Closed Doors, Open Secrets: The Intriguing History of Turkey’s Unused Places

Introduction

Turkey is famous for its rich history and its cultural heritage. The country is home to stunning buildings, ancient ruins, and beautiful landscapes. However, not all of Turkey’s tourist destinations are open to the public. There are several closed doors, open secrets in Turkey that are waiting to be discovered. In this article, we’ll look at the intriguing history of Turkey’s unused places.

The Grand Bazaar’s Closed Rooms

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the most famous shopping destinations in the world. The market is home to thousands of vendors selling everything from traditional Turkish rugs to gold jewelry. However, what many people don’t know is that the Grand Bazaar has several closed rooms that the public is not allowed to enter.

These rooms are typically used for storage or as workshops for the vendors. However, there are rumors that there are secret chambers in the Grand Bazaar that were once used by the Ottoman sultans. Some say that these chambers were used for meetings with important guests, while others believe that they were used for more nefarious purposes.

The Abandoned City of Kayaköy

Kayaköy is an abandoned city on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The town was once a thriving community of Greeks and Ottoman Turks, but it was abandoned in the 1920s as part of a population exchange between Greece and Turkey.

Today, the town is a haunting reminder of its past. The buildings are still standing, but they are crumbling and overgrown with vines. Visitors can walk through the narrow streets and explore the ruined buildings, which include a church, a school, and several homes.

The Ghost Village of Ani

Ani is a ghost village on the border of Turkey and Armenia. The town was once a thriving trading center, but it was abandoned in the 14th century after it was sacked by the Mongols.

Today, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can walk through the ruins of the town, which include several churches, a bathhouse, and a castle. The town is known for its stunning architecture, including the Church of St. Gregory, which is considered one of the finest examples of Armenian architecture.

The Secret Tunnels of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey that is famous for its unusual rock formations and underground cities. The underground cities were built by the Hittites and expanded by the early Christians to protect themselves from invaders.

The cities are connected by a network of secret tunnels that run for miles underground. Visitors can explore the tunnels and chambers, which include living quarters, kitchens, and even wineries.

Editor Comment

Turkey is a country that is rich in history and culture. The closed doors and open secrets of Turkey’s unused places are a testament to the country’s fascinating past. Whether you’re exploring the abandoned city of Kayaköy or the secret tunnels of Cappadocia, there is always something new to discover in Turkey.

FAQs

Q: Are the closed rooms in the Grand Bazaar accessible to the public?
A: No, the closed rooms are typically used for storage or workshops for the vendors. The public is not allowed to enter them.

Q: Can visitors explore the abandoned city of Kayaköy?
A: Yes, visitors can walk through the town and explore the ruined buildings.

Q: What is the history of the ghost village of Ani?
A: Ani was once a thriving trading center, but it was abandoned in the 14th century after it was sacked by the Mongols.

Q: What can visitors see in the secret tunnels of Cappadocia?
A: Visitors can explore the tunnels and chambers, which include living quarters, kitchens, and even wineries.