There are several Turkish cities outside of Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya (the most popular destinations) you can visit to experience the variety of landscapes and cultures within Turkey. Istanbul is a bustling eclectic city that is seemingly endless; a trait you’ll find across Turkey if you’re willing to leave the west coast and explore some of these smaller cities.
1. Konya
Located south of Ankara in central Turkey, Konya is known for its religious sites like the Mevlana Museum. The final home of the Sufi mystic Rumi, the museum is dedicated to his teachings, art, and poetry. There are also live whirling dervish performances during parts of the year. Drive about 15-20 minutes south and follow the rusted signs pointing you to Catalhoyuk, the world’s oldest Neolithic site (approximately 7,500 years old). Hardly anyone goes there aside from researchers and you can usually get a personally guided tour for free. If you can, take advantage of seeing this site, due to irrigation in the area it’s endangered.
2. Sinop
On the north Black Sea coast, Sinop is a beautiful and small city with a lot to offer. During the warmer months you can enjoy a meal by the coast or go camping at grounds outside of town. (The Black Sea water is generally too cold for comfort, even during the summer.) Check out the Sinop Fortress constructed in the 7th century by the Greeks, and from there you can make your way to the Balatlar Church, a Byzantine Church converted from a Roman temple.
3. Van
Situated against the 3,800 square kilometer Lake Van, the city is renowned for the landscapes surrounding it. The city also has a culinary culture to itself (with an emphasis on breakfast and desert). In and around Van there is plenty to see and do, especially if you’re interested in archeology. Inside one of the ancient fortresses in Van are the inscriptions and artifacts from the Iron Age kingdom of Urartu. You’ll may also see your a Van cat or two running around. The breed, has white fur and different colors in each eye.
4. Diyarbakir
Built upon a Roman city along the Tigris River, Diyarbair is a historic city in the southeastern corner of Turkey. Diyarbakir hasn’t always been the easiest city to travel around but is now much more accessible. There are various mosques with a variety of designs, a Syriac Orthodox Church over 1,000 years old, and the famous black basalt walls encircling the city.
5. Gaziantep
Gaziantep, located to the west of Diyarbakir, makes a nice third stop on a road or bus trip in the east of Turkey from Van, Diyarbakir, to Gaziantep (with sites in between). There is a lot to do in the area around town to occupy your eyes, feet, and mind but it’s your taste buds you should really treat here. Gaziantep is Turkey’s pistachio growing capital. If you don’t like pistachios straight up, enjoy them in some baklava.
Much More To See
You’ll be able to get between all of these places for very low prices on the well developed Turkish bus system if you’ve got the time. Most buses have free wi-fi, food service, and are generally comfortable ride. There are also domestic flights from Istanbul to the larger cities in the east and north you can consider taking for an excursion of several days.
There are many cities I’ve left out which you could see along the way such as Trabzon, Adana, or hidden Ankara. There is a major change in culture, geography, and climate as you move through the various regions in Turkey, in particular as you head from west to east. Many travelers often stick to the west coast and neglect these other cities you could plan an entire trip around.
[photos by: Jungle_Boy, caucas, Ozan Ozan, CharlesFred, Babazar]
Thanks Anil! Why didn’t you write about this BEFORE I went to Istanbul. Lol Guess this will be another excuse to make a trip to Turkey again. I wonder how long my visa is for. 🙂
It’s a good problem to have! There’s a lot to see in Istanbul too and it’s worth a longer stay there but so, so much in the rest of Turkey too. Food, art, archeology, mountains, beaches, desert, etc…!
LOL! More places to visit!!! Oh no! Oh yes! 🙂
When I was writing this post I kept going and going and going…found it hard to stop myself!
Thanks for the off-the-beaten path tips. Turkey is high on my places to hit up, so I appreciate the suggestions on where to journey beyond Istanbul. I’m particularly interested in checking out Van, home to three of my favorite things: cats, breakfast and dessert. Can’t go wrong with that!
Breakfast is easily my favorite meal of the day. A Turkish breakfast is like no other – you’d love Van.
Going to file this away for when I (hopefully) go to Turkey next year. Interesting ideas!
I especially liked Catalhoyuk, really cool place that is literally unknown to most of the locals and tourists. Turkey is a great place to travel.
Great roundup, and can’t wait to get to Turkey. It is nice to read about the country in general, but it’s a welcome change to see cities other than Istanbul featured!
Istanbul is a great city but often can overshadow so much more of what Turkey has to offer travelers. The buses in Turkey are really a delight (as are the meals at the rest stops) and it’s a fun way to see the country.
I spent three weeks in Turkey in September and didn’t visit one of these cities! My next trip will have to take me well off the tourist trail.
Where in Turkey were you?
Too bad you didn’t get to these places but a good reason for another trip!
More temptations! I haven’t been to Turkey yet but it’s on my list of countries to visit. Sinop sounds very interesting to explore.
And that Van cat reminds me of David Bowie!
LOL @ the David Bowie cat. I’ll never look at a Van cat in the same way again!
What a fascinating collection of cities – I’ve not heard of any of them. I’d love to go to Turkey – it has a special spiritual meaning to Australians with its connection to Gallipoli and a battle in WW1 which has cast our national day of rememberance.
I’ve never been but I hear the ANZAC ceremonies in Gallipoli each year are quite impressive and many Australians and New Zealanders are there to commemorate the soldiers. Something I’d like to see in person one day.
Turkey is one of those places I REALLY want to visit, but you are so correct that we tend to think about Istanbul only. Great list of other places to see. I’m adding this to my already long list……
For a time Turkey wasn’t really a major travel destination but it’s grown quite a bit in the last 10-15 years. Istanbul is a big part of the marketing campaign so these smaller places don’t get the credit they should. Besides, it’s fun to hop on a Turkish bus and explore a new city and the meal service on the buses is really impressive.
I will definitely refer to this when I make it there! I couchsurfed with two Turkish guys and they mandated that I visit in the near future – you’ve now solidified that 🙂
I’m glad to hear that Shannon, you won’t be disappointed!
Turkey was the first country I traveled to – only 10 years ago. I loved it as it ignited my wanderlust and I haven’t stopped since. I find myself longing to go back and see Turkey again since I’ve become a more seasoned traveler. You’ve just increased my pull back to Turkey – thanks! These cities/regions seems amazing and I’d love to see them – especially Van as breakfast and dessert are my two favorite meals!
Sherry, I didn’t know that – but have to say you picked a great first place to travel to! Van seems to be the favorite in the comments…I guess you can’t argue with good food 🙂
Hi Anil,
I have a whole trip planned for Turkey and Konya and Sinop were especially on my list. I love visiting small towns and obscure places since they offer great insights and are quite unspoiled. Also the people are not running to their work or overly desensitized to visitors, that makes it kinda charming. There was a picture of Sinop (from the hill) in the Turkish ship that was docked at Sochi, Russia (it was heading for Trabzon, like most others) but I was prompted to read more about it. Thanks for the list.
PS: Which city did you grow up in?
That’s awesome, Konya and Sinop don’t usually make most Turkey travel plans 🙂 When you’re in Konya I’d recommend Catalhoyuk if you’re into archeology – a very cool site.
I spent a lot of time in Ankrara growing up but hesitated to put it on the list. It’s an underrated city though and you can have a lot of fun there, the nightlife is pretty active. I wrote a piece on it as a guest post sometime ago if you’re interested.
http://everthenomad.blogspot.com/2009/07/guest-post-turkey.html
I’ve yet to visit Turkey. Thanks to introducing me to five Turkish cities that I’m adding to my “when I visit Turkey” list.
It was hard to narrow it down, many great choices and variety in Turkey.
I must say Turkey is such an intriguing country- what captured my interest when I visited Turkey was the history within the history– everywhere you go …you are walking on layers of civilizations. I traveled in a big loop …from East to West Turkey…and I find it difficult to choose which place I loved best.
Anjuli, you said is perfectly and how I would describe Turkey, layers of civilization upon layers.
Hi Anil,
I enjoy reading your posts… very informative and interesting. I’m planning to visit Turkey this September for Eid holidays. Appreciate your advice on the current situation in the country in lieu with the recent unrest.. I want to visit places like Gaziantep and Trabzon but kinda concerned…
Thanks Mila. You shouldn’t have problems in either city, most of the trouble is along the border with Syria. Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions before your trip.