Ancient ruins in Turkey

Ancient Ruins and Archaeology

This collection spans millennia of Anatolian history, from the Neolithic settlements of Çayönü and Hacılar Mound to the architectural heights of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. It features the massive Greco-Roman theater at Perge, the underground cisterns of Istanbul, and the Roman frontier fortress of Dara. Explore ancient trade hubs like Kültepe, the mosaic-rich Roman city of Sobesos, and medieval defensive structures including Alanya's Red Tower and the Byzantine fortress of Charsianon.

Ancient Ruins and Archaeology — Map

Myrabella / Public domain

A

Hagia Sophia

Historic architectural masterpiece that has served as a church, mosque, and museum, renowned for its Byzantine architecture and cultural significance.

Gryffindor / Public domain

B

Topkapı Palace

Historic Ottoman palace and former royal residence featuring centuries-old architecture and extensive imperial collections, now functioning as a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gryffindor / Public domain

C

Sultan Ahmet Square

Historic square featuring notable monuments and remnants of an ancient sports and social center. It reflects both Byzantine and Ottoman architectural influences.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

D

Cistern of Philoxenos

Byzantine underground cistern featuring 224 columns and notable Byzantine architecture. It serves as an archaeological site and museum showcasing ancient water storage engineering.

travisreitter / CC BY-SA 2.0

E

The Blue Mosque

Historic Ottoman mosque known for its six minarets and intricate blue tile interior decoration. It is an active place of worship and a significant example of Ottoman architecture.

Nevit Dilmen / CC-BY-SA-3.0

F

Dara

Dara or Daras was an important East Roman fortress city in northern Mesopotamia on the border with the Sassanid Empire.

G

Meydancık Castle

Meydancık Castle is a castle ruin in Mersin Province, Turkey. The original name was Kirshu and the name of the ruin during Ottoman times…

H

Red Tower

The Red Tower is a historical tower in the Turkish city of Alanya. The building is considered to be the symbol of the city, and is used on…

Rene Nueesch / CC BY 3.0

I

Perge Theatre

Second-century Roman theater with a seating capacity of approximately 15,000. The structure is noted for its well-preserved stage building formerly decorated with elaborate marble reliefs depicting mythological scenes and Dionysian themes.

J

Sobesos

Late Roman archaeological site in Cappadocia featuring a bath complex, a meeting hall with intricate floor mosaics, and a subterranean tomb system dating to the 4th and 5th centuries.

Anadolu / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Kültepe

Kültepe, also known under its ancient name Kaneš or Neša, is an archaeological site in Kayseri Province, Turkey.

Nevit Dilmen / CC-BY-SA-3.0

L

Dara

Dara or Daras was an important East Roman fortress city in northern Mesopotamia on the border with the Sassanid Empire.

Ansgar Bovet / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Kyaneai

Cyaneae, also spelled Kyaneai or Cyanae, was a town of ancient Lycia, or perhaps three towns known collectively by the name.

Marcus Cyron / CC-BY-SA-3.0

N

Myus

Myus, sometimes Myous or Myos, or Myes, was an ancient Greek city in Caria.

Krähenstein / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

Çayönü

Çayönü Tepesi is a Neolithic settlement in southeastern Turkey which prospered from circa 8,630 to 6,800 BC.

sailko / CC BY 2.5

P

Hacılar Mound

Hacilar is an early human settlement in southwestern Turkey, 23 km south of present-day Burdur.

Q

Ehmedek

Seljuk-era fortification within the Alanya Castle complex, built on Hellenistic foundations. It served as a secondary citadel and administrative residence, featuring three distinct towers and defensive walls overlooking the harbor.

R

Charsianon

Charsianon was the name of a Byzantine fortress and the corresponding theme in the region of Cappadocia in central Anatolia.

Nasuh / CC-BY-SA

S

Cibyra

Cibyra or Kibyra, also referred to as Cibyra Magna, was an Ancient Greek city near the modern town of Gölhisar, in Burdur Province.

T

Syedra

Syedra was an ancient port city in region of ancient Cilicia, Pamphylia, or Isauria, on the southern coast of modern-day Turkey between the…

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