THE AEGEAN REGION
The Aegean Region is the place where Bodrum, which is the birthplace of the Heredotus, "father of history", and " the place which has the most beautiful sky and most perfect climate on earth", is. There you will find the country's most impressive beaches, spread between rocky shores, and the unique "Turquoise" of Turkish waters. The undiscovered quiet coves and bays are real challenges for underwater divers.
There is so much to be found in this region in addition to its coastline. You will be welcomed by the heritage of history and mythology with every step you take. See Ephesus and Aphrodisias, two of the major sightseeing attractions of the world; and many other sights which form an exhibition of history from Greeks, and Romans to Seljuks and Ottoman Turks.
Offering all the wonders of nature, the Aegean region stands in a perfect location for all kinds of holiday opportunities covering every kind of interest. There are places both on the coast and inland suitable for those who prefer to get away from the stress of city-life.
On the other hand, for those who prefer a holiday full of action, most of the cities on the coast offer good choices; Cesme, Bodrum and Marmaris are recommended for an active nightlife. There are also thermal resorts like at Cesme and Pamukkale.
If you want to have a little of all these, then Izmir should be your base for a touring holiday in the Aegean Region, as it provides easy access to all historical places, thermal and coastal resorts.
The climate favors you in the Aegean Region, whenever you come. In general it is warm from April to October. The temperature reaches 28°C-30°C in middle of the season and it is of course great for a beach and water sports holidays. The sightseers may prefer the cooler early spring and late autumn. The coastal areas are considerably rainy during the winter, while inland, it is colder and snowy on the higher areas.
18 Nisan 2009 Cumartesi
Turkey,Marmara,Istanbul
Istanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents which Fatih Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror changed in his era. It stands on the shores of the uniquely beautiful Bosphorus (Istanbul Bogazi) where the waters of the Black Sea combine with those of The sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. Istanbul is a province designed to be the capital and it has been the capital of three empires which used to dominate the world. Today the province houses the precious remains of these civilizations and stands with all its glamour and mysticism as a harmonious link between East and West, past and present, antique and modern.
It is one of the richest cities in historical background, as well as one of the most beautiful, enchanting and alive cities of the world. It has an atmosphere of its own with its life-style, people and numerous attractions. In Istanbul you will have to be generous with time since it has so much to show. The old palaces, the great mosques with soaring minarets, ancient churches, museums, bazaars, the Istanbul Strait and others are wonderful sites worth seeing.
It is one of the richest cities in historical background, as well as one of the most beautiful, enchanting and alive cities of the world. It has an atmosphere of its own with its life-style, people and numerous attractions. In Istanbul you will have to be generous with time since it has so much to show. The old palaces, the great mosques with soaring minarets, ancient churches, museums, bazaars, the Istanbul Strait and others are wonderful sites worth seeing.
Turkey,Marmara,Kocaeli
Kocaeli (Izmit), Turkey
Kocaeli is mostly known by its district center, Izmit. The ancient name of the city is Nikomedia. Remains from Roman and Byzantine times may be seen here, among which are the citadel, the Temple of Augustus and the agora.
The city of Izmit is mainly an industrial center with numerous industrial establishments surrounding the Gulf of Izmit. However, there are also many touristic sites in this bustling province. Kartepe is a winter-sports resort that reaches a height of 1600 m Kerpe and Kefken on the Black Sea coast have fine beaches, while Golcuk and Karamursel in the Gulf of Izmit, are other beautiful sea resorts.
At Arpalik near the Eskihisar village in the Gulf of Izmit, there is a yacht berth place with a capacity of 60-80 yachts. Lake Sapanca is another natural beauty, and a scenic place ideal for picnics. One of the towns of Kocaeli is Hereke, where the very best Turkish carpets are produced. The artistic carpets of Ottoman palaces were woven here. These carpets are priceless and well-known all over the world.
Kocaeli is mostly known by its district center, Izmit. The ancient name of the city is Nikomedia. Remains from Roman and Byzantine times may be seen here, among which are the citadel, the Temple of Augustus and the agora.
The city of Izmit is mainly an industrial center with numerous industrial establishments surrounding the Gulf of Izmit. However, there are also many touristic sites in this bustling province. Kartepe is a winter-sports resort that reaches a height of 1600 m Kerpe and Kefken on the Black Sea coast have fine beaches, while Golcuk and Karamursel in the Gulf of Izmit, are other beautiful sea resorts.
At Arpalik near the Eskihisar village in the Gulf of Izmit, there is a yacht berth place with a capacity of 60-80 yachts. Lake Sapanca is another natural beauty, and a scenic place ideal for picnics. One of the towns of Kocaeli is Hereke, where the very best Turkish carpets are produced. The artistic carpets of Ottoman palaces were woven here. These carpets are priceless and well-known all over the world.
Marmara Region | Turkey
A center of reminiscence in this country of historical focus of the old world is the Marmara Region which occupies the northwest corner of the country. Being a point of juncture between Europe and Asia this area has seen thousands of tribes and their civilizations passing through, from one continent to the other.
As the core of this background, the famous city of Istanbul stands, with all its magnificence, and signs from its far-reaching past. It has such a location that it constitutes not only a city of history, but also one of natural beauty beyond example. Extending on the two sides of the Bosphorus bordered by green groves, it also possesses beautiful shores along the internal Marmara Sea. Facing the city there exists small, pretty islands, adorning this big sea, Iying in the middle of the region. The sea features the land in that the climatic characteristics of the Black Sea influencing the north of it, is separated from the typical Mediterranean climate prevailing in its south. Rainfall is high enough to facilitate growing a variety of fruits, while snowfall enlivens the winter holidays.
Uludag, one of the main peaks of Turkey, is the most prominent figure in this region, and one of the most popular ski-resorts with every kind of convenience provided. At the foot of Mount Uludag, "Green" Bursa is located, with its dense forests covering the mountains and wide meadows, which give it its title. It is another center of historical importance, its rich past being kept alive in its mosques and tombs of wonderful architectural design. Ancient Iznik is the same, as is the charming city of Edirne which is on the European side of Turkey.
Bordering Greece and Bulgaria, the land in Thrace is covered by wide fields of sunflowers and vineyards, while olive groves are found extending all over the region, like the gardens in Balikesir on the Anatolian side. In the same district there is a special spot nearby a broad lake: the National Park of "Kus Cenneti" (Bird Paradise) which is a bird sanctuary sheltering birds of over two hundred species.
It goes on and on once you begin to tell about this region of great appeal. Every kind of beauty greets every type of holidaymaker, from sightseers to sunbathers, from bird watchers to lovers of nostalgia. Thus, words are not enough, but helps to say you that you will certainly find whatever you want, in the next but one of the impressive pieces of this land.
As the core of this background, the famous city of Istanbul stands, with all its magnificence, and signs from its far-reaching past. It has such a location that it constitutes not only a city of history, but also one of natural beauty beyond example. Extending on the two sides of the Bosphorus bordered by green groves, it also possesses beautiful shores along the internal Marmara Sea. Facing the city there exists small, pretty islands, adorning this big sea, Iying in the middle of the region. The sea features the land in that the climatic characteristics of the Black Sea influencing the north of it, is separated from the typical Mediterranean climate prevailing in its south. Rainfall is high enough to facilitate growing a variety of fruits, while snowfall enlivens the winter holidays.
Uludag, one of the main peaks of Turkey, is the most prominent figure in this region, and one of the most popular ski-resorts with every kind of convenience provided. At the foot of Mount Uludag, "Green" Bursa is located, with its dense forests covering the mountains and wide meadows, which give it its title. It is another center of historical importance, its rich past being kept alive in its mosques and tombs of wonderful architectural design. Ancient Iznik is the same, as is the charming city of Edirne which is on the European side of Turkey.
Bordering Greece and Bulgaria, the land in Thrace is covered by wide fields of sunflowers and vineyards, while olive groves are found extending all over the region, like the gardens in Balikesir on the Anatolian side. In the same district there is a special spot nearby a broad lake: the National Park of "Kus Cenneti" (Bird Paradise) which is a bird sanctuary sheltering birds of over two hundred species.
It goes on and on once you begin to tell about this region of great appeal. Every kind of beauty greets every type of holidaymaker, from sightseers to sunbathers, from bird watchers to lovers of nostalgia. Thus, words are not enough, but helps to say you that you will certainly find whatever you want, in the next but one of the impressive pieces of this land.
Marmara Region | Turkey
A center of reminiscence in this country of historical focus of the old world is the Marmara Region which occupies the northwest corner of the country. Being a point of juncture between Europe and Asia this area has seen thousands of tribes and their civilizations passing through, from one continent to the other.
As the core of this background, the famous city of Istanbul stands, with all its magnificence, and signs from its far-reaching past. It has such a location that it constitutes not only a city of history, but also one of natural beauty beyond example. Extending on the two sides of the Bosphorus bordered by green groves, it also possesses beautiful shores along the internal Marmara Sea. Facing the city there exists small, pretty islands, adorning this big sea, Iying in the middle of the region. The sea features the land in that the climatic characteristics of the Black Sea influencing the north of it, is separated from the typical Mediterranean climate prevailing in its south. Rainfall is high enough to facilitate growing a variety of fruits, while snowfall enlivens the winter holidays.
Uludag, one of the main peaks of Turkey, is the most prominent figure in this region, and one of the most popular ski-resorts with every kind of convenience provided. At the foot of Mount Uludag, "Green" Bursa is located, with its dense forests covering the mountains and wide meadows, which give it its title. It is another center of historical importance, its rich past being kept alive in its mosques and tombs of wonderful architectural design. Ancient Iznik is the same, as is the charming city of Edirne which is on the European side of Turkey.
Bordering Greece and Bulgaria, the land in Thrace is covered by wide fields of sunflowers and vineyards, while olive groves are found extending all over the region, like the gardens in Balikesir on the Anatolian side. In the same district there is a special spot nearby a broad lake: the National Park of "Kus Cenneti" (Bird Paradise) which is a bird sanctuary sheltering birds of over two hundred species.
It goes on and on once you begin to tell about this region of great appeal. Every kind of beauty greets every type of holidaymaker, from sightseers to sunbathers, from bird watchers to lovers of nostalgia. Thus, words are not enough, but helps to say you that you will certainly find whatever you want, in the next but one of the impressive pieces of this land.
As the core of this background, the famous city of Istanbul stands, with all its magnificence, and signs from its far-reaching past. It has such a location that it constitutes not only a city of history, but also one of natural beauty beyond example. Extending on the two sides of the Bosphorus bordered by green groves, it also possesses beautiful shores along the internal Marmara Sea. Facing the city there exists small, pretty islands, adorning this big sea, Iying in the middle of the region. The sea features the land in that the climatic characteristics of the Black Sea influencing the north of it, is separated from the typical Mediterranean climate prevailing in its south. Rainfall is high enough to facilitate growing a variety of fruits, while snowfall enlivens the winter holidays.
Uludag, one of the main peaks of Turkey, is the most prominent figure in this region, and one of the most popular ski-resorts with every kind of convenience provided. At the foot of Mount Uludag, "Green" Bursa is located, with its dense forests covering the mountains and wide meadows, which give it its title. It is another center of historical importance, its rich past being kept alive in its mosques and tombs of wonderful architectural design. Ancient Iznik is the same, as is the charming city of Edirne which is on the European side of Turkey.
Bordering Greece and Bulgaria, the land in Thrace is covered by wide fields of sunflowers and vineyards, while olive groves are found extending all over the region, like the gardens in Balikesir on the Anatolian side. In the same district there is a special spot nearby a broad lake: the National Park of "Kus Cenneti" (Bird Paradise) which is a bird sanctuary sheltering birds of over two hundred species.
It goes on and on once you begin to tell about this region of great appeal. Every kind of beauty greets every type of holidaymaker, from sightseers to sunbathers, from bird watchers to lovers of nostalgia. Thus, words are not enough, but helps to say you that you will certainly find whatever you want, in the next but one of the impressive pieces of this land.
Turkish Folklore and Customs
Turkey has very rich folkloric traditions which have been kept alive for centuries due to the characteristics of Turkish people. Folk music accompanies Anatolian people every single moment of their lives. Every individual creates his own folk music suitable for his own situation. People create their own music, and do not write it down, but pass it from one to the other, and the "asiklar" (troubadours) who sing and play this music keep it alive. Turkish folk dance is also very alive and variant. Each region has its characteristic dance with particular costumes, steps, rhythms and instruments. Every region's dance reflects the characteristics of that region's people. Turkish people are very inventive, creating new dances for different situations. There are particular dances for weddings, for harvest or for guest welcoming and so on, "Horon," a very fluid and swift dance, is particular to the Black Sea Region; "Kasik Oyunu," played with spoons, is performed in from Konya to Silifke; "Kilic-Kalkan" is practiced in Bursa in memory of the capture of the city by the Ottomans; "Zeybek," particular to the Aegean Region, symbolizes courage and heroism.
There are also some folkloric sports which are also occasions for celebration. They are very typical and traditional, and it is recommended that you try to witness some of these; you will find it really interesting. "Grease Wrestling" (yagli gures) is the Turkish national sport dating from Ottoman times and every year in July wrestling championships are held in Kirkpinar, outside Edirne. The contest is made more difficult by the fact that the wrestlers smear themselves with oil. The army was kept in good physical condition by this sport. "Cirit" (javelin-throwing) is a fast-paced game played on horseback. The origin of this sport is in Central Asia, where it was developed by the soldiers in order to improve their fighting skills. Riders on fast horses throw short javelins to teammates who are also on horseback. The most important rule is to catch the javelin while flying. This game is mostly performed in Konya and Eastern Turkey.
Turkish folklore is very much varied, there are some celebrated characters who reflect the peculiarities of Turkish people. Nasreddin Hoca is the best-known figure who has many legendary encounters with kings and common people. While seeming to act the fool, Nasreddin Hoca actually displays the folly of the other. Stories about Hoca have varied with the years and with the interpretation of the storytellers. They mostly begin, "One day Hoca..." and go on with his adventures.
Other important figures in Turkish folklore are Karagoz and his friend Hacivat. According to the legend, they were working as workmen in the construction of Bursa Ulu Mosque. Their satiric jokes made the sultan very angry and anxious about whether Karagoz and Hacivat could arouse some thoughts about the abuses of the, state in the minds of ,others, so they were condemned to death. The construction of the mosque was completed without them, but their comrades did not forget them and they kept their jokes alive, telling them over, and over. In time. the adventures of Karagoz and Hacivat gained a different extension and the traditional Turkish shadow puppet theater was born. Shadow puppets cut from camel hide, painted to look like Karagoz and Hacivat are held against a wide white cloth and operated as a strong light shines from behind. Karagoz and Hacivat come to life again and reached, today, also with the addition of some new characters. The stories include everything about human existence, from moral plays to the classic encounters between husband and wife. Unfortunately, the shadow theaters are not seen today except in a few places and on some special occasions. In Bursa, the Karagoz Antique Shop sometimes organizes shadow puppet theater plays and often has modern duplications of Karagoz and Hacivat, for sale.
Hospitality is one of the cornerstones of the Turkish way of life. Turkish people are the most gracious and generous hosts as a result of their natural instincts. In every corner of the country such a traditional hospitality will meet you. Every individual feels bound to honor his guest in the best possible manner. They will open their houses to every guest with a smiling face and with all their sincerity give the best seat and cook the best food for their guest. Turkish. people are very understanding about foreigners' different customs and they try to communicate in order to help visitors according to their code of hospitality. The mentality of that hospitality is "whatever religion you are from, whichever country you come from, whatever language you speak, you are 'God's Guest' ," so you deserve to be welcomed in the best manner.
Coffee-houses ("kahve") are very specific to Turkish people. Even the smallest village has at least one "kahve." In old times men used to smoke hubble-bubble pipes ("nargile") while talking about the matters of the day. You can still smoke "nargile," but only in some of the coffee-houses. If you ever had a chance to see a "kahve," especially in Istanbul, do not hesitate to spend some time in that lovely, authentic place.
Another feature symbolizing the Turkish way of life is the Turkish Baths ("Hamam"). They have a very important place in Turkish daily and historical life as a result of the emphasis placed upon cleanliness by Islam. Since Medieval times public bath houses have been built everywhere and they retain an architectural and historical importance. The Turkish way of bathing in a "hamam" is very healthy and refreshing, so do not forget to visit a "hamam;" you will not regret it!
There are also some folkloric sports which are also occasions for celebration. They are very typical and traditional, and it is recommended that you try to witness some of these; you will find it really interesting. "Grease Wrestling" (yagli gures) is the Turkish national sport dating from Ottoman times and every year in July wrestling championships are held in Kirkpinar, outside Edirne. The contest is made more difficult by the fact that the wrestlers smear themselves with oil. The army was kept in good physical condition by this sport. "Cirit" (javelin-throwing) is a fast-paced game played on horseback. The origin of this sport is in Central Asia, where it was developed by the soldiers in order to improve their fighting skills. Riders on fast horses throw short javelins to teammates who are also on horseback. The most important rule is to catch the javelin while flying. This game is mostly performed in Konya and Eastern Turkey.
Turkish folklore is very much varied, there are some celebrated characters who reflect the peculiarities of Turkish people. Nasreddin Hoca is the best-known figure who has many legendary encounters with kings and common people. While seeming to act the fool, Nasreddin Hoca actually displays the folly of the other. Stories about Hoca have varied with the years and with the interpretation of the storytellers. They mostly begin, "One day Hoca..." and go on with his adventures.
Other important figures in Turkish folklore are Karagoz and his friend Hacivat. According to the legend, they were working as workmen in the construction of Bursa Ulu Mosque. Their satiric jokes made the sultan very angry and anxious about whether Karagoz and Hacivat could arouse some thoughts about the abuses of the, state in the minds of ,others, so they were condemned to death. The construction of the mosque was completed without them, but their comrades did not forget them and they kept their jokes alive, telling them over, and over. In time. the adventures of Karagoz and Hacivat gained a different extension and the traditional Turkish shadow puppet theater was born. Shadow puppets cut from camel hide, painted to look like Karagoz and Hacivat are held against a wide white cloth and operated as a strong light shines from behind. Karagoz and Hacivat come to life again and reached, today, also with the addition of some new characters. The stories include everything about human existence, from moral plays to the classic encounters between husband and wife. Unfortunately, the shadow theaters are not seen today except in a few places and on some special occasions. In Bursa, the Karagoz Antique Shop sometimes organizes shadow puppet theater plays and often has modern duplications of Karagoz and Hacivat, for sale.
Hospitality is one of the cornerstones of the Turkish way of life. Turkish people are the most gracious and generous hosts as a result of their natural instincts. In every corner of the country such a traditional hospitality will meet you. Every individual feels bound to honor his guest in the best possible manner. They will open their houses to every guest with a smiling face and with all their sincerity give the best seat and cook the best food for their guest. Turkish. people are very understanding about foreigners' different customs and they try to communicate in order to help visitors according to their code of hospitality. The mentality of that hospitality is "whatever religion you are from, whichever country you come from, whatever language you speak, you are 'God's Guest' ," so you deserve to be welcomed in the best manner.
Coffee-houses ("kahve") are very specific to Turkish people. Even the smallest village has at least one "kahve." In old times men used to smoke hubble-bubble pipes ("nargile") while talking about the matters of the day. You can still smoke "nargile," but only in some of the coffee-houses. If you ever had a chance to see a "kahve," especially in Istanbul, do not hesitate to spend some time in that lovely, authentic place.
Another feature symbolizing the Turkish way of life is the Turkish Baths ("Hamam"). They have a very important place in Turkish daily and historical life as a result of the emphasis placed upon cleanliness by Islam. Since Medieval times public bath houses have been built everywhere and they retain an architectural and historical importance. The Turkish way of bathing in a "hamam" is very healthy and refreshing, so do not forget to visit a "hamam;" you will not regret it!
About Population | Turkey
Turkey has a population estimated at 70 million in 2009. Though the great majority of its people are Turks, ethnically and linguistically, there is a significant Kurdish population in the south-eastern region. The Kurds, though Muslims, have their own language and close tribal and family affiliations. Turkey also has small groups of Greeks, Armenians, Laz (a Black Sea people), Assyrians and Jews. The Turkish Jewish community is the remnant of a great influx which took place in the 1500s when the Jews of Spain were force by the Inquisition to flee their homes. They were welcomed into the Ottoman Empire, and brought with them knowledge of many recent European scientific and economic discoveries and advancement.
Turkey's Geography
"The gateway between Europe and Asia..."
"A country situated at the heart of the oldest continents of earth..."
"The crossroads of many important routes since centuries..."
"A bridge between ages, nations and civilizations..."
If you ever take a look at some of the related publications, you will see that almost every passage presenting Turkey begins with such phrases. This is natural, because Turkey is a unique country with a unique geographical location, linking East to West, and offering the present together with the past. Here, history and geography live side by side, harmoniously. The gifts of nature stand all over the country, carrying signs from the earliest ages of humanity. Although it is impossible to separate one from the other, an introduction to the country's physical characteristics will help you understand its history and its treasures much better.
In order to situate Turkey, one must look at the roughly rectangular region between the longitudes of 36°42N and the latitudes of 26°45E. Greece and Bulgaria border on the European side; while Georgia, Armenia, Nakhitchevan autonomous region of Azerbalijan (which have been parts of the former USSR), Iran, Iraq and Syria border on the Asian.
Between these land borders of Turkey, there rest the seas which surround it on three sides. The Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean to the south, and the Aegean Sea to the west, fill in the remaining parts of the frame with their lengthy beautiful coastlines.
Inside the frame the picture itself is colorful and diverse, with figures ranging from snowcapped mountains to oak and pine forests; from wide green meadows to broad and calm lakes. Lucky to see four seasons over its impressive land, Turkey is a real opportunity, which after visiting, will turn out to be a real experience. Certainly it is beyond the bounds of possibility to see all this vast amount of natural and historical beauty at once, but one may start from one of the seven geographical regions, which are the divisions made in accordance with varying physical and climatic characteristics.
The Marmara Region constitutes the "cornerstone" of Turkey, not just because it occupies the northwest corner of the country, but also in the sense that it carries an extra significance with respect to the other regions, possessing the important geographic area, that divides the country into two parts, while at the same time that combines the continents of Europe and Asia. The land of "Anatolia" on the Asian side, is separated from the land in "Thrace" on the European, by the internal Marmara Sea which is! connected to the Aegean Sea by the strait of Dardanelles. The Bosphorus is the second connecting channel where the waters of Marmara meet those of the Black Sea. Istanbul, the only city in the world that is set on two continents, extends on both sides of this strait. As to the figural design of the two pieces of land, an enormous diversity exists. Uludag, one of the main peaks of Turkey, is here, also being the most popular of Turkey's ski resorts. The land is adorned by several lakes, while small islands float in the sea. Wide plains and forests are spread over the region, just like the remains from many centuries.
In the west, the Aegean Region extends, beginning from the border of the Aegean Sea, towards the inner parts of western Anatolia. This rather uneven region offers a different composition of natural beauties, the coastline with its lovely beaches being the top attraction. In the inner parts of the region, mountains fall perpendicular to the sea, with plains running in between, through which long rivers flow. Such a geographical configuration makes the atmosphere of the seaside seep through these mountains and be felt in the farther, interior regions. Pamukkale, a uniquely attractive natural site in the world, is in this region, with its white ground of limestone forming a fantastic cascade.
The Mediterranean Region in the south, and the Black Sea Region in the north, possess similar shapes, each resembling a long narrow belt, extending on opposite sides of the country. Unlike in the Aegean Region, both the Black Sea mountains in the north and the Taurus (Toros) Mountains in the south, run parallel to the coastline. But these two regions differ somewhat in other geographical characteristics, in relation with their climatic peculiarities. The Black Sea Region possesses a rainy coastline in contrast to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. But there are several resorts with nice beaches equally attractive with those in the south. With its dense forests covering the mountains, this region forms a green world where wide valleys and rivers run. The Mediterranean Region on the other hand, provides the three ingredients of a classical summer holiday: sun, sea, and sand, though not its only pleasures. At the same moment with swimming and sunbathing on the beautiful beaches of its coastline, it interestingly offers skiing on snowy slopes, with resort facilities at Saklikent, near Antalya. Wide forests sprinkled over the land make this region a perfect mixture of green and blue, just like the Black Sea Region, though in different proportions.
Another region with quite different natural characteristics is Eastern Anatolia. Although it seems to be an enclosed area with no opportunities for a sea holiday, it possesses equally amazing natural assets with the coastal parts of the country. In addition, it is the record-holder among the regions; being the largest and the highest; and having within its boundaries, both Mount Ararat (Agri) which is the highest peak in Turkey (5165 m), and Lake Van which is the largest lake (3173 sq.km). The famed rivers Euphrates (Firat) and Tigris (Dicle) also rise here, flowing down through the meadows and mountains. Some inactive volcanoes exist which contribute to the tremendous diversity of the region.
While the Eastern Anatolian Region occupies the largest area in Turkey, Southeastern Anatolia constitutes the smallest part. And just as the Marmara Region is located in the northwest corner of the country, this small region forms that of the southeast. Though the general characteristics resemble those of the eastern region, it offers very different leisure opportunities, like caving, and it will be an adventure to visit this region of mountain cities, and to get lost in its historical beauties.
In the very midst of the country, there exists the seventh region of Turkey, Central Anatolia. It is the geographical center as well as the strategical center, with Ankara, the capital of Turkey set here, in the heart of this region. It is also a historical center possessing historical treasures dating back to times as early as the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages. This region too, constitutes a reflection of the whole country of rich natural beauties. Cappadocia, one of the rare regions in the world, with its landscape of rocks and capped pinnacles, stands in this vast plateau, in addition to the numerous lakes and mountains which also contribute to the abundant diversity in the region.
"A country situated at the heart of the oldest continents of earth..."
"The crossroads of many important routes since centuries..."
"A bridge between ages, nations and civilizations..."
If you ever take a look at some of the related publications, you will see that almost every passage presenting Turkey begins with such phrases. This is natural, because Turkey is a unique country with a unique geographical location, linking East to West, and offering the present together with the past. Here, history and geography live side by side, harmoniously. The gifts of nature stand all over the country, carrying signs from the earliest ages of humanity. Although it is impossible to separate one from the other, an introduction to the country's physical characteristics will help you understand its history and its treasures much better.
In order to situate Turkey, one must look at the roughly rectangular region between the longitudes of 36°42N and the latitudes of 26°45E. Greece and Bulgaria border on the European side; while Georgia, Armenia, Nakhitchevan autonomous region of Azerbalijan (which have been parts of the former USSR), Iran, Iraq and Syria border on the Asian.
Between these land borders of Turkey, there rest the seas which surround it on three sides. The Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean to the south, and the Aegean Sea to the west, fill in the remaining parts of the frame with their lengthy beautiful coastlines.
Inside the frame the picture itself is colorful and diverse, with figures ranging from snowcapped mountains to oak and pine forests; from wide green meadows to broad and calm lakes. Lucky to see four seasons over its impressive land, Turkey is a real opportunity, which after visiting, will turn out to be a real experience. Certainly it is beyond the bounds of possibility to see all this vast amount of natural and historical beauty at once, but one may start from one of the seven geographical regions, which are the divisions made in accordance with varying physical and climatic characteristics.
The Marmara Region constitutes the "cornerstone" of Turkey, not just because it occupies the northwest corner of the country, but also in the sense that it carries an extra significance with respect to the other regions, possessing the important geographic area, that divides the country into two parts, while at the same time that combines the continents of Europe and Asia. The land of "Anatolia" on the Asian side, is separated from the land in "Thrace" on the European, by the internal Marmara Sea which is! connected to the Aegean Sea by the strait of Dardanelles. The Bosphorus is the second connecting channel where the waters of Marmara meet those of the Black Sea. Istanbul, the only city in the world that is set on two continents, extends on both sides of this strait. As to the figural design of the two pieces of land, an enormous diversity exists. Uludag, one of the main peaks of Turkey, is here, also being the most popular of Turkey's ski resorts. The land is adorned by several lakes, while small islands float in the sea. Wide plains and forests are spread over the region, just like the remains from many centuries.
In the west, the Aegean Region extends, beginning from the border of the Aegean Sea, towards the inner parts of western Anatolia. This rather uneven region offers a different composition of natural beauties, the coastline with its lovely beaches being the top attraction. In the inner parts of the region, mountains fall perpendicular to the sea, with plains running in between, through which long rivers flow. Such a geographical configuration makes the atmosphere of the seaside seep through these mountains and be felt in the farther, interior regions. Pamukkale, a uniquely attractive natural site in the world, is in this region, with its white ground of limestone forming a fantastic cascade.
The Mediterranean Region in the south, and the Black Sea Region in the north, possess similar shapes, each resembling a long narrow belt, extending on opposite sides of the country. Unlike in the Aegean Region, both the Black Sea mountains in the north and the Taurus (Toros) Mountains in the south, run parallel to the coastline. But these two regions differ somewhat in other geographical characteristics, in relation with their climatic peculiarities. The Black Sea Region possesses a rainy coastline in contrast to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. But there are several resorts with nice beaches equally attractive with those in the south. With its dense forests covering the mountains, this region forms a green world where wide valleys and rivers run. The Mediterranean Region on the other hand, provides the three ingredients of a classical summer holiday: sun, sea, and sand, though not its only pleasures. At the same moment with swimming and sunbathing on the beautiful beaches of its coastline, it interestingly offers skiing on snowy slopes, with resort facilities at Saklikent, near Antalya. Wide forests sprinkled over the land make this region a perfect mixture of green and blue, just like the Black Sea Region, though in different proportions.
Another region with quite different natural characteristics is Eastern Anatolia. Although it seems to be an enclosed area with no opportunities for a sea holiday, it possesses equally amazing natural assets with the coastal parts of the country. In addition, it is the record-holder among the regions; being the largest and the highest; and having within its boundaries, both Mount Ararat (Agri) which is the highest peak in Turkey (5165 m), and Lake Van which is the largest lake (3173 sq.km). The famed rivers Euphrates (Firat) and Tigris (Dicle) also rise here, flowing down through the meadows and mountains. Some inactive volcanoes exist which contribute to the tremendous diversity of the region.
While the Eastern Anatolian Region occupies the largest area in Turkey, Southeastern Anatolia constitutes the smallest part. And just as the Marmara Region is located in the northwest corner of the country, this small region forms that of the southeast. Though the general characteristics resemble those of the eastern region, it offers very different leisure opportunities, like caving, and it will be an adventure to visit this region of mountain cities, and to get lost in its historical beauties.
In the very midst of the country, there exists the seventh region of Turkey, Central Anatolia. It is the geographical center as well as the strategical center, with Ankara, the capital of Turkey set here, in the heart of this region. It is also a historical center possessing historical treasures dating back to times as early as the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages. This region too, constitutes a reflection of the whole country of rich natural beauties. Cappadocia, one of the rare regions in the world, with its landscape of rocks and capped pinnacles, stands in this vast plateau, in addition to the numerous lakes and mountains which also contribute to the abundant diversity in the region.
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