If you’re looking for a unique travel experience, look no further than Turkey. This fascinating country has so much to offer, from its beautiful scenery to its vibrant history. And while you certainly don’t have to visit the more popular tourist destinations like Istanbul or Antalya, there are plenty of other offbeat places that you can explore. In this blog post, we’ll share nine of these lesser-known gems with you. From small villages to remote beaches, be sure to check them all out the next time you’re traveling to Turkey!
Siirt
Siirt is a wonderfully offbeat place to visit in Turkey. It’s the largest and most populous province of the country, and has a wealth of natural attractions that are seldom seen by tourists. The province is also home to some of Turkey’s oldest and most important cities, including Urfa and Konya. Here are five great places to visit in Siirt:
1. Urfa: The spiritual heart of Turkey, Urfa is famous for its ancient city walls, mosques, and tombs. It’s also home to the world’s oldest Christian monastery, which was founded by St. John the Baptist in the first century AD.
2. Konya: One of Turkey’s most beloved cities, Konya is known for its impressive Seljuk ruins and stunningly beautiful Karanlık Tepesi (Black Hill). It’s also a great place to enjoy a hot cup of Turkish coffee or try some delicious local food at one of the many restaurants dotting the city streets.
3. Muğla Province: Facing the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the towering Taurus Mountains on the other, Muğla is an amazing place to explore nature at its finest. The province has dense forests full of wild animals, picturesque villages perched atop steep mountainsides, and crystal-clear turquoise waters galore!
4. Dalyan: A small town situated on a hilltop overlooking Dalyan Bay, Dalyan
Kahramanmaras
Kahramanmaras is a city located on the banks of the Euphrates River in southeastern Turkey. It’s known for its Ottoman-era architecture and for being a popular destination for tourists who want to experience something unique. Kahramanmaras also has a lot to offer visitors who are interested in history, culture, and nature. Here are five offbeat places to visit in Kahramanmaras:
1. The Topkapı Palace Museum: This museum is home to some of the most impressive artifacts from the Ottoman period. Highlights include a collection of tiles from the Süleymaniye Mosque, an ornate clock from the Topkapı Palace, and weapons from the Ottoman army.
2. The İncek Mansion: This building was originally built as a private residence by Ali Pasha İncek, one of the most powerful figures in early 19th century Turkish history. Today, it’s open to visitors as a museum that showcases beautiful examples of 19th century architecture and art.
3. The Kağıthane Caves: These caves are situated close to Kahramanmaras’ old town center and date back to prehistoric times. They’re home to some impressive stalactites and stalagmites that make them well worth exploring.
4. The Bozok Cave System: This system of caves contains more than 100 cave entrances and is situated just outside of Kahramanmaras
Gaziantep
1. Gaziantep is a city located in southeastern Turkey on the Euphrates River. The city has a history dating back over 3,000 years and is known for its impressive Ottoman architecture. Gaziantep also features some of the best restaurants and coffee shops in Turkey, making it an ideal place to stay while visiting the area.
2. Gaziantep is home to the Urfa Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of Roman mosaics. The museum is also home to a large collection of Islamic art, including pieces from the Ghazni School and Seljuk period.
3. Gaziantep is also known for its thermal waters, which are said to have therapeutic properties. Visitors can enjoy a variety of treatments at several thermal baths in and around the city.
4. The city’s inhabitants are known for their love of football (soccer), and Gaziantep hosts one of Turkey’s most iconic football clubs, Fenerbahçe S.K., as well as several smaller clubs that play throughout the country each season.
Konya
If you’re looking for unique places to visit in Turkey, Konya might be a good place to start. This city is famous for its historical mosques and Minarets, as well as its baths. You can also explore the city’s other attractions such as the Halil Pasha Camii and the Aynalık Veziri Caravanserai.
Nevsehir
1. Nevsehir is a province in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, bordering Konya to the south and east, Sivas to the north, and Ardahan to the west. Nevsehir is known for its agricultural products such as grapes, figs, pomegranates, apricots, peaches, plums, olives and wheat. The province has many natural attractions such as thermal spas in Beyşehir and Viranşehir; a ski resort at Altınordu; folk art villages like Çamlıdere and Göreme; the Karadeniz carbonatite outcrop near Kocaali; and numerous traditional Turkish villages.
2. Beyşehir is a city located in Nevsehir Province, central Turkey. It is situated on the slopes of Mount Beyşehir overlooking the plain of İzmir. The city has been an administrative center since ancient times. It was founded by King Croesus of Lydia around 560 BC as part of his quest for elixir of life. The ruins of Croesus’ palace can still be seen today within the confines of the city walls. In AD 546 Emperor Justinian I transferred the capital of his eastern half of the Roman Empire from Constantinople (now Istanbul) to Beyşehir because it was more centrally located than any other town within his realm.
3. Viranş
Mersin
Mersin is a city on the Mediterranean coast in southern Turkey. The city has a rich history, including its occupation by the Greeks and Romans, and was once a major port for trading goods between Europe and Asia. Today, Mersin is known for its beaches, nightlife, and restaurants. Here are 10 offbeat places to visit in Mersin that you don’t see on every trip:
1. Üsküdar Rockefellers Museum: This museum is dedicated to the Rockefeller family, Offbeat Places To Visit In Turkey who were once wealthy residents of Mersin. The collection features both contemporary and historic pieces from the family’s Mersin holdings.
2. Kızkalesi Caves: These caves are located about an hour outside of Mersin near the village of Kızkalesi. They date back to the Neolithic period and have been used by humans for religious ceremonies since antiquity.
3. Ayvalık Castle: This castle dates back to the 13th century and is one of the oldest surviving examples of Turkish castle architecture. It stands overlooking Ayvalık Bay and is open to visitors during daytime hours.
4. Göksun Palace: This palace was built in 1778 by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, as his official residence in Mersin. It later served as the home of several other Iranian rulers before eventually falling into disrepair in the early 20th century. Today, it is
Adana
If you’re looking for a unique destination in Turkey, Offbeat Places To Visit In Turkey look no further than Adana. This city is known for its ancient ruins and unique architecture, as well as its delicious food and nightlife. Here are five offbeat places to visit in Adana:
1. Kasımpaşa Palace: If you’re interested in Ottoman history, Kasımpaşa Palace should be at the top of your list. This impressive palace was once home to the ruling family of the Ottoman Empire and is now a museum dedicated to their history.
2. Uludağ National Park: If you’re looking for a nature retreat, Uludağ National Park is the perfect place for you. This park is full of stunning hikes and scenic vistas, making it ideal for a day trip or longer stay.
3. Ürgüp Caves: Ürgüp Caves are another popular attraction in Adana province. These caves date back to the Stone Age and are filled with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.
4. Konya Central Mosque: Konya Central Mosque is one of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks and is worth visiting if you’re interested in Islamic architecture. This mosque was built by Seljuk Turks in the 12th century and features intricate architecture and mosaics on its walls
Istanbul
1. Istanbul — With more than 14 million inhabitants, Istanbul is one of the most populous cities in the world. This massive metropolis is a cultural treasure trove with an impressive array of sites to explore, from ancient ruins to buzzing nightlife districts. Highlights include the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
2. Cappadocia — One of Turkey’s most underrated gems, Cappadocia boasts some extraordinary landscape features, dating back over 10,000 years. Offbeat Places To Visit In Turkey The region is home to many impressive canyons and rock formations, making it a popular destination for hiking and climbing expeditions.
3. Izmir — Once known as Smyrna, Izmir is one of Turkey’s oldest and most cosmopolitan cities. Its rich history can be seen in its impressive historical architecture and neighborhoods such as Galata and Beyoğlu, which are renowned for their lively nightlife scenes.
4. Bodrum — Justly famed for its stunning turquoise waters and secluded coves, Bodrum also offers plenty of attractions beyond the beachfront lifestyle.Among them are the remote villages dotted along the scenic Gokova Valley, as well as the spectacular ruins at Ephesus.
Conclusion
Turkey is a country with so much to offer visitors, Offbeat Places To Visit In Turkey and if you’re looking for a little something different than the usual sightseeing spots, these nine offbeat places should be at the top of your list. Whether you want to explore ancient ruins or take in stunning views from atop the highest mountain peak in the country, there’s something for everyone on this list. So pack your bags and start planning your next trip to Turkey – you won’t regret it!
