Anatolia has a history spanning thousands of years and has hosted many significant civilizations throughout this period. Therefore, artifacts from past civilizations can be found in many parts of Anatolia. Among the most important museums where these artifacts are exhibited is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations located in Ankara. Situated southeast of Ankara Castle, the museum was established by converting …
Ankara, the capital of our country, can also be considered a capital for civilizations. The Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Galatians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans prevailed in Ankara, which has a history of 5000 years. For this reason, Ankara, which has always been in the central location of Anatolia, has continued to be a center of attraction and today …
Have you heard about the brief Norman kingdom that once existed in Anatolia? Discover the remarkable story of Roussel de Bailleul—a saga filled with bold ambition, betrayal, and intrigue. Who Was Roussel de Bailleul? Roussel de Bailleul was a Norman mercenary who served both the Normans in Italy and later the Byzantine Empire. Gaining fame for his bravery and military …
Endemic plants are species that grow naturally in a specific region and nowhere else in the world. Thanks to its geographical diversity and climate variety, Turkey is one of the countries with the highest number of endemic plants in the world. The country hosts approximately 12,000 plant species, around 3,000 of which are endemic. In this article, you will discover …
World-renowned neurosurgeon Prof. Dr. Mahmut Gazi Yaşargil, often credited with revolutionizing brain surgery through the development of microsurgical techniques, passed away on June 11, 2025, in Istanbul at the age of 99. Born on July 6, 1925, in Lice, Diyarbakır, Yaşargil moved to Ankara with his family at a young age. After completing his early education in Turkey, he pursued …
Ilgaz Mountain and its surrounding region, designated a national park in 1976, is the highest point in the Western Black Sea Region. This natural wonder is renowned for its year-round recreational appeal. Situated between Kastamonu and Çankırı, and accessed through a mountain pass at 1,875 meters altitude, Ilgaz forms a 50 km circular massif. The national park not only boasts …
Türkiye is home to countless archaeological sites from different historical periods. While some sites like Ephesus, Göbeklitepe, and Hierapolis are widely known, other ancient cities in Türkiye remain relatively obscure despite their incredible beauty and historical significance. Below, we present a list of these lesser-known archaeological treasures, hoping that one day, you too will explore these hidden paradises. 1. Termessos …
The bronze statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, smuggled from the ancient city of Boubon, has been returned to Turkey after 65 years. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy described this significant return as a “historic success” in a statement shared on his social media account. In his post, Ersoy said: “It was a long struggle. We were …
Located right in the center of the Central Anatolia Region, in the region where the provinces of Ankara, Aksaray, and Konya intersect, Tuz Lake (salt lake) is Turkey’s second-largest lake after Lake Van. Nearly half of Turkey’s salt needs are met from this lake. Adjacent to the western entrance of Cappadocia, which is right next door, Tuz Lake is not …
Overview of Bursa Ulu Mosque The Bursa Ulu Mosque (Ulu Cami) is one of the most iconic religious structures in Turkey. While many mosques across Anatolia are named “Ulu Mosque,” this one in Bursa, commissioned by Ottoman Sultan Yıldırım Beyazıt, stands out for its historical, architectural, and spiritual significance. Built between 1396 and 1400, the mosque is a landmark of …