This western Turkish city, known for its white marble quarries dating to Roman times, sits at the base of Mount Erciyes. The marble remains a vital economic resource in the region.
A 201-meter volcanic rock crowned with a Byzantine fortress rises above Afyonkarahisar's city center. You can climb 800 steps to the castle ruins, soak in 85°C thermal waters at Ömer-Gecek springs, or watch traditional sucuk sausage-making at the century-old Cumhuriyet workshop. In the old town, narrow streets lead past wooden Ottoman mansions to the 13th-century Ulu Cami mosque, while the Archaeological Museum displays 5,000-year-old Phrygian artifacts.
The Fortress
The volcanic rock formation rising 201 meters above Afyonkarahisar supports a Byzantine-era castle. You'll need to climb 800 steps to reach the top, where you can walk along walls built by Hittite, Byzantine, and Seljuk rulers. Visit early morning to avoid summer heat and catch clear views across the Anatolian plateau. The fortress opens daily from sunrise to sunset.
Local Food
Afyonkarahisar's sucuk sausage makers follow specific recipes passed down through generations. At the Cumhuriyet workshop, operating since 1923, you can watch workers mix ground beef with garlic and red pepper before stuffing and drying the sausages. Local sweet shops like O Lokum make Turkish delight filled with kaymak - a thick cream from buffalo milk. Try both specialties at the covered market in the city center.
Thermal Springs
Five thermal areas surround the city: Ömer-Gecek, Hüdai, Heybeli, and Gazlıgöl. The waters reach temperatures between 46°C and 85°C, containing sodium chloride, bicarbonate, and sulfate. Doctors recommend these springs for respiratory and rheumatic conditions. You can take traditional Turkish baths or modern spa treatments at facilities in each area. The springs remain open year-round, with fewer crowds during winter months.
Mosques and Religious Sites
The Ulu Cami's wooden columns and painted ceiling exemplify 13th-century Seljuk design. At the Sultan Divani Mevlevihane, the second most important Mevlevi lodge after Konya, you can learn about dervish traditions through museum exhibits. Walk between the 1472 Imaret Mosque and the 14th-century Mevlevihane Mosque to see how Islamic architecture evolved over two centuries.
Archaeological Discoveries
The Archaeological Museum displays 44,000 items from regional excavations. The collection includes Copper Age tools, Phrygian pottery, and Byzantine jewelry. Outside the city in Phrygian Valley, you can explore rock-cut temples and churches carved into cliff faces. The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Getting There and Around
Trains connect Afyonkarahisar to Istanbul (6.5 hours), Ankara (4 hours), Izmir, and Konya. The city sits at a highway intersection with regular bus service to major Turkish cities. Local buses run between the city center and thermal spring areas. Taxis provide convenient transport to sites outside walking distance.
