Central Anatolia (İç Anadolu) is one of Türkiye’s most historically and geographically compelling regions, stretching across the heart of the country with vast steppes, volcanoes, and ancient cities. This region has been the cradle of civilizations for millennia—from the Hittites and Phrygians to the Seljuks and Ottomans—and offers travelers a unique blend of cultural heritage, archaeological richness, and local traditions.

Anchored by the capital city Ankara, Central Anatolia is dotted with iconic sites such as the open-air museum of Göreme in Cappadocia, with its fairy chimneys and underground cities; the monumental ruins of Hattusa, the former Hittite capital; and the serene Lake Tuz, one of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world. The region’s high plateaus and semi-arid landscapes create a distinctive environment that shaped both its ancient agricultural economy and its modern cultural identity.

Beyond its well-known landmarks, Central Anatolia reveals authentic village life, traditional crafts, and regional cuisine like mantı (Turkish dumplings), pastırma (cured beef), and gözleme. Cities like Konya, home of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes, and Kayseri, a key trading hub on the Silk Road, offer deep historical and spiritual insight.

Today, Central Anatolia continues to evolve as a dynamic part of Türkiye, balancing its deep-rooted history with the energy of modern urban life. It is a land of contrasts—both ancient and contemporary, sacred and rugged—inviting travelers to explore beyond the usual paths and discover the cultural core of Anatolia.

Explore Central Anatolia in Depth

To help you navigate the diverse cultural and historical landscape of Central Anatolia, here is a categorized list of provinces, top attractions, museums, and ancient sites you can explore further.

Provinces in Central Anatolia

• [Ankara]

• [Aksaray]

• [Çankırı]

• [Eskişehir]

• [Karaman]

• [Kayseri]

• [Kırıkkale]

• [Kırşehir]

• [Konya]

• [Nevşehir]

• [Niğde]

• [Sivas]

• [Yozgat]

Top Attractions

• [Cappadocia (Göreme, Avanos, Uçhisar, Ortahisar, Ürgüp, Zelve)]

• [Ihlara Valley]

• [Derinkuyu Underground City]

• [Kaymaklı Underground City]

• [Tuz Lake (Salt Lake)]

• [Sultanhan Caravanserai]

• [Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital]

Museums

• [Ankara Museums]

• (Add links to each specific museum such as the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ethnography Museum, etc.)

Ancient Cities & Historical Sites

• [Alacahöyük]

• [Alişar Höyük]

• [Aşıklı Höyük]

• [Çatalhöyük]

• [Derbe]

• [Lystra]

• [Gordion (Gordium)]

• [Hattusa]

• [Yazılıkaya]

• [Midas City]

• [Pessinus]

• [Phrygia and the Phrygians]

• [Galatia]