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Explore creepiest haunted places in Türkiye

Uncover the Shadows: Journey Through the Creepiest Haunted Places in Türkiye. Uncover the Shadows: Journey Through the Creepiest Haunted Places in Türkiye, August, 2024. (Created with Photoshop)
By Gizem Gulmez
Aug 23, 2024 5:45 PM

Türkiye, with its rich history and blend of cultures, is filled with captivating stories and mysterious legends. However, some places stand out for their particularly chilling pasts and eerie tales. If you enjoy ghost stories and thrilling adventures, you should definitely visit these haunted places in Türkiye.

These haunted sites offer not only historical intrigue but also supernatural experiences. Each location carries a deep and mysterious past. For instance, Ciragan Palace has a dark and tragic history despite its grandeur as an Ottoman imperial residence. Visitors often sense ghostly presences while wandering through the palace at late hours. The eerie atmosphere is intensified by shadows and unexplained noises, revealing the palace’s haunting nature.

Places like Kayakoy, with its abandoned houses and schools, also carry echoes of past sufferings. Wandering through the deserted village, especially at night, you may hear unsettling sounds and feel cold breezes that suggest a ghostly presence.

Each of these locations offers visitors both a historical and spiritual journey. If you plan to visit these haunted sites, be prepared to experience their unique stories and eerie atmospheres. Every place has its own story, and these stories await brave explorers. Enjoy a thrilling and spine-chilling exploration!

Eerie past of Ciragan Palace places it among most haunted places in Türkiye

Location: Ciragan Street No: 32, Besiktas, Istanbul

This magnificent palace on the Bosphorus once housed Ottoman sultans. However, it holds a dark history filled with tragic events and deaths. Ghosts are said to haunt the corridors of Ciragan Palace. The most famous ghost story involves Sultan Abdulaziz, who allegedly haunts the room where he committed suicide. Visitors to the palace often report feeling an eerie presence in this room. Shadows seen at midnight and unexplained sounds add to the palace’s haunted atmosphere.

Ciragan Palace, one of the creepiest haunted places in Türkiye, has a curse that dates back approximately 350 years. In 1622, Captain of the Fleet Damat Ohrili Huseyin Pasha built a Mevlevi monastery on the Bosphorus, where Ciragan Palace now stands. This monastery remained active for 250 years.

Deep dive into creepiest haunted places in Türkiye

In the mid-1800s, Sultan Abdulmecid planned to replace the monastery with a palace and had Mimar Sarkis Balyan prepare the plans. However, he died before construction began. Sultan Abdulaziz resumed the project in 1868, borrowing money from England. His remark, “I need a palace, should my family and I stay on the street?” was ridiculed. Despite warnings from Sheikh Hasan Nazif, who called the site sacred and predicted misfortune, the monastery was demolished and moved to Macka. Abdulaziz also ignored requests to relocate the Mevlevi sheikhs’ graves, contributing to Ciragan Palace’s reputation as one of the creepiest haunted places in Türkiye.

Chilling tales of haunting legends, unending misfortune in creepy Turkish houses

Rumors suggest that the curse of Ciragan Palace began during its 1871 opening when Abdulaziz nearly fell and muttered about the Mevlevi’s predictions. Shortly after, he was deposed and died under mysterious circumstances at Feriye Palace. Sultan Murad V, who succeeded him, lost his sanity and lived in imprisonment at Ciragan Palace. On May 20, 1878, Besiktas Guard Yedi Sekiz Hasan Pasha killed Ali Suavi, who had tried to restore Murad V to the throne. Murad V later died from illness and madness in Ciragan Palace. These tragic events further cemented the palace’s status as one of the creepiest haunted places in Türkiye.

Destruction, restoration shape legacy of one of most haunted places in Türkiye

On the night of Jan. 19, 1910, a fire of unknown origin destroyed the building, leaving only the outer walls intact. In the 1980s, Culture and Tourism Minister Mukerrem Tascioglu made significant efforts to restore the palace and build a hotel. In 1984, an agreement was made with Lord Charles Forte of the British company Trust House Forte, and the deal was celebrated in contemporary newspapers. However, the agreement was canceled within a year. Despite these efforts, Ciragan Palace remains one of the creepiest haunted places in Türkiye.

Exploring dark history immersive experience at creepy Turkish houses in Türkiye

Ciragan Palace’s dark history reveals many unknowns hidden within this historic structure. The mysterious graves beneath the palace, tragic events of the past, and the palace’s curse offer visitors both a historical and supernatural experience. Each detail highlights the many mysteries waiting to be uncovered in the dark history of this impressive building. The palace’s enigmatic atmosphere allows visitors to gather unforgettable memories in the shadowy corners of the past, making it one of the creepiest haunted places in Türkiye.

Discover the eerie whispers of Kayakoy among the creepiest haunted places in Türkiye.
Discover the eerie whispers of Kayakoy among Türkiye’s creepiest haunted places, August 2024. (AA Photo)

Ghostly echoes of Kayakoy await in Türkiye’s creepiest haunted places

Location: Kayakoy Neighborhood, 48300 Fethiye, Mugla

Kayakoy is one of the creepiest haunted places in Türkiye, a ghost village abandoned after the population exchange in 1923. Walking among the deserted houses, schools, and churches, it’s hard to imagine this place was once a lively village. Whispers and footsteps heard in the empty streets suggest spirits visit the village. Especially at night, walking through the village can feel like being in a horror movie, with cold breezes and mysterious sounds.

Levissi Village, originally founded by Greeks, grew into a small town and even had its own newspaper, “Karya.” It thrived until the 1880s when uprisings between Turks and Greeks erupted. After the Turkish War of Independence and the 1923 Population Exchange Agreement, Greeks left the village, leaving their belongings with Turkish neighbors. These Greeks never returned, and Greek migrants from Greece who moved into Levissi struggled to adapt. The village’s slope and landscape were ill-suited for their farming activities, making the area feel very different from their previous homes.

Consequently, these families preferred to relocate to more suitable areas. Thus, Kayakoy was abandoned once again. After these events, the village continued to exist as one of the creepiest haunted places in Türkiye but still could not find peace. As expected, legends of buried treasure became famous in such places. During those times, treasure hunters came to Kayakoy, looted the houses, and damaged many structures. In the 1957 earthquake, those who lost their homes took doors and windows from the Kayakoy houses. Ultimately, the village became a complete ghost town. In short, there are many answers to the question, “Why was Kayakoy abandoned?”

Explore the haunted serenity of The House of the Virgin Mary, a gem among Türkiye's creepiest haunted places.
Explore the haunted serenity of The House of the Virgin Mary, a gem among Türkiye’s creepiest haunted places, August 2024. (Selcuk Municipality Photo)

Türkiye’s creepiest haunted places include mysterious House of the Virgin Mary

Location: Sultaniye Neighborhood, 35920 Selcuk, Izmir

One of Türkiye’s most mystical and intriguing places, the House of the Virgin Mary is located in Selcuk and holds significant importance in Christian history. This sacred site is believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years and exudes a deep spiritual atmosphere. However, beyond this sanctity, the House of the Virgin Mary also has its mysterious aspects.

The House of the Virgin Mary gained recognition in the 19th century through German researchers. Legends that the Virgin Mary lived here have led to many mystical and supernatural stories about the site. The house’s stone walls and simple interior evoke a sense of peace and spiritual depth. However, visitors have reported strange occurrences and supernatural sensations, such as hearing unusual noises and feeling watched by an unsettling presence. These eerie experiences contribute to the house’s reputation as one of the creepiest haunted places in Türkiye, blending sacredness with mysterious tales.

The atmosphere surrounding the House of the Virgin Mary offers an appealing destination for visitors seeking both religious and supernatural experiences. With its historical and spiritual depth, this site provides an unforgettable visit for those looking to explore the traces of the past and its legends. As one of Türkiye’s most intriguing and mysterious places, the House of the Virgin Mary stands out as a location brimming with secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Discover Türkiye’s creepiest haunted places starting with Molla Zeyrek mosque

Location: Zeyrek, Ibadethane St. No:2, 34083 Fatih/Istanbul

Molla Zeyrek Mosque is located in Istanbul’s Fatih district. After the conquest of Istanbul, the building was converted from a church into a mosque, making it one of the oldest religious sites in the area. The mosque stands out not only for its architecture but also for the intriguing stories surrounding it. Locals mention that the mosque’s courtyard, now a park, once housed a stable. According to rumors, there was a frightening well inside the stable, with a mysterious cellar beneath it. The screams reportedly coming from the cellar kept people away from using the stable. Some even claim that to this day, they can still hear the sounds of screams coming from the parking area.

Brave haunted cave of Havran one of Türkiye’s creepiest haunted places

Location: Mescit, Balikesir Edremit Road, 10560 Havran/Balikesir

This mysterious cave, located in the Havran district of Balikesir, stands out as one of the creepiest haunted places in Türkiye. Locals report that the cave is large and that human bones surround its entrance. According to rumors, sheep that enter the cave never return, and shepherds who follow them also disappear without a trace. Because of these eerie incidents, villagers from Egmir, Dereoren, and Hallaclar avoid grazing their animals near the caves in the Kaya Tepe area. They believe these caves are cursed, solidifying their reputation as some of the creepiest haunted places in Türkiye.

Among Türkiye’s creepiest haunted places, Buyulu Koy or Enchanted Village stands out

Location: Azem Village, Sakarya

Folklore ranks Buyulu Koy, also known as Enchanted Village, among Türkiye’s creepiest haunted places, haunted by spirits for centuries. Residents and visitors report unsettling experiences, including strange noises and ghostly apparitions. Many believe that a curse trapped souls in eternal unrest. These stories have cemented Buyulu Koy’s reputation as a top haunted spot, and many avoid it after dark. Buyulu Koy is just one of Türkiye’s many haunted locations, each with chilling tales. To experience a truly spine-tingling adventure, explore Buyulu Koy and other haunted sites in Türkiye.

These creepiest haunted places in Türkiye are perfect for testing your courage and embarking on a spooky adventure. Each location is filled with tragic events and eerie stories from the past. If you enjoy ghost stories and believe in the supernatural, visiting these places will allow you to experience your own chilling encounters. Remember, every place has its own story, and these stories await brave visitors. Enjoy a thrilling and eerie exploration journey through Türkiye’s creepiest haunted places!

Last Updated:  Aug 26, 2024 1:20 PM