For a history buff, Turkey is a fascinating and complex territory. It is captivating because it is constantly in motion, with always something going on. However, it is also complex because these changes make it difficult for the general public to understand.
The civilizations that once inhabited what is now Turkey were interconnected. Ancient peoples, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Mongols, Ottomans… The majority of them have left their mark on modern Turkey. Among these legacies, archaeological sites are among the most representative.
In this article, discover the 12 main archaeological sites in Turkey!
Towns and Cities
Troy, Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Pergamon, and Hierapolis are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Troy
Trojan horse, Turkey – Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mati Nitibhon & CREATISTA
State of conservation: ★★★
Public knowledge: ★★★★★
Historical influence: ★★★★★
A site infused with both reality and legend, Troy is perhaps the best-known archaeological site in Turkey. The legend, of course, is Homer’s Iliad. Even today, historians ponder whether the Trojan War occurred as described or even if the event truly existed.
The legend is what makes Troy famous, as evidenced by the iconic Trojan horse at the entrance to the site. However, the historical significance of the site is very real. It represents the first contact established between Anatolia and the Mediterranean world. Most of the ruins date back to the Bronze Age, around 3,000 years ago, highlighting the preciousness of Troy.
Ephesus
The Library of Celsus in the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey – Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pommy.Anyani & muratart
State of conservation: ★★★★
Public knowledge: ★★★★
Historical influence: ★★★★
Ephesus is one of the major archaeological sites in Turkey. In the ancient world, it was famous for housing the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, only a few remains exist.
Beyond this aspect, Ephesus provides a unique testament to a Roman city in Anatolia. It is by far the best-preserved site in the region. The best-preserved monument is the Library of Celsus, the most recognizable image of Ephesus.
Aphrodisias
The Theater of the ancient city of Aphrodisias and its remains, Aydin, Turkey – Photo credit: Shutterstock – Yulia Kupeli & Haluk Cigsar
State of conservation: ★★★★
Public knowledge: ★★
Historical influence: ★★★
If Ephesus represents a Roman city in Anatolia, Aphrodisias represents a Greek city. And what a remarkable testament it is! This archaeological site in Turkey is in an impressive state of conservation, despite its age and the fact that it is located in an earthquake zone.
Many monuments are clearly identifiable, including the hippodrome and the amphitheater. Aphrodisias is dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, and the ruins of the sanctuary built in her honor are still visible.
Pergamon
Remains of the archaeological site of Pergamon, Turkey – Photo credit: Shutterstock – Yulia Kupeli & bodrumsurf
State of conservation: ★★★
Public knowledge: ★★
Historical influence: ★★
Pergamon is another archaeological site in Turkey that represents the ancient Hellenic world. Located very close to the city of Bergama, a visit to Pergamon allows you to discover many remains, the most significant of which is the amphitheater.
Built on a hill, its geographical location is unique and offers a breathtaking view once you reach it. Be aware that Pergamon’s most important monument, its Great Altar, is housed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
Hierapolis / Pamukkale
Pamukkale Terraces and Hierapolis Amphitheater, Turkey – Photo credit: Shutterstock – muratart
State of conservation: ★★★★★
Public knowledge: ★★★★
Historical influence: ★★★
This archaeological site in Turkey may be confused with the hot water pools known as the terraces of Pamukkale. However, there is no confusion: these basins are an integral part of Hierapolis! This is why UNESCO classified the two sites together in 1988.
This geological wonder made Hierapolis the main spa town of Anatolia in ancient times. It is thus a site of multiple interests, combining archaeological and historical significance with the sublime preservation of the amphitheater and the tomb of the apostle Philip, alongside the relaxing allure of Pamukkale and its hot water pools!
Miletus
Ancient city of Miletus, Turkey – Photo credit: Shutterstock – Nejdet Duzen & Nejdet Duzen
State of conservation: ★★★★
Public knowledge: ★★
Historical influence: ★★★
This archaeological site in Turkey dates back to the time of the Minoan civilization, around 2000 BCE. The preserved remains are more recent and belong to classical Hellenic civilization.
Originally, Miletus was a port city. However, the passage of time and natural elements have pushed the sea over 5 kilometers away! During our visit, we can see the theater, the portico of the agora, the baths, and even the stadium.
Miletus’ most iconic landmark is its Market Gate, which is now kept in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
Termessos
The ancient city of Termessos and its amphitheater, Turkey – Photo credit: Shutterstock – fotopanorama360 & Zeynel erden
State of conservation: ★★★★★
Public knowledge: ★★
Historical influence: ★★
An ancient city in the Pisidia region, Termessos is a rather unique archaeological site in Turkey. Built in the mountains amidst a pine forest, it requires a long trek to reach.
Once at the top, the tranquility surrounding the site is both impressive and soothing. A unique aspect of Termessos is that it has never been excavated! Nothing has changed since the city was abandoned, except for the passage of time. Among all the remains, the theater is the most impressive, particularly for the view it offers.
Archaeological Complexes
Sagalassos
Fountain and remains of the ancient city of Sagalassos, Turkey – Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ender BAYINDIR & Ekaterina Ormanci
State of conservation: ★★★
Public knowledge: ★★
Historical influence: ★★★
Sagalassos is a relatively unknown archaeological site in Turkey, but its history is intriguing. Nicknamed by the Romans as the “first city of Pisidia,” it is located about 1,500 meters above sea level.
The monuments are classic examples of a Roman city, the most beautiful of which is its nymphaeum, a monumental fountain from which water flows once again!
Göreme
Archaeological site of Göreme, Turkey – Photo credit: Shutterstock – Olena Tur & Birol Bali
State of conservation: ★★★★★
Public knowledge: ★★
Historical influence: ★★
Do hot air balloon photos in Cappadocia ring a bell? They were taken in Göreme! Among the archaeological sites in Turkey, Göreme is both the most astonishing and the most exceptional. The city is famous for its hoodoo rock formations—large natural columns with different tops from the rest of the rock.
Göreme is the most famous place in the world to admire this natural wonder, especially in the aptly named “Valley of Love.” Inside certain rocks, dwellings have been carved out! It is an unforgettable visit.
Göbekli Tepe
Ancient site of Gobekli Tepe in SanliUrfa, Turkey – Photo credit: Shutterstock – steve estvanik & acsen
State of conservation: ★★★
Public knowledge: ★
Historical influence: ★★★★
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Göbekli Tepe is the oldest archaeological site in Turkey, with its abandonment attested to in the 8th millennium BCE (yes, 8,000 years ago!).
Its recent discovery still renders this site quite mysterious. Its function remains unknown, but archaeologists unanimously agree on its importance, as its construction dates from a crucial period in human civilization.
Hattusa
The famous gates of the archaeological site of Hattusa, Turkey – Photo credit: Shutterstock – Stylone & AlpKaya
State of conservation: ★★★
Public knowledge: ★★
Historical influence: ★★★
This archaeological site in Turkey was the former capital of the Hittite Empire. Abandoned around 1,200 BCE, excavations have uncovered many elements, the most famous being the city gate and its Sphinx statues.
Some parts, like the fortifications, have been rebuilt. Visiting Hattusa allows you to learn a great deal about the Hittite civilization, which remains relatively unknown to the general public.
Çatalhöyük
Çatalhöyük archaeological site, Turkey – Photo credit: Shutterstock – acsen
State of conservation: ★★
Public knowledge: ★★
Historical influence: ★★★
Like Göbekli Tepe, this archaeological site in Turkey is very ancient, with its abandonment attested around 5,700 BCE. Its significance has allowed it to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Çatalhöyük is a residential city with no apparent public establishments or houses larger than others. The civilization that occupied it remains unknown to this day.
Curiosity: Nemrut Mountain
The amazing statues of the archaeological site of Nemrut Dağı, Turkey – Photo credit: Shutterstock – muratart & kataleewan intarachote
State of conservation: ★★★
Public knowledge: ★★★
Historical influence: ★★
Why is this amazing archaeological site in Turkey listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Because it is unique in the world! Nemrut Dağı (Mount Nemrut in Turkish) is a mountain adorned with huge stone statues, most of which represent gods.
No statue remains standing today, and the heads are scattered on the ground… Its primary function remains undetermined, but it could have been a royal tomb from the 1st century BCE.
Article updated on 18 October 2024
