The Most Valuable Historical Structures in Türkiye

Türkiye, which has been the center of many different civilizations throughout history, has a prosperous cultural heritage. These lands, which carry traces of the past in almost every corner, host important historical structures of many civilizations from the Roman Empire to the Ottoman Empire. These structures, which still manage to stand today, continue to host thousands of tourists every day with their unmatched architecture and fine workmanship. Let’s check out the most valuable historical structures in different cities of Türkiye together.

 

A Magnificent Structure: Selimiye Mosque, Edirne

Selimiye Mosque, which is considered to be the masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, is one of the most magnificent examples of architectural art. The construction of the mosque, which was built in the name of Sultan Selim II in the 16th century, began in 1568. Completed in seven years as a result of intensive work, Selimiye Mosque is one of the most valuable works reflecting the aesthetic features of Ottoman architecture with its four minarets and magnificent dome. The mosque, where materials such as marble, wood, mother-of-pearl and stone were used in its interior design, continues to fascinate its visitors for years with its fine workmanship and tile decorations with 101 different tulip patterns.

 

The Most Special Symbol of the City: Taşköprü, Adana

Built-in the 4th century, Taşköprü is a Roman-era work and is considered one of the most special symbols of Adana. Built during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian, this structure is 319 meters long and has 21 round arches. However, only 14 of these arches have survived to the present day. Connecting the two parts of the Seyhan River, this bridge is also located on the Silk Road, the most important trade route of the period. Taşköprü, which has been restored many times over the years, was renovated in accordance with its original structure after the last restoration work completed in 2008. Located in the heart of the city, this structure fascinates many local and foreign tourists with its unmatched scenery of the Seyhan River.

 

Historical and Mysterious: Basilica Cistern, İstanbul

Built in 532 by the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern is the largest covered cistern in İstanbul with a water storage capacity of 80,000 tons and 336 columns, each 9 meters high. For centuries, this cistern met the water needs of the city by distributing water that was obtained from waterways and rain to the palace where the emperors resided and the surrounding structures.

Opened to visitors as a museum in 1987, this unique structure has also been visited by many foreign bureaucrats such as Bill Clinton and Thomas Klestil. Since the extensive restoration work carried out in 2022, the Basilica Cistern continues to host art lovers by hosting exhibitions, contemporary art shows and cultural and art events.

 

The Last Administrative Center of the Ottoman Empire: Yıldız Palace, İstanbul

One of the valuable examples of Turkish Islamic palace architecture, Yıldız Palace is the last great palace built by the Ottoman Empire in İstanbul. This structure, which still fascinates its visitors with its gardens, greenhouses, pools and pavilions, was built during the reign of Sultan Selim III but it has become synonymous with Sultan Abdulhamid II. The sultan ruled the country from this palace for 33 years. The palace also housed a large population of 12,000, including palace officials, for a period. Yıldız Palace is also one of the structures of particular importance as the last administrative center of the Ottoman Empire.

 

A Building That Witnessed History: Republic Museum, Ankara

This building, known today as the Republic Museum, was built in 1923 as the Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi building. Later, due to the inadequacy of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye building, this building began to serve as a parliament building on October 18, 1924, upon Atatürk’s instructions.

A living witness to the development of the Republic and the transition to a multi-party system, this building continued to function until 1960. Since 1981, the Republic Museum has been welcoming visitors who feel the love of the Republic in their hearts. Photographs from the period when it served as a parliament, the personal belongings of the first three presidents and the decisions and laws taken are exhibited in the museum.

 

A Building That Defies Time: Pera Palace Hotel

With the Orient Express starting to operate between Paris and İstanbul, it has become possible to provide accommodation for guests coming from abroad.There was a need for a hotel with high standards. Built in 1895 in line with this need and located in the Beyoğlu district of İstanbul, Pera Palace Hotel is considered the first hotel in Türkiye to meet European standards. Built by Levantine architect Alexandre Vallaury, one of the most famous architects of the period, the hotel uses neoclassical, art nouveau and orientalist architectural styles. A unique example of Eastern and Western architecture, Pera Palace Hotel also has the distinction of having the first electric elevator in İstanbul and being the only hotel in İstanbul other than Ottoman palaces with electricity. The hotel, which has hosted famous names such as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Agatha Christie and Ernest Hemingway throughout history, offers its guests a unique experience with rooms that are decorated with different concepts inspired by many bureaucrats and writers. You can contact the Pera Palace Hotel and make your reservation right away to experience the enchanting atmosphere of this magnificent hotel and take a short journey through time.