Looking to visit Turkey on your upcoming holiday? Read this blog to get a proper outline of traveling to Turkey in search of history and tradition. Thanks to the welcoming visa policy of the Turkish government, history buffs can easily travel to Turkey in search of the unknown.
Turkey is a prime spot for all history lovers. The country’s extensive history is influenced by older settlements of both Asia and Europe. Located at the center of the Ottoman Empire, this country is rich with the events of bygone days. Some of the best cities to visit in Turkey include:
- Istanbul
- Ephesus (Selçuk)
- Cappadocia
- Antalya
- Bursa
- Ani (Kars Province)
Best Cities in Turkey to Visit for History Lovers
Some of the main Turkish cities have a diverse mix of historic sites and modern architecture, creating a unique cultural blend for travelers. Here are some of the best Turkish cities where you can immerse yourself in ancient civilizations and structures.
1. Istanbul: The Eternal Capital of Empires
One of the most remarkable and enchanting cities in the world, Istanbul is located at the crossroads between eastern and western cultural regions. Previously known as Byzantium and Constantinople, this city has immense historical significance.
Top Places to Visit
- Hagia Sophia: You can start your tour of Istanbul at Hagia Sophia, where you can see both Islamic and Christian influences on the architecture.
- Blue Mosque: A key emblem of the Ottoman Empire.
- Topkapi Palace: Constructed during the time of Sultan Mehmed II, this historical centre of the Ottoman Empire is situated just behind the Hagia Sophia. You can see the amazing museum here, which has the historical artifacts of the Ottoman emperors.
- Basilica Cistern: This is a fascinating water reservoir located underground, acting as a reserve for the Byzantine Empire.
Historical Appeal
Istanbul’s location as a historical centre is crucial because it was a crossway of both Asian and European influences. From the Byzantine to the Ottoman Empire, this city has observed different influences and cultural traditions that have enriched the city’s history. This is why history lovers love to visit Istanbul.
2. Ephesus (Selçuk): Rome’s Footprint in Asia Minor
In modern Turkey, the city has been key to the development of the Roman Empire. This city has so ancient influence that it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. Situated no further than 80km from the coastal city of Izmir, this is one of the most graceful locations for history lovers.
Top Places to Visit
- Library of Celsus: An enchanting location in the city of Ephesus, this library is an example of ancient Greek architecture.
- Great Theatre: The Great Theatre is an open-air theatre that was in use for dramatic performances and later for gladiator fights.
- Temple of Artemis: The Greek Goddess of Hunt and vegetation, the Temple of Artemis is one of the most ancient temples in the city. The temple experienced numerous attacks by different invaders, including the Goths, and it has still held its glory.
Historical Appeal
From ancient ruins to stunning historical architecture, Ephesus has everything that will make a history lover interested in history. From the Great Theatre to the Temple of Artemis, this Turkish city’s grandeur is enough for travelers to look around.
3. Cappadocia: Cave Cities and Early Christianity
Picture this: you’re walking down the path and suddenly, a colorful hot air balloon glides through the sky. This is Cappadocia for you, the city of cave houses! Alongside opulent history, this city has everything for everyone.
Top Places to Visit
- Göreme Open Air Museum: This open-air museum is a collection of monasteries and an ancient church. This was included as a World Heritage Site in 1984. The opening hour of this Museum is 8 AM to 7 PM.
- Derinkuyu Underground City: This is the biggest underground city in Turkey, built by Phrygians. This is one of the great evidence of engineering of the bygone days.
Historical Appeal
Cappadocia’s unique landscape and its history with the cave dwellers have made this region very special for history lovers. Since it was a home to Christian refugees, you might see some Christian elements and evidence here and there.
4. Antalya: Where Ancient Ruins Meet the Mediterranean
Known for the stunningly beautiful Mediterranean beaches, Antalya is one of the prime locations for history lovers to explore. The remains of the ancient settlement of Perge and the jaw-dropping Hadrian’s Gate are some of the best places to visit here.
Places to Visit
- Hadrian’s Gate: This is one of the most well-stored ancient architectural sites in Antalya. Made with a Roman influence, this gate is the entry point to the city centre of Antalya, Kaleiçi. You can find multiple traces of Ottoman architecture here.
- Perge: Perge is one of the ancient cities in Antalya. Located to the east of the city centre, this area is the home of forts made by Alexander the Great.
Historical Appeal
History lovers would love to see the historical appeal of the local as there are multiple influences of different architectural styles in the area.
5. Bursa: The First Capital of the Ottoman Empire
Bursa, or the ‘Green Bursa’ as travelers refer to it, is one of the greenest and historically famous cities in Turkey. Here are some of the places that you can visit in Bursa:
Places to Visit
- Grand Mosque: Situated at the centre of the city, the Grand Mosque is a place of historical interest for history lovers, which was constructed in the 14th Century. History lovers would love this place because of the classical designs like the wooden and stony curvature, which carries the sign of ancient history.
- Green Tomb: This building is famous for its octagon-shaped structure and green color.
Historical Appeal
The Bursa is not only a treat to the eyes of history lovers, but also it is loved by people who love nature. Some of the most historically important mosques of the country are located here, making it a place of religious interest.
Travel Tips for History Lovers
People who love to see historical places and ancient ruins will find Turkey to be a dreamland. Here are some tips for travelers for traveling to Turkey on a historical trip. Do not forget to carry your Turkey eVisa during your travel.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Turkey on a historical tour is the shoulder seasons, when there is not much rush of tourists. You can choose between early April to the end of May or September and October, as the temperature remains moderate during this time. During this time, the popular areas remain less crowded, and travelers can enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful historical sites without any hassle.
Guided Tours
If you want to experience the best of the history of Turkey, consider taking a guided tour with a licensed guide in Turkey.
Here are the reasons why you should hire a guide to look around the historical places of Turkey:
| Factors | Reasons |
| Priority to buy tickets: | Guides can buy tickets to the famous architecture or monuments, avoiding the large queue.
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| Knowledge of Local Traffic | Guides know local traffic as they can plan the fastest way to get around places.
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| They know the best photography locations | Hiring a tour guide would be a great option if you want to take pictures of the areas you travel to. These tour guides know the best locations to take pictures, which will help you capture the entire experience through your camera lens. Besides, the tour guides know the local cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops, considering your budget and taste. |
Table 1: Reasons to Hire a Professional Guide
However, these tour guides will only guide you to the tourist spots. They are not going to drive for you if there is a need to commute between places by car. However, they have contacts with licensed agencies that provide drivers and cars for travelers to travel around the cities.
How to Get Around the City
Buses, trains, and Dolmus (local minibus/taxi service) are the best way to get around the country.
Bus Service
Buses are available in every major city. Surprisingly, to avoid a rush, we would recommend getting the bus ticket the day before you travel.
Trains
The local train is another effective and faster way to travel in Turkey. You can book tickets from the station itself just before your scheduled travel.
Dolmus
Traveling in a Dolmus is a great way to travel around the cities. These are minibus or taxi services available in every part of the country at a cheaper cost. Apart from that, you can avail of a Dolmus right from the bus station itself.
Visa Requirements
Thanks to Turkey’s flexible visa policy for foreigners, obtaining a Turkey eVisa online is very easy. It is important to note that the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) only provides an eVisa for tourism and commercial purposes. If someone is visiting Turkey to work or study, they will need an embassy visa.
Documents Needed for eVisa Application
These documents are needed for tourists visiting Turkey:
- A valid passport, which must have 6 months of validity from the date of your arrival in Turkey.
- To get a Turkey eVisa for tourists, you must hold a return ticket, confirmed accommodation in Turkey, and sufficient funds to cover your daily expenses in the country.
- Apart from these, you will need a supporting document. Turkish eVisas can not be the supporting document. A supporting document can be a valid visa or a residence permit from any of the Schengen countries, the USA, the UK, or Ireland.
Application Process
The application process for Turkish eVisas for tourists is very easy. Here are the steps tourists can follow:
- First, choose your home country and mention the type of passport you have.
- Then, you have to mention the date you want to arrive.
- You have to confirm that you have all the necessary documents you need for the Turkey eVisa application.
- Now, you have to give your personal information as per the information on your passport.
- Then you can pay the eVisa fees using a debit or credit card and wait for your eVisa to be approved.
Additional Information
Turkey eVisas are generally single-entry visas. These are valid for 180 days. However, a tourist can not stay more than 30 days at once using the Turkish eVisas. Therefore, it is generally recommended to travel within the 3 months from your eVisa application date. The processing time of the eVisa depends on the country tourists are traveling from and the time of the season. Generally, it can take from 24 hours to 15 days to get your eVisa processed.
You need to remember that, if you want to stay more than 30 days, you will need a residence permit from the Turkish police department. Besides, if you are a part of an excavation group, you will need special permission from the government of Turkey.
To Summarize
With influences from different countries and cultures, Turkey is one of the best places to travel for history lovers. The artifacts, the monuments, and the architecture are highly loved by history admirers.
Planning Your Trip to Turkey?
Want to visit Turkey to get a taste of ancient culture and history? Then plan your next trip to the country to see one of the most majestic countries in the world, enriched with history and tradition.