Cave in the southern province of Antalya is one of the biggest natural caves in Turkey. It is 430-450 meters above sea level. The cave has held great importance for Anatolia and the Near East since prehistoric times, including during the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Mycenaean eras. - Location: Karain Cave, Yağca Village, Antalya
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Alahan Monastery (Mersin) - The remains of the Alaham Monastery in southern Turkey include two churches. Many consider the Alaham Monastery to be the finest creation of native Isaurian stonemasons and sculptors. Even the famous Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi recommended seeing this monastery, claiming “This is something that deserves a visit,” in 1671. - Location: Alahan Manastırı, Mut/Mersin, 33600
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
The Hekatamnos Mausoleum and Sanctuary (Muğla) - This mausoleum is famous for its size and the characteristics of the Hekatomnos Frieze Sarcophagus; it is one of a kind in Classic and Hellenistic Anatolia. The Hekatamnos Sanctuary is the only one which has survived to the present day. - Location: Hekatomnos Anıt Mezarı Ve Kutsal Alanı, Milas, Muğla
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
The Ruins of Ani (Kars) - Ani is a ruined medieval city of the Bagratid Armenian Kingdom. It is also called the “City of 1001 Churches.” - Location: Ani Örenyeri, Ocaklıköyü, Kars
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Bergama (İzmir) - Bergama is actually an urbanized area with a high population, which is also filled with constructs from the 14th and 15th century, such as the Selçuk Minaret, the Great Mosque of Bergama and Çukurhan caravanserai built in the 14th century, along with the Taşhan caravanserai from the 15th century. Simply walking on the streets of Bergama would be a sightseeing trip, because of the widely recognized local architecture. - Location: Bergama, İzmir
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Bodrum Underwater Museum and Castle (Muğla) - The site was originally a castle belonging to the knights of St. Jean, but today it is used as an underwater museum. It was first built in the early 15th century, but has expanded and developed over time with the various civilizations which have occupied the land, therefore it’s possible to see elements of different cultures inside the museum. There are various sections inside the museum and thus there are various types of displays ranging from glass to jewellery, a crucifix and a tughra (the sultan’s signature). - Location: Bodrum Castle, Çarşı Mah., 48400, Muğla
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Knidos (Datça) - Knidos is an ancient city which once belonged to the ancient Greeks. The city was famous for its advancements in science, architecture and art. For instance, one of the most significant inventions of its time, the gnomon, was invented there and the original is still on display. - Location: Knidos, Yazı Köyü Tekirburun Mevki, Datça/Muğla
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Nemrut National Park (Adıyaman) - The main attraction at the national park on top of Mount Nemrut in the southeastern province of Adıyaman is the tumulus and sacred grounds around the tomb of Antiochus I, the king of Commagene in the 1st century B.C. The UNESCO site also hosts the oldest known images of two figures shaking hands. - Location: Kahta, Adıyaman
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Hatay Archaeology Museum (Hatay) - Hosting the second-largest mosaic display area in the world, the museum in southern Turkey is widely recognized for its Roman and Byzantine era pieces. It also contains other forms of art that reflect the multi-layered history of the region. - Location: Archaeological Museum, Cumhuriyet Mah., Cumhuriyet, 31040 Hatay Merkez/Hatay
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Historic town of İnebolu (Kastamonu) - İnebolu is a port town in Kastamonu. The district was populated mainly by Greeks until the early 1920s when Greece and Turkey exchanged its minority populations with a treaty. The town itself can be treated as a museum, since it contains ruins from its first, second and third fortifications. - Location: İnebolu, Kastamonu
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
The city of Eskişehir (Eskişehir) - The city’s name, Eskişehir, means “old city” in Turkish, which is very fitting as its first inhabitants, the Phrygians, lived around 1000 B.C. Some now call the town “the most European city in Anatolia” because of its urban style. - Location: Eskişehir, Turkey
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Karapınar Desert (Konya) - This is the only area defined as a “desert” in Turkey. The most significant characteristic of this region is the fact that the biggest wind erosion prevention field is also located there. Lake Meke, a volcanic lake commonly known as the “evil eye talisman” of Central Anatolia for the rarity of such lakes in Turkey and its one of a kind beauty, is here. - Location: Karapınar Desert, Karapınar, Konya
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Rhodiapolis (Antalya) - The ancient Lycian town in southern Turkey was once the medical center of the region despite its small size. In the Roman period the city became famous for being the home of millionaire philanthropist Opramoas. Centuries after its demise due to an earthquake in the 2nd century, the ruins were discovered in 1842 and many of its buildings, including the temple of Asclepius, were restored in the 2000s. After many silent centuries, its 1800-seat theater hosted its first classic music concert in 2011. - Location: Rhodiapolis, 07350, Hacıveliler, Kumluca, Antalya
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
The Roman Road of Tarsus (Mersin) - This historic road is located on high ground and therefore, has a view of the shore as well as the Tarsus area in the southern province of Mersin. Along the road, there are graves from the Roman and Byzantine times. The most famous ruin on the road is the leftover arch of an ancient border crossing. - Location: Tarsus Yolu, Tarsus/Mersin
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Misli Church (Niğde) - This church is named after Misli, the town it’s located in that dates back to the Roman times. The church was built in the names of Saint Vlasios and Prophet Elias, as two separate buildings of worship. Inside the church are Turkish epigraphs that are well renowned for their Byzantine calligraphic nature. - Location: Misli Kilisesi, Misli Köyü Konaklı Yolu, Niğde
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Eşrefoğlu Mosque (Beyşehir) - During the partial independence era of Beyliks (Turkish principalities of the 12nd-14th centuries), Süleyman Bey appointed Beyşehir as the capital of his beylik, Eshrefids, and built the Eşrefoğlu Mosque. Even though the beylik itself didn’t hold much significance politically, the mosque became a major architectural treasure of the area. - Location: Esrefoglu Mosque, Merkez, Beyşehir, Konya
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
The Crooked Minaret (Aksaray) - The crooked minaret is a brick minaret from the Anatolian Seljuk Empire. The top part of the minaret is covered with blue and green mosaics. The mosque that so well compliments the minaret was actually built long after the minaret. - Location: Kızıl Minare Cami, Sofular Mh., 68100, Aksaray Merkez, Aksaray
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Kov Castle (Gümüşhane) - The castle is estimated to have been built in the Middle Ages, by Alexios III and used during the era of the Anatolian Seljuks . It is described by many as the most sublime castle of the eastern Black Sea region. - Location: Kov Kalesi, Esenyurt Köyü, Gümüşhane Merkez
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Balıktaş Cave Paintings (Muğla) - These cave paintings are considered to be the most significant discovery regarding Anatolia’s prehistoric archeology. In these cave paintings, unlike European glacial cave painting relicts, humans are in the foreground, where they are portrayed as members of a society. - Location: Beşparmak Dağı, 48230, Karahayıt, Milas, Muğla
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
The Chapel and St. Esprit Church of Notre Dame de Sion (Istanbul) - Notre Dame de Sion is a French high school in Istanbul that used to provide education for French students in Istanbul. Among its teachers were various nuns; therefore, the school built a chapel for the students’ and teachers’ religious needs. However, as time passed, the lack of nuns and Christian students forced the school to close down the chapel. Nowadays it is used as a cultural hub. - Location: Cumhuriyet Cad. 127 Harbiye 34373 İstanbul
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Göbekli Tepe (Şanlıurfa) - Göbekli Tepe (Potbelly Hill), a hill that dates back to the 10th millennium B.C., is considered to be the earliest site where signs of a cult movement are evident. It may be the site where religions were born. Even though archaeologists are unable to find ruins that indicate residents of any kind, the site still holds great cultural significance. The obelisks that were discovered were aligned in a circular manner and therefore, have been described as monumental. - Location: Göbekli Tepe, Örencik Köyü, Şanlıurfa
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Aslantaşlar (Malatya) - Aslantaşlar (Lion Stones) refers to the lion sculptures of Malatya that face north. Historians estimate the origin of the sculptures to be around 2000 B.C., the Hittite period. The reason behind their construction is still unknown, but lions represented power and sovereignty in those times. - Location: Aslantaşlar, Merkez, Yeniköy Köyü, Darende, Malatya
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
The highlands of Rize (Rize) - The highlands of this eastern Black Sea region are on the piedmont of the Kaçkar Mountains. They present breathtaking natural beauty with a lot of oxygen and green. The scattered properties around the fields draw attention to themselves with their miniature, endearing architectural structure. - Location: Çamlıhemşin area, Rize
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Gordion Museum (Ankara) - This museum has been arranged chronologically. On display are examples of eras ranging from ancient Bronze Age to Hellenistic era and Roman times. - Location: Gordion, 06900, Polatlı, Yassıhöyük Köyü, Ankara
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Tombs of Diagoras and Aristomakh (Muğla) - The graves of Diagoras and Aristomakha are the only pyramid-shaped tombs in Turkey. They date back to 200 B.C. In the tomb, lies the warrior Diagoras who died at war and his wife, Aristomakha. The Greek engraving on the tomb reads: “You white-toothed animals, you can always stay where you envisioned. I will always watch everything so that a coward can never come and damage the tomb...” - Location: Marmaris, Muğla
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Monumentum Ancyranum (Ankara) - This temple was made for the first ruler of the Roman Empire, Augustus. It was made in the name of the Phrygian god, Men. Its construction was continued in the Byzantine era. The inscription found inside the temple explains how the Romans conquered Anatolia. - Location: Hacı Bayram Mh., Hacı Bayram, 06030 Altındağ, Ankara
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
The Roman Baths of Ankara - The Roman Baths of Ankara were built by Septimius Severus’ son, the Roman emperor, Caracalla in the name of the health god, Asklepios. Unlike public baths of the time, the Roman Baths of Ankara had a gym and supposedly even a swimming pool. - Location: Doğanbey, 06050, Altındağ, Ankara
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
The Titus Tunnel (Hatay) - The Titus Tunnel was built for Titus Flavius Vespasianus and is suspected to have taken more than a hundred years to build. On the side of the tunnel that faces the sea are rock graves. - Location: Samandağ, Hatay
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Ahi Evren Shrine (Kırşehir) - Ahi Evren or Ahi Evran was a Turkish philosopher in the 13th century. In this central Anatolian town, he founded the Turkish-Islamic guild that organized Turkish immigrant artists and businessmen in Anatolia. - Location: Kırşehir
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Zeugma (Gaziantep) - Zeugma is an ancient city, formerly known as Selevekya Euphrates that was founded by one of Alexander the Great’s generals, Selevkos I Nikator, in 300 B.C. The digs discovered the grandeur of the city, revealing mansions and bazaars inside the city. - Location: Mithat Paşa Mah. Sani Konukoğlu Bulv., Şehitkamil Merkez, Şehitkamil, Gaziantep
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
The Amasya houses - This northern Turkish city is famous for its architectural style, commonly used in the Ottoman Empire. Amasya Houses, which are too fragile to build today due to earthquake building regulations, are aligned closely together and with separate groups based on gender. Most of the buildings have gardens and quads. - Location: Old city of Amasya (Compiled by Melis Özer)
40 of Turkey’s most obscure treasures
Turkey has innumerable historical and natural beauties to offer tourists, however only a limited number of them are widely known and therefore visited by masses. Click through to see our compilation of Turkey’s overlooked treasures.
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