ISTANBUL
With a unique water strait, the Strait, Istanbul stands on the shores of one of the world's most beautiful peninsulas that bridges two continents, Asia and Europe, both physically and culturally. Home to a vast array of different civilizations and stunning natural riches, Istanbul has been designated as one of the three European capitals of culture in 2010.
SULTANAHMET AND OLD CITY
Sultanahmet-Old City is the bulk of Istanbul's most beautiful historic and religious places such as Sultanahmet Mosque -- or the Blue Mosque -- Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan) and the Theodosius Obeliks.
Named after its breath-taking blue Iznik tiles adorning the walls of its interior, the Blue Mosque is perhaps the most recognizable monument on the Istanbul skyline. The mosque was built in 1616 by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, a pupil of the great architect Mimar Sinan, and it stands right across the Hagia Sophia. It is the sixth of what are called "Sultan mosques" or "Selatin" which are commissioned by the Ottoman sultans and their families. With 260 windows, interior walls of the mosque are decorated with over 20 thousand Iznik tiles of blue, green and white, depicting traditional Ottoman design of flowers.
SULEYMANIYE: THE BIGGEST MOSQUE IN ISTANBUL
Located in Istanbul's Fatih district, the Suleymaniye Mosque is the city's biggest mosque which was commissioned by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent and constructed by a young Mimar Sinan in seven years, starting in 1550. The mosque was designed as a "kulliye", a combination of adjacent structures served for cultural and religious needs. The complex includes a hospital, primary school, public baths, a Caravanserai, four Qur'an schools, a specialized school for the learning of hadith, a medical college, and a public kitchen. Sinan's tomb is also located within the confines of the mosque.
HAGIA SOPHIA
Hagia Sophia Museum is a most popular attraction in Istanbul especially for foreign visitors. The current building, originally designed as a church (the previous two had both been destroyed by riots) was constructed by architects Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles under Byzantine Emperor Justinian and it was opened in 567 for prayer. Hagia Sophia is one of the rare historic monuments of its time that still stands today. Its dome has a diameter of 31.24 metres and a height from floor level of 55.6 metres. The church was converted to a mosque in 1453 after Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror took the city. The building was transformed into a museum in 1935 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic. 7.5m-diameter circular-framed disks -- inscribed with the names of Allah, the prophet Mohammed, the first four caliphs Abu Bakr, Omer, Osman and Ali, and the two grandchildren of Mohammed: Hassan and Hussain, by the calligrapher Kazasker İzzed Effendi (1801–1877) -- are reminder of the days when the building was used as a mosque.
TOPKAPI PALACE
The Topkapi Palace, constructed by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1478, has served for 380 years as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and the residence of the sultan until being replaced by a new imperial palace, the Dolmabahce, which was built in 1858 during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid, and it was transformed into a museum in 1924. Overlooking the Golden Horn and with an astonishing view of the Strait, the Topkapi Palace Museum complex has hundreds of rooms and chambers the Harem, the Imperial Treasury which features among the Spoonmaker's Diamond. The palace is full of examples of Ottoman architecture and robes, weapons, shields, armor, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, as well as a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry, and holy relics of the Muslim world such as the prophet Muhammed's cloak, sword, seal, letter foot print and keys to the Kaaba in Mecca.
BASILICA CISTERN (YEREBATAN)
The Basilica Cistern or Yerebatan was constructed to provide water in 542 under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and it is located on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu. It is also called as Yerebatan Palace for the grandeur of its 9 meter high columns which count as many as 336 in 12 rows with 28 columns on each row. The subterranean structure is named after a large public square, the Stoa Basilica, beneath which it was constructed.
DOLMABAHCE PALACE
One of the most significant historical beauties of Istanbul is Dolmabahce Palace. The Palace, built in 1856, was the third largest palace of Ottoman sultans in Istanbul. It was constructed as a building of prestige in the entrance of Strait in the 19th century when Ottoman's relations with western world gained momentum. The palace was decorated with Baroque Rococo and Ampire characteristics. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of Republic of Turkey, also lived in Dolmabahce Palace for a while, and he passed away in this Palace.
GRAND BAZAAR
Another historical place of Istanbul is Kapalicarsi (Grand Bazaar). It was built in 1461, and is one of the oldest and biggest bazaars of the world. Grand Bazaar, which was
the most important shopping center during the Ottoman period, has been serving for five centuries. Kapalicarsi is 40,000 square meters, and has 65 streets and 22 entrances. Nearly 40,000 people are working in 3,300 shops that take place in the bazaar. 300,000 people visit Kapalicarsi everyday.
EGYPTIAN SPICE BAZAAR
Misir Carsisi (Egyptian Spice Bazaar) takes place in Eminonu district of Istanbul, and it is one of the oldest covered bazaars of Istanbul. Natural medicines, various spices, flower seeds, rare plant roots and dried fruits are sold in Misir Carsisi which was built in 1660.
YILDIZ PALACE
Yildiz Palace is also one of the beauties of Istanbul. It was used as a hunting field as of Kanuni Sultan Suleyman period. The Palace witnessed the last periods of Ottoman Empire.
MAIDEN'S TOWER
Kiz Kulesi (Maiden's Tower) takes place in the middle of Marmara Sea and was used as a mausoleum in 341 BC --the date it was built. The tower was used to control the entrance of the Strait in 410 BC. It takes place on a point where Asia and Europe intersect.
GALATA TOWER
Another historical beauty, Galata Tower, was built by Genoese colony in 1384. People can see panoramic view of Eminonu, sea, Golden Horn and the historical peninsula from Galata Tower. In the 16th century, prisoners were kept in the tower.
ANATOLIAN CASTLE
Anadolu Hisari (Anatolian Castle), which was built in 1390s, is the only exit to the Black Sea, and takes place in Asian part of the Strait. Rumeli Hisari (Rumelian Castle), which was built in 1452, was constructed to prevent the aids to Byzantine from north during Ottoman siege of Istanbul.
BEYLERBEYI PALACE
Beylerbeyi Palace (built in 1865), Ciragan Palace (built in 1871) and Cemberlitas (built in 330) are the other beauties of Istanbul.
POLONEZKOY
Polonezkoy is one of the places where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the nature. Founded by Duke Adam Czartoryski in 1842 for soldiers and civilians fleeing from the war in Poland, Polonezkoy is one of the ideal places in Istanbul for a weekend excursion with its lush gardens, restaurants, picnic areas and sports facilities.
Visitors can buy honey, glassware and other souvenirs in the center of the town. It is famous with its natural assets, butter, honey and cherry.
Recently restored houses are decorated with colorful flowers. Each year in June, a cherry festival takes place in the town drawing a number of visitors. Also, folk dance groups display performances and give concerts during the festival.
POYRAZKOY
Poyrazkoy is settled in a bay where the Strait leads to the Black Sea. The bay is the shelter of boats and yachts throughout the summer.
Having a history of six centuries, Poyrazkoy is believed to have been established by Geneose people. After being ruled by the Byzantine Empire, the region became a part of the Ottoman Empire following the conquest of Istanbul.
The viewing tower and the castle are the sights in Poyrazkoy. The tower is believed to have been built by French architect Baron de Tott for Hasan Pasha, the Captain of the Sea in the 18th century. The castle also belongs to the same period.
Poyrazkoy hosts both Turkish and foreign tourists with its beautiful touristic facilities, beach and natural assets.
ANADOLU FENERI
Anadolu Feneri taking place in the point where the Strait joins to the Black Sea, is another place that should be seen.
The village in the Beykoz district own its name to a still operating lighthouse that belonged to the coast guard.
There are restaurants in which visitors can enjoy their meals in a terrace with a magnificent view of the Strait. All kinds of local fish such as bluefish, goatfish, bonito, and bass, etc. are served in those restaurants. There are also a number of fresh herbs and fruits growing in the area.
ANADOLU KAVAGI
Anadolu Kavagi is actually a small fishing village overlooking the Strait. It is knows with restaurants serving different dishes of fish. Besides bluefish, clam is among the specialties in those restaurants.
The Yoros Castle sitting on a hill north of the village was built by the Byzantine for trading and military purposes.
SILE
People rush into Sile on the northernmost point of Istanbul especially on weekends. People prefer Sile for its long beach and shallow sea for daily tours.
The lighthouse, the castle and the caves are among the sights in this small town which is also famous with a peculiar crimpled-looking cotton fabric named after it "Sile Bezi".
Most of the restaurants and cafes in Sile take place on piers. They have either a wooden terrace or a balcony with a splendid view of beaches.
Visitors can buy blouses, skirts and other pieces of garment made from Sile Bezi in local shops.
A fountain built in 1287 and the statue of a girl embroidering are among the sights in the center of the town.
In July, Sile also hosts the International Sile Bezi Festival drawing a number of Turkish and foreign tourists with concerts, folk dance performances and exhibitions.
AGVA
Off the northern coasts of Istanbul, Agva is famous with its perfect nature as well as fresh and delicious fishes. Agva has lush valleys and a 2.5-km-long beach. It takes place on a delta between the streams of Goksu and Yesilcay.
Having the auro of an old fishing village, Agva hosts its visitors in restaurants near the sea or on the streams. Visitors are also able to enjoy boat trips in the streams.
The Hidden Lake reached from the villages of Kadikoy and Pinarli is one of the secret natural assets of the region.
RIVA
Riva, some 40 km from Istanbul, is another village of Beykoz district between Anadolu Feneri and Sile. Riva is known with its large beaches. It is a calm place with its small stream and forests.
PRINCES' ISLANDS
Nine islands off Istanbul coasts are among indispensable destinations especially in spring and summer. Visitors can enjoy coach rides in streets lined with historical mansions with mimosas and other colorful flowers in their gardens.
There are daily ship services to the islands of Buyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kinaliada and Sedef Adasi from Istanbul.
The highest point of Buyukada, namely Yuce Tepe on which the Hagia Yorgi Church takes place, hosts hundreds of Muslim, Greek-Orthodox, Armenian and Jewish people on April 23 and September 24 each year. There are lots of sights on the island including historical mansions and religious buildings.
Splendid mansions with large gardens, Yorukali Beach, Dilburnu Picnic Area, Lovers' Road, Yucetepe Hagia Yorgi Monastery and Church, Europe's biggest wooden building Greek-Orthodox Orphanage, novelist Resat Nuri Guntekin's house, the Hamidiye Mosque, Hristos (Metamorphosis) Monastery and Church, Hesed Le Avraam Synagogue are among the must-see places.
Another island densely populated by Turks, Heybeliada is famous with its forest. As the second biggest island, Heybeliada hosts the Naval High School, War Academy and the sanatorium. The house which was once used by Turkey's second president Ismet Inonu and turned into museum later is another sight on the island. There are also breathtaking bays.
Although they are smaller and more quiet islands. Kinaliada, Burgazada and Sedef Adasi are favorite places for residents of Istanbul to have a picnic among pine trees.
BELGRADE FOREST
The Belgrade Forest near Sariyer neighborhood on the European side of Istanbul is like the "lungs" of the city and is only 30-45 minutes drive from the downtown.
The 5,400-hectare Belgrade Forest is full of oak, beech, hornbeam and chestnut trees. The wildlife is also rich in the forest. One can see wild boars, foxes, jackals, wolves, curlews, and pheasants in the forest.
VILLAGE OF GARIPCE
The village of Garipce, situated on the European banks of the Strait between Rumelikavagi and Rumelifeneri, is one of the nine villages of Sariyer town and is an ideal place for people who are seeking clean air, fresh fish and ancient castles.
A fishermen's village, Garipce is established on a small bay and a valley. There is an observation tower on the highest peak of the village, and two castles on the coastal line.
There are only three restaurants, a coffee house and a grocers in the town.
There are many historical artifacts and remains in the Buyukliman bay of the village. A settlement during the ancient age and Byzantine era, Buyukliman has tourist attractions as Turkish bath, church, city walls, an Ottoman shipyard, Soguksu Fountain (1908), Hacinin Suyu (Haci Suleyman Efendi) Fountain.
KILYOS
Among the first places one can think of spending the weekend near Istanbul, Kilyos is only 35-kilometers away from downtown Istanbul (Taksim Square).
With its long beach, clean sea and air, Kilyos -the pearl of the Black Sea coast- is welcoming tourists from Istanbul and all around the world and hosting concerts.
Kilyos' beaches are an ideal place for windsurfing. One can have the opportunity to ride horses in the forested area and around lakes in Kilyos.
Kilyos Castle, built by the Genoese and restored by Ottoman Sultan Mahmut II, and the cistern and historical plane tree in the castle are a tourist attraction that should be seen in the town.
RUMELI FENERI
Rumeli Feneri (Lighthouse), welcoming the ships coming from Black Sea to the Istanbul Strait, is among the places that should be visited in Istanbul.
The lighthouse was built by the French in 1856, and is 58 meters up the sea level.
Also, one can visit the Saltuk Baba Turbesi (Tomb) in the lighthouse.
Visitors can rest in a tea house near the lighthouse, and enjoy a meal at the fish restaurants in the Rumeli Feneri village with the view of Anadolu Kavagi Feneri and Poyrazkoy on the opposite bank of the Strait.
The Marmacik bay in the Rumeli Feneri village offers accommodation opportunities with bungalows, and meal opportunities with restaurants and picnic areas.
CATALCA
The backyard of Istanbul, Catalca is also one of the lungs of Istanbul with forests, coastal line and brooks.
Besides hotels, one can have the opportunity to camp in Catalca and visit Alipasa and Mescit mosques; Ferhatpasa, Alipasa, Haci Mahmut fountains; Catalca Turkish Bath; Byzantine city walls; and the clock tower.
Subasi is a village near Catalca for people who want to have a peaceful vacation. One can visit Incegiz Caves in the area.
Yalikoy is also a village on the Black Sea coast of Istanbul, where one can enjoy different species of fish in village restaurants.
The village is also famous for its spring water "Yalisu", whereas Catalca's Cilingoz village is another natural beauty with its coast line, lake and forest.
LAKE TERKOS
The Lake Terkos, near Catalca, is one of the closest hunting areas in Istanbul. One can hunt wild ducks and geese around the lake, and have the opportunity to see different species of birds like cormorant, coots, and herons.
The lake is an ideal place for a stroll. The flora consists of oak, ash, hornbeam, alder, bay, strawberry and weeping willow trees.
One can enjoy the fish in the lake including catfish, zander, pike, salmon trout, roach, carp bream, and black bream.
Also, more than 200 species of stuffed animals, hunted around the world, are exhibited in Durusu Park Wild Life Museum.
There are also many farm houses, touristic hotels, and a horse riding area.
YALOVA
Only one-hour away from metropolises like Istanbul, Kocaeli and Bursa, Yalova province is an important alternative tourism center with its sea, spas and nature.
"Yuruyen Kosk" (Moving Chalet), Hersekzade Ahmet Pasha Mosque, Kara (Black) Church dating to Byzantine era, are historical and cultural places to be seen in this city.
Also, people should visit the tree museum owned by Hayrettin Karaca, the honorary chairman of the Turkish Foundation for Combatting Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats. One can see the plants brought from all around the world in the "Karaca Arboretum."
People visiting Yalova should also taste the fish, whereas Termal, a thermal spring only 11 kilometers away from downtown Yalova, is worth seeing.
Sudusen Waterfalls is also a natural beauty that should be seen in Yalova. When going to the waterfalls, one can see the unique dam, the magnificent panoramic view of the Marmara Sea, various flora, and has the opportunity to take photographs, make trekking and have a picnic.
The Bodrum of Marmara: Cinarcik
Only 20 minutes way from spa center Termal, Cinarcik town is defined as the "Bodrum (an Aegean holiday town) of the Marmara".
The forest in Tesvikiye, only half an hour away from Cinarcik, offers a picturesque view to visitors. People can not only have a stroll in the forest, but also can eat the "gozleme", Turkish pancakes.
The "Big and Small Dipsiz (Bottomless) Lakes" and Erikli Plateau, ten kilometers away from Tesvikiye hamlet, are also worth seeing thanks to their mystic views.
People can camp in the plateau full of chestnut, linden, plum and apple trees. The "Ikiz (Twin) Waterfalls" on Tesvikiye Brook and Karlik Plateua, 8 kilometers away from Esenkoy hamlet, are also worth seeing.
SAKARYA
Sakarya is full of natural beauties such as Sapanca Lake, Acarlar Longozu (Subasar Forest) and Karasu beach, and it has a rich cultural heritage and cuisine.
Sapanca Lake is among the places to be seen on a daily excursion. People can also have their lunch in the restaurants and cafes on the bank of the lake.
Also, people interested in aviation can have the opportunity to see the city with paragliding thanks to Sapanca Aviation Facilities.
Tourists can also rest in two spa hotels in the city.
45-minutes away from downtown Sapanca, Acarlar Longozu is a good alternative for people who want to spend time in nature. Poyrazlar Lake is also a good place for picnic.
Tarakli town, 70-kilometer away from downtown Sakarya, is situated on the historical Silk Road. The remains of Ottoman architecture in Tarakli are worth seeing.
BILECIK
Bilecik, the place where the Ottoman Empire was established, also has many tourist attractions like the Ertugrul Ghazi (the founder of Ottoman Empire) Tomb, Sheikh Edebali Tomb, and Metristepe Victory Monument.
Bilecik also has an important place in the history of Turkish Republic as a place where the First and Second Inonu Wars (two battles of the War of Independence) took place.
Also, people can visit the Ertugrulgazi Museum in Sogut town of Bilecik and see traditional potteries in Kinik village.
One should taste original cuisine in Bilecik, which mainly consists of pastry. Also, Inhisar's pomegranate, Pazaryeri's "boza" (beverage made of slightly fermented millet) and halva (a dessert prepared in many varieties with sesame oil).
KOCAELI
"The industrial hub of Turkey", Kocaeli province has many tourist attractions with its 3,000-year history and winter sports center Kartepe.
Kartepe, the peak of the Samanli Mountains with its picturesque Izmit Gulf and Sapanca Lake view, is an excellent place for skiers. The season generally begins at the end of December, while the skiing resort is an ideal place for congress and seminar tourism during the summer as it is only one hour away from Istanbul.
Kartepe, the habitat of almost 3,000 plants, deer, bear, jackal and rabbit, is one of the sports tourism centers in Turkey, thanks to its tennis court, volleyball fields, and grass fields in FIFA standards.
Kocaeli has access to the Black Sea through Kandira and Kerpe towns. Kerpe has natural bays, a shallow sea, and unique beaches.
Kefken hamlet, only 20 kilometers away from Kandira, is also an indispensable place with its sea, beaches and pine forests.
The building of the "Kocaeli Cultural and Natural Heritage Preservation Regional Board" is a place worth seeing in downtown Kocaeli. The building was used as a train station in the past. The restaurant car in the station is one of the first such cars in Turkey, whereas the depot is serving as a restaurant today.
The repair center, water depot, and apartments for employees are serving as Archeology and Ethnography Museum, which are displaying artifacts dating to Palaeolithic, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras.
Also, one should visit the museum built in Darica town in 1884 by Turkish painter Osman Hamdi Bey. The museum is full of reproductions of several works of Osman Hamdi Bey, family photos and his personal belongings.
Also, the first private zoo in Turkey, "Bogazici Zoo and Botanic Park" is situated in Darica. The zoo and park shelters 3,000 animals in 300 different species, and 500 plants.
People can taste local food at the Pembe (Pink) Mansion.
BURSA
Bursa, one of the industrial hubs in Turkey, also has an important place in Turkey's tourism thanks to its historical and natural beauties.
Uludag, the symbol of the city, is among the main winter and skiing resorts in Turkey. One can travel to Uludag by taxis, or by cable car if s/he wants to have a bird's view over the Bursa Plain.
People can have the opportunity to enjoy winter sports, and see the beauties of the nature during spring.
Also, Sarialan, Cobankaya and Kirazliyayla Plateaus are places one can go camping.
People can also visit the Soganli Botanic Park and see 150 different types of threes, 76 different types of bushes, and 27 different types of roses. It is possible to accommodate in houses in the park, similar to old Bursa houses dating to 17th-19th centuries and also taste Iskender kebab.
Defined as the "City of Sages", Bursa was the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire. Therefore, it is possible to visit many tombs, inns, mosques, and covered bazaars.
Koza Inn, Ulu Mosque, Orhan Mosque, Yesil (Green) Mosque and Yesil (Green) Tomb are among the main historical attractions in the city.
Also, people can enjoy thermal springs in Cekirge neighborhood of Bursa.
Iznik
Iznik is another city in the Marmara Region worth seeing with its lake, natural and historical attractions.
Named as the third sacred city after Jerusalem and Vatican City at the end of the 19th Council that convened in the Vatican City in 1962, Iznik is a place one can visit the Hagia Sophia and Roman theaters and the pottery shops.
Also, sunbathing and swimming in the beaches on the banks of the Iznik Lake, and eating the fish caught from the lake are sine qua non things one should do in Iznik.
Dalyan, Poyraz and Arapciftligi are other lakes to be seen, whereas one can observe storks and other bird species in Karaagac village.
Mudanya town, on the coast of Gemlik Gulf, should also be visited. One can see wooden houses, and the museum in which Mudanya Truce which ended the War of Independence was signed.
Ten-kilometers away from Mudanya, one can visit Trilye which is famous of its olives and wines. Fatih Mosque, converted from St. Stephanos Church, Dundar House, and Tas Mektep (Stone School) are tourist attractions.
BALIKESIR
Balikesir is another tourism center in the Marmara Region with coasts both in the Aegean and Marmara seas, unique bays, islets, mountains, and thermal springs.
Erdek town; Kapidagi Peninsula; Avsa, Marmara, Saraylar and Ekinlik islets should be seen in Balikesir.
One can also visit the Kirazli Monastery, Kyzikos and Daskyleion ancient cities, and Kuscenneti (Bird Paradise) in the vicinity of Balikesir.
Susurluk is a town of Balikesir where one can enjoy its famous toast and ayran (Turkish drink made of yoghurt).
Zaganos Pasha Mosque, Kuvayi Milliye Museum and Karesi Tomb are the tourist attractions in the city, while people can enjoy panoramic view of Balikesir from Camliktepe. Also, people can taste local meatballs.
Havran, Edremit, Burhaniye, Gomec and Ayvalik are the other towns one should visit in Balikesir. If you travel through the Gulf area by car, you can pass through Kazdaglari (Kaz Mountains).
In Ayvalik, people can climb to Seytan Sofrasi (Devil's Table) and enjoy the marvellous sunset.
Tourists are recommended to taste "papalina" fish on Cunda Islet of Ayvalik and a toast peculiar to Ayvalik, swim on Sarimsakli Beach, buy olive oil, and join boat tours.
Edremit town offers thermal and mountain tourism alternatives, while Altinoluk town, lying on the bottom of the Kazdaglari, is the second oxygen depot in the world after the Alps.
Tahtakuslar Ethnography Museum, Antandros Ancient City, Sahidrese Canyon are worth seeing on Havran-Edremit-Akcay-Gure-Altinoluk route.
Also, people can join trekking tours on Kazdagi National Park, and swim in the ice-cold waterfalls on the bottom of the Mount Ida.
TEKIRDAG
Having almost 150 kilometer coast on the Marmara Sea, Tekirdag is considered as the "pearl of Marmara."
Tens of thousands of Turkish and foreign tourists visit Tekirdag every year to see its natural beauties and cultural heritage, and try paragliding, surfing and sailing.
Archeology and Ethnography Museum; Rakoczi Museum; Ottoman author Namik Kemal's House; Rustem Pasha Kulliyesi (Complex); fountains and mosques dating to Ottoman era are worth seeing in Tekirdag.
One should visit Tekirdag's Karacakilavuz hamlet and buy hand-made fabric. For sea and sun tourism, Sarkoy, Murefte, Kumbag, Degirmenalti, Marmaraereglisi and Barbaros towns should be visited.
Nisantepe and Ucmakdere villages are ideal for paragliding, diving and trekking.
Pirese, sarasura, borani, zennik, bulama, cenecarpan soup, cillik, elbesan tava, gulbarak boregi, hosmerim, hakuk, kalle, kodrul, mangir, papaz mancasi are the local dishes that should be tasted.
Also, wines made of Murefte grapes are worth tasting.
There are also some ancient settlements in the vicinity of Tekirdag like Barbaros, Misinli, Besiktepe, Bisantre, Perinho, Heraion, and Teichos.
EDIRNE
Established by Roman Emperor Hadrian, Edirne was conquered by Sultan Murad I of the Ottoman Empire in 1361.
Hosting many civilizations throughout history, Edirne also served as a capital city for the Ottoman Empire.
Selimiye Mosque built by Architect Sinan; inns; Turkish baths and palaces; and Tunca, Meric, Gazimihal (Hamidiye) Sarachane (Sahabettin Pasha), Bayezit II, Fatih (Bonce), Yildirim, Kanuni (Saray), Yalnizgoz (Tekgoz) bridges are places worth seeing in Edirne.
Yildirim Beyazit Mosque, Eski (Old) Mosque, Uc Serefeli Mosque, Muradiye Mosque, Beyazit II Kulliyesi (Complex) are some of the tourist attractions.
Also, Edirne has traces of the tolerance of the Ottoman Empire. It is possible to see many churches and synagogues in this city including Bulgarian Saint George, Bulgarian Saint Constantine and Helena churches, the Grand Synagogue, and Italian Catholic Church.
Graves dating to civilizations who migrated from north of the Balkans to Edirne during 1,200 B.C. can also be visited in Edirne.
Enez Ancient City, Edirne Archeology and Ethnography Museum, Turkish Islamic Artifacts Museum, Dar-ul Kura Madrasah, Lausanne Treaty and Museum, Sukru Pasha Monument, Balkan War Museum, Macedonian Tower, Adalet Kasri (Mansion) are some of the tourist attractions in Edirne.
Kirkpinar wrestling events have an important place in Edirne. The events begin at the end of June or beginning of July every year.
Visitors can buy soaps made of genuine fruit, Edirne's cheese, almond paste, and cheese halva in Edirne.
KIRKLARELI
Kirklareli offers many options to vacationers with its culture, camping facilities, water sports, hunting and nature tourism.
Igneada, Kiyikoy and Kastura beaches; Longoz Forest; Dupnisa Cave; and Archeology and Ethnography Museum are some of the tourist attractions in Kirklareli.
Hizir Bey Kulliyesi (Complex), Sokullu Mehmet Pasa Kulliyesi (Complex), Cedit Ali Pasa Mosque, Kucuk Ayasofya (Small Hagia Sophia) Church, Magara Monastery, and Ayanikola Ayazma (sacred fountain) and Monastery are some other historical places to be visited in Kirklareli.
PODCASTTÜMÜNÜ GÖR