Türkiye’s historical sites see record visitor numbers, Ephesus comes first

Museums and ancient sites in Türkiye saw a significant increase in visitors during the first six months of 2024.

Nearly 14 million people visited these cultural treasures, marking a 12% rise compared to the same period last year.

Rising interest in Türkiye’s cultural heritage

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism reported that 13.84 million individuals explored Türkiye’s rich historical and archaeological sites. This growth reflects the increasing global interest in the country’s cultural heritage.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy emphasized the importance of Türkiye’s historical sites. He stated, “These lands, with their priceless historical, cultural, and archaeological heritage, continue to captivate the world. We welcomed nearly 14 million visitors in the first half of 2024, reflecting a 12% increase from the same period last year.”

Ephesus is most visited site in Türkiye

The most visited site was Izmir’s Ephesus, attracting 1.12 million visitors. Following closely was Konya’s Mevlana Museum with 1.1 million visitors.

Denizli’s Hierapolis (Pamukkale) ranked third with 985,265 visitors. Nevsehir’s Goreme and Zelve-Pasabaglari sites drew 501,236 and 464,101 visitors, respectively.

Minister Ersoy expressed his satisfaction with the growing interest. “We are pleased to see the increasing attention to the heritage that sheds light on human history,” he noted.

Implications for Türkiye’s tourism

This rise in visitor numbers reflects Türkiye’s appeal as a destination for history and culture enthusiasts worldwide. The significant increase points to the country’s potential as a hub for cultural tourism, attracting both local and international tourists.

The ministry’s report shows that Türkiye continues to be a preferred destination for those seeking to explore its ancient wonders and cultural richness.

The growing visitor numbers are a testament to the global fascination with Türkiye’s historical and archaeological sites.