Top 10 Most Popular Ancient Cities in Turkey

Top 10 Most Popular Ancient Cities in Turkey

Anatolian lands are precious places that have embraced many cultures and civilisations since the beginning of human history.

The fact that many civilisations were born in these lands or came to the region later on and continued their existence has paved the way for the emergence of unique artefacts.

Turkey has a rich historical heritage that includes many ancient cities and archaeological sites.

Ancient cities, which provide information in many areas such as lifestyle, architecture and art understanding, commercial structures, cultural activities and management styles of societies living thousands of years ago, are also admired by today's people.

In this article, we will tell you about Turkey's valuable ancient cities, which were founded thousands of years ago and shed light on the history of the empires that ruled the world.

 

Life in Antiquity

Antiquity covers a period extending from the 8th century BC to the 5th century AD.

During this period of great developments in fields such as architecture, art, philosophy, science, trade and urbanisation; great empires such as Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, Persian and Roman empires were established and these societies continued their existence and rise for many years.

When we come to the present day, the societies living in antiquity; architectural structures, artistic endeavours, sacred understanding are full of fascinating artefacts that influence today's people.

There are ancient cities in almost every region of the world.

However, the ages of ancient cities vary depending on the region and historical developments.

Regions with important ancient cities in the world;

- Turkey

- Mesopotamia

- Greece

- Italy

- Egypt

- It is known as Mexico.

The regions with the oldest ancient cities are Mesopotamia, Egypt and Turkey.

 

Valuable Ancient Cities in Turkey

The precious lands of Anatolia are filled with many artefacts and ruins that shed light on Turkish and world history under the influence of different cultures and civilisations.

There are many ancient cities in many regions of Turkey.

Here are some important ancient cities in Turkey:

Ephesus

Ephesus, located in Selçuk, Izmir, is one of the most famous ancient cities in the world.

Ephesus, which is thought to have been founded in 6000 BC, is a city belonging to the Great Roman Empire; It has become one of the most important cities of the period, attracting attention with its structures such as the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus and the Grand Theatre.

Ephesus, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the popular historical places that attract great interest from local and foreign tourists.

The city offers a unique experience not only to archaeology enthusiasts but also to visitors of all ages and cultures.

Perge

Perge, located in Aksu district of Antalya, is one of the important Greek cities of Antiquity.

B.C. Perge, which is thought to date from the 13th century, continued its existence during the reigns of Alexander the Great and the Roman Empire.

Among the important structures of Perge; theatre, stadium, bazaar, baths, colonnaded streets, fountains, monumental tombs and mosaics.

 

Troy

Troy, located near the Hisarlık village of Chanakkale, is one of the most important ancient cities in Turkey, remembered for the Trojan War.

Troy, which is thought to have existed in 3000 BC, has been under the influence of many different cultures and has therefore been destroyed and rebuilt many times.

Among the important structures of Troy discovered by German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann; royal palaces, temples, walls and monuments.

Troy, which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List, attracts great interest from visitors with its ancient period and mythology as well as the historical Trojan Horse.

 

Assos

Another important ancient city of Chanakkale is Assos.

Assos, located in Ayvacık district, is known as an important harbour city of the period.

With its history dating back to the 7th century BC, Assos was under the influence of Alexander the Great and the Roman Empires and became famous as an important city of philosophy and science in ancient times.

Among the important structures of the city; Temple of Athena, agora (bazaar), theatre, stadium and ancient harbour ruins.

Assos, which attracts great attention from local and foreign tourists, impresses its visitors with its natural beauties as well as its historical ruins.

Patara

Patara, located within the borders of Kaş district of Antalya, is one of the important port and trade centres called Lycia in ancient times.

The most important structures of the city include Patara Theatre, Roman Bath, agora (bazaar), ancient harbour and monumental fountains.

Patara Theatre is one of the largest ancient theatres of Lycia and has an impressive structure.

Patara is one of the popular tourist attractions that offers a combination of historical and natural beauties.

 

Gobeklitepe

Gobeklitepe, located in Şanlıurfa, is one of the important discoveries made on behalf of human history.

Gobeklitepe, which is thought to be the oldest known living space in the world, offers many signs of religion and belief.

Gobeklitepe, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List; circular structures, stone columns, animal and geometric patterns attract attention.

 

Cnidos

Cnidos, located in the Datça district of Mugla, is an important port and trade centre.

The city, which grew and developed under the influence of different cultures, attracts attention in cultural and artistic terms.

Among the important structures of the city; Cnidus Theatre, Temple of Artemis and Aphrodite Statue.

Knidos Theatre is one of the largest ancient theatres in Lycia.

The Temple of Artemis is one of the largest temples.

The Aphrodite Statue made by the famous ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles is also exhibited in the ancient city of Knidos.

 

Hattusa

Hattusa, located within the borders of Boğazkale district of Chorum, is known as the capital of the Hittite Empire.

Hattusa, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, bears traces of the Hittite Empire and Hittite culture.

Hattusa, which existed in the 17th century BC, is surrounded by large city walls.

Important structures in the city: Great temple, underground shelters, lion gate and Şarhöyük Mound.

The Great Temple, which is thought to be an important religious centre of the Hittite period, and the underground shelter built to ensure the safety of the city residents are among the important works that shed light on the history of the period.

Hierapolis

Hierapolis, a Roman city located in Pamukkale region, is known as a health and recreation centre.

Among the most important structures of the city, which was founded during the Roman Empire period; Grand Theatre, Hierapolis Necropolis, Plutonium, Sacred Areas and Hierapolis Museum.

The Grand Theatre, which is one of the largest theatres of the ancient period, attracts attention with its magnificent architecture.

Hierapolis Necropolis, located in a large area, is known as a cemetery.

Hierapolis, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, attracts attention from visitors with its historical monuments, natural beauties and thermal waters.

 

Myra

Myra, located within the borders of Demre District of Antalya, is one of the important cities of Lycia.

Among the famous buildings of Myra, which stands out with its rich architecture;

Lycian Rock Tombs, Roman Theatre, St. Nicholas Basilica and Roman Bath.

One of the important symbols of Myra is the Basilica of St Nicholas.

Known to be the birthplace of St Nicholas, now known as Santa Claus, Myra has an important place for the Christian world and is considered sacred.

A new relic encountered every day is valuable enough to change the direction of history.

Ancient cities, which are an important cultural heritage, have a great importance for the past, present and future.

Of course, it is a great privilege to live in such an important geography, in such an enormous heritage.

And who knows how many cities and histories are hidden in these precious lands that we do not know yet.

Well, wouldn't you like to see these ancient cities closely and experience the lifestyle of past cultures?

If your answer is yes, take action without wasting time.

Now is the time to visit and see these unique lands.

Maybe by coming to Turkey; you can start a new life in this country or even become a Turkish citizen through investment.

You can contact Proturk Property to live in Turkey and have many more privileges.

Proturk Property is with you at any time you wish on all the issues you are curious about.