Turkey's Must-Visit Ancient Cities Part-1

Which ancient cities in Anatolia should be visited? What are the ancient cities in Turkey that must be seen, considering their history, architecture, impact, stories, and remains?

Our country is rich in history, nature, culture, and many other areas. Anatolia, especially, which fell under the dominance of ancient civilizations, has hosted numerous cities. It is possible to come across traces of ancient cities almost everywhere, particularly in Western Anatolia and Southern Anatolia.
Among the ancient cities in our country, there are ones like Ephesus, a city of marble, as well as those with a history spanning thousands of years, like Troy, with its legendary past. However, each of them has its unique history, experiences, and stories.

1.Aigai Ancient City, Manisa

The establishment of Aigai, located in Manisa, dates back to the 11th century BC. Aigai, one of the 12 cities founded by the Aeolians, experienced significant development, especially during the Hellenistic period. The city, mentioned by many important historians such as Herodotus and Strabo, had an underground sewage system built under stone roads to meet the water needs. This allowed the collection of water for various purposes. Aigai features important structures such as the council building (bouleterion), theater, agora, and the Temple of Demeter-Persephone (Kore).

2.Aizanoi Ancient City, Kütahya

Aizanoi, not as famous as Ephesus or Pergamon when it comes to ancient cities in our country, has gained attention in recent years. Although not widely known until recently, Aizanoi was once as famous as Ephesus about two thousand years ago. Some even referred to it as the "Second Ephesus." Its location, commercial and cultural activities, existing temples, and architectural elements, including the world's first stock exchange building, make Aizanoi remarkable. The history of Aizanoi dates back to around 3000 BC, and excavations around the Temple of Zeus, which has become the symbol of the city, reveal evidence of settlements from the Early Bronze Age.

3.Anavarza Ancient City, Adana

Anavarza, a Cilician city within the borders of Adana, has limited information about the period before the Romans. Positioned like a fortress on a hill with approximately 1500 meters of defensive walls, gates, baths, and a theater, Anavarza has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List since 2014.

4.Ani Ancient City, Kars

Ani is a medieval city situated about 45 kilometers from Kars city center, located on the western bank of the Arpaçay River, considered the border between Turkey and Armenia.
Visitors enter Ani through the "Lion Gate," and the city is so extensive that it is also known as the "City of Forty Gates."

5.Antandros Ancient City, Balıkesir

Antandros Ancient City, located near Altınoluk, had its first mentions with Heinrich Kiepert's discovery of an inscription mentioning Antandros on the wall of a mosque in the village of Avcılar in 1842.
Antandros served as the first stop on Aeneas' journey to Italy after escaping from the Trojan War, making it a crucial point in history.

6.Antiocheia de Cragum Ancient City, Antalya

Situated near the natural wonder called Delik Deniz or Kral Koyu in Gazipaşa, Antalya, Antiocheia ad Cragum is one of the prominent coastal cities of Rough Cilicia, known for its pirates.

7.Aphrodisias Ancient City, Aydın

  Named after the goddess of beauty and love, Aphrodite, Aphrodisias is located in Geyre, Aydın. Discovered by the photographer Ara Güler, this city hosted one of the most famous sculpture schools of its time.

8.Arslantepe Mound, Malatya

Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Arslantepe Mound in Malatya has witnessed various historical periods from the 6th millennium BC to the 11th century BC. The palace structure, royal tombs, and wall paintings found in Arslantepe provide valuable insights into human history.

9.Arykanda Ancient City, Antalya

Arykanda, meaning "place near high rocks" in Luvian, is located on the southern slope of the Bey Mountains. With a history dating back to the 2nd millennium BC, Arykanda continues to be excavated, revealing its unique landscape and significant structures.
 

10.Aspendos Ancient City, Antalya

Located in the Pamphylia region of Antalya, Aspendos Ancient City is known for its theater and aqueducts. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List, ongoing excavations promise to reveal more about the city's buried treasures.

11.Assos Ancient City, Çanakkale

When Assos Ancient City is mentioned, the image of a few standing columns on the acropolis with the Athena Temple comes to mind. However, Assos is not limited to these temple ruins.
The history of Assos dates back approximately 4,000 years, with the settlement and construction of the structures seen today beginning around the 7th century BC. Figures like Aristotle, St. Paul, and the city's location highlight its significance.