{"id":4035,"date":"2024-04-15T15:57:49","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T07:57:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/?p=4035"},"modified":"2025-12-17T10:46:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T02:46:15","slug":"a-time-travelling-itinerary-through-turkey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/a-time-travelling-itinerary-through-turkey\/","title":{"rendered":"A Time-Travelling Itinerary Through Turkey"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Turkey is a land steeped in culture, religion and history. Photo by Engin Yapici<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

To say that Turkey or T\u00fcrkiye has a long and complicated history would be a gross oversimplification at best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Anatolia peninsula on which modern Turkey sits has been inhabited by humans as far back as 9,500 BCE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since then, countless tribes, kingdoms and empires have settled, traded and fought over these strategic, fertile lands and the commercially and militarily invaluable Bosphorus Straits.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, Turkey is a rich destination filled with the faded glories of ages past and the timeless architecture of still-living towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re a history buff or beginner, this roughly chronological guide will take you through both Turkey\u2019s (extremely simplified) history and the best places to visit for a feel of the respective eras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, strap on your time machine seatbelt, we\u2019re going on a tour to Turkey and its history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prehistoric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Turkey has had evidence of human activity stretching back to 1.2 million years old. Even at this early stage, Turkey was already the stomping ground of multiple kingdoms like Hittite, Phrygia, and Assyria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

G\u00f6bekli Tepe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The tall pillars at Gobekli Tepe and the tools required to make them imply a highly specialized and hierarchical society.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Aka Potbelly Hill, G\u00f6bekli Tepe is one of the most significant sites in early human history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is because the structures here have been dated to at least 10,000 BCE, placing it all the way back to the Neolithic era, making it the oldest human structures ever known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The decorated pillars containing human faces and animals also suggest a religious use for the site. Photo by Orthosved<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But not only that, it is also a hugely important piece of the puzzle for the human transition from hunter-gatherer to settled lifestyles. Where other sites typically have signs of farming around, G\u00f6bekli Tepe lacks any such evidence, suggesting that humans started settling much earlier before farming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowadays, the site is open to visitors with large, open excavation sites surrounded by raised walkways that allow you to get a commanding view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hattusa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Winged sphinxes guard a gate into Hattusa. Photo by Carole Raddato<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As the capital of the Hittite Empire, Hattusa is a glimpse into how even prehistoric Bronze Age societies were organized and advanced for their time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located on rocky terrain next to a ravine, this sprawling city was once home to an impressive 50,000 people, who lived around temples, sanctuaries and palaces ringed by a formidable stone wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entering Hattusa through multiple grand stone gates etched with sphinxes, lions and kings, you will across the city\u2019s sprawling stone foundations, which once supported wooden and mud buildings that housed 50,000 people. Sadly, most of these have rotten away. <\/p>\n\n\n

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The mysterious Green Stone of Hattusa. Photo by Acar54<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

But even so, many impressive features remain such as the large green stone block dubbed the Hattusa Green Stone. Located in the foundations of the Great Temple, its smooth and distinctive appearance may have been used for religious purposes or as a foundation for a statue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classical\/Hellenistic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This period is marked by the strong Persian, Hellenistic and Roman influences over the region as various kingdoms consolidated to become continent-spanning empires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mount Nemrut<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The statues of Mount Nemrut and the mausoluem mound behind it. Photo by Liselottediehl<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Built by Antiochus I of Commagene, an Armenian kingdom, the mausoleum atop Mount Nemrut contains massive human and animal statues with their heads removed and placed all over the site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Towering all over these is a giant mound of loose rock that is said to guard Antiochus\u2019 tomb, with the loose rocks preventing most tomb robbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Giant stone heads dot the peak of Mount Nemrut. Photo by \u00dcmit Y\u0131ld\u0131r\u0131m<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Whether the tomb exists or not, the statues are a marvel of classical engineering and craftsmanship, with stones weighing up to nine tons and carvings that have stood the test of time. Its syncretic blend of Greek, Persian and Anataloian religion and aesthetics also makes this site culturally significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ephesus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Ephesus was a cultural center, as can be seen in its amphitheaters. Photo by Bhumil Chheda<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Throughout its long history, the harbor city of Ephesus has built some of the most remarkable examples of Hellenistic, Roman and early Christian architecture in Turkey, some of which remain in shockingly good condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From temples where various Roman deities were worshipped, to an impressively vast ancient roman theatre where plays were once performed, visiting Ephesus will take you back to the days when it used to be one of the cultural and intellectual beacons of multiple empires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The facade of The Library of Celsus. Photo by Mert Kahveci<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chief among Ephesus\u2019 cultural relics is the Library of Celsus and its ruined but still opulent fa\u00e7ade. Featuring defiant columns, intricate carvings and statues of deities towering up to two storeys high, this historical icon is a common stop in many itineraries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Byzantine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Eastern Roman Empire, more commonly known as the Byzantines, reigned between the 6th<\/sup> and 15th<\/sup> centuries as a successor to the mighty Roman Empire. Its defining architecture included jaw-droppingly massive domes and vivid murals, mosaics and frescos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hagia Sophia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A harbor view of the Hagia Sophia. Photo by Mark K\u00f6nig<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Arguably the most famous symbol of Istanbul and perhaps Turkey itself, the Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th<\/sup> century under Roman times as a church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the centuries, as the Roman Empire split apart, it eventually became one of the most famous churches in early Christian history, standing for almost 1,500 years as the center of the Eastern Roman Empire and the Eastern Orthodox Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The awe-inspiring interior of the Hagia Sophia. Photo by Raimond Klavins<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After the conquering of Constantinople (Istanbul) by the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a grand mosque. After a stint as a museum during the early days of the Republic of Turkey, it was reverted into a mosque as recently as 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hagia Sophia\u2019s most recognizable feature is its massive dome along with its four Islamic minarets. Inside, its gold-brown interior houses Christian mosaics made out of gold leaf and colored glass alongside gorgeously carved and decorated Islamic art in the form of stucco and calligraphy \u2013 both reflecting its rich history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seljuk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spanning Central Asia, the Islamic Seljuk Empire was one of the Byzantine\u2019s first and greatest rivals as they brought Turkish and Islamic influences into the region, which can be seen from their many madrasahs and mosques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Konya<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The decorated gate of the \u0130nce Minareli Madrasa<\/a>. Photo by Bernard Gagnon. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Capital of the Rum Seljuk state, Konya boasts impressive examples of Seljuk tombs, mosques and palaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, the Seljuk use of abstract, geometrical and even Baroque-like motifs is widespread in the many gateways or portals to the city\u2019s ancient madrasahs. A prime example of this is the \u0130nce Minareli Madrasa, which displays intricate stone patterns that stretch and entwine around its stone fa\u00e7ade alongside floral motifs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also the curves and hanging stalactite patterns at the S\u00e2hib-i Ata Complex and Karatay Madrasa for more Seljuk mastery of stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sivas<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The minarets of the Blue Temple. Photo by Tt5361<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As a Seljuk hub for trade and commerce, the central city of Sivas features another quirk of their architecture \u2013 the twin minarets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These twin minarets usually guard the entrance to the city\u2019s ancient madrasas such as the G\u00f6k Medrese or Blue Temple, which features two handsome pointed towers accented by turquoise blue highlights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another variation of this twin tower construction is the \u00c7ifte Minareli Medrese (literally \u201cTwin Minaret Madrasah\u201d), which features giant Roman-like columns as their minarets, though this one is not in Sivas, but way to the east in Erzurum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Decorated portal to the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divri\u011fi. Photo by R Prazeres<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

However, arguably the most impressive portal in Sivas is at the UNESCO-recognized Great Mosque and Hospital of Divri\u011fi. Its modest fa\u00e7ade and interior belie gorgeous gateways decorated with botanical motifs, geometry and Islamic calligraphy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ottoman<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After conquering Constantinople or Istanbul, the Ottomans blended Turkish and Islamic influence together with Byzantine and Christian styles to create a distinctive architecture that includes domes, half-domes and the use of stone and brick. This style continues to inspire modern Turkish architecture and evolve alongside it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bursa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The courtyard of Koza Ha, a historical caravanserai\/han or traveller’s inn. Photo by Christine und Hagen Graf<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As the first capital of the Ottomans, Bursa was the birthplace of one of their most innovative legacies, a city planning system that involved establishing kulliyes<\/em> or religious facilities with baths, schools, soup kitchens and other public facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, this would result in neighborhoods, towns and then cities being built around these religious, commercial and cultural centers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An example of this is the Orhan Mosque, which was built with a mosque, madrasah, baths, soup kitchens and even traveller’s inns called caravanserai. <\/em>Surviving through wars, earthquakes and reconstructions, its mosque, one bath and inn still stand proud as part of Bursa\u2019s Ottoman heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue Mosque<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque in the evening. Photo by Constantin Barbu<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Right across from the iconic Hagia Sophia is another of Istanbul\u2019s grand monuments \u2013 the Blue Mosque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Built towards the second half of the empire during Ahmed I\u2019s rule, this massive monument boasts multiple layers of domes and six minarets, creating an instantly recognizable fa\u00e7ade of the Istanbul skyline.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The blue-tinted interior of the mosque. Photo by Raimond Klavins<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

However, most visitors hold their praise for the mosque\u2019s majestic interior, which is overwhelmingly bathed in the color blue. This is all thanks to blue tinted tiles highlighting Islamic calligraphy, Iznik tiles with blue flower motifs and stained-glass windows streaming serene blue light into the interior.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

To say that Turkey or T\u00fcrkiye has a long and complicated history would be a gross oversimplification at best. The…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":4066,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[251,23],"tags":[113,45,111,112,114,110],"class_list":["post-4035","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international","category-travel","tag-byzantines","tag-guide","tag-history","tag-mosques","tag-ottomans","tag-turkey"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-scaled.jpg",2560,1706,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-1024x682.jpg",1024,682,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-1536x1023.jpg",1536,1023,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true],"penci-recipe-1200x1200":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-1200x1200.jpg",1200,1200,true],"penci-recipe-1200x900":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-1200x900.jpg",1200,900,true],"penci-recipe-1200x675":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-1200x675.jpg",1200,675,true],"penci-single-full":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-1920x1279.jpg",1920,1279,true],"penci-slider-full-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-1920x800.jpg",1920,800,true],"penci-full-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-1170x780.jpg",1170,780,true],"penci-slider-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-1170x663.jpg",1170,663,true],"penci-magazine-slider":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-780x516.jpg",780,516,true],"penci-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-585x390.jpg",585,390,true],"penci-masonry-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-585x390.jpg",585,390,true],"penci-thumb-square":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-585x585.jpg",585,585,true],"penci-thumb-vertical":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-480x650.jpg",480,650,true],"penci-thumb-small":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mert-kahveci-Hk7rVLXGvbw-unsplash-263x175.jpg",263,175,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Wei Yip","author_link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/author\/weiyip\/"},"uagb_comment_info":1,"uagb_excerpt":"To say that Turkey or T\u00fcrkiye has a long and complicated history would be a gross oversimplification at best. The…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4035","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4035"}],"version-history":[{"count":64,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4035\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4118,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4035\/revisions\/4118"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4066"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4035"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4035"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4035"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}