Hidirlik Tower, located in Antalya, Turkey, is a historic structure that dates back to the 2nd century AD, during the Roman period. This cylindrical tower stands at approximately 14 meters in height and overlooks the Karaalioglu Park and the Antalya harbor. Originally believed to have been built as a fortification or lighthouse, it later served various purposes, including as a watchtower. The base of the tower is square, transitioning into a circular shape as it rises, showcasing the architectural ingenuity of its time.
Atakule is a prominent communications and observation tower located in Ankara, Turkey. Standing at a height of 125 meters, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. The tower was completed in 1989 and features an observation deck that provides panoramic views of Ankara. Atakule also houses a revolving restaurant, which completes a full rotation every 75 minutes, offering diners a unique and ever-changing perspective of the cityscape.
Kocatepe Mosque is a significant religious and architectural landmark located in Ankara, Turkey. Completed in 1987 after nearly two decades of construction, it stands as one of the largest mosques in the country. The mosque features a blend of traditional Ottoman and modern architectural styles, with its grand central dome flanked by four towering minarets. The interior is richly decorated with intricate calligraphy, marble, and expansive prayer spaces that can accommodate thousands of worshippers.
The Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey, serves as the official residence and principal workplace of the President of Turkey. Located in the Beştepe neighborhood, the complex was inaugurated in October 2014 and spans over 3.2 million square meters. It features a mix of traditional Turkish and modern architecture, with the main building designed to resemble Seljuk and Ottoman styles. The complex includes administrative offices, a library, a mosque, and extensive landscaped gardens.
The Old Mosque, known as Eski Camii in Turkish, is a historic mosque located in Edirne, Turkey. Constructed between 1403 and 1414, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city and a significant example of early Ottoman architecture. The mosque features a large, rectangular prayer hall and a series of nine domes supported by massive piers, creating a spacious and open interior. The walls are adorned with intricate calligraphy and decorative elements. The mosque's minaret is a prominent feature, visible from various parts of the city.
The Üç Şerefeli Mosque in Edirne, Turkey, is a significant example of early Ottoman architecture. Constructed between 1438 and 1447 during the reign of Sultan Murad II, the mosque is notable for its distinctive minaret with three balconies, from which it derives its name—'Üç Şerefeli' meaning 'Three Balconies.' The mosque's design reflects a transition in Ottoman architectural style, showcasing a blend of Seljuk and Byzantine influences. Its large central dome, supported by an innovative system of arches, and the spacious, light-filled interior were pioneering features at the time.
The Green Mosque, also known as Yeşil Mosque, is located in Bursa, Turkey, and is a stunning example of early Ottoman architecture. Built between 1419 and 1421 by Sultan Mehmed I, the mosque is part of a larger complex that includes a mausoleum, a madrasa, and a bathhouse. The mosque gets its name from the exquisite green and turquoise tiles that adorn its interior, creating a serene and vibrant atmosphere. The intricate calligraphy and geometric designs are a testament to the high level of craftsmanship of the period.
Bursa Uludağ Gondola, also known as the Bursa Teleferik, is a renowned cable car system located in Bursa, Turkey. It serves as a vital link between the city of Bursa and the popular ski resort area of Uludağ Mountain. The gondola offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, lush forests, and the surrounding mountains as it ascends to high altitudes. The journey, which spans several kilometers, is divided into multiple stages, each offering unique scenic vistas.
Selimiye Mosque in Konya, Turkey, is a significant example of Ottoman architecture. Built between 1558 and 1567 during the reign of Sultan Selim II, the mosque showcases the classical Ottoman style with its large central dome and slender minarets. It is situated near the Mevlana Museum, making it a key landmark in the city. The interior is adorned with intricate tile work and calligraphy, reflecting the artistic heritage of the period.
Aziziye Mosque in Konya, Turkey is a striking example of Ottoman Baroque architecture. Built in the late 19th century, the mosque features an ornate design with intricate details, including its distinctive twin minarets capped with elegant balconies. The interior is equally impressive, adorned with lavish decorations, including elaborate calligraphy, finely crafted tiles, and a grand chandelier. The mosque's large dome and spacious prayer hall can accommodate a significant number of worshippers, making it an important religious and cultural site in the region.
Ortahisar is a picturesque town located in the heart of Cappadocia, in Nevşehir Province, Turkey. The town is renowned for its remarkable rock-cut architecture and its iconic castle, which is carved into a massive rock formation and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Ortahisar Castle is one of the largest fairy chimneys in the region and serves as a focal point for visitors. The town's narrow streets are lined with traditional stone houses, many of which have been converted into charming boutique hotels and guesthouses. Ortahisar is also an excellent base for exploring the nearby Göreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and other natural wonders of Cappadocia, including its famous underground cities and unique rock formations.
Hierapolis was an ancient city located in what is now modern-day Turkey, near the town of Pamukkale. Founded in the 2nd century BC by the Attalid kings of Pergamon, it became a thriving center of Greco-Roman culture and a significant spa town due to its hot springs, which were believed to have healing properties. The city's name means "Holy City" in Greek, reflecting its religious significance. Hierapolis is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, including a vast necropolis, a grand theater, and the Temple of Apollo.
The Stone Bridge in Adana, Turkey, known locally as Taşköprü, is an ancient Roman bridge that spans the Seyhan River. Built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, it is considered one of the oldest bridges in the world still in use. The bridge originally featured 21 arches, though only 14 remain intact today. It has undergone several restorations over the centuries, reflecting various architectural influences.
The Great Mosque of Adana, also known as the Adana Ulu Camii, is a significant historical and architectural landmark located in Adana, Turkey. Constructed in the 16th century, the mosque showcases a blend of Mamluk, Seljuk, and Ottoman architectural styles. It features a large prayer hall, a beautifully decorated mihrab, and an impressive minaret. The mosque complex also includes a medrese (Islamic school), a mausoleum, and a library.
Yılankale, also known as the "Castle of the Snakes," is a medieval fortress located near the town of Ceyhan in Adana Province, Turkey. The castle is perched atop a rocky hill, providing a strategic vantage point over the surrounding plains. Built during the 12th century by the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, Yılankale served as a formidable defense structure against invaders. Its well-preserved ruins include walls, towers, and various chambers, showcasing the architectural ingenuity of the time.
Tarsus is a historic city located in the Mersin Province of Turkey. It is situated near the Mediterranean coast and at the southern end of the Cilician plain. Tarsus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban centers in the world, with a history that dates back over 6,000 years. It holds significant historical and cultural importance, having been a major center during various periods, including the Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras. The city is famously known as the birthplace of St. Paul the Apostle and has numerous historic sites, such as the ancient Roman road, Cleopatra's Gate, and the Tarsus Waterfall.
Marmaris is a vibrant resort town located along the Turkish Riviera, nestled between the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the lush, green hills of the Muğla Province. Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively nightlife, Marmaris attracts tourists from around the world. The town offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, with landmarks such as the Marmaris Castle, which dates back to the Ottoman era. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including sailing, diving, and exploring the scenic bays and islands nearby.
Yedikule Fortress, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a historic castle that dates back to Byzantine and Ottoman times. Originally constructed as a triumphal arch by the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II in the 5th century, it was later expanded into a fortress by the Ottomans in the 15th century. The name "Yedikule" translates to "Fortress of the Seven Towers," referring to its seven imposing towers. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, including as a treasury, a prison, and a defensive stronghold.
The Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, is an iconic example of Ottoman architecture and stands as a significant historical and cultural landmark. Constructed between 1463 and 1470 by order of Sultan Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, the mosque was built on the site of the former Church of the Holy Apostles. The complex, or külliye, surrounding the mosque includes various facilities such as a hospital, library, medrese (educational institution), and a caravanserai. The mosque itself features a large central dome and semi-domes, characteristic of Ottoman design, and is adorned with intricate calligraphy and tile work.
Koza Han, located in Bursa, Turkey, is a historic caravanserai that dates back to the late 15th century. Constructed in 1491 by Sultan Bayezid II, it served as a bustling center for the silk trade. The name "Koza Han" translates to "Silk Cocoon Market," reflecting its primary function during the Ottoman era. The building features a two-story structure with a central courtyard, surrounded by numerous shops and rooms that once housed merchants and their goods.
Cumalıkızık is a historic village located in the Yıldırım district of Bursa, Turkey. It dates back to the early Ottoman period and is renowned for its well-preserved traditional Ottoman architecture, featuring cobblestone streets and centuries-old houses made of wood, adobe, and stone. The village is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Bursa and its Cumalıkızık village, recognized for its unique historical and cultural significance. Visitors often explore the quaint streets, visit the ethnographic museum, and enjoy the local cuisine which is often sold by villagers in the bustling square.
The Muradiye Complex in Bursa, Turkey, is a significant historical and architectural site that dates back to the Ottoman era. Commissioned by Sultan Murad II in the 15th century, the complex includes a mosque, a madrasa, a bathhouse, and a series of mausoleums. The complex is renowned for its intricate tile work, decorative calligraphy, and beautiful gardens. It serves as a notable example of early Ottoman architecture and offers insights into the cultural and religious life of the period.
Gölyazı is a picturesque village located on a small peninsula on the shores of Lake Uluabat in the Bursa Province of Turkey. Known for its serene beauty and historical significance, the village features charming narrow streets, traditional stone houses, and ancient ruins. One of the main attractions is the ancient Roman bridge that connects the village to the mainland. Gölyazı is also famous for its old plane tree, known as the "Ağlayan Çınar" (Crying Tree), which is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Tirilye, a picturesque town located in the Mudanya district of Bursa Province, Turkey, is renowned for its rich history and well-preserved architecture. This coastal town on the Sea of Marmara boasts a blend of Greek and Ottoman heritage, evident in its charming stone houses, ancient churches, and historic mosques. Visitors can explore significant landmarks such as the Byzantine Monastery of Saint Sergios and the 8th-century Dündar House.
Planning a trip?