Malatya is a city in eastern Turkey and is the capital of Malatya Province. The city has a population of 675,000. The city is located on the Malatya Plain in the upper Euphrates valley. The history of Malatya goes back to the Bronze Age and was a part of the Hittite Empire. The city was known as Milid during the Hittite period and was later conquered by the Assyrians. The city was known as Meliddu during the Neo-Assyrian period. The city was conquered by the Persians in the 6th century BC and later by the Macedonians in the 4th century BC. The city was taken by the Romans in the 1st century BC and became a part of the Byzantine Empire. The city was conquered by the Arabs in the 7th century and later by the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century. The city was ruled by the Ottoman Empire from the 14th century until the 20th century. Malatya is an agricultural city and is known for its apricots. The city is also a major industrial city and is home to a number of industries.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Malatya, Turkey
1. Visit the archaeological site of Arslantepe: Arslantepe is an archaeological site located in the Malatya province of Turkey. The site contains the remains of a Bronze Age city which was founded in the 3rd millennium BCE. The city was inhabited by the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, and Alexander the Great. Arslantepe is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Take a hike on Mount Nemrut: Mount Nemrut is a mountain located in the province of Adıyaman in southeastern Turkey. The mountain is home to the tomb of Antiochus I, who ruled the Kingdom of Commagene in the 1st century BCE. The tomb is surrounded by a number of large statues of kings, gods, and animals.
3. Visit the Islamic site of Eyüp Sultan: Eyüp Sultan is a mosque and tomb located in the province of Istanbul in Turkey. The site is revered by Muslims as the burial place of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. The mosque and tomb are located in a beautiful setting and are open to visitors of all faiths.
4. View the rock carvings at Göbekli Tepe: Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site located in the province of Şanlıurfa in southeastern Turkey. The site contains the remains of a number of temples which were built in the 11th millennium BCE. The temples are decorated with carved reliefs of animals and humans.
5.Explore the caves of Cappadocia: Cappadocia is a region located in central Turkey. The region is famous for its unique landscape, which is characterized by high cliffs, deep ravines, and cone-shaped volcanic mountains. The region is also home to a number of historical sites, including the cave complex of Göreme.
6. Take a boat ride on Lake Tuz: Lake Tuz is a large salt lake located in central Turkey. The lake is the second largest salt lake in the world and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take boat rides on the lake, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
7. Visit the ancient city of Troy: Troy is an ancient city located in the province of Çanakkale in northwestern Turkey. The city was first settled in the 3rd millennium BCE and was later the site of the Trojan War. Today, the city is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Troy.
8. Swim in the Blue Lagoon: The Blue Lagoon is a popular tourist destination located in the province of Muğla in southwestern Turkey. The lagoon is surrounded by cliffs and is famed for its turquoise waters. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and relax in the lagoon.
9. Take a cable car ride up Mount Erciyes: Mount Erciyes is a mountain located in the province of Kayseri in central Turkey. The mountain is home to a number of ski resorts and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
10. Visit the Turkish baths of Pamukkale: Pamukkale is a town located in the province of Denizli in southwestern Turkey. The town is home to the famous Pamukkale Thermal Springs, which have been used for therapeutic bathing since the Roman era. The springs are surrounded by a series of travertine pools, which are a popular tourist destination.