Discover 5 mesmerizing cities around Türkiye

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anliurfa – the oldest holy city in the world

Sanliurfa is a tourist attraction that’s filled with history, located in east Türkiye next to Syria. It is located in the midst of the desert, causing the temperature to be both very hot and very cold. However, it is home to a large number of archaeological sites including the Abraham Pool, a holy pool that locals as well as Muslims and tourists like to visit. The location also includes a garden, mosque, ancient city wall and market. There’s also a holy castle that was built 800 years BC.

Tips
Located just 10 kilometers from the city is Gobekli Tepe, an 11,000-year-old construction believed to be the home of prehistoric inhabitants.

Adiyaman – the wonder of the secret tomb at the top of the hill

If you are going to visit Nemrut Peak, which is home to a large stone head statue (It is believed to be a statue of the gods and dates back to BC era), at an altitude of 2,134 meters, southeast of Türkiye. Traveling to Adiyaman is the most convenient route, because we will continue driving for about 80 kilometers and we will reach our destination.

Most tourists like to watch the sunrise or sunset from the top of the mountain, as well as traveling around the area where there are many ancient Roman ruins located. The best time to climb Mount Nemrut is from April to October. During winter, the mountain peaks and statues are covered with a thick layer of snow and are not suitable for visiting.

Antalya – taking a break at a chic beach resort

This is a charming resort town by the Mediterranean Sea that combines the old Antalya town with a bustling tourist beach city. The old city is popular for its hotels, restaurants and archaeological sites that blend in harmoniously. A good example is the Hadrian’s Gate which was built during Roman times. If you walk towards the Roman Harbour it is possible to take a cruise to see the beauty of the cliffs and waterfalls on the south end. In the city, there is an old tram that stops at every important tourist spot, making it convenient for travelers.

Cappadocia – Spectacular Balloon ride

Cappadocia is a city that takes up thousands of square miles and boasts spectacular terrain built by nature. Highlights include the Fairy Chimney that was formed by wind, rainstorm, water current, sunlight and snow to become wonderous art forms such as stone bars, tents and domes, apart from other shapes. Another highlight is Goreme, an ancient city built by cave dwellers that is divided into rooms as well as a small charge. The main activity for tourists is to get on a hot air balloon and witness the marvelous scenery.

Cappadocia is easy to visit, with two airports – Kayseri and Nevsehir located just 30 minutes away.

Izmir – the old city from the Roman era

The ancient city of Ephesus is now part of Izmir. It is considered to be the most important city of the ancient western world. A little further on is one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world – the Temple of Artemis built as an offering to the Greek moon god Artemis. Another highlight of Izmir that should be seen is the House of the Virgin Mary, which is said to be the final resting place of the Virgin Mary, including where her body was buried. This place was discovered in 1891 and is located on a high valley.

Tips
The House of Virgin Mary is open to people of all religions. Visitors can light candles and pray, while many drink holy water from the sacred fountain of the “Water of Mary”, believed to have healing properties and can grant wishes with regards to wealth and fertility.

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