Cities, Towns, and Major Regions of Turkey
This page will give you an overview of the various, and interesting areas of Turkey. Just click on the area of your choice in the index below to go to that area.
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Adiyaman
Adiyaman (153 km northeast of Gaziantep) the Archaeological
Museum houses regional finds from the Lower Firat which date from the
Neolithic and Chalcolithic ages. Good quality kilims woven in bright colors sell for reasonable prices in the bazaar. Surrounding monuments include the
ruins of an Abbasid citadel (restored by the Seljuks) and the 14th
century Ulu Mosque.
Adiyaman, as well as Kahta (which also has good
accommodation and camping facilities), make good bases from which to visit Nemrut
Dagi (Mt. Nemrut) National Park. You can hire transportation
in either town. On the summit of Nemrut Dagi, at 2,150 meters the highest
mountain in Northern Mesopotamia, sits the gigantic funerary sanctuary erected
in the first century B.C. by King Antiochos I of Commagene. The engineering
involved continues to amaze visitors seeing for the first time the artificial
tumulus as it is flanked by terraces on which rest the colossal statues of Apollo, Zeus, Heracles, Tyche and Antiochus. Time has
inflicted heavy damage on the sculptures - their torsos sit with their
beautifully carved heads at their feet.
Agri
Agri, a provincial capital on a 1,650-meter-high plateau,
takes its name from the mountain which looms over it . The pleasant Balik (Fish)
lake to the northeast, not surprisingly has plenty of fish restaurants serving
local delicacies. Thermal springs bubble up all over the area. For those who
want hardy outdoor events, a visit the Bubi Dagi Ski Center, 20 km southwest of
Agri, will provide a few days of snow sports.
Do not miss the spectacular Ishak Pasa Palace, only 6
km from Dogubayazit. Ishak Pasa, Ottoman governor of the province,
constructed the palace in the 17th century with a mixture of architectural
styles. Nearby you can see a bas-relief of an Urartian king, and a rock tomb
from the ninth century B.C.
Near Dogubayazit, Turkey's most scenic natural
monument, Mt. Agri rises to a height of 5,137 meters. To see the place
where it is believed that Noah's Ark came aground, you can begin your
trek at Üzengili village, 25 km
east of Doğubayazıt. Be sure to try the local dessert, asure
(Noah's Pudding), believed to have first been made by
Noah's wife from the last bits of food in the ark.
Aphrodisias
Although the history of Aphrodisias stretches far back in time, the city,
which was dedicated to Aphrodite, goddess of love and fertility, only rose to
the prominence in the first century B.C. Some of the richest treasures of
ancient times were uncovered in the excavation of this city. The public
buildings are handsomely adorned with marble that was carved with astonishing
skill, producing remarkable temples, monuments, baths, a theatre, and a magnificent
stadium. As the reputation of the city's craftsmen for the
exquisite finesse of their statuary and marble sculpting school of antiquity.
Many of its marvelous works of art are now housed in local museum.
Bitlis
The lively city of Bitlis, an important center of tobacco
production, stands in the middle of a green oasis. The city's architecture uses
the local dark stone, and the stone monuments include the Serefhan Medrese, the
12th-century Ulu Mosque, the Seljuk Gökmeydani Mosque and the
Ottoman Serefiye Mosque. From Tatvan on the western shore of Lake Van,
you can take a passenger and train ferry across the water to Van.
The ruins of Ahlat are 44 km north of Tatvan on the western shore of Lake
Van. The ruins of this once-important city of Turkish art and culture are
scattered today among more recent constructions. Modern Ahlat provides lakeside
tourist accommodation, beach facilities and restaurants.
Bodrum
An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to the dazzling blue bay of
Bodrum, where the Aegean and Mediterranean
Seas meet. This charming town attracts a diverse population of vacationers who
stroll along its long, palm-lined waterfront, while elegant yachts crowd the
marina.
Not far from the town you can swim in absolutely clear warm seas. Underwater divers, especially, will want to explore numerous reefs, caves and majestic rock formations. The waters offer up multicolored sponges and sizes, and an immerse of aquatic life, including octopus.
The reputation of Bodrum boat yards dates back to ancient times. Today, craftsmen still build traditional boats; the tirhandil with a pointed bow and stern, and the gulette with a board beam and rounded stern. The latter are especially used for excursions and pleasure trips, and in the annual October Bodrum Cup Race.
Bodrum has gained the reputation as the center of the Turkish art community with its lively, friendly and Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries. This community has encouraged an informal day time life style and a night time of excitement.
Bodrum known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, was the birthplace of Heredotus and the site of tomb of King Mausolus (4th century B.C.), which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the harbor, the Bodrum Castle, or the medieval castle of St. Peter, is a fine example of 15th century Crusader architecture. It has been converted into the Museum of Underwater Archeology, with remains as far back as the Bronze Age.
Diyarbakir
Diyarbakir, known in ancient times as Amida, spreads
across a basalt plateau close to the banks of the Dicle river. The black basalt
triple walls which encircle the old town give the city a rather ominous
appearance. These ramparts are 5.5 km in length, have 16 keeps and five gates,
are decorated with inscriptions and bas-reliefs, and represent a superb example
of medieval military architecture. The Ulu Mosque, built by the Seljuk sultan
Melik Shah, is notable for its original design and for its utilization of both
Byzantine and more ancient architectural materials. is made of the local black
basalt. The Nebii Mosque represents the typical Ottoman style,
while the Safa Mosque exhibits Persian influences in its tiled
minaret. The third century Aramaic Church of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana
Kilisesi), which is still in use today, also makes for an interesting visit.
For an example of early domestic architecture, stop at the restored home of
the writer Cahit Sıtkı Taranci. The Deliller
Hanı (1527) by the Mardin Gates, convened and
refurbished into a hotel, recreates
the atmosphere of the days when trading caravans stopped in Diyarbakır.
Just outside the city walls, by the river, stands Atatürk's house, now a
museum. South of town at the Dicle Bridge,
built in 1065, you can take a great picture of the Dicle River, the bridge and
the city walls.
Elazig
Elazig, founded in the 19th century, lies on a
plain in the shadow of a mountain crowned with the ancient citadel of Harput.
Destruction wrought by several earthquakes and the relatively recent
construction of Elazığ has led to most of the
population of Harput deserting it for the modern city. Several Seljuk mosques
remain, however, which are worth visiting. The Keban and Karakaya Dams on the
Firat river have created huge artificial lakes, dramatically altering the
surrounding environment. Twenty-five kilometers south of Elazig, the lovely and
tranquil Hazar Lake invites relaxation.
Erzincan
Erzincan, the principal city of its province, lies 688 km
east of Ankara on a fertile plain. The highly-decorated and hand-fashioned
copperware of Erzincan maintains a long tradition in the area's fame for
metalwork. Bolkar, a ski slope 40 km to the west, provides facilities for
winter sports enthusiasts.
Many of the magnificent bronze objects in the Museum of
Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara were found at the nearby Uranian site of Altintepe,
east of Erzincan. At Tercan, the round 12th-century mausoleum
of Mama Hatun with its beautifully carved stone portal is worth a detour off
the main road. The best place for rafting and canoeing is at nearby Karanlik
Bogaz. You will also want to go on a photo safari to take in the natural
beauty of the area.
Erzurum
Erzurum, 193 km east of Erzincan and the largest city in
eastern Anatolia, sprawls on a high plateau at an altitude of 1,950 meters. As
you enter the city, the large Aziziye monument commemorating the
Turkish-Russian war will catch your eye.
Although the collection in the archaeological museum reveals
much of the city's history and ancient origins, it is Erzurum's architecture
which is in fact the best picture of its past. The city walls and fortress are
reminiscent of the period of Byzantine rule. Of particular importance are the
remaining Seljuk buildings - brilliant examples of a fascinating aesthetic. The Ulu
Mosque, built in 1179, has an unusual form with seven wide naves. The Çifte
Minareli Medrese, or theological college built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin
Keykubat in 1253, astonishes with elaborate stone carvings on its portal and its
majestic double minarets. Behind the Çifte Minareli Medrese stands the Üç
Kümbetler, a group of three tombs, the most notable of which is that of
Emir Saltuk. While wandering around the city, notice the local black stone
(Erzurum Oltu Tasi) which is used in jeweler. A road through
splendid mountain scenery leads to the winter sports resort of Palandöken,
only 6 km from Erzurum. This center has a number of hotels as well as the
longest ski run and the best snow quality in Turkey, making it a favorite haunt of expert skiers
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Fethiye
The popular resort of Fethiye, 135 km southeast of Marmaris, boasts an
important marina at the head of a beautiful bay strewn with islands. A full
crowned by the ruins of the crusader fortress built by the Knight of Rhodes
overlooks the little port. Above the town, (called Telmessos in antiquity),
numerous Lycian rock tombs, reproducing the facades of ancient buildings, were
cut into the cliff face. The tomb of Amyntas, which probably dates from the
fourth century B.C. is the most remarkable.
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Gaziantep
Gaziantep (685 km southeast of Ankara) is located on a wide
and fertile plain cultivated with extensive olive groves and vineyards and
produces a wide variety of agricultural crops. It is especially known throughout
Turkey for its excellent pistachios. Industry also contributes to the local
economy.
The 36 towers of the city's fortress were originally
constructed in the Justinian era and were later rebuilt by the Seljuks. The Archaeology
Museum has important artifacts from Neolithic, Hittite and Roman times. The
artisans of Gaziantep specialize in copperware and furniture inlaid with
mother-of-pearl. The kitchens there produce some of the best lahmacun, a
delicious pizza topped with spicy meat and herbs, and also baklava, a
honey and nut pastry.
Next to the Syrian border, on the banks of the Fırat
River, Kargamış, once a late Hittite
capital, is another important archaeological site. The site's finds, including
immense bas-reliefs, have been moved to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
in Ankara.
Igdir
The city of Igdir in the same named province stands on a
large, fertile plain where fruit and, unusual for this geographical region,
cotton grow. The Bible relates that when the flood waters receded, Noah
and his family descended from Mt. Agri (Ararat) toward
the fertile plain. From here, their progeny most likely settled to the south and
west along the Fırat (Euphrates) and Dicle (Tigris) rivers, establishing
the second generation of mankind. From this plain, you
have the best view of Mount Agri. Monuments to visit near the city include
Uranian rock monuments, a 13th century Seljuk caravanserai and the Karakale
(Black Castle).
Izmir – hometown of Homer
Known in Turkish as " Beautiful Izmir" the city lies at the head
of the long and narrow gulf. Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and its
port is second only to Istanbul. A cosmopolitan and lively city all year round.
The original city was established in the third millennium B.C. (at present day
Bayrakli), at which time which shared with Troy the most advanced culture in the
Western Anatolia. By 1.500 B.C. it had fallen under the influence of the Central
Anatolian Hittite Empire. In the first millennium B.C. Izmir, then known as
Smyrna, ranked as one of the most important cities of the Ionian Federation.
During this period, one of the cities most brilliant, it is believed that Homer
resided here. Lydian conquest of the city, around 600 B.C. , brought this period
to an end. Izmir remained little more than a village throughout the Lydian and
subsequent sixth-century B.C. Persian rule. In the fourth century B.C. a new city
was built on the slopes of Mt. Pagos during the reign of Alexander the Great.
Izmir’s Roman period, beginning in the first century B.C. was its second great
era. Byzantine rule followed in the forth century and lasted until the Seljuk
conquest in the 11th century. In 1415, under Sultan Mehmet Celebi,
Izmir became part of the Ottoman Empire.
Kahramanmaras
In the 12th century B.C. Kahramanmaras (78
km north of Gaziantep) was the capital of the Hittite state of Gurgum. A
massive citadel built in the 2nd century B.C. now houses the city
museum with a good collection of Hittite sculptures. Other sites include the 15th-century
Ulu Mosque and the Tas Medrese. The city is famous throughout
Turkey for its ice-cream thickened with gum Arabic and beaten with a wooden
paddle.
Kars
Kars (212 km northeast of Erzurum) stands at an altitude of
1,750 meters and has played an important role in Turkish history. It was at the
center of the Turko-Russian War. The Russian legacy can still be seen in much of
the town's architecture. The lower city unfolds at the foot of an impressive
Seljuk fortress from the 12th century. Kars is particularly known for
its distinctive kilims and carpets, and it retains a strong heritage of folk dancing.
Visitors always seem to enjoy this traditional entertainment. On the mountain
pastures, villagers produce excellent Kaşar cheese and delicious honey.
About 42 kilometers east of the city on the ancient Silk
Road, the medieval Armenian capital of Ani (Ocakli)
lies mostly in ruins. Impressive fortified walls still encircle the ruins of
numerous churches, mosques and caravanserais. The extent to which the large
churches are still standing after a thousand years will amaze you. Sarıkamış
(53 km southwest of Kars) is a ski center with resort hotels set in a scenic
pine forest.
Koycegiz & Dalyan
The town of Köycegiz lies at the northern end of the lake by the
same name and is joined to the Mediterranean by a natural channel. This unique
environment is being preserved as a nature and wildlife sanctuary. A road shaded
with aromatic frankincense trees leads to the tiny village of Dalyan on
the inland waterway. The maze of channels is easily explored by boat as you
immerse yourself in this tranquil dream world. The restaurants which line the
waterway specialize in delicious fresh fish. Magnificent tombs were carved into
the rock high on the cliff face, at a bend in the river, above the fascinating ancient harbor city of
Caunos. The Dalyan Delta, with the long golden,
sandy Iztuzu beach at its mouth, is a nature conservation area and a refuge for
sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and blue crabs.
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Kusadasi
Kusadasi, or Bird Island, is a lovely port built along the shores of
glittering bay. The terraced town overlooks the most beautiful inlet of the
Aegean and seems to have been created purely for the delight of the
holiday-maker.
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Be sure to visit famous and popular Kaleici
quarter with lots of shops and old buildings. You will love this wonderful market area as it is filled with great items perfect for a memento or souvenir of your visit to Turkey. However, try not to do what I did the last time I was there. Although you can find just about anything you want here, film can be a little on the expensive side. I ran out and -- it cost me! |
Malatya
Malatya is a busy city situated on a fertile plain at the
foot of the Anti-Taurus Mountains. The Archaeology Museum houses new finds from
the Lower Fırat region that
date from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic ages. Next to the
city museum, you can shop in at the bazaar where an entire passageway of shops
is devoted to copperware. In Malatya, the apricot growing center of Turkey, it
is possible to sample many delicious apricot confections as well as other fresh
and dried fruit. The two small towns which pre-date the establishment of
present-day Malatya are easy expeditions. Aslantepe, 7 km away, was the
capital of a Hittite state in the first millennium B.C.
Marmaris
Situated on a bay, backed by rugged pine clad mountains, Marmaris is one of
the most attractive maritime parklands, ideal for water sports and sailing. It
makes an excellent starting point for the "Blue Voyage" tour of the
Aegean coastline. In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides an
opportunity to meet the yachts’ captains and crews. With plenty of provisions
aboard you set sail in the craft of your choice and languidly explore the
spectacular beauty of southern Turkey.
Pamukkale
(Hierapolis)
A magical and spectacular natural site, unique in the world, Pamukkale (Hierapolis) is fairyland of dazzling white castles. Thermal
spring waters laden with calcareous salts running off the plateau's edge have
created this fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. The hot
springs have been used since Roman times for its therapeutic powers. Both the
thermal pools, as well as the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, are
situated on the plateau. Another thermal center northwest of Pamukkale is
Karahayit, known for its high iron content.
Priene & Miletus & Didyma
Priene
was one of the most active ports of the Ionian Federation. The grid-like system of streets introduced in the fourth century B.C. by Hippodamos
of Miletus is a superb and early example of town planning.
Miletus, like Priene was a great Ionian port as well as the birthplace of several philosophers and sages. The theatre itself justifies a visit. Also be sure to see the well-preserved ruins of the Faustina baths and the Archeological Museum.
Although Didyma can only boast of a single monument, it is nevertheless a marvelous site. The Temple of Apollo was one of the antiquity’s most sacred places. Many times looted and burned, the sanctuary still impresses with its elegant beauty. A double-colonnade portico surrounds the colossal temple. Not far from the archeological site, beautiful beach of Altinkum tempts visitors with its many gusts houses.
Sanliurfa
In the great Upper Mesopotamian plain, Sanliurfa, thought by
some to be the ancient city of Ur and later known as Edessa,
proudly exhibits the legacy of all the civilizations that have prospered in this
region. Some of the oldest signs of civilization, dating to 7000 B.C., were
found 70 kilometers northwest of Sanliurfa, at the village of Kantara.
The recent development of dams and a hydroelectric plant stand in stark contrast
to the ancient site of a temple and Neolithic settlement which is nine thousand
years old. The temple has been identified as a religious center for moon
worship. This site is still the only one of its kind in the world. Visitors can
view small idols and religious figures as well as some very early and beautiful
mosaic work from the settlement. On
a hill 20 kilometers northeast of Şanlıurfa lies Göbekli.
This settlement is perhaps 9000 years old, and may rest atop even older
settlements in lower layers of the artificial hill. The probable workplace of an
ancient idol maker can be seen here where many finished and unfinished human and
animal figures and tools have been found. The Sanliurfa area, in the second
millennium B.C., was a city of a Hurrite state. Some believe that Abraham was
born in a cave near where the Mevlid Halil Mosque now stands.
Today the cave is a pilgrimage site and flocks of pigeons do not seem to disturb
the elderly men praying around the entrance. The Archaeology and Ethnography
museum, one of the best in Turkey, houses important Neolithic and Chalcolithic
finds from the Lower Fırat region. To capture the spirit of
Şanlıurfa, wander through the vaulted eastern bazaar and linger in the
courtyards of the old hans (inns). See if you can find Gümrük
Hani and Barutcu Hani - the most interesting of
the old hans.
Believed, to be the ancient city of the same name mentioned
in the Old Testament, Harran is known more now for its unusual beehive
dwellings than as the place where Abraham actually spent several years of his
life. Included among the archaeological are those of the largest ancient Islamic
university, city walls dating from the eighth century, four gates and a citadel.
The GAP project will transform Harran into one of the most fertile areas in
Turkey.
The Turkish
Riviera
In Antalya, the pine-clad Toros (Taurus) Mountains
sweep down to the sparkling clear sea resulting in an irregular coastline of
rocky headlands and secluded coves.
The region, bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, is a paradise for
sunbathing, swimming, and sports activities like wind surfing, water skiing,
sailing, mountain climbing and spelunking. Awaiting your discovery are important
historical sites set in a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and
palm, avocado and banana plantation.
The Turkish Riviera is the tourism capital of Turkey. Its full range of
accommodation, from tourist class to deluxe hotels, and the hospitable people of
Antalya will make your holiday comfortable and enjoyable.
Van
At Van Iskelesi (Van Harbour), friendly tea
gardens and restaurants invite you for a break. Edremit, a holiday resort
center 14 km to the southwest, has good beaches, swimming and camping. In the
same direction is Gevas, where you can visit a Seljuk cemetery
with numerous decorated headstones, and the lovely Halime Hatun Mausoleum.
Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey is at an altitude of 1,720 meters,
and is ringed by beautiful mountains. You can circle the lake, visiting several
ancient Uranian sites as well as other places that represent the legacies of the
various peoples who inhabited the area. Some of the islands in Lake Van have
monasteries and churches built on them. No doubt the remote location offered
seclusion to the resident religious communities. Forty-one kilometers southwest
of Van, Akdamar Island (a half-hour sail from shore) is the most
important of these. On the island stands the 10th century Church
of the Holy Cross, now a museum, whose stone walls are richly carved with
Old Testament scenes and figures. After sightseeing, swimmers and picnickers can
enjoy themselves around the island's almond groves. If you have time, also visit
Carpanak Island to enjoy its landscape and to wander around the 12th-century
church, which has now been converted into a museum.
Click here for language
helps, dictionaries,
electronic translators,
language software and other helps for learning
a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the
country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip
more. Jim.
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