Last Updated on August 26, 2021 by Editor G
Civilisation has existed in Turkey for thousands of years, and as a result some very unusual yet fascinating tourist attractions have developed. From ancient living methods, to historical sites that defy history and hotels built in 5000-year old former monastic caves, Turkey has more unusual destinations to visit than you could imagine. Turkey is a great place to visit, visit Dealchecker for cheap holiday deals to Turkey.
1) Saklikent Gorge
Spanning 20km-long, Saklikent Gorge is the second-largest in Europe, though you can only explore 4km of it during the summer after the snow has melted. This spectacular example of natural beauty is steeped with dramatic sculpted walls with green-water streams and wooden walkways. Take your swimming gear as in some parts you may have to wade through waist-high water or swim.
The Sakklikent Gorge, Turkey.
2) Live off the Land in Yuvacali, Sanliurfa
For a real taste of ancient Turkish culture head for the Kurdish village of Yuvacali between Sanliurfa and Diyarbakir and stay with a farming family in nomadic tents. In the 6000 years that this part of the world has been inhabited, little has changed since Biblical times, including the lifestyle. The families here sleep under the stars on handmade mattresses during the summer, grow their own organic vegetables and cook on a dung-burning fire. You can even help the family milk the goats and prepare the food.
3) Gobekli Tepi
Fifteen kilometres from Sanliurfa is a Neolithic Temple, dated to have been built sometime between 10,000BCE and 12,000BCE making it the World´s oldest Temple known to exist. Excavations have revealed around 20 T-Shaped rocks with abstract images of animals etched into them which represent archetypes and animals the ancient peoples of that area considered sacred. Whoever, the builders were had exceptional building skills that defy logic in terms of mainstream theories of history and evolution and the site has been well preserved as when its inhabitants left they buried under a mountain of sand.
4) Pamukkale
Situated near Hieropolis, Pamukkale is one of Turkey´s most alluring attractions. Shimmering beneath 2,700m chalk cliffs, visitor´s bath in hot water springs that are said to have rich minerals with healing properties which were first noticed by the Greeks and Romans who built the nearby “Holy City.” The scared pools are the result of an earthquake and is considered a magical place of ancient times amongst the modern development of the area.
A panoramic view of Pamukkale.
5) Troy
You´ve seen the film, now visit the site. The ancient city of Troy is steeped in the mythology and fiction Homer´s Iliad and the Odyssey and attracts fans of archaeology and literature, even though up until it was discovered in 1863 nobody believed it existed. Built around 3000BCE, the town was a combination of 9 settlements and still provides amazing views overlooking the hills of Gallipoli.
6) Carved Heads on Mount Nemrut
The inactive volcano of Mount Nemrut is another of Turkey´s unusual historical sites and is well-known for its attraction to mountaineers, but the most astonishing thing about the site is a surreal collection of giant heads carved from stone that dated back to around 2000 years. The heads represent Antiochus I alongside Greek Gods as he believed he was a descendant of Apollo. He was overthrown by the Romans in 38BC – not very God-like!
7) Mud Bath in Koycegiz
Seventy-five kilometers (47m) east of Marmaris is a quaint and quiet little village blessed with the natural beauty of the placid Lake Koycegiz, but what is most unusual about this trip is that on islands in the middle of the lake are the mud baths of Sultaniye bathes which are heated from between 25 degrees Celsius to 43 degrees Celsius. You can get to the mud bath by boat.
8) Stay in a Cave Hotel in Cappadocia
If you are looking to do unusual things in Turkey, they don´t come much more unusual than staying in a troglodyte cave house that has been converted into a hotel. The former monastic retreat is thought to be 5000 years old and is located in Cappadocia in the heart of Turkey.
Conclusion
This is now the end of the article, it’s hoped that you enjoyed reading about these 8 unusual destinations. Maybe the next time you are in Turkey you might visit one. If you do be sure to leave us a comment at the bottom of this page.
Image Credits: *aliza* and Wikipedia.
Jane Freeman is a travel blogger and digital marketer based in the UK. Jane splits her time between London during the Spring/Summer and Asia in the winter.