Sacred Sites in Turkey

  • Feb 10, 2023
  • 691
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Turkey, one of the oldest nations in the world, is home to several churches, mosques, and sacred sites that date back to the earliest human settlements. With all these, the sacred sites in Turkey are enchanting, awe-inspiring, mesmerizing places for pilgrims and tourists coming from all over the world full of divinity. Below is the list of Sufi shrines in Turkey. 


It is one of those places that will throw its enchantment onto you and cause you to fall in love with the sacred institutions because it is endowed with an unrivaled cultural and spiritual legacy and also various holy sites in Turkey of Christianity Sects, Religious Orders, and National Cultures. Hurry up and get your Turkish visa if you intend to travel to this holy place with your loved ones in order to learn more about its history, culture, and spiritual sites. Here are some of the most famous sacred sites in Turkey:

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul


One of the most well-known ertugrul sites in Turkey is Hagia Sophia. It has served as one of the significant witnesses to a number of historical events and is a testament to the Byzantine architectural style. It was initially constructed as a church, changed to become a mosque, and then changed again to become a museum. Due to the size of its massive domes, when it was built in the late 6th century, it was regarded as the largest monument of the period. It served as the ancient Byzantine empire's hub of religious, political, and artistic life and contributed a large deal of scholarly knowledge to the world.

 

  • Location: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydani No:1, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey

  • Timings: 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul


The "Seraglio," formerly the residence of the wives of the Ottoman household and now a museum, reveals many of the hidden truths about the Ottoman Empire. This place is one of the most famous religious sites in Turkey. Rich in history, the palace features countless chambers with grand courtyards and gorgeous blue-tinted walls. UNESCO has now designated the lovely palace as a World Heritage Site. It appears to be a little, secretive Sultanate that is hidden from public view. The museum houses a variety of items, including books, clothes, bear inscriptions, weaponry, courtyard kitchens, and antiques. One of the first world maps, dating to the 11th century, is one of its most prized possessions. The Queen Mother's chambers are the main draw of one of Turkey's most revered religious sites.


  • Location: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey

  • Timings: 9:00 AM to 06:00 PM

House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus


Mother Mary is thought to have been laid to rest in the excavation site; following her crucifixion, she sought refuge in a little village close to Ephesus. Because the location was seen in visions by a bedridden German nun named Anne Emmerich, the entire tale has remained murky to this day. The thrilling Mt. Koressos adds an electrifying quality to its natural beauty. This place is known as one of the Christian sites in Turkey. Every year, thousands of people travel to this old city to worship, go on hikes, and hang their wishes on the wishing wall. Pilgrims consider a charming water feature near the shrine to be an elixir. Because of its association with Mother Mary, the pilgrim views it as one of the most revered locations in Turkey that must be visited.


  • Location: Atatürk Mahallesi, Meryemana Mevkii, Küme Evler, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey

  • Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Blue Mosque, Istanbul


Sultan Ahmed constructed the mosque as a sign of good faith after he was defeated in the great war with Persia. Due to its blue-tinted interior décor, it is referred to as the "blue mosque." One of the best examples of Ottoman architecture and calligraphy may be found in the mosque.


Thousands of hand-painted glazed ceramic objects in stunning tulip designs are used to embellish the domes. There are numerous stained-glass windows that illuminate the ground floors. A sizable fountain and iron chains that hang directly in front of the court entrance add beauty to the mosque. This is one of the famous Muslim shrines in Turkey. 


  • Location: Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydani Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey

  • Timings: Open 24 hours

The Oracle at Miletus


The Oracle, also known as "the temple of the Greek God Apollo," is one of Turkey's most revered landmarks and is regarded as one of the oldest living sanctuaries in the world. Persians who had a strong belief in Greek philosophy erected it. There have been a lot of ups and downs in the history of the Miletus oracle. However, the Aydin Tourism Directorate has done a remarkable job of preserving the remains. 


Because of its historic architecture, Miletus in current times is constantly packed. Its preservation of a stadium, a spring, and an amphitheater says a lot about the Ionian colonization. In addition to being one of Turkey's holiest sites, it is home to several excellent seaside resorts and affordable artsy eateries that draw travelers who enjoy a good time.


  • Location: Didim, Aydin Province, Turkey

  • Timings: 9:00 AM to 07:00 PM

Basilica of St. John, Ephesus


The Basilica of St. John, which was constructed in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian, is thought to be located over St. John's resting place. The basilica, which formerly had a regal appearance, is now in ruins. This is one of the famous ancient sites in Istanbul. Despite this, the ruins have been kept in such stunning condition that they provide the visitors with a taste of the shrine's former glory. The Basilica of St. John has a cross-like shape and is covered in a total of six enormous domes. The basilica's brick and marble walls have undergone some reconstruction. Emperor Justinian and his adored wife's monograms are displayed on the columns that stand in the monument's courtyard. One of Turkey's most important holy sites is here.


  • Location: Atatürk, St. Jean Cd., 35920 Selçuk/Izmir, Turkey

  • Timing: 8.30 AM to 5 PM

Mevlana Museum, Konya


This place has its mention in the list of Sufi shrines in Turkey. On December 17, 1273, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, also known as Rumi, was buried in the Mevlana Museum. He was the greatest Sufi mystic, philosopher, and poet. Rumi had been invited to the Seljuk Sultan's palace, where he was given the use of his rose garden as payment for the many lessons he had taught the Sultan. Later, the rose garden served as Rumi's final resting place. 


According to legend, the museum houses his grave, which is protected by a silver door adorned with walnuts, built on the four legs of an elephant. The museum is the pinnacle of artistry; the metal oil lamps are painstakingly constructed, the wooden crafts are embellished with diamonds, and the representations of Rumi are. One of Turkey's most revered sacred sites and a fantastic destination for Sufi enthusiasts.


  • Location: Aziziye Mah, Mevlana Cd. No:1, 42030 Karatay/Konya, Turkey

  • Timings: 9:00 Am to 04:30 PM

Beyazit Camii, Istanbul


Beyazit Camii, one of the defining features of the Ottoman Empire after Constantinople fell, marked the beginning of the dynasty's regal rule. Sultan Beyazid II built the monument in 1506, using advice from his nephew, who was of Greek descent. As a result, the monument blends elements of Islamic and Greek architecture. Thousands of manuscripts from the 16th century are housed in a library that was once the mosque kitchens. Due to its exquisite design features and extensive antique collection, tourists regarded it as one of the most sacred places in Turkey that must be visited.


  • Location: Beyazit, Yeniçeriler Cd., 34126 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey

  • Timings: Open 24 hours

Aphrodisias


The Greek Goddess of love and fertility, Aphrodite, is the source of Aphrodisias. Due to the availability of marble in its low-lying sections, the city became wealthy in the fourth and fifth centuries. There are stadiums and auditoriums in the city, just like in any other Greek settlement. The city's focal point is the temple of Aphrodite, which has enormous marble pillars with inscriptions. This temple is also one of the famous sacred sites in Turkey. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a hot topic among Greek academics.


  • Location: Geyre, Aydin Province, Turkey

  • Timings: Open 24 hours

St.Paul's Well, Mersin


In Tarsun, Mersin, St. Paul's Well was formerly a Greek Orthodox church. The church was initially built in the year 1102, but renovations carried out in the year 1862 gave rise to the current structure. These magnificent sculptures of various angels and landscapes cover an area of 460 square meters and stand tall within the structure. Due to its long history and linkages to numerous other religious events, this place of devotion is regarded as one of the sacred sites in Turkey. 


  • Location: Sehitkerim, 3407. Sk. No:9, 33440 Tarsus/Mersin, Turkey

  • Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM


Conclusion

These above-mentioned places are some of the most famous sacred sites in Turkey that one must visit. There is no doubt that a religious person will get mesmerized once they get these places in their sights. So what are you waiting for? Get your online Turkey Visa and pack your baggage. From a religious point of view, you are going to love every inch of this trip to Turkey. 


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