Turkish Airlines opens door to Turkey beyond Istanbul

Turkish Airlines expands flights and highlights cities like Safranbolu, Mardin, Zeugma and Aydıntepe, revealing a lesser-known Turkey.

Network connects travelers beyond Istanbul

When people think of Turkey, Istanbul is usually the first image that comes to mind, with its mosques, bazaars and the Bosphorus. However, beyond the vibrant metropolis lies a quieter Turkey, filled with historic towns, unique architecture and diverse cultural influences.

Thanks to the extensive route map of Turkish Airlines, recognized by the World Guinness Record® as the airline that flies to the most destinations, exploring these lesser-known regions has become easier. The carrier positions itself as a gateway to more authentic Turkish experiences.

More weekly flights from São Paulo to Istanbul

Turkish Airlines currently operates 11 weekly flights between São Paulo (GRU) and Istanbul (IST). From the first week of January 2026, this number will increase to 13 flights per week, offering more comfort and flexibility for Brazilian travelers.

From Istanbul, one of the world’s most strategic hubs, passengers can reach every region of Turkey. In addition, the airline connects to more than 350 destinations in 130 countries, linking routes across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Safranbolu: Ottoman heritage frozen in time

Located in the province of Karabük, in the Black Sea region, Safranbolu is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its wooden-framed Ottoman houses, white facades and red-tiled roofs date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting the peak of Anatolian trade.

Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping back in time, with old residences turned into museums, studios and cafés. During autumn and winter, soft mist and warm lighting create a nostalgic atmosphere, ideal for travelers drawn to history and culture.

Mardin and Midyat: golden cities over Mesopotamia

In southeastern Turkey, Mardin rises on a hill overlooking the vast Mesopotamian plains. Golden stone buildings, winding alleyways and intricate details tell the story of centuries of interaction between Turks, Kurds, Arabs and Assyrians.

Highlights include the ancient Deyrulzafaran Monastery, as well as medieval madrasas and mosques that reflect a mosaic of religious traditions. Nearby Midyat preserves this heritage, known for its silver filigree craftwork (telkari) and stone houses that evoke ancestral stories.

Zeugma: mosaics and submerged memories

Close to Gaziantep, in southeastern Turkey, Zeugma is a former Greco-Roman city partly submerged after the construction of a modern dam. Archaeological work revealed impressive mosaics, now housed at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, one of the largest in the world.

The artworks depict mythological scenes, complex geometric patterns and expressive human figures, with colors that remain remarkably vivid. They testify to the prosperity of a city that once stood as a strategic point on the Silk Road.

Aydıntepe: underground city and ancient engineering

In the province of Bayburt, also in the Black Sea region, the small town of Aydıntepe shelters a vast underground city carved into volcanic rock. Tunnels and chambers stretch for hundreds of meters, used historically as shelter during invasions.

Visitors can explore part of this maze, observing ventilation systems and passageways that reveal the ingenuity of ancient Anatolian civilizations. The country’s history, therefore, unfolds both on the surface and beneath the ground.

Important: the Aydıntepe Underground City is temporarily closed due to structural restrictions. Travelers are advised to check updated information before planning a visit.

Turkish Airlines as a bridge to hidden Turkey

By highlighting destinations such as Safranbolu, Mardin, Gaziantep and Bayburt, Turkish Airlines strengthens its role as a bridge to an authentic Turkey. A robust domestic and international network allows travelers from Brazil and other countries to reach these cities through convenient connections in Istanbul.

In this way, the airline turns the desire to discover a deeper, lesser-known Turkey into a realistic trip, combining history, culture and modern comfort. Below, find the main routes to reach each highlighted destination.

How to reach the featured cities

Safranbolu

Nearest airport: Zonguldak Çaycuma (ONQ)

How to get there: flights from Istanbul to ONQ, followed by a road transfer of about 1h30 to Safranbolu.

Mardin

Nearest airport: Mardin Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar Airport (MQM)

How to get there: direct Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul (IST), with the airport located around 20 km from the city center.

Zeugma (near Gaziantep)

Nearest airport: Gaziantep (GZT)

How to get there: direct flights IST → GZT. From the airport to the Zeugma archaeological site, the journey covers roughly 50 km by road.

Aydıntepe Underground City (Bayburt province)

Recommended airports: Trabzon (TZX), Erzincan (ERC) and Erzurum (ERZ).

How to get there: direct flights IST → TZX, ERC or ERZ, followed by a 1h30–2h drive to Bayburt, and another 20–25 km to Aydıntepe.

About Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance

Founded in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Turkish Airlines, a member of Star Alliance, now operates 511 aircraft for passenger and cargo services. The airline flies to 355 destinations worldwide, including 302 international and 53 domestic, in 131 countries.

Established in 1997, Star Alliance was the first truly global airline alliance, built on global reach, brand recognition and seamless service. Today, the network offers 17,837 daily flights to more than 1,160 airports in 192 countries, with additional connections provided by Star Alliance connecting partner Juneyao Airlines.