Turkey is considered the first destination for tourism. The foreigners who love nature and Historical places, prefer to visit this beautiful country.
In this article, we are going to high light the most beautiful tourist places in Turkey.
Tourist places in Istanbul:
Istanbul is one of the most beautiful tourist destination in Turkey. And it is the capital of tourism and economy of Turkey.
The importance of Istanbul comes according to its strategic geographical location, as it is located on the continents of Asia and Europe and overlooks the most important straits in Turkey and the world, which is the Bosphorus Strait.
Istanbul also has the most important elements to attract tourists from all over the world. Because it includes charming natural landmarks and archaeological sites that date back to ancient history.
Galata Tower:
Galata Tower is one of the most important tourist monuments in Turkey in Istanbul, and is located north of the Golden Horn.
It is visited by tourists from all over the world. Because of its historical importance.
The accounts differ from the date of construction of the tower, as some accounts say that it was built in the year 507 and the Byzantines named it after the Great Tower.
In 1384, the tower was rebuilt, taking its current shape, and it was repaired during the Ottoman era in 1509 by the architect Khair al-Din.
It is reported that Sultan Suleiman used the tower as a prison for convicts in the sixteenth century.
Over view:
The tower is located in Galata district, at the end of the famous Istiklal Street. The area is 35 meters above sea level, while the tower is about 69 meters high, its wall thickness is 3.57 meters, and its outer door is 16.45 meters long.
The tower consists of nine floors, and visitors can use the elevator to go up to the upper floors. there is also a restaurant on the last floor serving many traditional Turkish cuisine. Galata Tower has a panoramic view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. whereas visitors to Galata Tower can enjoy watching the wonderful city sights from the top of the tower.
Istanbul’s historical walls:
Before entering Istanbul, you will find at its entrance the walls of Constantinople. Stand tall, bearing witness to the ancient past of this authentic city.
The walls of Constantinople were built during the reign of Eastern Rome in the fifth century and Istanbul is surrounded by castles, walls and gates, and the number of its gates is about 60 gates. The walls of Istanbul are among the longest historical walls around the world
Its length is about 23 km, and 6 km of it extends along the coast of the Gulf of the Golden Horn, 9 km on the coast of the Marmara Sea and 8 km on the land borders of the ancient city.
Historical over view:
The first wall was built around Top Kapi Palace, Then the walls gradually expanded and took their current form in 439 AD during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II, and many modifications and additions followed over time.
The wall extending on the land borders of the city consisted of an inner wall and an outer wall separated by a trench, and included 96 towers. The wall extending on the Gulf coast consists of 94 towers, and the Marmara Wall includes 10 towers.
It was not easy to enter Constantinople, as it was fortified by high walls, Entry to it was only possible through 50 gates that extended along the wall. A number of them have survived to this day.
The walls of Istanbul today:
Throughout the ages, Istanbul has been subjected to many attempts to storm and besiege, but it has remained steadfast
Until it was conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453 AD.
After that, Istanbul expanded, its neighborhoods extended, and construction flourished in it. Despite this expansion, the old city remained, maintaining its importance and being a strategic center for trade and place that attract the tourists who visit Turkey.
Rumley Hisar Castle in Turkey:
Castles and towers extend on the edges of the wall, the most important of which is Rumley Hisar Castle, which witnessed the conquest of Constantinople and played an important role at that stage.
The castle was built by Sultan Mohammad Alfatih in 4 months and was the starting point for the conquest of Constantinople.
Its walls are 82 meters high, in that era, it was one of the miracles of architecture in terms of engineering and speed of achievement.
Constantinople, with all its history and the magic of nature, remains the first destination for tourists who loves history and nature.
kapalı çarşı:
The history of the construction of the market dates back to 1461 AD, after the conquest of Constantinople by Sultan Mehmed in Turkey.
Where he ordered to build a commercial market serving the area of Hagia Sophia and Sultan Ahmed. It was initially built of wood, then it was modified and stones were used in its structure, and soon it was increasing and expanding little by little until it became the main market for the capital of the Ottoman Caliphate.
The market’s merchants built a roof for it, and it became completely covered in order to protect shoppers from the sun and rain.
The kapalı çarşı in Turkey is considered one of the largest markets in the world. it consists of 60 streets.
Overview:
The market area is approximately 30 hectares. It is famous for the variety of products offered by the shops, as well as craft shops whose owners have practiced many crafts. Each section of the market is named according to the trades spread in the section, such as the gold market, the silver market, the fabric market, the spice market, and others.
The market is also surrounded by 18 main gates, the most important of which are Bab Nur Osmaniyeh, which has the emblem of the Ottoman Empire painted on its facade, Bab Al-Munajjideen, Bab Mahmoud Pasha, and Bab Bayezid.
Inside the market there are four fountains, two mosques, and many restaurants and cafes that attract tourists.
Kapalı çarşı in Turkey is a tourist destination:
The Grand Bazaar is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Turkey. It receives more than half a million visitors daily, between foreign tourists and local residents who buy their needs from the big market.
One of the most prominent features of the Grand Bazaar is its unique location in the heart of the historical city in the center of Istanbul.
It is one of the most important historical monuments in Istanbul and has a great moral value for the Turks, and it was once a center for the stock exchange in the Ottoman era.
Misir market:
It is located in Turkey, in the Eminonu district and is considered the second largest market in Istanbul.
It was built during the reign of Sultan Murad III in 1597 AD.
It contains many shops that sell different types and varieties of spices, natural herbs, nuts, dairy and cheese, famous Turkish sweets such as Turkish delight, Turkish lokum, honey and dried fruits.
Inside the market there are shops selling authentic Turkish gold and luxury gift shops (fabrics, carpets, and glassware decorated with Ottoman drawings), in addition to textile and bathrobe shops.
Arasta Market:
It is a market specialized in selling handicrafts, and it is located on the northern side of Torun Street, right behind the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
It has more than 70 shops. In the Ottoman era, the supplies of cavalry soldiers (Sepahi) were sold, and therefore it is also called the Sepahi Market.
Sahavelaar Market in Turkey:
It is a book market that dates back to the Byzantine times. it is one of the oldest markets that sells books, newspapers and papers in Turkey.
It is located near the Beyazit Mosque. It also maintains its old style. The market attracts lovers of old books and historical manuscripts, and it is one of the most beautiful tourist and cultural places in Istanbul that you can visit.
If you are visiting Turkey for tourism and enjoy discovering its beautiful landmarks, or for real estate investment and looking for property in Istanbul for sale, you must visit its historical markets and enjoy a shopping tour.
Emirgan Park:
It is considered one of the largest parks in Istanbul, and the most beautiful in Turkey and Europe.
It covers an area of 470,000 square meters and is surrounded by high walls. There are many lakes, waterfalls, rivers and trees. It is characterized by the beauty of coordinating roses and flowers in it. The garden overlooks the Bosphorus
There is a large area on the ground to play chess, in addition to the places designated for children to play.
There are restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal.
The park is available to visit all days of the week from seven in the morning until ten in the evening Istanbul time.
Botanical Garden in Başakşehir:
The Botanical Garden is located in the European side of Istanbul in Başakşehir district. It covers an area of 380,000 square meters.
Inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on November 17, 2018.
The garden is the largest botanical garden in the world and one of the most beautiful gardens in Turkey in Istanbul.
It is dotted with rare trees and plants, and in the middle of it is a large fountain and a square that is twice as much as the famous Taksim Square.
In addition to cafes and restaurants scattered on its outskirts.
Yildiz Park:
It is located on the banks of the Bosphorus near Yildiz Palace in the Besiktas region in Istanbul in Turkey.
It is characterized by a variety of different trees, flowers and plants that were brought from all over the world. Some are rare and others date back to the Ottoman era.
The park includes artificial rivers and lakes containing a variety of fish and flocks of ducks. Besides trees (lavender, raspberry, pine, Chinese umbrella).
It is worth noting that the park is available to visit all days of the week all the time.
Gülhane Park:
it is located on the European side of Istanbul in Turkey, next to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, in the back area of the famous Top Kapi Palace Museum.
Gülhane, which in English means the place of roses and was named so because it contains different numbers and types of roses and flowers.
It was previously called by many names over the years: family garden, the flower house, children’s garden, the celebrity garden, ,the philosophers’ garden, and the writers’ garden.
Gülhane Park was opened to visitors for the first time in 1926 AD, and the garden has been updated several times, beginning with its arrangement as an official garden for the Top Kapi Palace, to the present day as a public garden.
Belgrade Forest in Istanbul:
Belgrade Forest is located in the northern part of Istanbul in Turkey, and extends over an area of 5300 hectares and is a nature reserve for many types of plants and animals.
The Belgrade forests are characterized by the beauty of their nature, where there are different types of oak, beech and chestnut trees, which are the lungs of Istanbul, a park for locals and a destination for foreign tourists who love nature.
While wandering through the forests of Belgrade, you can enjoy watching various species of animals, reptiles and wild birds such as ducks that inhabit the forests of Belgrade and swim in its lakes.
Activities in the forest:
You can visit the Ataturk Arboretum, which is located within the forests, which contains rare plant species and about two thousand types of unique local and international flowers and roses.
We advise you to take a tour in the forest, hike by bike or ride a horse, and if you are a camping lover, it will be fun to spend a distinguished camping trip in the woods with a delicious meal of grilled meat in the open air.
Khedive Palace:
Khedive Palace is located in Turkey in Istanbul city in Beykoz district on the Asian side of Istanbul. It was built in 1907 by the famous Italian architect “Delfo Semenati” by order of the Khedive of Egypt “Abbas Helmy Pasha”.
Khedive Abbas Pasha lived there with his family after he was isolated by a decision of Sultan Rashad V during Egypt’s declaration of its independence from the Ottoman Empire.
One of the most prominent features of the Khedive Palace is the large garden that surrounds the palace and contains many types of trees, roses and rare plants.
Engineering and design:
The palace was built in the Western style, and covers an area of about 1,000 square meters. When you enter the palace, you will be amazed by the gold-plated door decorated with special symbols. At the top of it, a crown is drawn, and at the bottom is a crescent and three stars, symbolizing the freedom of the Ottoman Empire.
The walls of the palace were also decorated with various drawings and decorations, and the palace is characterized by its high tower that overlooks the Bosphorus Strait.
There are four salons, including the crystal, alabaster and wooden salon, in addition to two large rooms.
Bosphorus strait in Istanbul:
It is the waterway that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, and divides Istanbul into two parts, one in the European continent and the other in the Asian continent.
The length of the Bosphorus is about 27 km, its width from the northern entrance of the Black Sea is about 3.9 km, and its narrowest parts range between 640 to 700 meters only, and the depth of the water in the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul ranges from 36 to 122 meters.
The strait includes two main ports in Istanbul, the Golden Horn, the western port, and Haydarpasa Port in the eastern part, located on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Bosphorus bridges:
The government in Turkey built three bridges over the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, in order to facilitate the process of traveling by land between parts of Istanbul, instead of sea transportation.
July 15 Martyrs’ Bridge “Bosphorus Bridge”:
The story of the suspension bridge that connects the two sides of Istanbul in Turkey began since the time of Sultan Abdul Hamid II.
Who developed plans and designs in order to connect the two continents with a corridor that facilitates the movement of traffic and saves time and effort for the residents. However, that dream remained captive to the schemes and drawers of the Sultan.
In 1970, the first suspension bridge was built over the Bosphorus (the Bosphorus Bridge), which is known today as the July 15 Martyrs Bridge.
The Bosphorus Bridge connects the Black Sea from the north with the Sea of Marmara from the south.
Sultan Mehmed Al-Fateh Bridge:
The Turkish government has built another bridge over the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul in Turkey, in order to relieve the July 15 Martyrs’ Bridge, which witnessed traffic congestion as a result of the increase in population in Istanbul
The Sultan Mehmed Al-Fateh Bridge was opened in 1988, and its height is 105 meters from the ground and 64 meters from the surface of the water, and the distance between its two towers is 1090 meters.
It is also ranked fourteenth on the list of the longest suspension bridges in the world.
The Sultan Mehmed Al-Fateh Bridge added an amazing artistic touch to the waters of the Bosphorus, and was designed by the same company that built the first Bosphorus Bridge. The cost of its establishment amounted to 130 million dollars.
Sultan Yavuz Selim Bridge in Turkey:
Sultan Yavuz Selim Bridge is one of the largest suspension bridges in the world, with a length of about 2164 meters, and the columns of the bridge are the highest in the world with a height of 322 meters. It is the longest suspension bridge in the world supported by railway tracks. It was inaugurated on August 26, 2016 in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Marmaris City in Turkey:
Marmaris is located in the southwest of Turkey, on the coast of the Aegean Sea, in the area where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean.
Administratively, Marmaris belongs to the Turkish province of Mugla.
It is about 785 km from Istanbul. According to the statistics of 2013, the population of Marmaris is about 85 thousand people.
Marmaris city in Turkey is characterized by the beauty of its nature and moderate climate, and it includes the most beautiful tourist places in Turkey.
Historical overview:
The history of Marmaris dates back to many years BC. According to some historical studies, it is said that the people of Kar were the first to inhabit Marmaris, and therefore it was called in that era as “Karia”, and was later known as “Viscus”.
Over the centuries many palaces and buildings were built in them. which have survived to this day bearing traces of several civilizations that passed through the city.
The city entered under Ottoman rule in 1522 AD during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
The English fleet, led by Lord Nelson, took the port of Marmaris as a garrison while he was heading to fight the armies of Napoleon Bonaparte in Egypt in 1798 AD.
Tourist Attractions:
Marmaris has many tourist attractions which are considered the best tourist places in Turkey, including:
Marmaris Castle:
It is an ancient historical castle that was built by the Greeks. Then it was destroyed and rebuilt in 1522 by order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, as it was used as a military base at that time.
The castle contains many archaeological and artistic exhibits of carpets, copper, weapons, jewelry and antique coins
Dalian region:
its fame is due to the rock paintings carved in the high mountains, and this region can be reached by riding yachts and enjoying a wonderful cruise that ends with turtle beach and a rare group of sea creatures.
Marmaris Bazaar:
It is one of its most popular markets in Turkey, and includes more than a thousand stores, in which you will find everything that comes to your mind. It is one of the favorite destinations for Marmaris visitors to shop and buy souvenirs.
You can also visit the Aqua Dream Marmaris water park to enjoy special water games and spend beautiful and unforgettable times with friends and family.
Have you visited Mersin in Turkey before?
Mersin is located in southern Turkey, and locals call it the “Pearl of the Mediterranean”.
It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is famous for its port, which is one of the largest in Turkey. Because of its strategic location, Mersin has been considered one of the most important cities in Turkey since ancient times.
Mersin witnessed the civilizations of many nations and was part of it, including the Seleucids, Greeks, Persians, Assyrians, Greeks, Ptolemies and Macedonians.
Historical overview:
Mersin was considered the center of several civilizations, and in 1473 the Ottomans took control of it and Sultan Selim officially annexed it in 1517 to rule the Ottoman Empire.
In 1918 it was occupied by France and Britain in accordance with the Treaty of Severus, and the Turkish army was able to restore it in 1820.
Mersin Province was created in 1924 and merged with Aysel Province to form the Greater Mersin Province.
The most important tourist places in Mersin in Turkey:
Mersin Coast:
which is characterized by calm and purity, and includes many luxury and cheap hotels at the same time.
Tarsus Museum:
It was established in 1971, when the Turkish government collected the historical monuments and monuments of the civilizations that settled in Mersin and put them in the museum. The museum was named after the Tarsus Mountain range, which starts from Mersin and ends in Lebanon.
Maamoura Castle:
It is a huge fortress dating back to the Roman civilization. It was built with the aim of protecting the city from the sea side. The castle represents a wonderful architectural model that shows the creativity of previous nations in construction and engineering.
Gosco River:
It originates in the Tarsus Mountains and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. It is distinguished by its length as it passes throughout the city.
The Historic City of Kentless: Its construction dates back to the Roman civilization. It includes an amphitheater, palaces, baths, houses carved in rocks, and many monasteries found among the mountains.
Sapanca lake in Turkey:
Sapanca is one of the most important tourist places in Turkey and is characterized by a beautiful nature.
Sapanca is located 138 km from Istanbul, between the Gulf of Izmit and the Adabazar meadow area. It has an area of about 45 km and is characterized by its fresh water, which reaches a depth of 52 meters.
It is intended for tourists from all over the world to enjoy in summer and winter. Where snow covers the highest mountains in the region, making it a destination for ski lovers.
When you visit Sapanca Lake, you can rent a boat for a wonderful tour to enjoy the beautiful scenery where the lake is surrounded by mountains and green hills.
Tourist places in Sapanca in Turkey:
When you visit Sapanca Lake, you will have a lot of activities to do
Here are some of the tourist places that we advise you to visit in Sapanca:
Kartepe Mountains:
Mount Kartepe is located in the eastern region of Kogali Bay, overlooking the town of Sapanca and its famous lake. The height of the mountain is 1650 meters, and it is covered with trees.
Tourists visit it to enjoy nature and go on a safari trip by renting safari vehicles to go on an exciting mountain trip and go on an adventure. Ski enthusiasts visit it in the winter to practice their favorite sports.
Spanca chairlifts:
You must try riding the Sapanca chairlifts, which starts from the city center and reaches the top of Mount Kartepe. It will be a special tour in which you will discover the landmarks of the town and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful landscapes.
Zoo in Sapanca:
If you are a lover of animal, you have to visit Sapanca zoo.
In this unique reserve, you will see about 200 species of wild animals and 250 species of rare plants and flowers.
This park is one of the largest botanical zoos in Turkey.
It is worth noting. The Bird Garden, which contains over 200 species, is classified among the most beautiful Sapanca gardens.
Mashukia village:
This village is considered one of the most beautiful Turkish villages, and it has orchards and is characterized by its vast forests and charming natural waterfalls.
Rize city in Turkey:
Rize is located in the eastern part of the north of Turkey, on the coast of the Black Sea.
The city is famous for its tea cultivation, as it is the first source of tea in Turkey, and it has been called the Tea City.
The Greeks inhabited it during ancient times, and they named it Risa, which means in Greek the beauty of the mountains.
The Greek rule of the city continued for a long period, then the Byzantines took control of it until 1080 AD, when the Seljuk Turks were able to conquer it and annex it to the cities under their control.
The most famous tourist places in Rize:
Ayder Village:
It is located on a green plateau and is dotted with farms and waterfalls, surrounded by valleys, plains and mountains.
In the village there are hot baths that tourists come to for recreation and recovery. It is also visited by fans of kayaking to practice it across the river between Ayder and Trabzon.
The village is famous for producing the best types of Turkish honey. There are stalls selling honey on the town’s roads, and honey is exported abroad.
Black Sea Coast:
The Black Sea is distinguished by its purity and beauty. You can stay in one of the Rize hotels and resorts or one of its country houses overlooking the Black Sea coast.
Galen Tulu Falls: It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls that you may see in your life and extends across the Ayder Mountains among green trees to form an amazing painting.
Chagran Kaya Peak:
Chagran Kaya is one of the best tourist places in Turkey. You will live among the clouds and white clouds surround you from every direction with a unique view of a piece of paradise. With family and friends, you will enjoy barbecue parties in the arms of nature.
Rize Castle:
It is located on a tree-covered hill southwest of Rize and rises 150 meters above sea level
A visit to the castle will take you back to antiquity and enjoy the panoramic view of the city of Rize while you sip your coffee in the cafe on top of the castle.
Wadi Shat Village:
It is one of the most beautiful villages in Rize, in the middle of a group of green and high mountain ranges, and it is a distinctive destination for lovers of pristine nature.
Fethiye in Turkey:
Fethiye is located in the west of Turkey, administratively affiliated to Mugla State in the Aegean region, with an area of 3,059 km and a population of about 147,000 people, according to the 2016 census.
Fethiye is considered a global tourist resort inhabited by many famous and rich people in the world, and it is one of the popular tourist places for European tourists in addition to local tourists.
Tourist Attractions:
Old city:
Fethiye area consists of a group of picturesque small islands and quiet bays surrounded by green terrain. The old city of Fethiye is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Turkey, with its roofed markets, vegetable and fruit markets, and cafes that line the street, shaded by lush trees and decorated with colorful roses.
The old city also includes a lot of shops selling handicrafts, carpets and luxurious cloth.
Telmessos:
The ancient city of Telmessos is about 30 km from Fethiye, and it is one of the oldest historical monuments in Turkey. In the vicinity of the ruins, there is the valley “Saklikent”, which is surrounded by rocks with a height of 200 meters and extends about 2 km and is interspersed with water and waterfalls.
The valley:
You can take a wonderful tour in the valley and the sidewalk next to the mountain will accompany you all the way on your pleasant journey. Make sure to put cameras and phones in plastic bags to prevent wetness and slipping, and at the end of the road there are beautiful restaurants overlooking the swimming pools.
The Gulf of Olu Deniz
The Gulf of Olu Deniz is one of the most popular places for paragliding enthusiasts to jump from a height of 1500 meters on the clear water beach. The area includes the “Blue Lake”, around which there are private sandy beaches and a number of delicious Turkish kebab restaurants, in addition to sailing boats and sun umbrellas.
Activities to do:
Other beautiful beaches are Calis Beach, which has a long promenade and a large gathering of luxury hotels and restaurants, and Kabak Koyo beach, which is 30 km from Fethiye, and is suitable for escaping the congestion and noise. A boat trip can be taken to Gemiler Island, where there are a number of monuments. value and crowded restaurants, and do not forget to finally visit the ghost town “Kayakoy” which is 10 minutes away from the “Hisarunu” area.
Trabzon:
Trabzon is located in the north-east of Turkey, overlooking the Black Sea.
It is famous for its beautiful nature, its mild climate in summer and is considered a destination for tourists from all over the world.
Among the most prominent features of the Pearl of the Black Sea are the green mountains and plateaus, which constitute 77% of its area and include 12 natural rivers, and Uzungu Lake, which increases its charm.
It has abundant rainfall throughout the year, and snow falls during the winter. Ski lovers come to visit Trabzon to enjoying skiing in the mountains.
ancient historical monuments:
Trabzon Castle: It was built in the Ottoman era and is one of the most important monuments of Trabzon.
Trabzon Museum: It includes various antiquities from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.
Sumala Temple: It is located on the slope of Mount Sumala and was built in the fourteenth century.
Badistan Market: It dates back to the Ottoman era, and you can find different handicrafts and merchandise in it.
Gulbahar Khatun Mosque: It dates back to the Ottoman era and is an archaeological mosque overlooking the Black Sea from among the green hills.
Cappadocia:
Cappadocia is famous for its unique geological features and archaeological historical monuments. The topography of the region consists of conical rock formations formed by the erosion of volcanic ash over the ages. It is an archaeological city inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Cappadocia includes many cities hidden underground, which were dug between the rock formations by different civilizations that succeeded in the region.
In addition to the ancient houses, labyrinths, caves, ancient churches, and natural mountain chimneys known as fairy chimneys.
The deep valleys are one of the most important tourist attractions in Cappadocia, and they are visited by tourists who love archeology, lovers of mountain nature, and amateur balloon rides.
Mount Nemrut:
Mount Nemrut is located 40 km north of Kahta near Adiyaman Province in southeastern Turkey, and is considered one of the best open-air museums in the world.
The height of the mountain reaches two thousand meters, and on its summit sits a group of rocky slabs from the ruins of the Commagene Kingdom, which dates back to the first century BC.
As for the eastern and western parts of the mountain, there are stands containing statues in the form of lions and falcons, huge statues of several gods, statues of men and a statue of a woman.
These stands lead to an open temple, known as the Royal Temple, which is guarded by two large statues of lions and two other statues of falcons, along with many statues of Greek and Roman deities.
