Ultimate Guide to Dental Tourism in Turkey

Hagia Sophia

The domed architectural wonder was once a cathedral and now a museum.^[1]Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia Istanbul
“Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum at the Turkish Republic, Hagia Sophia has always been the precious of its time.”
View in Article You can witness both Ottoman and Byzantine effects under one roof.

The artwork inside is a beautiful blend of Christian and Islam art. The tourists can also pay respects to the five sultans laid to rest in the Hagia Sophia complex.

Hagia Sophia

Basilica Cistern

A famous historical site, Basilica Cistern, attracts millions of tourists annually. It is the largest one open to the public amongst the hundreds of cisterns.^[2]The Hindu
Surreal, Subterranean Marvel
“A surreal atmosphere is all-pervasive as we enter Cistern Basilica, a masterpiece and the largest surviving palatial cistern of the Byzantine Empire in Istanbul.”
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The Cistern could hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water back in the day.^[3]Daily Sabah
Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern: A mystical underground world
“It covers an area of 9,800 square meters, capable of holding almost 80,000 cubic meters of water. ”
View in Article The most noteworthy part is the Medusa heads that hold up two pillars in the north-western part of the Cistern.

Basilica Cistern

Topkapi Palace

The imperial palace once served as a home to the Ottoman sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. Moreover, it’s a reminder of the grandeur of the erstwhile Ottoman Empire of Turkey.

Now, the palace has been turned into a museum by the government. Also, the world-famous Topkapi dagger and Spoonmaker’s diamond are on display here.

Topkapi Palace

Galata Tower

One of the world’s oldest structures, Galata Tower is a well-known landmark in Istanbul. The tower is nine stories tall and was primarily used as a fire watchtower.^[4]Go Turkiye
Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)
“Considered among the oldest towers in the world, the Galata Tower was first built in 507-508 CE to serve as a fire watchtower.”
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Now, the area around the tower is quite lively. You can explore the restaurants, cafes or shops in the Galata area.

Galata Tower

Anitkabir

A notable example of modern architecture, the Anitkabir is located on a hilltop in the capital city of Ankara.

The site is the resting place of Ataturk, the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and the founder and President of the Republic of Turkey.

The proposal of this site beat 48 other entries from several countries in 1941 and is regarded as one of the 50 civil engineering feats in Turkey.^[6]Culture Inventory
Mausoleum
“It is located in Ankara and was designed by architects Professor Emin Onat and Assistant Professor Ahmet Orhan Arda, whose proposal beat 48 other entries from several countries in a competition held by the Turkish Government in 1941 for a monument for Atatürk.”
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Anitkabir

Ankara Castle

The Ankara Castle was built nearly a century ago. The castle is an ancient structure that stands tall in the Ulus district, giving a beautiful view of the city.

Initially, the Ankara castle was built for militia purposes and is a famous attraction for history lovers around the globe.^[7]Daily Sabah
Ankara Castle: Center of history, culture and trade
“Its surrounding neighborhoods still have an old city charm that compliments the ancient city walls that once offered defense and protection.”
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You can find a variety of cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops inside the castle.

Ankara Castle

Atakule

The observation and communications tower is one of the primary landmarks of Ankara. Atakule is located on top of a hill and is visible from any corner of the city.

The tower’s top section houses many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy Turkish delicacies.

Moreover, you also get a beautiful panoramic view of the city from the tower’s terrace.

Atakule

Eymir Lake

The Eymir lake is a heaven for people who love being in nature. The calm and pacific environment of the lake is perfect for unwinding and relaxing.

The spot is an excellent getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can also enjoy exciting activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling.

Lake Eymir

Yivli Minare

The Yivli Minare mosque is one of Antalya’s most visited historical sites. The mosque is eight centuries old and stands as a symbol of the city of Antalya.

The mosque has a fascinating grooved minaret depicting a particular type of fascinating Anatolian Turkish architecture.

Furthermore, the water that flows beneath the Minare provides warmth in the winters and coolness in the summer.

Yivli Minare

Antalya Museum

The works exhibited in the museum are one of a kind. You can see around 5000 pieces of artwork in the building, and there are over 25,000 that are stored and preserved.

With more than 10 exhibition halls and an open-air gallery, the Antalya Museum is the largest in Turkey.^[9]History Hit
Antalya Museum
“Today, the museum is made up of 13 exhibition rooms, 1 open-air exhibition area, laboratories, a storeroom, repair shops, a photographic room, a conference hall, administrative offices, a cafeteria, and living quarters for museum officials.”
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For kids, there is a separate section with interactive activities to stimulate interest.

Antalya Museum

Duden Waterfalls

The Duden Waterfalls are a must-visit if you’re looking for a breathtaking view in Antalya.

The Upper Duden Waterfalls offer you the company of a lush green forest, chirping birds, and the peaceful sound of the cascading waterfalls.

On the other hand, the Lower Duden Waterfalls are just as mesmerizing. The view of the waterfalls flowing into the sea is breathtaking.

Duden Waterfalls

Kaleici

Kaleici is an old city in Antalya which was also known as the Old Antalya. The city has seen a significant transformation making it a vibrant tourist hotspot.

The charming boutique hotels, gift shops, and restaurants near the waterfront make it a great place to stay and relax.

Kaleici

Izmir Agora

The Greeks built the central public place in the 4th Century BC. But, it was ruined by an earthquake in 178 AD. Then, the agora was rebuilt by the Romans.^[11]Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Izmir Agora
“Most of the surviving remains in the agora, which were founded in the Hellenistic Period, were found after the 178 AD earthquake, belongs to the Roman Period agora, which was rebuilt…”
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The structure is a perfect peep into the past that displays how a multi-level marketplace would have looked in its prime then.

Izmir Agora

Ephesus

Ancient Ephesus is located close to the present-day city of Selçuk in Turkey’s Central Aegean area. The city was built in the 10th century B.C. and has a rich cultural heritage.

Any history fanatic would have a gala time exploring Ephesus.

You can check out many monumental structures such as the Library of Celsus or a theater that could seat 25,000 spectators.^[12]Vision Roma
The Grand Theatre of Ephesus
“Set against the slopes of the Panayır Dağ, the Grand Theatre of Ephesus, one of the largest of the ancient world, was completed during Roman Imperial Age, and could seat 25,000 spectators.”
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Ephesus

Kemeralti Market

If you want to check out the local markets, then Kemeralti Market is a must-visit. The maze-like bazaar is known for its antiques and elegant shops.

Navigating the market is not easy, and even the locals have a hard time doing so. But, the plus side is that you come across unexpected treasures in the market.

Kemeralti Market

Izmir Wildlife Park

With lush green spaces, blooming flowers, and 1500 animals,^[13]Turkey
Izmir Wildlife Park Map And Location
“Animals brought from Izmir Zoo and abroad live here like their own natural habitats without a field cage and wire. 120 species: 1500 animals live.”
View in Article the Izmir Wildlife Park is one of the best places for nature and wildlife lovers.

Some animals you can spot here are lions, tigers, gazelles, monkeys, hippopotami, camels, and ostriches.

Unlike any other zoo, the animals here freely roam around the area and aren’t caged. The wildlife park is a great getaway where you can bond with nature and a fantastic picnic spot.

Izmir Wildlife Park