Isparta is Turkey's rose capital, nestled in the scenic Lakes Region of southwestern Anatolia. Famous worldwide for producing the finest rose oil used in luxury perfumes, this tranquil province enchants visitors with its fragrant rose fields, vast freshwater lakes, ancient ruins, and year-round outdoor adventures including skiing on Davraz Mountain.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Isparta.
-
1
Alexander the Great captures Sagalassos after a brief battle on its fortified slopes
-
2
Sagalassos flourishes as a major Roman provincial city; monumental buildings constructed
-
3
Earthquakes and declining trade routes cause Sagalassos to be abandoned
-
4
Seljuk Sultanate of Rum captures Eğirdir (then Akrotiri), renaming it Eğridir
-
5
Atabey Mosque and Medrese constructed under Seljuk patronage
-
6
Hamidoğulları Beylik (principality) absorbed into the Ottoman Empire
-
7
Firdevs Bey Mosque built in Isparta; city becomes an important Ottoman provincial town
-
8
Ottoman officials introduce Bulgarian Rosa damascena cultivation to the Isparta region
-
9
Republic of Turkey established; Isparta designated a provincial capital
-
10
Belgian archaeologist Marc Waelkens leads Sagalassos excavations, revealing one of Turkey's finest Roman sites
Historical sites
Places where Isparta's past comes alive.
Sagalassos Ancient City
Where: Ağlasun, 30 km south of Isparta
Admission: Adult: 300 TRY (~$9) | Child: Free
Eğirdir Castle
Where: Eğirdir town center
Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free
Uluborlu Castle
Where: Uluborlu, 35 km west of Isparta
Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free
Isparta Archaeological Museum
Where: Isparta City Center
Admission: Adult: 30 TRY (~$0.90) | Child: Free
Atabey Mosque and Medrese
Where: Atabey, 20 km north of Isparta
Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free
Firdevs Bey Mosque
Where: Isparta City Center
Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free