Archeological Sites to Discover in Anatolia

The land where the country Turkey is today has been a home to many different civilizations throughout the history. From the ancient cities of the Hattian to magnificent structures of the Byzantine Empire, Anatolia is a gem for the archeology and history lovers. Today there are many sites open to tourists and new are being discovered every year. So, why not pack your bags for a different holiday this year where you can feel like Indiana Jones exploring the mysteries of the ancient civilizations:) and you do not need to give up your tan or the beach to have a holiday filled with knowledge, I assure you that there will be still plenty of time left for you to enjoy the beach or catch the sunset with a glass of wine.

Top 10 Locations to Visit

Ephesus : One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, dating back to 12 C BC. The City was an important trade and religious center in antiquity.

Pergamum: It is an acropolis. The city was an administrational center during the Roman period and was also famous for its library. Physician Galen was also born here.

Troy: Troy is one of the most famous cities in history. It dates back to 4th millenium BC. Homer first mentioned the story of Troy in the Iliad and Odyssey.

Commagene - Mt.Nemrut: One of the most spectacular sites in Turkey especially at sunset. Commagene Kingdom was a strategic crossroad on the important trade routes between Syria, Mesopotamia and Rome.

Catalhoyuk: It is one of the most important Neolithic settlements of the world dating back 4th Millenium BC.

Priene: The city was well-planned and executed. It is a very good example of Greek Architecture dating back 7th C BC.

Uluburun-Kas: The Institute of Nautical Archaeology's (INA) shipwreck excavation in 1980s brought to light one of the wealthiest and largest known collections of Late Bronze Age items found in the Mediterranean.

Sardis: It was the capital of Lydia. In the 7th C BC the Lydians invented the first coinage in history. The King Croesus controlled most of western Asia Minor in 6th C BC.

Hattusas-Bogazkoy: It was the chief center of the Hittite Empire. The principal Hittite inscriptions on 10,000 tablets were found here in early 20th C.

Aphrodisias: The ancient city of Aphrodisias, dedicated to the goddess of love Aphrodite. The City has the best-preserved stadium in Asia Minor.

İstanbul Archaeology Museums

Cankurtaran Mahallesi, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turquie

Aspendos

Sarıabalı Mahallesi, Aspendos Yolu, 07500 Serik/Antalya, Turquie

The House of the Virgin Mary

Sultaniye Mahallesi, 35922 Selçuk/İzmir, Turquie

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

Acarlar Mahallesi, Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turquie

The Apollo Temple of Side

Side Mahallesi, 07330 Manavgat/Antalya, Turquie

Mount Nemrut National Park

Mount Nemrut, 02400 Kayadibi Köyü/Kâhta/Adıyaman Province, Turquie

Visit Aphrodisias, the ancient city of love

Geyre, Geyre Mahallesi, 09385 Karacasu/Aydın, Turquie

Archaeological Site of Troy

17100 Tevfikiye Köyü/Çanakkale Merkez/Çanakkale, Turquie