Discover timeless cultural heritage of Türkiye!
Cappadocia-The Land of Fairytales
Cappadocia is the name of the region created by the erosion of the soft layers formed by the lava and ashes sprayed by the volcanic mountains of Erciyes, Hasandağ and Güllüdağ, and shaped by rain, wind, and ice for millions of years.
The local people referred to these unique rock formations as "fairy chimneys", a name that has endured throughout the ages. If nature was the first artist to arrange the decor, it was Anatolian humankind who carved the rock and created Cappadocia as an open-air museum full of unparalleled natural and cultural phenomena.
Cappadocia, “the land of beautiful horses” as one interpretation of the name Katpatuka suggests, is the key to the myriad potential possibilities for exploring and experiencing this fantastic land, from riding to cycling, from exploration to sumptuous cuisine. No matter the season or time of year, this fantasy land has something to stimulate, captivate and invigorate the senses.
Pamukkale-The City Where History and Nature Meet
Located at the crossroads of Aegean, Central Anatolia and Mediterranean regions, at the junction point of Anatolia, Denizli has hosted many civilizations throughout history with its geographical location and natural beauty. Denizli where you can see the traces of many civilizations such as Hittite, Phrygian, Lydia, Roman and Byzantium, is known all over the world for Hierapolis Ancient City, included inUNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Denizli, located on the fertile soil of Lykos Valley, has a rich potential in terms of historical, archaeological, cultural and natural beauties.
Denizli city, located in the southwest of the Anatolian Peninsula, in the southeast of the Aegean Region, hosted many civilizations due to its communication and trade center location in ancient times. It is home to many important ancient cities such as Colossae, Tripolis, Laodikeia, Herakleia, Attuda, including the Ancient City of Hierapolis, which is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List with its natural and cultural heritage value. Being located at the end of the İzmir-Ephesus road known as the Holy Pilgrimage Road, hosting the Laodikeia Church, one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Bible, and being on the conquest and caravan routes give Denizli a special importance.
Denizli, located in Lykos (Çürüksu)Valley, an important settlement area of antiquity, attracts attention as an important attraction center of the Aegean Region with its white and red travertines, healing thermal waters, rich fauna and flora, green nature, eco tourism opportunities, rich cuisine culture, original handicrafts.
Ephesus- Exploring an Ancient City
Ephesus is one of the largest and most impressive ancient cities in the world and is one of Türkiye’s most significant ancient cities. Its cultural and historical significance was highlighted in its addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2015. Ephesus has been a city since neolithic times, but it came to full prominence under the Roman Empire, as the capital of Asia Minor. As the second most important city of the Roman Empire, Ephesus grew and prospered. Its populace was largely educated and wealthy, while its buildings were richly decorated and celebrated the interests and the good fortune of its inhabitants. Today, visitors come to see the city’s impressive historical imprint for themselves.
The city came to prominence under the ancient Greeks, who built the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only one column remains of the temple today, it was said to be very grand and impressive indeed.
After ebbs and flows in the city’s fortunes, Ephesus became a city under Roman rule in 133 BC and the Capital of Asia Minor in 27 BC. This is seen as a historical turning point for the city, which truly flourished and became second in importance only to Rome within the vast Roman Empire.
Sumela Monastery
Sümela Monastery, which is located on a steep and rocky area in Altındere Valley in the town of Maçka near the city of Trabzon, offers a combination of nature, history, and culture. It is believed that the monastery was constructed in the 4th century, although Alexios III Megas Komnenos (1349-1390) was the actual founder. The monastery is also known to locals as “Meryem Ana” (Virgin Mary). The majestic complex, built 1,200 meters above sea level, has been recently restored. Not far from Sümela Monastery, in the city of Trabzon, is Vazelon Monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in Anatolia. Also called “Zouvalon,” the monastery is believed to have been built around AD 270 and is dedicated to John the Baptist.
Aspendos Ancient Theatre
One of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world is in Aspendos, set in the Serik district of Antalya in the Mediterranean region. The most distinctive element of the city’s storied theatre – which has inspired numerous legends – are its superb acoustics. These skilfully devised acoustics have stood the test of time and can be experienced today at the Aspendos Theatre, which continues to host concerts and shows
Hagia Sophia-The Grand Wisdom
The magnificent Hagia Sophia was built at the behest of the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian in 537 BC and was then known as the Church of Holy Wisdom. Hagia Sophia is a remarkable testament to the ingenuity of Eastern Roman architects, built to a unique design for the time. A new chapter in its history began when Mehmed II had it converted into a mosque and painted over the golden mosaics and frescoes with Islamic motifs and patterns. Some of them have since been uncovered again and have survived for centuries under layers of plaster. The emperor also added massive panes of beautifully crafted calligraphy.