Tourist Attractions in Turkey

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Turkey is such a large country that it would be impossible to see it all, or even all the highlights, in one trip. This is a guide to one major sight in each region of Turkey.

Marmara: The Basilica of Hagia Sophia

This basilica is, in the opinion of many, one of the world’s best buildings. Constantine the Great originally ordered its construction; Justinian later updated and rebuilt it. It has a huge dome that is 55 meters at its highest. These days, the basilica is called the Ayasofya Museum. It is also famous for its mosaics. The Basilica of Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays.

Aegean: The Ethnography Museum

The Ethnography Museum, which is also closed on Mondays, tells the story of the peoples who inhabited this area of the Aegean in times long past. Selections on display include traditional clothing, bridles for camels, and rugs.

Mediterranean: The Ataturk Museum and the Archeological Museum

The Ataturk Museum, located near the Archeological Museum in Antalya, houses an exhibit of the personal effects of the founder of the Turkish Republic. The Archeological Museum has ancient artifacts on display, including two ceramics that are at least 7,000 years old. Both of these museums are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.

Southeastern: Kargamis Open-Air Museum

The Open-Air Museum of Kargamis has had most of its works (most notably, huge bas reliefs) transferred to Ankara’s Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Not far away, Kuzeyne, or Korus, is also an open-air museum displaying an ancient castle and mosaics.

Eastern Anatolia: The Havariler Museum

The Havariler Museum is also known as the Church of the Apostles, which was built in the 10th century C.E. It is a domed building with bas-reliefs depicting holy figures on the outside of the dome.

Central Anatolia: The Liberation War Museum and the Museum of the Republic

The Liberation War Museum and the Museum of the Republic are located in the first and second parliament buildings of the Republic of Turkey, respectively. The former has exhibits showing how the War of Liberation was fought and won; the latter gives the series of historical events after the founding of the republic.

Black Sea Region: Ikiztepe

This is an archeological dig site outside of Bafra that encompasses well over 500 Early-Bronze-Age graves.

South Aegean: Bodrum Castle

Also called the Castle of St. Peter, Bodrum Castle is located near the town of the same name. It was built by the crusaders in the 15th century. These days, it serves as the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

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