AI – ‘Turkey and Anatolia are rich in ancient ruins, reflecting a long and diverse history. Notable sites include Ephesus, Troy, Pergamon, Hierapolis, Mount Nemrut, Aphrodisias, Aspendos, and Göbekli Tepe. These sites showcase a range of civilizations, from the Hittites and Greeks to the Romans and Byzantines. 

Here’s a more detailed look at some of the key sites:

Ancient Cities & Settlements:

• Ephesus:

One of the most well-preserved ancient cities, featuring the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theatre. 

• Troy:

Famous for its legendary role in the Trojan War, with remnants of its walls and fortifications. 

• Pergamon:

A major Hellenistic city known for its impressive acropolis, theater, and library. 

• Hierapolis:

A Roman spa city with a well-preserved theater, necropolis, and the Temple of Apollo. 

• Aphrodisias:

Known for its well-preserved Temple of Aphrodite, theater, and stadium. 

• Hattusa:

The ancient capital of the Hittite Empire, with impressive fortifications and temples. 

• Sagalasos:

A well-preserved Roman city in the Taurus Mountains, featuring a theater, agora, and bath complex. 

• Termessos:

A unique mountain city, known as the “Eagle’s Nest,” that was never conquered by Alexander the Great, featuring a theater, temples, and necropolis. 

• Perge:

An important Roman city with a large stadium, theater, agora, and well-preserved city walls. 

Other Notable Sites:

• Mount Nemrut:

Features colossal statues and tombs of the Commagene Kingdom, offering stunning views. 

• Göbekli Tepe:

One of the world’s oldest known temples, predating agriculture, with massive stone pillars. 

• Lycian Rock Tombs:

Intricate tombs carved into cliffs along the Lycian coast, showcasing the unique funerary architecture of the Lycian civilization. 

• Cappadocia:

Famous for its unique fairy chimney rock formations and ancient cave dwellings and churches, especially in the Göreme region. 

• Aspendos:

Features a remarkably well-preserved Roman theater. 

• Ani:

A medieval Armenian city on the border with Armenia, known as the “City of 1001 Churches,” now a ghost town. 

• Gordion:

An ancient city of the Phrygian civilization, known for its tumuli (burial mounds) and the tomb of King Midas, according to the Turkey Travel Centre.’ 

‘Why has so little been written about the ancient ruins of Turkey?’

AI – ‘While it may seem like little has been written about the ancient ruins of Turkey, the reality is that the country is rich in historical sites, some of which are well-known and extensively studied, while others remain relatively unexplored. It’s more accurate to say that some sites, like Troy and Ephesus, have received significant attention, while others, like Göbekli Tepe, are newer discoveries or less accessible, leading to a perceived imbalance in documentation. The sheer volume of historical sites in Turkey, spanning various civilizations, makes it impossible to cover them all equally, and some sites naturally receive more focus than others. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• Variety of Sites:

Turkey boasts a vast array of ancient ruins, from Neolithic settlements like Göbekli Tepe to Greek and Roman cities like Ephesus and Troy. Each site offers unique insights into different periods and cultures, making comprehensive coverage a challenge. 

• Focus on Specific Eras:

Some eras, like the Roman period, have been extensively studied, with sites like Ephesus receiving significant attention and tourism. Others, like the early Neolithic site of Göbekli Tepe, are newer discoveries and still undergoing excavation and research, though they are gaining more recognition. 

• Accessibility and Preservation:

The condition and accessibility of sites also play a role. Some ruins are well-preserved and easily accessible, like Ephesus, while others, like some areas of Troy, may require more imagination to envision their past glory. 

• Tourism and Marketing:

The tourism industry and how sites are marketed also influence public perception. Well-marketed sites like Ephesus and Troy attract more visitors and, consequently, more documentation. Less well-known or remote sites may receive less attention. 

• Ongoing Research:

Archaeological research is constantly evolving. New discoveries and interpretations are always emerging, and some sites may be the subject of ongoing research and debate, influencing how much is written about them at any given time.’