Tourist Attractions & Monuments Turkey

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is a must-see in the Turkish capital and ranks among the most beautiful museums in the country. The rich collections on display are the perfect introduction to Turkey's turbulent history. Housed in two Ottoman buildings, a bedesten (covered market) built by the vizier Mahmut Paşa in 1471 and the Kurşunlu Han caravanserai, this formidable museum, unique in its rare collections, allows you to follow the different civilizations present in Turkey from the Paleolithic to the Roman era.

The most fascinating finds concern the Neolithic and Hittite periods. The objects are arranged in chronological order. To understand the explanations, a good command of English or the purchase of a guidebook is essential! After the Paleolithic fossils, you arrive at the showcases of the remains discovered at Çatal Höyük (6500-5700 BC). A dwelling is reconstructed here with its wall paintings. The tools show the development of agriculture, but more interesting are the terracotta statuettes of generously proportioned women representing the Great Mother Goddess of Hacılar, a symbol of fertility. Similar figurines have been unearthed in the Greek Cyclades. You then move on to the Chalcolithic period (5500-3000 BC), with the first copper tools and utensils found in Hacılar and Alacahöyük.

The manufacture of metal objects diversified during the Early Bronze Period (3000-1950 BC). The objects exhibited here, beautiful jewelry, sun discs, and electrum animals, were found in Alacahöyük, the capital of the Hattis. In the section devoted to the period of the Assyrian colonies (1950-1750 BC), superb animal-shaped libation vessels are displayed. The Assyrian merchants contributed greatly to the development of the Anatolian civilization by introducing, among other things, writing. Then comes the collection of the Hittite Empire (1750-1200 BC), with tablets with cuneiform writing and exceptional pottery, which complement some visits to Cappadocia, and finally, the Phrygian period (1200-700 BC) and Urartian (1200-700 BC). The Urartes were the main opponents of the Phrygians.

The central part of the museum, devoted to Hittite sculpture, presents friezes inspired by military epics and monumental statues.

Very extensive, it requires a long visit. The old part of the city, near Kızıl Avlu, is very endearing.

The acropolis is perched on top of a rocky hill overlooking the modern city of Bergama, 5 kilometers from the museum. It is best to take a cab. As you enter, on the left you can see the Heroon, a temple in honor of the rulers of Pergamon. A path leads to the site of the sanctuary of Zeus, in an idyllic environment. Eumenes II had it built in 180 BC to commemorate the victory of his father against the Galatians. The building is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, only the base of the sanctuary is visible, all the rest was transferred to Berlin. Behind it was a temple of Athena. Continuing north, you reach the library and the temple of Trajan. From the temple of Athena, steps lead to the Hellenistic theater, which, clinging to the side of the acropolis, is particularly impressive. Provided with a mobile wooden stage, it could contain 10 000 people. To the south of the sanctuary of Zeus is the temple of Demeter, the oldest building on the site (^3rd century B.C.) and next to it, the gymnasium. From the hill of the acropolis you can clearly see the ancient aqueduct.

Asclepion. To reach the Asclepion, dedicated to Asclepius, god of medicine, take a path west of the modern city. Attention, photos are forbidden, the building is near a military zone. The Asclepion was founded by Archias, a citizen of the city who had been cured at the Asclepion of Epidaurus. But the medical school of Pergamon became famous in the ^2nd century A.D. thanks to Galen who researched the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems. His work is fundamental for the history of medicine. Thermal baths, massages and herbal teas were prescribed to the sick in Pergamon, as well as psychological cures. The Asclepion was also frequented by philosophers. The present remains date for the most part from the time of Hadrian (^2nd century). The snake that you see engraved in several buildings is the symbol of Asclepios. Following the Sacred Way, you arrive at the temple of Asclepius, a circular construction, at the library and at a small Roman theater of 3 500 seats. After the sacred fountain, an underground passage leads to the temple of Telesphorus.

Main point of interest of Konya, the monastery was until 1927 (date of the prohibition of the brotherhood), the place of residence of the whirling dervishes, the mevlevis, a Sufi order inspired by the Persian mystic poetDjalâl ad-Dîn Rûmî, called Mevlana. The tekke of Mevlana consists of a large courtyard with a fountain (16th century) and 4 türbe on the left after the door, the building of the cells where the dervishes, after an obligatory period of manual labor could devote themselves to prayer facing the entrance the building where the tomb and the museum of Mevlana are located and, to the right of the entrance, the old kitchens. The convent was restored by Beyazıt II in the 15th century. To enter the türbe where the great sage is buried, one must remove his shoes. Women will cover their heads. The tomb is covered with a velvet cloth embroidered with gold.

In the samâ (ceremony room), you can admire a collection of musical instruments, including the famous ney (flute), with the plaintive sound so characteristic of the ritual music of the dervishes. You can also see the original manuscript of Mathnawi, the poems of the master. The next room, an ancient mosque, displays Korans and illuminations. Return to the courtyard and you will see a reconstruction of the life of the followers in the building that housed their cells. In the corridor, objects that belonged to Mevlana are displayed. And in the old kitchens, there are life-size scenes of the dervishes' communal life.

A visit to the deserted village of Kaya (the rock) is an experience not to be missed. It can be reached by dolmuş from Fethiye (15 km) or on foot from Ölüdeniz (8 km). Its 3,500 houses were originally inhabited by Greeks. In 1923, after the exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey, its 25,000 inhabitants had to leave, and the Turks from Greece never wanted to settle there. The city became a ghost town. Note the two churches.

Göreme is known for its park and fairy chimneys. The churches reflect Byzantine art and architecture. Churches and underground towns are within the area of this park. The most beautiful underground sanctuary is the Loop Sanctuary (Tokalı Kilise), decorated with remarkable 10th century evangelical frescoes. And if there is a choice to be made between the many other churches in the valley, opt for the Church of the Serpent (Yılanlı Kilise) with its dragon slain by Saint George and the Church of the Apple Tree (Elmalı Kilise).

Perhaps one of the only metro lines in the world with only two stations... Linking the two historic districts of Galata, at the bottom, and Péra, at the top, it is in fact more than just an underground funicular. The entrance to Karaköy is a stone's throw from the bridge; at the top, at Beyoğlu, on Tünel Square. The Tünel, 570 m long, was built between 1871 and 1876 by the French engineer Eugène-Henri Gavand. With an average of 181 trips and 10,000 to 12,000 passengers per day, the journey takes 90 seconds.

The cave is full of multicolored stalactites and stalagmites. The temperature is constantly 23°C with a humidity between 90 and 100%. It has higher than normal levels of carbon and radioactivity, which is why it relieves asthma and rheumatism. To take a cure, you must go to the public hospital where a health check-up will be carried out to determine the length of treatment required, after which another check-up will be carried out.

The very heart of Beyoğlu, Avenue de l'Indépendance (formerly Grand Rue de Péra) is one of the most famous streets in the city, known for its nostalgic tramway and above all its frenetic animation, both in terms of shops and nightlife. Thousands of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants follow one another on the avenue and adjacent streets. Those who know Barcelona and its Ramblas will not be out of place. The buildings date for the most part from the 19th century, we feel very far from Istanbul mosques, and very close to the great European capitals.

In the 3rd century, seven young Christians from Ephesus, persecuted, took refuge in this cave, the exit of which was blocked by Roman soldiers. They fell into a deep sleep that lasted 192 years according to some, 309 years for others. After their death, they are buried in the cave, a chapel is built on their graves. This cave was used as a burial place until the end of the Byzantine era. The location of the tombs, which became a place of pilgrimage, is clearly visible.

Fifty-three miles from Aspendos. For nature lovers with a means of transport, the excursion to the Köprülü National Park is an idea. You drive 43.5 km on the narrow road through dense pine forests dotted with waterfalls following the river. This one passes in front of the two guesthouses restaurants of the area: Selge and Kanyon (by the river, on a tree trunk, to eat trout). The river leads to the campsites: Medraft and Öncü. It reaches the entrance of the canyon and the Roman bridge of the 2nd century AD, and Oluk Köprü on the Köprü Çay River which descends from the Taurus and travels 120 km to reach the Mediterranean Sea. These establishments offer rafting for those who have not purchased a Side or Antalya trip.

Continuing this path to Altınkaya (1,000 m). The higher you climb, the wilder the landscape becomes with beautiful views of the Dedegöl mountains (3,000 m), up to the village of Altınkaya or Zerk (13 km from the bridge). Near the bridge, the ruins of Selge (paying), a city with a dark history, inhabited until the beginning of the Byzantine era. You can distinguish the agora with a 3-storey building, 2 temples (one attributed to Zeus, the other to Artemis), the stadium and an impressive 9,500-seat theatre, partly carved out of rock.

The villagers offer to guide you on mountain hikes: one of them lasts 4 hours and reaches the canyon, the others last several days to the surrounding mountains.

This 13th century Seljuk caravanserai is very well restored and has a soothing and mystical atmosphere. The building has kept its superb allure. A whirling dervish show takes place every day at 6pm or 9pm, lasting one hour. This is one of the best places to observe the spiritual dance of the dervishes. Note that the place is a bit out of the way, it is more convenient to buy the tickets in advance through an agency that also offers a bus service to get there.

Miniatürk is a summary of all the most beautiful monuments in the country, grouped on a site of some 60,000 m². In total, 134 models reduced to 1/25th, the must-see models of Istanbul of course, but not only: Greek remains, sites of the Ottoman Empire, Anatolian landscapes... Almost everything is there: Bosphorus bridge, Galata tower, vestiges of Hittite civilization, Pamukkale or even Saint Sophia, all this small world meets a few meters from each other. It's the largest miniature city in the world! Ideal for children.

In the 19th century, a German nun, Catherine Emmerich, had a vision of the Virgin's dwelling at Ephesus. Priests discover the house that matches his description. In 1967, the Pope visited the site and confirmed the veracity of the vision. Since then, pilgrims from all over the world have flocked to the humble house, transformed into a chapel. A service is celebrated on 15 August by Orthodox Christians and Muslims. No dolmuş for the journey: your legs or the taxi.

The Museum Pass Istanbul is a nominative card that covers all Istanbul's national museums, 13 in all (available on the website). The Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahçe Palace and Leander Tower are not included. The card is valid for five days from the date of first use. The card gives you access to discounts in souvenir stores and cafés. It can be purchased at any national museum, but we don't recommend Topkapı because of the crowds. It is possible to register online.

Discovered by the American Archaeological School of Athens in 1882, it is partly restored. At an altitude of 238 m, this Doric temple is characteristic of archaic Greek architecture with its six columns spaced further apart than it will be afterwards. The setting of the site is simply sublime: its founders were not guided by chance... The sunset (or sunrise) attracts the crowd. You will meet campers, picnickers, romantics, a drink in hand... The caretaker is rarely present outside the usual hours and it is easy to get in.

This museum's 13 galleries of regional archaeological discoveries are worth a visit. The rich collection includes many artifacts from the Neolithic to the Roman Empire. Moreover, this museum complements well the visit of the ancient site of Perge, as the objects discovered during the excavations of the site are displayed in the museum. An ethnological section allows to understand the life of the nomads, the city dwellers in the Ottoman period... For the children: just after the entrance is a very well done room of sensitization to the history and the ethnography.

The park originally formed the fourth garden of the Topkapı Palace. It is the oldest park in the Ottoman city. On weekends, you can see families, lovers and many visitors. And to finish the walk in beauty, you must enjoy a tea in the çay bahçesi (tea garden) of course! In the park, there is the column of the Goths which bears a Latin inscription: Fortunae reduci ob devictos Gothos ("To prosperity returned with the defeat of the Goths").

Water has always been a problem in Istanbul. The Romans first, and their heirs the Byzantines, tried to overcome it as best they could. The Valens aqueduct carried water from outside the city to the Basilica and Philoxenos cisterns (Thousand and One Columns). It was during the time of Constantine I that work had to begin and be completed during the time of the Roman Emperor Valens (364-378), around 378. It will be restored several times.

The historic district is the most interesting part of the city. Its harbor was restored in 1988 and most of the houses have been transformed into charming hotels and guesthouses, restaurants and stores. To get there, walk through Hesapçı Sokak, next to Hadrian's Gate, which was built for a visit by the emperor in 130 A.D. Its white marble vaults are beautifully decorated with floral motifs and lion heads. It is very pleasant to stroll through the narrow streets, among the fragrant gardens and the street vendors.

Collective boats that offer cruises along the water, by the day or half day. They serve the submerged city of Kekova, offer to stop at the quiet village of Kaleköy (the ancient Simena), to pass by Lycian tombs half under water and to make superb baths. The price usually fixed by the fishermen's cooperative includes the meal taken on the boat, it only remains to choose the boat. The biggest ones, with a glass bottom, are not always the calmest! The must? Negotiate a price and privatize the boat.

To reach Zelve de Çavuşin (or Avanos), you cross the Vallée valley. An unmistakable break to admire the magnificent "fées" of fées. The one with 3 heads, right in the valley, is supposed to have sheltered the Saint of Syria, which served as a model for many hermits de of Cappadocia. You can then begin the climb of Boztepe. The duration of this march is approximately 3 hours 30 with a difference of 150 m.

The mosque with the kesik minare, "truncated minaret", (1361) is in fact an ancient Byzantine church dating from the ^6th century and which celebrated the Virgin Mary. The church itself was built from the remains of a ^2nd century Roman temple. Its minaret, now a damaged tower, continues to arouse curiosity and stands out above the ruins of the building, which partially burned down in the ^19th century. These monuments can be seen from a distance as they are not open to the public.

Boat-dolmuş from the cooperative connect Dalyan to Istuzu beach, the domain of the endangered species of caretta-caretta turtles, several times a day. A few years ago, environmentalists led a great struggle to prevent developers from building hotels in this idyllic place. Today, the turtles are protected and invisible, since the beach is only open from 8am to 10pm. Camping is prohibited. An information center in Dalyan answers all questions on this subject (open every day from 10am to 8pm).

According to the traditions of the time, a mosque was not considered only as a place of worship. Apart from the various outbuildings (library, school...), we used to add stores in order to create a source of income. Thus, in the former stables, the Arasta Bazar was created, one of the most famous places in terms of souvenirs for tourists (carpets, kilims, leather, jewellery...). It's a shame that the salesmen are annoying and fall back.

10 km from Kaymaklı to the south, dolmuş from Nevşehir. With a depth of about 85 m, you can see almost every part of a town that is buried underground in order to be able to escape it in the event of a threat: barn, canteen, deposits of food and beverages (wine), wells, churches, ventilation tunnel… It is the deepest and the largest known today, it could accommodate up to 10 000 people. The rooms are often large and the corridors are easy to access. Perhaps the most surprising will be to learn that the visible part would only be 1/10 of its real size!

Isabey Mosque is a 14th century Seljuk mosque erected in the times of the Emirate of Aydın, at the foot of Ayasuluk Hill, with a remarkable stalactite portal. The restoration of the building has left the ancient materials used by its builders clearly visible. Note the bust of the Emir of Aydın. The courtyard of the caravanserai is a haven of peace. The building is still in operation but is open to the public outside of prayer hours.

Tombs west of the theater constitute a rock necropolis in two parts. They are decorated with bas-reliefs representing warlike scenes. Note the beautiful carved sarcophagi. In the lower necropolis, fantastic tombs "inhabited" by life-size statues and reliefs representing the families of the deceased. The theater is well preserved and has 29 tiers dug into the rock. It was restored after the earthquake of 141.You can negotiate with a cab driver for a round trip.

It comes from the Temple temple built by Tuthmosis III (1483-1450 BC). The hieroglyphs engraved on the four faces of this porphyry monolith a height of 26 m are dedicated to the god Horus and celebrate the victories won by the pharaoh. Transferred to Constantinople by Théodose I, he was in the middle of the hippodrome in 390. With an original height of 50 m, it breaks when unloading and only the upper part will be used. The column stands on a 6 m high marble pedestal, carved out of bas-reliefs representing Théodose and his family in the imperial gallery of the racecourse and handing over crowns to the race winners. The obelisk was surmounted by a bronze sphere, symbolic of the world, which collapsed during the earthquake of 865.

Its name comes from the actual racecourse that stood on this very spot in Sultanahmet Square. It was a venue for horse and chariot races and could accommodate up to 100,000 spectators. A race consisted of four quadrigas and seven laps of the track, or about 2,500 m. Each driver wore the colour of the Constantinople faction that funded him. The whites and blues represented the aristocrats and landowners, while the reds and greens represented the artists and merchants. The tension between the two factions led to several revolts. Two columns and an obelisk, which were part of the monuments placed in the central axis of the track and around which the races were held, are still intact. The site was named At Meydanı ("Horse Square") by the Ottomans, as the palace pages regularly played djirit, the ancestor of polo, here.

From north to south: the obelisk of Theodosius. It comes from the Karnak temple built by Thutmose III (1483-1450 BC). The hieroglyphs engraved on the four faces of this 26-meter-high porphyry monolith are dedicated to the god Horus and celebrate the victories won by the pharaoh. Transferred to Constantinople by Theodosius I, it was installed in the middle of the hippodrome in 390. The column stands on a 6 m high marble pedestal, sculpted with bas-reliefs representing Theodosius and his family sitting at the imperial tribune of the hippodrome and presenting crowns to the winners of the races. The Serpentine Column (Yilanlı Sütün). This is a trophy that the 31 Greek cities brought back from the temple of Apollo Pythian (Delphi), in 479 BC. This twist, formed by the winding of three snakes, supported a large tripod and a golden vase. Constantine the Great brought it back from Delphi to install it in the Hippodrome square. The snakes, demonic symbols par excellence, did not please either the Byzantines or the Muslims afterwards, and were mutilated several times. All the heads have disappeared over time. The walled obelisk. This 32m high obelisk was erected in the 4th century on the spina of the Hippodrome, probably during the reign of Constantine I the Great (306-337). Made of roughly hewn stone blocks, it remained like this until Constantine VII (912-959) had it covered with gilded bronze plates. These plates were removed during the Fourth Crusade (1204) to make coins.

Under his real name Louis Marie Julien Viaud (1850-1923), Pierre Loti was originally a naval officer, which allowed him to travel and thus consolidate a basis for his future writings. It was during a trip to Oceania that he decided to take the pseudonym Loti, named after an exotic flower (1867). With a very open mind, Loti feels close to the different cultures he meets during his travels, but Constantinople marks him for life. Her second trip to Istanbul (1879) allowed her to meet the woman who would give her name to her famous novel, Aziyadé, the Caucasian woman. Every time he is in Istanbul, he likes to come to Eyüp, in this café overlooking the Golden Horn. The "sacred mountain" he cites in his Aziyadé is that of this coffee. Surrounded by parks and gardens, and then known as Rabia Kadın Kahvehanesi, the café is gradually being mentioned with the name of the writer. After having changed hands several times and almost disappeared, it was bought back in 1964 to be restored to its original state. It is clear that at the time, the view must have been idyllic, because the beauty of Altın Boynuz (Golden Horn) was such that songs and poems loved to tell it. The clear waters of the Kağıthane river flowed into the inlet, the outline of which is described as green. Things have changed a lot, but the panorama remains unique, especially when it lights up at sunset, while the songs of the muezzins rise.

The road that separates the entrance from the beach (1 km away) crosses the remains. You can see a triple Roman arcade, dedicated to Mettius Modestus, governor of Lycia in the 1st century BC. The complex of the baths and the basilica are very badly preserved. The theater is well preserved but it is partly silted up. From the hill against which it is leaning, you have a superb view on the area and on the beach. Small temple of the IInd century, thermal baths of Vespasian.

It was erected on May 11, 330 by Constantine the Great to celebrate the passage from Byzantium to New Rome. Made of porphyry, it is 35 m high but originally the top was surmounted by a statue of Apollo supposed to represent the emperor. It was said to have been encrusted with many relics of Christianity (nails of the Passion, piece of the true Cross, stick that Moses used to bring water out of the desert...) in order to protect the destiny of the city, but the various excavations did not allow them to be located.

The Pigeon Valley connects Uçhisar and Göreme. It presents the natural and geological characteristics of the region. Its name was given to it in reference to the multiple colored pigeon houses that it shelters. Please note: it is considered dangerous for some passages, so make sure you are accompanied or explained. 2 hours of walking on a 4 km path. Before arriving in Göreme, several churches can be visited, Kadir Dümuş, Karşı Bucak and Yusuf Koç.

Ancient fortress of the Aegean Sea, a major beauty in Asia Minor, St. Peter's Castle is the main attraction of the city. This imposing fortress built of white stone overlooks the Aegean Sea and is located on the site of the ancient acropolis. The castle was built between 1404 and 1522 by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem to protect the city from pirate attacks in the eastern Mediterranean. Its towers are guarded by representatives of different nationalities and its thick crenellated walls were once surrounded by a moat, filled with sea water and rainwater to prevent invaders from entering. Ten years after its completion, Suleiman the Magnificent expelled the Knights, and this huge fortress surrounded by the sea on three of its sides was turned into a jail. Over time, the castle has undergone many renovations and extensions, it will serve as a military garrison and Turkish baths. Particularly well preserved, it remains a remarkable example of Frankish military architecture of the late Middle Ages. Since 1962, St. Peter's Castle has been the official home of the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. It is one of the largest museums dedicated to underwater archaeology in the world. You will discover a unique collection of objects recovered by divers from wrecked ships such as gold jewelry, coins, ancient objects made of glass, bronze, clay and iron, sculptures and models of ancient ships. The exhibits are organized chronologically, from the Bronze Age to the Roman era. The most impressive room is the one devoted to the ancient stone sarcophagi found in the region, which date back to the Roman period. Visitors can admire detailed carvings and relief inscriptions that tell the story of the characters depicted.

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, the Château Saint-Pierre is occasionally used as a venue for cultural events. Its interior courtyard is popular for weddings. Do not miss the beautiful Andalusian garden and the chapel. However, you will have to climb a few steps to reach the top of its towers. Your efforts will be rewarded: from the castle walls, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Bodrum Bay and the Aegean Sea.

This fountain is, above all, a very strong symbol: that of a time when the grandson of Queen Victoria of England, Emperor Frédéric Wilhelm II had great plans for the Middle East. He was isolated diplomatically and allied with the Austro-Hungarian Empire and was the flag of the Muslim world against the threatening imperialism of Russia, England and France. In 1898, he decided to make a great trip through the Ottoman Empire, whose sincere and faithful friend he wants. Received by Sultan Abdülhamid II, he testifies to his friendship and support by offering him this fountain which carved the hippodrome in 1901. It was on this occasion that the square was forested.

With its 80 m depth and 15 km length, the impressive canyon at the foot of Mount Hasan is carved out of the tuff by the Melendiz River. It connects Ihlara to Selime, with Belişırma in the middle. The first section between Ihlara and Belişırma is marked, possible to continue to Selime. The valley is home to about 100 rock churches and a monastic complex (Kale), many churches have been damaged by the river waters.

Advice: bring non-slip shoes because of the water. There are fish restaurants along the river in Belişırma.

Local youths often offer to be guides for a little money. As part of Cappadocia, the valley then known as Peristremma developed in parallel with Christianity, with the flourishing period beginning in the 6th century and lasting until the 13th century.

Kokar Kilise ("fragrant church", left bank). A single vaulted nave. The apse is partly collapsed (on the side of the entrance). The burial hall joined the church later on. A dominant gray coloring. Dated to the 9th century.

Pürenliseki Kilisesi ("Terrace Church", left bank). Four parts. Vaulted entrance, two naves and two apses, columns. The scenes are very distinct and well separated. It resembles the churches of Kokar and Yılanlı. Dated to the 10th century.

Ağaç Altı Kilise ("church under the tree", left bank). Cross-shaped architecture, vaulted dome, three apses. Dated between the 9th and 11th centuries, it features the traditional themes of the region. Its name comes from the representation of St. Daniel between the lions (just in front of the entrance).

Yılanlı Kilise ("snake church", left bank). Cross-shaped. Vaulted. One apse. The scene on the west wall shows four damned women being attacked by snakes. Dated from the end of the 11th century. A chapel to the north would have served as a burial chamber. Dated to the 9th century.

Kırkdamaltı Kilisesi (St. George's Church, left bank, at Belisırma). Irregular octagonal shape. Possessing a flat ceiling, it has lost its apse. The basement and the sides have housed tombs. A peculiarity is that there are writings mentioning the Seljuk sultan and the Byzantine emperor. Dated to the 13th century (1283-1295).

Kale Manastırı Kilisesi (St. George's Church, at Selime). Known as one of the largest monasteries in Cappadocia. Very well preserved, it is excavated in several tuff cones. The frescoes would go up at the period going from Xth to XIth century.

The ascent is rough to reach the site (10-15 minutes of ascent) with large stone steps. Priene is a city built according to the checkerboard plan of Hippodamus of Miletus. The terraced layout of the ruins allows for a panoramic view of the area and the curves of the Meander River. From the main entrance, you have to climb several steps to reach the bouleutêrion, seat of the Senate, very well preserved. The marble base that you can see in the center was an altar used for ritual sacrifices. Going down, you discover the real center of the city. The fragments of some Doric or Ionian columns prove the location of the stoa. Next to it, the temple of Zeus and the agora are located. It is still necessary to go up to see the ruins, in very bad state, of the gymnasium, the stadium and the baths.

It is better to go to the residential area, below the agora, which allows you to see the structure of the houses in the 4th century BC, with the rooms distributed around an inner court. A little higher up, five columns testify to the location of the magnificent temple of Athena Pallas created by the famous architect Pytheus. Going down towards the exit, you can see the theater, in good condition, with the places of honor clearly visible. Behind it are the ruins of a Byzantine basilica. Only the very motivated will climb the path that leads to the site of the ancient acropolis, they will be rewarded by the beauty of the landscape.

Most travelers limit their visit to the theater, the major attraction of the site. The Roman construction visible today, built on the site of a 4th century Greek theater, could hold 20,000 spectators. The magnificent galleries of circulation, very well preserved, gave access to the terraces. From the top of the hill of the theater, you can realize the geographical situation of the ancient city of which you distinguish the vestiges. Miletus extended then on a peninsula which formed two ports: that of the Theater and that of the Lions. The Byzantine castle whose ruins you see is built with stones of the theater. If you take the path to the right of the theater, you will come to the baths of Faustina, wife of Marcus Aurelius (150 AD). Next to a pool of cold water stands a decapitated statue of the river Meander. A few meters further on, you can see the mosque of Ilyas Bey which dates from the beginning of the 15th century. The earthquake of 1958 deprived it of its minaret, but its mihrâb is beautifully carved and the interior squatted by storks. Passing the southern agora, you arrive at the bouleutêrion, the Senate which, as an inscription proves, was built in the 2nd century B.C. by Tinarchos and Heracleidos in honor of the Syrian king Antiochos IV. Opposite, was the nymphaeum, a sanctuary dedicated to the nymphs, dating from the 1st century AD. On the right, stood the temple of Aesculapius on which, in the^5th century, was built a Byzantine church now in ruins. A little further on was the most important monument of the city, the delphinion, sanctuary of Apollo, protector of the harbors and the ships, after the agora of the north, above the port of the Lions (so named because of the two marble fawns which guarded its entry).

Outside the summer period, the site beyond the theater is often difficult to explore because the rain turns the land into swamp. But when the waters recede, the spectacle is surreal. Not to be missed.

The museum is located1 km from the main entrance of the site.

Idea for a lunch break in Karin: an excellent fish lunch in a soothing setting, much more pleasant than on the side of the road, or at the foot of a site overcrowded with people. Between Milet and Priene, follow the direction of Priene, then take a left towards Doğanbey and go to the very end of the road.

Kayseri was a stopover for the caravans that travelled the silk routes. The renovated bazaar (1859) is next to the citadel. It is the second of the country after that of Ankara. The atmosphere is traditional, with a wide variety of excellent quality carpets, cheaper than elsewhere in the country. Note the Bedesten (1497), a closed building, reserved in Ottoman times for precious goods. Today there are merchants of carpets, kilims and pastırma. Nearby is the Vezirhanı built in 1727 by Damat Ibrahim Paşa.

On the Cumhuriyet square, the citadel is accessible by two entrances. Built by Justinian in the VIth century, rebuilt with black volcanic rocks, in 1224, by the sultan seldjoukide Keykubad, the walls are 3 m thick! Today it houses the market. It is a pity that the traders use some facades to display advertising boards... By climbing on its walls, you will discover a marvellous view on the city.

The fortress built by Sultan Sülemaniye (Suleiman the Magnificent) in 1522 now houses a small museum. Shortly before the capture of Rhodes, 200,000 of the sultan's soldiers took refuge in this castle. Within the museum are exposed various objects discovered during the excavations of Datça and Knidos: potteries, tombstones, statuettes, amphoras... From the top of the castle, very nice view on the old city, the marina, and in the distance, on Içmeler. The walk is pleasant.

This imposing mosque, which is so popular to photograph from the Galata Bridge, is the last large ensemble (külliye) in classical style built in the city. Its construction was started in 1597 by one of Master Sinan's pupils, at the request of Sultan Safiye, Murad III's favourite (1574-1595). The task is not an easy one: the obstacle of water infiltration must be overcome, which considerably delays the work. To make matters worse, the architect died in the meantime and the project stopped. Almost in ruins, it was not taken over until 1660, on the initiative of Sultan Hatice Turhan, who then entrusted this mission to Mustafa Ağa. It remained faithful to the original plans and completed the complex in 1663, including imperial apartments, a Koranic reading institute, an elementary school (which has disappeared), a covered market (now the spice market), a public fountain (sebil) and a mausoleum. The resemblance to the Blue Mosque is obvious, but the central dome is much more elevated giving this imposing pyramidal sensation. It rests on a platform to which you can access by a small staircase that leads to the inner courtyard, bordered by a peristyle with domes. The octagonal ablutions fountain in marble is in the middle. Its dome is supported by columns with stalactite capitals. Inside, you can see that the central space is surmounted by a large dome supported by four arches resting on four pillars and four half-domes. Two-level side galleries are located on the east and west sides. The mihrab (niche) is decorated with golden stalactites and the minbar (pulpit) is decorated with interlacing and rosettes; both are in white marble. The earthenware on the walls inside the mosque is 17th century. The dome and arches are decorated with carvings. The pillars and walls, up to two thirds of their height, are covered with earthenware whose dominant tones are dark blue, light blue, white and green. The imperial apartments (Hünkar Kasrı or Valide Kasrı) are a three-storey building built around the arch on the southern corner of the mosque. With its glazed earthenware stoves, ceramic wall coverings, stained-glass windows, doors inlaid with mother-of-pearl and precious wooden fillets, this imperial pavilion is a small palace on its own.

Baroque inspiration and built by architect Mustafa Ağa assisted by Simon the Companion, the complex began in 1748 under Mahmud II and completed in 1756 under Osman III. It is the only sultan to have added a qualifier in the name of a mosque to "baptiser Osman" (Nuruosmaniye). Two large doors on the outside courtyard give access to the Nuruosmaniye district and the Grand Bazaar to which you access a beautiful monumental door. Shops were built from the beginning under the ramp leading to imperial apartments. The mosque, located in the centre of the whole, is built on a platform. The inner courtyard, of absidiale form, bordered by an peristyle surmounted by 14 domes supported by 12 columns, is the only of its kind in Istanbul. The main square of the mosque, of square shape, is covered with a large dome, with over 174 windows of baroque inspiration pouring waves of light inside. The absence of internal pillars, despite the boxes at the colonnade, helps to give a feeling of great decommitment. The classical mederasa is located south of the mosque and adjacent to the popular canteen building. A vestibule covered with a dome gives access to the inner courtyard around which the different rooms and rooms have been distributed. The public fountain is a dome building with wooden cornices supported by four columns of marble. The library is located east of the inner courtyard and has a large polygonal reading room with a dome and supported by four columns. The mausoleum, built on a square plane, is housed in a dome built on a high-placed drum. The calligraphy visible in the complex are the works of the masters of the day, Rasim, Yedikulelizade, Abdülhalim, Müzehhip Ali and Mehmed Refi.

It is near the shores of Salacak, about 180 m from the coast and marks the entrance to the Bosphorus. It is one of the symbols of the city, regularly the target of cameras and cameras. A James Bond movie, The World is not enough (with Pierce Brosnan and Sophie Marceau), was shot here. Several legends exist around this tower, they are illustrated inside by frescos. It is said to have been the home of the sweet and virginal Hero, one of the priestesses of Venus. In order to honor her goddess, Hero goes to a ceremony and meets Léandre. Love at first sight! Madly in love, Léandre throws himself, the same evening, in the waters to join his beautiful, with the light of a torch. The meeting between the two lovers happened more than once, but one day the torch went out. Unable to find his way back and exhausted, Léandre disappeared in the sea. Afflicted, Hero lets herself slip into the sea and disappears. In Turkish, this tower is called Kız kulesi (Tower of the girl). From a historical point of view, a first fortress was built on this islet by the Greek general Alcibiades towards the end of the^5th century BC in order to control the sea flow. The Byzantine chronicler Choniates tells us that the islet is again fortified in the 12th century on the initiative of Manuel I Comnenus in order to make it an anchor point for the great chain which blocked the Bosphorus and the entrance to the Golden Horn. It is then called Arcla, "small fortress". The Turks used it during the conquest of Constantinople. It is only in 1509, after an earthquake, that it becomes a lighthouse. At the same time, a water tank was added to it. In 1719, it was destroyed by a fire and then rebuilt under the control of the vizier Ibrahim Paşa, known as the Son-in-law. In the second half of the 19th century, as the fragile empire was often faced with serious threats, it regained its defensive use. Restored in 1944, it was transferred to the military in 1959. The maritime lines took possession of it in 1982. It was then used as a lighthouse, military hospital and radio station. Ten years later, the phase where we want to open it to the public begins between controversies and consultations. Today it is done, however important restoration work has begun in 2021 and in this new project there will be no café-restaurant. The crossing is regularly provided from Üsküdar.

This small palace, which was built between 1861 and 1865 under Sultan Abdülaziz (1861-1876), will certainly surprise by its relatively controlled elegance. Admittedly, a guided tour in a small group is required but, due to its small size (65 m long), its approach remains more personal. The site had already attracted the attention of the sultans, who did not fail to have pavilions built there where they would withdraw from time to time. We find the Balyan family at the origin of its architecture. It was conceived as a kind of understudy to Dolmabahçe, in a way a second home. It has also become above all the residence of statesmen. Many crowned heads, such as Tsar Nicholas II or King Edward VIII, have tasted the pleasures of the waters of the Bosphorus, but above all we like to mention a famous beauty, Empress Eugenie, daughter of the Count of Teba and wife of Napoleon III. In the company of the orientalist painter Charles-Theodore Frère, who was appreciated by the Court and the aristocrats in his time, the Empress visited Istanbul (1869) before travelling to Egypt as a guest of the Khedive Ismail Paşa for the inauguration of the canal. The aubergine purée owes its name to it: hünkar beğendi means "Her Majesty has appreciated". The internal decoration combines the Western and Eastern styles. The carpets in the six lounges and 24 rooms are admirable. The garden and the two pavilions, Mermer Köşk and Sarı Köşk, are the perfect complement to the whole.

It is the only Orthodox church in Istanbul to have remained a permanent place of worship of the Greek community in Istanbul since Byzantine times. This would essentially be due to an imperial decree bearing the seal and tenra of Mehmed the Conqueror, granting a kind of perpetual concession and preventing the transformation of the church into a mosque. The church was probably founded after the liberation of the capital from Latin occupation in 1261 by Isaac Doucas, nephew of the Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII. There is still a fresco of the Last Judgment by the painter Modestos, who decorated the church in 1266. This church was dedicated to the Theotokos Panayiotissa (Our Lady Mother of God), and included a convent. Nevertheless, the history of the church is closely linked to that of Princess Maria Palaeologue from 1282 onwards. This princess had married the Mongolian khan in 1265 and lived at her court for more than fifteen years, converting them to Christianity. Back in Byzantium after her husband's murder in 1281, she retired to the convent. The fame of this sister, called Notre-Dame-des-Mongols, quickly made us forget the appellation of origin. The church is named after the Turkish name Kanlı Kilise (bloody church), with fairly violent fighting taking place in the immediate vicinity on the day of the capture of Constantinople. It is located on rue du Porte-Etendard, one of the flags of Mehmed the Conqueror who was killed on this climb.

This house dates from the 17th century, and was built on the initiative of Murad IV's mother, Sultana Kösem. A large part of the han is now dilapidated. A large square tower, 25 m high and located in the third courtyard, belonged to the Praetorium built by Arcadius, and was used as a prison in the Byzantine period. It is necessary to go up to the first floor by the stairs on the left after the entrance and go on the roof. From there, among the domes of the han, you can have an exceptional view of the Galata Bridge, the Bosphorus, the European shore, and the roofs of Sultanahmet.

The fortress, even if imposing, has no particular features. Its charm comes above all from its dream location on the banks of the Bosporus. Climb the steps of the 57-metre high Zaganos Tower to dominate the Bosporus. Even the strong wind does not spoil the pleasure. The quays are charming all around, and you will find small cafés and restaurants to recharge your batteries.

In 1452, Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror was determined to get his hands on the irreducible Constantinople. For several years now, he has been developing a vast conquest project, including the unprecedented design of super-powerful guns. Nothing should be left to chance and especially not the Bosporus Strait, which could well see the arrival of a Christian fleet landing from the Black Sea via the Danube. The sultan himself drew up the plans and more than 3,000 workers were busy working day and night. In 4 months and 13 days, a 250 m long fortress appeared. Facing a previous fortress (Anadolu Hisarı), it is the narrowest point of the strait without forgetting the currents that make navigation dangerous! Constantine XI Dragases, still unaware that he would join history forever as the last emperor of Byzantium, tried to oppose it. That's where the legend comes in. Byzantium excels in the art of negotiation, an ancestral tradition that has saved it from many adventures. Using his hunting activities as an excuse, the Sultan asked Constantinople for permission to build a pavilion there. The emperor accepts but delimits its size: it will be on the surface of an ox skin. The sultan nods: a skin is cut into very thin strips and distributed, end to end, to delimit its space. The sultan is a winner in reality as in legend and Byzantium falls, without the fortress really being of any use whatsoever. We'll quickly turn it into a small prison afterward. The Knights of Malta will be the first to suffer the consequences. In time, it will be abandoned to its fate, even seeing a population settling there. Restored between 1953 and 1958, it was converted into a museum and concert hall. It has 17 towers and 5 doors. Ottoman and European cannons are on display in the fortress, which is now a garden, as well as pieces of the chain that closed the Golden Horn to shipping as part of the Byzantine defence system.