History in Turkey

Discover 10 places to experience unusual history in Turkey.

Column of the Goths

Istanbul, Turkey

Column of the Goths

This column celebrates Rome's victory over the Goths, and may be the oldest Roman monument in Istanbul.

The guest room.

Gaziantep, Turkey

Nazaretian House

A beautiful 19th-century Armenian mansion is preserved above an unassuming cafe.

The hotel entrance.

Istanbul, Turkey

Pera Palace Hotel

This historic hotel preserves many treasures from its heyday hosting passengers on the Orient Express.

Detail of the chain.

Istanbul, Turkey

Golden Horn Chain

A section of the long chain that blocked enemy ships from entering Constantinople.

Interior of the mosque.

Istanbul, Turkey

Yeralti Camii (Underground Mosque)

A surprising and unconventional mosque hidden in the subsoil of Istanbul.

Istanbul, Turkey

Viking Runes at Hagia Sophia

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.

Bird palace.

Istanbul, Turkey

Ottoman Bird Palaces

The ornate miniature mansions were built for Istanbul's feathered residents.

Harran Beehive Houses

The ancient abodes are a testament to human ingenuity amid harsh climates.

Selçuk, Turkey

Yedi Uyurlar Mağarası (Cave of the Seven Sleepers)

Seven early Christians were sealed into a cave where legend has it they slept unharmed for centuries.

Fairy Chimneys

Aksaray, Turkey

Cappadocia

In this historic region, homes and churches are carved into ancient volcanic rock formations.

Are we missing something unusual in Turkey?