I have previously published two lists featuring some great archeological structures from Turkey and received a great reaction from my visitors. I now publish the third article on the same subject called 8 Stunning Archeological Structures from Turkey. Enjoy it!
Ishak Pasha Palace (Agri, Turkey)
Ishak Pasha Palace is an Ottoman architectural work with a magnificent history. It is a palace built as a district on a hill overlooking the city in Doğubayazıt district of Ağrı. Ishak Pasha Palace, which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List, is visited by domestic and foreign tourists four seasons of the year. Ishak Pasha Palace construction started in 1685 and was completed in 1784.
Lion Gate (Hattusa Ruins in Corum City)
It is the famous historical gate of Hattusa city which was the capital of the Hittite Empire. Gates like the Lion Gate were used in ancient civilizations such as Hittite, Minoan, Mycenae, and Incas to symbolically benefit from the power of the lion, and generally used as the entrance to the city. The lion is either on both sides of the door.
Stadium of Magnesia (Magnesia Ancient City in Aydın)
Dating back to the second century AD, the stadium of Magnesia ad Meandrum is known as the best-preserved stadium in Anatolia. The nearly 30,000-seat stadium is 190 meters long. As we learn from the inscriptions in the stadium, it was used until the 3rd century AD. The reliefs which are up to 150 in number, generally describe the contestants, the awards given in the competition, and the types of the competition.
Great Cathedral of Ani (Ani Ruins in Kars)
The great Cathedral of Ani’s construction was started by a Bagrationi King named Sembat the second in 990 AD and was completed in 1001 by his wife, Queen Katranide, a short time after King Sembat died. The church, which was built by the architect Tridat, who repaired Hagia Sophia in the same century. The Great Cathedral of Ani is illuminated by arched narrow and high windows and decorated with sculptural hollows. It also draws a lot of attention with its 3 entrance doors.
Hecate Temple (Lagina Ancient City in Muğla)
The fact that this is the only large-scale temple known to be built in the name of Hecate in 100 BC and the use of the Corinthian order, which is the most expensive architectural order of the ancient period, shows the importance of the Hecate temple in Lagina Ancient City. Hecate Temple friezes were taken to Istanbul Archeology Museum by Osman Hamdi Bey who is considered the founder of Turkish Archeology and Museums.
Hadrian’s Gate (in Antalya)
The Roman triumphal arch was built in the name of the Roman Emperor Hadrian who visited the city in 130 AD. The only remaining entrance gate inside the walls is surrounded by the city and the harbor. All three arches of the gate are in the same size. The height of the entire structure is more than 8 meters from the original ancient base to the top. Both the front and back of the door are decorated with facades of four columns, each of which are made of white marble, except the granite column shafts.
Cathedral of the Holy Cross, also known as Aghtamar (Van, Turkey)
Due to the high Armenian population in Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia, many religions have different structures in the region. Among the most important of these religious buildings is the Armenian Aghtamar Church, located in the district of Gevas in Van. It is located on Akdamar Island in the middle of the Lake Van. Akdamar (Aghtamar) Church was built in the 10th century. You can reach Akdamar church with a 20-minute boat ride.
Hagia Sophia (Istanbul)
Hagia Sophia is the largest church built by the Eastern Roman Empire in Istanbul. It was built three times in the same place. Hagia Sophia means sacred wisdom. Byzantine Emperor Justinian asked for materials from all over the empire for the rebuilding of the church. Following his request, eight large red porphyry columns were brought from Heliopolis in Egypt, from the Temple of Artemis in the Western Anatolian city of Ephesus. In addition, different types and colors of marbles from different regions were moved here.
Hire Tour Guide in Turkey
This list of ”8 Stunning Archeological Structures from Turkey” is just a little drop in the ocean when it comes to archeological structures of Turkey. Contact me to hire a tour guide for visiting Turkey’s archeological treasures and to tailor stunning itineraries in Turkey. See you soon, Hasan Gülday.
