Tourist places in Turkey vary between natural landmarks that include forests, gardens, plateaus, hills, valleys, and waterfalls, and historical landmarks that include palaces, castles, forts, bridges, mosques, churches, towers, archaeological buildings, and museums.
Tourism seasons in Turkey also vary between summer, winter, fall and spring, as each season has its own atmosphere that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world to experience it.
Last year, 2022, Turkey received more than 52 million tourists, according to official figures issued by the Turkish Statistics Authority and below is a list of the 10 most beautiful tourist places in Turkey according to the classifications of Turkish tourists, visitors, and tourism agencies.
What are the tourist places in Turkey?
Sultanahmet district in Istanbul
Sultanahmet district in Istanbul is one of the most prominent tourist areas in the city, and is considered its historical and cultural heart, as this area is home to many famous tourist attractions that attract visitors from all over the world and here's a look at some of the most notable landmarks in Sultanahmet:
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque):
History: Built in the early seventeenth century by order of Sultan Ahmed I.
Architecture: It is famous for its six minarets, beautiful domes, and blue and white interior decoration, which earned it the nickname “Blue Mosque.”
Aya Sofia:
History: It was originally a church built in the sixth century, then it was transformed into a mosque in the fifteenth century and finally into a museum in the twentieth century, and it returned to being a mosque in 2020.
Architecture: It is considered a wonderful example of Byzantine architecture, and is distinguished by its huge domes and golden mosaics.
Topkapi Palace:
History: It was the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years.
Architecture: It consists of a group of large buildings and squares, and contains many valuable exhibits including jewelry, weapons, and religious relics.
Grand Bazaar (Grand Bazaar):
History: One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, dating back to the 15th century.
Al-Mimar: It includes more than 4,000 stores selling various goods, including jewelry, spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
Gulhane Park:
History: It was part of the Topkapi Palace garden and was turned into a public park in the early 1900s.
Architecture: It provides a wide green space and walkways shaded by beautiful trees, and is an ideal place to relax after a long day of touring the historical monuments.
Basilica cistern:
History: It was built in the sixth century as an underground water reservoir to supply the needs of the Grand Palace.
Architecture: It is famous for its basalt columns and the mysterious atmosphere created by the dim lighting and stagnant water.
Sultanahmet is an indispensable tourist destination for visitors who want to explore the ancient history of Istanbul and enjoy the beauty of its archaeological and cultural monuments, as this region combines the past and the present in a unique combination that makes it one of the most attractive regions in the world.
Taksim Square and Istiklal Street in Istanbul
Taksim Square
Taksim Square is the beating heart of modern Istanbul and a center for transportation, culture, and public events and in the center of the square is the Republic Monument, a large statue commemorating the founding of the Turkish Republic and embodying the leaders of the national movement. Near the square is Gezi Park, a small green space that was the center of protests in 2013, as the square also houses the Ataturk Cultural Center, a multi-use building containing a theater and exhibition halls, and is considered an important cultural symbol in Istanbul and the square hosts many public events, festivals, cultural gatherings and celebrations.
Istiklal Street
Istiklal Street extends from Taksim Square to Galata Tower, and is considered one of the liveliest streets in Istanbul, as the street includes a variety of international and local stores, where visitors can buy clothes, accessories and souvenirs and there are many cafes and restaurants distributed along the street that serve local and international cuisine, making it an ideal place to taste different foods. The street also contains many cultural landmarks such as the Pera Library and the Church of San Antonio of Padua, in addition to cinemas and theatres, as the street is known for its lively nightlife scene, with nightclubs and bars abound and the historic tram that travels between both ends of the street adds a distinctive touch to the visitors’ experience.
Tourism in Taksim Square and Istiklal Street
Tourism in Taksim Square and Istiklal Street is characterized by a dynamic and diverse atmosphere, where locals meet tourists from all over the world, as the square and street represent a unique blend of history, culture and modern life, making them ideal destinations for a comprehensive Istanbul experience and the central location of Taksim Square and Istiklal Street makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of the city, with public transportation widely available.
The Maiden’s Tower in Mersin
The Maiden’s Tower, or as it is locally known as "Korkus Castle" (Kızkalesi), is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Mersin. This historic castle is located on a small island about 200 meters from the beach in Erdemli district, surrounded by the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, as the castle's unique location and enchanting legend make it a major attraction for visitors.
History and legend
The construction of Maiden’s Tower dates back to the Middle Ages, and was initially built as a defensive fortress to protect the coast from sea attacks and according to local legend, the castle was built by a king who wanted to protect his daughter from a prophecy predicting her death by a snakebite, as for this reason, he moved his daughter to the castle on the island, but the snake reached her via a fruit basket, fulfilling the prophecy.
Architecture and engineering
The castle features a unique architectural design that reflects the Byzantine and Ottoman styles and the castle consists of massive walls and high watchtowers, as well as stone corridors and strong ramparts. Visitors can explore the castle and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the sea and land from the top of the towers.
Tourism activities
Tours: Visitors can take tours inside the castle to learn about its history and explore its various parts.
Swimming and diving: The castle is surrounded by clear water, making it an ideal place for swimming and diving.
Cruises: Many cruises are organized from the shore to the island, providing visitors with the opportunity to see the castle from a different perspective and enjoy an enjoyable cruise.
Photography: The site offers stunning views that make it an ideal place for photography lovers.
Reaching the girl's castle
Maiden’s Tower can be easily reached from Mersin by car or bus, from the beach, visitors can rent a boat to reach the island, as boat transportation services are also available regularly during the tourist season.
With its different terrain, diversity of nature, and rich cultural heritage, Turkey stands out as an unparalleled tourist destination ranging from ancient temples, charming beaches, and lively markets, as it is a country worth exploring and enjoying, as it gives visitors the opportunity to explore natural and historical wonders, and enjoy unforgettable tourist experiences, as Turkey reflects its cultural diversity and natural beauty in every corner, making it one of the most exciting tourist destinations in the world.
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