Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey

Turkey is a land filled with wonders, each worth visiting especially by those who are there for the first time. There are 10 designated sites in the country so far, and while the lineup is quite impressive, here are the Top 5 Turkey UNESCO World Heritage Sites you might want to consider visiting first.

Goreme National Park

Within the rocky lands of the town of Cappadocia lies the Goreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Before it became a staple tourist attraction, it was named various names, including Maccan, Avcilar, Machan, Korama, and Matiana. It was only when Goreme Valley itself became a popular tourist destination did they settle with the name “Goreme” out of practical reasons. The many rock churches in the area is indicative of the influence of Christianity in the past.

But more than that these structures are also home to many lovely sights, such as the pigeon houses that are carved into the stone formations found within town.

Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital

This mosque and medical complex became a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in a 1985. The mosque part of the structure was built by the architect Hurremshah of Ahlat by order of Mengujekids ruler Ahment Shah, while the medical center was built alongside the mosque by order of Turan melek Sultan.

Together, these adjoining structures have become a place of extraordinary carvings and architecture in Anatolia, especially the geometrical and floral details at the main door.

Historical Spots in Istanbul

Almost, if not all, of the heart of Turkey’s economy, history, and culture, are found in Istanbul, the largest city of the country. And while the country itself has many hubs for entertainment and culture, its greatest attractions lie in its historic sites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

The city is home to prestigious symbols of Arab history like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. It’s the place to be if you want to revel in much of Turkey’s past.

Hattusa

Known as the Hitite Capital, Hattusa was the old Empire’s capital back in the Bronze Age.

The landscape is rich in agriculture, with fields ideal for pasture as well as woodlands, giving inhabitants access to rich amounts of timber for building homes and other structures. The area was also where major discoveries and finds took place, most of which are now distributed among museums in Ankara and Istanbul. It is also where the famous Sphinxes can be found. The Hattusa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Nemrut Dagi

Thos who will wake up early at 2 AM to trek Mount Nemrut to the top will not only be rewarded with a beautiful view of the sunrise, but get to see the majestic 9 meter statues of Antiochus, the descendant of Apollo, along with other gigantic statues arranged in such a beautiful way.

What most people now see as a beautiful summit was believed to once be an ancient burial site. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.