Damlataş Cave has made it to Google Maps' "top" list

In celebration of Google Maps' 20th anniversary, a list was created identifying the most searched ancient cities, museums, and parks worldwide. Damlataş Cave from Alanya is featured on this list.

In recognition of the 20th anniversary of Google Maps, a study was conducted and lists were published detailing the most searched cultural landmarks, museums, and parks globally. The list also includes 20 of the most searched cultural sites, 20 museums, and 20 parks from Turkey. A total of 15 cities from Turkey are represented. Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, and Antalya were the most searched cities.

The most searched location is Galata Tower

In Turkey, the most searched locations include Galata Tower, followed by Anıtkabir and the Basilica Cistern. According to Google Maps data, the most searched places in Turkey in 2024 were:

1. Galata Tower — Istanbul

2. Anıtkabir — Ankara

3. Basilica Cistern — Istanbul

4. Pamukkale — Denizli

5. Taksim Square — Istanbul

6. Manavgat Waterfall — Antalya

7. Ancient City of Side — Antalya

8. Temple of Apollo in Side — Antalya

9. Koza Han — Bursa

10. Düden Waterfall — Antalya

11. Pierre Loti Hill — Istanbul

12. Ephesus Ancient City — Izmir

13. Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial

14. Kemeraltı Bazaar — Izmir

15. Historical Elevator — Izmir

16. Inkaya Plane Tree — Bursa

17. Beyazıt Square — Istanbul

18. Old Foça Beach — Izmir

19. Damlataş Cave — Antalya

20. Tophane Clock Tower — Bursa

Important data

Recep Yavuz, Chairman of the Antalya City Council Tourism Working Group, commented that most researchers either visit these places, gather information, or conduct virtual visits. Yavuz noted that the data from Google Maps, which is used by 2 billion people monthly, provides important insights into the global popularity of countries.

Our task is to protect and preserve

Yavuz pointed out that this data could help break certain paradigms in the tourism world and offer new perspectives. "For example, values that we may not even notice are attracting global interest, while places we highly value may not be of much interest to others. Turkey is among the most searched and researched countries. There are three different lists including important places, parks, and museums. If I were asked to create these lists, the results might have been very different. However, what is being searched and studied is what is most relevant. These lists, containing 60 significant values, reflect our cultural and natural richness. Protecting and preserving is our responsibility," he said.