Bursa is one of the rare provinces that has been the cradle of many civilizations and their religions since BC. Many artifacts belonging to the religions of Islam, Christianity and Judaism are still standing and under protection. In particular, 8 of the council meetings, which started in 324 A.D. and convened 17 times until 1563 and were very important for the Christian religion, were held in our country, and the 1st and 7th of them were held in Iznik. Iznik is one of the 8 sacred pilgrimage centers in our country and the most important one for the Christian religion.

• Area :11.043 km²
• Population : 3.214.571 (2024)
• Provincial Traffic No :16

BURSA PHOTOS

DON’T RETURN;

• Without seeing Cumalıkızık,
• Without skiing in Uludag,
• Without visiting the Inns,
• Without visiting the hot springs,
• Iskender kebab, Kemalpaşa dessert and chestnut candy,
• Without buying Bursa silk

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Bursa Provinces

The districts of Bursa are Nilüfer, Yıldırım, Osman Gazi, Büyük Orhan, Gemlik, Gürsu, Harmancık, İnegöl, İznik, Karacabey, Kales, Kestel, Mudanya, Mustafa Kemal Paşa, Orhaneli, Orhangazi and Yenişehir.

Gemlik :30 km. northwest of Bursa. was established on the shore of the gulf of the same name. Kurşunlu, Küçük Kumla, Büyük Kumla, Karacaali, which are connected to Gemlik, are the coasts where summer tourism is intense.

Inegol :Inegol, located 454 km southeast of Bursa, was known as Ankedoma in ancient times. Important historical artifacts in the district date from the Ottoman period.

İshak Pasha Mosque and Complex built by Grand Vizier İshak Pasha in 1481, Hamza Bey Mosque, Yıldırım Mosque (Friday Mosque), Kurşunlu Mosque, Kurşunlu Han and Ortaköy Caravanserai are historical monuments in İnegöl. Geyikli Baba Tomb, built by Orhan Bey on behalf of Germiyanoğlu Geyik Baba and Balım Sultan, who lived in the XIVth century in Sultan village, 13 km west of İnegöl, is an important place to visit. Boğazova Plateau, Arabaoturağı Plateau, Alaçam Plateau, historical sycamores are the natural beauties of İnegöl.

Karacabey : Karacabey district, located 65 km west of Bursa, was known as Mihaliç in ancient times. The main historical monuments of the city are the Great Mosque built by Sultan Murat I, the Karacabey Mosque (Imaret Mosque) built by Karaca Bey in 1457 and the Issız Han, an Ottoman period building on the Karacabey-Bursa road and on the shore of Uluabat.

Keles :Keles district, which is located on the southern foothills of Uludağ, has Bithynia, Roman and Byzantine ruins. It came under Ottoman rule in the XIVth century. The most important historical structure of the district is the Yakup Çelebi Complex consisting of a mosque, bath and madrasah built by Yakup Çelebi of Sultan Yıldırım Bayezid.

Kelesin Kocayayla is a unique piece of nature for camping and trekking. Kocasu river has favorable conditions for rafting.

Mudanya :Located 25 km northwest of Bursa and on the coast of the Marmara Sea, Mudanya is the pier of Bursa. Çanaklıçeşme is the most well-known day trip place around Mudanya, where summer tourism is intense with its clean air.

The most beautiful Ottoman houses are in Mudanya. The most important of these houses is Tahir Pasha Mansion.

Mustafakemalpaşa :The old name of the district, which has been the scene of various settlements since ancient times, is Kirmastı. There is the ruins of Miletopolis nearby. In the district center, Lala Şahin Tomb, Hamzabey Mosque and Tomb, Şeyhmüftü Mosque and Tomb, as well as Dorak Treasures region, Kestelek Ruins are historical places worthy of attention. Suuçtu Waterfall near Muradiye Sarnıç village and Suçıktı promenade in Söğütalan district are unique wonders around Mustafakemalpaşa.

Yenişehir :Yenişehir, located 45 km east of Bursa, was known as Neopolis in ancient times. The district, which joined the Ottoman lands during the reign of Osman Gazi, was given as a homeland by Osman Gazi to his veterans under the name of sword right. The city established in the place opened to settlement took the name Yenişehir.

In Yenişehir, which has rich historical artifacts from the Ottoman period, the Palace Bath, which remains from the palace built by Osman Gazi, Postinpuş Baba Zaviye dating from the reign of Murad I, Voyvoda Mosque (Çınarlı Mosque) built in the XIVth century, Koca Sinan Pasha Complex built in the XVI. century, Koca Sinan Pasha Complex, Bali Bey Mosque, Great Mosque built by Orhan Bey, Süleyman Pasha Complex, Double Bath built by Deli Hüseyin Pasha of Yenişehir in 1645, Orhan Mosque and Clock Tower in Yarhisar Village are historical buildings worth seeing.

Büyükorhan :86 km. south of Bursa. Half of the district has a forested area and Görecik plateau, one of the natural beauties, is 6 km. away from the district.

Gürsu : 12 km. from the center of Bursa, Gürsu district is a charming district with its historical plane trees, Ottoman houses, historical baths and mosques.

Kestel :Located 12 km. east of Bursa, Kestel is almost like a merger with Bursa. The name Kestel comes from the castle built in the Roman period and called Kastel.

Orhaneli : It is 55 km. south of Bursa and on the slopes of Uludağ. Çınarcık near Orhaneli is a daily touristic area and is famous for its natural beauties.

Orhangazi :It is 48 km. north of Bursa and on the Bursa-Yalova road. It ranks second in terms of industry after Bursa. In the lands lying on the western shore of Lake Iznik, it has become the place where the world’s most delicious olives are grown with the climatological effect of Keramet Hot Spring.

HOW TO GO BURSA

Bursa is a province that can benefit from land and sea transportation in the widest way and has the potential for development in air transportation. The geographical and historical location of the province and its proximity to the important and developed centers of the country have enabled the development of transportation alternatives.

Highway : The province has an intense highway traffic in terms of both domestic and intercity traffic.

Bursa Terminal is located approximately 10 km from the city center. There are flights from the city to all other provinces.

Terminal : New Yalova road 10th km

Tel. : (+90-224)261 54 00

Seaway : Sea transportation is realized through Gemlik and Mudanya ports. Both ports are approximately 30 km. away from Bursa and are important import and export ports for Bursa industry.

Only freight transportation is carried out from Gemlik port. There are reciprocal ferry services from Mudanya to Istanbul by the Maritime Railways Administration.

IDO Mudanya Terminal : (+90-224)544 30 60

From Mudanya to Istanbul every working day at 7.30 a.m.

Saturday : 7.30 Sunday : 17.00

Airline : There is an airport in Bursa, 8 km. away from the city center.

Bursa Airport : (+90-224)246 50 01

Yenisehir Airport : (+90-224)773 00 64

Railway : There is no railway network in the province.

PLACES TO VISIT BURSA

IZNIK

Iznik is a city whose every handful of soil has been kneaded with cultural remains for thousands of years and has taken its place at the top of the history pages in the region for centuries. It is one of the rare settlements that has been the capital of four empires.

Tiling

The development of Iznik tile-making can be clearly seen in the tile coverings on buildings of known dates. The oldest Ottoman tiles decorating the minaret of the Iznik Green Mosque, built between 1378/91, continue the Seljuk tradition in terms of technique and decor, but their colors and tones are richer. These tiles, which give the mosque its name, are remarkable for the variety and richness of their turquoise and green colors.

We learn from historical documents that the tiles used in the buildings in Istanbul were made in Iznik. Iznik is the center of ceramics known as Miletus, Damascus group and Rhodes work. Evliya Çelebi, a traveler who came to Iznik in the 17th century, mentions that there were more than 300 tile kilns. Floral motifs such as tulips, hyacinths, pomegranates and carnations were used in Iznik tiles. There are also animal and ship motifs such as human, bird, fish, rabbit, dog. Blue, turquoise, green and red are the most commonly used colors.

History: Karadin, Çiçekli, Yüğücek and Çakırca Mounds near the city hide traces of civilization dating back to 2500 BC. The settlement established here before the migration of Thracian tribes in the VII century BC was named ‘Helikare’. The name Khryseapolis (Golden City) is read on the coins minted in the city.

The city, which was renovated by Antigonos, the general of Macedonian Emperor Alexander, in 316 BC, was named Antigoneia. After the death of Alexander, Lysimakhos, who won the war between Antigonos and general Lysimakhos, named the city after his wife Nikaia, the daughter of Antipatros. The city, which was annexed to the Kingdom of Bithynia in 293 BC, was decorated with important architectural structures. Nikaia, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Bithynia for a while, continued its existence as an important settlement of Rome.

Nicaea, Bithynia was introduced to Christianity through the efforts of Peter, one of the apostles. Emperor I. During the reign of Emperor Constantine, the bans on Christianity are lifted. In the early summer of 325, Nicaea witnesses a very important event for Christianity and the First Council convenes in the Senate Palace. In the meeting attended by Emperor Constantine, two important opinions were discussed. The view of the Alexandrian cleric Arius was that “. Jesus was only a man and was not born of God.” This thesis, which gathered supporters in a short time, was opposed by the Bishops. The thesis that “Jesus Christ is the son of God”, which is still defended by the Christian world today, was accepted after long debates. The Christian feast days and the 20-article text known as the Laws of Nicaea were adopted after this Council.

In 787, the VIIth Council convened in the Hagia Sophia of Nicaea. Under the leadership of Empress Irene, the bans on painting and sculpture were lifted.

Iznik was also the capital of the Seljuks and the Byzantines.

Captured in 1331 by the Ottoman armies, Iznik started to revive with the Ottoman period. Under Ottoman rule, Iznik became a center of art, trade and culture. Many famous people taught at Orhan Gazi Madrasah. Famous Sufis such as Davud-u Kayseri, Abul Fadil Musa, Ashrafoglu Abdullah Rumi lived in Iznik and gave works. The first mosque, madrasah and imaret of the Ottoman period were built in Iznik.

In the XIVth and XVth centuries and in the XVIth century, Iznik became a center of art and world-famous tiles and ceramics were produced here. Iznik preserves its historical urban texture with its grid-planned urban settlement dating back to the Hellenistic era, monumental buildings from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

Climate Iznik generally has a temperate climate. In the district, winters are generally very rainy and summers are rainy enough not to cause drought.

MUDANYA

Located 25 km northwest of Bursa and on the coast of the Marmara Sea, Mudanya is a center where summer tourism is intense with its clean air.

History

Mudanya was founded in the VIIth century BC by Colophonian immigrants, one of the 12 great cities of Ionia. This ancient city of Apamcia-Myrleia was located on today’s Hisarlık hill. Mudanya lived during the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

Climate

Summers are hot and dry, winters mild and rainy.

CUMALIKIZIK

Cumalıkızık, which has brought the most magnificent village settlement of Ottoman civil architecture to the present day, has become known all over the world as well as our country in recent years. It is rich in natural assets as well as cultural assets.

History:Cumalıkızık, one of the first regions where the Ottomans settled in Bursa, carries the Ottoman period housing texture to the present day with a total of 270 houses, 180 of which are still in use and some of which are undergoing conservation and restoration works.

The remains of a Byzantine church were discovered in 1969 in the Ihlamurcu area on the slopes of Uludağ, southeast of the Cumalıkızık settlement. Some architectural fragments of the church ruins found on the surface are kept in the Bursa Archaeology Museum. The Ottoman Principality, which was founded near Bursa, managed to dominate the region soon after its establishment, conquered Bursa in 1326 and Iznik in 1331 and established its presence in the region. Thus, the Ottoman people settled in these lands and formed cities and villages. Cumalıkızık was established as a foundation village and reflected this feature in its settlement texture, housing architecture and lifestyle. The local villages, which were squeezed between the steep skirts and valleys north of Uludağ, were named “Kızık” because of their location. In order to distinguish the villages from each other, the one close to the stream was named Derekızık, the one who gave ransom was named Fidyekızık and the village where Friday prayers were performed by going from Kızık villages collectively was named Cumalıkızık.

Climate: Winters are generally very rainy and summers are rainy enough not to cause drought.

Castles

Bursa Castle The construction of Bursa Castle dates back to the first century BC. Today the length of the walls is about two kilometers.

Mosques

Yıldırım Mosque and Tomb, Green Mosque and Tomb, Emir Sultan Mosque and Tomb, Ulu Cami (Mosque Kebir), Muradiye Complex, Hüdavendigar Mosque and Complex are important mosques and complexes in Bursa, which is an important religious tourism center.

Ulu Cami (Center): It was built by Yıldırım Bayezıt in 1396-1400, entirely of cut stone, with very thick and high walls, on 12 heavy four-cornered pillars, with pendants and twenty domes.

It is the most classical and monumental example of multi-domed mosques. With its rich and spacious space, it also has the largest size (318 m2) among all Turkish mosques. The small interlaced panels finely decorated with rumi and palmettes, the geometrically patterned railing networks, the inscription on the front façade and the minbar with its networked crown are masterpieces of the transition from the Seljuk style to the Ottoman style.

According to the narration about the construction of the fountain; some places need to be expropriated for the construction of the Great Mosque. The place where the fountain is located belongs to a Jewish woman. The Jewish woman, who did not want to give up her land, dreamt one night that all the people were running in the same direction. Curious, she asks where they are going and gets the answer “To heaven!”. She wants to run too, but they stop her because she refuses to give them her land. The Jewish woman was so moved by this dream that the next day she gave her land on the condition that a fountain would be built.

When the construction of the mosque was left unfinished due to financial difficulties, the Christian and Jewish communities contributed financially, and the Muslims used stones carved with the Star of David and the Cross on the windows of the mosque to show their gratitude.

Emir Sultan Mosque and Mausoleum (Center): Emir Sultan, a famous scholar, came to Bursa in 1391 and married Hundi Fatma Hatun, daughter of Yıldırım Bayezıt. Emir Sultan Mosque and mausoleum were built by his wife during the reign of Murat II. It is on a hill next to Emir Sultan Cemetery in the east of Bursa.

There is an eight-cornered tomb with two rooms on the north side. The present form of the Emir Sultan Mosque, which is a good example of the single-domed mosque type with its courtyard with a fountain, was built in 1804 during the reign of Sultan Selim III.

Muradiye Complex (Center): It is located in a large park in the Muradiye neighborhood. The complex was built by Sultan Murat II between 1424-1426 and consists of a mosque, madrasah, imaret, bathhouse and 12 mausoleums.

The mosque belongs to the type of mosques with side spaces (zaviyeli) that were widely used in the early Ottoman architecture. The mihrab and minbar date from the 18th century and are in Baroque style. The entrance door is one of the most beautiful examples of woodwork. There are 12 mausoleums built on behalf of Murat II and his family in Muradiye Complex.

Orhan Mosque and Complex (Center): Built by Orhan Bey in 1339-1340, the complex consists of a mosque, madrasah, imaret, school, bathhouse and inn (Emir Inn). It is east of the Grand Mosque and is one of the first examples of Ottoman complexes.

Orhan Mosque is one of the most important early Ottoman buildings in Bursa. The twin arches on the sides are important features of the building. It was built with three rows of bricks and one row of stones, and the brick workmanship on the exterior is extremely interesting.

Hüdavendigar Mosque and Complex (Center): Built by Sultan Murat I (Hüdavendigar) in 1366-1385, the complex consists of a mosque, madrasah, imaret, tomb and bathhouse and is located in Çekirge district.

The lower floor of the two-storey building, which is unique in Ottoman Architecture, is a mosque and the upper floor is a madrasah. The architect of the building, which looks like a palace with its flamboyant outer minaret, is unknown. The two-storey facade gains a flamboyant view reminiscent of Venetian palaces with the upper floor porticoes opening from the sides and front with double pointed arches with columns in the middle. A fountain under the dome with an open center creates a harmonious atmosphere with light waterfalls.

Opposite the Hüdavendigar Mosque is the tomb of Sultan Murat I (Hüdavendigar) who was martyred in the Battle of Kosovo I in 1389. The inscription of the tomb built by Yıldırım Bayezıt is dated 1722.

Yildirim Bayezit Complex (Center): Built between 1390-1399 and located in the east of the city in the Yıldırım district, the complex consists of a mosque, madrasah, darüşşifa, mausoleum, inn, hammam, imaret, pavilion, kitchen, service rooms and stables.

The mosque in the center of the complex is one of the most monumental examples of side-winged mosques and has a foundation dated 1399. With this mosque, Ottoman architecture began to find its own unique building style.

To the northeast of the mosque is the tomb, the only building with an inscription. Built in 1406 by Suleyman Khan, the son of Yildirim Bayezit, for the architect Ali bin Hussein, the mausoleum is the first example of Ottoman mausoleums with porticoes.

Yeşil Mosque (Center): Built by Çelebi Sultan Mehmet in 1419-1420, the decorations of the mosque were built in 1424 during the reign of Murat II. It is known as the Green Mosque because of the green turquoise and tiles used in the decoration. Its architect is Hacı İvaz Paş. It is one of the most important Ottoman period buildings of Bursa and is famous for its decorations rather than its mosque architecture. Tile decorations are the most important feature of the mosque.

Green Mausoleum (Center): The symbol of Bursa, the structure is one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman tomb architecture. The octagonal structure, which is accessed by a marble staircase, is covered by a lead-covered dome sitting on a high pulley. It is a unique structure with its tile decorations. The mihrab covered entirely with tiles is a masterpiece. The door made of walnut wood with inscription and decorated with geometric motifs is one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman woodwork.

Gerush Synagogue (Center): Located on Arap Şükrü Street. It was built by the first caravans of the Jewish community who were expelled from Spain at the end of the XIVth century and accepted into the Ottoman Empire on galleons sent by the Ottoman Emperor Selim II and settled in Bursa. The fact that the synagogue was named Gerush, which means “expelled” in Hebrew, is meaningful in this respect. It has survived to the present day in a very sound and well-maintained condition and is open to the worship of the Jewish community.

Mayor Synagogue (Center): It is on Arap Şükrü Street. It was built by the other Jewish clans who were accepted by the Ottoman Empire in the XVth century from the Majorca Island of Spain and resided in Bursa, and was named Mayor after the name of the island they came from. The date of its first construction is known as the XVth century. The multicolored pen work motifs decorating the interior are important.

Etz Ahayım Synagogue (Center): Located on Arap Şükrü Street and built in the early XIVth century, the name of the synagogue means “Tree of Life” in Hebrew. It is important because it was the first synagogue built during the Ottoman period. During the time of Orhan Bey, who conquered Bursa, an edict was issued and this synagogue was allowed to be built.

Iznik Green Mosque (Iznik): The most important monumental structure of Ottoman architecture in Iznik, the mosque is located near the Lefke Gate in the east of the district. It was built by Çandarlı Hayrettin Pasha in 1378-1398.

The simple marble mihrab with corner columns and muqarnas niches, decorated with geometric interlaces, Rumi and palmette reliefs, is the oldest and most beautiful Ottoman example of the period.

The brick minaret, which follows the Seljuk tradition, is decorated with green turquoise, yellow and purple colored tiles, giving the mosque its name. Iznik Green Mosque is one of the transitional buildings to the Ottoman style, which was born from Seljuk architecture.

Hacı Özbek Mosque (Çarşı Mescidi-Iznik): It is located in the bazaar in Iznik. It was built in 1333 and is the oldest inscribed Ottoman mosque in history.

Çandarlı Kara Halil İbrahim Pasha Tomb (Iznik): Located on Kılıçaslan Street, the tomb is one of the examples of tombs with mudbrick walls and inlays. It was built by Faik Pasha during the reign of Bayezit II.

Sheikh Kudbettin Mosque (Iznik): Opposite the Green Mosque, next to the Iznik Museum. It was built at the beginning of the XV. century. Destroyed during the War of Independence, some remains of the walls and some of the architecture have survived to the present day. The use of a stone engraved with a seven-candle candlestick, the symbol of the Jews, in the construction of the mosque is the best example of Muslim tolerance.

Hagia Sophia Museum (Iznik): It is a Byzantine Church built in the middle of the city in the IVth century and was converted into a mosque during the reign of Orhan Gazi. It is the place where the 7th Ecumenical Council meeting, which is important for Christians, was held. It is currently in ruins.

Senatus (Palace of the Consuls – Nicaea): The Senatus, where the first of the Consul meetings, which is of great importance for Christians, was held, is also called the Consul palace. The ruins of the work located on the lake gate side are under the lake waters.

Hypogeum (Underground Burial Chamber – Elbeyli-Iznik): It is a burial chamber built in the IV century on the road to Elbeyli Village. It is the most valuable hypogeum in Turkey with its frescoes. It is built with square walls with a barrel vault on top. There are two peacocks in relief on the west wall. The sarcophagus in the tomb is adorned with fluted columns connected to each other by round arches.

Churches

French Church The church, covered with wood and tiles, also has a patient care center. It is estimated to have been built in the 19th century.

Synagogues

Gerush Synagogue Built in the early 16th century by Selim II, the synagogue is located on Arap Şükrü Street. In the late 14th century, the first caravans of the Jewish community, who were expelled from Spain and accepted into the Ottoman Empire on galleons sent by the Ottoman Empire, were settled in Bursa and this synagogue was established. The present structure of the Gerush Synagogue is extremely robust, well maintained and open for worship.

Ets Ahayim Synagogue: The synagogue, also known as the Tree of Life Synagogue, is important because it was the first synagogue built during the Ottoman period. During the time of Orhan Bey, who conquered Bursa, an edict was issued and the establishment of the Ets Ahayim Synagogue was allowed.

Mayor Synagogue: This synagogue was built by the other Jewish clans from the Spanish island of Mallorca who were accepted by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century and settled in Bursa, and was named Mayor after the name of the island they came from. The Mayor Synagogue is still in use for events and washing the dead.

Inns

Emir Khan Emir Khan, located just below the Grand Mosque, was built by Orhan Bey in the second half of the XIVth century. This inn, which consists of a two-storey portico lined around the inner courtyard and rooms opening to it, is the first example of Ottoman inns. There is a fountain in the center of the inn and historical plane trees.

Eski (Grain) Han: Located on Cumhuriyet Street, the inn was built by Semiz Alizade, one of the grand viziers of Kanuni, in the 16th century.

Geyve Inn Located next to the Demirkapı Bazaar, the inn known as Hacı İvaz-Payigah was built in the XV century by Hacı İvaz Pasha, the son of Ahi Bayezid, and presented to Çelebi Mehmet.

İpek Han: (Arabacılar Han) Located next to the İvaz Pasha Mosque, this inn was built by Çelebi Mehmet. It is the largest of the inns in Bursa.

Koza Han Located between Ulu Cami and Orhan Cami, this inn was built by Bayazıt II in 1490 to generate income for his charitable buildings in Istanbul. It is the most beautiful and most intensively used inn in Bursa today.

Pirinç Han Built in 1508 by Sultan Bayazıt II to provide income for his foundations in Istanbul. There is a historical plane tree in the courtyard of the inn.

National Parks

Bursa – Uludag National Park

Location: Bursa Province

Transportation: The National Park is located on Uludag, which rises in the south of Bursa province in the Marmara Region. From Bursa, you can reach Sarıalan in 20 minutes by a 34 km. highway open in summer and winter or by cable car with 40 cabins. From there, minibuses take you to the “hotel area”. A private helicopter service can reach the National Park in 25 minutes from Istanbul.

Feature: The geological structure of Uludağ, which was formed at the end of the rise and solidification of the magma coming from the depths of the earth along the fractures and cracks, is generally composed of internal eruptive granite rocks. The mountain gained its present shape due to tectonic movements and different erosion effects. Uludağ, which is as high as 2543 meters in a short distance from the Bursa plain, is the highest point of the Marmara Region. The Aras waterfall and the glacial traces seen on the peaks are interesting features of the geomorphological structure of Uludağ.

Another characteristic of the National Park is the forest belts formed by the changing plant communities from the Bursa plain to the peaks of Uludağ. The botanical scientist MAYR has a special importance in the World Forestry Literature in terms of characterizing the plant belts at various heights.

The favorable natural conditions of the National Park have allowed animals such as bears, wolves, jackals, foxes, roe deer, deer, rabbits, pigs, partridges, wild pigeons, vultures, eagles, eagles, meadowlarks, nightingales and warblers to live and multiply.

Uludağ is covered with snow from December to May. With up to 3.95 meters of snow thickness, extremely suitable for skiing, and snow quality, Uludağ is Turkey’s most important winter sports center.

Places to See: Çobankaya and Sarıalan camping and day-use areas offer different landscape values of the National Park, while the “Bakacak View Terrace” in Çobankaya offers a wider perspective of landscape values, Bursa plain and urban development to visitors.

Available Services and Accommodation: Within the National Park area, the so-called “Hotels Region” offers visitors the opportunity to ski in winter activities, while the Sarıalan, Çobankaya and Kirazlıyayla areas are among the areas organized for camping and daily use.

In Sarıalan, fixed (shed, bungalow) and tent camping is possible, while in the hotels area, both public and private establishments allow overnight stays. Only tent camping is possible in the Çobankaya area.

Caves

Ayvaini Cave

The cave is located in the village of Ayva in Bursa Province.

Characteristics: It is a horizontally developed cave except the entrance. The cave has two mouths. One enters the cave from one point (Doğanalanı) and exits from another mouth. There is a vertical descent of 17 meters right at the entrance of the cave. There are many lakes in the cave and it is shallow enough to pass through in the spring months despite the rising water.

Oylat Cave

Location: Bursa, Inegol District, Hilmiye Village

The cave is located one km. south of the village of Hilmiye, about 17 km. inland from the road leading to Oylat Hot Spring from the Bursa-Ankara highway.

Features: The cave with a total length of 665 m. consists of two main sections. The first section consists of narrow galleries from the entrance to the end of the depression. There are giant cauldrons and dripstone pools inside. The second section is a big collapse hall. It consists of huge blocks and giant dripstone shapes (stalactites, stalagmites and columns).

The temperature in front of the cave is 29ºC, humidity 47 percent, at the entrance 19ºC, humidity 55 percent, in the narrow gallery 17ºC, humidity 78 percent, in the collapse halls 14ºC, humidity 90 percent.

Hot Springs

Bursa is rich in thermal springs and famous spas include Vakıfbahçe (Çekirge) Thermal Spring, Bademli Bahçe Thermal Spring, Dümbüldek Thermal Spring, Gemlik (Terme) Thermal Spring and Armutlu Thermal Spring.

Oylat Thermal Tourism Center

Location: It is in the south of Inegol district of Bursa province.

Transportation: İnegöl city center is 27 km. away.

Water Temperature:

40°C -Oylat Bath Spring

30.5°C -Water Source

10°C -Eye Water Source

PH Value:

7.26 -Oylat Hamam Spring

7.18 -Sizzling Water Source

3.04 -Eye Water Source

Properties: Sulfate, bicarbonate, calcium, Oylat Bath and Sızı Water Springs, Sulfate, hydrogen ion, iron, Göz Water Spring

Ways of Utilization: Drinking and bath cures

Diseases Treated: It is effective in drinking cures, diuresis cures and obesity, the sedative properties of bath cures are utilized.

Accommodation Facilities: Grand Hotel (220 beds), (L) Motel (210 beds)

Cekirge Thermal Tourism Center

Location: It is located in Cekirge district of Bursa province.

Water Temperature:

47°C -Vakıfbahçe Spring

58°C -Karamustafa Spring

77°C -Kaynarca and Yenikaplıca Springs

78°C -Sulfurous Bath Spring

PH Value:

6.98 -Vakıfbahçe Source

6.60 -Karamustafa Source

6.78 -Kaynarca and Yenikaplıca Resources

6.44 -Sulfur Bath Spring

Properties: Hyperthermal, hypotonic, oligomitalic and radioactive, Vakıfbahçe Spring, Hyperthermal, hypotonic, radioactive, Karamustafa Spring, Hyperthermal, hypotonic, Kaynarca, Yenikaplıca, Kükürtlü Hamam Springs, Bicarbonate, sulphate, calcium, magnesium, Vakıfbahçe and Karamustafa Springs, Bicarbonate, sulfate, sodium, calcium, -Kaynarca and Yenikaplıca Springs, Bicarbonate, sulfate, sodium, calcium, carbon dioxide, sulfur, Sulfurous Bath Springs

Ways of Utilization: Drinking and bath cures

Diseases Treated: Bath cures are effective in rheumatic syndromes, other painful diseases of the locomotor system, chronic inflammatory and painful gynecological diseases, vascular blockages, bronchiectasis; drinking – bath compound cures are effective in liver, biliary tract, mild diabetes, gout outside the crisis periods, obesity with excessive fat deposits in the blood.

Accommodation Facilities: Anatolia Hotel (93 rooms, 192 beds), Büyük Yıldız Hotel (35 rooms, 68 beds), Hotel Kervansaray (211 rooms, 500 beds)

Armutlu Thermal Tourism Center

Location: It is located in the north of Armutlu District of Bursa Province and within the municipality of Armutlu Municipality.

Transportation: Armutlu is 2 km. away from the city center.

Water Temperature 57oC

PH Value:  6,2 – 6,5

Properties: Sulfate, Bicarbonate, Chloride, Calcium, Sodium and Carbon Dioxide.

Ways of Utilization: Drinking and bath cures

Diseases It Treats: It has a positive effect on diseases such as rheumatism, heart and blood circulation, women, nervous and muscle fatigue, nervous disorders, malnutrition.

Accommodation: 2 star accommodation is available.

Beaches

Bursa province, which has a coast of about 135 km in the south of the Marmara Sea, has wide natural beaches in Karacabey, Mudanya and Gemlik districts and beautiful beaches on the shores of Iznik and Uluabat (Apolyont) lakes. There are long and wide natural beaches in Yeniköy, Bayramdere (Malkara) and Zeytinbag in Mudanya. On these coasts with good sand quality, there are Kurşunlu, Bayramdere, and Mesudiye, Ifce and Esence beaches in the Yeniköy-Mudanya section.

Recreation Areas

Saitabat Waterfall: Located 3 km away from Derekızık village, the waterfall falls from a canyon. This promenade area, where meat barbecue restaurants and kiosks are located around the waterfall, is used extensively by the people of Bursa.

Suuçtu Waterfall A piece of paradise 18 km. away from Mustafakemalpaşa district, Suuçtu Waterfall falls from a height of 38 meters.

Aras Waterfall Aras Creek and Aras Waterfall carries the snow waters of Uludağ and falls from a height of 15 meters right through the rocks. The distance between Bursa-Sogukpinar is 30 km and from the village, a 5 km stabilized road leads to the Ketenlik plateaus and from there to the waterfall.

Sportive Events

Ski Centers: The world-famous Uludağ Ski Center is within the borders of Bursa.

Uludag Ski Center

Hunting: Bursa is located in a region rich in wild game animals. There are four important bird areas in Bursa. These are Uludağ, Iznik Lake, Uluabat Lake and Kocaçay Delta.

Mountain Trekking: Uludağ is suitable for hiking in summer and winter and 6 preferred trails have been identified.

Hotels Region-Cennet Kaya Trail: On this trail, the starting point of which has an altitude of 1865 meters, there is an insatiable nature walk accompanied by the view of Gemlik Bay from the northern slope and all mountain villages from the southern slope. The distance of the trail is 2000 meters.

Hotels Region-Sarıalan-Çobankaya Trail: This trail, which starts and ends at an altitude of 1850 meters and 1750 meters, has a magnificent forest environment decorated with sparkling streams along the way. The distance of the track is 5200 meters.

Hotels Region-Softabogan waterfall Trail: This forest trail, whose starting point is at an altitude of 1800 meters, has a waterfall that descends in the form of streams, ponds and terraces of Uludağ. Guided by the sounds of water and unique views, the trek ends with a magnificent panorama of the Bursa Plain. The distance of the trail is 6000 meters.

Hotels Region-Hanlar Region-Bagli Village Trail: Starting at an altitude of 1865 meters, it is possible to see the extraordinary hospitality of the Anatolian people while descending from the summit to the mountain villages. The distance of the track is 7500 meters.

Hotels Area-Zirve Hill Trail: While climbing to the 2487-meter summit, you can see the extraordinary images of nature and vegetation in Uludağ and its region and the insatiable panorama of the sea on one side and the Apollo lakes on the other. The distance of the track is 7615 meters.

Wolfram-Materials Region-Lakes Region Track: At an altitude of 2300 meters, you will experience the privilege of observing butterfly species and mountain flowers unique only to Uludağ, accompanied by mountain views, and the magnificent atmosphere of glacial lakes (Black Lake, Aynalı Lake, Kilimli Lake, Icy Lake) is felt. The distance of the track is 9800 meters.

Youth Camps There are Hasanağa and Kırcaali Youth and Scouting camps belonging to the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports on the coast of Gemlik district. These camps have 175 beds each and allow young people from all over Turkey to camp for 4 periods of 10 days each in the summer months.

Bursa Forest Camps

In addition, the Gölcük Campground in Uludağ National Park is also used for camping activities by student and scout groups. The shores of Iznik and Uluabat Lake are also very suitable for youth camps. Sailing, swimming, surfing and camping trainings open to international participation are organized around the lake.

Bird Observation Area

İznik Lake Bird Area, Uludağ Bird Area, Ulubat Lake Bird Area and Kocaçay Delta are located within the borders of Bursa province.

Marmara Basin

Kocaçay Delta

GEOGRAPHY

Bursa is located in the south-east of the Marmara Sea and its coastline on the Marmara Sea is 135 kilometers long. The most important elevation of the province is Uludağ, which is also a ski resort and national park. The main lakes are Iznik Lake and Uluabat Lake.

Although Bursa generally has a mild climate, it shows climate differences according to regions. In contrast to the harsh climate and abundant rainfall of Uludağ in the south, the mild climate of Marmara prevails in the north. Winters in the province are generally very rainy and summers are rainy enough not to cause drought.

HISTORY OF BURSA

The history of the Bursa region dates back to the Chalcolithic period of 5000-3500 BC. Archaeological researches in the region yielded some remains from this period.

Later, the city, which lived through the Phrygian, Roman and Byzantine periods, came under the rule of the Seljuks and Ottomans.

On October 29, 1923, with the proclamation of the Republic, Bursa became a city that continued to develop as a center of culture, industry and agriculture.

WHAT TO EAT

When you come to Bursa, you should definitely eat Iskender Kebab, Inegol Meatballs and Kemalpasa Dessert. Apart from these, Kestane Sugar, which is identified with Bursa, should not be forgotten.

WHAT TO BUY?

Bursa silk weavings and Bursa’s famous towels, which are famous all over the world, should be purchased.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Bursa Governorship http://www.bursa.gov.tr/

Bursa Municipality http://www.bursa-bld.gov.tr/

Antalya Weather (5 Days Gov. Forecast)

You may find below the weather in Antalya for the current day and for the following 5 days from Turkish State Meteorological Service Official Web Sites.

Time in Antalya

What time is it in Antalya? Calculating the time difference between your location and Antalya’s time is easy.

Antalya time is; (GMT+02:00) Athens, Bucharest, Istanbul; Europe/Istanbul

Here you may compare your local time with the local time in Antalya.

ANTALYA GENERAL INFORMATION

Antalya has been named the “Turkish Riviera” thanks to its archaeological and natural beauties. Antalya, where sea, sun, history and nature are magically integrated in harmony, has the most beautiful and clean coasts of the Mediterranean. Along the 630 km. long Antalya coast, there are ancient cities, ancient harbors, monumental tombs, lace-like bays, sandy beaches, lush forests and rivers.

Antalya is Turkey’s most important tourism center with its palm-lined boulevards, international award-winning marina, Kaleiçi, which forms a charming corner with its traditional architecture, and modern venues. Antalya hosts many cultural and artistic events such as Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, International Beach Volleyball, Triathlon, Golf Competitions, Archery, Tennis, Ski competitions, etc., and many cultural and artistic events such as plastic arts, music, theater, and exhibitions with the Antalya Cultural Center opened in 1995.

Antalya Photos

WHERE IS ANTALYA LOCATION MAP

The Taurus mountain range forms the land border of Antalya, one of the most important cities of the Mediterranean Region. The province is surrounded by the provinces of Muğla, Burdur, Isparta, Konya and İçel from west to east and the Mediterranean Sea in the south.

The province is surrounded by high mountains on three sides. The highest mountains are Beydağı (3085m.) and Akdağ (3075m.). All of these mountains are called the Southern Taurus Mountains. There are plains in the north of the coastal band extending from Eşen Stream in the west to Kaledron (Kaldıran) Stream in the east. The main rivers within the provincial borders are Alara Stream, Dimçay, Manavgat River, Köprüçay, Eşençay and Devrense Stream. The maquis species that make up the vegetation of the region are seen up to 300 m. along the foothills and slopes of the Taurus Mountains. Among these species are spruce, tar juniper, myrtle and big myrtle.

Two climates prevail in Antalya province. Typical Mediterranean climate in the coastal region: summers are hot and dry, winters are mild and rainy. In the upper region, the land climate, which is a transition between the Mediterranean climate and the Central Anatolian climate, prevails.

HISTORY OF ANTALYA

Antalya takes its name from its founder, King Attalos II of Pergamon. The city, which was named Attalia in reference to Attalos, was first called Adalya and then Antalya by the Turks.

Archaeological excavations have proved that people lived in Antalya and its region 40 thousand years ago. The remains found in Karain Cave in Yağcılar, 27 km. northwest of Antalya, belong to the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

Since 2000 BC, the region has recognized the sovereignty of city states such as Hittite, Pamphylia, Lycia, Cilicia, Persia, Alexander, Antigonos, Ptolemais, Selevko, Pergamon Kingdom. After the 7th century A.D., the region changed hands frequently between the Seljuks and the Byzantines and was captured by the Seljuks in 1207. This was followed by the rule of Tekelioğulları, Ottomans, Karamanoğulları and then again by the Ottoman rule.

Ancient Cities in Antalya

Antiocheia Adcragum:

It lies within the borders of Güney Village, 18 km. to the east of Gazipaşa district. The name of the city comes from the Commagene King Antiochus IV. There are ruins of the castle, colonnaded street, agora, bath, triumphal arch, church and necropolis area of the city. In the necropolis of the city, the monumental tombs with barrel vaults and forecourts unique to the region are very well preserved.

Adanda-Lamos:

The ancient city is 15 km. northeast of Gazipasa district. It was founded on the summit of a high and steep mountain, 2 km. north of today’s Adanda village. The city is surrounded by city walls. There is a large tower to the south of the entrance gate. Other remains of the city include a fountain carved into the natural rock and two temples. In the necropolis of this city, monolithic sarcophagi made by carving block stones are among the important remains. The ruins reflect the culture and art of the mountainous region of Cilicia in the best way.

Nephelis

Access to the ancient city is provided by a 5 km. stabilized road that passes through Muzkent Village after the 12th km. of Gazipaşa-Anamur and turns south. The city consists of an acropolis and ruins extending east-west. The surviving structures of the city are the Medieval Castle, the Temple Odeon Irrigation system and necropolis areas.

Selinus

The ancient city of Selinus, located on the southwestern slopes of the Hacımusa Stream where Gazipaşa Beach is located, is one of the most important cities of the mountainous Cilicia region.

The acropolis of the city was built on a hill. The fortification walls and towers of the medieval castle on the hill are very well preserved. The acropolis, the church and the cistern are among the important structures that have survived to the present day. The other structures of the city are the baths, agora, Islamic Building (Pavilion), aqueducts and necropolis. The majority of the ostotecs in the Alanya Museum were brought from the Selinus Necropolis and the ostotec workshop continues to exist here.

HOW TO GO TO ANTALYA

Highway:Antalya has a highway connection with every region of Turkey. The most convenient way to reach the region by road from major centers such as Istanbul and Ankara is the Afyon – Burdur – Antalya road.

Bus Station Tel: (+90-242) 331 12 50

Railway: There is no train station in Antalya. The nearest train station is in Burdur.

Airline Antalya Airport provides service.

DHMI Antalya Airport Domestic Terminal Tel : +90- (242) 330 30 30 30
Bayındır Antalya International Terminal Tel: +90- (242) 330 36 00

Antalya Port is Turkey’s most important maritime gateway.

Port Authority Tel :(+90-242) 259 12 12

PLACES TO VISIT IN ANTALYA

Historical and Cultural Environment:

Walls

A few bastions inside the city, Hadrian’s Gate and the towers next to it, the large tower facing the harbor and some parts of the harbor walls have survived to the present day. One of the two walls surrounds the marina and the other surrounds the city like a horseshoe. One of the surviving towers in the Castle Gate Square is used as a clock tower. The city walls have four gates that provide access to the city.

Kaleiçi

Today, Antalya’s “Historic Core City” and the neighborhood known as “Kaleiçi” is surrounded by two walls, most of which have been destroyed and destroyed. The inner wall surrounds the marina in a semicircle. As a result of restoration works, Kaleiçi has become a tourism center with its hostels, bars and bazaar. The harbor is organized as a marina. The Ministry of Tourism was awarded the Golden Apple (Tourism Oscar) by FİJET on April 28, 1984 for the restoration works in Kaleiçi.

Hadrian’s Gate

The only gate that has remained intact until our time with the two towers on its sides is the Üçkapılar or Hadrian’s Gate and it is the most beautiful gate of Pamphylia. Built in 130 AD in honor of the emperor Hadrian’s arrival in Antalya, the gate is made entirely of white marble, except for the columns. Its carvings and reliefs are extraordinary.

Old Antalya Houses

In Antalya, where summers are very hot and winters are mild, more importance was given to preventing the sun and providing coolness than cold in the construction of houses. Shaded stones and courtyards are features that facilitate air flow. It was built on three floors with the entrance serving as a warehouse and hall.

Museums and Ruins in Antalya

Museums

Antalya Museum

Address Konyaalti Cad. Antalya
Tel: (242) 238 56 88-89
Fax: (242) 238 56 87

Side Museum

Address: Selimiyeköyü Manavgat – Antalya
Tel: (242) 753 10 06
Fax: (242) 753 27 49

Alanya Museum

Address Hilmi Bağcı Cad. Alanya – Antalya
Tel: (242) 513 12 28

Perge Museum

Church of Santa Claus

Dim Cave

Perge

It is located 18 km east of Antalya, within the borders of Aksu Sub-district. It is an important city of Pamphylia since it is located on the Cilicia – Pisidia trade route. The foundation of the city coincides with other Pamphylian cities (7th century BC). Perge, whose main goddess was Artemis of Perge, was an important city for Christians. A.D. St. Paul and Barnabas came to Perge. Some rich people like Magna Plancia brought important monuments to Perge.

The first excavations were started by Istanbul University in 1946 and the important ruins of Perge are as follows:

Theater: It consists of three main sections: Cavea, orchestra and stage. It has a capacity of 12,000 spectators. There are 19 seating rows at the bottom and 23 at the top.

Stadion: 34 x 34 m. in dimensions. There are thirteen seating rows on the vaults. There are thirty vaults on the east and east sides and ten vaults on the north. One of the three vaults is the entrance to the Stadion and the other two are used as shops.

Agora: The commercial and political center of the city. There are shops all around the courtyard in the center. The floors of some shops are covered with mosaic. The agora, which has a round structure of 13.40 m. diameter in the middle of the square, measures 76 x 76 m.

Colonnaded Street: It extends between the nympheum at the foot of the Aropolis. A 2 m. wide water channel in the middle divides the street into two.

Other structures in Perge are necropolis, city walls, gymnasium, baths, monumental fountains and gates.

Sillyon

It is located near Yanköy, 13 km northeast of Aksu. The city was founded in the 14th century BC on a high plateau in the direction of Aspendos and Perge. The Seljuks also benefited from the city, which experienced various civilizations. The stadium, gymnasium, towers, Seljuk Masjid and a theater whose stage part has disappeared are the remaining ruins.

Termessos

Termessos is located on a plateau at an altitude of 1050 meters on the west side of Mount Güllük, a Natural Park 34 kilometers from Antalya. Termessos was founded by the Solyms who came from the interior of Anatolia.

The theater with a capacity of 4200 people, one of the important ruins, was built by Emperor Augustus in the early 1st century AD. The Odeon, which is a covered parliament meeting building, has seating for 600 people. The underground cistern, consisting of five interconnected cisterns, was used for storing water and olive oil.

The Agora, open on the west side and surrounded by columned galleries on the other sides; Hereon, the heroic monument sitting on a 6 m. high platform, Corinthian regular temple, Temple of Zeus Solymeus, Small and Large Temples of Artemis, Gymnasium, watchtowers are other important ruins. Apart from these, there are many monuments and over 1200 rock tombs.

Olympos

Olympos, one of the most important port cities of ancient Lycia, has been the subject of mythology throughout history. Olympos, which was a shelter for pirates due to its favorable location, is now known all over the world with its historical values, 3200 m magnificent beach, endemic plants, Caretta caretta’s Khimaira, magnificent nature that allows all sportive activities and famous tree houses used as pensions.

Ariassos

Ariassos, dating from antiquity, is one kilometer from a left turn at the 48th kilometer of the Antalya-Burdur highway. Built on the slope of a mountain, the city is worth seeing for its baths and rock tombs.

Phaselis

Phaselis is reached after turning one kilometer to the left at the 57th kilometer of the Antalya-Kemer highway. Founded by the Rhodians in the 7th century BC, the city is known as the most important port city of Eastern Lycia. There is a 20-24 wide street in the ancient city with three piers. There is Hadrian’s gate at the western end of the street and shops and baths on the right and left sides. It is possible to reach the city by land and sea.

Limyra

The city, which is believed to have existed since the 5th century BC, is located at the 11th kilometer of Kumluca-Finike Highway. Damaged in 141 by an earthquake, the city survived, but was evacuated after the Arab occupation in the 7th and 9th centuries. The city consists of three parts. The acropolis, the settlements and the necropolis.

Arycanda

It is 26 kilometers from Turunçova on the Kumluca-Finike highway. It is not known exactly when the city, which controls the Akarçay valley, was founded. According to the finds, the city is thought to have existed in the 5th century BC. The city, which was significantly damaged by an earthquake in 240 AD, continued its vitality until the 11th century. Many buildings of the city, known as Aalanda during the Byzantine period, are well preserved.

Demre (Myra)

Demre (Myra), 25 km from Finike and 48 km from Kaş, is one of the 6 great cities of the Lycian civilization. Demre, which first became a settlement center in the 5th century BC, was previously on the seashore, but its connection with the sea was cut off as a result of the alluvium brought by the Demre stream. The city was abandoned after the Arab invasions in the 9th century AD. Rock tombs, theater and St. Nicholas church are worth seeing. The port of Andriake, built by Hadrian and containing a granary, is connected to Demre.

Church of St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas, commonly known as Santa Claus, was born in Patara near Fethiye in 245 AD and died in 363 AD. The well-educated son of a wealthy family, St. Nicholas devoted his life to helping people, especially children and sailors. The fame of this help has survived to this day in the form of the legend of Santa Claus.

As a priest of Demre, St. Nicholas helped people religiously and socially, and when he died, he was buried in Demre and a church was built next to his grave. In 1080, Italian pirates smuggled some bones to Bari. However, some of the remaining bone fragments are today in the Antalya Museum.

The Santa Claus symposium, the first of which was held on December 5-7, 1983, has been repeated every year since then with the participation of people from different religions and education. In this symposium, following in the footsteps of St. Nicholas, people of different religions and beliefs are called for peace, friendship and brotherhood.

Simena (Castle)

Simena, which takes its beauty from its history, sea and sun, can also be reached by sea from Üçağız. The sunken city and ancient ruins on the opposite island of Kekova under the fascinating blue of the Mediterranean Sea are worth seeing. It is possible to come across the ruins of many civilizations in Simena, whose history dates back to the Lycian civilization. The theater and walls carved into the rocks are just a few of them.

Kekova

It is between Kaş-Demre. It is the sunken ancient city located on the island 500 meters from the shore opposite Üçağız Village in the Mediterranean Sea.

Patara

Patara is located on the Kalkan-Fethiye road, about 10 km. before Kalkan and to the south. The colorful ceramics found in the center of the city show that the history of the city dates back to the 5th century BC. Besides being the birthplace of St. Nicholas, it was an important port city during the time of Alexander the Great. The city walls with three gates, one leading to Patara, were built by Governor Modestus in 110 AD. One of its most important ruins is the ancient Patara Theater.

Xanthos

Founded in the valley of the Xanthos river, the city is the oldest and largest city of the Lycian civilization. Xanthos, which was independent until the Persian invasions in 4292 BC, bravely defended their city against the invaders, but when they realized that they would not succeed, they first killed their women and committed suicide by throwing themselves into the fire. Later, 80 families migrated to the region and rebuilt the city, but about 100 years later the city was destroyed by a fire.

The rebuilt city strengthened its relations with the west and became an important center, but it could not escape its misfortunes. When it resisted Brutus’ taxes, the city was destroyed and the people were dragged into war and Xanthos turned into a city of disasters.

The city was formed around the Lycian center and there are ruins outside it. The ruins west of the theater are still of interest today. The Harpy statue on the rocks is one of the most important works. The original is in the British Museum in England and only a copy of it exists today.

Kas (Antiphellos)

The name of Kaş, one of the Lycian cities, comes from “Phellos” meaning “stony place”. Today, Kaş is a coastal town worth seeing with its well-preserved rock tombs and theater.

Side

Manavgat-Side

Aspendos

The ruins of the ancient city in Serik district, 48 km east of Antalya, are largely intact.

Serik District-Aspendos

MOSQUES AND CHURCHES IN ANTALYA

Yivli Minaret and Complex, Kesik Minaret Mosque, Bali Bey Mosque, Muratpaşa Mosque, İskele Mosque, Karatay Madrasah, Ahi Yusuf Masjid and Mausoleum are important ones.

INNs

Evdir Han

The first stop on the road heading north from Antalya is Evdir Han. It is 1 km. east of today’s Antalya-Korkuteli highway and 18 km. away from Antalya. The most striking part of Evdir Han with its pointed arched portal was built by Keykavus I between 1210-1219.

Kırkgöz Han

The second stop between Antalya and Afyon is Kırkgöz Han. Kırkgöz Han is located in Pınarbaşı in Kırkgöz, 30 km. away from Antalya. It is in a very strong condition.

NATIONAL PARKS AND PROTECTED AREAS IN ANTALYA

Duden Waterfalls

It is about 10 km. away from the city center. 20 m. The main source of the waterfall is at “Kırkgöz Mevkii”. Lower Duden Waterfall is 8 km. away from the center on the Lara road. It flows into the sea from a 40 m. cliff.

Altınbeşik Cave National Park

Beydaglari National Park

Gulluk Mountain National Park

Köprülü Canyon National Park

Kursunlu Waterfall Nature Park

Alacadağ Nature Reserve

Ciglikara Nature Reserve

Dibek Nature Reserve

CAVES IN ANTALYA

There are many caves opened for tourism within the borders of Antalya province.

PLATEAUS IN ANTALYA

In general, Antalians and Yoruks spend the summer season in the plateaus in the Taurus Mountains, which have an altitude of 1000 m. or more and are quite cool in summer. The main plateaus in the region are Bakırlı, Basil, Yeşil Yayla, Saklıkent.

SPORTIVE ACTIVITIES IN ANTALYA

Saklikent Ski Center

In Antalya, where 4 seasons can be experienced at the same time due to its geographical location, it is possible to ski in Saklikent, 50 km from Antalya, while swimming on the beach.

Mountaineering and Climbing in Antalya

Beydağları, one of the extensions of the Taurus Mountains, is within the borders of Antalya province. The mountains between 600-3086 m. offer different opportunities for geologists and geographers. Tekedorğu, Bakırlı Dağ, Tahtalıdağ and Kızlar Sivrisi are important peaks. The highest peak is Kızlar Sivrisi with 3086 m. Climbers reach this peak through Çamkuru Valley covered with cedar forests. Climbing the mountain can be completed in one day.

Rafting in Antalya

Köprüçay, within the borders of Koprulu Canyon National Park, is one of the most interesting rafting centers of the country. Manavgat River, which flows within the borders of Manavgat district, one of the important tourism centers of Antalya, has suitable tracks for rafting.

Underwater Diving in Antalya

It is possible to dive underwater from many points on the coast of Antalya.

Antalya Diving Spots

Hunting in Antalya

There are plenty of partridges, pheasants, wood pigeons, quail, stepchicks along the coast and in the highlands, and wild pigeons, woodcock, woodcock, turach, blackbirds in rocky areas and plains.

Many wild ducks and wild geese living in lakes and ponds descend to the shores in winter. There are deer, foxes, martens, fallow deer, squirrels, wild goats in the forested parts of the coast, and bear and wolf species in the mountains.

Fishing in Antalya

You can find every kind of fish you want to see in Antalya waters. Fish such as whitefish, hunter, bream, sea bream, fangri, iskarmaç, iskorpit, isparit, horse mackerel, swordfish, swallowfish and girida fish specific to the Mediterranean are very delicious. Especially sea bass and mullet are found where the rivers meet the sea. You can also catch pike, halibut, scallops, beetles, lobsters and crayfish.

Antalya is a trout paradise. In addition to trout, which are abundant in the streams of the region, it is possible to see mullet, sea bass, carp and eels in various rivers and ponds.

What to Eat in Antalya

The diet of nomads living in rural areas is based on livestock and wheat-based foods. Although a few fresh vegetables are produced in the coastal strip, wheat and dried vegetables gain weight as one moves inland.

The main local dishes that preserve their place in today’s diet are as follows: Kölle (boiled wheat, beans, chickpeas and fava beans), hair roasting, tomato civesi, hibeş, arapaşı, tandoori kebab, and desserts such as aubergine, bergamot and citrus jam.

Recipes from Antalya

Eared Soup

Ingredients
1 cup chickpeas
6 cups of water
250 gr. cubed meat
2 tablespoons margarine
salt, black pepper
For the seasoning:
2 eggs
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons flour
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons of yogurt
For the dough
1 egg
2 cups flour
1 tea glass of water
salt

Preparation:
Knead the dough to the consistency of an earlobe. After resting for half an hour, cut the dough into strips slightly bigger than the noodles and place them on a tray to remove the moisture. Boil the chickpeas soaked overnight and the cubed meat together. When it is sufficiently cooked, add the dough you cut, salt and black pepper. Roast the flour on the other side. Add garlic. Whisk the egg, lemon juice and yogurt in a separate bowl. Add the flour mixture into this mixture and pour it slowly over the boiled chickpeas and mix well. Heat the mint in a little oil in a pan and pour it over the soup and serve.

Antalya Piyaz

Ingredients:
2 cups dried beans
1 cup tahini
3-4 tablespoons of vinegar
2 onions
2 green peppers
Juice of 1 lemon
salt, red pepper flakes

Preparation:
Boil the beans soaked in the evening. Finely slice the onion and green pepper. Mix all the ingredients and place on a serving plate. Garnish with parsley leaves and serve.

Stuffed Peppers with Coke

Ingredients:
10 bell peppers
15 tablespoons of cottage cheese
1/2 bunch of parsley
4 tomatoes
2 onions
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon black pepper
salt

Preparation:
Chop the onions and fry them in oil until they turn pink. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and add to the onion. Continue roasting until the tomatoes are cooked. When the tomatoes are cooked, remove from the fire and let it cool down. Add chopped parsley, cottage cheese, cumin, salt and black pepper into this mixture. Clean the inside of the bell peppers and fill them with the mixture. Place them on a baking tray, add very little water and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes.

Hibeş

Ingredients
1 cup tahini
1 glass of water
Juice of 1 lemon
cumin, paprika

Preparation:
Mix tahini and lemon juice in a bowl. Add water and continue to mix well. Add cumin and red pepper powder, and place it on a serving plate. Garnish the top with cumin and red pepper powder and serve.

ANTALYA SHOPPING

Antalya has sales stores that can meet all kinds of needs of local and foreign tourists. Antalya is famous for its jams made from almost all kinds of fruits and vegetables. The most important ones are the jams of citrus, bergamot, eggplant and watermelon, which are unique to Antalya. You can also find Turkish souvenirs in the shops of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and in the shops in Kaleiç. “Döşemealtı Carpets” dyed with the local root dye are also very famous.

DON’T RETURN WITHOUT DOING

• Without visiting the ancient cities scattered in every corner of Antalya,
• Without seeing the Antalya Museum,
• Without going to Saklikent,
• Without seeing Kaleici and Old Antalya Houses,
• Without taking a photo of the snowdrop flower in Akseki District,
• Without buying an underfloor carpet,
• Without tasting the local jams,
• Don’t come back.

DISTRICTS OF ANTALYA

The districts of Antalya province are Akseki, Alanya, Elmalı, Finike, Gazipaşa, Gündoğmuş, İbradı, Kale, Kaş, Kemer, Korkuteli, Kumluca, Manavgat and Serik.

Akseki

Akseki, the oldest district of Antalya province after Alanya, has a rugged and mountainous appearance suitable for the structure of the Taurus Mountains.

In parallel with the developments in the field of tourism in Antalya province and its surroundings in recent years, tourism activities are developing in Akseki district. Akseki, which is frequented by hunters and tourists, is the homeland of the “Snowdrop Flower”. In the winter months, local and foreign tourists visit the district to see the Snowdrop Flower.

Giden Gelmez Mountains, mountain goat protection and hunting area is the place where hunters will hunt continuously for a fee, and trout breeding facilities established in Sinan hoca and Gümüşdamla villages are among the places frequented by hunters and tourists.

Göktepe Plateau, Çimi Plateau, Irmak Valley, 340-meter deep Bucakalan Cave discovered in recent months, Ulu Mosque and Madrasah in the district center are other works worth seeing.

Elmalı:

The exact foundation date of Elmalı, which is located in the Lycian region, is unknown. Excavations in Karataş near Semahöyük in the east and Beyler Village near Beyler Village in the west show that the region has been inhabited since the Bronze Age.

Mounds There are three mounds in the villages of the city. The first of these is the mound in Müğren Village to the west of the city. Archaeological surveys show that there are traces of various civilizations here. The second mound in Semahöyük Village, also to the west of the city, has not been researched so far because it is the site of an Ottoman and Turkish cemetery.

The third and largest mound is the Beyler Mound in Beyler Village, south of the city, on the Elmalı – Kaş road. Excavations in this mound show traces of a continuous settlement since the Bronze Age. The archaeological finds unearthed during the excavations are exhibited in the Antalya Museum.

Tumuli To the east of the city, 6 km. from Elmali, near the village of Bayindir. Excavations in one of several tumuli standing side by side yielded finds dating back to the 7th century BC. These finds, which are exhibited in a special section of the Antalya Museum, give a cross-section of the life of the region during this period.

Monumental Tombs There are two known monumental tombs. The first one is in Karaburun and the other one is in Kızılbel. The walls of the Karaburun King’s tomb on the Antalya – Elmalı road are decorated with frescoes of hunting and war scenes. The Kizilbel tomb monument is located west of the city on the Elmali – Yuvayol road. It consists of a chamber made of limestone blocks.

Treasure Found in 1984 between the King’s Tomb and Gökpınar Village, just north of the Antalya – Elmalı road line. Consisting of 190 ancient silver coins, this treasure was smuggled to America by antique smugglers. It is currently in the possession of a private individual at the Boston Museum Fine Arts. The Athenian Decadrachms (14 pieces, $600,000 each), considered to be the most valuable ancient coins in the world, are included in this great hoard.

Mosques: Seljuk Mosque, Kütük Mosque, Sinan-ı Ümmi Mosque, Ömer Pasha Mosque and Külliyesi in the district are worth seeing in the city.

Korkuteli:

It is 67 km. away from Antalya. 3 km west of Korkuteli, the Alaaddin Mosque, only the gate of which is still standing today, and the Seljuk Madrasah, built by El Emin Sinaeddin of Hamidoğulları in 1319 and known by the same name, can be seen in the same region.

Gündoğmuş:

There are many ancient city ruins in Gündoğmuş district, 182 km. from Antalya. The Hagia Sophia City, which is 7 km. to the north of Güzel Bağ Bucağı and still unexcavated, the Asar Ruins in Sumene locality, 7 km. to the south-west of Gündoğmuş city center and 7 km. to the city, the ruins in Kese Mevkii, 2 km. to the east of Senir Village, and the Gedfi Ruins, 11 km. to the south-west of Gündoğmuş city center and 11 km. to the city are important ancient city ruins.

The Cem Pasha Mosque in the district center, the ruins on the top of Sinek Mountain, 15 km. east of the district center between Gündoğmuş/Pembelik Village, the Alanya/Konya Caravan Road, the Kazayir City Ruins in Taşağır locality on Gündoğmuş / Antalya highway are other works that can be seen.

Gazipaşa:

180 km. from Antalya, Gazipaşa is a charming town with its 10 km. long sandy beach, forest covered areas, turquoise blue bays and natural beauties. The beaches of İskele, Koru and Kahyalar are an important breeding center for Caretta Caretta turtles. Gazipaşa, which has remained untouched until today, is on its way to becoming a popular tourism center with its accommodation, recreational facilities, historical and natural beauties, airport and marina under construction.

Kumluca:

Located on an alluvial plain dragged from the mountains by Alakır Stream and Gavur Stream, Kumluca is surrounded by Finike and Elmalı Districts. Kumluca has beaches, accommodation facilities and bays along the coast. Altinkaya Plateau, 27 km. north of Kumluca, is a beautiful plateau with trout breeding farm, cedar forests and abundant water. The ancient cities of Korydalla and Olympos are located within the borders of Kumluca district.

Alanya

Alanya is an excellent holiday center with its wide beaches, historical monuments, modern hotels and motels, numerous fish restaurants, cafes and bars. The first thing that welcomes the visitors is the magnificent Seljuk castle dating back to the 13th century, which was built like a crown on the Alanya Peninsula. In addition to the impressive castle, the unique shipyard and the monumentally beautiful octagonal Red Tower are worth seeing.

Cafes and bars surround the harbor and in the evening, along the harbor road, there are boutiques selling handicrafts, leather, clothing, jewelry, handbags and gourds with interesting local colors. If you like exploring caves, you should visit Damlatas Cave. There is an Ethnographic Museum near the cave. You can reach the three sea caves by boat: Phosphorescent Cave with its phosphorescent rocks, Girls Cave where pirates kept female captives and Lovers Cave.

The Dim Age Valley, 15 km. east of Alanya, is an ideal place to relax in the cool shade. Alanya is a sun, sea and sand paradise where you can swim from all beaches.

Finike:

Finike is a province of Antalya. Famous for its oranges, Finike is a tourist resort where history, nature and the sea meet. The city, known for its oranges, attracts attention with the ruins of the city of Limyra and the ruins of the ancient city of Arykanda.

Kas

Kaş, one of the important cities of Lycia, offers insatiable cultural travels with the ancient cities and historical values surrounding the district; underwater diving that makes you feel the excitement of the Mediterranean at the peaks; adventurous ‘canoe tours’ on rivers, ‘nature walks’ where ecological harmony is discovered; technically equipped cave dives to deep and dark caves; ‘paragliding’ soaring from high mountains to the view of turquoise waters; “Blue Cruise and boat tours to the islands resembling precious stones in the Mediterranean; a menu of local dishes flavored with seafood suitable for your taste and fragrant herbs grown in the mountains; the heritage of hundreds of years, the variety and beauty of handicrafts; The tourism centers of Antalya and its districts, to which Kaş is connected, and the richness of nature, history and culture, alternative tourism opportunities and the colorful range of tourism centers around it”.

Manavgat

Manavgat, which is connected to Antalya Province, is a tourism center where history and nature are intertwined and all kinds of tourism activities can be done.

Serik:

Serik, a district of Antalya, is home to the important Pamphylian city of Aspendos. The Aspendos Theater, which has survived intact until today and has excellent acoustics, hosts important art events today.

Kale (Demre):

Kale, which is connected to Antalya province, is an important faith tourism resort as the place where Santa Claus lived.

LINKS

Antalya Governorship http://www.antalya.gov.tr/

Antalya Municipality http://www.antalya-bld.gov.tr/tr/index.html

Akdeniz University http://www.akdeniz.edu.tr/

Antalya Promotion Foundation http://www.antalyaguide.org/

Antalya Congress Office http://www.antalyaconvention.org/

The city of Izmir is located in the Aegean region in western Turkey, at the gulf with the same name Izmir. Called as “the Peal of the Aegean”, is the third largest city and one of the most important commercial and industrial centre in the country. Izmir is also the second largest Turkish sea port.

Studies and excavations prove that Izmir dates back to 3000 B.C. During the ancient times Izmir was known as Smyrna and was initially built on the Tepekule site today as Bayrakli. Later, in the Turkish era the city of Smyrna was re-named Izmir…

Izmir Weather (5 Days Gov. Forecast)

You may find below the weather in İzmir for the current day and for the following 5 days from Turkish State Meteorological Service Official Web Sites.

Time in Izmir

What time is it in Izmir? It is very easy to find calculating the time difference btw your location and Izmir time.

Izmir time is; (GMT+02:00) Athens, Bucharest, Istanbul; Europe/Istanbul

Here you may compare your local time with the local time in Izmir.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Izmir, Turkey’s third largest city, is a modern, developed and busy commercial center. Strolling around the bustling shopping center is quite enjoyable. To the west of Izmir lies the Çeşme Peninsula with its beautifully colored sea, beaches and thermal centers. Ephesus, one of the most famous cities of ancient times, was one of the largest cities in the world in Roman times. Ephesus, which embodies the richness of the entire Ionian culture, was also known for its intense artistic activities.

Izmir, called “Beautiful Izmir” in Turkish, is located at the head of a long and narrow bay surrounded by yachts and ships. It has a mild climate and in the summer a fresh cool breeze from the sea washes away the heat of the sun. There are palm trees and wide avenues along the coast. Izmir Port is the second largest port after Istanbul. A vibrant and cosmopolitan city, Izmir is also important for its International Art Festival and International Fair.

MUST SEE PLACES & MUST DO THINGS IN IZMIR

Must See: Selçuk-Şirince Village, Birgi Çakırağa Mansion, Kızlarağası Inn, HistoricalElevator,Izmir Archeology Museum, Izmir Atatürk Museum, Kordonboyu, Kemeraltı Bazaar, Cable Car Facilities and Balçova Hot Springs, Ephesus Ruins, House of Virgin Mary, Şirince Village, Pergamon Ancient City, Çeşme beaches, Izmir Fair and Selçuk Festival

Must Eat: Izmir Meatballs, Ödemiş Kebab, Boyoz (pastry), Kumru, Gevrek and the famous Gerdan dessert at Izmir Asansör Restaurant, Dried figs, sultaniye grapes, Kemalpaşa cherries, Bergama tulum cheese and lokma,Eating fish in Foça and Çeşme,

Must Buy: Ödemiş Silk (Pembizar), Needlework, Yemeni and Görece evil eye beads…

IZMIR GEOGRAPHY

Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey after Ankara and Istanbul. Izmir is a typical example of the Aegean coastal region. Surrounded by the Madra Mountains to the north, Kuşadası Bay to the south, Tekne Cape of Çeşme Peninsula to the west, and Aydın and Manisa provincial borders to the east, İzmir embraces the gulf that bears its name to the west.

Within the province of Izmir are the lower course of the Gediz River, one of the most important rivers of the Aegean Region, and the Küçük Menderes River. The indented and protruding coastline naturally results in the formation of countless beautiful bays and beaches.

The coasts and beaches of Gümüldür, Özdere, Foça, Karaburun, Çeşme are of great touristic importance for İzmir. On the other hand, the same natural structure has led to the formation of many fishing harbors or yacht berths. With these features, İzmir is a natural tourism and harbor city.

Large, hard and needle-leaved, evergreen, drought-resistant trees and shrubs that grow in the Mediterranean climate zone constitute the widespread natural vegetation.

Izmir is located in the Mediterranean climate zone with hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. The average annual temperature in the province varies between 14-18 ºC in the coastal areas. The annual average sea water temperature is 18.5 ºC.

HISTORY of IZMİR

The old city of Izmir was built on a peninsula located northeast of the gulf. The first settlement in the old Izmir mound, now called “Tepekule” near Bayraklı, dates from the 3rd millennium BC. This seaside mound, which was a small settlement at first, grew and developed a little more around the first core in the 2nd millennium BC. It is understood from the excavations that the 2nd millennium BC settlement is related to the Hittites.

In the 10th century BC, Bayraklı’s mudbrick-walled and flat-roofed houses are no different from today’s Central Anatolian villages. The city, which was under the rule of Lydia in 600 BC, Persia in the 5th and 4th centuries BC, was taken by Alexander the Great in 334 BC, and after these dates, it started to develop and become a big city on the skirts of the mountain where Kadifekale is located.

During the Roman Empire period, the city, which was severely damaged by the earthquake in 178 AD, was rebuilt and repaired. It became a major trade center during this period. It became an important episcopal center during and after the spread of Christianity during the Byzantine Empire, developed in the 5th-6th centuries AD, but lost its former importance in the years following the Arab raids in the 7th century.

Captured in 1320 by Gazi Umur of Aydınoğlu, the city became the capital of the Aydınoğulları Principality between 1402-1415 and was annexed to the Ottoman Empire by Mehmet Çelebi I in 1415.

DISTRICTS OF IZMIR

The districts of İzmir are Balçova, Çiğli, Gaziemir, Karşıyaka, Konak, Aliağa, Bayındır, Bergama, Beydağ, Bornova, Buca, Çeşme, Dikili, Foça, Karaburun, Kemalpaşa, Kınık, Kiraz, Menderes, Menemen, Narlıbahçe, Ödemiş, Seferihisar, Selçuk, Tire, Torbalı and Urla.

Aliağa :

Aliağa, 60 km. north of İzmir, bears traces of the civilizations of İzmir and Bergama. Aigaia, Kyme, Myrna and Gryneion are 4 of the 12 largest and most important of the Aeolian cities, which number more than 30 on the Aegean coast.

Dikili :

It is 120 km to the north of Izmir. It is a charming district that attracts local and foreign tourists. The touristic town of Çandarlı, which has both historical and extraordinary beauties, is connected to Dikili. Among its natural beauties, there is a crater lake in Merdivenli Village, pine groves and historical caves in Demirtaş and Deliktaş Villages. Dikili district is also very famous for its thermal springs. There are hot water springs in Nebiler, Bademli and Kocaoba villages. Apart from the highway in the district, Dikili Port serves in sea transportation with a capacity of three passenger ships.

Seferihisar :

The archaeological and historical resource potential of the district, which dates back to 1000 BC, includes the ancient city of Teos in Sığacık, Karaköse Ruins in Doğanbey-Gerenalanı, the castle built by the Ottomans in Sığacık and the old settlement area within the castle, and monumental buildings from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods in the district center. Seferihisar has 27 km of coastline with beautiful beaches and bays.

Menderes :

Drawing attention with its satsumas, beautiful bays and historical values, Menderes district is 20 km away from Izmir. There is Lebedos Ancient City in Ürkmez in the west of the district. The ruins of the ancient cities of Kolophon, Claros, Notion and Lebedos, located close to each other on the Menderes-Selçuk road, constitute important archaeological resources of the district.

The town of Gümüldür is the growing region of satsumas, the world-famous tangerine species. Özdere is one of the nine major touristic regions in the Aegean and is a touristic town where amateur fishermen can fish in addition to its clean sea and coast. In the village of Görece in Menderes, the beads of different colors and shapes produced by the people in the houses attract the attention of local and foreign tourists.

Karaburun :

Karaburun is located in the north of the Urla Peninsula. Along the Gulf of Izmir, the north and west coasts extend in a strip with beautiful bays. The settlement of the district dates back to the stone age. The finds from the excavations in Çakmaktepe indicate that this place was an advanced cultural center during the Hittite Period, and then the Aiol, Lydian, Hellenic and Roman civilizations dominated the region. It is known that it developed as a cultural and trade center during the Aeolian, Hellenic and Roman civilizations.

Urla :

Urla, which has all the characteristics of the Aegean Region, is located 38 km. to the west of Izmir, in the central part of the peninsula bearing its name. Urla has been a cultural center throughout history. Among the artifacts found during the excavations, a jug with a beak mouth belonging to the Hittites was unearthed. According to the finds from the excavations of the Limantepe Mound, it was revealed that the Klazomenai Port was the oldest and most organized harbor in the world. The artifacts found in Klazomenai are exhibited in the Louvre Museum, the National Museum of Athens and the Izmir Archaeology Museum.

Torbali :

The first settlement area of Torbalı, located 45 km. east of Izmir, is the ancient city of Metropolis, which was founded on a hill between Yeniköy and Özbey villages in the west of the Torbalı Plain. Metropolis, an Ionian city, maintained its importance during the Roman and Byzantine periods, but was later abandoned. Famous for its wines, the city was also a bishopric center. In the theater of the Late Hellenistic Period, which dominates the plain, there are three marble altars dedicated to the Roman Emperor Augustus and his son Germanicus. The artifacts found during excavations are exhibited in Izmir and Ephesus Museums.

Ödemiş :

The ruins of the ancient city of Hypaiapa in the north of Ödemiş, 113 km. east of İzmir, show that the settlement history of the region dates back to ancient times. The historical importance of the Ödemiş region started when Birgi became the capital of the Aydınoğulları period.

In Birgi, the distinguished examples of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture, the cultural accumulation formed by the civil architecture structures of the 18th and 19th centuries, the richness of the architectural environment and the beauty of the natural environment create a very important tourism potential in the region. Birgi, which was included in the “World Cultural Heritage” list, was included in the scope of faith tourism in 1994. Çakırağa Mansion, Imam-ı Birgivi Madrasah, Sultan Şah Tomb are among the works worth seeing.

Tire :

Tire, one of the largest districts of Izmir, is 82 km from the city center. It was established on the northern foothills of Aydın Mountains. Tire, which lived through the Hittite, Phrygian, Lydian, Persian, Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine periods, has a rich cultural heritage. During the Principalities and Ottoman period, great economic development was achieved and rich examples in terms of architectural history have emerged.

Kemalpaşa :

Located 29 km west of Izmir, Kemalpaşa dates back to 1300 BC. Kemalpaşa, which was the scene of many civilizations starting from the Akkadians and Hittites until the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, was a stopping point for caravan routes between Sart and Ionian cities during the Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine periods.

Today’s Kemalpaşa district, known by its ancient name Nymphaion, was established at an altitude of 200 meters on the slopes of Nif Mountain. Karabel Relief, the only remaining example of the Hittites in the Aegean Region, is within the borders of the district. Kemalpaşa is known for its world-famous cherries and pine forests.

HOW TO GO TO IZMIR

Highway : Intercity bus companies provide regular bus services to all provinces of Turkey day and night. The distance of the terminal to the center is 12 km.

Bus Station Tel : (+90-232) 472 10 10
Üçkuyular Bus Station: There are regular bus and minibus services to Çeşme- Seferihisar and Gümüldür districts in summer and winter. The distance to the center is 10 km.
Bus Station Tel : (+90-232) 259 88 62

Railway : There are regular train services from Izmir to cities such as Ankara, Istanbul, Denizli and Aydın.
Center Basmane Station, Tel: 0.232.484 86 38
Alsancak Station, Tel: 0.232.458 31 31

Seaway : Address: Izmir Port- Alsancak, State Railways Izmir Agency,
Other Ports; Çeşme Port, Dikili Port, Seferihisar-Sığacık Marina
Port Tel : (+90-232) 464 88 64 – 464 88 89

Airline : There are periodic flights to domestic and international destinations from Adnan Menderes Airport. The distance to the center is 16 km.

Airport Tel : (+90-232) 484 12 20

PLACES TO VISIT IN IZMIR

BERGAMA

Bergama, one of the oldest settlements in the history of our country’s civilization, located in the Bakırçay Basin, 100 km to the north of İzmir, has had archaeological artifacts of worldwide importance starting from prehistoric times and continuing with the Ionian, Roman and Byzantine civilizations.

Asklepion, one of the most important health centers of the Ancient Period in the southwest of Bergama, the Acropolis built on a 300 m. high steep hill, which was the first settlement area, and the Temple of Serapis (Red Courtyard) dating back to the 2nd century AD constitute the touristic attraction of the region. The Altar of Zeus was smuggled to Germany in 1897.

Bergama is a district famous for its beautiful thermal springs, the famous Kozak plateau, its connection to Ayvalık district famous for its beaches, and its advanced weaving and rug making.

History: Today’s name comes from the ancient name Pergomon. It was a great city with magnificent monuments in the early ages and the center of the kingdom of the same name, as well as an important strategic location in the Middle Ages, the center of Karesioğullari and finally one of the important centers of the Ottoman Empire.

According to the information obtained from the archaeological excavations carried out in the city, whose exact date of foundation is unknown, it was determined that the city walls were built in the 7th century BC and it is understood that urbanization started in these years. Bergama has seen the Persian, Alexander the Great, Phrygian, Thracian Kingdom, Seleucid Kingdom, Roman and Byzantine periods.

In 1302, after the Byzantine rule disappeared, the Karesioğulları Principality took over the administration of the city, and just after 1341, Bergama was taken by the Ottomans.

Climate Mediterranean climate is observed in the region. Summers are hot and dry, winters are mild and rainy.

Şirince Village

In the village of Şirince, which is estimated to have been a settlement area during the Eastern Roman Empire, some building remains have been unearthed. Tower ruins, aqueducts and monastery/church structures, which are thought to have existed since the 11th century, are the archaeological and historical resources that have survived to the present day in Şirince.

Şirince village, 8 km. away from Selçuk district center, developed on the slopes of the valley as an Ottoman settlement in the 19th century. Approximately 200 houses integrated with the natural environment in the urban texture in harmony with the land structure have been preserved until today.

Kemeralti Bazaar

Kemeraltı Bazaar, starting from the Mezarlıkbaşı neighborhood, draws a curve that encompasses the sea front and reaches the Konak Area. Today, Kemeraltı Bazaar is the most important shopping center of Izmir. In addition to the mysterious vaulted and domed shops of the past, it looks like a site that can appeal to all kinds of shopping with its modern business centers, shops, cinemas and cafeterias. In this bazaar, it is possible to find traditional Turkish handicrafts such as ceramics, tile panels, wood products, tombaks, carpets and rugs, and all kinds of leather products.

Izmir Jewish Elevator:

Built by Jewish businessman Nesim Levi for the convenience of those who want to go to the upper part of Mithatpaşa, the elevator has become one of the prestige points of Izmir today. The building, where aesthetic values are at the forefront, was renovated in 1928, turning the elevator into a center that meets social needs.

The Asansör building, which had a theater stage, a movie theater, a casino and a photographer in the 1930s, is considered one of the indispensable parts of Izmir. In 1992, the historic elevator was restored by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality in accordance with the conditions of the day and turned into a cultural complex.

Cable Car Facilities:

The cable car facilities, which were reorganized by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, fascinate the visitors with their insatiable view. Sports lovers can experience exciting moments with paragliding and special climbing lanes in the facilities, which offer a wide range of opportunities for sports and nature lovers.

Kültürpark:

Kültürpark is one of the most densely green areas in Izmir. It is the main recreation area for Izmir residents with its zoo, palm trees and green vegetation typical of the Mediterranean, sports and entertainment facilities. Since 1936, the International Izmir Fair has been held in Kültürpark every year at the end of August.

Botanical Garden :

A different green environment in Izmir is the Botanical Garden of Ege University. This is the most competent and only international botanical garden of our country. Under artificial conditions, the garden hosts many plant species from a wide geography ranging from the tropics to the Alps. There are about three thousand plant species. Hundreds of species of trees and shrubs are cultivated in Arbeterum. There is also a Herbarium Center where dried plant specimens are preserved and scientific research is carried out.

Bird Observation Area

In the Küçük Menderes Basin, where İzmir province is located, it hosts İldir Lake and Küçük Menderes Delta, which are important bird areas.

Foça Islands

Gediz Delta

Ildir Bay Islands

Küçük Menderes Basin

Museums

Izmir Museum

Address Halil Rifat Cad. No: 4 Konak – Izmir
Tel: (232) 484 83 24
Fax: (232) 425 46 77

Izmir Archaeology Museum

Ataturk Museum

Address Ataturk Cad. No: 24 Alsancak – Izmir
Tel: (232) 421 70 26

Bergama Museum

Address Cumhuriyet Cad. Bergama – Izmir
Tel: (232) 633 10 96
Fax: (232) 631 07 77

Cesme Museum

Address Kale Sok. No:1 Cesme – Izmir
Tel: (232) 712 66 09

Ephesus Museum

Address Kusadasi Cad. Selcuk – Izmir
Tel: (232) 892 60 10
Fax: (232) 892 70 02

Ödemiş Museum

Birgi Cakiraga Mansion

Address Ödemiş – Izmir
Tel: (232) 545 11 84

Tire Museum

Address: Samizade Square Tire – Izmir
Tel: (232) 512 18 60
Fax: (232) 512 18 62

Ruins

Bayraklı (Old Izmir):

The settlement area located in Tepekule, northeast of the Gulf of Izmir, is known as the first settlement area of Izmir. It is understood from archaeological findings that the city was founded around 3000 BC. On a 205 m. high promontory in the upper part of Bayraklı, there is a structure known as the tomb of the mythological king Tantalus and dated to the 7th century BC.

Kadifekale (Pagos):

Founded in Izmir in the 4th century BC by Lysimakhos, one of Alexander the Great’s generals, in a position overlooking the gulf, the city developed on today’s Kadifekale (Pagos) Hill and the slope of the hill facing the inner harbor. Roman and Byzantine influence can be seen on the walls of the Acropolis ruins in the ancient city of Kadifekale.

İzmir, which had great potential in Anatolian trade, was a highly organized and developed city with its gymnasium, stadium, theater and agora, as well as large aqueducts and cisterns. Today, the southern walls and the five towers to the west can be seen in the İçkale, which dates back to the Middle Ages.

Kızılçullu Aqueducts:

The aqueducts, formerly known as Kızılçullu and located in Şirinyer, are on the Meles (Kemer) Stream and were built to bring water to the city founded in Kadifekale.

Agora

Located in the Namazgah-Tilkilik district of İzmir’s Konak district, the Agora is a Roman state agora. It was a place where political meetings and elections were held. Excavations revealed a large part of the agora. Today, only the northern and western sections are open. The Roman reliefs of Poseidon, Demeter and Artemis in the northern structure are exhibited where they were found. The finds and some sculptures unearthed in the agora are exhibited in the Izmir Archaeological Museum.

Ephesus Ruins

Vedius Gymnasium:

It was built by a rich Ephesian on behalf of Vedius Antonius in the II century AD. With its courtyard in the east, the ceremonial hall in the middle, the locker room and the baths, it is a magnificent building where sports and cultural education characterizing the characteristics of the period was carried out.

Stadium:

After the Vedius Gymnasium, there is a stadium on the left side towards the ruins. The stadium, where all sportive races, games, Olympic arrangements and car races were held, met all the sportive and cultural needs of the period.

Acropolis

Opposite the stadium, there is a building dating back to the 6th century BC on the hill considered as the Acropolis. To the northwest of the hill is a temple dating back to 350 BC.

Byzantine Baths

Byzantine baths are encountered after the stadium.

Double Churches (Church of the Consul):

Located opposite the Byzantine baths, the Double Churches have a very special importance for the Christian world. The church where the consuls gathered in 431-438 is a 265×29.5 m. building. In the 11th century A.D., the building, which was transformed into a basilica during the Roman period, was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and at the 3rd Council meeting held here, the birth of Catholicism was decided. The church is of great importance even today as it is one of the first seven churches of Christianity in the world.

In the 7th century A.D., a second church was built with a door opening from the apse of the church and thus the churches were named ” It became known as the “Double Churches”. This newly-opened section contains the parts reserved for the residence of the clergy. Since it was the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the church and its surroundings are a religious center.

Harbor Baths:

First built in the 2nd century A.D., the baths were repaired and modified during the reign of Emperor Constantine in the 4th century.

Arkadiane (Harbor Street):

In order to visit the ruins in Ephesus, a marble-paved street opposite the baths extends to the harbor.

The marble columns on the right and left sides of this magnificent street, which is 11 meters wide and 530 meters long, are still standing today. This street, where kings were welcomed and many important shows and religious ceremonies were held, is also known as “Port Street” because it is the road where all the goods and wealth flowing to and from the harbor.

Theater

The theater, one of the most beautiful structures of the ruins of Ephesus, has remained quite intact and until a while ago, it could be easily used in festivals such as the Ephesus Festival. Although it is known that the 25000-seat theater was built for the first time in the Hellenistic period, it is known that the reconstruction of the theater was started during the reign of Emperor Cladius and completed during the reign of Emperor Trianus A.D. 98-117.

Marble Street:

The 400-meter marble-paved street extending from the Magnesia Gate in the southeast of Ephesus to the Koresos Gate in the northwest was rebuilt in the 5th century AD.

Celsus Library:

Located next to the Commercial Agora, the Celsus Library was built by Julius Aguila, Consul of Asia in 135 AD by the Roman architect Vitruoya. A door in the back wall leads to the tomb of Celsus. The statue of Celsus found here is today in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.

The decoration of the front facade of the building, which fully reflects the Roman architectural features, is among the most beautiful examples of its period. The four female statues between the columns of the façade symbolize the elements of “Reason”, “Fate”, “Knowledge” and “Virtue”. The originals of these statues are today in the Vienna Museum.

House of Love:

The House of Love is located at the intersection with Kuretler Street when you go up the Marble Street. This interesting house, which dates back to the 1st century AD, consists of a main hall and many rooms leading to this hall. The mosaic portraits of girls found in the House of Love are believed to belong to the girls who worked in this house.

It is very interesting that within the walls of the House of Love there is a cooling and heating system equivalent to today’s modern air conditioning system. It is known that there were wine cellars, giant hearths, baths, pools, bedrooms, conference rooms and a magnificent library.

Skolastika Bath:

The bath, which was apparently built by Skolastika, a rich Roman lady living in Ephesus, dates back to 400 AD. The centrally heated bath is an interesting example of the use of marble.

Temple of Hadrian:

One of the most beautiful buildings on Kuretler Street is the Temple of Hadrian, of which the pediment of the facade remains.

The most interesting of the mythological scenes depicted on the architrave of the temple is the scene of the mythological king Andoklos, the founder of Ephesus, killing a wild boar.

Fountain of Trajan:

After passing the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan is located on the left. The statues decorating the floors of the fountain are exhibited in the Ephesus Museum.

Slope Houses:

There were houses on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain on the right side on the return to Kuretler Street from the Library of Celsus, where the rich people of Ephesus were said to have resided. These houses, which have recently been restored and come closer to their original condition, open vertically to the street with wide stairs and have marble coverings decorated with frescoes and mosaics on their walls.

Temple of Domitian:

It is the first temple built in the name of an emperor in Ephesus. It is located in the most beautiful and central part of the city, just opposite the State Agora. The cult statue of Domitian, whose only head and arm were recovered, is now on display in the Izmir Archaeological Museum, while the entrance altar of the temple is on display in the Ephesus Museum.

Municipal Palace (Prytaneion):

On the right side of the council palace, which is considered the sacred place of Ephesus, is the altar of Hestia. A sacred fire was constantly burning on this altar. The Prytaneion was the place where political affairs were conducted and important ceremonies, feasts and receptions were held. The fact that the two Artemis of Ephesus were found here shows that the Prytaneion was also a very important religious place.

Odeon (Bouleuterion):

Built in the 2nd century A.D. by Publis Vedius Antonius, one of the richest Ephesians, the Odeon was covered with wood at the time.

Temple of Artemis:

It is known that the first settlements of the Ephesians were located on the site of this temple. Later, when the temple was destroyed by an earthquake, the Ephesians rebuilt the temple with the help of the Roman emperor. Known as one of the seven wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis of Ephesus today has only the remains of the foundation.

Basilica of St. Jean:

The basilica built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian on behalf of St. Jean in the 6th century A.D. is located on Ayasuluk Hill. 40X110 m. The building, which has an entrance from the west, is a cross-planned, domed basilica.

Seven Sleepers:

The ruins of the Seven Sleepers, which are believed to have been built in the 5th and 6th centuries A.D., have the identity of a religious center. According to the legend, before the adoption of Christianity as the official religion, seven young people who took refuge here by fleeing from the pagans fell asleep and woke up two centuries later. When they woke up, Christianity became the official religion. Upon this miracle, it is believed that these seven young people were reburied after their deaths and a large building was built in their name.

Today, the building unearthed during excavations is quite large and monumental in size and most of the rock-carved tombs, two churches and catacombs are found.

House of the Virgin Mary:

On Mount Bülbül is the house of Mary, the holy mother of Christianity. It is believed that the holy place, also called “Panaya Kapulu” by Christians, was built in the 4th century A.D. Shortly before the capture and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, he delivered his mother to St. Jean, his friend and apostle.

After the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, St. Jean found it inconvenient for Mary to stay in Jerusalem, so he kidnapped her and brought her here. St. Jean, who undertook the sacred task of spreading the Christian religion, chose Ephesus, the largest city of the age, as his target, and since he did not want to bring Mary into the land of pagans, he hid her in a hut he built in a corner covered with dense trees at the foot of Bülbül Mountain.

It is known that St. Jean secretly visited her every day, bringing her food and drink. It is accepted that Mary lived in this place on Mount Bülbül until the age of 101 and died here. St. Jean took the Virgin Mary to a place on this mountain that no one but himself knew. After the spread of Christianity, a church in the shape of a “Cross” was built by Christians in the place where the Virgin Mary was found. This place was found on the description of a German nun who was crippled and could not come to Turkey.

Mosques, Churches and Synagogues

Hisar Mosque

It is located in Hisarönü in today’s Kemeraltı business center. It was built in 1592 by Yakup Bey. Built of cut stone, the mosque is one of the most spectacular mosques in Izmir. The interior exhibits one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman decoration art. The wooden pulpit is inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

Salepçioğlu Mosque:

Built in 1906 by Salepçizade Hacı Mehmet Efendi, the mosque has a single dome and two floors. Its outer walls are built with marble and green stones.

Kestane Bazaar Mosque:

The building in the bazaar called Kestane Pazarı in İzmir was built in 1663 by Eminoğlu Hacı Mehmet Aga. There are shops and warehouses on the lower floor of the two-storey mosque. The big dome is placed on four columns. There are small domes at the corners.

Şadırvan Mosque:

This name was given to the mosque in the bazaar because of the fountain next to it. Built in the 16th century, the mosque was extensively repaired in 1815. The main space is covered with a dome based on ten columns. The pencil decorations on the interior of the dome are remarkable. The library in the west is internally connected to the mosque. The cut stone minaret has a single balcony.

Konak (Yalı) Mosque:

Located in Konak Square, it was built in 1754 by Ayşe, the daughter of Mehmet Pasha. It has an octagonal plan and a domed top in the style of classical Ottoman architecture. The stone and brick walls are decorated with tiles around the windows. There are turquoise tiles on the honeycomb part of the minaret with a single balcony made of cut stone.

Hatuniye Mosque:

It is known that Tayyibe Hatun, the mother of Ahmet Aga, son of Yusuf Çavuş, built the 17th century building on Anafartalar Street. In the first part of the mosque, the dome covering the main space rests on a 12-cornered pulley. Later, another section was added to the mosque and connected to the main space with arches.

Faik Pasha Mosque:

It is located in the Altınordu neighborhood, south of Basmane. It was built in the 16th century by Faik Pasha. The 13-column worship space is covered with a wooden roof.

Hacı Hüseyin (Başdurak) Mosque:

Located in the Başdurak neighborhood, the building dates to the 17th century. The main space is covered with a large dome resting on an octagonal pulley. The mihrab is covered with tile panels. All the capitals are gold and the windows are stained glass.

Ali Aga Mosque:

Built in 1672 by Gediz Ali Aga, the mosque has a square plan and a single dome on eight-cornered wooden columns. The gilded decorations of the column capitals and the pencil works of the dome are from the 19th century.

Kurşunlu Mosque:

Located in Namazgâh Square, it is one of the oldest mosques in the city. It is believed to have been built by Yavuz Sultan Selim. The roof of the main space is wooden and covered with tiles. The wooden carved pulpit is decorated with mother-of-pearl inlaid flowers. The mihrab niche is decorated with pencil work.

Iki Çeşmelik Mosque:

The main space of the mosque, dated to 1893 in the İkiçeşmelik neighborhood, is covered with a dome resting on two pillars and four columns. The dome is decorated with pencil work. There is a small courtyard to the east.

Çorakkapı Mosque:

It is located in Basmahane, opposite Gar. It was built in 1747. The main space is covered with a single dome resting on an octagonal pulley. It was expanded with three domed spaces on the sides. The pulpit is made of marble and the minaret is made of cut stone.

Kemeraltı Mosque:

It was built on Anafartalar Street in 1671 by Yusuf Çamazade Ahmed Aga. The walls of the single domed structure are made of stone. Its minaret has a single balcony.

Bergama Great Mosque:

It was built in 1393 during the reign of Sultan Yıldırım Bayezit. The rectangular planned building is covered with three domes resting on 4 thick legs. In the mihrab, sulus, intricate writings and geometric decorations and plaster reliefs in Seljuk architectural order are remarkable. The marble pulpit is geometrically decorated.

Ödemiş Great Mosque:

It was built in 1312 by Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey. The structure with a square plan and five floors is covered with a wooden roof carried by eight columns and there is a small dome in front of the mihrab. The minaret is decorated with turquoise glazed bricks arranged in a diamond shape. The mosaic tiled mihrab consisting of turquoise and dark purple colored geometric stars and interlaces is surrounded by rumis. The wooden pulpit was made with kündekari technique without nails.

Selçuk Isa Bey Mosque:

It was built by Aydınoğlu İsa Bey in 1375 on the slope of Ayasuluk Hill in Selçuk. The rectangular planned building has a courtyard with porticoes on three sides. The main space is divided by 4 columns in two rows and the section above the mihrab and the entrance is covered with two domes. The beginning of the dome over the mihrab is decorated with plates. The capitals carrying the arch are original examples of Seljuk stonework. Each of the windows draws attention with the beauty of stone carvings in different patterns.

Sultan Shah Tomb:

It is in the center of the town of Ödemiş, south of the Great Mosque. Built in 1310 for Sultan Şah, the sister of Aydınoğlu Mehmed Bey, the tomb has a hexagonal plan and is covered with a dome.

Mehmed Bey Tomb:

It is located northwest of the Great Mosque in Ödemiş. It was built in 1333 for Aydınoğlu Mehmed Bey and his three sons. It is an octagonal structure on a square plan. There are star-shaped ornaments made of turquoise and dark blue tiles on the corners of the windows. A round medallion made of mosaic tiles is seen inside the dome.

Tomb of Suleyman Shah:

It is located in the center of Tire district. The tomb built in 1349 for Aydınoğlu Süleyman Şah in marble and stone has a square plan and is covered with a dome.

Madrasahs in Izmir:

Madrasahs are important for understanding the level of education and culture in Izmir during the Ottoman period. Written sources mention the existence of nearly 40 madrasas in Izmir. The oldest of these madrasas date back to the early 16th century; Salepçizade Hacı Ahmet Efendi, Yalı, Hatuniye, Çorakkapı, Katipzade Madrasas.

Basilica of St. John:

According to a Christian tradition dating back to the 2nd century AD, St. John was buried on this hill when he died. A church with a wooden roof was built in the 4th century A.D., and a domed basilica was built in the 6th century A.D. by the Byzantine Emperor Iustinianus.

To the west of the three-nave, cross-planned, domed structure is the atrium (columned courtyard). It is known that under the domed section in the middle is the tomb of St. Jean. The walls of the small chapel to the north of St. Jean’s tomb are decorated with frescoes of saints. Columns bearing the monograms of Emperor Iustinianus and his wife Theodora were found.

House of the Virgin Mary:

It is accepted that after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, St. John, one of his apostles, brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus. It is believed that the House of Virgin Mary, located on Mount Bülbül on behalf of the Virgin Mary, was built in the 4th century. The entrance of this cross-planned and domed building opens to the hall with an apse.

There is a statue of the Virgin Mary in the apse, a kitchen and a bedroom on either side of the apse. Approved in 1957 by the Holy See, the house of the Virgin Mary is a place that is frequently visited by both Christians and Muslims. Every year on August 15th, masses commemorating the Virgin Mary are held in this place.

St. Polycarp Church:

Built in 1625 with the permission of Suleiman the Magnificent, St. Polycarp Church is the oldest church still in use in Izmir. It is believed that the ruins of the Izmir church, one of the seven churches mentioned in the Bible, are on the site of the St. Polycarp Church in İki Çeşmelik.

Beth Israel Synagogue:

It was built in 1905 with the decree of Sultan Abdulhamit II in the Karataş neighborhood of Izmir and is the largest synagogue in Izmir.

Baths

Luxury Hamam (Kadı Hamam):

Thought to have been built in the 16th century, the bath is considered among the first Ottoman works. Built as a double bath, the changing places of the building are covered with a dome on a flattened octagonal arched pulley. The warmth section is barrel vaulted. The temperature section has a rectangular plan and there are iwans covered with barrel vaults on both sides. It still continues its function today.

Basmane Bath:

A 17th century Ottoman work, the bath is still well-maintained and functional. The building with a pool in the middle, covered with a dome sitting on an octagonal pulley, preserves its typical features.

Inns

Kızlarağası Han:

It is the largest of the inns in the city. Located on the road leading to Hisarönü, it was built by Kızlarağası Hacı Beşir in 1745. It is a large building with a rectangular plan close to square, two floors and a courtyard. It has seven doors. One corridor in the south and two in the north are covered with barrel vaults. Around the courtyard, 10 rooms covered with vaults and with round arched entrances are located on the upper floor. The walls are built with beautiful stonework.

Mirkelamoğlu Inn:

Located on the street leading from Yorgancılar Bazaar to Fevzipaşa Boulevard, the inn is thought to have been built in the 18th century. It has two floors and a courtyard and consists of rooms surrounding the courtyard.

Çakaloğlu Inn:

An 18th century Ottoman building, Çakaloğlu Inn is one of the important historical monuments of Izmir. It has a long rectangular plan and is shaped like a bazaar covered with vaults. The straight walls were built with cut stone and one or two rows of bricks.

Karaosmanoğlu Inn:

Karaosmanoğlu Inn, one of the oldest surviving inns in the city, is located on Fevzipaşa Boulevard. The two-storey building with a courtyard has largely lost its architectural features. Its walls were built of stone and brick.
Protected Areas

Izmir Natural Areas

Izmir-Kunduracı Çınarı

Location Izmir
Feature: 980 years old, 30 m. tall, 4 m. in diameter and 15 m. in circumference.
Installation Date: 29.09.1994

Izmir-Kadınlar Well Koca Menengici

Location: Izmir, Foca
Feature: 600 years old, 14 m. tall, 2.10 m. in diameter and 7.30 m. in circumference.
Plant Date: 31.10.1995

Izmir-Taşdede Pirnal Oak

Location: Izmir, Karsiyaka
Feature 250-year-old oak tree, 8 m. tall, 1 m. diameter and 3 m. circumference.
Installation Date: 29.09.1994

Izmir-Anatolian Chestnut

Location: Izmir, Ödemiş
Feature: 600-year-old chestnut tree, 20 m. tall, 3 m. in diameter and 10 m. in circumference
Installation Date: 27.09.1994

İzmir-Orvacık Village Anatolian Chestnut

Location: Izmir, Ödemiş
Feature: 500-year-old chestnut tree, 18 m. tall, 2.78 m. diameter and 8.73 m. circumference.
Installation Date: 21,02,1995

Izmir-First Lead Sycamore

Location: Izmir, Ödemiş
Feature: 300 years old, 32 m. tall, 2. m. diameter and 5.80 m. circumference width plane tree.
Installation Date: 25.07.1995

Izmir-Yarendede Pistachio Pine

Location: Izmir, Urla
Feature: 150 years old, 30 m. tall. 1.30 m. diameter and 4.10 m. circumference.
Installation Date: 25.07.1995

Izmir-Yemişçi Çınarı

Location: Izmir, Urla
Feature: 350 years old, 20 m. tall, 3 m. diameter and 9 m. circumference width plane tree.
Installation Date: 25.07.1995

Izmir-Pistachio Pine

Location: Izmir, Urla
Feature: 105 years old, 20 m. tall, 1.20 m. diameter and 3.90 m. circumference width pine tree.
Installation Date: 25.07.1995

Izmir-Teas Menengici

Location: Izmir, Urla
Characteristics: 35 years old, 4 m. tall, 0.5 m in diameter, 1.55 m in circumference and human-like meningococ tree.
Plant Date: 09.11.1994

Caves

Inkaya Cave

Inkaya cave is located on the eastern slope of Kocad Mountain to the west of Yelki village in the central district of Izmir. You can go to the cave by land vehicle or tractor from Yelki Village to the vicinity of the cave. Then you can reach the cave by walking up a steep and maquis slope for 20 minutes.

Features: The total length of the cave is 222 m. The deepest point of the cave is -30 m according to the entrance. It is a dry cave of mostly horizontal and partly vertical type. The cave temperature in October is 18ºC in the hall and 22ºC in the last part.

It is understood that it was used for settlement in historical periods from the pots and potsherds recovered from the cave.

Geology-Geomorphology: It was developed in Cretaceous aged limestones along several fractures cutting each other. After a steep descent, the cave expands into a large hall. The width of the hall is 20-20 m. and the ceiling height is around 5 m. The floor is covered with soil and molon. The passages on the side of the hall lead to small decorated chambers. The hall continues to the south through a gallery with a sloping floor. At the end of the gallery, a 7 m. deep well leads down to the last and lowest part of the cave.

Kurudag Cave

Location: Izmir, Selcuk District

It is located in Kurudag district of Selcuk.

Features: The total length of the cave is 42 m. and the deepest point is -22 m. according to the entrance. It is of horizontal and dry cave type. It is cool compared to the open air.

The cave was developed within the Mesozoic aged massif dolomitic marbles. The cave has a narrow entrance. Then it widens and reaches 20 m in width. The length is 41 m. The ceiling height is 3-5 m on average. The bottom of the cave sloping towards the north is covered with rock blocks and travertine formations. In this section, various caves have been excavated. There are stalactites, stalagmites and columns in the cave cavity, curtain and flag travertines on the walls.

It was used as a shelter by people in ancient times. For this reason, various excavations were made in the cave. Since it has rich resources in terms of natural and archaeological values, it is suitable for tourism. It has not been opened for tourism yet.

Hot Springs

Balçova Hot Springs:

“Agamemnon Hot Springs”, mentioned in Homer’s epics and geographer Strabo’s works, has been used as a healing home since ancient times. These hot springs, where a group of Alexander’s armies treated their wounds, became even more famous at that time. Today, there are hot water mud baths and drinking waters in the region known as Balçova thermal springs. Balçova Hot Springs, where there are still accommodation facilities, are mostly useful in cases such as chronic inflammations of the upper respiratory tract, nephritis, some inflammations, rheumatism syndromes, metabolism and skin diseases. The healing water in Balçova Hot Springs contains sodium bicarbonate and chloride.

Thermal Tourism Centers

Bayındır Thermal

Bayındır Thermal consists of Ergendi Ilıcası Dereköy hot springs, which are 8 km. away on the Turgutlu road northeast of Bayındır. The water temperature in the hot springs, which are 15 minutes away from each other, is around 40ºC on average. It is stated that the hot springs containing sulfur and sodium bicarbonate are mostly successful in the treatment of rheumatism and skin diseases.

Menemen Hot Springs:

It is located in the northwest of Menemen, 15 km west of the Aliağa farm district center. The waters boil in a cave. The rocks were sculpted in the old period and the spring was kept in a natural bath. Those who suffer from fractures with delayed union due to traumatic causes, some diseases of the bone system, blood circulation disorders and similar ailments benefit from these waters.

Ilıcagöl Ilıcası:

Ilıcagöl is located on the western edge of the lake swamp northwest of Menemen. In the treatment applied in the form of water and mud baths, the warm and sulfurous waters of the thermal spring are useful in cases such as rheumatism, skin diseases, bile and urinary tract stones.

Dikili Thermal Spring:

Nebiler Thermal Spring is located 4 km. to the right of Dikili Ayvalık highway. There is hydroacetate ion in the hot spring water where there are facilities to meet the needs of the region.

Bademli Hot Springs:

It is 15 km. away from Dikili. It contains arsenic and hydroacetate.

Tavşan Island Hot Spring:

15 km. southwest of Tire District center, near Uzgur Village and Elem Lake (Bozköy). The very hot waters of the hot spring are used for bathing and drinking. When used as a bath, it is good for rheumatism and skin diseases, pediatric and gynecological diseases, and when used as drinking, it is useful in lung and food metabolism diseases.

Seferihisar Thermal Springs:

The thermal springs and hot springs in Seferihisar Doğan Bey Thermal region can be listed as follows: Cumalı Thermal Springs, Karakoç Thermal Springs, Kelalan Thermal Springs. These thermal springs are useful in diseases such as rheumatism and skin diseases, upper respiratory tract, fractures, gynecological diseases.

Urla Hot Springs (Malkoç Springs):

Located at the 41st Km of İzmir – Çeşme highway in the region called (İçmeler), the thermal waters contain carbon dioxide and sodium chloride. The camping and room type accommodation facilities around the thermal spring are in a position to meet the regional needs. It is located by the sea. It is stated that it is mostly useful in the treatment of stomach and intestines.

Gülbahçe Thermal Springs:

Located 15 km. west of Urla District center, by the sea in Gülbahçe Bay, the thermal spring also has a bathhouse. It is useful in the treatment of rheumatism and skin diseases.

Izmir Beaches

Izmir province has a coast of 629 km to the Aegean Sea. Of this, 101 km are natural beaches. Due to its geography consisting of peninsulas and bays, Izmir coasts offer opportunities for water sports in addition to beach use. Among the beaches in the province, Selçuk-Pamucak, Urla and Gülbahçe, Çeşme-Ilıca and Altınkum, Gümüldür and Özdere beaches, Dikili and Çandarlı beaches in the north, and Foça-Yeni Foça beaches stand out in terms of their sandy characteristics. Transportation to the beaches is extremely easy and quick. It is possible to get a car from Izmir central garage and Üçkuyular garage to almost every district at any time of the day.

Izmir Yacht Harbors

In İzmir province, especially the south of the Çeşme Peninsula constitutes one of the main yacht routes of our country. Çeşme-Kuşadası route is the area where yacht tourism infrastructure has developed the most. Alaçatı Pier is a paradise for yachtsmen with bays lined up side by side in the south of Alaçatı town. The pier can accommodate 80 boats. There are many facilities for yachts. Urla Pier can accommodate 20 boats, 175 boats in the fishing harbor and 80 boats in Özbekköy harbor. An extraordinary view of the surrounding area can be seen from Güvendik Hill near the pier.

Izmir Plateaus

Bozdağ Gölcük Plateau in Ödemiş District, Subatan Plateau in the same region, Karagöl on Yamanlar Mountain in the north of Karşıyaka District, Kozak Plateau on Madra Mountain in the north of the mountains surrounding Bergama District are areas suitable for daily recreation and plateau tourism.

Sport Activities in Izmir

Hunting Tourism Izmir:

There are wild boar hunting grounds in and around Izmir (especially around Çeşme) for hunting. There are also wild boar hunting grounds in Karaburun Peninsula and animals such as wild goat are hunted. The animals to be hunted in the hunting grounds designated for hunting tourism are determined and announced in advance by the hunters’ association.

Mountaineering Izmir:

Mountaineering, which has been developing in Izmir in recent years, especially among youth and students, is considered and developed as a sport. Balçova Hill, where the Balçova cable car is located, and Yamanlar Mountain are places where mountain sports are practiced at amateur level. Furthermore, among the mountain ranges descending steeply to the Gulf of Izmir, the Madran Mountains in the north offer the most favorable opportunities for mountaineering with an altitude of over 2000 meters.

Izmir Bozdağ Ski Center:

The presence of natural slopes on the northern slopes of the Bozdağ elevation allows skiing sports. Only 1.5 hours away from Izmir, Bozdağ Ski Resort facilities, famous for being the highest and least humid in the Aegean for peace, health and sports, are organized with 22 bungalows, 12 hotel rooms, fireplace restaurant, cafe, bar, ski school, shopping center and health services.

Water sports:

Izmir’s bays have favorable spots for underwater diving.

Arts, Culture and Entertainment

Izmir has a reputation as a cosmopolitan and cultural city. Izmir Cultural Center frequently hosts opera, ballet and music concerts.

The Izmir International Fair, which opens every year in August, is an exhibition of entertainment and industry.

The theater, one of the most beautiful structures of the ruins of Ephesus, has remained quite intact and after restoration is now used for festivals such as the Ephesus festival.

WHAT TO EAT IN IZMİR

The food of Izmir and its region is extremely rich in variety and is a unique combination of Aegean, Mediterranean and Anatolian cuisines. In addition to the vegetation of the region, the multicultural social structure is also a factor in this formation.

The main dishes are: Bulamaç soup, tarhana soup, cress soup, trança head soup, kirde, gum stew, mücver, İzmir meatballs, papaz stew, stuffed artichokes, tomato bastısı, yams, revani, spinach borani, settlement roasting, Efes tangle, şevketi bostan, mallow, radica salad.

Recipes from Izmir

Cress soup

Ingredients

9 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons flour
1 egg
1 lemon
1 cup cream
1 glass of milk
2 tablespoons of butter
1 bunch of cress
1/2 teaspoon sugar
salt

Preparation:
Mix the flour, lemon juice and egg in a bowl and add into the boiling chicken broth little by little. Remove the cress leaves and blend them with a glass of milk. When the leaves are completely melted, add to the boiling soup. Boil it for a while and add cream, butter, sugar and salt. After boiling for a while, strain it and serve.

Izmir meatballs

Ingredients:

1/2 kg pounded meat
Juice of 2 onions
1 egg
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
5 tomatoes
3 slices of bread
1 teaspoon meatball seasoning
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Preparation: Knead the well pounded meat with onion juice, salt, black pepper, meatball seasoning, bread crumbs and egg. When it turns into dough, shape it into meatballs and fry them in oil. Put the fried meatballs into a pot. On a separate side, chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Pour the chopped tomatoes over the meatballs in the pot and cook for 15 minutes.

Radica salad

Ingredients

1 bunch radicchio
1 tablespoon salt
1 lemon
1/2 cup olive oil

Preparation:
Separate the radicas from their roots and wash them thoroughly. Boil salted water in a pot and add radicas into the boiling water. Boil the radicas until the stems are soft, drain and place on a serving plate. After it cools down, add olive oil and lemon juice on it, garnish with olives and serve.

SHOPPING IN IZMIR?

The streets with the heaviest shopping traffic in Izmir are the Kemeraltı Streets on the left and right sides of Anafartalar Street, which still carry the atmosphere of a century ago in the curves of their shutters, door sills, flat ceilings and old tiles. Although the old image is not completely gone, the shouting of the hawkers, the distinctive sounds of the coppersmiths’ bazaar, the gurgling of the fountain next to the Şadırvan Mosque, the shouting of the fishermen in their wet aprons in the Kestane market are all signs that Kemeraltı has not changed much.

The Urgancılar Bazaar, the Jewelers’ Bazaar, the press makers, the shoemakers are all still in business. In addition, the best and most modern shopping centers are located along the Kordon in Alsancak, Karşıyaka and Cumhuriyet Street.

You can shop in Çankaya, which is adjacent to Kemeraltı, the most important shopping center in Izmir, and from there you can reach Alsancak, where there are exclusive boutiques and shops, and you can find the same opportunities in Karşıyaka.

LINKS

Izmir Governorship http://www.izmir.gov.tr/

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality http://www.izmir-bld.gov.tr/

Directorate of Tourism http://www.izmirturizm.gov.tr/

Dokuz Eylul University http://www.deu.edu.tr/index_1.html

Aliaga Municipality http://www.aliaga-bld.gov.tr/

Bademli Municipality http://www.bademli-bld.gov.tr/

Narlidere Municipality http://www.narlidere-bld.gov.tr/

Ödemiş Municipality http://www.odemis-bld.gov.tr/

Ankara is Turkey’s capital and the second largest city after Istanbul. Located in the center of Anatolia on the eastern edge of the great, high Anatolian Plateau, in the province of the same name, Ankara is a lovely tourist destination. Besides its cultural and architectural heritage, the city has a major European appearance than most of the other cities in Turkey, with wide-open roads, large hotels, restaurants and museums…

Ankara Weather (5 Days Gov. Forecast)

You may find below the weather in Ankara for the current day and for the following 5 days from Turkish State Meteorological Service Official Web Sites.

Ankara Photos:

Population of Ankara:(2024est)

5.855.069

General Information About Ankara

Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Turkey, was established at a central point in Central Anatolia. Due to this central location, throughout history, especially during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, the sof fabrics made from the hair of Ankara goats were sold abroad, making Ankara a caravanserai route and a trade center.

Ankara assumed a prominent position in the national resistance led by Atatürk after the First World War and was declared the capital of the new Republic of Turkey on October 13, 1923 after the Turkish homeland was liberated from foreign occupation through the War of Independence.

Ankara’s most prominent landmark is the magnificent Anıtkabir, built for the great leader Atatürk. Completed in 1953, this synthesis of ancient and modern architecture testifies to the strength and elegance of Turkish architecture.

The oldest parts of the city surround the historic Castle. Within the walls, the 12th-century Alaaddin Mosque, although overhauled by the Ottomans, still displays fine examples of Seljuk woodwork and art. Many interesting old Turkish houses have been restored and revitalized as art galleries or restaurants serving traditional Turkish cuisine.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in the beautifully restored Bedestend near the Hisar Gate houses priceless artifacts from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods and the Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian and Roman civilizations.

Arslanhane Mosque from the 13th century and Ahi Elvan Mosque from the 14th century are worth seeing outside the castle. The baths dating from the third century A.D., the Julian Column from the fourth century and the Temple of Augustus built in the Corinthian style from the second century are around the castle close to Ulus Square. One of Emperor Augustus’ “Political Orders”, an inscription detailing his achievements, is on the walls of the Temple of Augustus in Ankara.

Near the castle, there is a Roman Theater and the 15th century Hacı Bayram Mosque and mausoleum in the same area.

The Museum of Painting and Sculpture is next door to the Ethnographic Museum, which displays masterpieces of Seljuk wooden door carving and other everyday objects. The Kocatepe Mosque, the largest mosque in Ankara, was built between 1976 and 1987 in Ottoman style.

Ankara has a vibrant artistic and cultural life, with outstanding ballet, theater, opera and folk dance performances. The city is particularly famous for its Philharmonic Orchestra, which never fails to attract an audience.

DISTRICTS OF ANKARA:

The districts of Ankara are Altındağ, Çankaya, Etimesgut, Keçiören, Mamak, Sincan, Yenimahalle, Akyurt, Ayaş, Bala, Beypazarı, Çamlıdere, Çubuk, Elmadağ, Evren, Gölbaşı, Güdül, Haymana, Kalecik, Kazan, Kızılcahamam, Nallıhan, Polatlı and Şereflikoçhisar.

Akyurt:

It is 33 km. away from the city center. A large mound belonging to the Old Bronze Age and later, which has been the scene of settlement since the middle of 3000 BC, was found 1 km away from the Balıkhisar Village of the district.

Altındağ :

1 km. away from the city center, in the district covering the Seljuks, Ottomans and older civilizations; Ankara Castle, Temple of Augustus, Julianus Column, Roman Bath, Republic Monument, Anatolian Civilizations Museum, State Painting and Sculpture Museum, Ethnography Museum, War of Independence Museum and Republic Museum. In addition, Karacabey, Ahi Şerafettin, Hacı Bayram Veli Efendi, Karyağdı, Gülbaba and İzzettin Baba Tombs and Hacı Bayram, Aslanhane, Ahi Elvan, Alaaddin, Zincirli and Kurşunlu mosques are also within the borders of the district.

Ayaş :

Ayaş District, 58 km. from the city center, is famous for its hot springs. Karakaya Hot Spring and the mineralized and radioactive waters of Ayaş thermal springs 23 km. to the west are an important source of wealth in terms of health. Karadere Vineyards, Ova Vineyards, Arıklar Vineyards, Kirazdibi Vineyards are other natural assets of the district.

Bala :

Located in the south of Ankara, within the borders of Bala district, 35 km away from the district, Beynam Forests are one of the important recreational places of Ankara as well as Balâ district. This place is generally covered with pine forests.

Beypazari :

The history of Beypazarı district, 99 km. from Ankara, dates back to the Hittites and Phrygians. It is understood from historical artifacts and maps that Beypazarı was a bishopric center and its name was changed to Lagania Anastasiopolıs.

Beypazarı is a charming district famous for its historical houses, silver work and carrots. Boğazkesen Kumbet, Suluhan, Old Bath, Sultan Alaaddin Mosque, Akşemseddin Mosque, Kurşunlu Mosque, Rüstem Pasha Bath, Gazi Gündüzalp Tomb (Hırkatepe), Kara Davut Tomb (Kuyumcutekke), Karaca Ahmet Tomb are within the borders of the district and are worth seeing.

Tekke Plateau, located 10 km. away from the district, Eğriova Plateau and Lake in Karaşar town, 44 km. away, and structures resembling fairy chimneys around Dereli village are interesting places of the district.

Çamlidere :

Located in the northwest of Ankara, Çamlıdere district is 108 km. away from the city center. There is a mosque in Peçenek Town belonging to the Seljuk period in the district. In addition, the remains of tombs and settlements belonging to the Byzantine Period are also found.

Çankaya :

Çankaya District is 9 km. away from the city center. Çankaya District, one of the important districts of Ankara, includes many districts close to the city center. Atatürk Forest Farm, Eymir Lake, Elmadağ Ski Facilities, Ahlatlıbel Sports and Entertainment Center are within the district borders.

Anıtkabir, Atatürk Museum, Atatürk Monument (Victory Monument-Sıhhiye), MTA General Directorate Natural History Museum, Security Monument, Ethnography Atatürk Monument, Natural History Museum, METU Archeology Museum, State Painting and Sculpture Exhibition Hall, Anıt Park, Botanical Garden, Abdi İpekçi Park, Güven Park, Kurtuluş Park, Kuğulu Park, National Sovereignty Park, Ahmet Arif Park, 100. Year Indoor Swimming Pool, sports fields such as the Municipality Ice Skating Rink, Toy Museum (Cebeci-Ankara University Faculty of Education), Hittite Monument, Atakule, TBMM are among the main tourist attractions of the district.

Çubuk :

Çubuk is 39 km from Ankara city center. A castle ruin in Aktepe and a carved rock tomb in Karadana Village are Hittite ruins.
Forested areas in the Çubuk II. Dam drainage area and forested areas in Karagöl are important recreation places.

Elmadağ :

It is 41 km. away from the city center. Carpentry, hand-woven rugs, rugs, saddlebags and bags dating back to the Seljuks have brought cultural richness to the present day.

Etimesgut :

Etimesgut district is 20 km from Ankara city center. Gazi Train Station and Etimesgut Train Station, where Atatürk was seen off on his way to Istanbul, are remarkable with their historical building features. The mausoleum of Ahi Elvan, one of the Turkish greats such as Ahi Mes’ud and Ahi Elvan, who gave Etimesgut its name, is located in the courtyard of Elvanköy Mosque in Elvanköy.

Evren :

It is 178 km. away from the city center. The mounds, churches and castle ruins found in the vicinity show that this region was a settlement long before Islam. Within the borders of the district, on the Evren-Sarıyahşi road 2 km. away from Evren, ceramic remains dating back to a thousand years were found in a mound. Sığırcık Castle located 2 km southwest of Çatalpınar Village belongs to the Late Byzantine and Ottoman Period.

Gölbaşı :

Gölbaşı and its surroundings, 20 km. away from Ankara, are Ankara’s recreation, resort, tourism and industrial zone. Mogan and Eymir Lakes bring touristic value to the district with their natural beauty, clean air and fish production.

There are stalagmites, stalactites and columns worth seeing in the Tulumtaş Cave located in the Karayatak Hill Mevkii between the villages of İncek, Hacılar and Tulumtaş.

Haymana :

Haymana, which is 73 km. from the city center, is world famous for its hot springs. The history of the hot springs dates back to the Hittites. After the Hittites, the hot springs facilities were restored during the Roman period, and a city with ruins was established 1-1.5 km east of the hot springs and this region was turned into a water treatment center.

Kalecik :

It is estimated that Kalecik and its vicinity, 71 km. from the city center, was inhabited for the first time in the early Chalcolithic Period between 3500-4000 BC. Hasbey, Saray, Tabakhane Mosques, Kazancıbaba, Alişoğlu Tomb, Develioğlu Bridge on Kızılırmak and Kalecik Castle are the main historical monuments.

Kazan:

Kazan’s distance from the city center is 45 km. The date of establishment of the district is not known for certain. Many historical artifacts unearthed as a result of excavations show that the district and its villages were inhabited in the time of many different civilizations.

Keçiören :

The distance of Keçiören district from Ankara city center is 3 km. It is one of the central districts of Ankara. The Ankara Old Agricultural School, where Mustafa Kemal prepared for the War of Independence and used as headquarters, is today within the borders of Keçiören as a museum.

Kızılcahamam :

Located 83 km. away from the city center, Kızılcahamam is the settlement with the densest forest cover in Ankara. Kızılcahamam is rich in mineral water and the Şey Hamamı Hot Spring, 16 km from Kızılcahamam, is among the important hot springs of the country.

Mamak :

Mamak district is 7 km from the city center. In order to fulfill cultural services in the district, there is the Conservatory Building where the current Municipality Presidency Building is located. In addition, the 75th Year Republic Amphitheater can be counted among the cultural activity assets. Hatip Stream, Bayındır Dam and important 4 promenade places are among the natural assets.

Nallıhan:

Nallıhan’s distance to the city center is 161 km. The district center was formed in 1599 when Vizier Nasuhpaşa built an inn here and took its name from this inn. A mosque and a bathhouse were built together with the inn, whose roof is still ruined. Uluhan Mosque, which was built in the 17th century in Uluhan (Köstebek) Village in the district, is another important work.

Polatli :

The distance of Polatlı district to the city center is 78 km. Yassıhöyük Village and its surroundings, which fall 20 meters northwest of today’s Polatlı, can be considered as a real beginning of history in the region. There are 86 tumuli and king tombs and ruins in this vicinity, and there are tumuli and city ruins in the district center.

Şereflikoçhisar :

It is 148 km. away from the city center. In the district, there is Salt Lake, the second largest lake in Turkey. Fishing is carried out in the Hirfanlı Dam Lake in the north. Salt Lake, Kurşunlu Mosque, Koçhisar Castle and Parlasan Castle constitute the historical and touristic riches of the district.

Yenimahalle :

Yenimahalle is 5 km from the city center. Among the works that emphasize the history of Yenimahalle, which is located in the city center, is the Akköprü, which was built by the Seljuk ruler Alaaddin Keykubat in 1222 on the Ankara Stream where the old Baghdad Trade route passed. The bridge, which still preserves its historical feature, consists of 7 arches, 4 large and 3 small.

GEOGRAPHY

Ankara is surrounded by Kırşehir and Kırıkkale in the east, Eskişehir in the west, Çankırı in the north, Bolu in the northwest, Konya and Aksaray in the south.

Ankara is a region covered with plains formed by the tributaries of the Kızılırmak and Sakarya rivers in the northwest of Central Anatolia. In this region, it is possible to see forest areas, steppe and steppe areas together.

Willow, poplar and poplar trees seen in rows along the rivers are located in the steppe. In the individual mountains rising on the plateau around Ankara and in the mountainous area in the north, forest cover begins to manifest itself due to the increase in precipitation.

The steppe climate, which is characterized by the Central Anatolian climate in the south, and the mild and rainy conditions of the Black Sea climate in the north can be seen. In this region where the continental climate prevails, winter temperatures are low and summer is hot.

HISTORY

Located in the heart of Central Anatolia, Ankara, the capital of the Turkish State, was chosen by Atatürk, the founder of the republic, to host the new government of the newly established republic.

The history of Ankara and its surroundings goes back to the Hatti Civilization in the Bronze Age. In the second millennium before Christ, the Hittites became the rulers of the region, followed by the Phrygians, Lydians and Persians. In the third century before Christ, the Galatians, a Celtic race, made Ankara their capital.

The name of the province in history is “Ankyra”. The Galatians used Ankara as their capital for the first time. Although it is known to have been a small city of the Hittite period, no artifacts from this period have been found in this region. After the Phrygian era, the city lived through the Persian, Alexander the Great and Galatian periods respectively. In 25 BC, Emperor Augustus annexed the city to the Roman Empire together with the kingdom of Galatia.

With the rise of Islam in the VIIth and VIIIth centuries, the city was subjected to Persian and Arab influxes. The city changed hands several times between 871-893. In 1127, the city came under Turkish rule for good and was renamed “Engüriye”. In 1402, during the Battle of Ankara between Yildirim Bayazid and Timurlenk, the city briefly fell under Mongol rule. However, in 1414, it came under Ottoman rule for good.

During the War of Independence in 1920, Ankara was chosen as the epicenter and in 1923 it was declared the capital by Gazi Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK due to its geographical, strategic, political and epicenter features in the War of Independence. In those days, urban architects were brought from Europe and the foundations of today’s modern Ankara were laid.

ANKARA TRANSPORTATION

Highway : There is bus transportation from Ankara to every part of Turkey.
Bus Station Tel : (+90-312) 207 10 00

Airline : Ankara Esenboğa International Airport is 25 km from the city center. Transportation is provided by HAVAŞ shuttles.
Airport Tel : (+90-312) 398 00 00 00/1517 – 398 05 50 –398 00 00 00/1649

Railway : Ankara-Istanbul, Ankara-Izmir, Ankara-Balıkesir, Ankara-Isparta-Burdur, Ankara-Zonguldak, Ankara-Adana, Ankara-Elazığ-Diyarbakır routes are available by train.
Station Tel : (+90-312) 311 49 94 – 310 65 15

PLACES TO VISIT IN ANKARA

Anıtkabir

Anıtkabir, where the eternal resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, creator of the revolutions, heroic soldier, great leader, was built in Rasattepe.

Its architects are Prof. Emin Onat and Assoc. Orhan Arda. Construction began in 1944 and the monument was completed in 1953. In the same year, Ata was transferred here with a great ceremony from his temporary tomb in the Ethnography Museum.

The units within the Anıtkabir complex are; Independence Tower, Freedom Tower, Lion’s Road, Law of Defense Tower, Mehmetçik Tower, Victory Tower, Peace Tower, April 23 Tower, Misak-ı Milli Tower, Revolution Tower, Victory Reliefs, Mausoleum – Hall of Honor.

Museums

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Address Hisar Cad. Ulus – Ankara
Tel: (312) 324 31 60
Fax: (312) 311 28 39

Ethnography Museum
Address: Talatpasa Bulvari Opera – Ankara
Tel: (312) 311 95 56

Atatürk House in Ankara
Ankara University Faculty of Educational Sciences “Toy Museum
Ataturk’s Place, Museum Pavilion
Beypazari Culture and History Museum
Eğitim-Der Special Museum of Education
Gordion Museum
Mehmet Akif Ersoy House
MTA Natural History Museum
Archaeology and Museum at METU
Turkish Child Protection Agency Museum
TRT Museum and National Liberation Exhibition
100th Year Girls’ Technical Education Museum
Gazi University Faculty of Vocational Education
Ziraat Bank Museum

War of Independence and Republic Museum
Address Cumhuriyet Cad. Ulus – Ankara
Tel: (312) 311 04 73

Ruins

Gordion – Polatli/Yassıhöyük:

The ruins of the famous city of Gordion, the capital of the Phrygian Kingdom, are in the village of Yassıhöyük, 21 km. northwest of Polatlı, 90 km. from Ankara, near the Ankara-Eskişehir highway, where the Sakarya (Sangarios) and Porsuk rivers approach each other.

The history of Gordion dates back to 3000 BC (Old Bronze Age). It was an important settlement of Assyria, Hittite (1950 BC – 1180 BC) and Phrygia (900 BC – 620 BC). It was the capital of the Phrygian State. It was named after the king named Gordios (the founder of the Phrygian capital).

The famous knot tied by King Gordios was cut by Alexander the Great in Gordion where he spent the winter in 333 BC. After this date, the Alexander the Great Period (300-100 BC) began in Gordion, followed by the Roman Period (1st BC – 4th AD) and then the Seljuk Period (11th-13th AD).

Roman Bath – Ankara/Center:

It is located on Çankırı Street extending from Ulus Square to Yıldırım Bayazıt Square, on a platform up to 2.5 meters high from the street. It is known that the high platform where the bath is located is a mound.

The bath is dated to the period of Caracalla (AD 212-217). The entrance of the Caracalla Bath on Çankırı Street opens onto a large area surrounded by the remains of a columned portico, the palaestra, a wrestling arena. This porticoed courtyard has 32 columns on one side and 128 marble columns on its entire surface. The bath buildings are located just behind the paleastra. These buildings are of a rare size and, as always, consist of Apoditerium (dressing part), Frigidarium (cold part), Tepidarium (warm part) and Caldarium (hot part).

Gavurkale Ruins – Ankara/Haymana:

It is 60 kilometers southwest of Ankara. The hill, which is 60 meters above the bottom of the Babayakup Stream flowing next to it, has been the scene of a long settlement. The hill was named Gavurkale because of the old ruined walls.

Gavurkale attracted attention with the reliefs of two gods walking one after the other, a goddess sitting opposite them and the walls consisting of large blocks around this rock on the south-facing face of the steep rocks on a hill. These rock reliefs are unique to the Hittites and are only one of the similar monuments found in different parts of Anatolia.

As a result of various researches, it was understood that this place was an important center surrounded by walls. Previously known only as a place of worship of the Hittites, Gavurkale was also found to have an important Phrygian settlement, which was visited by Ataturk himself during the studies in 1930. In the following years, various surveys were carried out around Gavurkale and excavations were started in 1998 under the direction of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Karalar Village Ruins – Ankara/Kazan
Karahöyük Ruin – Hacıtuğrul Village
Ethnography Museum
Ogust Shrine – Ankara/Altindag

Ahlatlibel :

Ahlatlibel is located 14 kilometers southwest of Ankara on the old road of Taşpınar Village – Gavurkale – Haymana. This Bronze Age station, very close to Ankara, is an important flat settlement for Anatolia.

Bitik :

Bitik Mound is 42 kilometers northwest of Ankara. From top to bottom, a Classical Age occupation starting in the V century BC and a thick Old Bronze Age occupation were uncovered. The remains of the Old Bronze Age at Bitik document the region’s connection with Eastern and Western Anatolia.

Etiyokuşu :

It is located 5 kilometers north of Ankara, on the banks of the Çubuk Stream. The excavation here was carried out by Prof. Şevket Aziz Kansu in 1937 on behalf of the Turkish Historical Society. Old Stone Age type tools were found on the lowest level. The Old Bronze Age culture above it is similar to the Ahlatlıbel culture. At the top, the remains of a large palace belonging to various periods were found.

Temple of Augustus :

It is adjacent to Hacı Bayram Mosque in Ulus. The temple, which was built in the 2nd century BC in the name of the Phrygian Goddess Men, was destroyed over time. The temple, whose ruins are found today, was built by King Pylamenes, the son of the last Galatian ruler Amintos, as a sign of loyalty to the Roman Emperor Augustus.

During the Byzantine period, various additions were made and windows were opened and it was turned into a church. It has four walls surrounded by four columns. There are forty-two columns, fifteen in length and six in width, four in front of the door of the temple and two at the back. Only the two side walls and the door part with embroidered edges are still standing in its old state. The testament of Augustus, the original of which was found in the Roman Temple and which shows the achievements of Augustus, was placed with an inscription on the wall of this temple adjacent to the tomb.

Julianus Column :

It is located on the edge of the pool between the Treasurer’s Office and the governorship building. It has no inscription. There are many rings on its body and its height is about fifteen meters. The column was built by Emperor Julianus (361 A.D.)

Ankara Roman Theater :

It is located between Hisar Street and Pınar Street. It was discovered for the first time at the end of 1982 and rescue excavations were started by the General Directorate of Museums on March 15, 1983. The Directorate of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations continued the excavations until the end of 1986. As a result, the remains of a typical Roman theater dating to the beginning of the II century AD were unearthed. These include vaulted parados buildings, a paved orchestra, audience seating (cavea), the foundations and walls of the stage room (scene), as well as many statues and fragments.

Akköprü :

It is the oldest bridge in Ankara, located in front of Varlık Neighborhood and over the Ankara Stream. It was built in 1222 by the Seljuk ruler Alaaddin Keykubat I during the reign of Kızılbey, the Governor of Ankara.

Mounds and Tumuli

Beştepeler Tumulus :

The first excavation of the tumuli in the Anıtkabir area was carried out by Makridi in 1926. In 1945, during the soil leveling in the Anıtkabir area, several tumuli had to be removed, two tumuli were opened and many pottery and tools belonging to the Phrygians were found here. Experts have revealed that these tumuli were contemporary with the Phrygian tombs of Gordion.

Yumurtatepe (Demetevler) Tumulus:

It is located on the left side of the road leading to Demetevler at the Çiftlik – Demetevler Junction. During the 1986 and 1987 excavation seasons, it was excavated by the Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. As a result of the excavations, a single small and round structure belonging to the Old Bronze Age and terracotta artifacts were found on the top of the tumulus.

Kül Höyük :

It is within the borders of Oyaca Town and is 150 meters to the right of the road after 1.5 km from the Boyalık, Culuk, Calis and Durupinar road which turns left at approximately 50th kilometer of Ankara-Haymana highway. Külhöyük is a medium-sized mound and excavations are being carried out under the Directorate of Anatolian Civilizations.

Karaoğlan :

Karaoğlan is located 25 km. south of Ankara and on the Ankara-Konya road. All levels of civilization can be seen in the mound from the Chalcolithic period onwards. It is one of the most important stations with Hittite and Phrygian levels in Ankara Gölbaşı region.

Castles

Ankara Castle

Ankara Castle, which has been guarding the city for centuries, has become the symbol of the city. The history of Ankara Castle is as old as the history of the city. Although the exact date of its construction is not known, the idea that it was first built by the Romans is widespread.

It was repaired and expanded by the Seljuks. The hill on which it is built is 110 meters higher than the Bentdera (Hatip Stream) flowing next to it.

The castle has two parts, the inner and outer castle. It has more than twenty towers. The outer castle surrounds the old city of Ankara in the shape of a heart. The inner castle, which has four floors, was built partly with Ankara stone and partly with collected (spolian) stones. The inner castle has two big gates, one of which is called the outer gate and the other the fortress gate. The height of the towers in the inner castle varies between 14 and 16 meters. Today, there are many Ankara houses of Ottoman Ankara that have survived since the 17th century.

Kalecik Castle :

Kalecik Castle is 78 km. away from Ankara on the road to Çankırı. It is built on a symmetrical cone-shaped hill dominating the modern town. It is connected to the mountains to the southwest by a ridge and rises alone in the plain extending towards Kızılırmak.

Mosques

Some important mosques of the city are Ağaç Ayak Mosque, Ahi Elvan Mosque, Ahi Yakup Mosque, Aslanhane (Ahi Şerafettin) Mosque, Cenab-ı Ahmet Paşa Mosque, Alaaddin Mosque, Çiçekçioğlu Mosque, Direkli Mosque, Eskicioğlu Mosque, Hacettepe Mosque, Hacı Arap Mosque, Hacı Bayram Mosque, İbadullah Mosque, Karacabey Mosque, Kocatepe Mosque, Kurşunlu Mosque, Tabakhane Mosque, Tacettin Mosque and Zincirli Mosque.

Mausoleums

In Ankara, there are Ahi Şerafettin Tomb, Azimi (İsmail Paşazade Hacı Esad) Tomb, Cenab-ı Ahmet Paşa Tomb, Hacıbayram Veli Tomb, İsmail Fazıl Paşa Tomb, Karacabey Tomb, Karyağdı Tomb, Kesikbaş Tomb, Yörük Dede (Doğan Bey) Tomb.

Churches

Catholic Church (St. Paul’s Church):

Address: Atatürk Bulvarı No: 118 – Kavaklıdere (in the garden of the Italian Embassy)
Tel: 0.312.426 65 18
Mass days and times:
Saturdays: (Summer) 19.00 (Winter) 18.00
Sundays: (Summer) 10.00 -12.00 -19.00 (Winter) 18.00

Catholic Church (St. Theres Church):

Address: Işıklar Caddesi Kardeşler Sok. 15 – Ulus
Tel: 0.312.311 01 18
Mass days and times: Sundays 10.30 (in Turkish)
Catholic Church (Church of the Virgin Mary):
Address: Birlik Mah. 3rd Cad. No: 35 Oyak-Çankaya (next to the Vatican Embassy)
Tel:0.312.495 35 23
Mass days and times: Sundays: 09.45 (English) 11.00 (French)

Anglican Church (St. Nicolas Church):

Address: Şehit Ersan Cad. 46 – Çankaya (inside the British Embassy)
Tel: 0.312.468 62 30/32 85
Mass days and times: Sundays : 10.00 (English)

Synagogue (Jewish Community):

Address: Sakalar Mah. Birlik Sok. 8 – Samanpazari,
Tel:0.312. 311 62 00

Inns

Çengel Han

It is located under the castle and on Sefa Street in Atpazari Square. It is understood that the inscription was built in 1522.

Kurşunlu Han:

Located on the road leading to Ankara Castle and built in 1421 by Mahmut Pasha, one of the viziers of Fatih, it is one of the typical Ottoman city inns.

Mahmut Pasha Bedesteni:

It is on the way to the castle and adjacent to the Kurşunlu Inn. It was built between 1421 and 1459 by Grand Vizier Mahmut Pasha together with the inn.

It has a large and regular rectangular plan extending longitudinally in the East – West direction and consists of two parts, the bedesten covered with ten large domes and the arasta outside the bedesten. The aforementioned bedesten is today used as the exhibition hall of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Sulu Han:

It is located between Tekneciler Street and Sulu Han Street in Hacı Doğan Quarter. Claimed to have been built in 1685 by Şeyhülislâm Cevvar Zade Mehmet Emin Bey as a foundation for Zincirli Mosque, Sulu Han is also called Hasan Paşa Han. However, in the foundation dated 1141, it is understood from the records that the inn was endowed by Abdülkerimzade Mehmet Emin Bey.

Zağfiran (Safran) Inn:

It is in the Horse Market. It was built by Hacı İbrahim Bin Hacı Mehmet, who was originally from Kayseri and settled in Ankara. According to the foundation dated 1512, it must have been built around this date. Half of the inn is a property, the other half was endowed to recite a cüz-i şerif for the soul of the foundation and to take care of the faucet at the gate of Lütfi Han. There is a masjid inside.

Baths

Old Hamam:

Old Hamam is located directly opposite Gazi High School. Although the dressing room of the bath, which is quite dilapidated, has been completely destroyed, the coldness and temperature, including the ashtray, are still standing. It is estimated that the work belongs to the XVth century in terms of its architectural structure and technique.

Karacabey Bath:

Karacabey Bath is on Talat Pasha Boulevard and was built in 1444. The Karacabey Bath, which was organized as a double bath, forms a large rectangle close to the square with its adjacent undressing rooms in the western part and the temperature and halvets in the eastern part, which show a different construction style compared to those in the west.

Şengül Hamamı:

It is located on İstiklâl Mahallesi Acı Çeşme street. The men’s part of the Şengül Bath, which was built as a double bath with a men’s and women’s section, was previously owned by women. It is understood from the construction technique and material of the dressing rooms of the two parts side by side that it was built in the XIXth century.

Monuments

Mimar Sinan Monument:

It is in front of the Faculty of Language, History and Geography. It was built in 1956 by the Emlâk Kredi Bank of Turkey and sculptor Hüseyin Anka. There is a standing marble statue of Mimar Sinan (1409-1588), our greatest architect, wearing his unique clothes.

Security Monument:

It is located in Güven Park in Kızılay. It was built in 1935 from Ankara stone. Since it is a gift of the Turkish nation to the police and gendarmerie, it is also called the Security Monument.

Mithat Pasha Monument:

It is next to the T.C. Ziraat Bank Head Office building in Ulus. In 1966, it was commissioned by T.C. Ziraat Bank to sculptor Prof. Hüseyin Anka, a faculty member of the Istanbul Academy of Fine Arts.

Ulus Republic Monument:

It is in Ulus Square. The monument was erected in 1927 as a gift of the Turkish nation to the heroes of the War of Independence.

Victory Monument:

It is in front of the Army House on Atatürk Boulevard in Yenişehir. It is a bronze statue of Atatürk in uniform, standing and leaning on his sword.

Zübeyde Hanım Bust:

It is in front of the İsmet Paşa Girls’ Institute building. The bust of Zübeyde Hanım, Atatürk’s mother, was erected by the Turkish Women’s Union Center on March 31, 1964 as a gift to the greatest of Turkish mothers.

Sightseeing and Recreation Places

Altınpark:

Altınpark is located on İrfan Baştuğ Caddesi Aydınlıkevler, on an area of 640 thousand m2 . The park area includes an International Fair Center, a Science Center, a Cultural Center, Indoor and Outdoor Sports Areas, Outdoor and Side-Open Show Anfilar, Turkish, Italian and Chinese Restaurants, Turkish Street and Tepe Inn, Ponds and gardens, Production greenhouses, Olympic Swimming Pool, Mini Golf Course and Horse Backgammon.
Information Tel: 0.312.317 96 70- 317 96 96 96

Atakule

Atakule makes an important contribution to the appearance of modern Ankara with its presence. The tower is 125 meters high with a peak altitude of 118.2 meters. At 115.6 meters, a multi-purpose cocktail hall suitable for audiovisual devices (wedding ceremonies, seminars, conferences, etc.) has an area of 600 square meters. The revolving restaurant, which makes one round per hour, is at 111.8 meters. The observation terrace, open daily from 09.30 to 23.00, is 103.8 meters. At 99.8 meters there is a cafe – bar.
Information Tel: 0.312.440 77 01

Atatürk Forest Farm:

Founded by Ataturk, the farm is now a popular sightseeing and recreation place for Ankara residents with its casinos, parks, picnic areas, zoo, various products and nature. Transportation is possible by municipal buses, minibuses and suburban trains.
Information Tel: 0.312.212 02 3 l

Youth Park

It is located between the Station and Opera buildings. It is an important sightseeing and entertainment center with its amusement park, tea gardens, casinos, theaters operating in the summer months, a large pool with boats and water bikes, restaurants and various entertainment venues.

Bayındır Dam:

It is 12 kilometers away from Ankara, on Samsun Road. The dam, with its natural beauty, casino, camping area and swimming pool, is a sightseeing and recreation place that is also appreciated by foreigners. Transportation is possible by bus and minibus.

Çankaya Ridge:

This is where the Presidential Mansion and the Atatürk Museum are located. In Çankaya, which is relatively cool in the hot days of summer, there are pastry shops and country cafes in the large park area, and it is the most beautiful place where Ankara can be viewed like a painting.

Çubuk Dam:

It is 12 kilometers away from Ankara. There are casinos, picnic places, walking areas and country cafes in the forested area around the dam. It is possible to go to the dam, which is suitable for motorcycle trips, by municipal bus.

Gölbaşı

Located 25 kilometers southwest of Ankara and on the Konya Road, Lake Mogan has a beach and casinos as well as restaurants and cafes on its shores. It is a sightseeing and promenade place that satisfies the longing for the sea in the hot summer months. The lake, which has a swimming pool on its shore, is suitable for boat trips. Transportation is provided by the municipal bus.

Other Recreation Places:

MTA Rose Garden, Kurtboğazı Dam, Sarıyar Dam, Beynam Forest Resting Place, Çamkoru Forest Resting Place, Güven – Karagöl Forest Resting Place, Hoşebe Forest Resting Place, Karagöl Forest Resting Place, Sorgun Forest Resting Place, Söğütözü Forest Resting Place, Tekkedağı Forest Resting Place, Uluhan Forest Resting Place.

National Parks

Soguksu National Park

Caves

There are caves dating back to the Byzantine period in Güdül district of Ankara province.

Ankara Hot Springs (Health Tourism)

Important hot springs of the province are Kızılcahamam-Sey Hamamı Hot Spring (link), Ayaş Drinking and Hot Spring, Ayaş Karakaya Hot Spring, Beypazarı-Dutlu-Tahtalı Hot Spring and Drinking, Kapullu Hot Spring, Çubuk Melikşah Hot Spring and Haymana Hot Spring.

Bird Observation Area

Desert Lake Bird Area, Mogan Lake Bird Area, Kızılcahamam Forests Bird Area, Kavaklı Mountain Bird Area, İnözü Valley Bird Area and Sarıyar Dam Bird Area are located within the borders of Ankara province. Beynam Forest Bird Area and Salt Lake Bird Area are also located in Ankara.
Sakarya Basin
Kızılırmak Basin
Konya Closed Basin

Sportive Events

Winter Sports:

Elmadağ Ski Center (Winter Tourism)

In Elmadağ Ski Center, which is 26 km. away from Ankara, there is the opportunity to ski in the winter months with a snow thickness of 30-40 cm. The facilities in Elmadağ Ski Center are in service. There are also two ice skating rinks in Ankara, one in Kurtuluş Park and the other in Bahçelievler Sondurak.

Paragliding Places

Air Sports Gölbaşı is one of the areas where air sports are practiced in Ankara.

Hunting

Ankara Province harbors a wide variety of game animals. The most important of these are partridge, partridge, rabbit, wild ducks and wild geese. There are bear, lynx, wild boar and deer in the forest areas of Nallıhan, Beypazarı, Kızılcahamam, Çamlıdere, Çubuk and Güdül districts.

Angling:

Fishing within the provincial border of Ankara can be categorized in four groups as river, lake, dam lake and pond fishing.

River fishing is carried out in Kızılırmak, Sakarya rivers and their tributaries and Kirmir Stream. Lake fishing is carried out in Lake Mogan, Lake Eymir and Karagöl. Dam lake fishing is carried out in various dam lakes around Ankara.

Arts, Culture and Entertainment

Ankara is the capital of Turkey in cultural and artistic terms as well as in political terms. State Theaters, private and amateur theaters, the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, the State Museum of Painting and Sculpture, numerous art galleries, amateur music groups, and cultural centers are among the activities enjoyed by the people of the capital.

The State Theater of the Republic of Turkey, which is more than half a century old, has not only staged the most beautiful plays in Ankara, but has also raised a conscious and highly sophisticated theater audience. The ballet of the Republic of Turkey, which is more than 40 years old, has sprouted in Ankara. This branch of art, just like theater, has created and developed its audience together. Opening their curtains in October every year, the theater, opera and ballet stages present outstanding examples of local and foreign works until the end of May. The Presidential Symphony Orchestra also adds color to Ankara’s cultural and artistic life with its concerts.

The “Ankara International Film Festival”, which started in 1988, and the “International Ankara Art Festival”, which has been going on since 1984, are among the important events organized in Ankara. In addition, Ankara International Cartoon Festival, Ankara International Music Festival and Asia – Europe Art Biennial are interesting artistic events.

WHAT TO EAT IN ANKARA

The old Ankara kitchen constitutes the largest part of the house. On one side was the stove and tandoor, and on the other side was the pantry where winter provisions were kept.

Ankara dishes are quite diverse. Soups; aş, dutmaç, miyane, milky, tarhana and toyga soups, meat dishes; Ankara tavası, alabörtme, calla, çoban kavuması, ilişkik, kapama, forest kebab, meat with eggplant, sızgıç, siyel, siper, pilafs; bici, bulgur pilaf, oğmaç aşı, pıt pıt pilaf, dolmas; stuffed efelek, manti, stuffed shirden (humbar), false dolma, pastries and buns; top and bottom pastry, moon pastry, bohça, entekke pastry, hamman, kaha, arm pastry, papaç, Pazar pastry, tandır pastry and yalkı are some of the dishes.

Recipes from Ankara

Ankara Pan

Ingredients

400 gr. lamb
4 tablespoons of cress oil
15 shallots
2 small carrots
1 cup inner peas
1 teacup yogurt
1 tea glass flour
3 eggs
1/2 bunch parsley or dill
salt, black pepper

Preparation:
Roast the meat in butter in a pot. Add shallots, peas and carrots cut into rings and saute. Add enough water to cover and let it boil. In another bowl, prepare a marinade with yogurt, egg and flour. When the meat is cooked, season it with salt and pepper and add the seasoning slowly. Garnish with parsley or dill and serve.

Bulgur Pilaf with Vegetables

Ingredients

1 cup bulgur
1.5 cups of hot meat or chicken broth
1 onion
2 bell peppers
2 tomatoes
1 eggplant
1 carrot
1 potato
1 cup inner peas
1 tablespoon of cress oil
paprika, black pepper, salt

Preparation:

Cut the carrot and potato into cubes. Boil them together with peas. Chop the eggplant, bell pepper and tomatoes into small pieces. In a pot, fry the diced onions in butter until they turn slightly pink. Add the eggplant and bell peppers and continue roasting while stirring constantly. After 4-5 minutes, add carrots, potatoes, peas and tomatoes and continue roasting all together. After roasting the vegetables for a while, add bulgur and 1.5 cups of boiled meat or chicken broth. Season with salt, black pepper and red pepper and cook for about 20 minutes. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes and then serve.

SHOPPING IN ANKARA

Shopping centers in Ankara are concentrated in Ulus, Kızılay and Kavaklıdere. A favorite place to visit for visitors to Ankara is the Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu near Ulus and the shops there.

Around Ulus Castle, Samanpazarı and Çıkrıkçılar Slope, there are shopping places selling traditional handicraft products such as weaving, copper, pottery, wicker, leather, various jewelry, ornaments, souvenirs and all kinds of antiques.

In the Bakırcılar Bazaar you can find lots of old and new items, copper and jewelry, as well as clothes, antiques and ornaments. A walk to the castle gate leads to stalls selling spices, dried fruit, nuts and many other products.

Modern shopping districts are usually located in Kızılay, Tunalı Hilmi Street and Çankaya Atakule. At 125 meters high, the Atakule dominates the entire city; its revolving restaurant offers a view of the entire city. Karum shopping center in Kavaklıdere is home to Turkey’s most exclusive stores. It also offers recreational opportunities in addition to shopping with its food, beverage and entertainment facilities.

USEFUL LINKS

Metropolitan Municipality http://www.ankara-bel.gov.tr/

Ankara University http://www.ankara.edu.tr/

Baskent University http://www.baskent.edu.tr/

Bilkent University http://www.bilkent.edu.tr/

Hacettepe University http://www.hun.edu.tr/

Çankaya University http://www.cankaya.edu.tr/

Middle East Technical University http://www.metu.edu.tr/

Altındağ Municipality http://www.altindag-bld.gov.tr/

Çankaya Municipality http://www.cankaya-bld.gov.tr/

Çubuk District Governorship http://www.cubuk.gov.tr/

Çubuk Municipality http://www.cubuk-bld.gov.tr/

Golbasi Municipality http://www.golbasi-bld.gov.tr/

Nallıhan Municipality http://www.nallihan-bld.gov.tr/

Keçiören Municipality http://www.kecioren-bld.gov.tr/

Yenimahalle Municipality http://www.yenimahalle.belediyesi.com/

Beypazari Municipality http://www.beypazarı-bld.gov.tr/

Istanbul is located in the north-west Turkey extending into the Marmara region and surrounded by the provinces of Tekirdag to the west, Kocaeli to the east, the Black Sea to the north and the Sea of Marmara to the south.

Istanbul famous for its history and its importance for the country as one of the most principal commercial centre today is a huge cosmopolitan metropolis connecting continents , cultures, religions and home of around of twelve millions of inhabitants. The Bosphorus (Bogaziçi) Strait divides the province in two parts: the European side and the Asian side, and that is why Istanbul is described as “the crossroads of Europe and Asia”.

Istanbul along its history was the capital of three successive empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. Today Istanbul still maintains remains of its glorious past which contrasts with the development of the region and the modernity. Turkey is worth to visit and where travellers will not be disappointed.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ISTANBUL

Istanbul Weather (5 Days Gov. Forecast)

You may find below the the weather in Istanbul in current day and following 5 days as a weather forecast from Turkish State Meteorological Service Official Web Sites.

Population of Istanbul:(2024est)

15.777.692

“There, God and man, nature and art, together, have created a place on earth so perfect that it is worth seeing.” This is how Lamartine describes the Istanbul city that embraces both continents, reaching out to Asia with one arm and Europe with the other.

Known as the capital of capitals, first as the capital of Rome, then the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire and the Ottoman Empire, which ruled continents and created great lands of peace, Istanbul proudly preserves the splendor of the past while moving towards a modern future.

Istanbul’s diversity truly fascinates visitors. Its museums, churches, palaces, mosques, marketplaces and natural beauty offer endless nuances. Sitting back on the shores of the Bosphorus, watching the blushing colors of the group reflected in the windows of the houses on the opposite shore, you suddenly understand why, centuries ago, people chose this extraordinary place and feel that Istanbul is the city at the “center of the world”.

The city’s most beautiful monuments are located on the peninsula between the Golden Horn, the Marmara Sea and the city walls. The solemnity of more than 500 mosques rising from the city’s hills creates a dizzying atmosphere. One feels as if in a dream between the past and the present! You should definitely see the Blue Mosque, which has become the symbol of Istanbul with its six minarets and is known as the “Blue Mosque” because of the blue tiles used in its decoration.

Opposite is the famous Hagia Sophia Museum, built as a church during the reign of Emperor Justinien; this architectural masterpiece is adorned with exquisite mosaic panels depicting Jesus Christ, Mary and the emperors.

The Suleymaniye Mosque, which overlooks these two magnificent monuments from another hill, is the pinnacle of Ottoman architectural art. It was built by Sinan the Architect at the request of Suleiman the Magnificent.

On a hill overlooking the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus is Topkapı Palace, which served as the residence and political center of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. In Topkapi, you can see the collection of Chinese porcelain, thrones inlaid with gold and decorated with precious stones, sultan costumes, fairytale-like jewelry, rare manuscript books, and the harem halls that have been a curiosity for centuries.

Between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque you may visit the famous Hippodrome of the Byzantine period, where chariot races were held, and in the center of this Hippodrome there are three obelisks from this period.

The Basilica Cistern is one of the most important water cisterns built during the Byzantine period. The Kariye Museum, one of the most beautiful Byzantine monuments, preserves its original decor with mosaics and frescoes. Another place you cannot miss in Istanbul is Eyüp Mosque. This place offers a chirping environment with the sounds of pigeons for those who visit Eyüp Sultan and seek spiritual pleasure.

Istanbul is also a city where historical buildings meet the new and are renewed. While the Grand Bazaar insists on carrying the traces of the dreamy days of the past with its labyrinthine structure, it also presents you with brand new products of the modern world; fascinating jewelry, copperware, carpets, various kinds of leather and suede clothing… You can wander around this bazaar for hours without feeling the slightest bit tired.

A ferry ride on the Bosphorus will be among your unforgettable memories. You may be mesmerized by the peaceful and unique mansions lining the two sides of the Bosphorus, each of which reflects a different tale of love on the waters, luxury villas built in the 20th century, Dolmabahçe, Göksu and Beylerbeyi Palaces, Rumeli and Anatolian Fortresses, traces of fishing villages, restaurants, tea gardens, parks and nightclubs. On the same day, you can swim in the sea on the wild shores of the Black Sea and then sip a cup of coffee in a tea garden on the tranquil shores of Marmara, and perhaps write down your memories that will go down in history.

In addition to its unique historical and cultural background and numerous attractions, modern hotels, exceptional restaurants, nightclubs, cabarets, historic bazaars and shops make Istanbul the perfect venue for conferences and congresses.

ISTANBUL GEOGRAPHY

Istanbul is a city that serves as a bridge between the continents of Europe and Asia and is built on the two extremes where they come closest to each other. These ends are Çatalca on the European continent and Kocaeli on the Asian continent, surrounded by Marmara and Bursa to the south, Tekirdağ to the southwest and Kırklareli to the northwest. The original Istanbul, which is located on the peninsula between the Golden Horn and Marmara, from which the city takes its name, is 253 km² and the whole of it is 5712 km². The islands in the Marmara Sea are also included in the province of Istanbul.

The vegetation around Istanbul resembles the plants of the Mediterranean climate. The most common plant species in the region is maquis. These plants have adapted themselves to a long and dry summer season. However, the hills are not bare due to the characteristics of the climate. The most important forested area is the Belgrade Forest 20 km. north of the city.

There are no large rivers in Istanbul. The largest river is the Riva Stream, which is also the largest water of the Kocaeli Peninsula. The 71 km. long Riva Stream takes its sources from Kocaeli province and flows in a southeast-northwest direction, emptying into the Black Sea near the village of Riva.

The most important streams flowing into the Bosphorus are Küçüksu and Göksu streams. In addition to these, Kağıthane and Alibey streams flowing into the Golden Horn, Sazlıdere flowing into Küçükçekmece Lake, Karasu Stream flowing into Büyükçekmece Lake, Trança Stream flowing into Terkos Lake are the major rivers of Istanbul. There are three small but important lakes in the province. All three of these are on the European side. The water of Lake Terkos, which is separated from the sea, is sweet. The city’s water is supplied from here. The waters of Küçükçekmece (11 km²) and Büyükçekmece (16 km²) Lakes on the coast of the Marmara Sea are salty because they are in contact with the sea.

Although Istanbul, which is generally hot in summer and not too cold in winter due to the systems that affect the region, seems to have the characteristics of the Mediterranean climate, it has different characteristics due to the effect of the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus Strait. During the winter months, it is under the influence of the cold-dry air mass coming from the Black Sea and the cold-rainy air mass coming from the Balkans, especially the warm and rainy southern air masses coming from the Mediterranean. Throughout the province, the cold and rainy weather of the Black Sea and the warm weather of the Mediterranean (lodos) alternate. There are no big temperature differences between summer and winter, day and night in the province.

HISTORY OF ISTANBUL

Istanbul, the 3rd Capital of the Ottoman Empire

Although no earlier finds have been found in the historical city, the finds unearthed during excavations in the Golden Horn region and the Asian part of the city show that the first settlement in the region dates back to 3 thousand years BC. The Acropolis of the city, known as Byzantion, was located in the area where Topkapi Palace stands today. The Golden Horn has a calm harbor that is still in use today. A strong wall starting from here would surround the city and reach the Marmara Sea. While Byzantion continued its life as a port and trade city during the Roman Empire, it was conquered and destroyed by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severius after a siege that started in 191 AD and lasted for more than two years. The city was subsequently rebuilt by the same Emperor, expanded and re-equipped.

In the 4th century A.D., the Roman Empire had expanded greatly and Istanbul was chosen by Emperor Constantine the Great to replace Rome as the new capital due to its strategic location. The city was reorganized over a period of more than 6 years, the city walls were expanded, many temples, official buildings, palaces, baths and a hippodrome were built. In 330, with great ceremonies, the city was officially declared the capital of the Roman Empire. The city, which was called Second Rome and New Rome at the beginning of the modern era, was later called “Byzantion” and later Constantinople. Among the people, the name of the city has been known as “Polis” throughout history.

It is seen that the emperors after Constantine the Great continued their efforts to beautify the city. The first churches in the city were also built after Constantine. Due to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century, Istanbul became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium) for many years. During the Byzantine period, the city was rebuilt and expanded again with city walls.

Today’s magnificent city walls, 6492 meters long, were built by Emperor Il. Theodosius II built them. In the 6th century, the city, whose population exceeded half a million, experienced another golden age under Emperor Justinian. The famous Hagia Sophia, which survives today, is the work of this Emperor. The later history of the Byzantine Empire and its capital, Constantinople, is full of palace and church intrigues, Persian and Arab attacks, and the bloody feuds of frequently changing emperor dynasties.

The Latin rule, a dark period between 726-842, began with the invasion of the city by the 4th Crusade in 1204 and the city was plundered for years, including all the churches, monasteries and monuments. In 1261, the Byzantines regained control of the city, but the city did not regain its former prosperity. The city fell to the Turks in 1453 after a 53-day siege.

Mehmet the Conqueror’s massive cannons, used for the first time in the history of warfare, were one of the reasons why the walls of Istanbul were breached. The capital of the Ottoman Empire was moved here, the population of the city was increased with immigrants from various parts of the country, and the reconstruction of the empty and dilapidated city began.

The former inhabitants of the city were granted freedom of religion and social rights, and were allowed to continue their lives. Due to the rights granted by the Conqueror, the Patriarchate, the head of the Christian Orthodox Church, has remained in its place until today. A century after the conquest, Turkish art left its mark on the city and domes and minarets dominated the city skyline. From the 16th century onwards, Istanbul became the center of the entire Islamic world as the Ottoman Sultans were Caliphs.

Under the rule of the Sultans, the city was completely reconstructed and took on a fascinating atmosphere. In the colorful pages of the history of Istanbul during this period, there are frequent fires that destroyed large areas. The Sultan’s Palace, located on the old acropolis, dominates the unique view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

From the 19th century onwards, after frequent contacts with the Western world, mosques and palaces began to be built on the shores of the Bosphorus in the style of European architecture. Many of the palaces built in a short period of time are also symbols of the era of decadence. Istanbul witnessed the end of another world empire, the end of World War I.

As the empire was divided and internal and external enemies fought for their share, a noble commander of the Turkish army took up the fight for the Turkish nation. This national hero, Mustafa Kemal, founded the Republic of Turkey in 1923 after more than 4 years of the War of Independence. Moving the capital to Ankara did not change the importance of Istanbul. This unique city continues to live on with its fascinating appearance.

Districts of Istanbul

Adalar, Bakırköy, Beşiktaş, Beykoz, Beyoğlu, Eminönü, Eyüb, Fatih, Gazi Osman Paşa, Kadıköy, Kağıthane, Kartal, Küçükçekmece, Pendik, Sarıyer, Şişli, Ümraniye, Üsküdar, Zeytinburnu, Büyükçekmece, Çatalca, Silivri, Şile, Avcılar, Bağcılar, Bahçelievler, Bayrampaşa, Esenler, Güngören, Maltepe, Sultanbeyli, Tuzla.

Important Neighborhoods of Istanbul

Bosphorus:

No visit to Istanbul would be complete without a traditional and unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe and Asia, towards the Black Sea. Reflecting great splendor and pure beauty, its shores are a mix of past and present. Modern hotels next to mansions, rustic palaces next to stone fortresses and elegant buildings in neighborhoods that carry the memory of small fishing villages… The best way to see the Bosphorus is on one of the passenger ferries that zig-zag along its shores. The trip starts in Eminönü and continues as if you were visiting relatives on a holiday, stopping alternately on the Asian and European shores of the Bosphorus. The trip lasts approximately 6 hours. If you wish to make the trip in a special way, you can contact specialized agencies that make short arrangements during the day or night.

Golden Horn:

The long and narrow, horn-shaped Golden Horn divides the European side of Istanbul. As one of the most natural harbors in the world, the Byzantine and Ottoman navies and those interested in commercial shipping gathered here. The shores of this place, where the water turns golden at dawn and dusk, are today surrounded by pleasant parks and walking areas. Towards the middle of the Golden Horn, in the neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, there are streets full of Byzantine and Ottoman wooden houses, churches and synagogues. The Orthodox Patriarch also resides here. Eyüp, a little higher up, is a place where Ottoman carving is reflected in the architecture.

Cemeteries with dark cypresses cover the slopes of the hills. Those who believe that their prayers will be answered visit the Eyüp Tomb here. The Pierre Loti Coffee House on the hill overlooking this side is the perfect place to enjoy the view.

Beyoglu and Taksim:

Beyoğlu is a neighborhood worth seeing with its European-influenced architectural heritage of 100 years ago, preserving the characteristics of the period in which it was built. Tünel, the second oldest subway in Europe, still holds the title of the shortest subway. It is possible to go to the Galata district, whose tower has become a symbol. The upper end of the tunnel is the beginning of Istiklal Street. This pedestrian-only street, where the old trams are back in service, is surrounded by old embassy buildings that were allocated to consulates in the Republican era. At the top of the tunnel, at the beginning of Istiklal Street, the Divan Edebiyati Museum (Mevlevi Tekke – 18th century work) is a beautiful building. There are famous places on both sides of the street. On one side is the Galatasaray High School, on the opposite side is the Çiçek Passage with its colorful, authentic restaurants and the Fish Market… Then cinemas, theaters, cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues along the street… The street reaching Taksim Square has regained its former bright, lively, always crowded days and nights.

The eye-catching monument symbolizing the Turkish War of Independence and Atatürk and his friends adorns Taksim Square. The main terminal of the new subway is located below the square, and the Atatürk Cultural Center is to the north. The five-star Hyatt and Intercontinental Hotels are in Taksim Park, as is the Istanbul Hilton Hotel. The Hilton (1955), the first hotel of its class to be built in Turkey, is still the best and most famous. The Radio House, the Istanbul Military Museum, one of the richest of its kind, the Lütfü Kırdar Congress Palace and the Open Air Theater are also in this neighborhood.

Sultanahmet:

Located at the western end of the historical peninsula, the neighborhood is home to important religious, administrative and civil buildings from different empires. The historical Sultanahmet square is surrounded by historical monuments such as Hagia Sophia, Haseki Hürrem Bath, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Obelisk.

Ortaköy:

Located in the most beautiful part of the Bosphorus, Ortaköy, which was once a resort for the sultans, has been a settlement center of interest since the Ottoman period. Today, Ortaköy, which is located in the triangle of Çırağan Palace, Kabataş Boys’ High School, Feriye, Princess Hotel, mosque, church and synagogue, is one of the important entertainment and shopping centers of Istanbul with its bazaar and mobile “intellectual bazaar”, souvenir shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Sarıyer

From the bend after Tarabya, the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea for the first time. From here to the Sarıyer neighborhood, old summer houses and fish restaurants belonging to embassies and individuals are lined up. A narrow road leaving Büyükdere leads through forests and past dykes to the Black Sea coast and the famous beaches of Kilyos.

Sarıyer and then Rumeli Kavaği are the last ports on the European side for those traveling the Bosphorus by ferry. Both neighboring districts, famous for their fish restaurants, and Anadolu Kavağı on the opposite shore are very crowded on holidays.

After passing these settlements, the Bosphorus has only slopes covered with green groves. The last settlements on both coasts are the Anatolian and Rumeli Lighthouses and fishing villages adjacent to the Black Sea.

Üsküdar:

Üsküdar is a neighborhood integrated with the Maiden’s Tower. It is the pier of the crossing to Europe. The 16th century mosques in the square, the monumental fountain in the middle, the miniature Şemsi Paşa Mosque and Madrasah on the beach are beautiful examples of Turkish art. The historical Karacaahmet Cemetery and the large and small Çamlıca hills are located on the ridges of Üsküdar. The hills are covered with pine trees and command bird’s eye views of the islands and the Bosphorus.

Kadıköy:

Beautiful Kadıköy on the Marmara coast has no historical buildings. It is one of the rapidly developing districts of Istanbul in the last century. Many monasteries were built in the ancient settlement of Kahlkedon. In the 5th century AD, important council meetings of the Christian world were held here. Very few of the old mansions with gardens have survived. Yacht Clubs, marinas and wide avenues stretch along the Kadıköy coast.

Fenerbahçe is a beautiful promenade. The famous Bağdat Street is also famous for its shopping opportunities. Completed in 1908, the Prussian architectural style Haydarpaşa Train Station is located at the Üsküdar exit. The station was the first (or last) stop on the Baghdad railroad. On the next hillside are the graves and monuments of British and French soldiers who lost their lives in the Crimean War, next to the large military hospital.

Two large buildings are located on the hills behind the commercial port facilities. The one with the clock tower is the former Haydarpaşa High School, now a university. The other is the Selimiye Barracks (19th century), a large building with 4 towers. The room where Florence Nightingale stayed in memory of Florence Nightingale, who nursed the wounded here during the Crimean War, is preserved as it was in those days.

Sile

50 km. from Uskudar is a charming and beautiful touristic town on the Black Sea coast. A partially completed highway and then a winding road through forests leads to the wide and famous beaches of Şile. The fishing harbor, the remains of the Genoese castle and the famous lighthouse are worth seeing. There are beaches to the west and a row of small sandy coves to the east of the town. The summer months are lively and crowded, with plenty of pensions and hotels.

Islands

The Princes’ Islands, also known as the Princes’ Islands, are 8 islands in the Sea of Marmara, about an hour’s drive from the city. Ferries or sea buses departing from the entrance of the Golden Horn and Kabataş Piers make regular trips to four islands.

The islands, where monasteries were established in the Byzantine period, became a summer residence or a place of exile for courtiers; the last Byzantine structure in Heybeliada, a small church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is located in the courtyard of the upper building of the Naval High School.

In the early 19th century, steam ferries were put into service and transportation to the Islands became easier; schools and hotels were built and the population started to increase. The four large, side by side islands are covered with summer houses, villas, pine groves and are famous for their beaches and picnic areas.

The islands are crowded from May to the end of September and are deserted at other times. The only means of transportation on the island roads, which are covered with pine groves, where residential areas develop close to the piers, facing the city, are phaetons. Throughout the season, especially on vacation days, the bays and beaches are attractive stops for private yachts, motors and sailing boats.

The first and most famous of the sailing and water sports clubs on each island is on Burgaz Island. Story writer Salt Faik Abasiyanık lived on the island, the house where he lived has been turned into a museum and the Kalpazan Kaya neighborhood, famous for its sunset, has become a famous café.

In the direction of Heybeli lies Kaşık Island, named for its shape. Between the twin hills of Heybeli Island is the upper building of the Naval High School, while on the other hill in front, in a pine grove, the Greek Seminary is the first large buildings to be seen. Next to the island pier, the Naval High School stretches along the coast. Restaurants and tea houses are on the other side.

At the back of the residential areas there is a beautiful bay with a public beach and the facilities of the Marine Club on the side facing Kaşık Island and the famous Değirmen Burnu picnic area behind it. On the roads surrounding the hills, beautiful and scenic walking routes wind around the island through the pines. The island is also relatively active during the winter months due to the schools and sanatorium facilities.

The largest and most famous of the archipelago is the Big Island. You can take a phaeton tour around the island in about two hours. However, a half tour in one hour is more interesting. Among the public beaches, Yörük Beach on Heybeli Island is located in a wonderful bay. Dil Burnu promenade area is a nice place to visit.

Unlike the crowded residential area around Iskele, the south side of the island is deserted. The bays around here are places for boats to visit. The dilapidated 19th century old hotel on the upper ridges of the island, perhaps the largest wooden structure in the world, is struggling to stand with the longing for the time when it will be restored. The area around the pier is colorful and lively with its restaurants, tea houses and shops.

There are four hotels serving in the summer months. Beautiful houses, well-kept gardens and unique landscapes leave unforgettable moments for those who visit the islands. The next Sedef Island is open to visitors other than residents with its beach.

Outskirts of Istanbul

Kilyos Beaches

The wide sandy beaches of Kilyos on the European shore of the Black Sea, 25 km. from the outskirts of Istanbul, attract Istanbulites in summer. Inland from the Black Sea, on the European coast, the Belgrade Forest is the largest forest around Istanbul. On weekends, Istanbulites drive their cars here to have family picnics with barbecues in the shade.

The 7 old water reservoirs and some natural springs in the area create a different atmosphere. Among the Ottoman aqueducts, the Moglova Aqueduct built by Sinan the Architect in the 16th century is the most spectacular. The 800 m. long Sultan Suleiman Aqueduct, also by Sinan, which passes over the Golf Club, is one of the longest aqueducts in Turkey.

Polonezköy

Polonezköy, 25 km. from Istanbul, was founded in the 19th century by Polish immigrants on the Asian coast. Polonezköy is a popular destination for Istanbulites to take walks and horseback rides in the village atmosphere and to taste traditional Polish food served by relatives of the first settlers.

The sandy beaches, restaurants and hotels of Şile on the Black Sea coast, 70 km. from Üsküdar, make it one of the most pleasant vacation spots in Istanbul. The region is popular for touristic purposes and is where the well-known Şile cloth is produced.

Bayramoglu – Darıca Bird Sanctuary and Botanical Park

Bayramoglu – Darıca Bird Sanctuary and Botanical Park is a unique recreational destination 38 km from Istanbul. This huge park with its pedestrian walkways, restaurants and restaurants is full of birds and plants from different parts of the world.

Fishing town of Eskihisar

The quaint fishing town of Eskihisar is southeast of Istanbul, where yachtsmen can dock at the marina after their daily cruise on the Marmara Sea. The house of Osman Hamdi Bey, Turkey’s great 19th century painter, has been turned into a museum. The tomb of Hannibal, located between Eskihisar and Gebze, is one of the sites around a Byzantine castle.

Summer Homes in Silivri

Many Istanbul residents have summer homes in Silivri, a popular vacation spot 65 km. from Istanbul. It is a great holiday destination with great restaurants, sports and health centers. The conference center also attracts business people escaping the fast pace of the city for a mix of business and leisure activities and “cultural tourism”. A scheduled sea bus service connects Istanbul with Silivri.

The islands in the Marmara

The islands in the Marmara Sea, dotted with nine islands, were a place of exile for Byzantine princes. Today they are the summer retreats of wealthy Istanbulites to cool breezes and elegant 19th-century homes. The largest of the islands is Büyükada. You can take a wonderful phaeton ride through the pine trees or swim in one of the countless small coves around the island!

Other popular islands are Kınalı, Sedef, Burgaz and Heybeliada. Regular car ferry services connect the islands to both the European and Asian coasts. In summer there is a fast sea bus service from Kabatas.

TRANSPORTATION

By road:

Urban transportation: In addition to minibuses and buses, the tranway centered in Aksaray, the metro between Taksim and Levent, and the electric tranway in Beyoğlu are frequently used urban transportation vehicles.

Intercity transportation: There is a road connection from Istanbul to all parts of the country. The departure point of domestic transportation is the international bus station in Harem on the Anatolian side and Esenler on the European side.

International transportation: From Istanbul to abroad Greece, Skopje, Macedonia, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Russia (Moscow) Romania, Bulgaria, Jordan (Amman).

Bus Station Tel : (+90-212) 658 05 05 05 – 658 10 10 – 658 00 36 (9 lines) – 333 37 63 – 310 63 63

Railway:

There are railway connections from Istanbul to Ankara, Izmir and Eastern Anatolian cities. There are Sirkeci- Vienna, Munich, Budapest, Thessaloniki, (Eskişehir, Konya, Gaziantep)- Aleppo, (Tatavan, Van)- Tehran, S, Moscow, Büktreşe train services from Istanbul to abroad.

Station Tel : (+90-212) 348 80 20 – 336 19 16 – 337 87 24
Haydarpasa Station Tel: (+90-216) 348 80 20/336 19 16
Reservation Tel: (+90-216) 337 87 24
Information Tel: (+90-216) 336 04 75
Sirkeci Station Tel: (+90-216) 520 65 75
Information Tel: (+90-216) 527 00 50

Seaway:

Both urban and domestic transportation is provided in Istanbul. In addition, marinas are connected to European ports.

Urban Sea Transportation: There are ferries between Kadıköy- H.Paşa- Karaköy, Eminönü- Üsküdar, Eminönü-Kadıköy, Köprü-Yeniköy, Beykoz-Kavaklar, Sirkecii- Bostancı, Köprü-Adalar, Köprü-Yalova, Kabataş-Çınarcık, Bostancı-Çınarcık.

Intercity Sea Transportation: There are tours to the Black Sea (Istanbul, Zonguldak, Sinop, Samsun, Giresun, Trabzon, Rize), Izmir, Marmara line (Marmara Island, Bandirma, Mudanya), Avşa Islands.

Port Tel : (+90-212) 245 53 66 – 249 71 78 – 249 18 96
Address: TDI Maritime Railways Agency Dock Cad. Kadikoy/Istanbul
Head Office Tel: (+90-212) 245 53 66-249 71 78-249 18 96
Reservation:Tel: (+90-212) 249 92 22-293 74 54
Information: Tel: (+90-212) 244 25 02-244 02 07

Airline:

Istanbul Airport: As of June’24, Turkish Airlines has the largest international flight network in the world, flying to 349 destinations in 130 countries.

Istanbul’s central location shortens flight times on global routes and allows the best use of different aircraft types.Istanbul Airport, one of the largest airports in the world, recorded the highest number of daily flights in Europe in 2023.

PLACES TO VISIT IN ISTANBUL

Museums

Archaeology Museum

Address: Osman Hamdi Bey Yokuşu Gülhane – Istanbul
Tel: (212) 520 77 40
Fax: (212) 527 43 00

Military Museum

Large field tents used by Ottoman armies during campaigns are on display in the Military Museum. Ottoman weapons and military equipment are also on display. The Ottoman military band, the Mehter Team, performs Ottoman military music in the afternoons between 15.00-16.00.
Days open to visitors : Open every day except Monday

Ataturk Museum

The house in Şişli where Atatürk lived was later turned into a museum in his memory. His personal belongings are exhibited.
Open days : Open every day except Monday and Tuesday

Hagia Irene Church (St. Irene)

It was the first church built in Istanbul. It was built in the 4th century on the orders of Constantine and later restored during the reign of Justinian. The structure was built over a pre-Christian temple.

Hagia Sophia Museum

Address: Sultanahmet Square – Istanbul
Tel: (212) 528 45 00
Fax: (212) 512 54 74

Hagia Sophia, which is seen as the first and last unique application in terms of its architecture, splendor, size and functionality; It is a product of the east-west synthesis that inspired the Ottoman mosques, albeit on the basis of ideas. This work is among the most important monuments of world architectural history that have survived to the present day. For this reason, in addition to its historical past, Hagia Sophia has attracted the attention of all humanity for centuries with its architecture, mosaics and Turkish-era structures. Hagia Sophia was a church for 916 years, a mosque for 481 years and has been a museum since 1935. Check the latest statue here.

The first Hagia Sophia, which is claimed by Byzantine historians to have been built during the reign of Emperor Constantine I (324-337), was burned down at the end of an uprising and no remains of this building have survived to the present day. Emperor Theodosius II built Hagia Sophia for the second time and opened it for worship in 415. This basilica-planned building burned down in 532 during the Nika revolution. Excavations in 1936 revealed some remains related to it. These are the steps, columns, capitals, various architectural pieces showing the entrance to the temple.

Emperor Iustinianus (527-565) wanted to build a larger church than the first two Hagia Sophias, and had the famous architects of the era, Isidoros of Miletus and Anthemios of Tralles, build the present Hagia Sophia. Columns, capitals, marbles and colored stones from the ruins of ancient Anatolian cities were brought to Istanbul to be used in Hagia Sophia.

The construction of Hagia Sophia began on December 23, 532 and was completed on December 27, 537. When analyzed architecturally, it consists of a large central space, two side spaces (nave), abscissa, inner and outer narthexes. The interior measures 100 x 70 m. and is covered with a 55 m. high, 30.31 m. diameter dome carried by four large pillars.

Besides the architecture of Hagia Sophia, its mosaics are also of great importance. The oldest mosaics are the mosaics with gilded geometric and floral motifs in the inner narthex and side naves. Figured mosaics were made in the IX.-XII. centuries. These are seen on the Emperor’s door, in the abscissa, on the exit door and in the upper floor gallery.

Hagia Sophia underwent various repairs during the Turkish period that began with the conquest of Istanbul. The area around the mihrab contains the most beautiful examples of Turkish tile art and Turkish writing art. The most interesting of these are a sura taken from the Koran by the famous Turkish Calligrapher Kazasker Mustafa İzzet Efendi on the dome and round plates with a diameter of 7.50 meters. The names of Allah, Muhammad, Umar, Osman, Ali, Hasan, Abu Bakr and Hussein are inscribed on these plates. On the side walls of the mihrab, there are plates written by the Ottoman sultans and presented here as a gift.

The tombs of Sultan Selim II, Sultan Mehmet III, Sultan Murat III and the tombs of the princes, Sultan Mahmut I’s fountain, sanbyan school, imaret, library, Sultan Abdülmecid’s hünkar mahfeli, muvakkithanesi are examples of the Turkish era in Hagia Sophia and the tombs constitute the most beautiful examples of the classical Ottoman tomb tradition with their interior equipment, tiles and architecture.

The museum can be visited between 09.30-16.30 every day except Mondays.

ÇİNİLİ KÖŞK:

It was built in the 15th century, during the reign of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, in the form of a pavilion or pavilion. It houses the Museum of Turkish Ceramics, which houses the best examples of 16th century Seljuk and Ottoman pottery and tile art, including Iznik pieces.

Grand Palace Mosaic Museum

Address: Sultanahmet Arastasi – Istanbul
Tel: (212) 511 97 00

The Mosaic Museum dates from the Great Palace of the Byzantine emperors. Rare 5th and 6th century mosaic tiles are preserved here.

Maritime Museum

It is located in Beşiktaş. In addition to many interesting artifacts of Ottoman maritime history, the “sultans’ sultanate boats” used by the sultans while crossing the Bosphorus are also exhibited.
Visiting days : Open every day except Saturday and Sunday

Divan Literature Museum (Galata Mevlevihanesi)

Address Galipdede Cad. 15 Beyoglu – Istanbul
Tel: (212) 245 41 41

Fethiye Museum (Pammakaristos)

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts in Beşiktaş contains examples of Turkish painting and sculpture from the late 19th century to the present day.
Open days : Open every day except Mondays and Thursdays

Aviation Museum

It is in Yeşilköy. It was founded on the theme of the development of Turkish aviation.
Days open to visitors: Open every day except Tuesday

Kariye Museum

Address Edirnekapi – Istanbul
Tel: (212) 523 30 09

It is an 11th century monument and is also known as the Church of Jesus Christ. It is the most important Byzantine building in Istanbul after Hagia Sophia. Located near Edirnekapı in Istanbul, this church, famous for its mosaics and friezes, was built by Maria Dukaina, the mother-in-law of Byzantine Emperor Alexius Komnenos, and dedicated to Jesus Christ, and later enlarged. Most of the mosaics and frescoes depicting the lives of Jesus Christ and Mary were painted between 1305-1320.

The church, which was converted into a mosque during the reign of Bayazıt II, was restored in 1929 during the Republican period and opened to visitors as a museum after its mosaics were uncovered. By the way, after visiting the museum, tea and coffee are served in the wooden houses surrounding the church in a cozy atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Orhan Kemal Museum

Museum Tel: (+90-212) 292 92 45 – 292 12 13 Fax: (+90-212) 243 67 82

For Orhan Kemal, who sheds light on our recent literature, the house at Akarsu Street No: 32 Cihangir 80060 in Istanbul has been turned into a museum with the contributions of Orhan Kemal Culture and Art Coordinatorship. In the museum, Orhan Kemal’s photographs, first edition books, books published in foreign languages, his study room, the items he used and his clothes are exhibited.
Open days : Open every day between 10.00-17.00. Entrance is free of charge.

Rumelihisarı Museum

Address Yahya Kemal Cad. No:42 Hisaronu – Istanbul
Tel: (212) 263 53 05

Anadoluhisarı Museum

Address Beykoz – Istanbul
Tel: (212) 263 53 05

Rahmi Koç Industrial Museum

Located in the suburb of Hasköy, on the shores of the Golden Horn, the Rahmi Koç Industrial Museum, formerly known as the Lengerhane, is the site of Ottoman-era iron and steelworks and showcases the developments in the industry.
Open days : Open every day except Monday

Sadberk Hanım Museum

Upstream from the Bosphorus, on the outskirts of Büyükdere, two 19th century wooden villas are filled with the collections of the Sadberk Hanım Museum. This special museum, which used to exhibit examples of Turkish decorative arts, has grown even larger with the addition of a new archaeological collection.
Open days : Open every day except Wednesday.

City Museum

The City Museum in the garden of the Yıldız Palace preserves documents related to the history of Istanbul since the Ottoman conquest.
Open days : Open every day except Thursday. Also in the garden of Yıldız Palace, there is the Museum of Theater and Historical Stage Costumes with its rich décor, stage and elegant costumes.

Topkapi Palace Museum

Address Sarayiçi Sultanahmet – Istanbul
Tel: (212) 522 44 22
Fax: (212) 522 44 22

Museum of Turkish Carpets

It is across the street from the Ibrahim Pasha Palace. Beautiful antique carpets and rugs collected from every region of Turkey are on display.
Open days : Open every day except Monday

Museum of Turkish-Islamic Art

Address: Ibrahim Pasha Palace Sultanahmet – Istanbul
Tel: (212) 518 18 05
Fax: (212) 518 18 07

The museum exhibits works of Turkish and Islamic art. The building was built in 1524 by Ibrahim Pasha, Grand Vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent, as his residence. It is the largest private residence of the Ottoman Empire period. Today, it is a place where exquisite collections of ceramics, miniatures, examples of calligraphy, textiles, the oldest carpets as well as wood carvings are exhibited.

Museum of Tombs

Address Atmeydanı Sultanahmet – Istanbul
Tel: (212) 517 05 44

Yıldız Palace Museum

Address Besiktas – Istanbul
Tel: (212) 258 30 80
Fax: (212) 258 30 85

Basilica Cistern

The cistern, also known as the Byzantine Cistern, is near Hagia Sophia. The thin brick arches of the great hall are supported by 136 Corinthian style columns.
Open days : Open every day except Tuesday

Ruins

Towers

Maiden’s Tower

The Maiden’s Tower, the symbol of Istanbul, is a small, charming tower built on a rock at the entrance to the Bosphorus. The tower, which was used as a watchtower and lighthouse in history, is now allocated for tourism. Western sources describe it as the tower of Leander, who drowned while swimming to meet his beloved Hera. According to another story, this was the tower where the Emperor, who saw in his dreams that his daughter would be bitten by a snake, placed the young girl for her safety. The snake arriving in a fruit basket caused the tragedy.

Galata Tower:

It was built by the Genoese in response to the movements of the Byzantines against the Genoese. They built this tower to protect the region from all kinds of attacks. In the tower, there is a stone staircase that turns inside the wall up to the big landing. In recent years, it was restored in 1967, an elevator was put inside and a restaurant was built on the other floors.

Beyazıt Tower:

The building (former palace) on the site of today’s Istanbul University headquarters was used as the Ministry of National Defense (Seraskerlik) during the reign of Mahmut II. The wooden tower in the courtyard of the Seraskerlik continued its existence for a long time for fire watchers. Mahmut II had this tower demolished in order to have a more beautiful one built and according to the inscription, a masonry tower reflecting the architectural features of that period was built by Serasker Hüseyin Pasha in 1828 by his order. This 50 m high monument, with its prominent mass, gives the city a characteristic line. A wooden staircase leads up to the landing above, providing a bird’s eye view of a large part of the city.

Fortresses

The old Istanbul peninsula, which resembles a triangle, is surrounded by 22 km. of walls built during the Roman period in the 5th century. Since its foundation, the city site of Byzantion expanded towards the west and was surrounded by new walls 4 times. The shores of the Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn were also surrounded by a single row of strong walls. Among the walls surrounding the acropolis of the city, the walls built by Emperor Septimus Severius in the 3rd century and the 3rd wall built by Constantine the Great in 320 were completely destroyed. The land walls start from the seashore, cross the hills and valleys and descend to the Golden Horn walls.

Yedikule:

The most spectacular gate in these walls was the “Golden Gate” close to the Sea of Marmara. This Emperor’s ceremonial gate was placed between two marble towers like a triumphal arch. Armies returning from victory, the Emperor and his entourage would enter the city through this gate. With the addition of 5 towers from the Turkish period surrounding this gate, 7 towers were turned into an inner fortress. While it was used as a treasury, warehouse and ambassador’s prison in time, today it is another museum of the city with its interesting entrance and “Golden Gate” towers. Various events and concerts are organized during the summer months.

Anadolu Hisarı:

Located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, the only outlet to the Black Sea, the fortress was built by Sultan Bayazıt in the 1390s. Together with Rumelihisarı on the opposite shore, this small fortress, which keeps the Bosphorus transit under complete control, forms a picturesque landscape with old wooden houses leaning on its bastions and its surroundings.

Rumeli Hisarı:

It is on the Rumeli side of the Bosphorus. It was built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 to prevent Byzantium from receiving help from the north. The three big towers are named after Çandarlı Kara Halil, Saruca and Zaganos Pashas who undertook the construction.

Palaces, Mansions and Pavilions

Aynalıkavak Pavilion

Aynalı Kavak Summer Mansion was built in the 18th century and later restored by various sultans. It is believed to have taken this name because of the mirrors installed in 1718, some of which were gifts from the Venetians. The palace on the Golden Horn is one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Turkish architecture.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi, where the Asian tower of the Bosphorus Bridge is erected, is a beautiful neighborhood that has been allocated to palaces since Byzantium. Beylerbeyi Palace was built by Sultan Abdülmecit in 1861-1865 on the site of an old wooden coastal palace. Eastern and Turkish motifs were used together with Western ornamental elements in the facade and interior decoration.

The three-story building, which has the air of Dolmabahçe Palace, consists of 26 rooms and six halls that make up the harem and selamlık sections. The interior of this small palace is decorated with Bohemian chandeliers, each of which is a small fortune, Yıldız-made tiles and ceramic vases. Gilded furniture and exquisite carpets give this place a distinct beauty. Authentic furniture, carpets, curtains and other furnishings have been preserved intact.

The facade ornaments facing the sea, the well-kept garden and the central hall with pool and spiral staircases are the main attractions. A large pool, terraces and one-of-a-kind horse stables are located on the rear slope. The old road used until the 1970s passed under the palace garden through a tunnel. The palace, which has two small observation pavilions on the beach, also hosted state guests.

Çırağan Palace

The most beautiful parts of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus were allocated to sultans and important people for their palaces and mansions. Many of these were destroyed over time. Çırağan, a large palace, burned down in 1910. The palace was built by Sultan Abdülaziz in 1871 on the site of a previous wooden palace by the architect Serkis Balyan.

The building, which cost four million gold coins in four years, had wooden partitions and ceilings and marble covered walls. The columns, which were superior examples of stonemasonry, were complemented by richly furnished spaces. The rooms were decorated with rare carpets, the furniture with gold gilding and mother-of-pearl pen work. Like other palaces on the Bosphorus, Çırağan was the venue for many important meetings.

It had facades decorated with colored marble, monumental gates and was connected to Yıldız Palace on the back ridges by a bridge. The street side was surrounded by high walls. The ruin, which had been in ruins for years, was restored after major repairs and turned into a beautiful 5-star hotel with the additions added to its side.

Dolmabahce Palace

Built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdülmecit I, the façade of Dolmabahçe Palace stretches 600 meters along the European shore of the Bosphorus. Dolmabahçe Palace was built between 1843-1856 as a mixture of European art styles. It is the work of Karabet Balya, the architect of Sultan Abdülmecit. Ottoman Sultans had many palaces in every era. However, the main palace Topkapı was abandoned after the completion of Dolmabahçe Palace.

Dolmabahce Palace has three floors and a symmetrical plan. It has 285 rooms and 43 halls. It has a 600-meter dock from the sea and two monumental gates on the land side, one of which is very ornate. In the center of this coastal palace, surrounded by a well-kept and beautiful garden, is the ceremony and ballroom, which is higher than the other parts. The large, 56-columned reception hall amazes visitors with its enormous 4.5-ton crystal chandelier illuminated by 750 lights.

The entrance side of the palace was used for the Sultan’s reception and meetings, while the wing on the other side of the ceremonial hall was used as the harem. The interior decoration, furniture, silk carpets and curtains and all other furnishings have survived to the present day in their original condition. Dolmabahçe Palace has a richness and splendor not found in any other palace.

The walls and ceilings were decorated with paintings by European artists of the period and tons of gold ornaments. Everything in the important rooms and halls has the same color tone. All the floors are covered with different, highly ornamented wooden parquet. The famous Hereke silk and wool carpets, the most beautiful works of Turkish art, are spread in many places. Rare decorative handicrafts from Europe and the Far East adorn the palace. Sparkling crystal chandeliers, candelabras and fireplaces display their beauty in many rooms of the palace.

It has the largest ballroom of any palace in the world. From its 36 m. high dome hangs a gigantic crystal chandelier weighing 4.5 tons. This hall, which was used for important political meetings, congratulations and balls, was previously heated by a furnace-like arrangement underneath. Heating and electricity were added to the palace later. Of the six baths, the one in the Selamlık section is decorated with unique, beautifully carved alabaster marbles. The upper galleries of the great hall were reserved for the orchestra and diplomats.

In the harem section, which is reached by passing through long corridors, there are the sultan’s bedrooms and the sultan’s mother’s section, as well as other women and servants’ sections. The northern annex of the palace was allocated to the princes. The building, whose entrance is in the Beşiktaş neighborhood, serves as the Museum of Painting and Sculpture. The most important event in the palace, which was used as Atatürk’s residence during his visits to Istanbul during the Republican period, was Atatürk’s death in 1938.

Filizli Mansion

Florya Ataturk Sea Mansion

Atatürk’s Florya Sea Pavilion was used as a summer residence for the presidents of Turkey. This pavilion, with its T-shaped extension to the Marmara Sea, was built in 1935. It is an exhibition of the best examples of early 20th century furniture. Atatürk was the first president to stay here.

Hereke Silk Weaving and Carpet Factory

Linden Pavilions

Built in the 19th century, the Linden Pavilion was named after the linden trees growing in its garden. Now located in the center of Istanbul, this mansion used to be outside the city.

Küçüksu Pavilion

Used as a summer residence, the palace was built by Abdülmecit I in the middle of the 19th century.

Maslak Pavilions

Designed by Sultan Abdülaziz as a hunting house, the Maslak Mansion bears the most beautiful examples of 19th century Ottoman decorative arts.

Merasim Pavilion

While it was used for official ceremonies, the Maiyet Pavilion housed the sultan’s entourage and sometimes the harem when they left the palace for sightseeing. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday)

Tekfur Palace

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace, the center of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries, with its labyrinths, is located on a piece of land where the waters of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara mingle.

Construction of the new palace (Topkapi Palace) began after 1466 and was completed in 1478, a few years before Fatih died. This palace was not in a single building like other European palaces, but consisted of various pavilions and apartments. The first tiled pavilion was the Sırça Palace and was completed in 1472.

The two-story pavilion in the character of Central Asian architecture became the Museum of Archeology in 1875 and the Museum of Turkish Islamic Art in 1908. In 1953, it was opened as the Museum of Fatih Artifacts.

The construction of the Tiled Pavilion was followed by the construction of the Kubbealtı Arzoda, the Hasoda, the Treasury, the Treasury, wards such as the Cellar and the Seferliler, some of the kitchens, the patients’ room, the bathhouse, the Agalar Mosque, which is now the library, the stables and other buildings, and finally, in 1478, the building was completed with the construction of the palace walls and the main gate in the direction of Sultanahmet, called Bab-ı Humayun.

The number of inhabitants of the palace, which was 750 on average during the reign of Fatih, gradually increased and reached 5000 on normal days and 10.000 on extraordinary occasions such as feast days in the XIXth century. For this reason, new additions were made to this palace over time.

The harem section of Topkapı Palace was built between 1574 and 1595 during the reign of Sultan Murat III and after that the harem people in Bayazıt were transferred here. At the beginning of the XIXth century, the harem population was 474 people.

As you entered the harem, there was the Girls’ Agha Office and upstairs there was the Şehzadeler School for the younger princes and Sultans. Over time, Enderun School, Hekimbaşı Room, Enderun Pharmacy, pavilions in the inner courtyards and summer pavilions on the shores of Sarayburnu were built, kitchens and stables were expanded, and new mosques and libraries were added.

Yildiz Palace

It is a complex of pavilions and gardens in courtyards surrounded by high walls, spread over a wide area covering the hills and valleys dominating the Bosphorus. Today, this second largest palace of Istanbul is divided and divided into different services.

Yıldız Palace is a collection of mansions first built by Mihrişah Sultan, the mother of Selim III. Mahmut II built a second pavilion, which he named Yıldız, and this name was later transferred to the entire group built during the reigns of Abdülmecit, Abdülaziz and Abdülhamit.

During the reign of Sultan Abdüaziz, the number of pavilions began to increase, Malta, Çit, Çadır, Şale Pavilions were built, and the grove was arranged in the hands of master gardeners without touching its pristine appearance. Sultan Abdülhamit lived here for 32 years and used this sheltered palace, which was like a city within a city, as his official residence and harem during his 33-year reign.

In addition to the administrative sections, Yıldız Palace has many other departments and a mosque. It was completed at the end of the 19th century, during the reign of Abdul Hamid II. The largest and most elegant of the buildings, the Chale, shows the luxury in which the sultans lived and entertained.

The panoramic view of the Bosphorus from the large palace park adorned with flowers, trees and dwarf plants brought from all over the world is beautiful. Due to restoration works, only the chalet and the park are open to the public.

Mosques, Churches and Synagogues

Famous mosques in Istanbul include the Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Fatih Mosque, Eyüp Mosque, Yeni Mosque, Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Mosque and Mihrimah Sultan Mosque.

Many churches and monasteries are active in the city. Some of them have been converted into mosques. The famous ones are Studios Manastin Church, Sergios-Bakhos Church, Hagia irene Church, Pantakrator Manastir Church, Vefa Church (Hagios Theoderos), Nyrelaion Monastery Church, Eglise D’hagia Thekla Monastery, Eski İmaret Mosque (Pantepoptes Manastin Church), Kalenderhane Mosque (Akataleotos Monastery), Fenari İsa Mosque (Lios Monastery Church) and Fethiye Mosque (Pammakaristos Manastr Church).

Bazaars

Grand Bazaar

Like a giant-sized labyrinth, the Grand Bazaar, the oldest and largest covered bazaar in the world with 60 streets and more than three thousand shops, is located in the center of the city of Istanbul. Resembling a city, this fully covered site has developed and grown over time.

Dating from the 15th century, two old buildings with walls and covered with a series of domes were turned into a shopping center in the following centuries by covering the developing streets and making additions. In the past, this was a bazaar where certain professions were located on each street and where handicraft production was strictly controlled and commercial ethics and customs were highly respected.

The street that is considered the main street of the bazaar has mostly jewelry shops, and a side street leading to it has goldsmiths. Shopping opportunities for tourist groups visiting Istanbul are provided by modern and large shopping centers at the main entrance of the bazaar.

Spice Bazaar:

It is the second covered bazaar of Istanbul. It was built by Hatice Turhan Sultan, mother of Mehmet IV, as a foundation for the New Mosque. There are 6 doors in the bazaar. 3 of them are porticoes, which make the structure even more beautiful.

Coppersmith Bazaar:

Another bazaar of Istanbul that attracts the attention of foreigners is the Coppersmith Bazaar in Beyazıt. It is a row of shops under the eastern and northern walls of the current Istanbul University Central Building garden. Here, various copper works are made by hand and sold as cauldrons, pots, birdhouses, sahans, pans, bowls, basins, pitchers, pitchers, buckets, buckets, buckets, mashpots, sini, braziers, braziers, candlesticks, “gülabdab” made of copper.

Covered Bazaar:

(Covered Bazaar under the Kuleli Mosque) Another example of covered bazaars are the shops under the Laleli Mosque, built in the 19th century and restored in recent years.

Aqueducts

Mualla Arch It is one of the aqueducts built by Mimar Sinan. It is in the valley of Alibey stream. There are 4 big arches in the middle section.

Long Arch:

It is one of the aqueducts built by Sinan the Architect. It is about 1500 m northwest of Kemerburgaz. It was built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Güzelce Arch:

Also known as Cebeci Village Arch, it was built by Sinan the Architect during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. It is about 1500 m. east of Cebeci Village in the south of Kemerburgaz.

Bahcekoy Arch:

Known as Sultan Mahmut Arch, it is 1 km from Bahçeköy towards Büyükdere. It was completed in 1731 during the reign of Mahmut I.

Fountains

Sultanahmet Fountain (Ahmet III Fountain):

It is in front of the Bab-i Hümayun gate of Topkapı Palace. The stone and bronze inscriptions on the four facades of the building, as well as the ornaments of the wooden eaves, are masterpieces of art. The fountain stands out from the humble lines of the classical period and stands out among its peers with the elegance, richness and beauty of its calligraphy.

Üsküdar Ahmet III Fountain:

It is located at the pier square in Üsküdar. It was built in 1728. It is a square fountain with a wooden roof and four faces and is a masterpiece of architecture, calligraphy, stonework and poetry.

German Fountain:

It is in the park in Sultanahmet Square. It was made in Germany with all its parts to commemorate the second visit of the German Emperor Wilhelm II to Istanbul, and was brought to Istanbul and placed on the arches prepared. The three domes of this fountain, which was inaugurated on January 1, 1901, the first day of the 20th century, are covered with gold mosaic.

Tophane Fountain

It is in Tophane Square. It was built in 1732 by Mahmut I. for the Chief Architect Mehmet Aga.

Beykoz Ishak Aga Fountain:

It is located in Beykoz district in Istanbul. It is one of the most beautiful fountain monuments in Turkey.

Ayazma Fountain:

It is in the courtyard of Ayazma Mosque in Üsküdar. Built in the 18th century by Mustafa III, the fountain bears the architectural features of the period.

Azapkapı Saliha Sultan Fountain:

It was built in 1732 by Sultan Mahmut I on behalf of his mother Saliha Sultan.

Göksu Fountain:

It was built by Mihrişah Sultan, wife of Sultan Mustafa III and mother of Selim III.

Esma Sultan Fountain:

It was built in 1799 by Esma Sultan, daughter of Ahmet III. It is an example of square fountains.

Monuments and Squares

Hippodrome

Important buildings and monuments of the Roman period, of which very few remains have survived to the present day, were built around the Hippodrome. The Imperial Palace, known as the “Great Palace”, started next to the Hippodrome and extended down to the seaside.

A floor mosaic panel of a large hall from this palace has survived to the present day. The neighborhood maintained its central importance during the Byzantine and Turkish periods. The most important monuments of Istanbul such as Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet Mosque, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, and the Sinking Cistern are located here, around the Hippodrome. Theodosius Erected Stone, Constantine Column (Orme Odelisk), Serpent Column (Burmese Column) remain from the Hippodrome today.

Theodosius Erected Stone:

The original is an ancient Egyptian work. It was erected in Heliopolis in 1547 BC in the name of Pharaoh Tutmosis III (Toothmesis). It is made of pink granite and monolithic. The victories of Tutmosis II are written on it in Hieroglyphic script. In 390, it was brought to Istanbul by the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I and erected in the Hippodrome. The reliefs on the pedestal depict Theodosius I, his sons, his wife, Arkedios, Honorios and Emperor Valantinianos II. There are also depictions of Hippodrome scenes and the erection of the monument.

Column of Goths:

It is a very old monument located in the outer garden of Topkapı Palace, at the entrance to Sarayburnu in Gülhane Park, which has survived unchanged from the Roman Period to the present day. Erected in the 3rd or 4th century, this column is 15 meters tall monolith marble on a high pedestal. The column head is decorated with an eagle crest in Corinthian style. The monument is also known as the “Goths Column” because of the inscription lines mentioning the victory over the Goths.

Çemberlitaş (Column of Constantine):

This monument, also known as the Çemberlitaş column, was erected in honor of Constantine in the middle of a large oval square on the second hill of the city due to the transfer of the capital from Rome to Istanbul in 330 AD.

Serpent Column (Burmese Column):

This column was brought to Istanbul in the 4th century from the temple of Apollo in Delphi. It is one of the oldest monuments in Istanbul. It is known that the original was built in 409 BC. It was created by melting and pouring the weapons of the Persian army after the various Greek sites, which were united, were victorious over the Persians.

Beyazıt Square:

It was built in 393 AD during the reign of Emperor Theodosius as the biggest square of the city. It was named “Form Tauri” square because of the bronze bull heads on the giant-sized triumphal arch in the center. A few marble blocks and columns have survived from the triumphal arch with the statue of the Emperor. To the north, Istanbul University stands on the site of the first palace built by Fatih.

The monumental gate at the entrance of the university and the fire tower in the garden are 19th century buildings. The 15th century Beyazıt Mosque, which adorns the square and gives it its name, is adjacent to the crowded and lively Grand Bazaar, and the madrasah, baths and shops of the complex that belonged to it have survived to the present day.

Protected Areas

Göknarlık Nature Reserve
Polonezkoy Nature Park
Turkmenbashi Nature Park
Subasi Pools Sycamore Nature Monument

Recreation Areas

Islands, Yıldız Park, Emirgan Grove, Gülhane Park, Bosphorus, Bosphorus, Belgrade Forest, Atatürk Forest, Atatürk Forest, Çamlıca, Taşdelen, Beykoz Meadow, Karakulak, Polonezköy, Küçük and Büyükçekmece Lake, Kumburgaz, Kilyos, Piyerloti Coffee House, Şile are the promenade places to visit.

Beaches

There are beaches in Büyükada, Beykoz, Poyrazköy, Kilyos and Sarıyer.

Sportive Activities

Camping-Caravan It is possible to find camping sites in Silivri, Büyükçekmece, Küçük Çekmece, Florya, Ataköy, Bakırköy, Kilyos, Şilesi.

Hunting Tourism:

Hunting tourism is possible in Bakırköy, Çatalca, Beykoz and Şile.

Bakırköy :

Duck and wild goose are rarely hunted around Küçüçekmece Lake, duck and goose are hunted around Alibeyköy Dam Lake, wild boar, fox, rarely jackal and wolf, woodcock, pheasant and wild pigeon are hunted in dense forests in the Belgrade forests around Kemerburgaz.

Çatalca:

It is the most suitable district of Istanbul for hunting. Yalıköy region in the northwest is designated as a roe deer and pheasant production area. In addition, wild boar, woodcock, wild pigeon, rabbit and fox are hunted in and around Binkılıç. In the high hills and dense forests of Strandja Mountains, wolves are rarely encountered. Sandpiper hunting can be done during resting periods during migration times. Quail and partridge can be hunted in the open areas in the flat and dense forests (southern parts).

In addition, buffaloes, which are rarely seen in our country, separated from their herds and increasingly wild in the forest, can be hunted with the permission of the village headman. Still water and terkoz lakes are very suitable areas for duck and wild goose hunting.

In addition, duck, goose and waterfowl mentioned above are hunted in small streams and lakes in the vicinity. Quail, steppe, freckle, partridge, partridge, rabbit and fox are suitable for hunting within the borders of the district in the southern regions. In the northern regions, wild boar and woodcock are hunted in forested areas. Sinekli region is designated as a pheasant protection area.

Beykoz

In the northeastern part of the district, snipe, rabbit, fox and rarely mountain partridge are hunted. Geese and ducks are hunted around Ömerli dam lake. Wild boar hunting is also practiced in dense forested areas.

Şile

The Asian part of the city is the best part of the city for hunting. The forests on the Black Sea coast are suitable for wild boar and woodcock hunting. During migration times, wild goose and wild duck are hunted in the surrounding streams and small lakes (Rez and Riva).

Yachting

Istanbul is a popular starting point for yachtsmen. Starting from the North Sea, yachtsmen can sail from the North Sea, through Europe, through canals and the Rhine and Danube Rivers to the Black Sea, the Bosphorus and its marinas. The Bosphorus and the beautiful bays of the Princes’ Islands under the bridges between the two continents is a preferred route for yachtsmen.

The region has two large marinas.

Golf There are two golf facilities in Istanbul with operating certificates from the Ministry of Tourism.

Bird Observation Area

Büyük Çekmece Lake and Şile Islands Bird Areas are located in Istanbul.

Arts, Culture and Entertainment

Istanbul is an international center of art and culture. The International Festival of Arts and Culture takes place here every year in June and July, with the participation of artists from all over the world. Most of the performances are held at the Atatürk Cultural Center.

Those who enjoy classical music can listen to this kind of music in Cemal Reşit Rey Hall. Operas, operettas, ballets, movies, concerts, exhibitions and conferences are part of the city’s cultural palette. Istanbul’s light show program is also very rich. From Turkish songs to the famous belly dance, nightclubs are a pleasant place for dinner-time entertainment.

Modern discos, cabarets and jazz clubs are in the Taksim – Harbiye neighborhood. Restored Byzantine and Ottoman buildings and restaurants in Sultanahmet are pleasant places to spend an evening out.

Kumkapi is another attractive neighborhood with many tavernas, bars and fish restaurants. For years, people have been meeting at the Cicek Passage in Beyoglu for a bite or two and a taste of the specialty seafood. The narrow Nevizade Street next to the Çiçek Pasajı is the best place in Istanbul to drink raki and taste Turkish food.

Ortaköy on the Bosphorus is the best place for Istanbul nightlife, with nightclubs, jazz clubs, restaurants and bars serving excellent seafood. The opportunity to see fishermen in traditional Ottoman dress in traditional Ottoman boats in Eminönü and taste their famous fried fish from their boats should not be missed.

WHAT TO EAT IN ISTANBUL?

Istanbul cuisine is one of the world’s leading cuisines. The ingredients, craftsmen, styles and flavors coming from all over the country to the city, which was the capital of the empire, led to the emergence of Ottoman Turkish cuisine. Ottoman cuisine, which is the continuation of the imperial cuisine and open to new flavors, is enriched every day.

In Istanbul cuisine, various vegetables added to lamb, mutton or veal are the main dishes. Pilaf, pastries, bulgur, dried beans and vegetables with rich olive oil are served as side dishes. Meatballs and shish kebab, doner kebab or other types of kebab with chili, yogurt and eggplant are available in special kebab shops. The truly delicious dough tarts, baklava, kadayif and the like are available from small shops that have been in business for several generations.

There are also restaurants of various nationalities in Istanbul. There are many places serving fast-food, quick snacks. However, delicious local dishes are served in typical restaurants. Raki and ayran are the two most famous Turkish national drinks. Both are the color of milk: Raki, the alcoholic one, is a strong drink that turns white when water is added. The other is ayran, a refreshing drink made from diluted yogurt. Raki can be taken as an aperitif with dried nuts or melon and feta cheese, or with various appetizers during meals, but not with other drinks. The homeland of wine and beer is Anatolia.

The famous Turkish Coffee is served in small cups, black or sweetened, to guests at every opportunity. The saying “A cup of coffee has 40 years of memory” has been said since the 16th century, when the Turks started to use coffee with its known consistency.

Recipes from Istanbul

Broad bean fava

Ingredients :

250 gr. fava beans
1 small carrot
2 cloves of garlic
1 small onion
1 coffee cup olive oil
1/2 bunch of dill
1 lemon

Preparation: Wash the broad beans well and put them in a pot. Add chopped carrot, garlic and onion. Add enough water to cover the mixture by 2 fingers and boil. After it starts to boil, remove the foam accumulated on it with the help of a colander. Add olive oil and continue boiling. Stir frequently with a whisk until it turns into a puree. Add chopped dill. Pour the pureed mixture into a flat tray and let it cool down. Cut into squares or diamond slices and serve with lemon juice and olive oil.

Lakerda

Ingredients

1 kg. toric or bonito
Salt

Preparation: Clean the fish and keep them in ice water for 24 hours. After the fish are cleaned thoroughly, they are kept in ice and salt water again. It is cleaned again every day and this process is repeated for 4 days. Finally, the fish are taken out of the water and dried thoroughly. It is placed in glass or tin containers with plenty of salt. When it is eaten, it is cut into thin slices and served.

Beykoz kebab with brains

Ingredients

500 gr. piece of meat
4 lamb brains
2 tablespoons margarine
2 onions
1 carrot
1 potato
salt and pepper

Preparation: Boil the brains in vinegar water and cut into cubes. Chop the onion into pieces. Roast in oil together with the meat. Add 2 cups of water and cook for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, remove the foam accumulated on it. Chop the carrots and potatoes. Add them to the boiling meat together with salt and black pepper. After the vegetables soften, sprinkle the chopped brains over the meat and cook for a few more minutes. Serve hot.

WHAT TO BUY FROM ISTANBUL?

You can also go to Istanbul just for shopping. The best place to start is the Grand Bazaar in the old part of the city. There are over 4000 shops in the labyrinthine streets and alleyways. Names such as Jewelry Street, Carpet Street, Takkeciler Street bring to mind the different trades that used to operate in their own sections. It is still the commercial center of the city, an original shopping destination with something for every taste and purse.

Turkish handicrafts, world-famous carpets, hand-painted brightly colored ceramics, copper and brass mirrors, meerschaum pipes are all lovely souvenirs and gifts. Gold jewelry in well-lit showcases dazzles passers-by. The best quality leather and suede goods are reasonably priced. The Old Bedesten in the center of the bazaar houses rare antiques. Hoping to find a precious piece from decades ago is worth a stroll here.

The Egyptian Bazaar or Spice Bazaar next to the New Mosque in Eminönü takes you to the mystical oriental dreamland. The seductive scent of cinnamon, cumin, saffron, mint, thyme and many other herbs and spices permeate the air. Sultanahmet in the old part of the city has also become a shopping destination. The Istanbul Arts Bazaar in the 18th-century Mehmet Efendi Madrasa and the nearby 16th-century Caferağa Madrasa, built by Sinan Sinan, are where you can see artisans at work and buy their wares. The arcades of the Blue Mosque Arasta make for good viewing and convenient shopping.

The exclusive shops in the Taksim – Nişantaşı – Şişli neighborhoods reflect the opposite of the chaos of the marketplaces. On Istiklal, Cumhuriyet and Rumeli Streets, shops selling stylish models made from Turkey’s high quality textiles are tastefully and comfortably browsed. There is also exquisite jewelry and exquisitely styled bags and shoes. Ataköy Galeria in Ataköy and Akmerkez in Etiler house branches of some of the most stylish stores in Istanbul. On the Asian side, Bahariye and Baghdad Streets and the Capitol Bazaar Center offer similar goods.

Amazing pieces, both new and old, can be found in Istanbul’s flea markets. At the Sahaflar Bazaar and Çınaraltı in Beyazıt, every day brings something new. On Sundays, at the hawker market between Sahaflar and the Grand Bazaar, goods are offered for sale in carts or on banners. Horhor Bazaar is full of shops selling furniture of all ages and qualities. The flea markets in the Topkapı neighborhood, Cihangir – Çukurcuma Street and Üsküdar – Büyük Hamam Street, around Kadıköy – Çarşı Durağı and between Eminönü and Tahtakale are open every day. Another lively market between Büyükdere and Sarıyer is worth a stop on a Sunday drive up the Bosphorus.

Must do Things in Istanbul

• See the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Blue Mosque, two of Istanbul’s religious architectural masterpieces,
• Without visiting Hagia Sophia and the Kariye Museum,
• Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Fortress,
• Without a ferry ride on the Bosphorus and the islands,
• Without taking in the view of Istanbul from the Galata Tower and Pierre Loti,
• Without watching art and culture events,
• Without being curious about the entertainment life,
• Without stopping by the Ortakoy market,
• Without a phaeton tour on Büyükada,
• Without eating fish in the Bosphorus, Kumkapi, Çiçek Passage, yogurt in Kanlıc, profiteroles in Beyoğlu,
• Carpets, jewelry, leather clothing in the Grand Bazaar, Turkish delight, baklava, pastrami, candy in the Spice Bazaar
• Without shopping in Beyoglu and all the mega malls,

Istanbul Art Houses and Galleries

AFA Art Gallery Beyoğlu Tel: 0 212 249 22 18
Akademililer Art Center Beyoğlu Tel: 0 212 245 02 29
Akbank Bahariye Art Gallery Kadıköy Tel: 0 216 336 84 55
Akbank Bebek Art Gallery Bebek Tel: 0 212 263 48 35
Akbank Beylerbeyi Sanat Beylerbeyi Tel:0 212 321 11 02
Aksanat Beyoğlu Tel:0 212 252 35 00
Alkent Actual Art Etiler Tel:0 212 257 46 84
Anka Art Art Gallery Şaşkınbakkal Tel:0 212 385 76 35 Fax:0 212 422 21 96
Antik Palace Maçka Tel:0 212 236 24 60
Antik Art Gallery Kadıköy Tel:0 216 330 13 54 Fax:0 216 348 74 33
Apel Art Gallery Beyoğlu Tel:0 212 292 72 36 Fax:0 212 263 62 33
Ares Art House Fenerbahçe Tel: 0 216 345 11 62
Ariyel Art Gallery Şişli Tel:0 212 296 99 79 Fax:0 212 240 17 11
Art Hall Art Gallery Kozyatağı Tel: 0 216 456 04 58
Artemis Art Center Şişli Tel: 0 212 232 09 20
Artı Mezat Teşvikiye Tel:0 212 261 62 55 Fax:0 212 261 62 81
Artisan Art Gallery Nişantaşı Tel: 0 212 247 71 19
Artium Art Gallery Teşvikiye Tel:0 212 291 01 31 Fax:0 212 231 87 50
Artium Sungur Art House Teşvikiye Tel:0 212 227 227 75 93 Fax:0 212 227 75 93
Artmosphere Art Gallery Yeniköy Tel: 0 212 223 13 14 Fax: 0 212 223 18 15
Military Museum Hasan Rıza Hall Harbiye Tel: 0 212 233 27 20
Asmalımescit Art Gallery Tunnel Tel:0 212 249 69 79
Atatürk Library Beyoğlu Tel: 0 212 249 09 45
Atölye Spider Teşvikiye Tel:0 212 241 35 58
Consulate General of Austria Cultural Office Yeniköy Tel: 0 212 223 78 43 Fax: 0 212 223 34 69
Axa Oyak Art Gallery Karaköy Tel: 0 212 292 58 00 Fax: 0 212 249 91 24
Bahariye Art Gallery Kadıköy Tel:0 216 414 55 06 Fax:0 216 349 04 85
Bakrac Art Gallery Kozyatağı Tel: 0 216 362 18 26 Fax: 0 216 410 91 97
Baraka Galatasaray Tel:0 212 292 29 79 Fax:0 212 292 30 11
Barış Manço Cultural Center Kadıköy Tel: 0 216 418 69 58
Bebek PG Art Gallery Bebek Tel:0 212 2633390
Beksav Art Gallery Kadıköy Tel:0 216 349 91 55 Fax:0 216 349 91 55
Benadam Art Gallery Kadıköy Tel: 0 216 346 97 14
Beyoğlu Municipality Art Gallery Beyoğlu Tel:0 212 252 252 77 55 Fax:0 212 258 77 52
Beytem Art Gallery Şişli Tel: 0 212 231 23 00
Bilgi Atölye 111 Taksim Tel: 0 212 292 86 97
Bilim Art Gallery & Home and World Art Gallery Moda Tel:0 216 349 26 10 Fax:0 212 414 02 06
Bir Culture and Art Center Nişantaşı Tel:0 212 291 28 71 Fax:0 212 291 28 75
Bizim Atölye Tünel Tel:0 212 292 21 61
Bizimtepe Kuruçeşme Tel:0 212 257 88 34 Fax:0 212 257 32 70
BM Contemporary Art Center Nişantaşı Tel: 0 212 231 10 23
Borusan Art Gallery Beyoğlu Tel: 0 212 292 06 55 Fax: 0 212 252 45 91
Cafe Algida Caddebostan Tel:0 216 385 20 61
Cervantes Tarlabasi Tel: 0 212 292 65 36 Fax: 0 212 292 65 37
Çamlıca Art Center Acıbadem Tel: 216 339 68 08 Fax: 326 01 31
Fırat Culture Center Çemberlitaş Tel: 0212 517 46 97/98
HIT Cultural Center Beyoğlu Tel:0 212 293 66 71
İş Sanat Cultural Center Levent Tel: 0 212 316 15 76
Kadıköy Youth Center Kalamış Tel:0 216 349 77 68
Kadıköy Culture and Art Center Caddebostan Tel:216 360 90 95
Kartal Hasan Ali Yücel Cultural Center Istanbul Tel:216 353 37 78
Kartaltepe Cultural Center Bakırköy Tel:0 212 543 73 28
Leman Culture Center Beyoğlu Tel:0 212 249 91 13
Ortaköy Culture Center Art Gallery Ortaköy Tel:212 236 58 02
Profilo Cultural Center Mecidiyeköy Tel:0 212 216 40 70
Schneidertempel Art Center Galata Tel: 0 212 249 0150
Yapı Kredi Culture Center Istanbul Tel: 0 212 293 08 25
Zeytinburnu Atatürk Culture Center Zeytinburnu Tel:212 558 89 83
CBM Art Kadıköy Tel:0 216 455 36 17 Fax:0216 455 36 17
Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall Foyers Harbiye Tel::0 212 248 53 92
Cep Art Gallery Tunnel Tel:0 212 245 19 96 Fax:0 212 245 20 57
Cey Fine Arts Zekeriyaköy Tel:0 212 202 202 64 00 Fax:0 212 202 61 00
Contemporray Art Marketing Teşvikiye Tel: 0 212 234 39 01 Fax: 0 212248 36 92
Cumalı Art Gallery Nişantaşı Tel: 0 212 248 31 65
Roof Art House Nisantasi Tel:0 212 247 74 17
Çekirdek Sanat Beyoğlu Tel:0 212 252 31 61
Darphane-i Amire Sultanahmet Tel:0 212 513 50 82 Fax:0 212 513 54 00
Dega Art Gallery Suadiye Tel: 0 216 463 42 87
dem-art Art Gallery Arnavutköy Tel: 0 212 287 78 67
Naval Museum Art Gallery Beşiktaş Tel: 0 212 327 43 45
Destek Reasurans Maçka Tel:0 212 231 28 32
Enka Art Gallery Balmumcu Tel: 0 212 274 09 67
Eren Art Gallery Beyoğlu Tel: 0 212 244 16 69
Erguvan Art Center Kadıköy Tel: 216 338 16 38
Estet Art Gallery Nişantaşı Tel: 0 212 225 46 77 Fax: 0 212 247 26 42
Etibank Art Gallery Tepebaşı Tel: 0212 252 14 05
Evin Art Gallery Bebek Tel:0 212 265 81 58 Fax:0 212 257 76 75
Exclusive Art Gallery Suadiye Tel:0 216 363 75 94
Eylül Art Gallery Nişantaşı Tel: 0 212 231 68 46
Fatih Kıral Art Gallery Bostancı Tel: 0 216 361 03 07 Fax: 0 216 361 03 08
Fotoğrafevi Galatasaray Tel: 0 212 251 05 66 Fax: 0 212 292 31 30
Galatea Art Gallery Tunnel Tel: 0212 292 54 30 Fax: 0 212 292 54 33
Gallery 3K Nişantaşı Tel: 0 212 233 42 77 Fax: 0 212 219 12 61
Gallery Apel Galatasaray Tel:0 212 292 72 36
Gallery Artist Yeşilçimen Tel: 0 212 227 68 52 Fax: 0 212 258 09 32
Gallery Artist Çukurcuma Çukurcuma Tel:0 212 251 91 63
Gallery B Teşvikiye Tel:0 212 227 03 63
Gallery Baraz Kurtuluş Tel:0 212 240 47 83 Fax:0 212 225 47 02
Galeri Baraz 2 Pangalti Tel: 0 212 240 47 83 Fax: 0 212 231 62 58
Gallery Binyıl Etiler Tel: 0 212 280 94 41 Fax: 0 212 325 03 97
Gallery Bozatlı Arnavutköy Tel:0 212 265 45 56
Gallery Çamaş Göztepe Tel:0 212 385 00 15
Gallery Frame Tunnel Tel:0 212 251 26 51
Gallery D Kadıköy Tel:0 212 347 42 40
Gallery Dirimart Nişantaşı Tel:0 212 291 34 34
Gallery G Nişantaşı Tel: 0 212 241 45 69 Fax: 0 212 241 28 43
Gallery İki Maymun Caddebostan Tel:0 212 350 26 24
Gallery MD Elmadağ Tel:0 212 232 59 59
Gallery Nefise Kadıköy Tel:0 212 337 06 31
Gallery Nev Maçka Tel:0 212 231 67 63
Gallery Oda Teşvikiye Tel:0 212 259 22 08
Gallery Pago Kadıköy Tel:0 212 345 48 06
Gallery Remzi Taksim Tel:0 212 244 78 21
Gallery S.Z. Teşvikiye Tel:0 212 230 17 45
Gallery Seher Moda Tel:0216 346 81 38 Fax: 0 216 346 82 34
Gallery Vinci Teşvikiye Tel:0 212 248 39 86
Galerist Istanbul Tel:0 212 233 62 68
Galleria Palladium Hall Ataköy Tel: 0212 559 95 60 Fax: 0 212 560 05 38
Garanti Art Gallery Beyoğlu Tel: 0 212 293 63 71
Gf Sanatevi Kadıköy Tel: 0216 418 62 83 Fax: 0216 346 14 08
Girgin Piano and Art Gallery Beşiktaş Tel:0212 227 86 40
Goethe Institut Galatasaray Tel:0212 249 20 09 Fax:0212 252 52 14
Gülmine Art Center Bakırköy Tel: 0212 571 60 16 Fax: 0212571 63 62
Güntay Art House Caddebostan Tel:212 386 88 98
Hakan Art Gallery Beyoğlu Tel: 212 243 07 72
Harmony Art Gallery Kuzguncuk Tel: 0216 310 39 57
Haymatlos Istanbul Tel:0 212 292 43 63
Sculpture Workshop / Gallery Ortaköy Tel:0212 258 81 41
Hobi Art Gallery Nisantasi Tel:0212 225 23 37
Horhor Art Gallery Fatih Tel:0212 524 35 92
İlhami Atalay Art Gallery Sultanahmet Tel: 0212 520 10 83
Imaj Art Room Gayrettepe Tel:0212 272 82 10
ISE Art Gallery Istinye Tel: 0212 298 25 11
Istanbul Cultural Center Tulip Art Gallery Beyoğlu Tel: 0212 249 73 02
Istanbul Kül.Univ. Halil Akıngüç Exhibition Hall Şirinevler Tel:0212 639 30 24
Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Art Gallery Istanbul Tel: 0 212 455 60 00
Station Art House Erenköy Tel: 0216 385 41 31
İş Bank Erenköy Art Gallery Erenköy Tel: 0216 356 01 68
İş Bank Parmakkapı Beyoğlu Tel:0212 244 20 21
Kadife Chalet Bahariye Tel:0216 347 85 96
Kare Art Gallery Teşvikiye Tel:0212 240 44 48 Fax:0212 247 48 78
Karsu Tekstil Art Gallery Esentepe Tel: 0212 288 33 89 Fax: 0212 267 24 44
Karşı Sanat Çalışmaları Beyoğlu Tel: 0 212 245 15 08 Fax: 0 212 245 37 00
Kasa Gallery Karakoy Tel:0212 292 49 39
Kaş Gallery Şişli Tel:0212 247 11 85 Fax:0212 230 25 79
Kazım Taşkent Art Gallery Galatasaray Tel: 0212 245 20 41
Kızıltoprak Art Gallery Kadıköy Tel: 0216 418 38 06
Kibele Gallery 4. Levent Tel:0212 316 15 80
Kile Art Gallery Bebek Tel: 0212 265 74 96
Lebriz Art Gallery Nisantasi Tel: 0212 240 22 82
Leylek Cafe & Art House Beyoğlu Tel:0212 244 25 29
Maltepe Art Gallery Maltepe Tel: 0216 441 91 98 Fax: 0216 441 95 40
Meb Art Gallery Göztepe Tel:0216 385 47 78
Hello Art Gallery Yeşilköy Tel: 0212 574 28 21
Metin Art Gallery Bebek Tel:0212 263 13 84
Milli Re Art Gallery Teşvikiye Tel: 0212 230 19 76
Mim Art Center Kadıköy Tel:0216 449 20 45
Mine Art Gallery Bahariye Tel:0216 345 64 40 Fax:0216 346 78 10
Miniature Art Gallery Caddebostan Tel:0216 369 70 00
Modern Art House Kadıköy Tel:0216 349 94 81
Mudo Maçka Art Gallery Nişantaşı Tel: 0212 240 80 23
Happy Art Room Erenköy Tel:0216 355 35 87
Muzaffer Akyol Workshop Tunnel Tel:0212 245 03 25
Nadya Art Gallery Teşvikiye Tel: 0212 231 90 87
Nelli Art House Teşvikiye Tel: 0212 227 73 75
Neriman Oyman Workshop & Home Asmalımescit Tel:0212 243 01 73
Nevzemin 14 Art Gallery Kadıköy Tel:0216 330 88 02
Nil Sungur Art Gallery Teşvikiye Tel: 0212 230 17 45
Nilgün Şensoy Art Gallery Maçka Tel: 0212 236 76 98
Nokta Art Gallery Teşvikiye Tel: 0212 261 45 09
Nuance Art Center Nişantaşı Tel:0212 234 40 4
Odakule Art Gallery Beyoğlu Tel: 0212 249 87 19
Opera Art Gallery Taksim Tel:0212 249 92 02
Oruç Çakmaklı Art Workshop Beyoğlu Tel: 0212 292 59 91
Osmanbey Art Sisli Tel:0212 240 58 30
Ottoman Bank Contemporary Art Center Istanbul Tel: 0 212 233 22 38
Otantik House Cihangir Tel:0212 252 79 04
Özden Art Gallery Maçka Tel: 0212 260 44 28
Özlem Art Gallery Tunnel Tel:212) 293 19 99
Pabetland Art Gallery Maslak Tel: 0212 293 19 99
PAM Art Gallery Mecidiyeköy Tel: 0212 216 44 00
Pamukbank Photography Gallery Teşvikiye Tel:0212 236 67 90
Passion Art Gallery Ulus Tel: 0212 268 12 69
Pera Art House Beyoğlu Tel: 0212 252 38 57
PG Art Baby Tel:0212 263 33 90
Pırıltı Art Gallery Fenerbahçe Fenerbahçe Tel:0216 330 72 39 Fax:0216 330 54 85
Pırıltı Art Gallery Maçka Maçka Tel:0212 227 35 56
Pi Artworks Ortaköy Tel:0212 236 68 53
Platform Garanti Guncel Art Center Beyoğlu Tel:0212 293 23 61
Proje4L Istanbul Contemporary Art Museum Levent Tel:0212 281 51 50 Fax:0 212 283 17 99
Ramko Art Gallery Teşvikiye Tel: 0212 236 18 82
Painters Association Art Gallery Levent Tel:0212 279 27 10
Romans Art Gallery Osmanbey Tel: 0212 233 07 95
Renaissance Art Gallery Teşvikiye Tel: 0212 232 96 64
Samancıoğlu Art Gallery Maçka Tel: 0212 258 74 46
Sandoz Art Gallery Beşiktaş Tel: 0212 259 72 00
Seven Art Gallery Moda Tel:0212 345 56 16
Sevimce Art Gallery Kadıköy Tel: 0212 338 53 28
Slideshow Gallery Kadıköy Tel:0212 369 28 07
Studio Peinture Teşvikiye Tel:0212 232 23 19
Şark Sigorta Art Gallery Altunizade Tel: 0212 310 12 50
Şeker Insurance Art Gallery Fındıklı Tel: 0212 251 40 35
Taksim Art Gallery Taksim Tel:0212 245 20 68
Tanak Art Gallery Etiler Tel: 0212 265 19 35
Tekel Art Gallery Eminönü Tel: 0212 533 19 00
Tem Art Gallery Nişantaşı Tel: 0212 247 08 99
Teşvikiye Art Gallery Teşvikiye Tel: 0212 241 04 58
The Marmara Istanbul Opera Art Gallery Beyoğlu Tel: 0 212 251 46 96
Tolga Eti Art Gallery Selamiçeşme Tel: 0212 368 26 79
Tophane-i Amire Fındıklı Tel:0212 252 16 00
Toprak Ceramic Art Gallery Nişantaşı Tel: 0212 231 49 00
Toprakbank Art Gallery Beşiktaş Tel:0212 326 35 80 Fax:0212 326 86 40
Turgay Art Gallery Bebek Tel:0212 263 32 38
Türk Ticaret Bankası Gn.Md.Art Gallery Gayrettepe Tel: 0212 288 59 00
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art Sultanahmet Tel: 0 212 518 18 05
Uran Art Gallery Üsküdar Tel: 0216 343 10 00
Urart Art Gallery Nişantaşı Tel: 0212 241 21 83
Ürün Art Gallery Tunnel Tel:0212 251 68 25
Product Art Gallery Caddebostan Tel:0216 360 99 64
Vakıfbank Beyoğlu Art Gallery Beyoğlu Tel:0212 292 50 13 Fax:0212 292 50 14
Vakko Art Gallery Beyoğlu Tel: 0212 251 40 92
Yantra Art Gallery Beyoğlu Tel: 0212 251 28 40
Basilica Cistern Art Gallery Sultanahmet Tel: 0212 513 60 61
Zebra Art Gallery Teşvikiye Tel: 0212 247 68 42
Zerrin Türen Art Gallery Bostancı Tel: 0212 410 34 90
Ziraat Bank Tünel Art Gallery Tünel Tel:0212 251 42 40

ISTANBUL USEFUL LINKS

• Istanbul Governorship http://www.istanbul.gov.tr/
• Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality http://www.ibb.gov.tr/
• Directorate of National Education http://www.istanbul-meb.gov.tr/
• Istanbul Technical University http://www.itu.edu.tr/
• Istanbul Kültür University http://www.iku.edu.tr/
• Istanbul University http://www.istanbul.edu.tr/
• Maltepe University http://www.maltepe.edu.tr/
• Marmara University http://www.marun.edu.tr/
• Mimar Sinan University http://www.msu.edu.tr/
• Bogazici University http://www.boun.edu.tr/
• Koç University http://www.ku.edu.tr/
• Bilgi University http://www.ibun.edu.tr/
• Yildiz University http://www.yildiz.edu.tr
• Bağcılar Municipality http://www.bagcilar-bld.gov.tr
• Bahcesehir Municipality http://www.bahcesehir-bld.gov.tr
• Bakırköy Municipality http://www.bakirkoy-bld.gov.tr
• Bayrampaşa Municipality http://www.bayrampasa-bld.gov.tr
• Beykoz Municipality http://www.beykoz-bld.gov.tr
• Beyoglu Municipality http://www.beyoglu-bld.gov.tr
• Buyukcekmece Municipality http://www.bcekmece-bld.gov.tr
• Çavuşbaşı Municipality http://www.cavusbasi-bld.gov.tr
• Esenler Municipality http://www.esenler-bld.gov.tr
• Esenyurt Municipality http://www.esenyurt-bld.gov.tr
• Sabancı University http://www.sabanciuniv.edu.tr/
• Gaziosmanpaşa Municipality http://www.istanbulgop-bld.gov.tr
• Kadıköy Municipality http://www.kadikoy-bld.gov.tr
• Kartal Municipality http://www.kartal-bld.gov.tr
• Umraniye Municipality http://www.umraniye-bld.gov.tr
• Uskudar Municipality http://www.uskudar-bld.gov.tr
• Zeytinburnu Municipality http://www.zeytinburnu-bld.gov.tr

Theater Halls

Movie Theater

Concert Halls and Performance Centers

Culture Centers

Fair and Congress Centers

Shopping Centers