10 Photogenic Spots in Turkey
Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a small portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe.
Here are 10 photogenic spots in Turkey:
Kubbe in Istanbul.
This colourful dome is located in the Balat neighbourhood of Istanbul and is a popular spot for Instagram photos. The dome is painted in bright shades of blue, green, and yellow, and it makes for a striking contrast against the surrounding buildings.
Turkish Rugs are overflowing with silk pillows as fluffy stray cats nap on these sumptuous heaps of softness. Initially, this rooftop appears a bit like a scene out of Cappadocia But, look a little closer and you will instantly notice key differences. At the Kubbe, seagulls take the place of hot air balloons. And, you will catch views of Istanbul's sophisticated landscape instead of dreamlike fairy chimneys.
For me, the Kubbe Istanbul remains one of those quintessential wanderlust surprises that travellers dream about. It was genuinely a shock, because I had no idea this place existed when I was planning out my day.
Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul.
This mosque is one of the largest and most impressive in Istanbul, and it offers stunning views of the city. The mosque is built in the Ottoman style and is decorated with intricate tiles and calligraphy.
It is known as one of Mimar Sinan's masterpieces, and his largest design. It is not just the awe-inspiring size that is impressive (the central dome stands 47m high), but also the elegantly decorated interior. The sense of space and light is emphasised in the supporting semi-domes to the northwest and southeast and the monumental arched spaces to the southwest and northeast.
The Süleymaniye Mosque and its surroundings provide ample opportunities for photography. The grand architecture, elegant courtyards, and peaceful atmosphere make it a photogenic spot. Additionally, the mosque's hilltop location offers breathtaking views of Istanbul's skyline, particularly during sunrise or sunset.
The Grand Bazaar Lamp Shop in Istanbul.
This is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30,700 m2, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.
This shop is located in the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the largest covered markets in the world. The shop is filled with beautiful lamps from all over the world, and it's a great place to find a unique souvenir.
The shops in the Grand Bazaar are bustling with activity and offer a vibrant atmosphere for photography. The displays of colourful lamps, the play of light and shadows, and the interaction between shopkeepers and customers can provide great opportunities for capturing interesting and lively shots.
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
It is also known as Ayasofya in Turkish, and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul. It is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
This former church and mosque is now a museum, and it's one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia is known for its stunning architecture, including its massive dome and intricate mosaics.
Photographing Hagia Sophia offers a myriad of opportunities to capture its grandeur and historical significance. The exterior of the building, with its majestic domes and minarets, presents an impressive subject for architectural photography. Inside, the intricate details of the mosaics, the ornate calligraphy, and the grandeur of the central dome are all captivating subjects to photograph.
Pamukkale in Denizli
Pamukkale is a town in western Turkey known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. It neighbours Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Ruins there include a well-preserved theatre and a necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for 2km. The Antique Pool is famous for its submerged Roman columns, the result of an earthquake.
This natural wonder is known for its travertine terraces, which are created by the flow of calcium-rich spring water. The terraces are a beautiful shade of white and they make for a stunning photo backdrop.
Autumn is an ideal time to visit Pamukkale. The weather is mild and major festivals like the International Pamukkale Music and Culture Festival are held in Denizli in September.
Sunset Hill in Goreme.
Göreme as a whole provides numerous spots to witness breathtaking sunsets. The surreal landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia make for a dramatic backdrop during the golden hour.
Additionally, taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise or sunset in Göreme is a popular activity, offering a one-of-a-kind perspective and photographic opportunities. The balloons drifting over the fairy chimneys and valleys during sunset create a magical atmosphere for capturing memorable images.
You can take a hot air balloon flight any time of year, but with Cappadocia's hot, dry summers and cold — and sometimes snowy — winters, the best time to go is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September and October).
Galerie Ikman in Goreme.
This gallery is known for its beautiful carpets and kilims, which are traditional Turkish rugs. The gallery is housed in a cave, which adds to its unique atmosphere.
The gallery is also a popular photo spot. The cave setting and the colourful carpets make for a unique and photogenic backdrop. The gallery offers photo packages that include a photographer, a drone, and a variety of props.
The gallery was founded by the Ikman family in 1972. The family has been weaving carpets for generations and they are experts in the art of Turkish carpet making. The gallery sells a variety of carpets, including handmade carpets, machine-made carpets, and kilims.
Cave Hotel Terraces in Goreme.
It is famous for its cave hotels that offer a unique and immersive experience for visitors. These cave hotels are built into the natural rock formations and provide comfortable accommodations with a touch of the region's rich history and culture.
Many of the cave hotels in Cappadocia have terraces that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. These terraces are a great place to relax and enjoy the view, or to take some photos.
The terraces of cave hotels in Göreme are ideal spots to witness mesmerising sunrises and sunsets, capturing the changing colours of the sky as it bathes the landscape in warm and golden hues. They also offer opportunities for astrophotography, as Cappadocia is known for its dark skies and is a popular destination for stargazing.
Butterfly Valley Viewpoint in Olu Deniz.
This viewpoint offers stunning views of Butterfly Valley, which is a beautiful valley with lush vegetation and a turquoise lake. It's a great place to see butterflies, especially in the spring and summer.
Butterfly Valley is named after the diverse species of butterflies. It is a secluded canyon with steep cliffs covered in lush vegetation, and a pristine beach at the bottom. The valley is accessible by boat or through a hiking trail, and it is known for its unspoiled beauty and tranquillity.
The edge of a wooded area is an ideal location; the trees provide a safety factor while the open area provides room for nectar plants.
Blue Lagoon in OluDeniz.
The Blue Lagoon (or Ölüdeniz Lagoon) is a popular tourist destination in Oludeniz, Turkey and it's a great place to swim, sunbathe, or simply relax.
It is a small lagoon separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow strip of land. The lagoon is known for its clear, blue water and its white sand beach.
To make the most of your photography experience at the Blue Lagoon, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is softer and more flattering. This can enhance the colours and create a magical atmosphere in your photographs.