Turkey: Places to Visit

A Seljuk-period caravanserai constructed between 1231–1232 by I. Alâeddin Keykubad along the banks of the Alara River between Alanya and Antalya, characterized by its symmetrical compartmentalization plan centered on an open courtyard and enclosed hall, lion-headed corbeling, and fountain iwan—representing one of the most distinctive Seljuk caravanserais.

Evdir Han, a pioneering example of Anatolian Seljuk caravanserai architecture with its open courtyard plan, four main iwan, marble portal, seven-tier muqarnas corbeling, and mihrab niches, constructed by Sultan I. Izzeddin Keykavus between 1211-1220.

A unique example of Seljuk caravanserai architecture from the reign of Sultan II. Gıyâseddin Keyhusrev (1237-1246), characterized by its single-aisled vaulted plan, fortified towers, and mosque tower, representing an atypical coastal menzil and ribat.

Erected during the reign of Sultan Ghiyath al-Din Kaykhusraw II in Bucak, Burdur, Susuz Han stands out with its monumental five-aisle covered hall, protective dragon and angel reliefs, and masterfully integrated ancient spolia masonry.

A monumental epigraphic façade and spacious courtyard with revak (arcaded portico) characterize the strategic starting point of the Antalya-Burdur caravan route, Kırkgöz Han, constructed between 1237-1246 by Sultan II. Gıyâseddin Keyhusrev of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire.

The grandest Seljuk caravanserai constructed in 1229 by Sultan I. Alâeddin Keykubad, featuring a two-colored marble portal, central elevated kiosk mosque, and a 32-pier vaulted winter hall.

A large-scale mosque built during the Anatolian Seljuk period under the patronage of the sultan, located in Niğde's inner castle.

The 1327–1328 Âlemşah Dome in Eskişehir's Sivrihisar is a distinguished example of Anatolian funerary architecture, characterized by its carved marble body, eight-part brick pyramidal dome, crypt chamber, and the ancient fish relief on its portal.

An architectural and historical analysis of the Yağıbasan Madrasa, one of the earliest enclosed courtyard and domed madrasas in Anatolia, constructed by Danişmend ruler Nizâmeddin Yağıbasan within Niksar Castle between 1157-1158.

A Seljuk architectural masterpiece constructed by Sultan I. İzzeddin Keykâvus in 1217, featuring an open courtyard and revak plan, human head reliefs symbolizing the moon and sun, and a glazed façade with tilework attributed to the master craftsman from Marand.

The Ani Menuchir Mosque in Kars, a UNESCO‑protected site, features colorful stone decorations and an octagonal minaret, reflecting the region's rich heritage.

Explore Ani on the Arpaçay canyon, a multi-layered UNESCO World Heritage site and ancient city spanning 250.7 hectares across eastern Turkey.

Ani, located in northeastern Anatolia, is a medieval city with a history dating back to the Late Chalcolithic period and rich monumental architecture.

The Turkey Cultural Route Festival, held in Antalya from 31 October to 8 November 2026 at Türkan Şoray Culture Center, Haşim İşcan Culture Center, and the city's cultural venues, featuring exhibitions, ballet, opera, and concerts.

St. Paul's Trail traces a historic route from Antalya's Perge to Isparta's Yalvaç, linking the Mediterranean and Lakes Region with Roman ruins and paths.

UNESCO World Heritage timber-roofed hypostyle mosque featuring forty-eight monumental cedarwood columns, central snow well (karlık), and an interlocking kündekâri walnut minbar.

Architectural monograph on Zazadin Han (Sadeddin Han), commissioned between 1235 and 1237 by the Seljuk chief architect and vizier Sa'd al-Din Köpek, featuring its dual monumental portals, elevated gateway mosque, and two-tone ablaq masonry.

A 13th-century academic institution with an open courtyard and recessed arcade plan, Seljuk stone carving at its zenith in the muqarnas corbelled portal, and a historic fountain adjacent to it, commissioned by Seljuk Vizier Sâhib Ata Fahreddin Ali in 1267.

The hexagonal lapis lazuli tiles, gold-gilded calligraphic panels, almond-shaped dome transition, and melancholic prince history of Cem Sultan Tomb within the Muradiye Complex.

A two-storey urban caravanserai with an arcaded courtyard, central octagonal elevated kiosk mosque, and marble şadırvan fountain court, constructed under Sultan II. Bayezid in 1491.

Bursa Grand Mosque stands as a prime example of early Ottoman architecture, featuring a 1399 minbar, calligraphic doors, and ornate decorations in Bursa.

Bursa's Green Mosque, an early Ottoman masterpiece, showcases a functional zaviye and administrative design, adorned with rich stone, ceramic, and wood carvings.

Bursa, founded as Prusa, became the capital of the Bithynian Kingdom and Ottoman Empire, preserving a cultural heritage from Uludağ foothills to the valley.

Monumental caravanserai on the Kayseri-Malatya caravan route, constructed by Celâleddin Karatay in 1240, featuring human and animal reliefs on its portal, hamam, and eighteen supporting towers [1, 2].

Seljuk closed courtyard medrese plan, luminous lanterned dome, şadırvan water well, turquoise-glazed minaret, and 1272 Mongolian-Arabic waqf charter make it a Kırşehir provincial monument.

The Cimcime Hatun Tomb, constructed in 1304 on Cumhuriyet Street in Erzurum, is a refined example of Ilkhanid monumental funerary architecture, characterized by its cylindrical body, twelve blind arches, the 2011-discovered crypt chamber, and the Melike Çiçak Hatun inscription.

Derinkuyu Underground City is a multi-level refuge settlement carved into volcanic tuff rocks, located in Derinkuyu district, Nevşehir, Central Anatolia, Turkey.

The Mengücekli hospital complex with its Gothic-reminiscent pointed arch entrance, octagonal pool courtyard, and vaulted iwan, commissioned by Turan Melek Hatun in 1229.

A UNESCO World Heritage black basalt circuit integrating Artuqid sculpted towers and Hevsel Gardens, preserving uninterrupted layers of Roman, Byzantine, Abbasid, Seljuk, and Ottoman epigraphy.

The 22nd stop of the Turkey Cultural Route Festival in Diyarbakır, held from October 10–18, 2026 at the Archaeology Museum, Paşa Hamamı, and the city's cultural venues, features exhibitions, workshops, talks, and local cuisine programs.

The 14th-century Döner Kümbet in Kayseri Melikgazi, rising along the Talas Road, is a masterpiece of Anatolian Seljuk funerary architecture, characterized by its dodecagonal body, conical stone dome, human-headed sphinxes, tree of life motif, and double-headed eagle reliefs.

The Dündar Bey Medresesi in Eğridir, Isparta, built during the Hamidoğulları era, showcases Seljuk architecture and intricate stonework, reflecting heritage.

Selimiye Mosque, a masterpiece by Mimar Sinan, exemplifies Ottoman classical architecture with its grand dome, elegant minarets, and schools, market, and library.

Built in 1481 in Ahlat, Bitlis, Emir Bayındır Tomb is a masterpiece of Akkoyunlu funerary architecture, characterized by its eight-pillared open gallery enveloping the body, conical stone dome, mummery chamber, and masterfully crafted stonework attributed to Baba Can.

Erzurum Castle, home to the historic Clock Tower, stands in Yakutiye district. Dating back to the 5th century, it is the city's oldest cultural monument.

A cultural corridor in Eastern Anatolia spanning from the monumental Seljuk and Ilkhanid madrasas on the slopes of Palandöken to the iconic tomb towers in the Lake Van basin.

Built in the 13th century by the Eşrefoğlu Beylik, this Seljuk-era mosque in Beyşehir features wooden columns and glazed tile decorations and stonework.

A two-story open courtyard plan, lapis lazuli and eggplant purple tile mosaic, and monumental portal with a muqarnas corbeling make this the pinnacle of Anatolian Seljuk architecture, constructed around 1277 by Vizier Pervâne Muînüddin Süleyman.

A Seljuk madrasa exemplar with its fîrûze and lâcivert mosaic-glazed dome, yelpaz pandantifs, and two-colored marble gateway, constructed in 1251 by Celâleddin Karatay during the reign of Sultan II. İzzeddin Keykâvus.

A Middle Byzantine-era church carved into tuff rocks in Göreme, Cappadocia, adorned with vibrant frescoes and ancient artistry.

Göreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its unique volcanic tuff formations and rock-carved monasteries.

Monumental tomb of the Eretnid State from 1347; cut stone cubic base, thirteen large Turkish triangles, turquoise-glazed brick ornamentation, and an epigraphic band on the sarcophagus.

Constructed in 1335 by Melik İzzeddin Şîr for his daughter Halime Hatun, this tomb in Gevaş is a pinnacle of Eastern Anatolian monumental funerary architecture. It features a dodecagonal body, conical dome, scallop-edged pendentives, and stone ornamentation signed by Ahlatli Mimar Esed.

A deep canyon valley formed by erosion of tuff layers from the Hasandağ volcano along the Melendiz River, featuring 50 churches and historical Seljuk-era inscriptions.

Outside the walls of Old Van, the 18th-century endowment of the Orta Kapı Cemetery houses the Twin Mausoleums, representing the sole surviving example in Van of late Ottoman funerary architecture. These structures feature eight freestanding columns supporting pointed barrel vaults, pyramidal domes, and an open baldachin design.

Built during the reign of Ilkhanid ruler Oljaitu in 1310-1311, the Erzurum Yakutiye Madrasa is a monumental structure distinguished by its enclosed courtyard, muqarnas corbeling, double-headed eagle motifs, and relief carvings, as well as its glazed brick minaret with firozeh and purple glazes [1].

Incir Han, a 13th‑century Seljuk caravanserai in Bucak, Burdur, stands on the Antalya‑Eğridir road, featuring stone markers and a distinctive crown gate.

A composite plan scheme with an open courtyard and enclosed sections, a pavilion mosque accessible via a staircase from the portal side, and two-colored tuff stonework that repeats Seljuk sultan caravanserai traditions, built by Sultan II. Izzetdin Keykavus in 1249 on the Nevşehir-Kayseri route.

Ishak Pasha Palace in Doğubayazıt, Ağrı, blends architectural styles into a stone complex on UNESCO’s Tentative List, reflecting the region’s heritage.

Türkiye Kültür Yolu Festivali, 24 October–1 November 2026; held at İzmir Kültür Sanat Fabrikası, Efes Deneyim Müzesi, Bornova, and Konak with exhibitions, theater performances, and concerts.

The Green Mosque in Iznik, Bursa, features minaret decorations, Seljuk architectural traces, stone craftsmanship, and tile art, exemplifying early Ottoman design.

Kars Castle and the Havariler Church, located in the heart of Kars, showcase the city’s medieval military and religious heritage, linking past to present.

The Karya Trail links ancient paths, mountain roads, and coastal villages across Aydın and Muğla, making it Turkey's longest hiking route for avid hikers.

An eight-level underground city carved into soft tuff rock, located in Kaymakli village, 19 km from Nevşehir's center.

The 380-kilometer Silk Road route from the wooden-pillared Eşrefoğlu Mosque on the shores of Lake Beyşehir to Aksaray Sultan Han, thence to Kayseri’s Döner Kümbet and Karatay Han.

Built by Seljuk ruler Alaeddin Keykubad I (1226-1236), Kubadabad Palace on Beyşehir Lake’s western shore showcases intricate tilework, a testament to architecture.

Explore the 184‑km Lycian Way west section linking Ovacık and Kaş, a cultural journey through ancient towns, villages, and stunning Mediterranean vistas.

Explore the Lycia Trail in the Teke Peninsula, discovering ancient cities, monumental tombs, harbors, and the rich cultural heritage spanning Antalya to Fethiye.

The monumental Artuqid stone bridge spanning the Batman River with an unprecedented 38.60-meter pointed arch, integrated travelers' chambers, and astrological figural reliefs.

The 12th-century complex constructed by Ahlatlı Architect Ebü'n-Nemâ b. Mufaddal in Tercan, Erzincan, on behalf of Saltuklu queen Mama Hatun; a unique masterpiece of world architectural history featuring a circular encircling wall mausoleum with niches, segmental dome, and caravanserai.

The segmented fluted dome facing the Mesopotamian plain, the carved minaret in the northeast corner, its courtyard selsebil cascade, and its pivotal role in Artuqid architecture.

The Turkey Cultural Route Festival took place in Mardin from 17–25 October 2026, featuring exhibitions, theater performances, and concerts at the Mardin Museum, Sakıp Sabancı Mardin City Museum, and the city's historic spaces.

The Kasımiye Medrese, located on a slope overlooking the Mesopotamian plain in southwest Mardin: The plan, courtyard, tomb chamber, and uncertainties in dating of this structure initiated during the Artuqid period and completed during the Akkoyunlu era.

A 1271 monument by the Seljuk vizier Sâhib Ata; featuring a Kālûyân-signed portal, lapis lazuli-glazed twin minarets, carved tree of life motif, and open courtyard [1].

A two-day cultural and architectural corridor connecting Sivas Gökmedrese's turquoise and lapis lazuli glazed twin minarets with Güdük Minare's brick cylinder, then to Mengücek's masterpiece Divriği Dârüşşifası.

UNESCO World Heritage Seljuk hypostyle mosque with sixty-seven monumental wooden columns, spolia Corinthian capitals, and a 1245 CE kündekâri minbar.

Soğanlı Valley in Kayseri's Yeşilhisar district is renowned for its 9–13th-century Byzantine rock churches and monasteries.

Devil's Castle, a medieval fortress in Çıldır, Ardahan, rises on a rocky peninsula in Karaçay Valley, showcasing Turkey's historic defensive architecture.

A medrese constructed by Ilkhanid Vizier Shams al-Din Juwayni between 1271-1272, distinguished by its monumental façade and meticulous stonework.

A Seljuk dârülhadis masterpiece commissioned by Vizier Sâhib Ata Fahreddin Ali from architect Kölük b. Abdullah, distinguished by its monumental portal inscribed with the Surahs of Feth and Yâsîn, and its glazed brick minaret with secret compartments.

Built between 1231-1237 on the Aksaray-Kayseri route, Ağzıkara Han is the Seljuk caravanserai most resembling a fortress due to its heavy piers, corner towers, elevated kiosk mosque, and geometric stone ornamentation.

Located in İçkale, the Hatuniye Madrasa, with its 35 × 48 meter dimensions, is Anatolia's largest Seljuk madrasa. Its two-story, four-iwan open courtyard plan, 26-meter brick minarets, tilework, and tree of life carvings define this architectural landmark [1].

A Seljuk architectural masterpiece featuring an open courtyard, four-iwan symmetrical plan, domed entrance iwan, rich stone portal, and glazed tomb, constructed in 1271 by Muzaffer b. İbâdullah el-Mufaddal el-Burûcirdî.

Anatolian Seljuk architecture's first dual medical complex uniting a dârüşşifâ (hospice), medical madrasa, and tomb within a single structure, commissioned by the will of Sultan II. Kılıcarslan’s daughter Gevher Nesibe Sultan in 1206.

Erected with mortarless corbelled masonry in Harran, Şanlıurfa, these conical beehive houses stand out with passive climate control, mudbrick vernacular architecture, and thousands of years of living Mesopotamian culture.

Roman hydraulic engineering in southern Cappadocia, including the Roman Pool fed by the Köşk Höyük spring and 1.2 km of monumental aqueduct arches in Tyana.

Rock-cut castles and historic structures in Uchisar and Urgup, Nevsehir, Turkey, showcasing ancient cultural heritage.

Located near Lake Van in Bitlis, Ahlat's 1273-dated Ulu Kümbet (Master Apprentice) is a monumental example of Ahlat mausoleum architecture, featuring a 9x9-meter base, cylindrical body, nine-step conical dome, Âyetü'l-Kürsî epigraphic band, and vaulted crypt.

A 174-arched early Ottoman stone bridge constructed over the Ergene River during the reign of Sultan II. Murad (1426–1443), featuring triangular cutwaters, flood arches, and figural stone reliefs.

Rising to the south of Erzurum's Double Minaret Madrasa, the Three Tombs consist of the 12th-century two-colored tomb of Emir Saltuk, featuring twin serpent and griffin reliefs on its drum, along with twelve anonymous tombs and crypts, forming one of Anatolia's oldest open-air mausoleums in funerary architecture.

The Artuqid architectural corridor extending from the black basalt of Diyarbakır Walls to the monumental Malabadi Bridge over Batman River, then to Mardin Ulu Mosque and Kasımiye Medrese.