Turkey is one of the ancient countries, the history of which was written by many civilizations. Its largest cities appeared on the seaside as trade centers and ports. Thousands of years later, unique temples of various religions, palaces and monuments have been preserved on their streets.
1. Istanbul
Istanbul has long lost its capital status. However, it is still the largest city in Turkey. It is home to more than 18 million people, and its area is 5,461 km².
Istanbul is also the most ancient Turkish city. It was founded in 667 BC. as the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires.
The city stands on the shores of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus. The latter divides its territory into two parts, one of which is in Asia and the other in Europe.
During the day, the many-sided Istanbul is crowded and noisy. The city literally buzzes, not dying down even during the prayers that are carried through its streets five times a day. There are always a lot of tourists in Istanbul. As numerous polls show, some travelers consider Istanbul to be the Turkish capital, not Ankara.
The Esenler bus station, which has several floors, also speaks of its scope. Its area is 242,000 "squares". Locals claim that their station is the largest in the world.
There are many mosques in Istanbul. The most famous is Sultanahmet. Tourists know it as the Blue Mosque. This building received this name for the decoration of the walls with blue tiled tiles. Its six minarets can be seen from afar. This mosque is an outstanding example of Islamic and world architecture.
The Grand Bazaar is another must-see in Istanbul. It is one of the largest markets in the world. You need to get to it, even if shopping is not included in your plans. The market was founded in the 15th century. It is located on 58 streets. You can find literally everything in this market: from toothpicks to antiques.
2. Ankara
Ankara became the Turkish capital in 1923. Its area is 2,516 km². The capital is home to about 5 million people.
The city is located in the central part of Turkey and lies on the Anatolian plateau, at the confluence of two rivers - Chubuk and Ankara. It was erected at the intersection of important land trade routes and has always been an important center for peddlers from all over the world.
There is no sea in Ankara, so beach lovers are not particularly interested in the Turkish capital. But lovers of antiquity willingly come here.
Ankara can be roughly divided into two parts - Old (Ulus) and New (Yenisehir). On the territory of the first one, you can enjoy a stroll through the crooked narrow streets, colorful markets and artisan quarters. New Ankara began to be rebuilt only in the middle of the last century. Despite this, there is a lot to see in this part of the city.
One of the must-see places for any tourist and any Turk is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The founder of modern Turkey and its first president is especially respected by the locals, so there are always a lot of people there. The mausoleum rises on the top of the Anit-Tepe hill. Changing of the guard is very popular among tourists.
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is also a must-see. It is located in the Old part of Ankara. This is the main historical museum in Turkey, the exposition of which is considered one of the richest in the world.
The Citadel of Hizar is also noteworthy. Its walls will tell the history of Ankara from the moment the first stone was laid. Each new government destroyed this fortress, and then rebuilt it anew.
You should definitely take a walk along the Copper Alley. This is how the locals dubbed Salman Street. This is one of the colorful shopping streets of Ankara. Here, flea market connoisseurs will find a wide variety of copper products - from conservative plates to fashionable rings.
3. Izmir
It is located in the western part of Turkey, on the eastern coast of the Aegean Sea. Izmir is home to about 3 million people. Its area is 7,340 km². This is a typical port city that is in demand among holidaymakers.
Izmir has an interesting history. It arose about 5 thousand years ago. The city went from hand to hand: it was part of the Byzantine, Nicaean and Ottoman empires. After the end of the First World War, Izmir tried to appropriate Greece. As a result of fierce battles, the Turks conquered the city, but at the cost of partial destruction. Today, on its streets you can see the ruins of ancient Greek and Roman buildings.
Izmir is a very densely populated city with dense buildings. Therefore, it is not suitable for connoisseurs of peace and quiet. There is a port within the city limits, so the water off the coast of Izmir is dirty, not suitable for swimming and beach recreation.
While in this Turkish city, it is worth visiting the Agora Square. It is considered almost the main attraction of Izmir. The square is an architectural monument that survived the devastating earthquake of 178 AD. NS. During excavations, scientists have found partially survived columns, statues, ancient gates, gravestones. All finds belong to pre-Christian times.
Those wishing to see Izmir from a bird's eye view should visit the Asanser Tower. This lift is 58 m high. It is located right next to the sheer cliff. The building is dated 1907. The tower itself was built of stone and bricks specially delivered from Marseille. The assancer was designed by Italian and French specialists. The tower offers picturesque views of Izmir.
4. Bursa
The city is located in the northwestern part of Turkey. The area of 1,036 km² is home to 1.8 million people. This city is 240 km away from Istanbul.
Bursa is convenient as a transit point for visiting other Turkish cities, including Iznik, Yalova. From here, there is easy access to Uludag Ski Resort, 35 km away. Bursa is suitable for those wishing to improve their health, as there are thermal springs nearby in the Cekirge region. Also, this city will appeal to lovers of medieval architecture.
Initially, Bursa was under the rule of Byzantium, after which it passed to the Ottoman Empire and was even its capital. At this time, the city began to develop intensively and became famous for its peaches, chestnuts and silk. In the 19th century, Bursa experienced a severe fire and earthquake.
Tourists in the city should visit the Green Mausoleum. This is one of the beautiful historical buildings in Bursa. Sultan Mehmed I and his sons are buried within its walls. The building has the shape of an octahedron, which is crowned with a cone-shaped dome. In the decoration of the mausoleum, the Turkish-Ottoman ceramic art of the early 15th century was best manifested.
Of great interest is the fortress Kite, which is in a dilapidated state. Only the walls remain of the once monumental building. But this only confirms the scope of construction.
Shoppers will love the Silk Market. It appeared in Bursa in 1490. At that time, the city was an important point on the Great Silk Road. Today, the market is still selling noble fabric, and guests of Bursa are happy to take it home.
5. Adana
The city lies on the Seikhan River. Its area is 1,036 km². Adana is home to 1.7 million people.
Historians agree that the city was built by the Hittites around the 14th century BC. as one of the strong points. Adana belonged to the Greeks, Persians, Romans, Byzantines. It became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. All civilizations have left their mark on its appearance and architecture, which has partially survived to this day.
Adana is a highly developed city, despite its size. It has an airport and metro.
Adana is divided into old and modern parts. In the first, lively bazaars coexist with ancient mosques, and in the second - new high-rise buildings with office buildings, hotels and restaurants.
Among the numerous attractions, the Roman bridge with sixteen arches Tash-Kopru, erected in the 2nd century AD, deserves attention. NS. Thousands of years later, it is in a "working" condition.
Nature lovers should visit the Botanical Garden and the Merkez Park. On their territory you can see rare trees, shrubs and flowers.
