Discover Goxxho

Where empires rose, civilizations crossed, and cultures left their mark

Türkiye is a living museum — a country where thousands of years of history, faith, and architecture coexist in breathtaking harmony. From ancient cities to Byzantine churches, grand Ottoman mosques, and hilltop monasteries, every region offers a window into a different world.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or someone in search of spiritual depth, Türkiye invites you to walk through time — from the ruins of Troy to the palaces of the sultans, from early Christian landmarks to Seljuk and Ottoman masterpieces.

1. Istanbul: The Cultural Heart of Two Empires

As the former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul is one of the world’s most layered cities.

Top Sites to Explore:

1. Hagia Sophia – From church to mosque to museum and now mosque again, this iconic structure tells the story of both Christianity and Islam in Türkiye
2. Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) – A stunning example of Ottoman architecture with its six minarets and blue İznik tiles
3. Topkapı Palace – Home of the Ottoman sultans, filled with treasures, sacred relics, and royal chambers
4. Basilica Cistern – A mysterious underground water system from the 6th century
5. Chora Church (Kariye Mosque) – Renowned for its remarkable Byzantine mosaics and frescoes

Cultural experiences:

1. Guided museum tours
2. Calligraphy and Islamic art workshops
3. Whirling Dervish performances in restored tekkes

2. Central Türkiye: Faith, Philosophy, and Ancient Civilizations

The central region of Anatolia is home to early settlements, sacred landscapes, and places of pilgrimage.

Don’t miss in Cappadocia:

1. Göreme Open-Air Museum – Monastic caves, Byzantine churches, and frescoes carved into fairy chimneys
2. Derinkuyu Underground City – A hidden city used by early Christians to escape persecution
3. Uçhisar Castle – A panoramic fortress carved into volcanic rock
4. Avanos Pottery Villages – Learn ceramic-making techniques passed down from the Hittites

Konya:

1. Visit the Mevlana Museum — spiritual center of Sufism and the resting place of Rumi, the 13th-century poet-philosopher
2. Witness or attend a Sema ceremony — the spiritual Whirling Dervish dance

3. Western Türkiye: Ancient Wonders and Mythology

Western Anatolia is the cradle of Greek, Roman, and early Christian civilizations — ideal for archaeology lovers.

Highlights include:

1. Ephesus – One of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world; home to the Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis, and the Grand Theater
2. House of the Virgin Mary – A peaceful pilgrimage site near Ephesus
3. Pergamon – Ancient medical and intellectual center with its hilltop acropolis
4. Troy – Legendary city of Homer’s Iliad
5. Aphrodisias – UNESCO site dedicated to the goddess of love, with an exceptional sculpture school

Modern connections:

1. Visit Selçuk Museum for artifacts
2. Combine with Aegean beach towns like Kuşadası or İzmir

4. Eastern Türkiye: Crossroads of Faiths and Cultures

The eastern regions are rich in multi-faith heritage, dramatic landscapes, and lesser-known gems.

Must-see cultural and religious sites:

1. Mount Nemrut – A mystical mountaintop with colossal statues from the Kingdom of Commagene
2. Ani Ruins (Kars) – Once a thriving Armenian capital, known as “the City of 1,001 Churches”
3. Ishak Pasha Palace (Doğubayazıt) – A remote Ottoman-Safavid style fortress-palace
4. Lake Van and Akdamar Island – Visit the Holy Cross Church, one of the most beautiful examples of medieval Armenian architecture

5. Religious Diversity in Türkiye: A Journey Through Faith

Türkiye is home to a deep and diverse religious history — and welcomes all who come to explore it.

Places of Worship Open to Visitors:

1. Mosques: From rural village mosques to monumental structures like the Süleymaniye and Selimiye Mosques
2. Churches: Armenian, Greek Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, and Syriac churches across the country
3. Synagogues: Especially in Istanbul, İzmir, and Edirne — where Jewish communities have lived for centuries
4. Monasteries: Sumela Monastery in the Black Sea mountains is a breathtaking religious and architectural marvel

Many sites offer guided tours explaining their history, architecture, and continued religious significance.

Cultural Travel Tips

Tickets & Access:

1. Major sites like Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Ephesus require tickets — online booking is recommended
2. Some mosques have specific visiting hours outside of prayer time

Dress Code:

1. For mosques and some churches, modest clothing is required (shoulders and knees covered, headscarf for women)
2. Scarves are often available at entrances

Best Time to Visit:

1. Spring and autumn (April–June, September–October) offer ideal weather for sightseeing
2. Early morning or late afternoon visits avoid crowds and strong sun

Tours & Guides:

1. Local guides provide deeper context and often include skip-the-line access
2. Many agencies offer combined history + food or history + art tours

Türkiye is not just a destination — it’s a crossroads of civilizations.

With every mosque dome, museum corridor, frescoed chapel, and stone ruin, you’ll feel the legacy of empires, prophets, poets, and artists. Whether you’re following the footsteps of Alexander the Great or exploring the mysticism of Rumi, Türkiye offers a cultural journey that speaks to the soul.

Start your discovery where East meets West — and history lives on.