28.07.2025
6 dk Dakika
It's July 30th, International Day of Friendship. So, who does this special day declared by the United Nations remind you of? Is it the first person you call, whether you're troubled or overjoyed? Or is it the one you spend hours on the phone with, talking about the same topic for hours on end; the one you sometimes expect to hear the most logical decision from, but who also says "Let's do it!" without hesitation to your craziest plans? Maybe it's someone who laughs at the same thing as you, then stops and says, "I guess only we find this funny!" or someone entirely different?
Your memories of friendship might be varied, so what comes to mind could be different, but the feeling is familiar, isn't it? From trust, sharing, and time spent together... So, this July 30th, how about not just remembering that feeling, but reinforcing it by exploring new places together? Museums and archaeological sites across Türkiye await you, ready to connect the past with the present and add new memories to your bond of friendship. Let's take a closer look at 4 destinations that will best suit this special day and take your friendship to the next level.
Göbeklitepe, an archaeological site that offers a unique insight into how social organization, belief systems and spatial order were shaped during the Neolithic period, makes us feel the state of being together again on this special day by traveling thousands of years back in time. This monumental complex, dating back to the 10th millennium BCE, is believed to have been built by hunter-gatherer communities. The striking depictions of wild animals and abstract symbols carved onto the colossal T-shaped pillars reveal profound insights into the collective memory, life, and symbolic world of early human societies. Furthermore, many artifacts unearthed at Göbeklitepe are now exhibited at the Şanlıurfa Museum. The sense of togetherness experienced thousands of years ago at Göbeklitepe transforms into a meaningful trip to Göbeklitepe and the Şanlıurfa Museum on this special day.
Located at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, about 1500 meters above sea level, Sagalassos, one of the significant cities of the ancient Pisidian region, is a stop that reminds you of the peace of “getting along without talking” with your friend with its serene atmosphere. The city, which flourished from the Hellenistic Period to the Roman Empire, particularly draws attention with its monumental fountains, bath complexes, library, and theater. With every step you take alongside your friend, the sense of timelessness embedded in the stones ties a strong knot in your bond of friendship.
With its high altitude and impressive views, Sagalassos transcends being merely an archaeological discovery point. It becomes an experience where you and your friend can trace the footsteps of the past while sharing moments immersed in nature.
Carved into the steep cliffs of the Black Sea, Sümela Monastery is more than just a historical trip. It is a destination where you will enjoy supporting each other, getting tired, achieving together and when you reach the summit, looking at your friend and agreeing without saying anything. With its architecture and location, it's not merely a religious structure but also carries traces of shared beliefs and a culture of living together. Believed to have been built in the 4th century AD, this monastery complex has been a symbol of togetherness for centuries, serving as both a place of retreat and a gathering point. This area, which integrates with nature with its structure built on the mountain slope, offers views that you will admire. On a journey to Sümela Monastery with your friend, you'll strengthen the trust and bond between you as you jointly explore the shared beliefs and architectural mastery of the past.
On this special day, Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum may be the inspiration you are looking for to explore the depths of your friendship story. Located in Bodrum Castle, the museum traces the relationships and interactions between cultures over the seas with amphorae and shipwrecks unearthed from the depths of the Mediterranean Sea. Artifacts from important archaeological excavations such as the Uluburun, Serçe Harbor and Yassıada shipwrecks in the museum provide comprehensive insights into ancient trade networks, cultural exchanges and shipping technologies. Visiting this museum with your friend doubles the pleasure of being surprised, learning new things and diving into the mysterious waters of history together.
On International Friendship Day, journeys you embark on together to ancient cities and museums will be filled with discoveries that strengthen your bonds of friendship. On these history-filled trips, intertwined with history, you'll add a new chapter to your friendship story and see how every step you take together into history transforms into a memory to be cherished for years to come. For more inspiration and travel guidance, head over to the Turkish Museums blogs and make your next adventure truly unforgettable! Click here to explore our other blogs and start discovering the historical beauties of Türkiye with your friends!
