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Istanbul Fashion Week >>
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Open Air Museums in Turkey >>
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Feature Article
Open Air Museums in Turkey
Historical places are preferred by people who wish to spend their vacations not only resting but also visiting the ruins. If you are interested in the history of the place where you spend your holiday, we suggest you visit the Ancient Sites which are the open air museums of Turkey.
The jury of the daily newspaper "Hürriyet", who are archeologists, art historians, travelers and authors, have chosen the best Open Air Museums in Turkey. They are mostly located in western Anatolia.
The Ancient City of Ephesus
 Ephesus (Efes) is located 70 kilometers south of İzmir on the delta of the Küçük Menderes river. It was built in 5000 BC. The most important buildings are the Amphitheater, Celcius Library, Odeon Square, Temple of Artemis and Hillside houses. It is also believed that the Virgin Mary may have visited Ephesus. It is open everyday between 08:30 and 19:00. There are almost 60 souvenir shops on the upper and lower entrances to Ephesus. Transportation can be provided by minibuses taking off from Selçuk and Kuşadası. You can return to Selçuk at any time via taxis waiting in line at the lower entrance.
The Ancient City of Bergama
 Bergama is a district of İzmir named after the historical hero Pergamon. In addition, Pergamus is a word used for a high hill in the Hittite language. Furthermore Bergman means city and Pergamun means citadel-castle in the Ahroca Phyrigian language. Bergama is the original location of The Altar of Zeus, which is on display in Berlin. It has one of the steepest amphitheaters of the world. The world's first hospital was built in Bergama. Sergis Temple is in the middle of the city with its red bricks. Bergama is close to the city center of İzmir, so you can reach it either by walking or by taking a taxi. The visiting hours are between 08:30 and 19:30. Although not satisfactory, souvenirs are available.
The Ancient City and Museum of Aphrodisias
 Aphrodisias is the most important city of Karya and is located in the Geyre-Karacasu district of Aydın on a plateau 600 meters above sea level. It has survived quite well preserved. The most important areas of the city are the Tetraplon (the main gate of the city), the Stadium with a capacity of 30,000 people, the Hadrian Baths and the theater. The city is famous for its school of sculpture and statues. The blue and white marble quarries are considered to be the reason why schools of sculpture were opened in Aphrodisias. Works from the Roman, Byztantine and early Islamic Periods are on display in the museum. It is open everyday between 09:00 and 18:00. There are dolmuşes constantly leaving from Karacasu.
The Ancient City of Perge
 Perge was an important city of Pamphilya. The city did not resist the siege of Alexander the Great; as such it remained intact. Perge was built 4 kilometers west of Kestros (Aksu) River, on a plain between two hills, in 1200 BC. The city is believed ro have been visited by St. Paul. The pillared avenue, shopping center Agora, Acropolis, Demetrios-Apollonios Victory Arch, Nymphaeumda (monumental fountain), cemetery, Basilica, bath and the theater with a capacity of 12,000 people are among the important works in Perge. The Temple built for the mother goddess Artemis Pergaia has not yet been found and still retains its mystery. It is open beteen 08:00 and 19:30. You can purchase souvenirs from the peddlers.
The Ancient City of Hierapolis
 Hierapolis was built in Pamukkale-Denizli by Eumenes II, one of the Kings of Bergama in the 2nd century BC. It is called The Holy City due to the existence of many temples and religious buildings. St. Philip, who was one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, was assassinated here. The most important buildings are its amphitheater, bath, basilica, monumental fountain, pillared avenue, St. Philippus Martyrium, agora and necropolis. Hierapolis is next to the Pamukkale travertine and is open to the public at any time of the day. Souvenirs are sold around the ancient pool. Dolmuşes are available to Pamukkale every half hour.
Hattuşa
 The Hittite Capital is located at Boğazkale-Boğazköy, 82 kilometers southwest of Çorum. Its history dates back to 6000 BC. Excavations begun in 1952 are expected to continue for a further 100 years. The most important historical work is the Kadeş Peace Treaty signed between the Hittites and the Egyptians and written on a clay tablet. Most of the works found from the excavations in Hattuşa are on display at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara. Boğazköy Museum is open everyday except Mondays between 08:00 and 19:30. Transportation can be provided via dolmuşes leaving constantly from downtown Çorum. Souvenirs are also available.
Göreme Open Air Museum
 It is 2 kilometers east of Göreme, Nevşehir. There are many churches and monasteries dating from the 4th to the 13th century. Göreme was an important Christian center for many years. The Göreme Open Air Museum of today is where the educational system of Kayseri Bishop Basil The Great began. Every year, around one million local and foreign tourists visit Tokalı Kilise (Buckled Church), Elmalı Kilise (Church with Apple), Yılanlı Kilise (Church with Snake), Karanlık Kilise (Dark Church) and Çarıklı Kilise (Church with Slipper). It is open everyday between 08:30 and 19:00. It takes 2-3 hours to roam the museum.
The Ancient City of Miletos
 Miletos is located in the Didim district of Aydın. Miletos was among the cities whose development influenced World History beginning from Thales in the 6th century BC. The biggest amphitheater in Anatolia is here. However, since all of the 20,000 people capacity amphitheater has yet to be revealed, its splendor remains sheltered. One division of the Agora building is in Berlin, while the other division is on display here. The museum within the ancient city is closed for repair. The city is open everyday between 08:30 and 19:30. You can reach the site via the Söke highway.
The Ancient City of Sardes
 Sardes, the ancient capital of the Lydians, is located in Sart village in Salihli-Manisa. The Gymnasium is the most important building of the city, while the most important work is the Temple of Artemis. The city maintained its importance until the 7th century, and it is one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation. Among the structures in the city are the Bath, Synagogue, fossilized footsteps and the tombs of 90 Kings. It is open everyday between 09:00 and 12:00, and between 13:30 and 17:00. Souvenirs are available. Dolmuş rides are available every half hour from Salihli.
Mount Nemrut
 Mount Nemrut is 86 kilometers away from Adıyaman and is 2,206 meters above sea level. Commegene King Antichos I. had giant statues of the gods built on the peak of Mount Nemrut. The mountain is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It has one of the most famous and stunning sunrises in the world. The most important structure here is the biggest Zeus statue. The Lion Horoscope on the western terrace is also among the important statues. You can climb Nemrut at any time of the day. You can find souvenirs on the way up. Transportation can be provided by minibuses or taxis taking off from Adıyaman. After a certain point you should walk up to the peak or ride on the mules.
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