EXPLORE THE 7 REGIONS OF TURKEY

Marmara

Marmara is where the East meets West. This region surrounds the Marmara Sea is also connected to the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea. With its underwater tunnel, three bridges, and the fourth, it connects Europe and Asia in Istanbul and Canakkale.

Due to its geostrategic location, the city has been ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Each impressive civilization has left its mark in terms of many amazing monuments, old buildings, and rich cultural heritage; one could spend a lifetime exploring everything it has to offer.

Aegean

By the coastline of the Aegean Sea, there are many wonderful bays and landscapes you can enjoy. The region is full of fertile valleys, picturesque villages, and scenic coasts that glimmers in the sun. While here, you should check out the pretty towns such as İzmir, Çeşme, or Bodrum. These towns are highly popular due to their incredible historical sights, beautiful beaches, and lively city life, especially in summer.

Aegean Turkey is also known as the center of archaeological sites and ancient city ruins such as Ephesus, Sardis, and Hierapolis. This region is also popular for its dazzlingly white travertines, Pamukkale, that attract many tourists. You can also visit Pamukkale and bathe in the amazing hot springs.

Mediterranean

On the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, this lovely region is popular with its ancient ruins, sparkling clear turquoise waters, theatrical mountain sceneries, and delightful villages. There are many towns to explore in the Mediterranean such as Fethiye, Side, Marmaris, and Kas. All these towns hold beautiful sandy beaches, many watersports opportunities, and historical sights.

Don’t forget to swim in the Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz, between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea and to explore the ancient ruins of Letoon, Xantos, and Anemurium.

South-Eastern Anatolia

Situated on the edge of Mesopotamia, South-Eastern Anatolia is a highly popular destination for food-lovers. It encompasses the cities of Mardin, Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır, and Gaziantep, the cities which are famous for various kebabs and baklavas. Besides the cuisine, this region is also known for its rich cultural background and notable history. Some ancient ruins, Göbekli Tepe and Mount Nemrut became even more popular thanks to the famous Netflix series, ‘The Gift’. Not many tourists decide to discover this precious region because it shares borders with Syria and other languages, Kurdish and Arabic are spoken.

Eastern Anatolia

Eastern Anatolian is another region where tourists neglect to come. Bordering Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Iraq, still, over the last decade, few national tourists started to visit this region. Some important sites of the region are Ani known as the city of 1001 churches, Erzurum – a ski hub – and the Lake Van. This region is mostly popular for hiking and climbing because there are many high mountains such as Mount Ararat.

Pokut Plateau Rize Camlihemsin Turkey

Black Sea

You should explore this region especially if you are an outdoor lover. The Black Sea is full of green mountains, forests, valleys and it borders the sparkling sea. Rize - the capital of tea, Amasya – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Abant, Ayder – where you can buy honey made from 1001 different flowers, Sumela – beautiful monastery are only a few places you should discover. As well, there are many ancient towns to explore such as Amasya, Safranbolu, and Sinop. From a historical side, there are many monasteries, fortresses, and rock-out tombs to discover in the region.

Central Anatolia

Home to Turkey’s capital, Ankara, holds many breathtaking historic landmarks and archeological sites. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic sleeps in Anıtkabir in Ankara. Therefore, Turks highly respect Anıtkabir. Kayseri – the hometown of mantı is only three hours away from the capital and the neighboring city of Cappadocia. Cappadocia is the worldwide known town for its magnificent fairy chimney landscape, ancient underground cities, Christian history, and photographic sights during sunrise. It is one of the best places to ride a hot-air balloon in the World. Another popular city is Konya – home of Rumi and Whirling Dervishes.