The country of Turkey is rich in ancient wonders due to its location straddling Europe and Asia as well as having been at the center of numerous empires. However, some historical treasures lie hidden underground rather than above ground for tourists to see. Here are seven such locations that offer equally impressive sights:
1) Basilica Cistern – Located in Istanbul’s historic district, this elegant cistern was built during late Roman times and features beautifully shimmering marble columns with Corinthian capitals. However, less known than its well-established relative is the recent discovery of an equally spectacular underground chamber constructed for storing water during the same era by Emperor Theodosius II in Fatih district’s Şerefiye Cistern (also known as Theodosius Cistern). The 82×147 feet cistern has a ceiling almost 36 feet high, walls eight feet thick and thirty-two marble columns.
2) Dara – Located in southeast Turkey’s Mardin province near the Syrian border is this small ancient city once thought to have housed Roman soldiers garrisoning here during their time of control over these lands around 6th century CE. Archaeological excavations at Dara revealed not just a fortified outpost but also an elaborate system comprising underground cisterns that stored water brought from the nearby mountains for use by both Romans and locals alike. One such structure, known as Derinkuyu, once housed 20,00 people in safety during Arab invasions hundreds of years ago before being recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
3) Rümeli Han – Once located along Istanbul’s popular Istiklal Caddesi street, this building was constructed for Sarıcazade Ragıp Pasha in 1894 and served various purposes over the years including housing corset-makers, carpet dealers, private clubs frequented by émigrés fleeing revolutionary Russia. The discovery of mysterious tunnels beneath it during renovation work five years ago has left its purpose still shrouded in mystery today.
4) Sancaklar Mosque – Located on the outskirts of Istanbul and built-in 2012, this unique architectural structure stands out due to its lack of a central dome and impressive merger of ancient structures like olive tree processings areas with modern designs. The interior is calm and womb-like, featuring rough-hewn masonry walls contrasting beautifully against smooth concrete floors reminiscent of Zen gardens, giving the entire place an eerie tranquil air – even while offering fantastic sight lines towards Mecca thanks to its unique design.
5) Göbeklitepe – Located outside Şanlıurfa in southeastern Turkey’s ancient ruins dating back some ten thousand years ago have challenged long-held beliefs about the origins of human civilization, with massive stone stele (T-shaped columns weighing around five tonnes each) being used for religious purposes by hunter-gatherers before settled agricultural communities began doing so. The site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018 due to its historical significance and unique architecture that predates Stonehenge by thousands of years, providing us with fascinating insights into the earliest days of human history.
6) Yeraltı Mosque – Tucked away near Istanbul’s Golden Horn is this unassuming mosque located in Karaköy district. It might appear insignificant at first glance; however, its modest door opens up to a simple interior with repetitive design and clean lines that lead you down 42 parallel rows of squat piers illuminated by an eerie green glow emanating from the far end during Ramadan – making it a unique location for visitors seeking solace in traditional religious settings.
7) Archaeological excavations near Istanbul’s Golden Horn have revealed another underground structure that was once part of Byzantine fortifications built around 8th century CE, which also served as an anchor point to stop Turkish ships from entering and attacking the city during Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s conquest in 1453. The Yeraltı Mosque is now a place for prayer at tombs of two Arab soldiers believed to have participated in failed sieges against Constantinople centuries ago, adding an interesting cultural twist to this location that merits exploration by visitors interested in history and religious heritage alike.
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