Türkiye's museums and ancient sites attract millions in 2024

Türkiye's museums and archaeological sites, which connect the traces of the past with the present, were flooded with visitors in 2024. These places, each serving as an open-air classroom and cultural treasure, took history and art enthusiasts on a journey through time, while their captivating atmospheres left lasting memories. The 210 museums and 143 archaeological sites under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism attracted attention throughout the year, not only for their rich collections but also for their educational and inspiring qualities. From archaeological sites showcasing the grandeur of the ancient world to museums housing unique works of art, these locations offered visitors an unforgettable experience. Millions of people, eager to connect with the past and witness cultural riches, found themselves in Türkiye's exceptional heritage in 2024. 1. Konya Mevlana Museum Located in Konya's Karatay district, the Mevlana Museum opened in 1926 under the name 'Konya Asar-ı Atika Museum.' It was renamed Mevlana Museum in 1954. The museum, situated on the rose garden of the Seljuk palace, is famous for the 'Kubbe-i Hadra' (Green Dome) mausoleum, which was built in 1274 and contains the tomb of Mevlana's father, Bahaeddin Veled. The museum's courtyard also houses historical structures such as dervish cells, a fountain, and the Şeb-i Arus Pool. The museum houses many valuable works related to Mevlana and the Mevlevi order, including Mevlana's tomb, the robe made by Sultan Abdulhamid II, and a 1278 copy of the Mesnevi. The İhtisas Library, established in 1854, preserves a cultural heritage with more than 4,000 manuscripts from the Seljuk, Karamanid, and Ottoman periods. In 2024, the Mevlana Museum was visited by 2,634,355 people. 2. Izmir Ephesus Archaeological Site One of the most important metropolises of the ancient world, Ephesus continues to be an enchanting destination with its historical and cultural wealth. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ephesus Archaeological Site is famous for hosting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the Temple of Artemis. Ephesus, which bears the traces of various civilizations such as Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine, was once a significant center of culture, art, science, and trade. With a history dating back to the 7th century BC, Ephesus served as a gateway between the East and the West. Its most famous structures include the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Artemision, and the Grand Theatre. In 2024, Ephesus was visited by 2,626,753 people and continues to attract global attention for its cultural heritage. 3. Denizli Hierapolis (Pamukkale) Archaeological Site Located 18 kilometers north of Denizli, the ancient city of Hierapolis was founded in the 2nd century BC by King Eumenes II of Pergamon and was named after Telephos' wife, Hiera, the legendary founder of Pergamon. Situated in an earthquake-prone region, the city was rebuilt in the 60s AD after several destructions and took on the appearance of a typical Roman city. Hierapolis is famous for its impressive structures that have survived from the Roman and Byzantine periods, including the Baths-Basilica, Theatre, Plutonium, Temple of Apollo, and Nymphaeums. The large necropolis area outside the city walls is known as the largest burial site in Southwest Anatolia. In 1988, Hierapolis, along with the Pamukkale Travertines, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2024, Hierapolis was visited by 2,372,395 people and continues to be a center of healing and faith. 4. Nevşehir Göreme Archaeological Site Located amidst the unique rock formations of Cappadocia, the Göreme Open-Air Museum became an important center for monastic life from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Churches, chapels, dining halls, and living areas carved into the rock blocks highlight the region's historical religious and cultural significance. Göreme Valley is considered the birthplace of the monastic education system. The Göreme Open-Air Museum, with its frescoes from different periods and the first layers of paint, reflects important scenes from the history of Christianity. The museum houses significant structures such as the Girls' and Boys' Monasteries, the Church of St. Basil, the Elmalı Church, the Church of St. Barbara, the Snake Church, the Dark Church, the Church with Sandals, and the Tokalı Church. Since 1985, the museum has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, and in 2024, it was visited by 1,084,870 people. 5. Nevşehir Zelve Paşabağlar Archaeological Site Zelve Archaeological Site, one of the densest areas of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, is located 5 km from Avanos and 1 km from Paşabağları, on the steep northern slopes of Aktepe. This unique region, made by the creative power of nature over millions of years, is actually an open-air museum. Zelve was an important settlement and religious center for Christians between the 4th and 13th centuries. The valleys of Zelve contain important structures such as the Balıklı, Üzümlü, and Geyikli Churches. Additionally, the chapel dedicated to St. Simeon and many rock-cut structures also reflect Zelve's historical richness. The valley, which was inhabited until 1952, contains monasteries, churches, settlements, tunnels, and mills. In 2024, Zelve was visited by 906,110 people, and stands out with its historical and natural beauty. 6. Ankara Republic Museum The building, constructed in 1923, bears witness to the early years of the Republic. Designed by architect Vedat Tek, the building was used as the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye starting in 1924, and continued this function until 1960. Adorned with Seljuk and Ottoman ornamental motifs, the structure has served as the Republic Museum since 1981. The Republic Museum, which is also Turkey's first Children's Friendly Museum, exhibits significant items, such as the microphone used by Atatürk during his 10th Anniversary Speech and the decisions of the Assembly from that era. In 2024, the Republic Museum was visited by 806,883 people. 7. Şanlıurfa Göbeklitepe Archaeological Site Göbeklitepe, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018, is a prehistoric sanctuary near the village of Örencik in Şanlıurfa. With a history of about 12,000 years, this site has changed the course of human history. Göbeklitepe, the oldest known temple complex in the world, has revealed traces of the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agriculture and the influence of religious beliefs on settled life. Among the most striking finds at Göbeklitepe are the 6-meter tall, 40-ton 'T'-shaped pillars. Carved with human and animal figures, these pillars also reveal the earliest examples of relief art in history. In 2024, Göbeklitepe was visited by 709,643 people. 8. Galata Tower One of Istanbul's iconic structures, the Galata Tower was built by the Genoese colony in the 14th century in the Galata district. During the Ottoman period, it served as a dungeon and later as a fire watchtower. The tower was damaged by earthquakes and fires and was restored several times. Opened to visitors by the Istanbul Municipality in the 1960s, the tower was restored again in 2020 by the Directorate General of Foundations and became a museum. The museum exhibits works reflecting Istanbul's history from prehistory to the Ottoman period. Once one of the tallest buildings in the city until the mid-20th century, the tower attracts visitors with its panoramic views. Listed on the UNESCO Temporary Heritage List, the Galata Tower was visited by 677,048 people in 2024. 9. Nevşehir Kaymaklı Underground City Located 20 km from Nevşehir, the Kaymaklı Underground City, which dates back to 3000 BC, fascinates visitors with its deep-rooted history. Built by the Hittites, this unique structure was expanded during the Roman and Byzantine periods into an eight-story underground city. The city, carved into tuff stone, connects rooms through narrow corridors and features wine cellars, water vaults, kitchens, food storages, ventilation shafts, water wells, and even a church. It is also known for its large stone doors that can be closed from the inside to protect against external threats. Today, four of the eight levels are illuminated and open to visitors. In 2024, the Kaymaklı Underground City was visited by 662,398 people. 10. Istanbul Archaeology Museum Türkiye's first museum, the Istanbul Archaeology Museums consists of the Archaeology Museum, the Museum of Ancient Oriental Works, and the Museum of the Tile Pavilion. Developed under the leadership of Osman Hamdi Bey, the museum houses nearly a million artifacts. Works such as the world-famous Alexander Sarcophagus, brought from excavations led by Osman Hamdi Bey, are displayed in the Neo-Classical style museum building, which was constructed in 1891. The Tile Pavilion is one of the oldest examples of Ottoman