Nestled in Turkey, Malatya is a vibrant city with a rich culture and heritage. Located in the heart of Anatolia, Malatya’s inviting hospitality will make it an unforgettable experience. It is surrounded by the Euphrates River, which makes it a fertile land ideal for agriculture. The city is known for its high-quality apricots, which are supplied worldwide. With a rich past of being ruled by the Ottomans, the Romans and many others, the city is the home to many architectural gems. Filled with joy, enthusiasm, culture and multiple festivals held throughout the year, the city is ideal for every traveller.
History Of Malatya Turkey
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The first settlement in Malatya dates back to 6000 BC. Many inscription tablets dating to 4000 BC indicate human settlements in this region of Turkey. The city was called Melita in these stone tablets found in the Arslantepe Mound, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Roman and Byzantine empires made Malatya a military power and trade centre.
The city retained its glory as a centre of trade and commerce during the rule of the Ottoman and Seljuk dynasties. The presence of these strong powers in this land contributed significantly to the city’s development, making it an ideal retreat for history lovers.
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Architecture Of Malatya Turkey
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The architecture of Malatya combines efficiency with grandeur. It is a mixture of historical and modern styles. Influenced by the Romans, Ottomans, and Byzantine empires, the city has several landmarks worth visiting.
Walk around the streets of Malatya and witness the glory and legacy of the past. Each monument is surrounded by vast gardens and dedicated carvings by the craftsman. The modern structures are built with the aim of sustainability and contemporary designs. Being the perfect balance of architectural buildings with charm and modern designs, the city is adorned with multiple magnificent sites.
Festivals In Malatya
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Malatya is known worldwide for its apricot festival. Celebrated in July during the apricot harvest season, this festival honours the farmers’ efforts in apricot production. Boosting its pride in its high-quality apricots, the city comes together to celebrate abundance and gratitude.
Tourists enjoy the display of apricot exhibitions and local cuisines at the festival. There are dance and music festivals organised in the central regions of Malatya with participation from all public and private entities. Game stalls are organised for children and adults to enjoy their time in this vibrant festival.
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Cuisine Of Malatya Turkey
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Malatya has a rich and diverse menu filled with Turkish cuisine and fusion dishes. The most famous legacy of Malatya is its Kagit Kebab, also known as paper kebab. This dish is mainly made of paper, and the minced meat with ground spices cooked in the flame for hours brings in a consistency and texture like none other.
As the land of apricots, try the dishes in sweet and savoury forms. Malatya’s exceptional buttermilk has the unique fragrance of jasmine, which is kept in the buttermilk for 24 hours. All these unique dishes will offer flavours like you have not tasted before.
Places To Visit In Malatya
Here are some of the best places you can visit on your trip to Malatya. Read on to know more about each:
1. Arslantepe Ruins
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Standing in Malatya for 5000 years, Arslantepe Ruins is a legacy of the Romans and the Byzantine Empire. This historical site, now mostly in ruins, has multiple temples and lion statues preserved in the museums of Ankarna. Real-life copies of these statues are also in the museums of Malta to preserve cultural heritage. With an elevation of 30 metres, this archaeological site has offered some of the earliest metal weapons and objects.
Visiting hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry fees: Free
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2. Ulu Mosque
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A legacy of the Seljuk dynasty, Ulu Mosque was built in 1224 by Alaaddin Keykubat. It has been standing as one of the most important monuments of the Seljuk Empire. The mosque has grand architecture, a vast courtyard, a well-designed and ventilated prayer hall, and several carved minarets. Each wall is inscribed with calligraphy from religious texts. Make sure to dress modestly, as it is an active mosque.
Visiting hours: All day
Entry fees: None
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3. Malatya Castle
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Also known as the Malatya fortress, this place played an essential role for defence purposes. Located strategically at an elevation, the palace gave a bird eye’s view of the province. The Malatya Castle was built in 79 AD by the Roman Empire to maintain its control over the region. With high-rise walls, towers and gates, the castle can be discovered better with the help of a tour guide. You can enjoy panoramic views of Malatya from the elevation here.
Visiting hours: 9 AM to 8 PM
Entry fees: None
4. Apricot Gardens
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A major attraction during the harvest season of apricots, Apricot gardens offer an unparalleled experience. Mostly enjoyed in July to September, you can take garden tours and understand the process behind the successful harvests. You can pluck and eat as many fresh apricots as you want and enjoy the delicacies prepared freshly by the vendors. You can also purchase jams, desserts, fruit bars and much more.
Visiting hours: Daytime
Entry fees: None
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8. Lake Hazar
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Nestled in the rift of the Taurus mountains is a picturesque nature spot. Being Turkey’s most profound freshwater source, this lake has a length of 22 km surrounded by forests. The lake is famous for its scenic beauty and is a common picnic site. You can enjoy boating, fishing and walking along the banks of Lake Hazar absorbing its calmness and uproar. Many birds also visit this place, making it a spot for bird watching.
Visiting hours: Daytime
Entry fees: None
9. Malatya Museum
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One of the must-visit places in Malatya is the Malatya Museum. Holding the artefacts of the rich history of Malatya, you will see some of the world’s oldest weapons here. The museum has sculptures, coins, weapons, swords and everyday objects belonging to various dynasties like the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Seljuk. Enjoy the wide range of artefacts and enhance your knowledge about the history of the city.
Visiting hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry fees: None
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Best Time To Visit Malatya Turkey
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The best time to visit Malatya is from April to June in the spring season. With temperatures ranging from 15 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius, the season is marked with blooming nature. The season has less humidity and rainfall hence making it the perfect time for outdoor trips.
You can also visit Malatya in the autumn season from September to October. The season is particularly famous among tourists due to the apricot harvest season transforming the Malatya trip into a fruity delight. The summer season from July to August has extreme temperatures going as high as 37 degrees Celsius making it difficult to enjoy the outdoor activities and spots.
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Malatya offers a seamless mixture of history and scenic beauty. Its rich culture and hospitality will be a new experience for you. If this guide about Malatya motivates you, plan a trip to Turkey. Explore the beauty of Malatya’s scenic trails and heritage, especially if you are a history or architecture enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malatya
How much time is required to explore Malatya?
Around 2 to 3 days are enough to explore Malatya. The Mediterranean climate and food would make you want to spend more time.
What is Malatya known for?
Malatya is known for its fresh and ripe apricots. Turkey supplies 70 percent of the world’s apricot demand with Malatya being a major contributor.
How many states are present in Turkey?
Turkey has 81 provinces. All the provinces are secular and democratic with a major population of Muslims.
Do people in Malatya understand English?
You can use English in the tourist places in Malatya. However, the main language is Turkish hence it would be better if you learn a few Turkish phrases.
Is it comfortable to travel to Malatya?
Yes, Malatya is a popular tourist destination among budget travellers. You can get friendly accommodations and services here.
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Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.
