Routes

Afyonkarahisar

A day in Afyonkarahisar

A walk through the old neighborhoods at the foot of the castle, starting from the UNESCO-listed Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) with its wooden columns, the Afyon houses with bay windows and the Mevlevihane (Mevlevi lodge), and continuing to the Taşhan in the bazaar, the Zafer (Victory) Museum, headquarters of the Great Offensive, and the Gedik Ahmed Paşa Complex.

Afyonkarahisar

Rock monuments of the Phrygian Valley

A driving route through the Afyon section of the Phrygian Valley linking the tuff-carved settlement of Ayazini, Aslantaş with its lion reliefs, the Aslankaya façade with its sphinx, Emre Gölü (Lake Emre) ringed by tuff rocks, and Döğer Caravanserai.

Aydın

A day in Kuşadası

A coastal walk from Pygela, a small Ionian town on the shore of the bay, to Kaleiçi, the core of the old town, the fortress-like Öküz Mehmet Paşa Caravanserai, and Güvercinada (Pigeon Island), which gave the town its name.

Aydın

Priene, Miletus and Didyma

An Ionian route from Priene, laid out on a grid plan on the slope of Mykale, to Miletus, the city of Thales, its museum next to the site and the İlyas Bey Mosque, and on to the oracle Temple of Apollo in Didim.

Denizli

From Laodicea to Kaklık Cave

A driving route from Laodicea, home to one of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation, to the Seljuk Akhan Caravanserai, the Colossae Mound known from the Epistle to the Colossians, and Kaklık Cave with its travertine steps.

Denizli

Pamukkale and Hierapolis

A walk through the UNESCO site climbing from the white travertine terraces to Hierapolis, built on top of the travertines, taking in the Antique Pool with its column fragments, the museum in the Roman bath, the Ploutonion and the Hadrian-era theater.

İzmir

A day in İzmir

A walk from the Clock Tower on Konak Square into the narrow streets of Kemeraltı, past Hisar Mosque, Kızlarağası Han and the historic synagogues, to the Roman-era Agora of Smyrna.

İzmir

Bergama in the footsteps of Pergamon

A UNESCO route in Bergama, capital of the Attalid kingdom, linking the Acropolis with its steep theater, the amphitheater in the valley, the Asklepion where the physician Galen worked, the Bergama Museum, the red-brick Kızıl Avlu (Red Hall) and the Ulu Mosque in the bazaar.

İzmir

Faith heritage in Selçuk

A route from the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) on the slope of Bülbül Dağı to the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, the Artemision, counted among the Seven Wonders, the Basilica of St. John on Ayasuluk Hill, and the İsa Bey Mosque left by the Aydınoğulları.

Kütahya

A day in Kütahya

A walk through the Germiyan capital from the house where Lajos Kossuth spent his year of exile to Germiyan Street with its wooden mansions and the City History Museum, and on to the Vacidiye Madrasa and the Tile Museum on the Ulu Mosque square.

Kütahya

A walk through Aizanoi ancient city

A walk around Aizanoi in Çavdarhisar, built on both banks of the Penkalas Çayı, taking in the well-preserved Temple of Zeus, a Roman bridge still in use, the macellum known for the price edict, and the combined theater-stadium.

Manisa

A day in Manisa

A walk through the city of princes, descending from the Saruhanoğulları Ulu Mosque on the slope of Spil to the Mimar Sinan-designed Muradiye, the Sultan Mosque and Darüşşifa (hospital) where the Mesir Macunu tradition was born, and the Hatuniye Mosque and Mevlevihane (Mevlevi lodge).

Manisa

Sardis, Lydian capital, and Bin Tepe

A UNESCO route in Sardis, capital of the Kingdom of Lydia, from the Temple of Artemis, the restored bath-gymnasium and the largest known synagogue of the ancient world to the Bin Tepe tumuli to the north and the giant burial mound of Alyattes.

Muğla

A day in Bodrum

A walk in the footsteps of ancient Halicarnassus, from the ancient theater overlooking the bay and the Mausoleum, counted among the Seven Wonders, to the Myndos Gate at the western entrance of the walls, to Bardakçı Bay, where you can swim right in town, and to the windmills on the ridge for sunset.

Muğla

Aegean ancient cities: 2 days

A history route linking Stratonikeia, Kaunos and Knidos.

Muğla

Carian cities around Milas

A Carian route from the mountain sanctuary of Labraunda to Mylasa's Baltalı Kapı (Gate of the Double Axe) with its labrys relief and the Hekatomnos Mausoleum, to Beçin, capital of the Menteşe beylik, to Iasos on the Gulf of Güllük, and to the Temple of Zeus at Euromos with its columns still standing.

Muğla

Fethiye coast: 1 day

A day route from Kayaköy to Ölüdeniz and from there to Saklıkent.

Muğla

Gökova weekend

The Muğla Arasta, the Akyaka Azmak and Sedir Island.

Muğla

Lake Köyceğiz and Dalyan

A nature route from Toparlar Waterfall in a forested valley to Yuvarlakçay in the shade of plane trees and the shore of Lake Köyceğiz, on to the Sultaniye Hot Springs southwest of the lake, the Dalyan channel and İztuzu, the nesting site of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).

Uşak

A day in Uşak

A walk from the Archaeology Museum, where the Karun (Croesus) Treasure is displayed, to the Uşak houses with bay windows, the Bedesten, Ulu Mosque and the Hacı Gedik Han in Halıpazarı in the historic bazaar, and on to the museum in the mansion Atatürk used as his headquarters.

Uşak

Ulubey Canyon and the Banaz Çayı valley

A driving route from the Roman-era Clandras aqueduct in the Banaz Çayı valley and Pepuza, center of the Montanist movement, to the glass viewing terrace of Ulubey Canyon, carved by the same stream, Blaundos, surrounded by canyons on three sides, and Aksaz Hot Springs.

Amasya

A day in Amasya: along the Yeşilırmak

A walk that starts at the Sultan II. Bayezid Complex on the banks of the Yeşilırmak and crosses to the opposite bank; after the Hazeranlar Mansion, built in 1865, the bay-windowed Yalıboyu Houses lined up on the old city wall and the Pontic royal tombs on the slope of Mount Harşena, it ends at the Taşhan, dated 1699, and the Burmalı Minare Mosque.

Amasya

From Yedikuğular to Merzifon and Gümüşhacıköy

A route from the bird sanctuary on the Yedikır Dam Lake, a breeding ground of the great white pelican, to Merzifon; after the Kara Mustafa Paşa Mosque, whose şadırvan (ablution fountain) dome is painted with landscapes, the nine-domed bedesten and Çelebi Mehmed's four-iwan madrasa, it ends at the mosque and bedesten that Köprülü Mehmet Paşa had built in Gümüşhacıköy in 1660.

Artvin

From Dolishane to Ardanuç

A route from the 10th-century Dolishane Church, known for its relief of a king, to Ardanuç: Cehennem Deresi Canyon, explored along wooden walkways; Gevhernik Castle, the medieval center of Klarjeti; the İskender Paşa Mosque, with a stone bearing an upside-down Georgian inscription in its wall; and the Yeni Rabat Church, with niches in its dome drum.

Artvin

Şavşat, Karagöl and Sahara

After the 9th-century Satlel Castle at the entrance to Şavşat and the Tbeti Church, whose dome collapsed in 1953, the route enters Karagöl–Sahara National Park: Şavşat Karagöl, surrounded by spruce forests, the Meşeli fairy chimneys uncovered by a landslide, and Sahara Yaylası at 1700–1800 meters.

Bartın

A day in Amasra: from the lighthouse to İçkale

A walk from the Amasra Museum, in a building begun in 1884 as a naval school, up to the 1863 lighthouse on Boztepe; after the 9th-century Byzantine church converted into a mosque inside the castle, the walls spanning the Roman to Ottoman eras and the Çekiciler Bazaar of wood carvers, it ends at the small frescoed İçkale Mescidi (masjid).

Bartın

From the Güzelcehisar lava columns to Çakraz beach

A coastal route from Güzelcehisar, with its 80-million-year-old basalt columns rising like a wall from the sea, to İnkumu beach, where sea daffodils grow; after Gergece Waterfall in the forest and Ahatlar Nature Park, it ends at Çakraz Beach, known for its calm water.

Bayburt

A day in Bayburt: castle and bazaar

A short walk down from Bayburt Castle, which overlooks the Çoruh Valley and was repaired in many periods, to the octagonal stone Clock Tower at the foot of the castle, the four-domed Taşhan Bedesten and the Ulu Mosque, rebuilt faithfully to its original plan.

Bayburt

From Aydıntepe to Dede Korkut

A route from the Aydıntepe Underground City, carved into volcanic tuff, to the Konursu Ulu Mosque, built without nails or glue, to the Baksı Museum, which brings contemporary art and crafts together on a hill overlooking the Çoruh Valley, and to the Dede Korkut Tomb, commemorated with a festival every July.

Bolu

From Gölcük to Abant, and on to Mudurnu

A driving route from Gölcük, surrounded by fir and beech forests, to Abant Lake, formed by a landslide; it ends in Mudurnu, an Ottoman town on the Silk Road, with Yıldırım Bayezid's single-domed mosque, the historic fabric of its listed mansions and the clock tower looking down over the town.

Bolu

Göynük and the forest lakes

A driving route from Sünnet Lake, formed when landslides blocked the valley, to the Cittaslow town of Göynük; after the historic houses, the tomb of Akşemseddin, teacher of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, and the wooden Victory Tower built in memory of the National Struggle, it ends at Çubuk Lake with its windmill and Sülüklügöl, where pine trunks are preserved in the water.

Çorum

A day in Çorum: from the museum to the clock tower

A walk starting at the Çorum Museum, housed in a 1914 building and displaying finds from Alacahöyük, Hattuşa and Şapinuva; after the Seljuk castle overlooking the plain, the Veli Paşa Han with its 'Anadolu Oteli' pavilion and the minaret-shaped clock tower, it ends at the Ulu Mosque, notable for its woodwork.

Çorum

The Hittite capital Hattuşa, Yazılıkaya and Alacahöyük

A route from Alacahöyük, known for its Sphinx Gate and Early Bronze Age royal tombs, to the Boğazköy Museum, which displays the two Hittite sphinxes returned from Berlin; at Hattuşa, after the royal citadel Büyükkale, the Lion Gate and Yerkapı with its stone tunnel, it ends at Yazılıkaya with its reliefs of deities.

Düzce

Efteni Lake and the waterfalls of Düzce

A driving route from Efteni Lake, a birdwatching area with observation towers, to Güzeldere Waterfall at the foot of Mount Elmacık; it ends at the Aydınpınar waterfalls, linked by forest trails, and Samandere Waterfall, Türkiye's first registered natural monument.

Düzce

From Konuralp to the Akçakoca coast

A driving route from the ancient theater of the Bithynian city of Prusias ad Hypium, known as 'Kırk Basamaklar' (the Forty Steps), and the Konuralp Museum, which displays the Orpheus mosaic, down to the Black Sea coast; it ends at the Akçakoca Central Mosque, whose roof is inspired by an otağ (imperial tent), and the Genoese Castle on the cliff.

Giresun

Coastal castles from Giresun to Tirebolu

A route from Giresun Castle, the best spot for city views, and the Giresun Museum in the 19th-century Gogora Church, heading east along the coast: Andoz Castle at the mouth of the Yağlıdere valley, Tirebolu (Sen Jan) Castle on a rock jutting into the sea, and Bedrama Castle overlooking the Harşit Valley.

Giresun

The Dereli yaylas and Kuzalan

A yayla route from Kulakkaya Yaylası, set in spruce and beech forests, to Kuzalan Nature Park with its travertines, waterfalls and turquoise Mavi Göl (Blue Lake), then on to Kümbet Yaylası, known for its July festivals, and Aymaç Nature Park with its oriental spruce forest.

Gümüşhane

Old Gümüşhane and Canca Castle

A route that begins at the İkizevler City Museum in a historic mansion and leads to Canca Castle, regarded as the city's first settlement, which gained importance through silver mining, and to the Süleymaniye neighborhood, founded in the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent; it ends at the Sultan Süleyman Han Mosque, with its original minaret, at the heart of the neighborhood.

Gümüşhane

Torul, Karaca Cave and Limni Lake

A route from Torul Castle, with its glass-floored viewing terrace overlooking the Harşit Valley, to Karaca Cave with its colorful dripstones and cave pearls, and then to forest-ringed Limni Lake at the foot of Mount Zigana.

Karabük

A day in Safranbolu: the Çarşı and Hıdırlık

A walk from the City History Museum in the old Government House on the castle hill and the clock tower built by İzzet Mehmet Paşa down to the UNESCO-listed bazaar and arasta; it ends with the han of Cinci Hoca, the Kaymakamlar Gezi Evi (house museum), which shows the layout of a traditional home, and Hıdırlık Hill, with a bird's-eye view of the old town.

Karabük

Mencilis Cave, Tokatlı Canyon and Yörük Köyü

A driving route from the three-level Mencilis Cave in Bulak village to Tokatlı Canyon north of Safranbolu and the İncekaya Aqueduct spanning the canyon; it ends at Yörük Köyü with its timber-frame houses, laundry house and fountains.

Kastamonu

A day in Kastamonu: from the castle foothills to the Clock Tower

A walk from the tomb and complex of Şeyh Şaban-ı Veli up to Kastamonu Castle, then down through the old neighborhoods at the foot of the castle to the city's symbol, the Nasrullah Mosque and Square; with the Liva Paşa Mansion Ethnography Museum, the Archaeology Museum in a building designed by Mimar Kemaleddin, and the Clock Tower, dated 1885, on the slope facing the castle.

Kastamonu

Canyons of the Küre Mountains

A route following the canyons of the Küre Mountains: the glass viewing terrace that reveals the depth of Çatak Canyon, Horma Canyon explored on a wooden walkway fixed to the rock wall, Ilıca Waterfall pouring into a natural pool at the end of the canyon, and the deep Valla Canyon carved by the Devrekani Stream.

Ordu

A day in Ordu: from Taşbaşı to Boztepe

A walk from the Taşbaşı Church, dated 1853 and used as a cultural center, to the seafront Aziziye (Yalı) Mosque, the Atik İbrahim Paşa Mosque with its baroque mihrab and the Paşaoğlu Mansion Ethnography Museum with its painted wooden ceilings; it ends with the city and sea views from Boztepe, reached by cable car.

Ordu

Ünye: coast, castle and rock tombs

A route from the Çınarsuyu coastal forest west of Ünye to Ünye Castle, with a rock tomb bearing an eagle relief at its entrance, then on to the Ünye House, the restored Saray Hammam and the Yalı Church in the district center; it ends at the Tozkoparan Rock Tomb with its large arched entrance.

Rize

A day in Rize: castle, tea and museums

A city walk starting at Rize Castle, whose inner citadel is attributed to the reign of Justinian I: the Ziraat Botanical Tea Garden, where the first tea seedlings were raised, the Rize Museum in a 19th-century mansion and the Atatürk House Museum in the Mataracı Mansion, where Atatürk stayed in 1924.

Rize

From the Fırtına Valley to Ayder

A route from the Şenyuva Bridge over the Fırtına Stream, dated 1696, and Zilkale, perched on a sheer rock above the streambed, to the foothills of the Kaçkar: Gelintülü Waterfall, which resembles a bridal veil, Ayder Yaylası with its wooden houses, and the thermal hot springs in the middle of the yayla.

Samsun

A day in Samsun: İlkadım

A walk starting at the Seyyid Kutbiddin Mosque, dated 1292, and leading to the Büyük Cami (Great Mosque) near the Saathane, the Gazi Museum in the Mıntıka Palas where Mustafa Kemal stayed in 1919, the Onur Monument, built with public donations, and the İlkadım Monument marking the landing pier; it ends at the Samsun Museum, which displays the Amisos Treasure.

Samsun

From Tekkeköy to Terme

A route heading east from the Tekkeköy Caves, which bear traces of the Hittites and the Bronze Age: the 10-arch Çarşamba Bridge over the Yeşilırmak, the Göğceli Mosque, built of nail-free interlocking timber, the Simenit and Akgöl birdwatching area, linked by channels, and Miliç Beach, where the pine forest meets the sand.

Sinop

A day in Sinop: the walls and the peninsula

A walk starting at the Historic Sinop Prison within the castle walls, closed in 1999 and turned into a museum: the walls that define the city's skyline, the Alaaddin Mosque from the early 13th century, the Pervane Madrasa with its courtyard full of craft shops, the Archaeology Museum with the remains of a Serapis temple in its garden, and the Balatlar Church, where excavations are ongoing.

Sinop

Along the coast from Sarıkum to Boztepe Burnu

A coastal route from Sarıkum Lake, formed from an old bay closed off by dunes, to İnceburun Lighthouse at Türkiye's northernmost point, the fjord-like Hamsilos cove, the Paşa Tabyaları (Pasha's Bastions) from the Crimean War years and Boztepe Burnu (Cape Boztepe) at the eastern tip of the peninsula.

Tokat

A day in Tokat: from Sulusokak to Taşhan

A walk starting at the Tokat Museum in the nine-domed Arastalı Bedesten and the Danishmendid Yağıbasan's Çukur Madrasa; after Sulusokak, the city's old trade axis, the Taşhan, lively with craft shops, and the Gök Medrese, famous for its tiles, it ends at the Hatuniye Complex, founded in the name of Gülbahar Hatun.

Tokat

From Zile Castle to Ballıca Cave

A route from the lead-domed Zile Ulu Mosque and Zile Castle, associated with Julius Caesar's words 'I came, I saw, I conquered', to Pazar; after the caravanserai with a muqarnas portal built by Mahperi Hatun in 1238, it ends at the five-level Ballıca Cave, known for its 'onion stalactites'.

Trabzon

A day in Trabzon: Ortahisar

A walk that begins at Hagia Sophia, a 13th-century building known for its frescoes, and continues into the old town within the walls: the Gülbahar Hatun Mosque and Tomb, the Ortahisar Fatih Büyük Mosque, converted from the old church where the Komnenos emperors were crowned, the six-arched Tabakhane Bridge, the Çarşı Mosque in the middle of the historic bazaar and the Trabzon Museum in the Kostaki Mansion.

Trabzon

From Of to Uzungöl

A route heading inland from the pink cut-stone Çakıroğlu İsmail Ağa Mansion on a hill overlooking the sea: the tile-roofed Hapsiyaş Bridge over the Solaklı Stream, the village house where President Cevdet Sunay was born, Uzungöl, formed by a landslide, and the Dursun Ali İnan Museum, set up in a traditional wooden house.

Trabzon

Maçka: the Altındere Valley and Sümela

A route through Altındere Valley National Park, covered in oriental spruce forest, visiting Sümela Monastery, with its rock church and frescoes set against a sheer cliff, and the nearby Aya Varvara Church; it ends at Hamsiköy, an old Silk Road stopover village at the foot of Mount Zigana, famous for its sütlaç (rice pudding).

Zonguldak

A day in Ereğli: from Herakleia to Alemdar

A walking route from the museum ship, a replica of the Alemdar tugboat that carried supplies to the front in the War of Independence, to the Ereğli Museum in the Halil Paşa Mansion and the great plane trees of Bozhane; it ends at the Cehennemağzı Caves, said to be where Hercules descended into the underworld, and the castle remains of ancient Herakleia Pontike.

Zonguldak

Zonguldak: city of coal

A route from Zonguldak Lighthouse, which has guided ships into the harbor since 1908, to the monument to Uzun Mehmet, who discovered hard coal in 1829; it ends with the Coal Experience Mine of the Mining Museum, next to the former training mine, and Gökgöl Cave with its 875-meter walkway.

Aksaray

Ihlara Valley, Selime and Güzelyurt

A route that descends by stairs into Ihlara Valley, carved out of the tuff by the Melendiz Stream, to see the Ağaçaltı Church with its depiction of Saint Daniel, then continues to Belisırma in the middle of the valley and to the rock-carved Selime Cathedral at its northern end; it ends in Güzelyurt with the underground city and the Church of Saint Gregorios, converted into a mosque.

Aksaray

The Seljuk caravan road from Sultanhanı to Aksaray

A route from the Sultan Hanı Caravanserai, dated 1229, to the Aksaray Museum, which displays finds from Aşıklı Höyük and Acemhöyük; in the city center it takes in the crenellated Zinciriye Madrasa, the Karamanoğlu-era Ulu Mosque and the brick Eğri Minare (Crooked Minaret), and ends at the ornate Ağzıkara Han on the Nevşehir road.

Ankara

A day in Ankara: Rome and the Republic in Ulus

A walk in Ulus that starts at the remains of the Roman Bath from the time of Caracalla and continues to the Hacı Bayram-ı Veli Mosque, the Temple of Augustus bearing the Res Gestae inscription, and the Column of Julian, known as the Belkıs Minaret; it ends at the museums in the First Parliament building, where the Republic was proclaimed, and the Second Parliament building, which housed the parliament from 1924 to 1960.

Ankara

Old Ankara from the Citadel to Hamamönü

A route that climbs from the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, housed in the Mahmut Paşa Bedesten and Kurşunlu Han, to Ankara Castle, then visits the wooden-columned Ahi mosques of Arslanhane and Ahi Elvan; it ends at the house-museum in the Taceddin Dervish Lodge, where Mehmet Âkif wrote the İstiklal Marşı (National Anthem), and the restored Hamamönü houses.

Ankara

Traces of the Battle of Sakarya and Gordion

A driving route from the village house in Alagöz that served as the headquarters of the Western Front and Mustafa Kemal Paşa in the summer of 1921 to the Mehmetçik Monument in Polatlı and Duatepe, retaken in the offensive of September 10, 1921; it ends at the museum of the Phrygian capital Gordion, the Midas Tumulus with its wooden burial chamber, and the UNESCO-listed ancient city.

Çankırı

A day in Çankırı: from the castle to the madrasas

A walk starting on the castle hill where the tomb of Emir Karatekin stands; after the four-faced clock tower, the Büyük Mosque (Great Mosque) built by order of Süleyman the Magnificent, the Çivitçioğlu Madrasa dated 1754 and the Buğday Pazarı Madrasa where handicrafts are displayed, it ends at the provincial museum in the old Government House.

Çankırı

From Kenbağ to the Salt Cave and the Beşdut rock tombs

A route from Kenbağ Nature Park in a black pine forest to the Salt Cave in a rock salt deposit thought to have been worked since the Hittite period; after the salt sculptures and stalactites, it ends at the Beşdut rock tombs carved on both sides of a stream.

Eskişehir

A day in Eskişehir: Odunpazarı

A walk from the Kurşunlu Complex, completed by Çoban Mustafa Paşa in 1525, and the Meerschaum Museum inside it to Atlıhan, where meerschaum craftsmen work; it winds between the bay-windowed Odunpazarı houses to the Kengo Kuma-designed Odunpazarı Modern Museum and the Contemporary Glass Arts Museum, created by joining three historic houses.

Eskişehir

The Phrygian Valley from Seyitgazi to Midas City

A driving route heading south from the Seyitgazi complex, whose tomb and mosque were built in the name of Battal Gazi in 1207–1208, into the Phrygian Valley; after Doğanlı Castle with its rock-carved rooms, the Hellenistic Gerdekkaya Monumental Tomb and Yazılıkaya with the 17-meter Midas Monument, it ends at the Han Underground City.

Karaman

A day in Karaman: the Castle and the Karamanoğulları

A walk from Karaman Castle on its mound to the Alâeddin Bey kümbet (tomb) at its foot, then to the Hatuniye Madrasa with its marble portal and the Karaman Museum behind it; it ends at the Aktekke Mosque, where the grave of Mevlânâ's mother lies, and the tomb where, according to tradition, Yunus Emre is buried.

Karaman

Around Taşkale: rock granaries and caves

A driving route heading south from Atlas Han, a Seljuk building you come upon as you descend from the Taurus Mountains to the plain; it ends at the Manazan Caves, a multi-story Byzantine settlement carved into limestone, Taşkale with hundreds of granaries carved into the rock face, and İncesu Cave with its stalactites and stalagmites.

Kayseri

A day in Kayseri: Seljuk buildings and the historic bazaar

A walk starting at the Gevher Nesibe Hospital (Şifahiye), one of Anatolia's first medical schools and hospitals; it continues with Mimar Sinan's Kurşunlu Mosque, the Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) with its depth-oriented plan, the Bedesten, the Vezir Han and the Covered Bazaar, the complex of Mahperi Hunat Hatun, and the Döner Kümbet with reliefs on its twelve faces.

Kayseri

From Kültepe to Koramaz Valley: Assyrian merchants and Mimar Sinan

A route from the Çifte Kümbet, built for Melike Adile Hatun, to the mound of Kaniş-Karum, the trading colony of Assyrian merchants, then to Koramaz Valley with its 42 rock-cut churches and the building in Ağırnas restored as the house where Mimar Sinan was born.

Kırıkkale

Bridges and Hittite traces along the Kızılırmak

A day-trip driving route following the Kızılırmak valley southward: the Yahşihan Iron Bridge dated 1903, the Hasandede Mosque and Tomb built in 1605, Karaahmetli Nature Park on the shore of Kapulukaya Dam Lake, Büklükale, a city of the Hittite Imperial period, and the 13th-century Çeşnigir Bridge right beside it.

Kırıkkale

From central Kırıkkale to Keskin

A route that, after the Nur Mosque in the city center, inspired by the baldachin system of the Selimiye Mosque, and the MKE Silahsan Weapons Museum, continues to Keskin; it ends at the Taş Mektep, an arts house named after the folk poet Hacı Taşan, and Sulu Cave, part of which is an ancient mine gallery.

Kırşehir

A day in Kırşehir: Ahi Evran and Cacabey

A walking route from the 13th-century Melik Gazi Kümbet to the Cacabey Madrasa, where astronomy is thought to have been taught, then to the Alaeddin Mosque and the tomb of Ahi Evran, regarded as the founder of the Ahi brotherhood; it ends at the Kırşehir Museum, which also has an Ahi section, and the tomb of Âşık Paşa, author of the Garibnâme.

Kırşehir

Kaman: Kalehöyük, the Japanese garden and Hirfanlı

A driving route from the shore of Hirfanlı Dam Lake on the Kızılırmak to Kaman; it ends at Kalehöyük, excavated by Japanese archaeologists since 1986, the jointly built Turkish–Japanese museum where its finds are displayed, and the Japanese garden with a waterfall created in memory of Prince Mikasa.

Konya

A day in Konya: from Mevlâna to Alâeddin Hill

A walking route from the green-domed Mevlâna Museum and the adjacent Selimiye Mosque, built by Selim II, to the shrine tomb of Şems-i Tebrîzî, then to the Karatay Madrasa with its star-patterned tiled dome; it ends at the Alâeddin Mosque, which houses the kümbet of the Seljuk sultans, and the İnce Minareli Madrasa with its carved portal.

Konya

From Neolithic villages to the crater lakes of Karapınar

A driving route from Boncuklu Höyük, considered a forerunner of Çatalhöyük, with its reconstructed houses, and UNESCO-listed Çatalhöyük with its houses entered through the roof, to Karapınar; it ends at the mosque of the complex built in the name of Prince Selim, Meke Lake with a volcanic cone rising in its center, and Acıgöl with its bitter, salty water.

Konya

Hittite and Seljuk traces around Beyşehir Lake

A driving route from Kubadabad, the lakeside summer palace of Alâeddin Keykubad I, to the Hittite sacred water monument of Eflatunpınar; after the wooden-columned Eşrefoğlu Mosque and the Taşköprü (Stone Bridge), which releases the lake's water onto the plain, it ends at Fasıllar, the unfinished Hittite Storm God monument lying on a hillside.

Nevşehir

Cappadocia valleys and fairy chimneys

A route starting at Uçhisar Castle, hollowed out with rooms, to the valley known for its dovecotes, the Aşk Vadisi (Love Valley) with its pointed fairy chimneys and Paşabağ, where multi-capped fairy chimneys are concentrated; it ends with the Zelve rock village, inhabited until the 1950s, and the Devrent Valley with rocks resembling animal figures.

Nevşehir

Cappadocia's underground cities and Şahinefendi

A route from the Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı underground cities on the Nevşehir–Niğde road to Mazı, anciently known as Mataza; also along the way are the 'Üzümlü Kilise' (Grape Church), opened in 1858, a rock-cut church decorated with frescoes telling the story of the Forty Martyrs, and the ancient city of Sobesos with its colorful floor mosaics.

Nevşehir

Rock churches and stone mansions from Göreme to Mustafapaşa

After the Göreme Open-Air Museum with its fresco-decorated rock churches and the Tokalı Church, whose frescoes tell the life of Jesus in sequence, the route continues to Ortahisar Castle, thought to have been a refuge in the Byzantine period, and the ethnography museum that brings village life to life; it ends at the stone mansions of Mustafapaşa, formerly known as Sinasos, and the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena, dated 1729.

Niğde

A day in Niğde: madrasa, mosques and tomb around the castle

A short walk starting at the Ak Madrasa with its marble portal; after the Sungurbey Mosque with its twelve-animal calendar reliefs, the three-domed Alaaddin Mosque dated 1223 and the castle on the hill where the old city was founded, it ends at the Hüdavend Hatun Tomb with its figural reliefs.

Niğde

From Gümüşler Monastery to the Tyana aqueduct

A route heading south from Gümüşler Monastery, known for its 'Smiling Mary' fresco, and Andaval Church, the Byzantine basilica of the Andabalis station; it is completed by the Bor Ulu Mosque dated 1410–1411, the aqueduct arches at Kemerhisar, Roman Tyana, and Köşk Höyük, known for its skull burials with clay-modeled faces.

Sivas

A day in Divriği: the Ulu Mosque, tombs and castle

A walk starting at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ulu Mosque (Great Mosque) and Hospital (Darüşşifa), commissioned by the Mengujekid Ahmed Şah and Turan Melek; after the Kamereddin and Sitte Melik kümbets (tombs) dated 1196, it is completed by the Kale Mosque with its 1181 inscription in the castle overlooking the Çaltı Stream valley.

Sivas

A day in Sivas: Seljuk madrasas and the Congress building

A walk starting at the Gök Madrasa, named for its turquoise tiles; after the eleven-aisled Ulu Mosque, the Çifte Minareli Madrasa of which only the twin-minaret facade still stands, the hospital (darüşşifa) of İzzeddin Keykavus I and the Buruciye Madrasa, it ends at the museum in the old high school building where the 1919 Sivas Congress convened.

Yozgat

A day in Yozgat: from the Çapanoğlu bazaar to Çamlık

A walk starting at the museum in the wooden Nizamoğlu Mansion, built in 1871; after the Çapanoğlu Mosque dated 1779, the square fountain with a clock built for Abdülhamid II and the clock tower dated 1908, it ends among the black pines of Yozgat Çamlığı, declared Türkiye's first national park in 1958.

Yozgat

Kerkenes and the Sorgun mounds: from the Hittites to the Iron Age

A route from Uşaklı Höyük, with its monumental Hittite buildings, to Kerkenes, encircled by 7 km of walls and thought to be Herodotus's Pteria; it ends on the Kanak Suyu plain at Çadır Höyük, dating back to 5200 BC, and Alişar Höyük, visited by Assyrian merchants.

Ağrı

A day in Doğubayazıt: İshak Paşa Palace and its surroundings

Four stops side by side on the ridge overlooking the Doğubayazıt plain: İshak Paşa Palace, built between 1685 and 1784, the single-domed Eski Bayezid Mosque at the foot of the castle, Doğubayazıt Castle, known for its rock tombs, and the tomb of Ahmed-i Hani, the poet of Mem û Zîn. The stops are a few hundred meters apart.

Ardahan

Ardahan city center walk

A short walk in central Ardahan: the mansion that hosted the January 1919 congresses and is now the Congress and City Museum, the Derviş Bey Mosque with its 1868 inscription, and Ardahan Castle, the city's symbol, with its towered walls on the banks of the Kura River.

Ardahan

From Putka Lake to Çıldır Lake

A driving route east of Ardahan: Putka Lake, known for its birds, Şeytan Kalesi (Devil's Castle) on a cliff edge overlooking the Karaçay canyon, and Çıldır Lake, at an elevation of about 1,960 meters, famous for ice fishing in winter.

Bitlis

A day in Ahlat: kümbets and the Seljuk cemetery

A route that starts at the Ahlat Museum and walks among the kümbets (domed tombs): the Ulu Kümbet, symbol of Ahlat's kümbets, the Seljuk Meydan Cemetery on the UNESCO Tentative List, the Hasan Padişah Kümbet dated 1275, the Emir Bayındır Kümbet with its columned gallery, and the Ilkhanid-era Çifte Kümbetler (Twin Tombs).

Bitlis

Bitlis historic center walk

A short walk around the castle ridge between two streams: the Şerefiye, the 16th-century complex of Şerefhan IV, the 12th-century Bitlis Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque), Bitlis Castle, said to have given the city its name, the İhlasiye Madrasa with its corner towers, and the Ethnography Museum in the former governor's mansion.

Elazığ

A day in Harput

A walk in Harput, which looks down on Elazığ: the Meryem Ana Church (Church of the Virgin Mary), whose inscription mentions the date AD 179, Harput Castle, also known as Süt Kalesi (Milk Castle), the 15th-century Sarahatun Mosque, the Arap Baba Masjid and Tomb, the Kurşunlu Mosque with plane trees in its courtyard, and the Balak Gazi Monument with its viewing terrace.

Elazığ

Elazığ: from the museum to Buzluk Cave, then to Hazar Lake

A driving route combining the city and its surroundings: the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, displaying finds from the Keban and Karakaya rescue excavations, the İzzet Paşa Mosque in the city center, Buzluk Cave (Ice Cave), which freezes in summer, and Hazar Lake, formed on the East Anatolian Fault Line.

Erzincan

From Erzincan to Tercan: Altıntepe and Mama Hatun

A driving route east from the Erzincan Plain: the Erzincan Museum, which also displays Altıntepe finds, the Terzibaba Tomb, the Altıntepe Urartian Fortress with its temple and chamber tombs, then the 13th-century Mama Hatun Caravanserai and the Mama Hatun Kümbet (Tomb) with its circular enclosure wall in Tercan.

Erzincan

Kemaliye (Eğin) and Karanlık Kanyon

A walk through the stepped streets and stone-and-timber houses of Kemaliye, on the UNESCO Tentative List, and the Orta Mosque, dated to the 17th century; then a short drive to Karanlık Kanyon (Dark Canyon), carved by the Karasu, and the Taş Yol (Stone Road) hewn into the rock by local people.

Erzurum

A day in Erzurum: historic center walk

A walk around Cumhuriyet Caddesi: the Yakutiye Madrasa dated 1310, the Rüstem Paşa Bedesten (Taşhan), a bazaar for Oltu stone, Erzurum Castle with the Tepsi Minaret inside, the Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) dated 1179, the Çifte Minareli Madrasa (Double Minaret Madrasa) with its tile-decorated twin minarets, and the Üç Kümbetler (Three Tombs).

Erzurum

From Nene Hatun to Çobandede Bridge

A driving route east from Erzurum to the Pasinler Plain: Nene Hatun Historical National Park, commemorating the Aziziye defense in the '93 War (Ottoman–Russian War), the Abdurrahman Gazi Tomb at the foot of Palandöken, Hasankale, the historic Pasinler Hot Springs and the six-arched Çobandede Bridge over the Aras.

Erzurum

Tortum Valley: Haho, Tortum Lake and Waterfall

A day-trip driving route north of Erzurum: Haho, a 10th-century Georgian monastery now used as the Taş Mosque (Stone Mosque), Tortum Lake, formed by a landslide, and Tortum Waterfall, where the lake's waters plunge about 48 meters.

Iğdır

The Iğdır Plain from Tuzluca to Karakoyunlu

A driving route across the Iğdır Plain: the Tuzluca Salt Cave, which stays at about 12°C all year, the Ejder Caravanserai on the Batumi–Tabriz caravan route, the 43.5-meter Iğdır Genocide Monument and Museum, and the Karakoyunlu Open-Air Museum, which brings together ram-headed gravestones.

Kars

A day in Kars: the castle and Kaleiçi

A short walk at the foot of the castle: the basalt Kars Castle, built in 1152–1153, the three-arched Taşköprü (Stone Bridge) over the Kars Stream, the Kümbet Mosque, built in the 10th century as the Church of the Holy Apostles, the Evliya Mosque with the shrine of Ebu'l-Hasan Harakânî, and the Kars Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) dated 1643.

Kars

Kars: Baltic architecture and museums

A walk tracing the 19th–20th-century layer of Kars: the Caucasus Front War History Museum at Kanlı Tabya, the Fethiye Mosque, built as a church in the Russian period, the Baltic-style streets of Yusufpaşa–Ortakapı, the Kars Railway Station dated 1899, and the Kars Museum, displaying finds from Ani.

Kars

Sarıkamış: Scots pine forests and the martyrs' memorial

A short driving route around Sarıkamış: Soğuksu Nature Park, above 2,100 meters, Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park with its pure Scots pine forests, the Cıbıltepe Ski Resort, known for its 'crystal snow', and the Dikenli Tabya Martyrs' Memorial commemorating the Sarıkamış Operation.

Malatya

Darende: Günpınar Waterfall and Tohma Canyon

A day route in Darende: Günpınar Waterfall, which drops about 25 meters in three tiers, then, side by side on the banks of the Tohma Stream, Zengibar Castle, the Somuncu Baba Complex and the Tohma Canyon walking path with its wooden footbridges.

Malatya

Malatya city museums walk

A walk between museums in central Malatya: the Archaeology Museum, displaying Arslantepe finds and reopened in August 2026, the Atatürk House and Ethnography Museum, the 18th-century Taşhoron Church, the Camera Museum with more than two thousand cameras, and the Radio and Gramophone Museum.

Muş

Malazgirt 1071 route

A short driving route in Malazgirt: the Seljuk-era Hatun Bridge at the entrance to the district, the Historical National Park on the plain where the 1071 Battle of Malazgirt (Manzikert) took place, the black-stone Malazgirt Castle with its double ring of walls, and the Victory Monument.

Muş

Muş historic center walk

A short walk down from the castle hill overlooking the Muş Plain to the old bazaar: the Muş Castle viewpoint, the Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque), dated to the 14th century, the 17th-century Hacı Şeref Mosque, the Alaaddin Bey Mosque with its two-colored stone minaret, and the Muş Museum in a school building built in 1938.

Tunceli

Central Tunceli: from Uzunçayır to Gola Çetu

A short route around the city center: the Uzunçayır Dam Lake on the Munzur Stream, the Tunceli Museum in a historic barracks building with halls on archaeology, ethnography and faith culture, and Gola Çetu, where the Munzur and Pülümür streams meet, considered sacred in the Alevi faith.

Tunceli

Pertek: the castle in the lake and the relocated mosques

A short route on the shore of the Keban Dam reservoir: Pertek Castle, which became an island in the middle of the water, and the 16th-century Sungur Bey and Çelebi Ali mosques, whose stones were numbered and moved from old Pertek to the new district center because of the dam.

Van

A day in Van: Tushpa and Old Van

A walk around the rock on the shore of Lake Van: the Van Museum with its rich Urartian collection, Van Castle, the citadel of the Urartian capital Tushpa (Tuşpa), the Old City of Van archaeological area at the castle's southern foot, with the Kaya Çelebi Mosque from the 1660s and the Hüsrev Paşa Complex attributed to Mimar Sinan.

Van

The south shore of Lake Van and Akdamar

A driving and boat route along the shore of Lake Van: the Cat Villa, where Van cats are cared for, the Kız Kalesi viewing terrace in Edremit, the Şamran Canal, built by the Urartian King Menua about 2800 years ago, the Halime Hatun Kümbet (Tomb) dated 1335 in Gevaş, and the Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island, reached by boat.

Van

Urartian traces around Van

A driving route east of Van: Toprakkale (Rusahinili), founded by Rusa, the Anzaf Fortresses from the reigns of Ishpuini and Menua, the ruins of Yedi Kilise (Varak Monastery) on the slope of Mount Erek, and Çavuştepe Fortress, founded by Sarduri II.

Balıkesir

A day in Ayvalık

A short walk through the narrow streets of the stone-house historic center, between former Greek churches converted into mosques after the population exchange and the Taksiyarhis Church, now a museum.

Balıkesir

On the foothills of Kaz Dağı

From the shore of the Gulf of Edremit to the slopes of Kaz Dağı (Mount Ida): the pool-filled valley of Hasanboğuldu, the Pınarbaşı entrance of the national park, the Tahtakuşlar gallery on Tahtacı Turkmen culture, and Mıhlı Waterfall with its two pools.

Bilecik

A day in Bilecik

From the clock tower to the old bazaar: traces of the city's founding period with Orhan Gazi Mosque, the neighboring Şeyh Edebali Tomb and the remains of the Byzantine castle taken by Osman Gazi.

Bilecik

Founding traces in Söğüt

In Söğüt, the first homeland of the Ottoman Beylik: the Ertuğrul Gazi Tomb, the museum on the founding period and Çelebi Mehmed Mosque; then the Dursun Fakih Tomb in the village of Küre.

Bursa

A day in Bursa

An early Ottoman walk from the tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi on the Tophane ridge to the Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque), from Koza Han, the center of the silk trade, to the bazaar-lined Irgandı Bridge, and to the Yeşil (Green) Mosque and Yeşil Tomb, famous for their tiles.

Bursa

Within the walls of İznik

In İznik, encircled by walls with Roman gates: the Nilüfer Hatun İmaret, the Yeşil (Green) Mosque with its tiled minaret, Hagia Sophia, the Roman theater and the submerged basilica remains on the lakeshore.

Çanakkale

1915 on the Gelibolu Peninsula

A historic-site route from Kilitbahir Castle at the narrowest point of the Strait to the Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial (Şehitler Abidesi), and from the visitor center at Kabatepe to Anzac Cove, the 57th Regiment Martyrs' Cemetery and Conkbayırı.

Çanakkale

Ancient cities of the Troad

From the Troy Museum and layered Troy on Hisarlık Tepesi to the harbor city of Alexandria Troas, the Temple of Apollo Smintheus in Gülpınar, and Assos overlooking Lesbos.

Edirne

A day in Edirne

A walk through the historic center from Mimar Sinan's Selimiye and its arasta (bazaar) to the Eski Mosque and the Bedesten, and from Üç Şerefeli Mosque to Ali Paşa Bazaar.

Edirne

Tunca bridges and Sarayiçi

From the Health Museum in the Bayezid II Complex on the Tunca riverbank, across the bridges to Sarayiçi: the Justice Pavilion (Adalet Kasrı), the Kırkpınar wrestling ground and the remains of Edirne Palace.

İstanbul

A day in Sultanahmet

A walk in the heart of the Historic Peninsula from the Hippodrome, the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) and Hagia Sophia to the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), then on to Topkapı Palace and the Archaeological Museums.

İstanbul

Faith heritage in Fener and Balat

On the shores of the Golden Horn (Haliç), from the Ecumenical Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Fener and the Bulgarian Church of St. Stephen (Sveti Stefan) to the colorful streets of Balat and the Ahrida Synagogue, and on to the Fethiye Mosque and Kariye with their Byzantine mosaics.

İstanbul

From Eminönü to the bazaars

A historic trade walk from the Yeni Cami (New Mosque) and the spice-scented Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Bazaar) to the tiled Rüstem Paşa Mosque, and from the Süleymaniye to the Sahaflar Çarşısı (Old Book Bazaar) and Kapalıçarşı (Grand Bazaar).

Kırklareli

A day in Kırklareli

A short walk around the center from the mosque, arasta (bazaar) and hammam of the Hızırbey Complex to Karakaş Bey Mosque, the city museum in the old municipal building, and late Ottoman-era Greek mansions.

Kırklareli

İğneada longoz forests

Flooded longoz forests on the Black Sea coast, the Saka and Mert lakes, İğneada beach framed by dunes, and the quiet Erikli Gölü (Lake Erikli) to the north.

Kocaeli

A day in İzmit

From the SEKA Paper Museum to the archaeology museum displaying finds from Nicomedia, from the clock tower and the hunting lodge built for Abdülaziz to the wooden mansion and Orhan Mosque in the old neighborhoods.

Kocaeli

Kartepe forests

From the Ormanya eco-park to plane-shaded Maşukiye, from the beech forest of Kuzuyayla to the Kartepe ski area and the canyon waterfall of Serindere.

Sakarya

A day in Taraklı

The streets of wooden mansions in the Cittaslow town of Taraklı, Yunus Paşa's 16th-century mosque, and the monumental plane tree in the middle of the historic quarter.

Sakarya

Around Sapanca Gölü

From Justinian's stone bridge over the Sakarya River to Rüstem Paşa Mosque, the remnant of a staging-post complex, to forest-ringed Sapanca Gölü (Lake Sapanca) and the cascading Doğançay Waterfall.

Tekirdağ

A day in Tekirdağ

From Rákóczi's house of exile to the archaeology museum in the former Governor's Mansion, from Rüstem Paşa Mosque and its bedesten to the Namık Kemal House, then to the coastal road along the Marmara.

Tekirdağ

The Ganos coast and vineyards

From the viewpoint and stone-house village of Uçmakdere to Gaziköy, which bears the name of ancient Ganos, from the Hora Lighthouse in Hoşköy to the Mürefte vineyards and the Şarköy shore.

Yalova

History on the Yalova coast

From the 1999 earthquake memorial and the City Museum to the Yürüyen Köşk (Walking Mansion), the Hersekzade Ahmed Paşa Tomb in Hersek, and Hersek Lagoon, a stopover for migratory birds.

Yalova

Termal and the Samanlı yaylas

From the long-established Termal hot springs and the Atatürk Mansion to Gökçe Dam Lake, and from beech-forested Harmankaya to Erikli Waterfall and Delmece Yaylası (Delmece Plateau).

Adana

A day in Adana

A city walk from the Sabancı Central Mosque on the banks of the Seyhan across the Roman-era Taşköprü (Stone Bridge), continuing past the Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) of the Ramazanoğulları, the Büyük Saat Kulesi (Great Clock Tower) and the bazaar quarter to the Bebekli Church and the Kuruköprü Memorial Museum, housed in a former church.

Adana

Cilicia along the Ceyhan

A plain route that begins at Misis with its Noah's Ark mosaic and continues via Sirkeli Höyük with its Hittite rock relief and the Armenian Cilician-era Yılankale and Tumlu Castle to Anavarza with its triumphal arch and colonnaded street.

Antalya

A day in Antalya

A walk that enters Kaleiçi through Hadrian's Gate, takes in the Clock Tower and the Yivli Minare (Fluted Minaret), then descends to the historic harbor below the walls, continuing from the Hıdırlık Tower overlooking the gulf to the Kesik Minare, a Roman temple that became a mosque.

Antalya

Ancient cities of Pamphylia

An ancient-city route from Perge, the capital of Pamphylia, to hilltop Sillyon, Aspendos with its well-preserved theater, and Side, whose ruins are intertwined with the resort town.

Antalya

From Phaselis to Çıralı

A coastal route from three-harbored Phaselis among the pine forests to the never-extinguished Yanartaş flames burning from the rocks, the protected Çıralı beach where turtles nest, and the ruins of Olympos intertwined with the forest along the stream.

Burdur

A day in Burdur

A city walk that starts at the Burdur Museum, whose collection spans from the mounds to Sagalassos and Kibyra, and continues to the Clock Tower, the Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) built by Hamitoğlu Dündar Bey and the 17th-century Taş Oda and Baki Bey mansions, and from there to the Natural History Museum with its southern mammoth fossils.

Burdur

The lakes of Burdur

A lakes route from Burdur Lake, the wintering ground of the white-headed duck, to Yarışlı Lake, known for its flamingos, and Akgöl, which looks white from its salt deposits, and from there to Salda Lake with its white beach and turquoise water.

Hatay

A day in Antakya

A walk from the Habib-i Neccar Mosque, faithfully rebuilt after the earthquake, to the Necmi Asfuroğlu Archaeology Museum built over an excavation site, the St. Pierre Cave Church carved into the mountainside, and Demirkapı, the Byzantine dam that cuts across the valley.

Hatay

The Samandağ coast

A route from the Titus Tunnel, carved into the rock for the harbor of Seleukeia Pieria, and the Beşikli Cave necropolis to the monumental plane tree of Hıdırbey and the village of Vakıflı at the foot of Musa Dağı, the Hızır Makamı shrine visited by people of different faiths, and Samandağ beach, where turtles nest.

Isparta

A day in Eğirdir

A lakeside walk from Eğirdir Castle at the entrance to the peninsula that stretches into the lake, to the Hızır Bey Mosque, the Dündar Bey Madrasa (converted from a han into a madrasa) and the Dündar Bey Hammam, and on to Yeşilada with its stone-based wooden houses and the island's Church of St. Stephen (Aya Stefanos).

Isparta

Yalvaç and Pisidian Antioch

A route from the Yalvaç Museum, which displays excavation finds, and the Devlethan Mosque with its woodwork, to Pisidian Antioch (Pisidia Antiokheia), where St. Paul is believed to have preached, the piers of the Roman aqueduct and the hilltop sanctuary of the moon god Men.

Kahramanmaraş

A day in Maraş

A walk through the historic center from Kahramanmaraş Castle on its mound and the Acar Hammam at the start of the castle road to the Taş Madrasa and the Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) of the Dulkadiroğulları, then on to the Hatuniye Mosque and the Covered Bazaar with its coppersmiths, saddlers and spice sellers.

Kahramanmaraş

The Ceyhan valley and Menzelet

A valley route from Menzelet Dam Lake, winding between canyon walls, to Kılavuzlu Dam Lake and the historic Ceyhan Bridge, now used as a footpath, and from there to the Ali Kayası glass viewing terrace overlooking the lake from high above.

Mersin

A day in Tarsus

A walk from Cleopatra's Gate, a remnant of the ancient walls, to the Ramazanoğulları-era Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) and the Eski Mosque (Old Mosque), converted from a Gothic church, continuing through the Old Tarsus streets with their restored stone houses and past Saint Paul's Well to Donuktaş, the remains of a giant Roman temple.

Mersin

Kızkalesi and the sinkholes

A coastal and ancient-city route from Korykos Land Castle, opposite the Kız Kalesi (Maiden's Castle), to Elaiussa Sebaste on its peninsula, Kanlıdivane built around a sinkhole, the Cennet and Cehennem (Heaven and Hell) sinkholes, and Narlıkuyu, where the Three Graces mosaic is preserved.

Osmaniye

Kastabala and Karatepe

A route from the rock-carved Hemite Hittite relief on the banks of the Ceyhan to Hierapolis-Kastabala with its colonnaded street and theater, the Karatepe-Aslantaş Open-Air Museum with its bilingual inscriptions and carved orthostats, and the Kadirli Alacami, converted from a church into a mosque.

Osmaniye

The Zorkun yayla road

A route from the picnic area along the Karaçay and Çiftmazı Nature Park, climbing into the Amanos forests and past the Olukbaşı campsite and Mitisin Castle, which overlooks the plain, to Zorkun Plateau (yayla) among the pine forests.

Adıyaman

Adıyaman: Perre, caves and rock tombs

A short driving route around central Adıyaman: Perre Ancient City with its hundreds of rock tombs and Roman fountain, the Zey Caves where early Christians settled, Palanlı Cave with its Paleolithic animal figures, and the Haydaran Rock Tombs with the Helios–Antiochus handshake relief.

Adıyaman

The Mount Nemrut road: a Commagene route

The classic route from Kâhta to the Nemrut summit: the Karakuş Tumulus with its eagle-topped columns, the Cendere Bridge built in honor of Septimius Severus, Arsameia, the summer capital of Commagene, Kâhta Yeni Kale, and the Antiochus Tumulus on Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Batman

A day in Hasankeyf: the Culture Park and the castle

A walk in new Hasankeyf: the Hasankeyf Museum, displaying finds from the Ilısu rescue excavations, the İmam Abdullah Zaviye (Lodge), the Er-Rızk Mosque minaret, the Artuqid Hammam and the Zeynel Bey Tomb, all moved to the Culture Park; then Hasankeyf Castle rising from the dam lake.

Batman

From the Batman Museum to Kozluk

A driving route northeast from central Batman: the Batman Museum, displaying Ilısu finds, Malabadi Nature Park on the banks of the Batman Stream, then Hazo Castle, the İbrahim Bey Mosque and the Hıdır Bey Mosque, dated 1512, in Kozluk's old Kale neighborhood.

Diyarbakır

A day in Diyarbakır: a walk in Sur

A walk in the heart of Sur: the 16th-century Hasan Paşa Han, the Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque), one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia, the Dengbêj House, which keeps the dengbêj (storytelling song) tradition alive, the 42-room basalt Cemil Paşa Mansion, the Şeyh Mutahhar Mosque with its four-legged minaret, and the Surp Giragos Church, reopened in 2022.

Diyarbakır

From the İç Kale to the Tigris: Hevsel and the On Gözlü Bridge

A walk from the İç Kale (Inner Citadel) down to the Tigris valley: the Hz. Süleyman Mosque with the graves of the Prophet's Companions, the İç Kale housing the Amida Mound, the Archaeology Museum with finds from regional excavations, the Hevsel Gardens (UNESCO heritage), the On Gözlü Köprü (Ten-Arched Bridge) dated 1065, and the Aq Qoyunlu-era Gazi Köşkü (Gazi Pavilion).

Gaziantep

A day in Gaziantep: the castle and historic bazaars

A short walk at the foot of the castle: the Naib Hammam dated 1640, Gaziantep Castle, whose restoration was completed in 2025, the Hammam Museum in the Paşa Hammam, the domed Zincirli Bedesten, the Bakırcılar Çarşısı (Coppersmiths' Bazaar) where copperwork continues, and the Tütün Han with its black-and-white stonework.

Gaziantep

Ancient cities from Dülük to Zeugma

A driving route from north of Gaziantep to the Euphrates: Dülük Ancient City and nature park with its Mithras temples and rock tombs, Zeugma Ancient City, where mosaic-floored Roman villas are visited under a protective roof, and the 12th-century Fevkani Church in Nizip.

Gaziantep

Gaziantep museums walk

A museum route from Zeugma to the Bey neighborhood: the Zeugma Mosaic Museum with its 'Gypsy Girl' mosaic, the renovated Archaeology Museum, the Panorama 25 Aralık Museum telling the story of the defense of Antep, the Emine Göğüş Culinary Museum, and the Hasan Süzer Ethnography Museum in a historic Antep house.

Kilis

Kilis historic center walk

A short walk in the stone-built old center of Kilis: the Kilis Museum in a mansion built in 1927, the Canbolat Paşa Complex with its 1553 endowment deed, the Mevlevihane (Mevlevi Lodge) with its 1525–1526 inscription, the Paşa Hammam, still in use as a bathhouse, the Kadı Mosque and the Akçurun Mosque dated 1515.

Mardin

A day in Mardin: Old Mardin walk

A walk along and around 1. Cadde (First Street): the Sakıp Sabancı City Museum in the former cavalry barracks, the Şehidiye Mosque with its finely crafted minaret, the arcaded old bazaar, the Zinciriye Madrasa dated 1385, the Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) with its ribbed dome, and the Mardin Museum in the former Syriac Catholic Patriarchate.

Mardin

Kasımiye, Deyrulzafaran and Dara

Three stops overlooking the Mardin plain: the Kasımiye Madrasa with its pool courtyard, the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate for centuries, and Dara Ancient City with its giant cisterns and rock-tomb necropolis.

Mardin

Midyat and the Tur Abdin monasteries

A driving route from Midyat to the Tur Abdin plateau: the Midyat City Museum in Estel, the Midyat Guesthouse with city views from its terrace, the Telkari (Filigree) Museum, the Mor Barsavmo Church, the Mor Hobil–Mor Abrohom Monastery, founded in the 5th century, and the Mor Gabriel Monastery, founded in 397.

Şanlıurfa

A day in Şanlıurfa: Balıklıgöl and the bazaar

A walk from the museums to the bazaar: the Archaeology and Mosaic Museum with its Göbeklitepe finds, Haleplibahçe with its 'Amazons Hunting' mosaic, Balıklıgöl with its sacred carp, the Halil-ür Rahman Mosque, the cave where the Prophet Abraham (Hz. İbrahim) is believed to have been born, and the 16th-century Gümrük Han with the covered bazaar.

Şanlıurfa

Göbeklitepe – Karahantepe – Harran

A driving route from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages: Göbeklitepe, a UNESCO heritage site dating to around 9600 BC, its contemporary Karahantepe in the Tek Tek Mountains, then in Harran the ancient mound with the ruins of the Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque), considered the oldest mosque in Anatolia, and the beehive houses with their conical domes.

Şanlıurfa

Halfeti and Birecik: the banks of the Euphrates

A route along the Euphrates: a boat tour and stone houses in Halfeti, partly submerged by the waters of the Birecik Dam, then Birecik Castle, also called the 'White Castle', and the Birecik Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) dated 1365.

Siirt

Siirt and Tillo

A short driving route from central Siirt to Tillo: the Siirt Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) with its glazed-brick minaret and the Clock Tower, then in Tillo the İsmail Fakirullah Tomb, famous for its light mechanism on March 21 and September 23, the Şeyh İbrahim el-Mücahid Tomb, and the glass viewing terrace of Tillo Castle overlooking the Botan Valley.

Şırnak

Cizre historic center walk

A short walk in Cizre on the banks of the Tigris: Cizre Castle (Birca Belek), the Kızıl Madrasa (Red Madrasa), which houses the tomb of Melayê Cizîrî, the Tomb and Mosque of the Prophet Noah (Hz. Nuh), the tomb where Mem and Zin are believed to lie, and the Cizre Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque) with its minaret dated 1155.