The Rich History of Anatolia and the Heritage of Civilizations

From the ancient city of Side to the world-renowned ancient city of Ephesus, almost all of the Aegean and Mediterranean regions host magnificent structures left over from the early ages of civilization, including those in Antalya and Muğla. While the southeastern regions await the discovery of humanity's earliest settlements, Central Anatolia promises a fairy-tale experience in fascinating areas that remain from ancient empires.

Why Are Ancient Cities Important?

The cultural heritage of humanity and the traces of thousands of years of civilizations await you in Turkey's ancient cities. What was daily life like for civilizations such as the Hittites, Greeks, Phrygians, Lydians, Romans, and Seljuks in streets, homes, castles, and shops? Turkey's ancient cities provide the answer to this question!

Ancient Cities of the Aegean Region

When it comes to ancient cities in Turkey, first and foremost, Ephesus and the other ancient cities in İzmir come to mind, as well as the ancient cities and archaeological sites in the Aegean. Particularly, İzmir's Ephesus Ancient City draws history and archaeology enthusiasts from all over the world. You can get information about the prices of Gezinomi's Aegean Mediterranean tours to closely witness the historical treasures of the Mediterranean.

The Great Theatre of Ephesus and the Celsus Library

Dating back to around 2300 BC, the Ephesus Ancient City, which is rooted in the Luwian people, has maintained its importance regardless of which civilization has dominated it. Ephesus, one of the twelve cities of Ionia during the Classical Greek Age, developed significantly after coming under the control of the Roman Republic. Today, Ephesus Ancient City is a site worth seeing and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

With a capacity of up to 25,000 spectators, the Great Theatre of Ephesus is the largest theatre of the ancient world and captivates everyone with its impressive architecture. The Celsus Library, one of the most beautiful structures from the Roman Period, is also worth a visit for history and architecture enthusiasts as it functions as a monumental tomb.

Bergama Ancient City

Bergama, one of İzmir’s most beautiful districts, is also quite famous for its ancient city. The Bergama Ancient City, or Pergamon as its original name, bears impressive traces of Ancient Greece with its history spanning over 2000 years. Home to the Altar of Zeus, Bergama Ancient City is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afrodisias Ancient City

The Afrodisias Ancient City in Aydın is seen as one of the most beautiful Ancient Greek cities. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Aydın Afrodisias Ancient City offers a realistic means to explore ancient Greek life with its thousands of years old temples like the Temple of Aphrodite, baths, altars, and theatre.

The Historical Treasures of the Mediterranean

The Aegean Region’s wealth of ancient cities is well-known. However, Turkey’s Mediterranean Region is also a treasure of history and archaeology. Whether it is the ancient cities of Antalya or the ancient cities in Kaş, each of these archaeological sites in the Mediterranean connects the traces of life from thousands of years ago with today’s people. Side: The ancient theatre and the Temple of Apollo in Side Ancient City, the pearl of the Mediterranean, promise a fairy-tale experience with its traces from the Lydians and ancient Greek kingdoms to numerous civilizations such as the Romans, Seljuks, and Ottomans.

Historically significant as a port city, Side Ancient City is located 80 km from Antalya city center and just 5 km from Manavgat.

Patara: The Capital of the Lycian Union and the World’s First Parliament Building

This ancient city of Kaş, located in one of the Mediterranean’s unique regions and a tourism center, served as the capital for the legendary civilizations of the Lycians. Patara Ancient City, which also possesses the world’s first parliament building, showcases traces of Lycia civilization in every corner.

Aspendos: The Best-Preserved Theatre of the Ancient World

In Ancient Greece, theatres were immensely significant for the art of theatre. One of the largest surviving masterpieces of this civilization, the Aspendos Theatre located in the ancient city of Aspendos is known to be the birthplace of theatre. This ancient city, famous for its theatre in Antalya, is indeed this!

Built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, this ancient theatre has been preserved in such good condition since its establishment that it barely shows signs of wear.

The Mysterious Ancient Cities of Southeastern Anatolia

As impressive as the ancient cities of Antalya or Muğla may be, other archaeological sites in Turkey, for example, the ancient cities of Southeastern Anatolia, are just as striking. Now, let’s explore the ancient cities in the Southeast. You can discover the mysteries of the ancient cities of Southeastern Anatolia with GAP tours and embark on a historical journey.

Göbeklitepe: The Temple Reshaping History

Located near Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe is known as the oldest temple complex in human history, dating back 12,000 years. Each year, Göbeklitepe attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists with its mesmerizing stone columns filled with figures representing hunter-gatherer societies.

Zeugma: The Colorful Mosaic Art and Rich Culture of the Roman Period

Located near Antep, the Zeugma ancient city carries the traces of Rome's vibrant culture and trade life to the present day. Showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of Rome in mosaic art, Zeugma exhibits a culture heritage spanning thousands of years.

Mount Nemrut: The Temple with Giant God Statues on the Summit

One of Turkey's most famous mountains, Mount Nemrut is renowned not only for its height of over 2000 meters but also for its thousands of years old monumental tombs and massive god statues from the Commagene Kingdom, making it one of Turkey’s most popular ancient cities.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nemrut offers spectacular views for its visitors.

The Historical Heritage of Central Anatolia

Every corner of Turkey is adorned with historical artifacts, and Central Anatolia is a part of this richness! Numerous civilizations, especially the Hittites, have left their mark in Central Anatolia.

Hattusa: The Capital of the Hittite Empire and Its Walls

The Hattusa Ancient City served as the capital of the Hittite Empire for about 400 years. Today, recognized as a World Heritage Site, Hattusa dates back to the 17th century BC and showcases its ancient remnants, artifacts, and findings to hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

Çatalhöyük: The First Settlement of the Neolithic Period and Wall Paintings

Discover one of humanity's oldest settlements, the Çatalhöyük Ancient City. This mesmerizing ancient city features the firsts of humanity, such as the first house architecture and the first landscape painting. Wall paintings, reliefs, and sculptures dating back 10,000 years symbolize humanity's transition to settled life.

Ancient Cities in the Marmara and Black Sea Regions

Ancient cities in Turkey also extend to the Marmara and Black Sea regions. Here are the most important ancient cities found in Marmara and the Black Sea! You can obtain information about the prices for Black Sea tours and make your choice to explore these ancient cities on-site.

Troy: The City Where the Legendary Trojan War Took Place and Its Ruins

The legendary Trojan War, which is the subject of films, took place near Çanakkale. Although the Trojans won the war, the Achaeans fell victim to the trick of the Trojan Horse. Today, millions of tourists visit the ancient city of Troy each year to see these battlefields and the symbolic Trojan Horse.

Amasya: The Capital of the Pontus Kingdom and the King Rock Tombs

Did you know that the Pontus Kingdom was founded around 280 BC in Amasya? Today, this area, which can be visited as an ancient city, is best known for its royal rock tombs.

Ancient Settlements in Cappadocia and Surroundings

The fairy chimneys and hot air balloons of Cappadocia offer stunning views, but this geography is essentially an open-air museum filled with ancient settlements.

Kaymaklı Underground City: The Mysterious World Beneath Cappadocia

This underground ancient city, Kaymaklı, dates back to 3000 BC. In its four illuminated levels, you will discover fascinating cisterns, wine storage areas, water vaults, rooms, and other living spaces.

Derinkuyu: Descending into History and Hidden Passages

Derinkuyu, another underground city in Cappadocia, can accommodate thousands of individuals. Dating back to 3000 BC, this unique structure is renowned for its hidden passages.

The Göreme Open Air Museum: Rock Churches and Ancient Frescoes

With rock-hewn churches thousands of years old, frescoes from much earlier times, and of course, its unique geographical formations, the Göreme Open Air Museum is a must-visit destination for everyone touring Cappadocia. If you want to witness the beauty of the Göreme Open Air Museum up close, Gezinomi’s Cappadocia tour prices offer budget-friendly options!

Things to Consider While Visiting Ancient Cities

The characteristic of ancient cities, whether they are in Antalya or Muğla or in Southeastern or Central Anatolia, is that they bear the traces of a history spanning thousands of years. While exploring ancient cities, you should also strive to preserve these traces, comply with the rules of these archaeological sites for the sustainability of the historical remains and geographical formations, and be careful not to pollute these areas, especially with plastic waste.