Historical Places to Visit in Turkey as an American Tourist

Turkey is a country that most people visit for culinary delights and beaches. However, it has a very rich history, and equally important, ancient empires that existed for centuries. In this blog, we are going to explore the best Turkish spots that are a part of the country’s glorious history. But before that get a Turkey Tourist Visa.

Turkey’s history and conflict-rich past have seen many empires rise and fall. What has remained is the country’s spirit and glory.  Naturally, embarking on a historical journey in Turkey can be overwhelming for history buffs. Here are some of the best places in Turkey that are part of the country’s history and culture:  

• Ephesus
• Troy
• Istanbul 
• Cappadocia
• Pargamon

In this blog, we take a closer look at each of these historical sites, which are valuable in preserving their past glory. So, without wasting time, let’s walk through it!

Historical Places that are a Must-visit in Turkey as a History Buff

Some of the best places in Turkey that are on the bucket list of all history lovers are:

Ephesus- A Wonder to Behold

Ephesus was one of the Roman capital cities, and it is still very well preserved. This houses the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient Seven Wonders, and the Great Theatre, which could once hold over 24000 spectators. As an example of Hellenistic building style, this Theatre is very popular among history-loving tourists and archaeologists. Over 150 years of rigorous excavations have been conducted in Ephesus, and it has emerged as one of the most vibrant Greco-Roman cities. 

American history-lovers would be amazed to visit Ephesus, because they can relate to the Western classical history. Besides, the history of Turkey is very much related to ancient Roman history, which will spark interest among them. 

Travel Tip: To travel to Ephesus properly, base yourself somewhere in Selçuk or Kusadasi

Troy- Mythology Meets Archaeology

Located in the modern-day archaeological site of Hisarlik in Turkey, this location is highly significant because of its mythological and archaeological value. 

Troy is mentioned in Homer’s epic, ‘The Iliad’ and it is one of the UNESCO recognized World Heritage Sites. Moreover, here lie multiple levels of settlements, suggesting that there must have been civilizations. Stronger evidence of fortifications has been found in the ruins, which depicts the validity of the archeological site. 

Here is an on-site museum where you can visit to explore historical exhibits and a replica of the Trojan Horse, as depicted in Homer’s Iliad. Troy must be a treat to visit for American history lovers, as it would provide a deeper understanding of the distinction between myth and fact, as well as the strategies of ancient warfare. 

Travel Tip: Always consider taking a guided tour at Troy to explore the different historical layers well. 

Istanbul- Where Civilizations Mixed 

Here, you will find different types of architectural and empirical styles in one city. Istanbul has been the political center of the empires that have governed the country, like the Ottoman and the Roman Empire.  The geographical location of this place is between Asia and Europe, which made it one of the most crucial points of trade and politics in ancient Roman history. After the Ottoman Conquest in 1453, Roman influence slowly faded away, and Islamic influence began to increase. 

Here are some of the ideal sites of Istanbul that history buffs will not want to miss: 

Hagia Sophia: Once made as a Church, Hagia Sophia was transformed into a Mosque in 1453 under the rule of Sultan Mehmed the Second. 

Topkapi Palace: The Ottoman emperors used to live here. 

Blue Mosque: Gorgeous and wrapped in history, it was originally constructed to rival the Hagia Sophia. It is one of the most beautiful and artistic mosques anywhere on the planet. 

Travel Tip: It is advised to take a walking tour of the Blue Mosque. 

Cappadocia – Underground Cities

Cappadocia is one of the underground cities in Turkey, where Kaymakli is located. This is one of those cities that were used in Roman persecution, which is a key part of the history of Turkey. Cappadocia’s Göreme Open Air Museum has more than 30 churches with a combination of stone pillars. Here are some of the most beautifully preserved frescoes. This can be said to be a discreet part of the history of Turkey. 

Let’s look at the most notable places that one must visit in Cappadocia: 

Göreme Open Air Museum: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses a huge collection of monasteries located side by side, and each having a beautiful church. The churches and the frescoes are the key highlights of this area. From Göreme town, you can come here just by walking. 

Kaymakli Underground City: Among 36 known underground cities in Cappadocia, Kaymakli Underground City is the widest one, spanning 8 floors below. However, only 5 of these floors are open to the public for exploration. This was constructed in 2000BC and it was used by different civilizations during the time of wars and conflicts. Housing more than 5000 people, this underground city had everything needed to survive, from a church to a kitchen for different people of the society. 

Travel Tip: A hot air balloon ride is a must here for experiencing the iconic aerial view of the locality. 

Pergamon – Forgotten Giant

One of the earlier Hellenistic capitals, Pergamon was believed as the centre of healing, science, and libraries, once having more than 200,000 scrolls. Moreover, this place would also be a fascinating artifact for history lovers due to the great altars of Pergamon, which feature marvelous structures and architectural brilliance.  Here are some of the important places in Pergamon to visit in a historical tour: 

The Acropolis and the Theatre: You can visit the ruins of the city by starting with the impressive ruins of a temple believed to be dedicated to Zeus. Go towards the north, and you will also find the temple of Athena and the city’s famous library.  Finally, you can see the local theatre, which had around 80 rows and could accommodate around 10,000 audience members. 

Best Time to Visit

The most preferred time to visit Turkey for a historical tour is April and May, because the weather remains very mild and comfortable during this time and there is very little rush compared to summer and autumn. However, you have to prepare for a slightly chilly temperature sometimes. 

Here, we have summed up the key historical locations in Turkey to visit. 

Table 1: Comparison of the travel locations

Do USA Citizens need an e-visa for traveling to Turkey?

In simple words, no. There is no Turkey tourist visa required for USA citizens for 90 days of travel and under. Ordinary US passport holders can enter Turkey by just using their valid passport. However, the passport that you hold needs to have at least six months of validity after the date of arrival in Turkey. It also needs to have at least one empty page, if not more, to receive the entry and exit stamps from the immigration department of Turkey. There is no need to get a Turkey visa online for American citizens because the USA is a visa waiver country for Turkey.

However, not only those with a US passport are exempt from getting the visa. If you hold a Green Card, or are residing temporarily in the USA for work/study, the rules of your passport apply. In simple terms, if you are a citizen of a visa waiver country and have a valid passport, you don’t need to apply for travel documentation. But if not, you will need to get a Turkey tourist visa or eVisa, as applicable. 

Conditions for the Stay

To stay and travel inside Turkey without a Turkey tourist visa, you must stay less than 90 days in the country, within 180 days since your passport is stamped. You can enter and exit multiple times during this span of 180 days, but your total days of stay in Turkey must not be higher than 90 days. 

Plan a Historical Exploration of Turkey from the USA!

Thinking of visiting Turkey from the USA? Plan a memorable trip to Turkey to find the hidden history under the ruins of ancient Turkish civilization.