Turkey Guide
17 things not to miss
It's not possible to see everything Turkey has to offer in one trip – and we don't suggest you try. What follows is a selective and subjective taste of the country's highlights: outstanding buildings and historic sites, natural wonders and exciting activities. They're all arranged in five colour-coded categories to help you find the very best things to see, do and experience. All entries have a reference to take you straight into the Guide, where you can find out more.
1 Nemrut Dağı • Monumental mountain-top temple-tomb complex, built by Antiochus I (64–38 BC), a little-known but vain and arrogant ruler of the kingdom of Commagene, in a remote area of southeastern Turkey.
2 Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara • Housing finds of all native cultures from the Stone Age to about 700 BC, this superb museum is the one must-see in the capital.
3 Acropolis of ancient Pergamon • Pergamon was one of the chief Roman cities of Anatolia, and extensive ruins remain; shown here is the restored Trajan temple.
4 Byzantine frescoes, Cappadocia • About 150 of Cappadocia's rock-hewn churches contain fine examples of early Christian frescoes; shown is an example from the most-visited Göreme complex.
5 Roman theatre at Aspendos • The best way to appreciate the largest and best-preserved theatre in Anatolia is by attending the summertime opera and ballet festival.
6 Hittite capital of Hattuşa • The second-millennium-BC capital of the Hittites still impresses, with perimeter walls extending to six kilometres.
7 Acropolis of ancient Assos • At the summit, with views of Greek Lésvos, stands this restored Doric Athena temple; the architecturally preserved medieval village occupies the slopes below.
8 Ancient Ephesus • This major Aegean city was inextricably linked with the history of early Christianity; St Paul addressed one of his epistles to its citizens.
9 Koza Hanı, Bursa • The silk-cocoon auction which takes place in this fifteenth-century han during early summer is the basis for one of Turkey's distinctive natural crafts.
10 Aya Sofya museum, Istanbul • The seemingly unsupported dome of Aya Sofya, built during the sixth century as a Byzantine church, is one of the architectural marvels of the world.
11 Kapalı Çarşı, Istanbul • The hard sell reaches its apotheosis in what's claimed to be the largest covered bazaar in the world. Touristy but still compelling.
12 Whirling dervishes • Members of a sect founded by the Konya-based Sufi mystic Mevlâna conduct "turning" ceremonies to effect union with God.
13 Orthodox monastery of Sumela • Built into the side of a palisade high up in the Pontic mountains, this Byzantine foundation harbours excellent if damaged frescoes.
14 Fairy chimneys • Cones of volcanic tuff, often with basalt slabs teetering on top, make a bizarre spectacle in the geological fantasy landscape of Cappadocia.
15 Kaçkar Dağları • Lying just inland from the Black Sea, this glacially sculpted granite mountain-range, spangled with dozens of lakes, is Turkey's premier trekking venue.
16 Antakya Archeological Museum • A unique collection of mosaics unearthed from the villas of Roman and Byzantine Antioch are well displayed in one of Turkey's finest provincial museums.
17 Riverbank culture at Amasya • The tombs of the ancient Pontic kings are juxtaposed with graceful Ottoman mansions along the Yeşılırmak in Amasya.