For most people, Turkey is associated with the sea, sun, and endless resorts. Millions of tourists come here every year for the beaches of Antalya, all-inclusive hotels, and the oriental flavor of Istanbul. But if you stray from the usual routes, the country reveals a completely different side: quiet, ancient, and truly inspiring. Here you can see cities where time seems to have stood still and landscapes reminiscent of scenes from ancient legends.
These are not examples of resorts from tour operator brochures, but locations in that part of Turkey that lives at its own unhurried pace and charms with its authenticity.
The city on the Amasya River
Amasya is one of the most picturesque and little-known cities in Central Anatolia. It lies in a narrow valley between mountains, where the Yesilyarmak River reflects the old Ottoman houses with carved balconies. The city is known as the birthplace of several Ottoman sultans and a center of poetic culture. Strolling along the embankment, you can see the tombs of the Pontic kings carved directly into the rocks, and in the old quarter, there are cozy coffee shops where time seems to slow down. Amasya seems to have come straight out of the pages of a historical novel: everything here is in harmony – nature, architecture, and atmosphere.
The eastern city of Mardin, made of stone and sun
In southeastern Turkey, not far from the Syrian border, stands Mardin, a city where every house seems to be an extension of the rock. Its stone facades glisten in the sun, and narrow streets lead to ancient monasteries, mosques, and houses with oriental arches.Mardin is often referred to as an open-air museum: it preserves the traditions of the Assyrians, Arabs, and Kurds, and the hills offer views that are impossible to take your eyes off. Despite its ancient history, the city remains vibrant and multifaceted, with ancient temples and designer boutique hotels, craft shops and contemporary art galleries all coexisting side by side.
Lake Van with its azure waters
In eastern Turkey, among mountains and plateaus, lies Lake Van, the largest in the country and one of the most mysterious. Its water has an unusual blue tint due to minerals, and on one of the islands stands the ancient Akdamar Monastery, where the walls are decorated with stone carvings. Legends say that a mythical creature lives in the depths of the lake, but the real wonders are on the surface: silence, clear air, and views that are impossible to take your eyes off. The Van region remains almost unexplored by mass tourism, and that is precisely its charm. Here you can experience the authentic, pristine Turkey.
One of the main assets of the Mediterranean countries is rightly considered to be the mild climate and nature, and their real estate overseas has long been a symbol of comfort and stability. But beyond the coastline, Turkey holds no less treasures: ancient cities, mountain valleys, and places where you can feel the breath of history.
