Turkey, located in the Middle East, is a country that has an incredibly long and rich history. Because of this, it is home to a number of cities that are genuinely old, some dating back thousands of years. Here is a look at the oldest city in Turkey and why it is so special.
The really old city in Turkey is called Çatalhöyük, which is located in the Konya Province of central Anatolia. This city has been around for more than 9,000 years and is often considered one of the most important archeological sites in the world. It contains a number of well-preserved dwellings from the Neolithic and Copper Age, giving us a glimpse into what life was like in the region thousands of years ago.
The city is made up of mud-brick dwellings, which are believed to be the earliest type of dwellings in the world. The dwellings are positioned closely together, with the walls of the dwellings being used as shared walls for the entire city. This makes Çatalhöyük one of the earliest examples of urban architecture in the world.
The city is also famous for its artwork, with its walls being adorned with elaborate murals and reliefs, depicting humans and animals. It is believed that these murals were a form of religious worship, as some of the murals depict deities from the area. This makes Çatalhöyük an incredibly important site for understanding the early cultures of this region.
Today, Çatalhöyük is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, and is open to visitors year-round. Visitors can take guided tours of the site to learn more about its history and see some of the artwork up close. It is also a great place to learn about the cultures of the ancient world and their influence on modern-day Turkey.
So, if you are looking for an incredibly old city in Turkey, then look no further than Çatalhöyük. With its ancient dwellings, artwork, and history, it is a great place to explore and learn about Turkey’s past.
Discovering the Long History of the Ancient City of Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is the oldest, continuously inhabited city in Turkey and one of the oldest cities in the world. Located in what is now the European side of Turkey, it was known as Byzantium in ancient times, and then renamed Constantinople in 330 AD after the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. For centuries, Constantinople served as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. The city was sacked by the Fourth Crusade in 1204 and fell to the Ottomans in 1453, when they made the city their capital and named it Istanbul.
The city has a rich and diverse history that can be explored through its many historic sites, museums, and other attractions. One of the most important architectural sites is the Hagia Sophia, which was an Eastern Orthodox cathedral for 900 years before being converted into a mosque in the 15th century. The Blue Mosque, another popular landmark, was built in the early 17th century and is one of the largest mosques in the world. Other attractions include the Topkapi Palace, which served as the seat of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years, and the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
Istanbul is also known for its vibrant culture and nightlife. The city is home to many street markets, art galleries, and music venues, as well as delicious restaurants and cafés. Visitors can explore the city by taking a boat tour along the Bosphorus, strolling through Istanbul’s beautiful parks, or visiting one of its many museums. There are also plenty of activities to take part in, such as shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
For those looking to experience the long history of Istanbul and Turkey, there are several day trips available, such as a tour of the ancient city of Troy, an exploration of the ruins of Ephesus, or a visit to the Dolmabahçe Palace. Istanbul is also a great destination for those looking to experience the unique culture and traditions of Turkey. From sampling traditional foods to learning about the history and art of the country, there is something for everyone in Istanbul.
Whether you’re looking to explore the ancient city of Istanbul, experience the culture and traditions of Turkey, or simply enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone in this unique and beautiful city. With its long and varied history, Istanbul is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to explore all that Turkey has to offer.
Exploring the Oldest City in the World: Ankara, Turkey
Turkey is home to many ancient cities and one of the oldest of them is Ankara, the capital of the country. Turkey’s capital city dates back to the Hittite period and has been continuously occupied for more than 3,000 years. Ankara is located in the Central Anatolia region of the country and has a population of more than 5 million people. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is an important centre of learning and business in the region.
Ankara is renowned for its ancient monuments and archaeological sites. It has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Temple of Augustus, the Roman Baths, the Column of Julian and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. The city also has a number of beautiful mosques, churches and palaces, as well as many interesting museums and galleries. For those looking for a bit of nightlife, Ankara offers a wide range of bars, clubs and restaurants. The city also boasts a vibrant art and music scene.
Ankara is a great city to visit for a cultural experience. From exploring the ancient monuments and archaeological sites to soaking up the atmosphere in the bustling markets, there is something for everyone. The city also has some great shopping opportunities, with a wide range of high-end and more affordable stores. Ankara also has many parks and gardens which offer a pleasant space to relax and take in the scenery.
Accommodation in Ankara is reasonably priced and there is a wide choice of hotels, guesthouses and hostels to suit all budgets. Prices for meals are also quite reasonable, with many restaurants offering authentic Turkish cuisine. The city also has a great public transport network, with buses and trams running regularly. There is also a metro system which makes getting around the city easy.
For those looking for an unforgettable experience, Ankara is the perfect city to explore. With its ancient monuments, archaeological sites, art galleries and lively nightlife, there is something for everyone in this ancient city. From cultural tours and exploring the city’s historical sites to shopping and relaxing in one of the city’s parks, Ankara is sure to provide a memorable experience.
| Price Range | Transport |
|---|---|
| Low to mid-range | Buses, trams, metro |
| Accommodation | Hotels, guesthouses, hostels |
- Visit ancient monuments and archaeological sites such as the Temple of Augustus and the Column of Julian.
- Explore the vibrant markets and shop in the many stores.
- Visit the museums and galleries, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
- Experience the nightlife in the city’s bars, clubs and restaurants.
- Relax in one of the city’s parks such as Altindag Park.
- Take a day trip to the nearby towns of Eskisehir and Cankiri.
The really old city in Turkey is Istanbul, which has been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC.
Istanbul is the oldest, having been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC, while Ankara was founded in the 3rd century BC.
Izmir, Ephesus, and Pergamon were all founded by Greeks during antiquity.
The former name of Istanbul was Constantinople.
The nearest big city to Istanbul is Bursa.
Istanbul was part of the Byzantine Empire.
Istanbul, Bursa, and Ankara were all part of the Ottoman Empire.
The oldest temple in Turkey is the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, which was built in the 6th century BC.
Istanbul is the most populous city in Turkey, with a population of over 14 million.
The capital city of Turkey is Ankara.