5 Ancient Cities to See in Türkiye

From lost cities to ruins from the Roman Empire

By Google Arts & Culture

Boğazköy-Hattuşa, 12 gods in chamber B of YazılıkayaThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye

Türkiye is a treasure trove of ancient history and heritage sites, with ruins around the country giving us a glimpse into the past. Let's take a look at five ancient cities with stories waiting to be discovered.

Library of Celsus, EphesusThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye

1. Ephesus

Take a journey back in time to discover the World Heritage Site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. Explore the ancient ruins.

Gymnasium (Sardis)The Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye

2. Sardis

Home to King Croesus and Alexander the Great, Sardis was once a leading city in the ancient world. From the Lydian Empire to the Roman Republic, discover the city's treasures.

General View of Göbeklitepe Excavation Site (Temples)The Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye

3. Göbeklitepe

Göbeklitepe is an archaeological site in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye that is believed to be the world's oldest temple. See how this archaeological discovery changed the history of humanity.

Ancient City of Sagalassos by Bruno VandermeulenWorld Monuments Fund

4. Sagalassos

Nestled in the Turkish mountains, the ancient city of Sagalassos goes back 12,000 years when the first traces of hunter/gatherers were discovered. Explore the ruins of Sagalassos.

Boğazköy-Hattuşa, The Sphinx Gate after restorationThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye

5. Hattusha Boğazköy

Founded around 1650 BC, Hattusha was the capital of the Hittite Empire and became a cultural hub for arts and architecture at the time. Step inside the lost city nestled in the Turkish Countryside.

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