TURKEY GUİDE

ANTALYA GUIDE

2009-09-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

THE TURQUOISE RIVIERAAntalya is a holiday paradise in a lovely natural setting. The pine-clad Toros Mountains sweep down to the crystal clear sea forming an irregular coastline of rocky headlands and secluded caves.The region is bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year and is thus perfect for a lazy holiday of sunbathing and swimming, or for sporting activities such as windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing, mountain climbing, hunting and spelunking. Those who vacation in March and April can ski in the mornings and in the afternoons swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. The coast is lined with magnificent beaches lapped by clear blue waters, and surrounded by pine forests, olive and citrus groves, palm trees, avocado trees and banana plantations. Important historical sites await discovery in these marvellous surroundings, which are home to a rich variety of plant and wildlife, and which are now protected as a conservation area. Holidaymakers will find everything here they can imagine for a perfect vocation. The Turkish Riviera is the tourist capitol of Turkey. With its wide ranging accomadition, from tourist class to deluxe hotels, the hospitable people of Antalya are always ready to welcome you.AntalyaThe principal holiday resort of the Mediterranean is the lovely region of Antalya with a majestic coastline of beaches and rocky coves where the towering Toros (Taurus) Mountains provide a magnificent backdrop. Antalya is an attractive city, at an altitude of only about 50 metres, with shady, palm-lined boulevards, a prize-winning marina and a picturesque old quarter called Kaleici which has narrow, winding streets and quaint, old, wooden houses next to the city walls. Since its founding in the 2nd century B.C. by Attalus II, a king of Pergamon who named the city Attaleia after himself, it has had a continuous history. The Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks occupied the city before it came under Ottoman rule.PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE CITYMUSEUMSArchaeology Museum: With remains from the Paleolithic Age to Ottoman Times, this is one of the most important museums in the Mediterranean region. (Open daily except Mondays.) Ataturk Museum: This museum displays objects used by Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic. (Open daily except Mondays.) Suna-Inan Kirac Museum: This museum is connected to the Research Institute for Mediterranean Cultures. HISTORICAL SITES AND MONUMENTSAncient City Walls: Since its founding in the 2nd century B.C., Antalya has had a continuous history. The ancient walls flank the city and other sections of the walls are still standing near the marina. Clock Tower: Situated by the ancient city walls, it was part of the old city fortifications in the Kalekapisi Square. Hadrian's Gate: The beautifully decorated, three-arched gate was built in honour of Hadrian when he visited the city in 130 A.D. Hidirlik Tower: This tower was probably first built as a lighthouse in the 2nd century. Karatay Medrese: This theological school dates from the 13th century and is situated in the Kaleici neighbourhood. The stone carvings on the portal and mihrap (prayer niche) are fine examples of Seljuk art. Ataturk Monuments: One of the largest and most interesting monuments is located in Cumhuriyet Square within the city centre. The other one is in the center of Vatan Square. Kaleici Quarter: This quaint area surrounding the Kaleici Marina is full of small hotels, pensions and restaurants as well as restored houses that all help to create the atmosphere for which the city is famous.MOSQUESYivli Minareli Complex: It was built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century. Its elegant, fluted minaret has become the symbol of the city. Kesik Minaret Complex: A memorial to the mixed history of Antalya is the Kesik (truncated) Minaret Mosque. Formerly a church, it has seen Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman modifications. Tekeli Mehmet Fasa Mosque: An important 18th-century Ottoman mosque situated in the Kalekapisi district, inside the city walls. Murat Pasa Mosque: The unique tile design of this mosque built in the 16th century is of particular interest.Iskele Mosque: This attractive little mosque built in the 19th century is situated beside the marina. It was constructed of set stone and built on four pillars over a spring.PARKS AND NATURAL BEAUTYKaraalioglu: A magnificient view of Antalya awaits visitors here with colourful exotic flowers, vivid in the sunlight with the shimmering water of the bay and the mountains in the background.Mermerli: Situated just above the marina at the southeast comer of the Kaleici district, this park is the best place for relaxation with a wonderful view of the mountains.Ataturk: This park also has a wonderful view of the city, displaying gorgeous flowers and an incredible scenic view. Genclik: Situated on a peninsula, en route to Lara Beach you can see Duden Waterfalls from this vantage point, a most breathtaking view of the falls as they cascade into the sea. Yavuz Ozcan: A peaceful respite within Antalya's city centre. This park is delightful with its pools, miniature waterfalls and beautiful fountains which display colourful lights in the evening. Recep Bilgin: This park, located not far from Yavuz Ozcan Park is situated within the city center and is worth a visit to see its architectural design.Konyaalti Woods: Situated behind Konyaalti Beach, this park provides a nice, shady, cool place for rest and relaxation outside the city. The Upper Duden Waterfalls, 14 km to the northeast, are unique because you can walk behind the cascade. On the way to Lara Beach, 10 km to the east, are the Lower Duden Waterfalls that plunge straight into the sea. The nearby rest area offers an excellent view of the falls but the view is most spectacular from the sea. Kursunlu Waterfalls and Nilufer Lake, both 18 km from Antalya, are two more places where nature displays her beauty.BEACHESLara: This sandy beach is about 12 km to the east of Antalya city centre. Adalar: Situated on the lower side of Karaalioglu Park, there are steps leading down to the beach which consists of little rocky islands. Beach facilities are available.Mermerli: Situated near the Antalya Marina in the Kaleici district and located adjacent to Mermerli Park.Konyaalti: This long, pebbled beach lies west of Antalya, where a breathtaking view of the mountains can clearly be seen.Topcam: This beautiful beach is situated at Olympos National Park, across from Sican Island. ART, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENTAntalya is full of exciting cultural activities and entertainment possibilities. The annual Altin Portakal Film and Art Festival held in the autumn and Antalya's annual jewellery festival are just a few of the many events available. Antalya's Fine Arts Gallery offers performance exhibitions. The Aspendos Open Air Theater is a wonderful place to see international opera, ballet and symphony orchestras. Every year special classical performances are held here as well as performances by the most popular Turkish enter- tainers. For evening entertainment, Antalya's Kaleici Marina and Leisure Centre is the best place in the city with many beautiful restaurants, cafes, bars, parks and discos in this area. Near Setur Marina, dining is available on floating seafood restaurants in an unpretentious and nautical atmosphere. For a pano- ramic view of the area there is a holiday complex and revolving restaurant, 15 km from Antalya, on top of Tunektepe Hill. One can also have a good time at the two water recreation parks Aqualand and Aquapark near the Culture Park.A Culture, Exhibition and Congress Center was opened in 1996 in the Konyaalti Quarter. The Congress hall itself is in a glass pyramid.SHOPPINGSome of the best shopping may be found in the Kaleici district, near the city walls. Meander down through the side streets in the old quarters where it's possible to find anything your heart desires. Old Turkish kilims, original gold jewellery, leather products, natural cotton clothing, handmade wood items as well as traditional Turkish handicrafts abound here. Ataturk, Cumhuriyet and Isiklar are the three other shopping avenues. Don't miss the colourful open air vegetable and fruit market, the place for food shopping as well as a great place for capturing that perfect picture.MARINASThe Turban Kaleici Marina has won several awards and is considered one of the loveliest marinas in Turkey with an extraordinary blend of ancient and modern environmental design together with numerous shrubs, trees and exotic flowers. A peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle is Setur Marina located 10 km west of Antalya, offering all types of yacht services. GOLFGolf lovers will not want to miss The National Golf Club in Belek which is one of the top modem holiday centers in Turkey. Belek is located 40 km west of Antalya and offers a championship 18-hole golf course as well as a 9-hole course and an academic course. This golf area is among shady pine forests not far from some of the nicest beach areas in the region.DAILY EXCURSIONSWhat could be more appealing than dreamlike landscapes, grand mountains , the magnificent colours of the sea and a rich variety of flora. Add to that the lively holiday life with the quiet of ancient ruins and you have a perfect vacaion. From Antalya there are many possibilities for day trips. The Bey Daglan (Olympos) National Park, Topcam Beach and camp grounds, at the north end of the park, are perfect for a visit, and for enjoying a view of the strangely perpendiculer Sican island the mountain resort of Saklikent, 50 km from Antalya, is an ideal winter sports center on the northern slopes of Bakirli Mountain at an altitude of 1750-1900 m. March and April are the months when you can ski in the morning, then in the afternoon go to the marina for a lunch of fresh fish, and end the day sunbathing on the beach, swimming or windsurfing- On the eastern side of Can Mountain, 30 km from Antalya, is Karain Cave, dating from the Paleolithic Age and the site of the oldest settlement in Turkey. The cave has a single entrance, lit by the morning sun, then moves into three large interconnecting chambers. The little museum at the entrance houses some of the remains, but most of the finds from mis cave are scat- tered in various museums throughout Turkey. In Duzlercami Park, 20 km north of Antalya, the deer and mountain goats are protected species. The very interesting 115-meter-deep Guver Canyon is 3 km south of the park.TERMESSOSGulluk Dagi National Park is 34 km to the northwest of Antalya. The ancient city of Tennessos, set inside the park, is located on a high plateau at 1,050 meters on the west side of Gulluk Mountain (Solymos). Explore this ancient city and wander among ruins in a beautiful natural setting. At the park entrance is a nature and wildlife museum.THE COAST WEST OF ANTALYAThis is a land of exciting possibilities and quiet nature that has some of the top holiday resorts. Whether a quiet comer or lively entertainment, the choice is yours. Each bay and cove has its own special features. Discover archaeological sites, dive into blue waters and thoroughly relax on-this Coast of Light. Rising up immediately behind the coast are the mountains of the Bey Mountain Range, which, along with the coast from Konyaalh Beach to Kirlangic Peninsula, from the National Park named for the range. This area of mountains and coast makes up the beautiful, ancient Lycian Peninsula. The history of the area can be traced back to the Neolithic Age from the settlements at Beldibi, and to the Bronze Age from the finds at Semahoyiik on Elmali Plateau where Phrygian tumuli can still be seen.KEMERThe 42 kilometres of road from Antalya to Kemer go through spectacular mountain scenery. This resort town has been designed to blend in with the scenery and offers the perfect environment for a wonderful holiday. There is a fully equipped marina and the unspoilt bays and beaches south of the town are a yachtsman's dream. Shoppers will delight at the wonderful range of high quality souvenirs that can be bought here. There is a beach promenade on the northern part of the marina which has steps leading down from its cafes and shops directly to the beach. Kemer Beach is rated Blue Flag (meaning "clean beach") by the European Union. In the Yoruk (Nomad) Theme Park, overlooking a lovely bay, you can watch traditional craftsmen at work. Along the adjoining bay is a charming and delightful spot with sports and entertainment.facilities discreetly hidden in pine groves. The colorful Kemer Carnival is held in the spring. Also in the spring are the yacht races between Kemer and Gime (in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). Kiziltepe, Goynuk (Blue Flag) and Beldibi (Blue Flag), north of Kemer, and Camyuva and Tekirova (Blue Flag), to the south, are tourist centres that provide for a variety of activities and holiday villages all built to blend into the forest that encircles them. Of all the beautiful places in the Kemer region these areas are the favourites. PHASELISSituated at the foot of Mt. Tahtali (Olympos), 15 km south of Kemer, the three harbours of Phaselis were the reason for its historical role as a commercial centre. The view of Mt. Tahtali from the south harbour is particularly spectacular. The sheltered, pebbled and sandy beaches around the bays are delightful and the waters here are calm and safe for children and young swimmers. The ruins of aqueducts, agoras, baths, a theater, Hadrian's Gate, and an acropolis underline the city's historical importance.OLYMPOSThis ancient city is situated on the southern side of Mt. Tahtali. Whether coming by sea or land do not miss the Olympos Valley shaded with oleander and laurel shrubs and the refreshing quiet pools of flowing water. The design of the mosaics in the Olympos bath is enhanced by the play of light while a temple gate and a theatre are of interest along with the other walls and towers around the bay which date from the Middle Ages. North of Olympos, up from Cirah Beach, is Yanartas (at a height of 300 m) where, according to mythology the rire breathing monster, Chimaera, was slain by the Lycian hero Bellerophon who was mounted on his winged horse, Pegasus. Nearby you can see remains from the Byzantines who attached religious importance to the area. Tranquil waters and sandy beaches line the Bay of Cavus, situated south of Olympos. This enchanting bay is yours for an unforgettable experience of water-skiing on glassy water, for discovering the colorful marine life in waters clear enough to see to the bottom, or exploring the incredible sea caves on the northern shore.FINIKEThis town surrounded by citrus trees and gardens is a port of entry into Turkey lying to the west of Olympos. A sandy beach stretches to the east, and to the west are rocky bays and coves. Limyra, an ancient city of Lycia, is 10 km from Finike via Turuncova. On the south side of the acropolis is the Pericles Mausoleum Monument. Decorated with caryatids of the 4th century B.C., it is not to be missed. City walls and a theatre are also of interest.ARIKANDAAlong a mountain road of unsurpassed beauty, about 32 km from Finike, is the rum off for the Lycian city of Arikanda. Set high on the mountain side with plenty of fresh air and cool water, it is no wonder such a place was chosen. In the extensive ruins, the agora, theater, stadium, bouleuterion and water system are of interest. Memorial graves are set in the hillside while an ancient bath and gymnasium over- look one of the most beautiful valleys.DEMRE (KALE)This site is the ancient Myra (25 km to the west of Finike) and it is best known for St, Nicholas, the bishop of this Mediterranean city during the 4th century, who died here in 342 A.D. Every year in December the St. Nicholas Commemoration Ceremony is held, attracting many tourists who spend their Christmas holiday on the sunny coast of ancient Lycia. In ancient Myra, many rock tombs overlook the splendid theater. Dalyanagzi, the ancient harbor of Andriace, 6 km west of Demre, is perfect for swimming as well as relaxing on the sandy beaches.KEKOVAAn hour from Dalyanagzi by sea, especially enjoyable for yachtsmen, is the island of Kekova, "home of the sun." Kekova is also the name for this entire area of picturesque islands, numerous bays and ancient cities. These bays provide natural harbours in all seasons and here, too, nature is joined by history to cre- ate a harmony rarely seen, Geological shifting along the northern shore of Kekova Island (Apollonia) over the years has caused some of the ancient structures to sink under the clear water, creating a sunken city. A bird's eye view of the whole scene of bays, inlets, islands, and yachts sailing peacefully on the smooth water can be seen from the Kalekoy Castle (Simena). The colors of a Van Gogh painting and orange sunsets, together with starry, starry nights, peace and tranquility, playful dolphins, mythological mysteries, and the sparkling sea - Kekova provides all this and more.KASWest out of Kekova is a lovely spot surrounded by mountains. When you feel like exploring further, the choice of coves, bays and beaches is almost endless. The local fishermen are very friendly and are happy to run a water-taxi service to take you to a favourite bay along the coast. The area around Kas has remained completely unspoiled, and for people who enjoy swimming it is ideal. Kas is perfect for the diver who wants to explore the underwater world.Visiting the theatre and the Lycian tombs, the largest of which is in the centre of town, will help you relive the days when it was called Antiphellos. And wandering through the streets, you can stop to examine the souvenir shops specializing in Turkish handicrafts, various leather goods, copper and silver items, cotton clothing, and the inevitable handmade carpets. After your shopping is done, stroll along the flower-lined Ak^pniz Promenade, relaxing under the shade of palm trees and enjoying the scenery. Kas also offers just the kind of night life you might want - bars and restaurants are plentiful, and whatever pleases you most, you will find it there. Kas is the perfect spot from which to take a refreshing trek into the mountains. Walk through forested hills, visit remote villages and ancient remains while climbing to the high ridges for a superb view. For the energetic, there is the option of climbing the highest peak in the area, Mt- Kizlarsivrisi (3086 m) and the second highest, Mt. Akdag (3030 m). Kaputas, 18 km from Kas along the scenic Kalkan Road, has a beautiful beach with the Turquoise Grotto ate one end.KALKANKalkan is 7 km west of Kaputas. It is a lovely, small town with an abundance of charm, perched on a hillop overlooking a tiny bay. It has quaint, traditional, white-washed houses with shuttered windows, and balconies with garlands of flowers hanging to the streets below. Kalkan is the ultimate for a peaceful holiday. Narrow, winding streets lined with souvenir shops lead down to the charming marina. Every morning boats are busy taking tourists to one of the nearby beaches or small bays. As the sun sets, Kalkan style is to go up to the rooftop terraces for a relaxing drink before dinner taking in the comings and going of the yachts in the bay, the business of the marina and the panoramic view.PATARAA principal harbour of ancient Lycia, Patara can be reached by travelling west out of Kalkan along a winding mountain road, entering the Esen Valley and then, after 8 km, you come to the ancient harbour. According to mythology, Apollo was born here. Historically, it is known to be the birthplace of St. Nicholas. The ruins are numerous and interesting. This is also the place for beach lovers, for it has 22 km of pure white sand which stretches as far as the eye can see, making it a natural choice for sports like sand-surfing. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean, it is ideal for a holiday away from the crowds.KINIK (Xanthos)The ancient Lyrian capital of Xanthos is 18 km north of Patara near the Esen River. The theatre. Harpy Tomb, Nereid Monument, agora, and an inscribed monument are of interest, as are a mixture of ruins from Lycian, Roman and Byzantine times. At the Lycian cultic center of Letoon, 6 km farther, there are three temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo and Artemis, familiar gods of Anatolian mythology.THE COAST EAST OF ANTALYAWide fertile plains stretch parallel to the endless sandy beaches rimmed by the shining sea. Modem tourist facilities dot this coast and the historical sites are well preserved, giving you the option of several activities in a day.PERGEThe Hittites had settlements in this area around 1500 B.C., and St. Paul stopped here on one of his jour- neys during the time when Perge (18 km from Antalya) was an important city of ancient Pamphylia. The stage of the theatre has very nice marble relief work. On the outer wall is a three-sectioned memorial fountain. Some of the reliefs from the city are displayed in the stadium for easy viewing. Other ruins worth mentioning are the handsome city gate flanked by two lofty towers, a long colonnaded street that was once lined with shops and mosaic pavements, a large agora, and buildings that used to house the baths and gymnasium.BELEKGolfers, swimmers, and sun-worshippers will not want to miss this modem holiday center and golf paradise, 40 km from Antalya - the perfect blend of aesthetics and nature on the sea with sandy beaches and shady pine forests.ASPENDOSA photogenic Seljuk bridge crosses the Kopru River from the road to Aspendos, 49 km east of Antalya. The road continues past the Aspendos Jewellery Centre to the ancient city of Aspendos a site which is dominated by the best preserved theater of antiquity with seating for 15.000. The galleries, stage decorations and acoustics all reflect the ability of the architect Zenon. Close to the theatre, basilica and agora lie the remains of an aqueduct, one of the largest in Anatolia. Be sure to visit the Aspendos Jewellery Centre, where jewellery making can be observed at every stage in the large workshop.KOPRULU CANYON NATIONAL PARKNortheast of Antalya on the Side road take the turn off for Tasagil and Beskonak, for the beautiful circular, scenic route that leads to the Koprulu Canyon National Park. The road crisscrosses over the clear, flowing water of the mountain river and passes through virgin forests and over rippling waterfalls. You will want to stop often and give your camera a workout in this picturesque valley. Reaching the park, 92 km from Antalya, you will encounter a valley of wild beauty rich in flora and fauna. The canyon stretches for 14 km along the Kopru River and is 400 metres deep in some places. At the rest area there are fish restaurants offering delicious selections. The Roman Oluk Bridge over the canyon and the Bugrum Bridge over the Kocadere stream were engineering feats in their time. From this park there are two other possible excursions: the ancient city of Selge and the Dedegol Mountains. The highest peak in this mountain range is Dedegol at 2,992 metres. Mountaineers will be unable to resist climbing, exploring and camping in this rugged, scenic spot. Return to Antalya via the other half of the scenic route.ALTINKAYA (SELGE)An important city of ancient Pisidia, Altinkaya is reached from the Koprulu Canyon National Park then, at Oluk Bridge go 12 km to the northwest on a winding mountain road. This ancient route coming from Antalya shows that Selge had direct trade connections. The fairy chimneys seen on the way are typical of this area. This city, at 950 metres, has ruins of city walls, towers, cisterns, a temple to Zeus, an agora, stadium, theater, gymnasium and necropolis. All around the canyon are other historical remains of this once-famous city.MANAVGATThe Manavgat Waterfalls (80 km to the east of Antalya) are not high but the current is very powerful and the water rushes milky-white over the rocks. Near the waterfalls are shady tea gardens, restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a pleasant, cool, rest stop, especially welcome after a day of sightseeing. It is possible to take a delightful boat trip on the Manavgat River and explore this lovely area.SIDESide is one of the best-known classical sites in Turkey. This was an ancient harbour whose name meant "pomegranate" Today, it is a pretty resort town, very popular because of its ancient ruins, two sandy beaches, a variety of shops and plentiful tourist accommo- dation. There are numerous cafes and restaurants with a view uf the sea, and the narrow streets are lined with shops selling typical Turkish handicrafts including handmade leather and magnificent gold jewellery. Discos are just a part of the active night life. The magnificent theatre of the ancient city, built on colonnaded arches, is the largest in the whole area. Next to the theatre is an agora. The creamy-white columns of the Apollo Temple make a striking contrast against the blue sea. The extensive Roman bath, now a museum, houses one of Turkey's finest archaeological collections.The west side of Side also has holiday resorts, including the inviting spots of Kumkoy and Colakli (Kamelya). Here, too, you can enjoy the sun and sea while being close to antiquity. East of Side, tucked in pine forests, are the three holiday resort areas of Sorgun, Titreyen G61 (Blue Flag) and Kizilagac, all popular for their sandy beaches and shimmering sea. The atmosphere is relaxed, accommodation plenti- ful and the activities endless, promising an unforgettable holiday. BUCAKSIHLAR (PAMPHYLIAN SELEUCIA)In Bucaksihlar, 15 km northeast of Side, are the remains (in good condition) of an agora, Roman baths, temples, churches, and a mausoleum. Nestled in the forests, it makes for a lovely and peaceful excursion.ALTINBESIK CAVE NATIONAL PARK One of the most interesting and well-known caves is located in Altmbesik Cave Park 12 km southeast of Aydinkent (Ibradi) and 55 km north of Manavgat. Interesting rock formations within the cave area, as well as travertines and streams make this area especially fascinating. AItinbesik Cave is in the western slopes of the Manavgat River Valley and can be reached via the village of Urunlu, which is an authentic village and a must-see in itself when travelling through this area.ALARAHANThe 13th-century caravanserai, Alarahan was built by the Seljuk sultan Aleaddin Keykubat on the banks of the Alara River, 38 km east of Manavgat. At the top of a nearby hill is the Alara Fortress, from which there is a commanding view of the whole area.ALANYA The large, popular resort center of Alanya is nestled at the foot of a rocky promontory which juts out between two sandy beaches and is crowned by a 13th-century Seljuk fortress which is one of the most magnificent sights on the Mediterranean. The well-preserved, double-walled fortress has 150 towers and stands 220 meters above the sea. Within the outer walls are ruins of mosques, a caravanserai and a covered bazaar; within the inner walls and toward the top are ruins of a cistern and a Byzantine church. In 1220, Sultan Aleaddin Keykubat made Alanya his winter residence and naval base. Near the harbour are the unique, arched boat yards and the large, impressive, octagonal Kizil Kule (Red Tower), both Seljuk structures. Alanya is a beautiful holiday center of modem hotels and motels as well as numerous fish restaurants and cafes near the sea along the sandy beaches. These cafes fringing the harbour have become a popular gathering spot for tourists. From the lovely flower park, the road runs along the coast to the harbor lined with countless boutiques tempting the tourist with handicrafts and souvenirs such as leather wear, jewellery, handbags, and the amusingly painted gourds which are a symbol of the area. Whether taking a photo from the fortress at sunset or strolling along the streets, this is a great place for a holiday. The harbour, the long white beaches, the brilliant turquoise waters, and the foothills of the Toros Mountains sloping down to the sea make Alanya as picturesque as anywhere on the Mediterranean. As if the scenery were not enough, in August a colorful International Folklore Festival is held, adding to the holiday atmosphere. Damlatas Cave is extremely old, with wonderful multicolored stalagmites and stalactites. Nearby is the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, and Ataturk Park is a good place to rest and enjoy the scenic mountains, fortress and sea. Of special interest are three sea caves (grottoes): Fosforlu Magara, (Phosphorescent Cave) with its phosphorescent rocks; the Kizlar Magarasi, (Girls' Cave) where pirates kept their female captives; and the Asiklar Magarasi (Lovers' Cave). These can only be reached by boat. An alternative to sunny days on the beach is a trip to the Dim Cayi Valley 15 km east of Alanya. Relax in the shade of this marvellous, naturally scenic valley next to a nearby murmuring stream. At Avsallar (incekum), about 25 km west of Alanya, beautiful sandy beaches and holiday complexes can be found, ensuring a vacation full of excitement. If you travel from Alanya to Gazipasa you will find exceptional beaches en route.The best beaches are located in the village Zeytinada where is the last village of the Antalya state.The road to Anamur will also delight you with its mountain scenery and natural beauty. Thirty kilometres east of Alanya is Aytap, the historical harbor city of lotape. Roman ruins, secluded beaches and bays make it a great excursion.HOW TO GET THEREBy plane to Antalya then transfer to holiday areas. By bus service from all over Turkey to holiday areas. By sea-chartered and private yachts; cruises from all over the Mediterranean.CLIMATETypical Mediterranean climate with sunny summers and mild winters. Swimming April - November. Average daytime temperature in summer is 28°C and the water is 27°C.

ZONGULDAK GUIDE

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The major center of coal production in Anatolia, Zonguldak has developed rapidly after coal had been found here. It is also an important port in the Black Sea.
The city was established around 550 BC by Doric clans under the name of Mariandyn. Around 560 B.C. Megara and Boiotia people established a strong Greek colony there changing its name as Herakleia Pontika. The origin of the city’s Archaic name is based on Heracles, the legendary hero of Greek mythology. As time passed by, the Greek name Heracles was changed to “Eregli” among the people. The city, which was dominated by the Kingdom of Bithynia in the 2nd century BC, was occupied by Romans in the 1st century B.C. Then, the city was dominated by Byzantine, Genoese and Ottoman Empire, and named as “Bender-i Eregli” during Ottoman period. Eregli carried a great strategic importance during the War of Liberation with its rich coal beds and harbor. The city, which was occupied by France after WW I, was freed on June 18th, 1920.
Zonguldak has very beautiful beaches in Kopuz and Uzunkum, where you may choose one of the tea gardens or restaurants to watch the perfect scene around. If you are a nature-lover photography then you will take plenty of photos. Eregli, 60 km west of Zonguldak, is located on a hill where a Byzantine castle stands. Eregli has a mythological significance and it is said that near here at Kavakderesi Hercules caught the three-headed dog Cerberus and returned it to Hades, the god of underworld.
Cerberus stayed in a cave called “Cehennemagzi” (Entrance to Hell) which is located near Kavakderesi outside Eregli. It has fine beaches and is a haven for ships. When passing through do not forget to taste the delicious strawberries of Eregli which are among the best in the world.
Safranbolu, 127 km southeast of Zonguldak, is now a district of Karabük, and is like a museum of traditional Turkish architecture. The castle on the hill is a perfect spot for an overall view of the pretty town. The town is renowned, with its traditional houses which are really praiseworthy, especially the Cinci Han and Hamam (Turkish bath), Izzet Pasha Mosque and Library, Koprulu Mosque, all from the 17th century Ottoman period. You may sit at the cafes which have a special atmosphere and watch the perfect scene in front of you, along with a Turkish coffee. Safranbolu is also famous for its extra quality “Turkish Delight” (Lokum).
Devrek is a green, scenic town, 50 km southeast of Zonguldak. The wooden walking sticks (baston) that are made here are very popular

YOZGAT GUIDE

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217 km from Ankara, is Yozgat, the history of which extends as far back as the Hittite period. It was an important residential area in Anatolia in those times, and Alisar, one of the main Hittite cities, lies inside the borders of this province. Bogazkoy and Alacahoyuk, though not being part of Yozgat, are near enough to reflect the central position of the site then, with notable ruins found in the district.
Today’s city of Yozgat, on the other hand, is rather new, founded in the 18th century by the Ottomans. Capanoglu Ahmet Pasha, who was the “Bey” of the Turkmens at that time, was the founder; and the Capanoglu Mosque which carries his name, stands as a remain of this period together with the Suleyman Bey Mosque.
Constructed in the 19th century, the Nizamoglu Mansion is a prominent building, presenting fine Turkish architectural style. It is an important houseOttoman period and is now used to exhibit ethnographical finds. of the
Near Yozgat, “Camlik” is an islet of forests. This site is a national park, 5 kilometers south of the city, and it adorns the land with its beautiful scenery.

YALOVA GUIDE

2009-09-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

The Yalova hot springs have a natural water outlet, flowing at a rate of 15 liters per second with the potential capacity of 1,651 person/day/bath and 1651 beds on the basis of 600 liters per person l day l bath.
The hot springs have a composition of sodium chloride, calcium sulfate and fluoride. With a temperature of 57 to 60 C, 7.3 to 7.6 PH, and 1,435 mg/lt total mineral content, the waters are suitable for both bathing and drinking. Yalova hot springs are known for their therapeutic qualities, especially for rheumatic diseases, digestive maladies, neurological and urological disorders and metabolic problems.
Yalova spa incorporates open and covered pools, baths, offers massage, underwater massage and drinking cures. The spa includes a couple of hotels with a total of 202 beds, a first-class restaurant with typical Turkish meals, cafeteria, a very attractive park and forest.

VAN GUIDE

2009-09-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

The province of Van sits by Lake Van, and was the ancient Urartian capital of Tuspa. It is situated in a green, fertile oasis in the midst of rocky mountains in the Eastern Anatolian region of Turkey. An impressive citadel stands on one of these peaks and dates back to the 9th century BC. There are steps carved into rock leading to the fortress, and while descending you will be able to see some cuneiform inscriptions paying homage to Persian King, Xerxes of the 5th century BC. In the fortress, the Urartian royal tombs are of interest. The surrounding area is full of Urartian remains. In the old city there are many mosques and mausoleums such as the Ulu Mosque, the Hüsrev Pasa Mosque, the Kaya Çelebi Mosque and the Ikiz Kümbet. The Archaeological Museum in the new city exhibits the Urartian finds. At Van Harbor you may find pleasant places to rest. For swimming and camping you may head for Edremit, 14 kilometers to the southwest. It is a holiday resort center from where you may do some sightseeing excursions. At Gevas, there is a Seljuk graveyard, filled with extraordinary headstones, as well as the lovely Halime Hatun Tomb.
The explosion of Nemrut volcano led the formation of the largest lake in Turkey; Van and the deepest lake; Nemrut (it is not the same NemrutAdiyaman). Urartus, Armenians, Kurds, Arabians, Romans, Seljuks, Ottomans, Byzantines all met on this gorgeous land. mountain inake Van is the largest lake in Turkeysports such as trekking or hunting in the mountains surrounding it, especially Mount Süphan, the second highest mountain in Turkey after Mount Ararat. Alternatively you may head for on the beach, or visit the Urartian sites and Turkish cultural centers. The islands on the lake are also interesting, most of them housing many monasteries and churches. The most important of these is the Akdamar Island with its 10th century church of Holy Cross. The church is now restored as a museum and its richly decorated walls have Old Testament relieves. After visiting the museum you may rest at the beneath lakeside the almond trees, where there are good opportunities for picnicking and swimming. Carpanak Island is also interesting and deserves a visit. Hosab, 67 kilometers east, has a magnificent old fortress fronted by huge walls. At Çavustepe, there is an Urartian site, which is 25 kilometers from Van on the Hakkari road. (1.646 meters high and covers an area of 3.713 square kilometers) and provides good opportunities for enjoyable excursions. You may go for outdoor

TUNCELİ GUIDE

2009-09-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

An Anatolian province surrounded by mountains exhibiting a majestic view, Tunceli is a land with untouched natural beauties and an area of rocky steep cliffs displaying a wild appearance. This province with its peculiar characteristics lies 133 kms north of Elazig.
Known as “Dersim” in the old times, Tunceli has followed a similar historical evolution as other cities of Eastern Anatolia. Beginning with the Urartians, it changed hands among Persians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, and today it is a modern province with remains from these periods.
One important ruin is the fortress of Pertek, outside the city, on the road to Elazig. It was constructed in the Middle Ages, and is a place to be explored by sightseers. Mazgirt fortress and several old bridges are other historical places around Tunceli.
Nearby, there exists another beautiful spot, the Munzur Valley National Park with its wide natural resources. It is possible to make use of the curative properties of its mineral springs, while the streams are filled with trout, providing opportunities for fishing. This site is also an ideal destination for mountaineers and the whole park possesses a wonderful scenery that will amaze nature lovers with its vegetation.

TRABZON GUIDE

2009-09-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

When the Roman Empire was divided into two at the end of the 4th century, Trabzon remained under the sovereignty of the Eastern Roman Empire which later on was called as Byzantine Empire. When relations and wars between the Byzantines and the Arabs started, the Arabs called the people under the Roman Sovereignty as Rum, and the areas under the Roman sovereignty as Diyar-i Rum or Memleket-ul Rum (land of Rums).
Anatolia, as it was under the Roman sovereignty at that time, was mentioned as Diyar-i Rum. Later, since the Turks also accepted to use the word Rum, the Province of Anatolia was called Eyalet-i Rum, the Anatolia Sultan, Sultan-i Rum, and Mevlana of Anatolia as Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi.The Byzantines gave special importance to Trabzon from the military point of view. During the reign of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century the city walls were thoroughly repaired and enlarged. A road from Trabzon to Persia was opened. Huts for defense were built at bends and effort was given to establish Christianity so that the tribe Can, the dwellers along the road would be obedient. Aqueducts of Saint Eugenius were built.
In the 8th century the Moslem Arab armies entered Anatolia and came down to Trabzon, invading the area around the citadel. They saw hazel nuts for the first time.
In the 9th century the Moslem Turkish armies started coming to the Trabzon area and outer part of the citadel went under the sovereignty of the Moslem Turks. Inside the citadel there were still the Greek colonists. It is in this period that construction of the Saint Ann Church in the Ayvasil district completed.
In the 10th century Islamism outside the citadel speeded up and the TurksMoslems. Two of the four routes of the Seljuk raids which began in the 11th century passed through the Eastern Black Sea region and Trabzon was then the native country Moslem Turks. Canik was one of the eight provinces of the country conquered by the Moslem Turks in AnatoliaTurkey was given for the first time in 1081. Its principal city was Trabzon (the name Canik derived from the word Canika, the place where the Can Tribe lived near Macka area in the south of Trabzon) and moved to the west, and the name Samsun as time passed by derived from it. In the second half of the 11th century there were two Trabzon’s: The outer part of the citadel was under the sovereignty of the Danismeds; The inner part of the citadel was under the sovereignty of the Byzantines. around became and the name
After the fights over the throne started in Byzantium (Istanbul) in the 12th century, the Commenos family was dethroned, young Alexis Commenos escaped to Georgia. He declared his Kingdom in Georgia in 1204 and came to Trabzon by the help of the Christian Georgians. He took the citadel from the Byzantian governor who was at his side and made Trabzon the capital of his Kingdom; the state of Trabzon emerged. As the King was a ChristianAnatolia and the ignorant who were deceived by them used the name, Rum Pontus state. Anatolian, the state was also called as the Trabzon Rum State. But the people with the intention to capture
In the 13th century when the Trabzon state was founded, the Seljuk Turks besieged Trabzon twice and bound them to tax. The King of Trabzon, Alexis Commenos, fortified the citadel and ditches were dug around it. The outer part of the citadel became a large commercial city and was mentioned as “The pupil of whole Asia”. The palace of the King and official buildings were placed on the high plains of the inner fortress. The commercial life of the country that extended from Batum to Kerempe including Crimea which was in the hands of the Genoese and the Venetians. On the coast of the city there were castles and warehouses.
In the mid-13th century the Trabzon state, being rather small, began to be surrounded by the Cepnis. The Cepnis under the sovereignty of the Sungurlu tribe, from the Ucok subdivision of the Oguz division, who was the son of Kara Han and the grandchild of Turk Han, settled down on the borders of the Trabzon state. While there were Christian Kings in the inner citadel Islam Islamicdeath in the 14th century. was spreading quickly in the outer citadel. Ahi Evren Dede, an missionary, was buried in Boztepe after his
Meanwhile Trabzon became the center of Europe-Asia trade. But MoslemSinop, were raiding the coasts and plundering the city. The King of Trabzon, Alexis Commenos II (1297-1333) who had the Giresun castle built, had constructed walls against the sea which is supposed to be the Moloz District now. pirates, coming particularly from
In the beginning of the 15th century Tamerlane invaded Anatolia and captured Trabzon too. But he did not add it to his Empire, he taxed it under the administration of his son Halil Mirza.
In 1411 the Saint Savas Church built in the Boztepe slope was decorated; according to the people the construction of the bell tower and belfry of the Saint Sophia Church was completed in 1427 and the drawing of the pictures on the arches of the entrance door of the Church was terminated in 1444.
A very bad struggle for the throne had started in Trabzon, it was evident that the last years of the Trabzon State had come. As a matter of fact the ruler of the Ottoman Empire Sultan Murat II had attacked Trabzon in 1442 from the sea and returned home taking slaves and taxes. The ambassador of Trabzon was also among those who congratulated Sultan Mehmet (The Conqueror) when he was enthroned in Edirne in 1451. During the preparation of the conquest of Istanbul in 1452, first the Bogazkesen Castle (Rumeli Hisari) was built in order to put an end to bonds between Trabzon and Istanbul; And after he conquered Istanbul in 1453, he also bound Trabzon to tax for 2000 duke golden coins. When it was not paid he sent Hizir Bey, the tutor of his son Sehzade Beyazid who was the governor in Amasya, over Trabzon in 1456.
Hizir Bey surrendered Trabzon and established his headquarters in the eastern section (now the Municipal building). But since the King of Trabzon declared that he would pay the tax required, he returned. The tax was sent to Istanbul in 1457 and was accepted only if the amount was increased to 3000 duke golden coins.
The King of Trabzon Commenos IV began to search remedies to be saved from this pressure of the Ottomans and tried to bring together all the governments and nations from Caucasia and the coasts of Euphrates (Firat) River to France and Vatican in opposition to the Ottoman State. At the end, by applying the old tradition, he engaged his beautiful girl to Uzun Hasan Bey, the ruler of Akkoyunlu, provided that he should defend Trabzon against the Ottomans. The last King David Commenos who took his place in 1458, first sent his niece to Uzun Hasan Bey so that she could be his wife and requested not to be taxed. Uzun Hasan Bey in return to Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, asked him not to tax Trabzon, and also that he wanted back the debt that remained from his ancestors. The Conqueror by sending back the envoys told that he would personally come and pay his debt. In 1461, he set off to Trabzon.
Uzun Hasan Bey was afraid and begged pardon by sending his mother Sara Hatun to Ercincan, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror said that he would forgive in case no help was rendered to Trabzon, but continued his voyage to Trabzon taking Sara Hatun with him. The army was divided into two in Bayburt. One part went on taking a separate route under the command of the Grand Vizier Mahmut Pasha. The route which the Conqueror followed was very difficult, particularly while crossing the Bulgar mountain. Sara Hatun wanted to take an advantage of this and tried to persuade the Conqueror to give up the voyage. But he did not take her words into consideration and Trabzon was surrounded from land and sea. The King of Trabzon David Commenos who learned that the Sultan and the Grand Vizier were coming at the head of the army, forgot about Trabzon which in fact was not of his own. He notified that he would give back the citadel if another suitable piece equal to the income of Trabzon was given. He assigned Amirutzes, his chief private secretary, as a representative and the Conqueror made the Gran VizierMehmet the Conqueror entered the citadel of Trabzon on Monday, the 26th of October 1461, he closed the phase of the Trabzon State that lasted 250 years in history. The Commander of the Fleet and the Governor of Gelibolu Kazim Bey took over the administration of the city. Mahmut Pasha his representative. Amirutzes and Mahmut Pasha were cousins. Therefore discussions of surrender concluded immediately and Sultan
Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror first of all changed the Panaghia Krys Krysokephalos church into a mosque and prayed in it. It was called the Ortahisar Mosque; now it is called Fatih Mosque. Later he turned Saint Eugenes church into a mosque and the first Friday Prayer was performed; it was called the Yenicuma Mosque. Since the community of a church in front of Mumhane became Moslems, this church was also turned into a mosqueMosque. But it was destroyed in 1788. and was called Karabas
Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror gave the jewels left over from the Trabzon State to Uzun Hasan Bey’s mother Sara Hatun and sent her to her son. The son of Commenos, the ex-king of Trabzon, settled in the region named Pera in Istanbul and accepted Islam. The people of Istanbul called that place Beyoglu meaning the place where the son of the Trabzon Bey stayed.
The Christian families were taken out of the castle of Trabzon. The riches were sent to Istanbul. Others were settled in the neighboring called Meydani Sarki (Dogu meydani - Belediye meydani), Arafilboyu and Yenicuma. Suleyman the Magnificent came back to Istanbul, and Trabzon became a “Sancak” (outpost) which was later bounded to the Anatolian state.
In 1489 the son of Sultan Beyazid, Sultan Selim Yavuz, became the governor of Trabzon and came to Trabzon with his mother Gulbahar Hatun (Ayse). He himself gathered the intellectuals in Trabzon for his first born child Suleyman the Magnificent in 1494. Then due to the threat of the ShiisAmasya. In the end he pressed of Shah Ismail’s forces with his troops formed by the citizens of Trabzon. In 1508 he overcame Shah’s big army corps and drove them out of his borders. He was going to go further but returned on demand of the Sultan. developing in Persia, he had city-walls constructed around Trabzon. But he could not convince the political danger of the Persian ruler who was pretending to be a religious ruler to his father and elder brother, the governor of
Yavuz Sultan Selim was acting as a monarch and using the emperors rights. He himself attacked Georgia and owing to his heroic acts and successes he was named “Yavuz” (brave). Meanwhile his son Suleyman (Kanuni) was at the age of 15 and took over the governance of Kefe. Yavuz Sultan Selim went to Kefe by the sea with his army formed by the citizens of Trabzon and attacked Caucasia without permission; and not obeying the orders, he wanted to have a governor’s post in Rumeli in order to be near Istanbul. As he couldn’t get what he wanted, he attacked Edirne via Rumeli and was defeated by his father’s (Sultan Beyazid) army and escaped to Crimea. In 1512 Sehzade Ahmet, during his father’s lifetime, was called to Istanbul to become the ruler. But this time janissaries rebelled and he went back. Upon this, Yavuz Sultan Selim was called and became the ruler. Yavuz was interested in sports and science. During his governance he used the area called “Atapark” as a play ground; he shot arrows and organized competitions of bowshots for young Trabzon citizens.
A beautiful mausoleum was built over his mother Ayse (Gulbahar), the daughter of Dulkavidli ruler Aleaddevler, who died in 1505. Haci Kasim Fountain dating 1409 and Seydi Haci Mehmet fountain dating 1500 on Kavak Meydan street survived from the time of Yavuz Sultan Selim’s governance. Hatuniye Mosque which was built for his mother, was completed in 1514. It is one of the greatest master pieces of the Ottomans in Trabzon.
After Yavuz Sultan Selim left in 1522, Iskender Pasha became the governor of Trabzon. In 1514 Erzincan became a state and Trabzon was bounded to it. Iskender pasha became the governor of Trabzon for four times. During his governance he built Iskender Pasha fountain at Belediye Square in 1519, another fountain at Hoca Halil Mahalle, Asagi Hisar in 1523 and a mosque at Belediye Square and a medrese (which isn’t there anymore) in his name in 1529. Iskender Pasha, died in 1533, was buried within the mosque built by him. His tomb can be seen there.
During Kanuni Sultan Suleyman’s reign (1520-1566) the Anatolian state was divided into two; Rumeli (Thrace) and Anatolia. The capital of the new Anatolian state was Trabzon and the subdivisions called Kemah, Bayburt, Malatya, Kahta, Divrigi and Darende were joined to Trabzon. But in 1534 the administrative system changed again; Erzurum became the capital and Trabzon was joined to Erzurum. In 1514 the city-walls of Trabzon were restored by Sirvanzade Mirza Mehmet Bey.
In the middle of the 16th century it is known that the Islamic religion hasn’t penetrated into some regions of Trabzon. A man named Sheik Osman Efendi from Maras, who came by way of Bayburt, reinforced the Islamic religion. His tomb is in Caykara now.
In 1563 Governor of Trabzon Kasim bey (Kasim Celebi) built Pazarkapi Mosque. In 1564 Batum was captured. In 1566 Suleyman the MagnificentSuleyman the Magnificent used to wear clothes from Trabzon linen and also made the royals and janissaries wear it. died. It was seen that the suit array which was taken off his back was even from a material woven in Trabzon.
In 1578 Erdogdu Bey, governor of Trabzon, changed the small mosque by adding a minaret to it at Tekfur Cayi region. Therefore the mosque and the neighboring were named Erdogdu. In 1582 the Trabzon - Batum state, whose capital was Trabzon, was established; and St. Sophia church was changed into a mosque without laying a hand on any of its frescoes.
In the 17th century the Russian Don Cossacks began to plunder the coasts of Black sea. Omer Pasha, the governor of Trabzon then, organized a fleet of boats named ‘menkisle’ with 5 crew each and stopped these attacks.
Meanwhile riots in Anatolia had begun. One of the notables of Celali and Akkoyunlu Turkmenians, Ali Pasha from Murathan, became the governor of Trabzon. In 1608 while Celalis were being despoiled, Murat Pasha was called to Bayburt and killed there.
In 1732, a famous traveler and writer Katip Celebi (Haci Halife)’s book titled “Cihannuma” was published. There is some information about Trabzon in this book. In 1640 Evliya Celebi came to Trabzon and gave a great deal of information about the city in his book titled “Seyahatname”. He describes the citizens of Trabzon as cleanly dressed, educated people fond of good talkers, fond of reading and writing poems. He divides the people into seven classes as: Notables and Nobles with Sableskin coats, scholars in special array, Merchants wearing Ferace made of broadcloth, Kontos and Dolman, Craftsmen who can mint and can masterly make all kinds of gold and silverware and weapons, Sea conveyors and Merchants with Shalwvar and Dolman made of broadcloth, i.e. the sailors, gardeners and fishermen.
Vizier Arnavut Mehmet Pasha who came to Trabzon as a governor in 1644 was dismissed from his position after a short time and went to Kopru district, the home-town of his wife, and settled there. Therefore he was called Koprulu Mehmet Pasha. He became the first member of Koprulu Family, and the name of Kopru was changed to Vezir Kopru.
In the middle of the 17th century the raids of Kazak pirates to Trabzon shore turned into Russian attacks. That’s why the Trabzon governors were generally in charge of guarding the castles on the border as an additional duty. Trabzon was often left without a governor and was governed by Aghas instead of governors. Public order began to deteriorate and governors became unable to render good service in the city.
During the period of Biyikli Mustafa Pasha, governor of Trabzon in 1727, the conditions improved a little and Zeytinlik medrese which was the third great foundation of education of Trabzon was built. But public order in the city deteriorated again because in 1828 war with Iran broke out and this time the governors, in order to participate in the Iranian war, were handing Trabzon over to their assistants called Mutessellim. By then public order had deteriorated entirely, Laz and Cepni Aghas were attacking each other. In 1741 Omer Pasha established peace again and had the Trabzon and Gorele castles repaired, opened the Harsit road and built a nice palace in Guzelhisar for himself. He was confronted with the wrath of the Sultan and his palace was burned and he was executed.
Hekimoglu Ali Pasha, one of the famous grand Viziers and the governor of Trabzon in 1749, improved the public order by his skillful administration. He repaired the Karabas Mosque. In 1754 he was appointed as the Grand Vizier for the second time and was taken from Trabzon. In 1762 Mustafa Efendi, from Saraczade Family, founded the Saraczade Library. During that time Trabzon was progressing in commerce and hazel-nut was being exported from Trabzon to Russia. But public order was deteriorating terribly. Canikli Haci Ali Pasha who was sent to Trabzon as a governor in 1772 improved the public order, but this time governorship inherited by this family from then on. The candidate governors began struggling for seat. Then Sari Abdullah Pasha, who was brought up as the slave of Canikli Family, was sent to Trabzon as a governor. In 1788 the misleading trends in the administration of Trabzon had become worse. The task of killing Sari Abdullah Pasha was given to Kuguzade Suleyman Pasha, the new governor of Trabzon in 1791. He immediately carried out his duty, trapped and killed him and buried him in the cemetery near the Tavanli Mosque.
At the beginning of the 19th century the Russian attacks to Trabzon shores strengthened. The Russians captured the Azak, Anapa and Fas Castles on the border and in 1810 they landed on the Sargana shores of Akcaabat. Sakaoglu Mahmut Agha, the chief of Akçaabat, taking men along with him, and his wife Uluvve Hatun taking women as followers, opposed the enemy. By the participation of the people who came from the surroundings and the Trabzon governor Carhaci Ali Pasha himself, fierce battles started. They drove the enemy to the sea.
Meanwhile public order was in a disorderly state in Trabzon Region. The Aghas and the notables didn’t take the government into consideration. As Haznedarzade Suleyman Pasha who was appointed to Trabzon as a governor, with a rank of Vizier, to improve the public order, was in a disagreement with Hopali Tuzcuoglu Memis Agha, the chief of Rize. Tuzcuoglu Memis Agha attacked Trabzon with all the notables and Aghas of the region and drove his head officer Cecenzade Hasan Agha out of the city. He dominated the Trabzon Castle and he acted as the head of the state for exactly four months. When the State forces came, he escaped and went to Of. He was captured and decapitated in 1817. But the social tension caused by the Aghas went on.
While Hazinedarzade Osman Pasha, who was sent to Trabzon as a governor in 1827, was taking protective precautions in his region against the Russian attacks, he was also trying to prevent the frequent revolts of the Aghas. In 1834 he completely stopped the revolts and improved the public order. He made the notables of Tuzcuoglu Family migrate to Ruscuk and Varna regions.
As a result of the improving public order, the commercial life and public works became active. Charles Texier who came to Trabzon in 1832, gave many information about Trabzon in his famous book named Asia Minor and mentioned Trabzon as the transit center of the East. As steam ships began their tours on the Black Sea in 1836, the commercial transportation in the Mediterranean directed to the Black Sea. In 1837 the Fatih mosque in Ortahisar was repaired and one of its rooms was constructed as a Sadirvan (fountain for the ablutions before prayers). The Çarsi Mosque was built in 1841. In 1842 the Fetvahane Library was constructed. Abdullah Pasha became the governor in place of his brother Hazinedarzade Osman Pasha who died in 1842, and contributed a lot to the public works of Trabzon.
The Hatuniye and Fatih Libraries were constructed in 1844, Kalcioglu Memis Agha Fountain was built in 1845. In 1848 Ismail Pasha, the Minister of public works, came to Trabzon with a group of specialists to examine the project about Trabzon - Baghdad Road in 1849. The Abdullah Pasha Fountain was put into service. In 1850 the Saraczade, in 1851 the Pazarkapi Medreses were founded, the Imaret Library was widened. Trabzon became the center of an intensive transit transportation in the middle of the 19th century; The trade in Trabzon Harbor started to expand continuously. Trabzon was the center of one of the 39 provinces of the Ottoman Empire. Sebinkarahisar, Samsun Batum and Maradit were counties under the rule of Trabzon.
There was a regular sea transportation between Trabzon and Istanbul every fifteen days and it was necessary to have a well constructed highway to go to the East. For this reason, Ismail Pasa, Minister of Public works, came to Trabzon in 1850 and the construction of Erzurum - Trabzon highway began.
Primary and secondary Schools teaching with new methods were put into service in 1852. The marsh of Batum was dried, clean water was brought, and the Aziziye Mosque was built in 1862. Trabzon became a civilized and well-constructed city. In 1863 the St. Sophia (Ayasofya) Mosque was restored, the pictures in the mosque were covered with plaster; stairs were built for the bell-tower which was used as a minaret.
The provinces were abolished and the big cities were organized in the second half of the 19th century. Trabzon became a big city too, and also three provinces were added to Trabzon: 1) Central province of Trabzon (Giresun, Bulancak, Tirebolu, Of, Rize). 2) Province of Canik (Samsun, Unye, Bafra). 3) Province of Lazistan (Batum, Arhavi). 4) Province of Gumushane (Torul, Kelkit).
Trabzon was a lively and prosperous city. An American school was put into service in 1865 and an official printing office was established in 1866. Samsun, which was a subdivision of Trabzon, was completely burnt down and rebuilt on a modern new plan designed by the local government in Trabzon. In 1870 a formal newspaper named Trabzon and the first year book of Trabzon were printed.
The sea transportation in Trabzon increased considerably in those days and four ship companies arranged tours to Istanbul once a week. Two foreigners ran a beautiful hotel in the city. The shopping district was very rich and lively, goods from all over the world were sold there. The square called “Gavur Meydani” (The Municipal square) used to be a place where people took walks. This centre reminded people of Champs Elysses in Paris. The Kavak Square was the centre of sports and people on horses used to play jeree (Javelin) there. The population of the city was about forty thousand. There were some beautiful houses in the city and there was a road to the west across the city. While some changes in the administrative body were taking place in 1870, the Sebin Karahisar subdivision was separated from Trabzon and became a separate province, and Giresun became a county of this province. On the other hand in 1872, the towns of Surmene, Vakfikebir, Gorele and Aybasti were joined together as county of Trabzon.
Trabzon was developing day after day. In 1875 a French school was put into service in the city. There appeared a great progress in the commercial life and hazelnuts were exported to Belgium as well. When the Russian - Turkish war started in 1876, Trabzon was used as a supply centre of the army.
In 1883 a Persian school was put into service. Akcaabat which was known for its tobacco, Yomra famous for its fruit and therapeutically waters, Macka as the centre of making quilts, covering copper goods with tin and carving stones, were towns under the rule of central Trabzon. From the big harbor called Vakfikebir, butter, corn and beans were exported. Surmene was a natural harbor and the people living there were mostly fishermen. There lived a lot of scientists and artists in Of. In those days there was a constitutional government ruling the Ottoman Empire. When the first elections took place, Trabzon sent three deputies to the legislature. In accordance with the Ayastefanos agreement, Batum remained under the Russian rule and Rize became the capital of Lazistan in 1877. Mehmet Ziver Efendi, who wrote many poems about the fish (hamsi, like sardines) died in 1880. Leyla Hanim, whose poems were widespread among women was the wife of Sirri Pasha, the governor of Trabzon then. Hamamizade Ihsan, an inhabitant of Trabzon, who has acquired a very distinctive place in the Turkish literature, was born in 1884.
Meanwhile Trabzon’s nearest county Akcaabat has become a sub-district in 1887. Of, Surmene, Akcaabat, Vakfikebir, Gorele, Tirebolu, Giresun, Ordu, Yomra, Macka, Sarli and Tonya were sub-districts of Trabzon by the end of the 19th century. Trabzon continued to be the starting point of international road to Iran and an important seaport town of Eastern Anatolia. There were eight ship agencies, one of which was local. There were nine consulates in Trabzon. In brief, it was a big and rich city. The Armenians in Trabzon started a riot but it was soon overcome in 1895.
When the Second Constitutiol Regime was declared in 1908, seven deputies were elected from Trabzon for the parliament. In the 1912 elections seven parliamenters were elected again. During that period the administration of the Ottoman State had become weaker because of the struggle of rivalry of political parties. Italians took advantage of this instability and occupied the twelve islands in the Aegean and also landed at Tripoli (Trablusgarb) which was under the sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire. The Balkan war broke out; the government declared a state of emergency and wanted the aid of all provinces. People of Trabzon and its districts tried very hard to procure money for the government.
The Ottoman Government frequently changed hands and the power of the state weakened because of the struggle and rivalry of political parties. Bekir Sami Bey, who was a governor in Trabzon twice in 1911 and 1912, was also the foreign Minister of the Ankara Government during the years of the Turkish National War of Liberation. The governorship of Suleyman Nazif Bey, who was a famous Turkish poet, didn’t even last a year. The governorship of Professor Mehmet Ali Avni, who was famous with his scientific and artistic works, lasted shorter than Suleyman Nazif’s. Samih Rifats’s governance lasted only a month. In 1913, as the activities of Armenian Committees and the Second Balkan War started, Cemal Azmi Bey became the governor of Trabzon.
When World War I broke out in 1914, the Istanbul Government couldn’t keep its impartiality and was obliged to enter the war on the side of Germany. Disastrous days for Trabzon began. The city was bombed by 23 Russian warship on 1st November 1914. Bomb-shells followed one another, and a large group of young people from Trabzon died in the battle of Sarikamis in the east of Turkey. As the bombardments were continuing, Russian land troops passed the shore border on 24th February 1916 and occupied Rize and came to the border of Of. The people of Of and its sub-districts joined the 2500 soldiers under the command of Gurcu Avni Pasa, the commander of that region. They stopped the Russian Army on the border of Trabzon, in spite of the good state of the Russian army. But the Russians occupied Of on 5th March 1916 and Trabzon on 18th April 1916 anyway. Trabzon was saved from the enemy invasion on 24th February 1918 and was joined to the Motherland.
Some people say that the name of the city comes from the Greek “Trapezous”; “trapezion” is the table, and the ending “-ous” means the place which possesses/has something (eg. Kerasous; the place that has cherries, todays Giresun). Trapezous indicates the flat hilltop in the old city, which is surrounded by the medieval wall.

Sumela Monastery (Macka)
Situated in a very beautiful and natural setting, Sumela Monastery built in the 14th century is nestled into the side of rocks in a famous valley in Maçka, only 50 kilometers away from Trabzon. The setting is 1200 meters above the sea level.
Two Greek monks, Barnaby and Sophronios started the original building. The 7th century Icon apparently painted by an anonymous Trabizond (Trabzon) artist became the symbol of the monastery.
Some say that the name “Sumela” comes from the Greek word “melas” which means “black” and it refers to the characteristic dark color of this icon. But others say that “Melas is the name of the mountain above the monastery, “sou” in the Pontian Greek dialect means “at the”, so Sumela (Sou + Mela) means “at the Melas (mountain).
The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin and the large monastery complex had 5 floors and a total of 72 rooms. The upper floor was used as a gallery and a lookout post. The whole building was full of frescoes and the wall paintings. The large part of the building was hewn out of the rock. It stands in front of a beautiful valley scenery and sharp rocky mountains behind.

St. Sophia Museum

It was built in covered Greek cross architecture during the reign of King Manuel I Kommenos in 13th century. Muslim Seljuk stone workers also worked for the construction of St. Sophia Church and church continued its service until 1670 after Ottomans invaded the region. It was converted into a mosque in 1670 and served as a storage and hospital during World War I. Later it served as a mosque again. The chapel in the north of the church is older and the bell tower and was built in 1427. St. Sophia Church was converted into a museum in 1964 and is located in 3 kilometers west of the city. It is not to be confused with St. Sophia Museum in Istanbul.
It’s name comes from Greek: Hagia Sophia means Divine Wisdom.

Atatürk Mansion
The mansion, which was built by a rich Greek banker named Konstantinos Kappagianidis, is an example of 19th century European architecture. Atatürk stayed in this house when he visited Trabzon in 1930 and in 1937, was bought by Trabzon municipality in 1964 after he died in 1938 in Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul. The mansion has been exhibited as a museum since 1964. It is 7 kilometers from downtown and is located in Soguksu

TOKAT GUIDE

2009-09-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

A culturally rich settlement center in Anatolia, with traces of history all over the land, Tokat lies inland of the middle Black Sea region, 422 kilometers from Ankara Wandering in the city is an opportunity to catch a glimpse of life at old times, with the many historical buildings at the numerous ancient sitesThe most important figure here, is the Ottoman Citadel of 28 towers, founded on a rocky hill overlooking the town The Garipler Mosque dating to the 12th century and the Ali Pasa Mosque of 16th century constitute other sights worth visitingOne of Tokat's finest buildings is the Gök Medrese (Pervane Bey Darussifasi) which was constructed in 1270 It was founded as a school of theology, and is now converted into a museum, housing archaeological finds from the areaTwo other notable monuments in this region, are the Hatuniye Medrese of the 15th century, built by Sultan Beyazit, and a Seljuk bridge spanning the Yesilirmak River, belonging to the 12th century The Latifoglu Mansion is still another, which is a traditional architecture of a Turkish house of the 19th century, restored recently to its original state69 kilometers northeast of Tokat, is Niksar, one of the most beautiful towns of the province, which carries important signs from the history of the country It was once the capital of the Turkish Danismend Emirs, and among the interesting sights are the well-preserved citadel, the Ulu Mosque, and the 12th century Yagbasan Medrese Niksar has also a crystal clear and delicious spring waterZile is another ancient town, 67 kilometers west of the province, with its fortress and the 13th century Ulu Mosque near it This district has been the scene of many events of the earliest ages too, and it was here that the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar said his famous words "Veni, Vidi, Vici"; "I came, I saw, I conquered"Resadiye is well known for its vast pine forests, hot springs, clays and natural beauties Ballica cave at Pazar is a natural wonder The Dumanli meadows are the other famous places for resting and refreshingOn March 29th, 2006, Total Solar Eclipse was seen in Tokat as well at 14:05pm local timeSebastopolisSulusaray (Sebastopolis) is about 68 kilometers from the center of Tokat, and about 30 km from Artova town The site is situated on a plain surrounded by mountains and the river of Cekerek runs near itThe foundation of this ancient city is still unknown Some sources say that it was first established in the first century AD during the Roman emperor Trajan's period, and that the city was separated from the Pontus Galaticus Polaminiacus districts and was included in the Cappadocia region There is an epitaph (inscription rock with several rows of writings carved on it) about this The epitaph was written as a monument for the Arrian, the Governor of the Cappadocia regionThe word Sebastopolis comes from Greek; Sebasto means huge, great or magnificent, and Polis means city So Sebastopolis means Great City In some resources the city was named as Heracleopolis Heracleopolis means the city of Heracles, a pagan god symbolizing power and strength in the Greek and Roman mythologyArchitectural pieces recovered during the diggings organized by the Directorate of the Tokat Museum in 1987, showed that the city was an important settlement during the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods The artifacts recovered at the Comana Pohtica (Old Tokat) are very similar to those recovered from the city of Sebastopolis, probably these two ancient cities had a close relationship in the pastSebastopolis is at the crossroads of east to west route and south and central to north route This shows the importance of the city during the Roman and Byzantine periodsThe ancient city was surrounded by a city wall made of small, neatly cut stones put together without using mortar A circular shape temple was discovered at the northeast side of the city, it was made of marble floor The baths are situated at the eastern part of the Sebastopolis, where the water needed was recovered from the thermal spring located about 3 kilometers to the southwest Many statues and statuettes, friezes, columns, grave steles and epitaphs have been found during excavations

TEKİRDAĞ GUIDE

2009-09-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

Tekirdag is on the Marmara Sea coast of Thrace , and has been settled from the beginning of history. Its ancient name was Bisanthe, while today’s name originates from the color of the surrounding mountains. There are several historical places in the city, some of which are the Rakoczy Museum (a Turkish house dating from the 17. century built by a Hungarian Prince II. Ferenc Rakoczy in 1720, he lived there until his death in 1735), the Rustem Pasha Mosque , the Tekirdag Museum and the statue of Namik Kemal , the celebrated patriotic poet whose birth - place is Tekirdag.
Corlu (Tzoulou), a small town of Tekirdag, was a citadel on the antique road between Istanbul and Europe during the Byzantine period.
Marmara Ereglisi (the ancient names Perinthos/Heraklia) is ideal for getting use of the sea and the beaches. Acropolis, antique harbor, sea and city walls, theater, vaults and stadium are the main historical remains here.
Sarköy (60 kilometers west) is a sun-sea-sand resort with sandy beaches and holiday villages. It is also a wine center where a wine festival is held every year. Kumbag and Barbaros are other pleasant places with their long beaches.
Today Tekirdag is famous with its sunflowers, meatballs (köfte in Turkish Cuisine ) and raki , and it is a big port on the Marmara Sea.

ŞIRNAK GUIDE

2009-09-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

The province of Şırnak is located in the Southeastern Anatolian Region, at the borders of Syria and Iraq. The Cudi Mountain, the ancient city and the caves are laces which worth visiting.
Districts: Şırnak (center), Beytüşşebap, Cizre, Güçlükonak, İdil, Silopi, Uludere.How to Get
It is possible to reach to the province of Şırnak via highways from all around the country.
Where to Visit
The major localities for visiting purposes in the province of Şırnak are the Cudi Mountain, Kasrık Strait and Saint Nuh Mausoleum and Mem-u Zin Mausoleum in Cizre province.
Geography
The dominant climate in Şırnak province varies depending on the regions of the province. The dominant climate at the higher sections of the province is the severe terrestrial climate while normal terrestrial climate is effective at the other sections of the province.
History
Şırnak was at the status of a village during the Ottoman period and become a district in 1927 connected to the province of Siirt and finally become a province in 1990.
What to Buy
Tourism Facilities Data Base Updating Project is still in progress.Upon the end of the current process some of the shortcomings related to Tourism facilities and regarding information will be removed.
Don’t Leave Without
- Visiting Cudi Mountain,
- Visiting Saint Nuh Mausoleum and Mem-u Zin mausoleum
- Visiting Kasrık Strait

SİVAS GUIDE

2009-09-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

Anatolia M.d. By establishing a political union of lü in 1800, the first settlement areas of the Hittite empire in the past in Sivas, Firigyalıların, Lidyalıların, Roman and Byzantine domination of people, “Diapolls” and “Sebaste” was also named as.Of the commanders of the Sultan of Great Seljuk Emir Danisment Meliksah 1071 in the conquest of Sivas Danişment established Beylikler.In 1220 the Sultan İzzettin Keykavus Sivas made the capital of the Seljuk State, 1343′te Eratna States, was established in Sivas 1381′de Kadıburhanettin States ….After entering the year 1413 in Sivas Osmanhılar’ın sovereignty under the name of the state-i Rum Amasya, Çorum, Yozgat, Divrigi, Samsun and covers a large area Arapkir city center has become the state.One of the most important dates of the national struggle with the Congress of Sivas 4 September 1919 United Atatürk’ün BaşkanIığında and Turkey was held in Sivas in Sivas Rebuplic Turkey’s basics atılmıştir.
Mosques
Divrigi Ulu Mosque: UNESCO World Heritage List by the Divrigi Ulu Mosque, Mengücek son of the monarch’s son Süleyman Shah has been built in 1228 by Ahmet Shah. Mosque, north, east and west in the direction and extremely beautiful stone ornamentation, which is entered through three doors. Darüşşifa on the other hand, Behram Shah’s daughter, was built on 1228 by Melike Turan Melek. This unique monument to sit in an area of 768 m2. To make the Şifaiye Medresesi 18.yüzyılda medrese is called.
Ulu Mosque: is the center of the province. According to the Sivas Museum in 1196-1197 was made by the Red Arslan Bin Ibrahim.
Sheikh Hasan Bey Kümbet the (Güdük Minaret): City is the center. Frames on the pedestal, a cylindrical body with a brick build tressed and because people like the short minaret Minaret Güdük was called.
Provincial Center; Ahi Emir Ahmet Tomb, Şemseddin Sivas-i Tomb, Akbaşbaba Tomb, Sheikh Erzurum-i Tomb, Tomb Kadı Burhaneddin, Süt Evliya the Tomb, the Tomb of my father, the Arab Evliya Tomb, Tomb of the Arab Sheik, Meydan Mosque, Ali Ağa Mosque, Alibaba Mosque and Tomb, in Divrigi Sitte Melik Mausoleum, Kemareddin Mausoleum, Nureddin Salih (Kemankeş) Tomb, Gemerek’de Çepni Mosque. Kara Mustafa Mosque and Hamam Yıldızeli’nde Kemenkeş, Sheikh Halil Tomb. Zara Sheikh in the tomb and mosque are the other provinces Merzuban Tomb.
MOSLEM THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS
Şifaiye Medresesi: Selçuklu park in the center of the province within, Double Minareli Medresesi is the exact opposite. In 1217 the Seljuk Sultan I. It was built by İzzeddin Keykavus. Medical schools and hospitals, the oldest of the Anatolian Seljuks, and most who died in büyüklerindendir.1220 I. İzzeddin Keykavus, loved on intestacy Şifaiye Medresesi in Sivas with the family mausoleum in the south of eyvan lies.
Cifte Minareli Medresesi: City is the center. By the Queen in 1271 with Ilhan Şemseddin Mehmet Cüveyni was built in. Just east of the main fronts in the direction of Medresesi remained standing.
Gök Medrese: City is the center. Owner in 1271 by Ali Ata Fahreddin Selçuklu queen was built in the year. Two minarets rising above the blue crown doors brick tiles tressed because the name was Gok Medrese. Masterpieces of art from plastic materials used in the crown door and marble, crown door into the top two corners of the animal motifs are intertwined. Medresesi right in the introduction to the mosque, the Dar-ul Hadis section on the left is possible.

SİNOP GUIDE

2009-09-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

Sinop is one of the most beautiful natural harbors on the Black Sea coast. There are many legends about the foundation of the city but the most dependable is that the Miletion colonists founded it in the 7th century BC and the city is the birthplace of the cynic philosopher Diogenes. According to another legend the province is said to have received its name from the Amazon Queen “Sinova”. The town’s citadel dates from that early age and the foundations of the Temple of Serapis is to be found on the grounds of the Archaeological Museum where some beautiful golden icons are displayed. The 13th century Alaeddin Mosque, the Alaiye Medresse, and the Balatlar Church are of interest in the city.
Traditional nautical wood carvings, good crystal and the original cotton clothes of the city are praiseworthy and unique, so you will want to have examples of these artifacts. The seaside hotels and small holiday villages will make you stay longer and you will have the opportunity to sit in a fish restaurant by the harbor and watch the perfect combination of green and light blue while sipping your wine and tasting some traditional Turkish food. Hamsilos Fjord, 11 kilometers from the city center is the only fjord in the country.
Gerze, situated on a peninsula, 40 kilometers southeast of Sinop, will provide you with fine beaches, meadows, restaurants and parks, while Camgölü provides camping facilities in a large forest sloping to the sea. At Boyabat, the largest town of the province, there are many rock tombs and a citadel

SİİRT GUIDE

2009-09-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

Siirt is a pretty province located in Southeastern Anatolia, 224 km northeast of Mardin, and separated from this province by the Tigris (Dicle) river. This region which once under the hegemonies of the Persians, Romans and Byzantines, was also an important center during in the Abbasid Caliphate era.
It was a place of settlement for many civilizations flourished along the Botan stream. The native people are the Hurri and Subarru settled in the area around 3000 BC. It witnessed the Assyrian and Med domination in the 7th century BC, and later that of the Persian Empire, Seleukos Kingdom, RomanByzantine Empires and Iran. After forming the stage for struggles among the Mongolians, Eyyubi, Artuklu and Karakoyunlu, it was annexed by the Ottoman Empire in 1514. The name Siirt is believed to derive from “Keert” which meant “city” in Keldani language. The tombs of Veysel Karani and Ismail Hakki form a bridge of history and civilization between the past and our times as pieces of Islamic civilization. and
Grand (Ulu) Mosque was built by Mugiziddun Mahmut, the Seljuk Ruler, in 1129. In 1260, Cizre Governor El Mucahit Ishak built some annexes to the original structure. The mosque was restored by the General Directorate of Foundations in 1965. Its pulpit made of walnut wood is exhibited at the Ethnographic Museum in Ankara as one of the finest specimens of Seljukmosque has a single balcony minaret ornamented with turquoise China work. However, these works can not resist to climatic woodworking. The conditions. The great dome at the centre is surrounded by smaller domes.
Billoris Springs are on Siirt-Eruh highway. Its 35 centigrade hot water comes in from a cave on the Botan brook and makes a pool. Calcium bicarbonate and sulphurous hydrogen make this water undrinkable but valuable in healing rheumatism and some skin diseases.
6 kms from Siirt is Aydinlar, a beautiful town where the Ibrahim Hakki Mausoleum Complex stands, with the private Ibrahim Hakki Astronomical Museum nearby. The tomb of Sheik Ismail Fakirullah is another significant religious site, beside the many others.
The province extends over an area of 5,406 square kilometers. The Tigris river and its tributaries constitute its water network. According to the 1997 Census, the population of the province is 262,371. The province has 6 administrative districts (Aydinlar, Baykan, Eruh, Kurtalan, Pervari and Sirvan) and 271 villages.
Textile and copper works are the traditional handicrafts of the city. Its goat wool blankets woven with geometric designs and dyed by natural plants have high value internationally.
The province is rich in terms of its animal population and therefore has a high potential for the development of integrated meat and leather processing industries. It can also move towards woodworks with its forested area of 700,000 hectares. The province has also high potential in promoting its pistachio and vegetable culture. Finally, Siirt is well endowed with asphalt, copper and chrome reserves

SAMSUN GUIDE

2009-09-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

Turkey, on the coast of the Black Sea, with a population of 725,111 as of 2007. It is the capital city of Samsun Province and an important port. Samsun was founded as the colony Amisos (alternative spelling Amisus, Eis Amison - meaning to amisos took the name Samsunta or Samsus ( Eis Amison - Samson - Samsounta) as in Greek + ounta "Greek toponomical suffix". ) by settlers from Miletus in the 7th century BC. It was later a part of the Pontus realm.HistorySamsun Samsun's ideal combination of fertile ground and shallow waters has attracted numerous trade interests. Greek colonists settled in the 6th century BC and established a flourishing trade relationship with the Anatolians. At that time, Samsun was part of the Greek colony of Amisus. In the 3rd century BC, Samsun came under the expanded rule of the Kingdom of Pontus. The Kingdom of Pontus had been part of the empire of Alexander the Great. However, the empire was fractured soon after Alexander's death in the 4th century BC. At its height, the kingdom controlled the north of central Anatolia and mercantile towns on the northern Black Sea shores.SamsunThe Romans took over in 47 BC, and were replaced by the Byzantines after the fall of Rome. In 1200 Samsun was captured by the Seljuks, to be later taken over by the İlhanlılar. Samsun was incorporated into the network of Genoese trading posts and was taken by the Ottomans in the beginning of the 15th century. Before leaving, the Genoese razed the town.Ataturk founded the Turkish republic movement at Samsun and it served as its base during the Turkish War of Independence.For more details on this topic, see Turkish War of Independence.The city is a Roman Catholic titular see.GeographySamsun is situated between two river deltas which jut into the Black Sea. It is located at the end of an ancient route from Cappadocia: the Amisos of antiquity lay on the headland northwest of the modern city. To Samsun's west, lies the Kızılırmak ("Red River", the Halys of antiquity), one of the longest rivers in Anatolia and its fertile delta. To the east, lie the Yeşilırmak ("Green River", the Iris of antiquity) and its delta.RiversTerme river, Yeşilırmak, Aptal river, Mert river, Kürtün river, KızılırmakLakesAkgöl, Dumanlı, SemenlikClimateSamsun has a humid, temperate, marine climate with cool winters and warm summers and high rainfall throughout the year.EconomySamsun is an important Turkish trade centre and the most important port on the Black Sea coast. Samsun is one of the major Turkish tobacco producing provinces. In the later Ottoman period the land around the town mainly produced tobacco. The town was connected to the railway system in the second half of the 19th century, and tobacco trade boomed. The Çarşamba Valley and the Bafra Valley offer possibilities for farming.A concern of automotive industries is located in Samsun.Education

The University of Samsun (19 Mayis Üniversitesi) is one of the seven best universities of Turkey. Moreover the city has colleges, 58 grammar schools, 1.048 primary schools, and public libraries.Places to seeKultur Sarayi (Palace of Culture). Concerts and other performances are held at the Kultur Sarayi, which is shaped much like a ski jump. Archaeological and Atatürk Museum. The archaeological part of the museum displays ancient artifacts found in the Samsun area. The Atatürk section includes photographs of his life and some personal belongings. The museum is open from 8:30 till 12:00 and from 14:00 till 17:00. The Russian Market (Rus Pazari). Statue of Atatürk. By Austrian sculptor Heinz Kriphel, from 1928 to 1931. Atatürk (Gazi) Museum. It houses Atatürk's bedroom, his study and conference room as well some personal belongings. Pazar Mosque, Samsun's oldest surviving building, a mosque built by the Ilhanid Mongols in the 13th century. Karadağ Geçidi (Karadag Pass) (at an altitude of 940 metres). The landscape, on the way to Amasya

SAKARYA GUIDE

2009-09-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

The land extending towards the Black Sea coast, on the two sides of the same named river which flows into this sea, is Sakarya, in the center of which lies the fertile plain of Adapazari. This wide meadow in the middle of the region seems like an island, surrounded by the branches of the feeding rivers.
In this province filled with natural beauty is the charming site of Lake Sapanca, 5 kms south of Adapazari. If you stop by the Arifiye Forest, in the province, which is a lovely resting spot, it is possible to see the really beautiful scenery of Lake Sapanca. Besides its panoramic view, this place offers opportunities for water sports and possesses fine accommodation facilities.
To the north, lies Karasu, another attractive holiday resort, 67 kms from Adapazari. Golden sandy beaches lie here along the coast of Black Sea, and it is a fine vacation area with numerous touristic establishments. Akyazi (29 kms) is an outstanding thermal cure center for many diseases, besides the Tarakli (Geyve) thermal springs.
The historical background of Sakarya extends back to 378 BC. Many Roman and Byzantine sites can be seen in the area. One of the most important remains here is the historical Justinian Bridge (Bes Köprü) built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in AD 533. It is a 429m long, eight arched bridge, and is an interesting sight for history lovers.
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On 17th August 1999, at 03:02am, a devastating earthquake (7.4 Richter scale) struck the city when people were asleep and killed thousands of citizens leaving more than 50.000 homeless. Izmit, Yalova, Bursa, Bolu and Istanbul are amongst other provinces damaged by this quake.

RİZE GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Rize is one of the smallest provinces of Turkey on the Black Sea coast but also one of the most important since it is the tea-industry center with processing and packing factories.
The city is built in an area where the bright green tea bushes cover entire mountainsides. From Ziraat Park in the city you will have a panoramic view of the area and be able to capture that unique beauty.
You may have the opportunity, to have the best blend of tea, at the Summer Tea Festival, and taste the very famous, rarely found Anzer honey which comes from the mountains around. Do not forget to purchase high quality, lightweight summer clothes, known by the name of the city “Rize Bezi”. In the city the 16th century Islam Pasha Mosque and the remains of a Genoese castle can also to be seen.

In the south of Rize there is an excellent camping spot, at a lovely alpine lake, surrounded by mountains and meadows. This is Uzungol. The beautiful little town of Camlihemsin is a perfect starting point for a trekking tour in the Kackar Mountains.
There, you will pass by Firtina Vadisi, the Storm Valley, with its beautiful castle, Zirkale and bridges of Byzantine origin. Ayder comes next, which has many hot springs and it provides good opportunities for a peaceful time surrounded by nature. Cayeli, Pazar and Ardesen are the other towns close to Rize with their typical settings of Black Sea Region.
Rize is also the hometown of Mesut Yilmaz, one of the former Prime Ministers of Turkey, and leader of ANAP political party.

OSMANİYE GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

Osmaniye is a small town (974 square kilometers) in Southeastern part of Turkey, just north of the Gulf of Iskenderun of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s one of the latest towns of Turkey as until recently it was a district of Adana, it got the status of province in 1996. Its population is approximately 190.000 and growing.
Zorkun plateau near OsmaniyeOsmaniye has a mild Mediterranean climate and is surrounded by fertile agricultural fields and forests where carpentry and woodworking once dominated the economy. Today the town is a processing center for the region’s production of cotton, wheat, corn, soybeans, and pistachios. Kilim weaving also has a great value in some districts of Osmaniye.
Some if its districts are; Bahce, Düzici, Kadirli, Hasanbeyli, Sumbas, and Toprakkale. Today there are many sites of interests in the towns’ city limits such as Kastabala Castle, Hemite, Frenk (Cardak), Toprakkale and Savranda (Kaypak) castles. There is also Zorkun high plateau just 26 kilometers to southeast of the city and Olukbasi high plateau just 16 kilometers, both providing refuge from the intense summer heat of Cukurova plain and ample grazing for the domestic animals.
The lands surrounding the city was inhabited by a nation called Lelegs in the Calcolithic and Early Bronze Age. In the following centuries, Great Hittite State, Assyrian civilization, Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, Seljuk’s and finally Ottoman Empire reigned in the region.Karatepe-Aslantas open air museumreleif from Aslantas in OsmaniyeThe Hittite fortress of Karatepe-Aslantas (used to be in the province of Adana, now Osmaniye’s Kadirli district) was founded in the 8th century B.C. by Azatiwatis, ruler of the plain of Adana as a frontier castle against the wild hordes lurking in the north. He named it Azatiwadaya. A caravan road leading from the southern plains up-to the Central Anatolian plateau, skirted it on the west, the Ceyhan river (antique Pyramos, now Aslantas dam lake) on the east. Two monumental T-shaped gate-houses flanked by high towers gave access to the citadel. An entrance passage between two towers led up to a double-leafed wooden gate, which swung on basalt pivot-stones, from there to two lateral chambers and further on into the citadel. In a holy precinct at the inner entrance of the southwest gate stood the monumental statue of the Storm-God on its double bull-suckle. The inner walls of the gate-houses were adorned with sculptures of lions and sphinxes, inscriptions and relieves, depicting cultural, mythological and daily-life scenes carved on blocks of basalt. A bilingual text in Phoenician and Hieroglyphic Luwian, the longest known texts in these languages, was inscribed on slabs of each gate with a third one in Phoenician on the Divine Statue, constituting the key for the final decipherment of the Hieroglyphs, being thus reminiscent of the famous Rosetta Stone.
After the fall of the Hittite Empire (which ruled Central Anatolia in the 2nd millennium B.C.), due to the invasion of the so-called “Sea People” around 1200 B.C., small kingdoms such as those of Malatya, Sakcagözü, Maras, Kargamis, and Zincirli, sprang up south of the Taurus mountain range. They were conquered and destroyed in the course of various Assyrian campaigns. The reign of Asatiwatas coincides with this period. His citadel was probably looted and burnt down to the ground by Salmanassar V around 720 B.C. or by Asarhaddon around 680 B.C.

NİĞDE GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

Lying on a plateau embellished by volcanic peaks is this city of Central Anatolian Region, which was called “Nahita” in the Hittite period. Since its foundation, it has been a commercial center, standing on the ancient trade route between Anatolia and the Mediterranean.
Much later, the land was taken over by the Seljuks, who filled the city with many works, presenting the exquisite Seljuk artistic and architectural styles. One of the important remains from those years is the Alaeddin Mosque, which is really the most beautiful monument in Nigde, with its wonderful stonework over the ornate portal. From an inscription found here, this elegant building is understood to have been constructed in 1203, and was later restored during the reign of Alaeddin Keykubat. The citadel in the area is the same, owing its current condition to the Seljuks, and constitutes another interesting sight, with a clock tower inside.
Other historical remains in this district are the Sungur Bey Mosque and his tomb, which belong to the 14th century with Mongol rule prevailing; and the Hudavend Hatun Mausoleum built in 1312. The 15th century Ak MedresseTurks is still another, and is now converted to an archaeological museum displaying the finds from the area. constructed by the Karamanli
Besides the city, the towns of the province of Nigde, also hold many remarkable ruins from these early periods.
Aladaglar, 70 kms north, and Bolkarlar, 75 kms south, are mountaineering, trekking and winter sports centers. “Kardelen Flower” is the unique flower which survives and comes out, penetrating the snow in the winter.
Bor, 14 kms south of Nigde, was a residential center of the Hittites, and possesses signs from those ancient times, along with monuments from the more recent ages, like the old Ottoman “bedesten”. It has also a huge reserve of borate mines.
5 kms south of Bor, is Kemerhisar, which was an early site of the Roman city of Tyana. Together with the aqueducts used by Romans, some Hittite ruins are to be found in the environs of this town.
Gumusler, is another place of historical importance, 9 km along the Nigde - Kayseri road. A Byzantine monastery and church are still standing, dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. High columns and walls covered with frescoes feature the rock monastery and these well-preserved buildings are appropriate sites for sightseers

MUĞLA GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

Mugla is the ideal destination for those who want everything at once. It is one of the many ancient cities of the Caria region, today Aegean region of Turkey. The most beautiful holiday resorts of Bodrum, Marmaris, Datca, Köycegiz and many others are all within the borders of Mugla province. There are many quality holiday villages, comfortable hotels and hospitable guest houses in Mugla and here you may enjoy every type of holiday, except for winter sports. The landscape is perfectly mingled with dozens of historical sites, such as Labranda, bearing the traces of past civilizations of Anatolia. The beaches are available for any type of water-sport, as unspoiled bays and clear waters await you in Mugla. In the city center there are picturesque views with the traditional architecture of Turkish houses and an Aegean type of living. The international airport of Dalaman (a town of Mugla) is the main one in the region.Gökova
Lying on the south coast of the Bodrum peninsula, the Gulf of Gökova is a fascinating corner of Turkey, offering lovely views with charming combinations of colors. Pretty shorelines covered with woodland offer every tone of green, while the sea is a wide range of blues. The mountains shelter the setting sun under hues of red and yellow. If you would like to witness all these beauties, there are opportunities to take a yacht tour along these coastlines, and a boat trip on this gulf will make your holiday as beautiful as the place itself.Köycegiz – Dalyan
Possessing the most special gifts of nature and history, Köycegiz stands beside the same named lake at the tip of which touches the Mediterranean. Now a nature and wild life preserve, this site is a real paradise with its rare and beautiful setting, and with a history going back to 3500 BC. It is possible to cruise over the natural labyrinth - like channel, walled with reeds, that link the sea and Lake of Köycegiz, which is described as “smooth as glass” till noon and suitable for wind-surfing in the afternoon; it contains almost every kind of seafood including carp and crab. Dalyan can be reached at the end of a road decorated with scented frankincense trees. The Dalyan Delta is a unique site, lying peacefully with its golden beach. Sea turtles of Caretta Caretta, and blue crabs live here making the area more attractive.
On the other side of the channel is the marvelous view of the ancient city Caunos, which was situated on the border between Caria and Lycia and was an important sea-port. The first sight here is the unique and fascinating tombs carved into the rock and overlooking the waterway. Also of interest in this district is the acropolis lying a little inland, together with a Roman temple, antique theatre, Ibrab and Susandaa castles.
The Dalyan region is not the last site in Köycegiz to offer natural beauty. The Gulf of Göcek, with its many bays facing numerous islets is another spot. Holding a lovely marina, it constitutes a perfect center for sailing, and there are also the ruins of the ancient city of Arymaxa, furnishing a different scenery.
Ekincik is another stopover for yachts, and the right place for those who wish to rest in the relaxing atmosphere of unspoiled bays.
Sarigerme, near the international airport of Dalaman, is still another point of attraction, and constitutes one of the nicest holiday villages of Köycegiz, with its fine beaches with neighboring pine forests.
Sultaniye Thermal Springs (on the south side of the lake) are one of the most important spa waters in Europe and the world, for its higher mineral content, and rich radioactivity.
Kulak, Gedova and Yuvarlak Cayi are naturally attractive places with picnicking and camping facilities.

MERSİN GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

Mersin is one of the most modern provinces of the palm lined avenues, city park and modern hotels and a good base for visiting the nearby historical sites and beaches. Mersin is the largest port on the Turkish Mediterranean region. There is also a Free Trade Zone here and it is a business centre. In Mersin you may find all the comforts of a modern city and all the characteristics of the Mediterranean cities. Fish is abundant as well as most delicious in this region and in the Mersin fish market you will find inexpensive fish restaurants which are really enjoyable for those who love fish and “Raki” or wine. Although Mersin dates only from the 19th century, it occupies an extremely ancient site. At Mount Yumuktepe the excavations proved that there had been twelve successive settlements beginning from the Neolithic Period.
Icel has also hunting, fishing, picnicking, mountaineering and caving attractions for sports fans.
Anamur
Two hours west of Mersin, Anamur is a lovely town situated in the mountains and surrounded by banana plantations thanks to its climate. There are the ruins of ancient Anemorium, 10 kms to the west of the town on a fine beach. Anamur Castle is well preserved and provides a fascinating views of the landscape. The road between Anamur and Silifke passes through the pine clad mountains which descend to the sea offering splendid views of cliffs, coves and the brilliant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
Aydincik is a cute village with pleasant beaches. After Aydincik, to the east, is the most beautiful coastline in Turkey.
Silifke
Silifke, 90 kms from Mersin, is a little bit inland, on the site of the acropolis of ancient Seleucia and Colycadnos. The old bridge crossing the Göksu River, the theatre and the temple from Roman times are of interest.
To the north of Silifke there is an excellent excursion opportunity, to UzuncaburÁ.
The road up to the magnificent ancient site of Olba - Diocaeserela is lined with large tombs. In the ancient city there are the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, Olbius and the Temple of Tychaion, and numerous arches, theater, Byzantine church and tower.
-Outside Silifke, on the road to Tasucu is the archaeological museum, while further on AyaTekla is the tomb and church of St. Thecla who was the first female martyr.
Tasucu is a pleasant resort town with good accommodations and fine sandy beaches, especially the Aphrodite Beach. The harbor includes regular sea bus services to Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Between Silifke and Mersin there is the little fishing village Narlikuyu which you should not pass by without trying the delicious fish by the turquoise bay. In Narlikuyu you can see a Roman mosaic depicting the Three Graces.
Around Narlikuyu an exciting excursion is to Cennet - Cehennem (Heaven and Hell), and the Astim Dilek Caves which are deep chasms, one of which has a chapel. They are really fascinating and you will understand why they carry these names once you visit.
60 kms from Mersin, to the west, is the ancient city Korykos, which is now the resort town of Kizkalesi, with sandy beaches and camping sites. There are important remains which are symbols of that region like The Castle of Korykos on the beach faces the Kizkalesi (Maiden’s Castle) which stands on an islet 200 m offshore. The two castles once used to be joined by a sea wall but now they are separated as the wall submerged. The road from Silifke to Mersin is very enjoyable along the coast; the ancient basilicas, tombs and ruins are on one side of the road and beautiful coves with sandy beaches on the other side.
Ancient Pompeiopolis, founded by Rhodians in 700 BC, provides many remarkable ruins. The modern name of the city is Viransehir and it is 13 kms west of Mersin. At Kanlidivane you will see the ruins of the ancient city Kanytelis clinging on the sides of a deep chasm.
Tarsus
Tarsus is the birthplace of St. Paul. Situated on the edge of the fertile Cukurova plain in the city is middle of cedar groves. The city is also the meeting place of legendary loves Antony and Cleopatra, and there is the commemorative Cleopatra Gate. To reach St. Paul’s Cistern you pass through narrow streets of the city; the old houses on the sides will prepare for the things you will see . Then you may head for a rest to the Tarsus waterfalls and shady trees. The tombs of Prophet Daniel, Lokman Hekim, a famous legendary medical doctor, are here. There are also many historical places to visit such as Cleopatra’s Gate, the Gozlukule, Justinians Bridge, and the Tarsus Museum

MANİSA GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

thousands gather for Mesir Macun Festival in ManisaManisa is an attractive, modern city with a far-reaching past in the Aegean region of Anatolia. Its history goes back to 500 BC but the first known settlements date back to the 14th century BC.
Since the great Ottoman Sultans chose Manisa as the training ground for crown princes, there are many examples of Ottoman architecture, as well as Seljuk. The Sultan Mosque of the 16th century was built for Ayse Sultan, mother of Suleyman the Magnificent. In her honor, the Mesir Macunu Festival (Spiced Candy which is supposed to restore health, youth and potency, called as “Turkish Viagra” as well) is held every year in March, in the grounds of this mosque.
The Muradiye Mosque of the 16th century was built by the great architect Sinan, and the Murad Bey Medresse now houses the Archaeological Museum of Manisa.
Manisa celebrates the annual Vintage Festival every September, when bringing in the fruits of the vineyards is celebrated with excitement. The vineyards surround the city and provide dry fruit for export from Izmir port and grapes for wine making.
Anemon tulips of ManisaThe Spil Mountain National Park is a cool spot with a richly forested area, hot springs and a profusion of flowers, especially wild tulips known as Anemon. There are about 120 kinds of endemic plants here. You may go mountaineering or camping in this area as well as seeing the famous “crying rock” of Niobe, and the carving of Goddess Cybele.
Sardis, in Salihli, is one of the most remarkable sightseeing areas of Turkey. It is the ancient capital of Lydia, once ruled by King Croesus, who was the first one to use silver and golden coinage in exchange for goods. Since Sardis encountered earthquakes, most of the remains date back only to Roman times. There are the remains of the temple of Artemis and a restored gymnasium, exhibiting of the past splendor of this ancient city. The splendid Synagogue from the 3rd century is worth visiting, with its elaborate mosaics and artfully carved colored-stone panels. Sardis was also one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation of St. John.
At Sindelli village there are the fossil foot prints of mankind, belonging to the period of 50-25th century BC.
The ruins of the ancient city of Philadelphia, another of the Seven Churches, lie in the Alasehir area. From the ancient city nothing much left, except some ruins of a Byzantine church.
Houses at Kula are beautiful examples of the Ottoman architecture. Yunt Dagi, Gordes, Kula and Demirci are famous for their precious carpets and kilims. In addition there are many thermal springs throughout the area.

MALATYA GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

Malatya is situated at the foot of the anti Taurus Mountains, and is an agricultural, industrial and stockbreeding center of Eastern Anatolia. The fertile plain is famous for its apricot growing and many delicious confections are made from it, as desserts as well. This province was called “Maldiya” in ancient times, taking its name from the Hittite language. It is located 670 kilometers east of Ankara, and the two small towns outside the city constitute the most important sites for visiting. Aslantepe, at a distance of 7 kilometers, was once the capital of a Hittite state and dates back to the first millennium BC. It is the city carrying the old Hittite traditions and styles, and inside the city walls a palace has been found, with statues and relieves, which are examples of the artistic works of that age.
Battalgazi, 9 kilometers from Malatya, is an ancient city of the ByzantineByzantines. Inside the town, there is the Ulu Mosque of 1247 which was built by the Seljuks, reflecting their distinct architectural style. period, known as “Melitene” in those times. The city walls of this medieval center were constructed by the
The archaeological finds from Malatya are housed in the city museum, including new artifacts found in the lower Euphrates area. The museum, taken into service in 1969 in a temporary building and than moved to its new place near Kernek Park in 1979, has over 15.000 artifacts on display. There is a wide range of exhibitions ranging from the fossils to sand rocks found in Malatya area, and many objects dating back to Neolithic, Calcolithic, and Bronze Period, such as small sculptures, obsidian knives, sickles, arrow ends, cutters and perforators, swords and spear ends, seal prints, rythons, and human grave findings. Hittite, Urartu, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman period works are also exhibited in the museum.
Next to this museum, there is a nice and original bazaar. Copper objects are sold along an entire street here, and it is a nice shopping place which will add color to your holiday.
Turgut Özal was one of the Prime Ministers and, later, President of Turkey who was born in Malatya

KÜTAHYA GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

Kutahya represents a potentiality for tourism with its developing industry, underground sources, university, thermal sources, hand crafts and history. While visiting Kutahya do not forget that
The first gold exchange market in the history had been established in Aizanoi, (Kutahya)
The first porcelain museum in the world is in Kutahya,
The most effectively and successfully protected antic city of Anatolia is Aizanoi,
Evliya Celebi was from Kutahya
The first collective labor agreement had been signed in Kutahya,
The thermal sources of Kutahya are cure for thousands of illnesses.
Districts : Altıntaş, Aslanapa, Çavdarhisar, Domaniç, Dumlupınar, Emet, Gediz, Pazarlar, Şaphane, Hisarcık, Simav and Tavşanlı.
How to Get
Highway The Inter - city bus station is in the city center. It can be reached to the station by public busses, or dolmush.
Inter - City Bus Station Tel : ( + 90 - 274 ) 223 60 96
Train Station The train station is in the city center. It is very easy to reach there by public busses, or by dolmush.
Train Station Tel: ( + 90 - 338 ) 213 33 60
Where to Visit
ANCIENT CITIES
Remains of Aizanoi Antic City Aizanoi antic city had been established to the two sides of River Penkalas. The name of the city comes from the mythological hero named Azan, who was the son of Water Jinn Erato, and the legendary king Arkas.
Mozaikli Hamam (Mosaic Bath) In the 3rd Century, a second bath had been constructed in the bath, which had been built in before. This bath is called as "Mozaikli Hamam". There is a high quality mosaic floor in that bath representing the illustrations of Santry and Menad. In the 4th and 5th centuries the bath had been rearranged and used as the center for the bishops.
Exchange Market (Mycelium / Round Building) The first exchange market had been founded here in Aizanoi antic city. This building, which had been used as the grain market AC 2nd century, is called Mycelium. On the restored walls of the building, there written the price determinations of King Diocletian for struggling with inflation. These writings had been written there in the year 301.
Zeus Temple The construction of the temple had begun AC 2nd century. The temple had been planned as Pseudodipteras. It had been established on a stage with the dimensions of 53 x 35 meters. There is a great hall under the temple, which had been obscured by rubble.
Stadium and Theatre There are no other examples of such a combination of a Stadium and a Theatre like in Aizanoi. The construction of the complex had begun in AC 1st century and had been completed in the 3rd century.
Bridges and Avenue with Antic Columns:
The city of Aizanoi had been founded on both sides of the Stream Koca, which had been called as Penkalas in ancient times. Only two bridges had been able to reach today. Both bridges have 5 belts and they are still being used.
CASTLES
Kutahya Castle The Kutahya Castle is at the Hisartepe Locality, which had been used as a residence from ancient times to today. The castle has 70 towers and consists of 3 parts. These are called Kale-i Bala, Kale-i Sagir and Diş Towers. There are two fountains and three mosques in the castle.
MOSGUES
Çinili Cami (Porcelain Mosque) The mosque had been constructed in 1973, by taking the Middle Asia Turkish architecture as example. Inside of the mosque consists of beautification made by pencil, and outside of it had been constructed with blue Kutahya porcelain.
Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) The construction of this mosque, which is the most beautiful and greatest mosque of Kutahya, had begun in the times of Yildirim Beyazit, and had been completed in the times of Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1401. The restoration of the mosque had been made by Architecture Sinan, during the times of Süleyman the Magnificent. The muezzin stand having 4 columns, and the representation of Mecca on the wall of the mosque should be seen by the visitors.
Turning Mosque (Dönenler Camii) This mosque had been constructed during 14th century. It is the first "Mevlevihane" (Lodge of Mevlevi Dervishes) of Kutahya, founded by the grandson of Mevlana, Ergun Çelebi.
MARKET PLACES (BAZAARS)
There are two Bazaars in Kutahya. They had been established in the second part of 15th century by the Proficient of Gedik Ahmet Pasha. The Great Bazaar has 4 gates. In the Bazaar there is a fountain and there are 17 shops. It is being used as a market place by the vegetable men. The Small Bazaar has two gates. It had been made of bricks and iron sheet. It used to be used as the bazaar for the heavy clothes, armor and diamonds
TRADITIONAL KUTAHYA HOUSE
Germiyan Street The Germiyan Street is a place where the 18th century Kutahya houses are being protected collectively. It is the most beautiful historical example of Kutahya's historical urban structure. These houses in Germiyan Street are all made of timber and they have two or three floors.
Old City Palace The construction of the city palace had begun in 1908 and finished at 1911 while Fuat Pasha was the governor of the town. The building had been restorated in 1998. It is one of the most interesting examples of the late Ottoman civil architecture.
PROMENADE
Mt. Murat Mt. Murat is at the south of Kutahya. It is 30 km away from Gediz and it is 2312 meters high. It is the highest mountain in Kutahya and in Internal Aegean Region. The Mt. Murat provides alternative tourism possibilities with its clean air and fresh water, with its a variety of bird species living in, and especially with its rich thermal sources.
Çamlica Çamlıca is at the west side of Kutahya and its 5 km far away from the city center. It had been arranged as a recreation and resting area in the pine forest. It is a large promenade area. Pine trees, clean and fresh water, clean air, and the relaxing sightseeing of the area provides a great pleasure to the visitors.
Enne Dam It is at the west side of Kütahya and 18 km away from the Kutahya city center. The dam had been constructed in order to provide the water need of Seyitömer Thermal Electricity Central is also being used for fishing and picnics.
Porsuk Dam It is at the northeast of Kutahya, and 20 km away from the city center. The dam had been constructed in order to protect the environment from the floods of River Porsuk. Today it is also being used for fishing and picnics.
Kuruçay Pond The pond is at the south of Tavşanlı District and 7 km away from the city center. The pond had been constructed for watering purposes, and it is also being used as a picnic area with its clean and unpolluted environment.
Domaniç Forests The Domaniç Forests take place at the north of Kutahya. These forests are widen to a large area. The flora of Domaniç is very rich. There are a variety of endemic species and monument trees in the area.
Hidirlik Hidirlik is one of the most important and popular promenade areas of Kutahya.
HIGHLANDS
Gölcük Plateau Gölcük Plateau at the southwest of Kutahya, and it is 10 km away from Simav. The plateau is surrounded with pine forests. The substructure of the plateau is well developed. It is a very popular picnic area at the altitude of 1450 meters.
NATIONAL & NATURAL PARKS
Mızık Çam (Pine) Natural Monument
Place: Kütahya
Characteristics: A monumental pine tree which is more than 700 years old.
Foundation Date: 12.07.1993
Kaşalıç Natural Protection Area
Location: The park is in the village of Durubey village, in the province of Kutahya in Central Anatolia.
Transportation: The park can be accessed via the forest road 5km after Domanic, towards Inegol.
Highlights: The area bears the characteristics of a Black Sea forest ecosystem, even though it lies in Anatolia. Beech and black pine forests grow naturally in the area, and other dominant species include oak, poplar, wild pear, blackberry, coltsfoot, meadow saffron, foxglove and wild strawberry. The forest is also home to bears, wild boars, deer, foxes, rabbits and hedgehogs
Vakıfçamlığı Natural Protection Area
Location: The Vakif Camligi is in the village of Vakif, near Tavsanli in the district of Kutahya.
Transportation: The grove is accessed via the 12km road off the Kutahya-Tavsanli highway.
Highlights: This pine grove is the only area in the world where the Ehrami black pine, a rare and endangered tree, grows naturally. Alongside this is the ebe pine, which only grows in Turkey, and the combination of the two growing together makes it a unique ecosystem. In addition, other species include juniper, oak, popular, willow and lime. Wildlife in the area includes fox, badger, pig, rabbit, partridge and quail.
ORNITHOLOGY AREAS
Bustard Birds, which are the biggest birds of Anatolia do only live and reproduce in Kuyucak, Nuhören and Pusan Villages of Kütahya. The Bustard Birds are under protection and the population of these birds is increasing each year.
Mt. Murat
Murat Mountain
City: Uşak, Kütahya
Provinces: Banaz, Gediz, Altıntaş, Dumlupınar
Surface Area : 52500
Altitude : 1000 - 2312 m
Protection: N/A
Bird Species: Küçük balaban (30 pairs), alaca balıkçıl (200 pairs), pasbaş patka (15 pairs), mahmuzlu kızkuşu (10 pairs) and bıyıklı sumru (100 pairs) reproduce. Especially during winter, küçük karabatak (max.100), tepeli pelikan (max. 73), büyük ak balıkçıl can be seen.
Main Characteristics: forest, mountain
Altıntaş Plain
City: Kütahya
Provinces: Altıntaş, Aslanapa, Kütahya Merkez
Surface Area : 19200
Altitude : 970 - 1698 m
Protection: Yes
Bird Species: It is thought that approximately 20 pairs of species is reproducing within the area. Reproduction is observed every year.
Main Characteristics: plateau, agricultural area
Mountain Türkmenbaba
City: Kütahya, Eskişehir
Provinces: Eskişehir Merkez, Kütahya Merkez, Seyitgazi
Surface Area : 17500
Altitude : 1200 - 1826 m
Protection: partially
Bird Species: The biggest population of Kara akbaba (10 pairs) known within Turkey lives in the region. At the same time, important numbers of kara leylek (5 pairs), sakallı akbaba (1 pairs) and küçük kartal (5 pairs) reproduce within the important bird areas.
Main Characteristics: forest, mountain
THERMAL SPRINGS
Kutahya is a place which has a variety of Thermal Springs. Harlek and Mountain are the most important and interesting thermal centers of the region. Yoncalı, Gediz Ilıcasu, Simav Eynal, Tavşanlı Göbel, Emet, Yeşil and Kaynarca are the other important Thermal Springs.
Harlek (Ilıcaköy) Thermal Tourism Center
Harlek (Ilıcaköy) Thermal Resort
Location: The resort is 27km from the centre of Kutahya, in Western Anatolia, and 190km south-east of Bursa.
Transportation: Kutahya is well connected by bus, and 90km south-west from the airport at Eskisehir.
Water temperature: 25.2°C - 43°C
pH value: Kadilar Spring - 6.84. Haslas Spring - 6.78. Harlek Spring - 6.87. Kadinlar Hamami Spring - 6.64
Physical and chemical properties: The group of spring has one or all of the following properties: thermal, hypertonic, oligometallic, sulphur, calcium, magnesium.
Recommended: Applications Drinking and bathing.
Helps to heal: Rheumatic ailments, liver and gall bladder problems and skin conditions, poor metabolism.
Accommodation: Harlek Hotel -186 beds
Muratdağı Thermal Resort
Location: On the northern slopes of Muratdagi (1700m), around 15km south of Gediz and 100km southwest of Kutahya.
Transportation: Kutahya is well connected by road and air. Gediz is on the main highway between Kutahya and Usak.
Water temperature: 40°C - 42°C
pH value: 7.2
Physical and chemical properties: Sulphur, calcium, magnesium, bromide and radioactive properties.
Recommended: Applications Drinking and bathing
Helps to heal: Rheumatism, mental and muscular fatigue, skin conditions, gynaecological problems, joint pain, calcium deposits and eating disorders.
Accommodation: Youth Camp – 150 beds. Otherwise, small hotels in Gediz.
CAVES
Kutahya Caves
Caves of Frig Valley
Location: Kütahya
The caves are located at 55 km away from Kütahya, in the İnlice quarter of last Kütahya village of Ovacık, where the city borders of Kütahya, Afyon ve Eskişehir intersects.
Properties: There are hundreds of caves inside the Frig valley which covers an extremely wide area and these caves are carved by hands for the purposes of shelter, accommodation and tombs. Inside the first section of rocks, two churches were discovered. There are frescos on the walls of these two churches named Tekli Kilise (Single Church) ve Çiftli Kilise (Double Church), respectively. Also in,ions written by root paint are present on the walls. Meander patterns and cross signs are also visible. This valley was used by Frigs between years BC 500-600 and later on, by Byzantiums
The Deliktaş Castle, which was examined in two parts, are also used by Frigs and Byzantiums. For shelter and defense purposes the rocks were carved. There is a large chapel founded here. Secret passages and galleries connect lots of rooms and chambers to each other. The upper parts of the rocks are carved in the shape of ramparts. The third section is the place where a natural castle called Penteser castle is present. This place is also carved for defense purposes and there are various tombs and caves present at this location. This valley is covered with pine trees and the natural beauty can challenge the beauty of Ürgüp

KONYA GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Konya is a city in Central Anatolia in Turkey which has protected its name for centuries. Legend says that Perseus killed a dragon that had been ravaging the town. The people set up a special monument to honor him, a stone obelisk with an icon of Perseus carved in it. This event gave the city it’s name, Ikonyon, Ikonyum, Iconium.
However, among Muslims, another legend is told. Two dervishes, friends of Allah, were making an excursion through the skies from the far away countries of Horasan toward the west. When they flew over the lands of central Anatolia, one asked the other, “Shall I land?” (”Konayim mi?”). The other answered, “Sure, land.” (”Kon ya!”) So, they landed and founded the city of Konya.
Archaeology shows that the Konya region is one of the most ancient settlements of Anatolia. The results of excavations in Catalhöyük, Karahöyük, Cukurkent and Kucukoy show the region was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic Period (Late Stone Age) of BC 7000. Other settlers of the city before Islam were; the Calcolitic Period (Copper Age) civilizations, Bronze Age civilizations, Hittites, Frigians, Lidians, Persians, Romans and finally Byzantines.
Konya is an important place for Christians as well because St. Paul and St. Barnabas came to the city on one of their journeys in Asia Minor around 50 AD. St. Paul preached in Konya but they angered both Jews and Gentiles so they had to leave the city and went to Derbe and Lystra.
The first exposure of the city to Islam happened during the time of the Caliph Muaviya. Later, attacks made by Arabic Muslims, whether Emevi’s or Abbasi’s, yielded no results. Konya’s real meeting with and adopting of Islam began some time after the victory of Seljuks at Malazgirt in 1071, in the time of Kutalmisoglu Suleyman. The attacks of the Crusaders from 1076 to the end of the 12th century could not wrench the city from Islam.
Konya was the capital of Seljuks between 1071 and 1308. In 1220 Alaaddin Keykubad I repaired the city wall and decorated them with towers. But the city has been the site of a power - struggle between the Seljuks, Karamanoglu’s, Mongols, and Ilhan’s and it changed hands a few times. In the time of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, in 1466, Konya joined the lands of the Ottoman Empire. The first general census was made by the sultan and repeated in the time of Bayazit II, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman, and Murad III.
In the time of Kanuni Suleyman, the city, which had been named as Karaman ili, reached the status of statehood. The borders of the Karaman state, which included the regions of Larende (Karaman), Seydisehri, Beysehri, Nigde, Kayseri (Cesarea), Aksaray, Maras, Elbistan, and Bozok, were reduced when Maras became its own state and Bozok was added to another state.
Konya was affected by the Celali Rebellion. This rebellion was an outcome of the instability in the Ottoma governmet and land orders in the Ottoman army was defeated by the command of Ibrahim Pasa, Grand Vizir of Sultan Suleyman, in the Battle of Konya.
The borders of the province of Konya, which was set up in 1867, included Nigde, Isparta, Icel and Teke Sanjaks. In the same year, the city was affected by a big fire and in 1873 suffered a serious famine.
In the 19th century the city appeared shabby and neglected and the city walls were in ruins and even the mosques were in terrible conditions. Many of the more recent houses were made of bricks and their lifespan was not more than 100-150 years. Commercial activity was slow. But at the end of the century, in 1896, after the railway to Eskisehir was opened, commercial activity was revived. After 1902, farming with machines developed. The period of sultan Abdul Hamid II was a productive one for Konya. Transport, education and restoration works flourished the city as they did in the whole of the country.
The First World War caused the decrease of manpower in Konya and throughout the country. During the occupation of Anatolia by the Allies, Konya’s railway station was run by the British (January 1919). The Italian powers which occupied the city in April 1919, left the city in March 1920 during the Independence War led by Atatürk.
The most important place to visit in Konya is Mevlana’s Mausoleum, the mystic poet on the way of sufism and the founder of the Whirling Dervish order. Apart from that there is Karatay Medrese, which was a theological school used as tiles museum today, Alaaddin Keykubat Mosque from 12th century and Ince Minare (Thin Minaret) Mosque.

KOCAELİ GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

Kocaeli is mostly known by its district center, Izmit. The ancient name of the city is Nikomedia. Remains from Roman and Byzantine times may be seen here, among which are the citadel, the Temple of Augustus and the agora.
The city of Izmit is mainly an industrial center in Marmara region of Turkey with numerous industrial establishments surrounding the Gulf of Izmit. However, there are also many tourist sites in this bustling province. Kartepe is a winter sports resort that reaches a height of 1600 m, Kerpe and Kefken on the Black Sea coast have fine beaches, while Golcuk and Karamursel in the Gulf of Izmit are other beautiful sea resorts.
At Arpalik near the Eskihisar village in the Gulf of Izmit, there is a yacht berth place with a capacity of 60-80 yachts. Lake Sapanca in nearby Sakarya province is another natural beauty and a scenic place ideal for picnics. One of the towns of Kocaeli is Hereke, where the very best Turkish carpets are produced. The artistic carpets of Ottoman palaces were woven here only for the sultans. These carpets are priceless and well-known all over the world.
In 1999 August 17th, a terrible earthquake (7.4 Richter scale) hit the city at 03:02 local time while everybody was asleep and devastated the city and killed almost 10,000 people. It took the authorities many weeks before they could clean the rubble. Apart of the heavy loss of lives there was also a terrible loss in the economy as this city is the most industrialized area of Turkey. See the picture gallery for earthquake photographs.

KİLİS GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

PLACES TO VISIT
RavandaCastle Castle is near to the Ravanda Village of Polateli province, at 24 km. north of Kilis. Its environment is clear, and constructed on a steep hill of a mountain, which is reigning to the horizon. Remaining current part of the castle, constructed via engraving of the peek of the mountain, is the internal castle.
Oylum Tumulus It is one of the biggest tumuli among Anatolia, Syria and Mesopotamia. Strategic position holding tumulus is settled during nearly all ages. As a result of excavations performed on Oylum Tumulus, which shows definite settlement dated back to Chalcolithic Age , ,history of Front Asia besides history of the region, is enlightened. There are lots of tumuli other than this within the city.
Akpınar Akpınar is a promenade in which clear waters are flowing in the middle of a land with limestone. It environs is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and orchards, and this unique nature beauty covered with a carpet composed of grass is filled with Kilis residents during spring and summer months.
Söğütlüdere Söğütlüdere, which is used as an entertainment and picnic area during spring and summer months, has a privileged place within the lives of Kilis residents. Söğütlüdere, where streams coming from north slopes, Zoppun River and Akpınar springs are covered with green, is an important place for a perfect feast with kebab and meal sorts, unique to Kilis residents’ kitchen culture, during especially weekends.
Geography
Climate took part within Mediterranean Climate in connection with general characteristics. Summers are passing hot and dry, and winters are cold and rainy.
History
Hurris, Mintanni, Asyrian, Hittite, Macedonia, Romans and Ottomans had reigned in Kilis and Environs, which is an ancient settlement center, reaching to Middle Bronze Age. Kilis become a city on 1995.
Where to Eat
Traditional culture reflecting regional meals are highly impressive with their tastes and appearances. Kebab sorts, cooked in Kilis, are serviced freshly with flavoring with special spices. Pleasure of eating in restaurants on the lake and taste of grape molasses is not satisfying.
What to Buy
Shopping centers are including lots of souvenirs, reflecting cultural texture of Kilis. Also liquid and solid grape molasses sorts of the region can be bought.
Don’t Leave Without- Visiting ruins of Kilis, famous with natural beauties,
- Tasting Kilis grape molasses and regional kebab sorts,
- Visiting historical tumulus and Ravanda castle of the city.

KIRŞEHİR GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

Kırşehir, formerly Macissus (also spelled Mocissus and Mokissus) and Justinianopolis, is a city in Turkey It is the capital district of the Kırşehir Province According to 2000 census, population of the district is 115,078 of which 88,105 live in the city of KırşehirHistoryThe history of Kırşehir dates back to the Hittites The Romans called the city Macissus, and after the city was rebuilt by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian (527-565), it was renamed Justinianopolis This name was retained until the end of Byzantine rule The Turks took the city in 1071 and bestowed the current name In Turkish, "Kır Şehri" means "Steppe City" It became the chief town of a sanjak in the Ottoman vilayet of Angora, which possessed 8000 inhabitants, most of them MuslimsIn the 19th century, Kırşehir was attached to the sanjak of Ankara In the year 1921, Kırşehir was made capital of its own province Kemal Atatürk visited the city in 1921 and 1931 Kırşehir was once known as "Parnassos" or "Mikissos" During the period of the Hittites, the basin of Kırşehir was known as the country of "Ahiyuva" This basin also took the name Cappadocia at the time of the Romans and ByzantinesIt became a province in 1924 On 30 May 1954, it was accepted as a district of Nevşehir Later, the towns of Kırşehir were divided between Ankara, Yozgat and Nevşehir In 1957, Kırşehir became a province againEcclesiastical historyUnder the Latin name Mocissus it remains a titular metropolitan see in the former Roman province of Cappadocia Procopius (De ædif, V, iv) informs us that this fortified site, in north-western Cappadocia, was constituted metropolis of Cappadocia Tertia by Justinian, when he divided that province into three parts, and gave it the name of Justinianopolis Nothing is known of its history, and its name should perhaps be written Mocessus There is no doubt that the site of Mocissus, or Mocessus, is that which is occupied by the modern town sometimes called Kir-Sheir This metropolis figured in the Notitiæ episcopatuum until the twelfth or thirteenth century Only a few of its titulars are known: the earliest, Peter, attended the Council of Constantinople (536); the last, whose name is not known, was a Catholic, and was consecrated after the Council of Florence by Patriarch Metrophanes of Constantinople

KIRIKKALE GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

It is said that the name of the city is a united name which comes from the name of ”Kirik” village where is settled to the 3 km north of city from center of city and the name of ”Kale” (hill) which is present in the center today. It is known that between 16th and 17th centuries, Turkish tribes and communities who were coming from East of Turkey are settled in Anatolia, especially in Central Anatolia. One of these tribes which is named as ”Oguz-Oguzhan” clan is settled in ”Kirikkal’a” (oldest name of the city) which is near to Ankara mentioned in the history archives of Turkey.Kirikkale is a recent province of Turkey in Central Anatolian region nearby Red River (Kizilirmak), about 80 kilometers east of Ankara. It became a city in 1989 under the presidency of Turgut Ozal. The population today is approximately 380,000, but it’s hard to imagine that in 1925 Kirikkale was a small village consisting of 12 houses only. It is expanding rapidly to become an industrial center. Main industries in Kirikkale include state-owned military arms and ammunition factories (MKE) and chemical plants. The economy is almost exclusively based on its steel mills producing high quality alloy steel and machinery.
There is also a significant timber industry thanks to the forests with oak trees surrounding the city but most of the land is covered with ‘’steppe”. There are several vineyards as well. Sesame, clove, daisy, mint mustard and thyme can be told for the samples of some plants which grows spontaneously in the region. Kirikkale serves also as a local market for cereals and livestock in Anatolia.
Kirikkale city takes its part in a mild-climate zone. However climate changes to terrestrial-climate zone because of the daily temperature changes which is a result of far distance from seas. Summer is usually hot and arid while winter is cold. There is no natural lakes in Kirikkale.
The average altitude of the city is 700 meters. Different plateaus can be found in Kirikkale and their heights can change between 1200-1600 meters. Its location is on a crossroads on a major highway running to the east and to the Black Sea region. Also a railway station on a major rail route to eastern Turkey makes this city important.
Kirikkale University was founded in 1992 as the highest educational institution in the province.
The province stands on the earthquake zone where seismic activities can be seen sometimes and once volcanic actions were seen. Although Kirikkale is rich in respect of different types of ores, unfortunately is quite poor in respect of of its reserves

KAYSERİ GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

West of Cappadocia, over the mountains in central Anatolia, lies Kayseri, known as Caesarea in Roman times. The city spreads out at the foot of the extinct volcano Mt. Erciyes (3,916 meters). In the winter months the ski center has excellent runs for downhill skiers, and several pleasant hotels cater particularly to skiers.
Close to the Byzantine fortress, the 13th century Huant Hatun Mosque and Medrese, with the Mahperi Hatun Mausoleum, comprise the first SeljukAnatolia. The Medrese is now an Ethnography Museum. South of the complex, stands the beautifully decorated Döner Kümbet of 1276, a Seljuk mausoleum of classic simplicity. A major Seljuk city, Kayseri was an important center of learning and consequently, there are many medreses (theological schools) among the remaining historical buildings. Those interested in the Seljuk architecturalMedrese, the first SeljukMedrese. Near the city’s bedesten (market hall) is the restored 12th century Ulu Mosque. The Haci Kilic Mosque north of the Çifte (twin) Medrese dates from 1249. In the Cumhuriyet (Republic) quarter, the 19th century Resit Aga Mansion houses the Atatürk Museum which displays Atatürk’s personal belongings. Across from the Atatürk Museum, the historical Gupgupoglu Mansion is now an Ethnography Museum. complex, the Huant Hatun Complex, in form should see the Çifte (Giyasiye and Sifahiye) school of anatomy, and one which today is now the Gevher Nesibe Medical History Museum. And nearby is the lovely Sahabiye
South of Kayseri, in Develi, stand three more important Seljuk buildings: the Ulu Mosque, the Seyid-i Serif Tomb and the Develi Tomb. Nearby, the Sultan Marshes, the habitat of many bird-species, are of interest both to ornithologists and nature lovers.
North of Kayseri, Kültepe, known in ancient times as Kanesh or Karum, was one of the earliest Assyrian and Hittite commercial cities Dating from 2000 B.C, Kültepe was also one of the world’s first cities of free trade. Today, however, only the foundations remain. Many of the findings can be examined in the Kayseri Archaeological Museum or Ankara Anatolian Civilizations Museum.
On the same road is Sultanhan, a caravanserai built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the early 13th century and a favorite stop for tourists.
Caesarea was also an important city of Christianity in the early years of Byzantine Empire. One can remember bishop Basil the Great from 4th century who traveled in Cappadocia as well to organize early Christian communities.
Karpuzbasi Waterfall is 76 km south from Kayseri. In this beautiful natural site, seven different springs on the mountainside fall from heights ranging between 30 and 70 meters.
Kayseri is one of the most important carpet and kilim production centers in Anatolia. Bünyan is the most famous carpet production center and Yahyali is the most famous kilim production center. Rugs woven in finely knotted floral patterns continue a centuries-old tradition.

KASTAMONU GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Kastamonu is a lovely city hidden in the midst of forests in Anatolia. The beauty of the 12th century Byzantine castle at the foot of the hill welcomes you. The 13th century Atabey Mosque and the Ibni Neccar Mosque are worth visiting. In the village of Kasaba you will have the opportunity to see one of the most elegant wood carvings of Turkey, on the Mahmut Bey Mosque.
The Ilgaz National Park is 63 kms south of Kastamonu. It is a perfect destination for mountaineering and especially for winter sportssince there is a ski-center with good accommodation facilities. The landscape from the Ilgaz Mountain (2587 m) is breathtaking; you will want to take some photographs. The Kizilirmak River contributes to that marvelous picture of the city. The Ilgarini cave at Cide, the Alinca underground cave at Kure, and the International Equestrian Tourism Center of Daday are amongst other attractions.
Inebolu, 100 kms north of Kastamonu, is a typical Black Sea town, exhibiting fine examples of traditional Turkish architecture in the midst of greenery. To the east of lnebolu is the Abana holiday center. To the west is Cide with good hotels and sandy beaches, as well as the dreamlike Gideros Bay.

KARS GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Area: 18.557 km²
Population: 349.437 (1992)
Traffic Code: 36
The province of Kars is located in the North East Anatolia and is on the Historic Silk Road. Kars is a border city whose foundation history extends to the BC 9000 - 8000 and the city is a well-known city with its historical and archeological ruins, natural beauties and rich folklore culture.
Districts : Akkaya, Arpaçay, Digor, Kağızman, Sarıkamış, Selim and Susuz.
How to Get
Highway The distance between the bus station and the city center is approximately 3 km. It is possible to reach to the bus station from the city center by services of the commercial bus firms and by shared taxis.
Telephone of the bus station: (+ 90 - 474) 223 33 33 - 223 29 55 - 212 77 77
Air Transportation The distance between the Kars Airport and the city center is 7 km.
Telephone of the Airport: (+ 90 - 474) 223 06 74
Railway The distance between the railway station and the city center is 1 km. The transportation is possible via commercial taxis and shared taxis. The railway connection is Kars - Ankara -Istanbul (among Erzurum - Erzincan - Sivas - Kayseri).
Telephone of the Railway station: 0 (474) 223 43 98 / 223 43 99
Where to Visit
ANCIENT CITIES
Ani ( Ocaklı ) The Ani Ruins are at 48 km distance to the Kars Province. The ancient city is founded at the banks of the Arpaçay River flowing in the vicinity of Turkey - Armenia border and is in the borders of Mevcut Ocaklı Village. The foundation date is estimated to be in BC 350 - 300 years. The tourists coming to our country frequently visit the ruins of Ani. The ruins of city walls, Medi churches and Seljukian architecture creations of the Ani ruins are magnificent art works and they worth visiting.
Seljuk Palace The palace is located at the northwest end of the Ani ancient city and is quite magnificent. The external entrance gate is adorned with rich mosaic geometrical patterns. The internal structure of the building formed by a complex combination of various chambers, galleries, storage chambers and fountains.
The Ramparts The Northern ramparts are firstly constructed in the year 972. By the addition of eastern ramparts between 977 - 990 years, these ramparts had been strengthened. The three northern entrance gates are worth seeing. The Dragon Tower, which was used as a hospital by Seljukians in12th Century is one of the oldest hospitals of Anatolia.
Kars Castle The Kars Castle is also called as Central Castle or Inner Castle and was constructed in the 10th Century. The Castle was completely destroyed by the forces of Timur in 1386 and was reconstructed in 1579.
Beylerbeyi Palace The Palace is located at the skirts of the Kars Castle. The palace was constructed by the order of Lala Mustafa Paşa in 1579. The structure has two floors and was occupied as the Kars Town Hall since 1828.
MOSGUES
Evliya (Saint) Mosque and the Menuçehr Mosque (The first mosque constructed by the Seljukian civilization in Anatolia) are the most important mosques of the province. The first constructed mosque was collapsed in 1579 and it was restored and reconstructed in 17th century with earthen ceiling. The mausoleum in its courtyard named the mosque.
Religion Tourism
Menucehr Mosque (Ani Ruins): It is located in Ani Ancient City. Built by Ebu Süca Manucehr from Seddatoğulları Government in 1072, the mosque attract attention as the first building to have been constructed in Anatolia by Seljuks.
It is among the most splendid works of Seljuks of Anatolia with its vivid stones of the view of mosaics and rich geometric decorations on its ceiling.
Ebul Muammeral Mosque (Boz Minare, Ani Ruins): At the center of Ani Province, the mosque was constructed by the latest Seddatlı Sultan Şahan Şah. The minaret of the devastated mosque has been fell over to one side.
Keçel Church (Aziz Pirkitch Church, Ani Ruins): Located in Ani Ruins, the church was constructed by the son of Abugremrizents Daklavini,the grandchild of Gregor between the years 1034-1036. It was restored in 1173 by Priest Tridot, and a belfry was added to the main building in 1291and the dome was repaired in 1342. Nearly half of the building has still been demolished since it was strucked by lightining.
Şirli Church (Aziz Gregor Church, Ani Ruins): Located at Ani Ruins,the church was constructed by Tigran upon the request of the minorities of Şeddatlı Government in 1215. The main structure, which is of high esteem with its adornments on the inner sections of the dome, has been destructed to a certain extent.
Abughamrent Gregor Church (Ani Ruins): Located at Ani Ruins, it was constructed by Ani King Gagik XI. in the name of Gregor in 998.
Güvercinli Church (Maiden's Church, Ani Ruins): Located at Ani Ruins, the structure thought to have been built in XIInd or XIIIrd centuries was perched on a steep rocky place near Arpaçay.
Kemserakanlı Church (Ani Ruins): Located at Ani Ruins, the church was built in 922 and only a single wall adorned with the motifs of primitive men has remained today.
Meryemana Cathedral (Fethiye Mosque, Ani Ruins): The construction of the cathedral had been started during Sembatat II. at Ani city center in 1010 and was completed during Gagik I. period. After Alpaslan conquered the province of Ani in 1064, ithe building was used as a mosque for a certain period of time. As it had been damaged by the earthquake in1319, it was restored by the Architect Tiridot. Today it is among the rare structures in Ani that have been well-preserved so far.
Arak' Eltos Church (Ani Ruins): The church was constructed at Ani Ruins as a patriarchate in 1031. Upon the as the invasions of Ani by the Seljuks, it was converted into a caravanserai in 1064
Havariler( Disciples) Church (Kümbet Mosque, Center): On the southern slope of the Kars Castle in Kaleiçi District,the church has been well preserved till to our times. It was constructed between the years 932-937 by King Abbas of Bağrat who announced Kars as the capital city. In 1878, it was restored by the Russians. The belfry had been built adjacent to the church in 1890 was demolished in 1918.
After long periods of service as a church, the building was converted into a mosque by Seljuks in 1064. Still it was used as church in the following years. Reconverted into a mosque in 1918, the building finally decided to be used as a museum in 1964
BRIDGES
Taşköprü (Stone Bridge) The bridge was constructed during the restoration period of the entire city in 1579 by the order of Sultan III. Murat. This initial bridge had collapsed in time and later the present bridge was constructed on the old pedestals in 1719
BATHS
İlbeyoğlu Bath The bath is located at the right side of the Taşköprü. Its current name is
Muradiye Bath. The embossed designs and decorations display the characteristics of 18th century architecture style. The bath is currently in use.
Mazlumağa Bath This bath is located at the left side of the Taşköprü and was constructed in 1579.
HIGHLANDS
The province of Kars hosts numerous plateaus and it is possible to say that the province is composed of plateaus. The province had a great potential of plateau tourism and ranch tourism.
Winter Tourism
KARS - Sarıkamış
In the Eastern Anatolia Region and 55km south-west of Kars, the Sarikamis Ski Resort is on the Camurlu mountain at an altitude of 2634m, and is renowned for its good quality of snow.
The Cibiltepe, with an altitude of 2500m, is an area of wonderful natural beauty and has five ski runs, the longest of which is 12 km long. It is covered with crystallised snow and therefore is very challenging.
Arrival: Sarikamis Ski Resort is 60km south-west of the centre of Kars, and 50km from the airport. It is also accessible from Erzurum airport, south-west. There are direct buses to the ski resort from Kars airport (40 mins) and Erzurum airport (90 mins). From the centre of Kars, there are no public vehicles.
Geography: The skiing area is between the altitudes of 2100 -2634m, within the pine forests. There is an average depth of 1.5m and is quite typical of Alpine conditions, and the best ski season is between 20 December - 20 March. It has a terrestrial climate, with a dominant south-westerly wind direction.
Facilities: There are two government guest-houses, and other private accommodation. Ski instructors and equipment is available for rent, and there is first aid, security and health services available, more hotels and hospital in the Sarikamis area. There is a military zone which can be used for helicopter landings. There are two chairlifts and one T-bar, plus two 4-seater T-bars.
MUSEUMS
Kars Museum The museum is one of the richest museums of Eastern Anatolia Region. The museum is separated into two main sections. At the archeological findings hall, ceramic and bronze works, ring stones, various coins, embroidered wooden doors, niches, bells discovered at the excavations executed in the Kars region are exhibited while at the ethnographic works hall the objects used by the folk of Kars during the history are exhibited. Also in the courtyard of the museum, relieves of various periods, ram statues and tombstones are displayed.
Telephone of the Museum : (+ 90 - 474) 212 38 17
Address İstasyon Quarter, Cumhuriyet Avenue No: 485
Open hours to visit : 08.30 - 12.30 / 13.30 - 17.00
Open days to visit: Everyday except Mondays
Geography
The province of Kars is located at the coldest region of the Eastern Anatolia. Therefore the province is under the effect of terrestrial climate; the winter seasons are long and severe while the summer seasons are mild, even chilly.
History
From the researches and studies, it was determined that the history of Kars extends to the Polished Stoned Age (BC 9000 - 8000). Hurri, Urartu, İskit, Part, Sasani and Byzantine civilizations had dominated the region. Seljukian Monarch Sultan Alpaslan had conquered the city and the surrounding area in 1064 and therefore the road of Anatolia had been granted for the following Turkish nations. After the conquest of the city by the Turks, the city and the region had been dominated by Mongols and Turkish States like Akkoyunlu and Karakoyunlu and finally the city had been entered under the reign of Ottoman Empire after 1514 by the conquest of Yavuz Sultan Selim.
Where to Eat
Beside the famous sheep cheese and honey, the province of Kars own rich food and beverage varieties. Among the original local meals, umaç halvah, elma dolması (apple stuff), hörre (flour) soup, evelik meal cooked from a plant called evelik, bread meal cooked by pouring hot butter and yogurt over bread, pişi, kuymak, hengel (meat pastry), haşıl cooked from wheat, bozbaş, piti which is a soup cooked with meat, pilaf cooked with sultani grape and Kars pastry could be counted.
What to Buy
The Kars carpets and pileless carpets weaved from natural painted cotton, hair, silk and wool threads having interesting local patterns are famous. The local silver belts, headgears and various silver jewelry are the authentic souvenirs of Kars. The feather stuffed pillows made from the feathers of goose are very healthy.
Don't Leave Without
Visiting ancient ruins of Ani and Kars Castle,
- Visiting the Museum,
- Eating yellow fish at the banks of Çıldır Lake,
- Tasting the famous honey, sheep cheese and gruyere,
- Buying Kars Caucasian Carpet,
- Watching Caucasian Folk Dances,
- Skiing at Sarıkamış

KARABÜK GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Karabük (kärä'bük) , city (1990 pop. 104,869), N Turkey. It was built in the 1930s as the seat of the iron and steel industry of Turkey. Nearby are the Zonguldak coal fields.Karabük is the capital district and a town of Karabük Province in the Sea region of Turkey. The population is 111,749 (2000 census).One of the major steel producers in Turkey, namely Kardemir (Karabük Iron and Steel Works), is located in Karabük.

Karabük is one of the newest provinces of Turkey in the Northern part of Anatolia located about 200 kilometers north of Ankara. Until few years ago it was a district of Zonguldak than in 1995 it became a city of its own. It was built in the 1930s as the seat of the iron and steel industry of Turkey. Its area is 1.376 square kilometers with a population of 230.000 approximately. Karabük lies in a location near Filyos river formed by the merge of Arac and Soganli rivers. Districts of the city are: Safranbolu, Yenice, Eflani, Eskipazar, and Ovacik.

In the old times Karabük was an important route between Amasra onthe coast and central Anatolia. The history of the city goes back to the early years of the Republic, it was a small sub-village formed by 13 houses in the Oglebeli village of Safranbolu. There was also a small train station on the route of Ankara - Zonguldak. It started to develop with the industrialization of the country. One of the first steal factories of the Republic was built here in 1939 after which it grew rapidly.

There are no proven facts about the origin of its name; in Turkish Kara means Black or Land and Bük means corner. But some local people believe that Bük is the name of the vegetation in the area, so maybe Karabük means "Land of Bük vegetation".

Karabük has its own resources of dolomite and limestone, while coal and manganese is brought from Zonguldak and iron ore from Divrigi. This allows a varied, yet basic industry in Karabük, including a coking plant, blast furnaces, a foundry and tube works. There are also chemical plants that produce sulfuric acid and phosphates. Nearby are the Zonguldak coal fields.

KAHRAMANMARAŞ GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

Known as “Markasi” or “Maraj” in earliest ages, this city, 78 km north of Gaziantep, stands as a site of history, having a long past filled with numerous invasions, was once the capital of Gurgum, a Hittite State in the 12th century BC. Romans called the city as Germanicia during the 1st century AD, and Ottomans renamed it as “Mer’as” later on.
There is an archaeological museum inside the citadel, where Hittite sculptures are on display. Other important remains in the area are the Ulu (Grand) Mosque and the Tas (Stone) Medrese, both dating back to the 15th century, together with the Hatuniye and Haznedarli Mosque of the Ottoman period.
This province, the original name of which was Maras, had shown such valour during the War of Independence, that it was then given the title “Kahraman”, which means of “hero”.
Today, Kahramanmaras is the 11th largest city in Turkey areawise, at 568 meters above sea level in the city center. It’s population is a little bit over 1 million, divided almost equally between its towns and villages.

The speciality of the region is its famous ice cream made of fine goat milk and wild orchid flower roots growing in the surrounding mountains. Carved wooden furnitures, copper and brass works and handworks of glided silver thread are also traditional. Nature sports such as caving, hunting and fishing, besides plateaus and picnicking areas, are also typical of this area.

İZMİR GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

Revealed in central Izmir during excavations carried out in 1932-1941 in the district of Namazgah. eovering an area of 120 x 80 m, the agora throws invaluable light on Roman period Izmir. it was not only a market place, but the location of public institutions and the Temple of Zeus. The agora is open to the public between 9.00 -12.00 and 13.00 -18.00. The statues found here are on exhibit in Izmir Archaeological Museum.
ALSANCAK: A select neighbourhood with a unique character in modern Izmir. Stretching from the waterfront esplanade inland most of the area has been transformed into a pedestrian precinct, so there is no trarffic to disturb shoppers and strollers.The streets lined by modern buildings and attractive shops lead onto the square where Alsancak station stands. Dating from 1858 the colonial architecture of the station distinguishes it in style from the rest of the city. Trains to Buca, Aydin and Denizli depart from here.
ANGLICAN CHURCH : This church was built in 1835 by Levantines of English extraction living in Buca. The church is famous for its wood carving, beautiful stained glass windows and huge organ.
ASANSOR: The city"s famous public elevator, and a symbol of Izmir. This elevator links Mithatpasa street below with Halil Rifat Pasa street at the summit of the precipitous hill. It was built in 1907 and restored by the municipality in 1993. The upper terrace has a breathtaking view over the city and the bay. Here there is an Open-air cafe, a restaurant and a Genoese tavern.
BALCOVA: This spa is on the outskirts of Izmir on the road to Urla and Çesme. Turn left at Inciralti crossroads to reach Balçova thermal springs one kilometer down the road. Known as the Agamemnon Springs in antiquity, this may have been the first hydrotherapy center of the ancient world. Today there are modern facilities for visitors to the hot springs and luxury hotels. The temperature of the water is 63 degrees C.
BARLAR SOKAGI: Street of Bars. Some of the attractive old houses under conservation order in Alsancak now house bars and restaurants.
BASMANE: In this district are Izmir"s oldfashioned shopping streets, the park where the famous Izmir Fair is held each summer, and Basmane station. The trains to Manisa, and suburban rail buses to Bornova and other destinations leave from this station.
BORNOVA: A suburb of Izmir, Bornova was the hub of the Levantine community in the late l9th and 20th centuries. Today it houses the campus of Ege University The Izmir-Manisa road passes through Bornova, which is linked to the city centre by a 7 km railway line.
BUCA: Once Izmir"s summer resort, Buca is today part of the city. With a population of 200000 in 1990, Buca is today a commercial and university district. The British Levantine merchants who ran businesses in Izmir from the late l8th century onward s built imposing mansions here. Not until the 1950s did Buca undergo radical change as various institutions moved into the mansions, whose extensive gardens are under conservation.
CLIMATE: Typical mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and warm wet winters. The average temperature is 18 degrees C. Snowfall is extremely rare, and approximately 148 days of the year are clear and sunny.
CLOCK TOWER: Another symbol of the city, this picturesque clock tower in Konak Meydan was build in 1901 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Abduhamit II"s accession to the throne. The clock itsetf was a gift of Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany. The 25 m high tower is currently being restored.
CESME: This popular and attractive resort west of lzmir is famous for its modern hotels, sparkling clean sea and wonderful sandy beaches.
CIPURA: Izmir"s Iegendary fish. Found widely in both the Mediterranean and Aegean, this delicious fish with a dark blue back and silvery sides is now extensively farmed. Go into any of Izmir"s many sea food restaurants and order grilled Cipura, acc ompanied by a salad of diverse local herbs and pure olive oiI. What could be more sublime!
DOKUZ EYLUL: 9 September l922... The day when Izmir was liberated from three years of Greek occupation following the Great Attack launched by the Turkish army on 26 August. One of the major events ln the Turkish War of Independence, this date is th e name of one of the city"s universities.
FOCA: A picturesque fishing town 50 km north of Izmir. A magnet for holliday makers during summer today, Foca was an important Ionian town in antiquity. The Phokaians were famed for their commercial prowess, courage and seamanship. They establishe d trading cololnies at distant ports, and were the founders of the French port of Marseilles (the ancient Massalia).
HISAR MOSQUE: The city"s most magnificent mosque in the district of Hisar next to Kemeralti office complex. The mosque was built by Yakup Bey in 1592. It is roofed by a large dome resting on eight piers, and noted for the decoration on the altar ni che and pulpit.
HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY: This holy Christian shrine on Mt.Bulbul between Selcuk and Ephesus was sanctifìed by Pope Paul VI in 1967, after the Vatican confirmed that the Virgin Mary had spent the last years of her life here. Numerous travel agencie s in Izmir organise day tours to the House of the Virgin Mary and Ephesus.
IMBAT : The sea breeze which brings relief to Izmir"s inhabitants in the blazing heat of high summer.
IZMIR FAIR: Since I932 this international trade fair has been the highlight of the summer season in Izmir. From late August to early September the fair doubles as a popular festival of music and stage events in the Culture Park.
IZMIR KOFTE: "Izmir"s best known local dish, now popular almost everywhere in Turkey. But to enjoy it at its finest you must eat it at the house of an Izmir family or in an old fashioned backstreet restaurant in the city. Finely minced meat is kne aded with Onion juice, salt, pepper and fresh breadcrumbs. Shaped into balls or fingers this mixture is fried, and placed on a bed of fried green peppers, tomatoes and potatoes in a shallow pan. Serve hot.
KADIFEKALE: Velvet Castle, to be literal. This 4th century BC castle commands a bird"s eye view of Izmir and is th perfect place to watch the sun set over the city.
KARSIYAKA: The name of this district of Izmir on the north shore off Izmir Bay means "opposite shore", as indeed it is. The inhabitants of this pleasant residential area with its Own esplanade claim an identity distinct from the rest of the city. In their view, Karsiyaka is a town in its own right with an individual cultulre and history.
KEMERALTI: The old fashioned shopping district of Izmir, consisting of narrow streets winding their way from Konak towards central Izmir around Anafartalar Caddesi. Here you can find jewellers, drapers, shoemaker, and shops specialising in all kind s of goods from leather to olives and cheese. The atmosphere of an earlier century still pervades the bulidings here, with their distinctive 19th century doorways and roof tiles.
KORDON: The famous esplanade between Konak Meydan and Alsancak is packed with promenaders on weekends and fine evenings. As families and young lovers hand in hand stroll along the waterfront, horse-drawn phaetons with colourful ponpons swinging from the harnesses es trot past, and cars cruise by. Izmir"s esplanade is the subject of a popular old song:"My lover seemed to say/Let us meet on the Kordon one day/Perhaps at ten o"clock".
LOKMA: Lokma is Izmir"s celebrated sweet pastry. Tiny balls of yeast dough are fried in hot oil and steeped in syrup as you wait. Queues olf customers gather at the stalls where the best lokma is made.
PASAPORT: (Not a printing error, but the Turkish for "passport). The name for the dock and pier between Konak and Cumhuriyet Meydan. Pasasaport Dock was built in 1876. The dock building is in the Turkish revival style inspired by Ottoman and Selcuk architecture which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Until not so long ago the area was full of old fashioned coffee houses which served waterpipes as well as tea and coffee, but today pubs have supplanted most of them.
PERGAMUM: The remains of this magnificent ancient city are situated north of Imir. Founded in the early 3rd century BC, Pergamum was the most powerful and extensive kingdom of Western Anatolia throughout the Hellenistic periold. Parchment is though t to have been invented here. On the hill which rises steeply in the centre of Pergamum is the Acropolis and the world"s steepest amphitheatre with seating for 16,000 people. The remains of temples Of Athena and Dionysus. The splendid altar of Zeus at the entrance of the Acropolis was taken to Berlin Museum by Carl Humann in 1871. A fligth of 20 steps leads up to this remarkable structure, which dwarfs the room at Berlin Museum, as it awaits expectantly the day when it will be released from confinement and return to its hilltop site in Pergamum.The ruins of the Asclepion on the plain below reveal almost all the original features as a result of the excavations. Named after the god of medicine Asclepios, this complex was one of the foremost heath cent ers of the ancient world.
SELCUK: A town in the foothills of the Aydin mountains 94 km south of Izmir. SeIcuk is the site of Ephesus Museum, a magnificent castle and the 6th century Basilica of St.John. The road to the resorts of Marmaris and Bodrum passes through Selcuk, w hile Kusadasi, port of call for many yachts and cruise liners, is just a twenty minute drive to the north.
SMYRNA: The ancient name for Izmir and the heroic Amazon who founded the city according to Herodotus and Strabon.
TEOS: The ruins of Teos are set amidst olive groves at one end of Sigacik harbour near Seferihisar, famous for its beaches and thermal springs. Thales relates that Teos was selected as capital of the league of twelve Ionian cities in the 7th centur y BC. The largest temple of Dionysus ever built in Teos.
TEPEKULE: Excavations at Tepekule in the district of Bayrakli have thrown light on Izmir"s early history. Izmir was oriinally a settlement of the Aeolians, who were conteporaries of the first Trojans, and dates back to the third miilenium BC. The c ity was subsequently occupied by the Ionians, and the Lydian King Alyattes conquered the region in 600 BC, razing Izmir"s temples and houses. Today the ruins of the Temple of Athena and houses can be seen at Tepekule.
URLA: Urla is a resort 42 km from Izmir n the road to Cesme. Izmirians spend their summers and weekends here, the site of the ancient Ionian city of Klazomenai. This city was the birthplace of the illustrious philosopher Anaxogoras, and is latterly also famous for a local pastry dish "katmer" and for its meat and fis restaurants.
WILD HERBS: Dishes made with fresh herbs have a special place in the Aegean cuisine. When spring comes local markets are filled with green vegetables, many of them local wild varieties gathered from meadows and mountains, such as radika, turpotu, h ardalotu, and cibes (the first shoots of cauliflower) and many more. The leaves are washed, blanched and served with a ressing of lemon juice and olive oil.

İSTANBUL GUIDE

2009-09-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

İstanbul is very important place in the world.The city is spread over an area of 7.500 km2 150 km long and 50 km wide.Istanbul became the biggest and the most crowded city of Europe.Because, ıts location between Asia and Europe, the city always had a great geopolitical importance.the city population is estimate 12 to15 millions.Around 2 millions tourists visit İstanbul every year.They are see the historical and natural beauties of the city. The city has a lots of historical mosque,church and museums of Turkey.THE ÇAMLICA HILLÇamlıca hill is the higgest hill in İstanbul.It is 263 m. high from the sea level.It was used as a picnic area.In the 1980 is the Touring Automobile Association built a series of restaurant,a Turkish cafe and a park.THE TAKSIM SQUAREThe large square at the end of the Istıklal street is the Taksim square, which is one of the most active centers of İstanbul.The square is the most important for Istanbul.There are a lot of different counturies people.There are a lot of big department store this place is really beatiful.BOSPHORUS BRİDGE OR THE ATATÜRK BRIDGEThe project preparations were started in1950.The bridge building started in 1970.It was completed on 29 October 1973.It was built by German and England engineers.Thirty five engineers and four hundred Turkish workers were employed during the construstion.Its cost was $25 millions.The height of the bridge from sea is 64 m.The Atatürk Bridge carries 200.000 vehicles and 600.000 people a day. THE FATİH SULTAN MEHMET BRIDGE The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge was built between 1985 and 1988 the opening date was at the save time the 535th anniversary of the Otoman conquest of the city. THE SÜLEYMANIYE MOSQUEIt was built by Architect Sinan, the most famous architect at Ottoman history between 1550-1557 Süleymaniye Mosque, according to the construction reports of those days,5.723 workers (of these 1.713 are Moslems, 3.523 Christians ) completed the construction in 2.7 million working days.The cost of the mosque is $60 millions today.THE LEANDROS TOWERThe leandros Tower covers on area of 1250 m2 and was built 200 metres from the Usküdar beach.It has got a intelligent history.One day a witch has got apples for the girl and gave her a poisana us apple, she did after eating it.That is why the tower is called the Leandros TowerTHE GALATA TOWERThis tower at the slopes of Galata is visible every where in the city, and is 61 m. tall.The tower is at the hill which over looks both to the Bospherus and the Golden Horn and the sea of Marmara.One day,an scientist named Hazerfen Ahmet Çelebi jumped down the tower and flew to the opposite side of the Bosphorus strait by using the wings which he had invented ( 17th century ) THE FORTRESSIt was constructed with the order of Yıldırım Beyazıd in 1393, during one of the sicges of İstanbul.It is opposite to the Rumeli Hisarı.In the previous period there was a Christian Church at the same place.Its original name was Güzelce Hisar.There are a lots of pashas villas.These are the Bahriyeli Sedat Bey Villa, the Zarif Mustafa Pahsa Villa, constructed in the 19 th century; the Yağcı Sefik Bey Villa, constructed in 1905 and the Hasan Pahsa Villa.THE DOLMABAHÇE PALACE MUSEUM The Dolmabahçe Palace Museum was built between 1611-1614.It ıs that 14 tens of gold and 40 tons of silver were used for the decoration of the palace.The furniture was bought from Paris, the vases from Hereke and Lyan , the crytal materials from Bccarant and the the can dlesticks from England with special order.Almost all of 131 large and 99smal hand-made carpets are silk carpets, and they were woven in the royal workshops in Hereke.The total area covered by the carpets is 4.500 square meters.The total area at the palace is 250.000 square meters.There are 12 gates.There are 285 rooms, 43 holls, 6 balconies, 6 hamams and 1427 windows.In the deconation, 156 clocks, 280 vases and 58 candle sticks.By the way, the carpet of 124 m2 is the second largest hand-made Hereke carpet in Turkey.

ISPARTA GUIDE

2009-09-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Isparta exists in a land of fragrant roses and rose products and beautiful lakes of peaceful waters, one of the prettiest cities in the Mediterranean region. Around 45% of Isparta consists of high plateaus. There are also many impressive caves around Isparta.
If you go to Kirazlidere or the environs of Sidre, you may view this lovely site with a bird’s eye. Here is the Egirdir Lake which is one of the most fascinating lakes of Turkey, extending calmly along wide forests covering the foot of the mountains behind. It is an excellent site for relaxing, while it also offers opportunities for different sports such as climbing and fishing. You can try local fish together with mezes in the restaurants by the lake. Some of other picnicking sites are Golcuk Lake (13 kilometers southwest from Isparta), Ayazma, Milas, Caravanserai, Altinkum Beach, Pinarpazari, Camyol, Kovada National Park and Lake, and Kasnak Forest, famous for various kinds of butterflies and its fauna.
The town of the same name, is a rarely beautiful site not only because of the charming scene the lake provides, but also with the ancient ruins decorating the land. The Ulu (Grand) Mosque of 15th century stands here with its attractive minaret, along with the Seljuk fortress and Byzantine churches. Antiocheia (Psidian Antioch), the ancient city of Yalvac and ruins at Bayat are the other monuments of sightseers’ interest.
The two national parks in Isparta are the Kovada and Kizildag, which please the visitors with their natural beauties and historical remains. The Kovada Lake is made up of bays and beaches, surrounded by forests, and possesses a fresh atmosphere just like the National Park of Kizildag full of thousands of nice cedar trees.
Changing hands continuously throughout history, Isparta also holds many signs from earlier times. At the museum of the city, a rich collection of ancient coins, fine examples from Turkish folklore, several Roman relieves and works of art from the Ottoman period are found. Firdevs Pasa Mosque, Yilan Koran fountain and Kinik minaret are also spectacular monuments, while Yalvac, and Sarkikaraagac, are two other sites with ancient roots.
Isparta is also the hometown of Suleyman Demirel, one of our President of the republic

IĞDIR GUİDE

2009-09-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

This small province of Igdir, which recently was a district of Kars, lies as a fertile plain on which fruit and, unusually for this geographical region, cotton grow between two lofty locations in Eastern Anatolin. In the northwest, at a distance of 180 kilometers extends the high plateau of KarsArarat), as the highest mountain in Turkey, rising magnificently beside this new province. province which previously comprised this district inside its borders. In the southeast, on the other hand, stands Mount Agri (
The Bible relates that when the flood waters receded, Noah and his family descended from Mount Ararat toward the fertile Igdir plain. From here, their progeny settled to the south and west along the Firat (Euphrates) and Dicle (Tigris) rivers, establishing the second generation of mankind. From this plain, you have the best view of Mount Agri with the ever present snow over its slopes and peaks.
Olive groves cover this area, and the dove, which allegedly brought an olive branch to Noah, is believed to have taken it from this wide grove.
Monuments to visit near the city include Urartian rock monuments, a 13th century Seljuk Caravanserai and the Karakale (Black Castle). In Karakoyun village, on the road between Igdir and Aralik, you should stop at the impressive 15th century cemeteries with Karakoyun (ram and ewe) monumental tombstones.

HATAY GUIDE

2009-09-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

The story of Hatay begins with the Paleolitic Age (Early Stone Age). The earliest inhabitants of the region were the Prototigris who later came under the rule of the Akads in the first half of the 3rd millennium B.C. In the 2nd millennium B.C. the Amik Plain was invaded by the Subars, one of a confederation of city-states united by a common language and traditions. Of these, the Yamhat Kingdom, based in Aleppo governed the whole plain.
Towards the end of the 17.th century B.C. the Hittites, as a result of their raids from Anatolia, totally conquered Gaziantep, Aleppo and the Hatay region. Hittite rule in Hatay was brought to an end after 140 years by so called sea-tribes from the west. After the collapse of the Hittite Empire in 1190 B.C., Hittite principalities in the Amik Plain united under the name of Hatina and choose Kanula (present day Catalhoyuk) as their capital. This united principalities continued their independence until 841 B.C.
At this time the Assyrians began their control over the plain. In 538 B.C. the Persians extended their control as far as Issos (present day Yesilyurt - Dörtyol) and brought an end to Assyrian rule and controlled whole Anatolia (Asia Minor). In 333 B.C Alexander the Great brought Persian rule in Hatay to an end by his victory over Darius, the Persian king, at Issos. After Alexander’s death, the conquered lands were divided amongst his generals. One of them, Seleucos, the Satrap of Babylonia, later extended his rule to the whole of the Eastern Mediterranean after defeating Antigonus at Issos in 311 B.C. Seleucos founded the port of Seleucia in the district of present day Samandag. The port grew rapidly and became an important Eastern Mediterranean town and port.
The foundation of ancient Antioch, modern Antakya, was around 300 B.C. Antioch rapidly developed into a major administrative, religious and commercial center. Until the coming of the Romans the city had problems with her neighbors like the Persians, Egyptians and Romans. In 148 B.C. it was almost totally destroyed by an earthquake. The last king of the Seleucid Dynasty, Antiochus XII, ceded his Kingdom to the Pompeian Roman Empire in 64 B.C. and Antioch became a Roman province.
Romans recognized certain rights of Antioch and aided construction in the city; city walls, an acropolis, amphitheater, courthouses, baths and aquaducts were constructed. In 42 B.C. Antioch was one of the largest cities in the world after Rome, Alexandria and Ephesus. It became the center of learning and science, religion and commerce in the Near East.
It was in this period that the custom of laying intricate mosaics on the floors of buildings and greatest craftsmen of the world gathered in Antioch to create their masterpieces. There were two great fires, several earthquakes and some riots with extreme violence that caused the death of the majority of her population. In 71 A.D. a big fire totally destroyed the city library, religious buildings and many houses but Emperor Trajan had the city rebuilt. It was in Trajan’s time that the great Temple of Diana at Daphne was built. After Trajan’s death the construction work was continued by Hadrian.
After the death of Christ, one of his apostles, St. Peter came to Antioch to spread the gospel. He soon gathered many new converts even though he was forced to worship in a secret cave known today as the St. Peter’s Grotto. As the number of new devotees grew the cave was extended and tunnels were carved as a protection from enemy attacks. Today this cave is still an important site of pilgrimage for Christians. Christianity spread rapidly and Antioch became one of the most important centers of the faith. It was also here where the followers of Christ were first called “Christian”.
Upon the division of the Roman Empire in 396 A.D. Antioch was made dependent on Eastern Rome (Byzantium). In 638 it was conquered by Muslim Arabs and later by Turks. In 1097, after a siege of nine months the city fell to the Crusaders. Several times Muslim armies tried unsuccessfully to retake the city until it was recaptured by the Mamelukes. In 1260 it was captured by the Mongols but was regained by the Mamelukes seven years later. In 1560 the city was captured by the Ottoman sultan Yavuz Selim whilst he was on his Egyptian campaign and Antioch was added to the Ottoman Empire.
After the Treaty of Montreux in 1918, administration of Antioch passed to the French. On 5th of July 1938, after years of struggle, the Turkish army entered Hatay. After eleven months, by a referendum and vote of Hatay Assembly, on 23rd of July 1939 it joined the Turkish Republic.Historical sites in Antioch
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Antakya, the biblical Antioch, is situated on the Asi River (Orontes) in a fertile surrounding. Antakya was once the capital of the Seleucid kings and the life they lead in Antakya was renowned for its luxury and pleasures during Roman times. The city was the center of Christianity and had been visited by St.Barnabas, St.Paul and St. Peter. The city was also famous as a center of artistic, scientific and commercial activities.
The Hatay Museum deserves a particular interest because it houses one of the richest collections of Roman mosaics in the world.
A little outside the city is the holy site where St. Peter’s Grotto is situated. The cave church is the place where St. Peter preached and founded the Christian community. It was declared as a holy place by Vatican in 1983. The Iron Gate of Antioch is to the south of the grotto among the ruins of the city. One can sense these far off times since little has changed since that time. The Castle of Antioch will give you a panoramic view over the city.
Antakya is steeped in history and mythology at every step Harbiye, 8 km. after Antioch, is the place where Apollo fell in love with Daphne and tried to have her, but Mother Earth, in order to save Daphne, turned her into an elegant tree. The site is full of these trees accompanying the orchid gardens, and waterfalls where you may have a pleasant meal. St. Pierre Church, Haron Carving are the main historical remains.
For both beach and sightseeing opportunities Samandag is perfect. Seleuica Pieria, 6 km south of Samandag, is the ancient city which was a busy port at the time when Paul and Barnabas made their first missionary journey from here. The Titus - Vespasianus Tunnel which was built to divert the rain waters, even by today’s standard, is a superb example of engineering. Nearby there are 12 rock tombs to be visited.
A drive to Kapisuyu village will provide you with a fascinating scene from the Zeus Temple. There is an excellent view from there of the harbor, sandy beach and fertile plain lying below.
There are many picnic and camping areas. Outdoor sports such as hunting and fishing, and thermal springs’ facilities are the other attractions

HAKKARİ GUIDE

2009-09-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hakkari, which is founded at the south hillside of deep and long Zap Valley, and sourrounded by mountains; is one of the most distant cities of Anatolia. It can be mentioned that it is the most strategic city of our country with its 343 km. territorial band on Iran – Iraq territory and its most extreme position at the south east of Turkey map.
Districts : Çukurca, Şemdinli and Yüksekova.How to Get
Highway A 2 – 3 hours bus voyage is enough to reach Hakkari from Van. There are bus voyages to our bigger cities from this route via road.
Coach Station Tel : (+ 90 – 348) 351 24 76
Airway Airway transportation to Hakkari is available from Van province. At the same time, the distance between Van and Hakkari is supplied via an asphalt road, and a 2 – 3 hours bus voyage is enough to reach Hakkari from Van.
Where to Visit
PLACES TO VISIT
Taş Köprü (Rock Bridge) It is constructed on Şemdinli stream with a distance of 1,5 – 2 km. to Nehri and 15 km. to Şemdinli province center.
Kırmızı Kümbet Mezarlığı (Red Vault Graveyard) Graveyard, which is on an ridge, inclined from North to South within Gülereş Baba District, is one of the places which is visited and known as holy by public.
Rock Pictures Researcher Muvaffak Uyanık, had found thousands of rock pictures, which are drawn on the rocks at “Geveruk” and “Tirşin” plateaus at the west of Hakkari regions.
Goat Statue There are pictures which are similar to the motifs on Geveruk rock pictures on the side faces of goat statue, at Yüksekova province center.
Meydan Theology School It is within Hakkari, Biçer District. It is understood that theology school was constructed in 1700-1701 A.D according to the inscription on its entrance gate. Meydan Theology School is one of the most important monumental structures of Hakkari with the adornments on the internal courtyard door with pavilion and monumental structure and smooth cut masonry.
Halil Church It is 10 km away from Hakkari, and Halil region at side of the road.

GÜMÜŞHANE GUIDE

2009-09-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

Gumushane has been one of the most important cities in the Eastern Black Sea region due to its foundation on the main route from Trabzon to Iran. The city neighbors to Bayburt, Giresun, Erzincan, and Trabzon. It is a small city of approximately 200.000 people, with 6575 square kilometers of land area at an altitude of 1210 meters above sea level. The city has a moderate climate at a high plateau shaped by deep valleys and high mountains. The highest hill of the city is Abdal Musa hill touching 3331 meters. Gumushane has a rich flora and fauna; it’s surrounded by fruit groves, especially apples, and gardens of wild roses. Gumushane is a natural stop between Trabzon and Erzurum forests in Kurtun district are other natural beauties. Zigana mountains have also skiing facilities at an altitude of 2032 meters and it offers good opportunity for winter sports fans. which is a restful place. The city has many interesting natural caves such as Karaca cave in Cebeli village of Torul district, or Akcakale and Arili caves. Tomara waterfalls in Siran district, Artebel and Limni lakes in Torul district, and Orumcek
During the Roman and Byzantine periods the city was known as Argyropolis; in Greek Argyros means Silver and Polis means city. Later on it was ruled by Emevis, Abbasids, Seljuks, and Ottomans. In the 17th century Evliya Celebi Ottoman Empire Gumushane was a satellite of Erzurum and than Trabzon, but after the Republic it became a province of Turkey. reports that Gumushane was rich of silver mines. During the
The old Gumushane city still retains examples of old-style architecture, you should especially visit Saricicek village to admire 19th century typical Ottoman houses. The oldest mosque in the city is Suleymaniye which was built by the order of the Sultan in the 16th century. There are also many fountains, tombs and mausoleums from Ottoman period.
Being founded on the ancient Silk Road, Gumushane province has many fortresses such as Canca, Akcakale, Edire, Kov, Kodil and Gumustug.
Imera Monastery built in the 14th century is 38 kilometers from the city center, at Olucak village. Other ancient Christian churches are; Metropolitic, Balcilar, Hegios Georgios, Ayana, Mandiri, Emirler, Cakalli and Dilek.
Apart from the city center, Kurtun, Torul, Kose, Kelkit, and Siran are other provincial districts of Gumushane

GİRESUN GUIDE

2009-09-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

In the 2nd century BC, the Roman general Lucullus, who came to the ancient Cerasos, saw a delicious fruit here, and carried its trees back to his country. It was there then that the cherry (Kerasus) giving Giresun its name, spread all over the world.
52 km east of Ordu, this city is founded near the ruins of a Byzantine fortress. Situated on a cliff overlooking the Black Sea, this old castle possesses a panoramic view. Inside the city, there exists a church dating to the 18th century.Just outside the harbor, is Giresun Island which also carries remains from the earliest times. The ruins of a temple, built by the Amazons to whom the island is said to have belonged, can be seen here in addition to a Byzantine Monastery.
Traveling along the road to Trabzon, the towns of Kesap, Espiye, Tirebolu, Akcaabat, Görele and Dereli stand, each having a charming atmosphere with their natural and historical beauties. A special event is the “Aksu Art and Culture Festival” for the interested ones, which is a yearly organization held every May. Plateaus have a special role in the tourist activities of the city, as they are suitable for outdoor sports such as camping, picnicking and mountaineering. Most famous plateaus which are also suitable for winter sports are; Kümbet, Kulakkaya, Sisdagi, Karaovacik, Bektas and Egribel.

GAZİANTEP GUIDE

2009-09-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

Gaziantep is one of the modern provinces of South-Eastern Anatolian RegionHittite origin. Being the center of pistachio nut cultivation in Turkey and with its extensive olive groves and vineyards, Gaziantep is one of the important and industrial centers of Turkey. and also one of the oldest of
The old city known as Aintap is located 12 kilometers to the north of the present city, on the upper slopes of Nizip Hill. The area was continuously inhabited starting from the Paleolithic age and witnessed the domination of such powers as the Assyrians, Persians, Romans, the Byzantines, Abbasid and the Seljuk Turks. The times of ascend for the Ottoman Empire meant the same for the city. There are many mosques, inns, baths and medresse built during this time.Original builders of Gaziantep Fortress are not known. The fortress was restored by the Byzantine in the 6th century. The fortress was later saw restoration again in 1481 during the time of Kayitbay, the Egyptian Sultan, and in 1557 during the Ottoman Emperor Suleyman the Magnificent. The fortress was supplemented by watchtowers, mosques and small palaces. There are 36 watchtowers in walls which have a circular shape for 1,200 meters. Mehmet Gazali Tomb, a mosque and a bathWar of Liberation in 1921. exist in the fortress. It is believed there are galleries and paths leading to the river under the fortress. The fortress was an important rampart in resistance against the French during the
Hasan Suzer Ethnography Museum building in Hanifioglu street remaining from the early 20th century was restored and transferred to the Ministry of Culture by a businessmen named Hasan Suzer. The museum simulates the old style of life by decorating its rooms with traditional furniture and by using models. The museum also includes various weapons, documents, instruments used in the defense of the city as well as the photographs of local resistance heroes.
Yesemek Open Air Museum is near Islahiye District, in the village known by the same name. It is the largest open air sculpture workshop in the Near East. It is a sculpturing school, reflecting all stages from the extraction of stones from the quarry to preliminary carving and to the final work. Investigations in the area reveal that the site was functional around 1375-1335 BC when the area was taken by the Hittites and the Hittite KingHurris, the native people of the area in quarries. Excavations unearthed a rich collection consisting of sphinx and sculptures of lions, mountain gods and various architectural pieces. In the past, relieves prepared here were sent to such centers as Islahiye, Zincirli and Sakcagozu for final works and completion. The Yesemek Tumulus is located 2 kilometers to the west of the village. It is believed that it was a settlement inhabited by masters working here during the late Bronze Age and the time of the Romans. Suppilulluma started to employ
Rumkale settlement is located at the point where Merziman brook joins the Euphrates (Firat) river. It is estimated that the settlement dates back to 840 BC and was built by the Hittites. Rumkale later lived under the domination of the Assyrians, Meds, Persians, Romans and the Arabs. It is said that St. John, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, tried to spread Christianity in the region by using this settlement as a base. Rumkale is the largest of all fortresses in the area and it has many other remains dating back to various periods in history.
Karkamis district of Gaziantep used to be an important center of the east in the Antiquity (then known as Cerablus). The town is located on the Syrian border, the citadel and the inner town on the west side remaining in Turkey, and the outer fortress and town remaining in Syria.
Being an important centre of arts and culture in the past, Karkamis is the setting where the Legend of Gilgamesh took place. Many valuable pieces of art originating from this town is exhibited in museums around the world. At present, one can observe the remains of antic city walls, the temple and Hilani style houses. The temples of Hittite gods Tesup and Hilani maintain their striking features.
The remains of the old city of Belkis (Zeugma) are located in Kavunlu village 10 kilometers away from Nizip district. These remains appear as a tumulus type high acropolis dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman and ByzantineDionysos. Sculptures obtained from these ruins were exhibited at the Belkis/Zeugma part of Gaziantep Museum. But on June 2005, 2nd largest mosaic museum in the world (1st is the one in Bardo/Tunis) is opened in Gaziantep displaying 35 pieces of unearthed mosaics and Mars statue from Zeugma. Until this one opened, the mosaics museum in Hatay (Antioch) was the most important one in Turkey. times. The old city is among those which issued coin on their name. Recent excavations revealed a room which is believed to be a part of an old Roman House as well as a mosaic belonging to
Dulluk which is close to the city center is ideal for those who would like to rest in a natural setting amidst forest and has camping facilities.
Houses of Gaziantep mostly found in the central town and Sahinbey are the finest specimens of a rich cultural heritage. They have traditional architectural features peculiar to Southeastern Anatolia, Mesopotamia and Syria. The finest examples of the old city fabric can be seen in the area around Hidir and Harap Mescit streets. Built in conformity with the climate of the area, the houses of Gaziantep are adjacent to each other along the narrow streets of the old city. These stone built houses surrounded by walls have their inner yards, smooth roofs with dead basements. Doors and window cases present some fine examples of woodwork.

Gaziantep is famous for its three regional specialties: 1) The copper-ware products. 2) The delicious lahmacun (a kind of pizza in Turkish Cuisine) . 3) Sweet pastry baklava, which Gaziantep makes the best in the world.
The Gaziantep kitchen has a special influence on the Turkish cuisine with its immensely rich flavor. In addition to dishes which date back to the Oguz Turks, there is the influence of Aleppo. Its rich kind of soups, rice meals, kebabs, meatballs, etc. are among the most favorite. Local desserts include baklava, kunefe, burmali kadayif, sari burma, mashed pistachio and milk fat.
Inns are the symbols of the past economic and commercial richness of Gaziantep. They are still functional today as trade centers. These include Sira Hani, Kumrulu Han, Yeni Han, Kurkcu Hani, Anadolu Hani, Incioglu Hani, Tuz Hani and Haci Omer Hani.
There are two bazaars which could survive to our day and are still used. One of them, Zincirli Bazaar, was built in the 18th century. The bazaar is locally known as “black steps bazaar” and has 80 shops and five gates. The other bazaar, Kemikli, dates back to the 19th century. It is a cut stone and rectangular structure with two gates.
Gaziantep bore the influence of many civilizations for its location as a crossroad between the east and the west or between the Eastern Mediterranean and the plains of Mesopotamia. Coppersmith works, mother of pearl working, traditional shoe making, cloth making, stone working, antique weapons, gold and silver works are the leading traditional handicrafts in Gaziantep.
Gaziantep has a territory of 7,642 square kilometers and a population of 1,127,686 (1997). It is the leading province of the GAP region in terms of population density. It has 9 administrative districts: Sahinbey, Sehitkamil, Araban, Islahiye, Kargamis, Nizip, Oguzeli, Yavuzeli and Nurdagi.
Gaziantep is the most developed city of GAP in agriculture, industry and commerce. It has its pistachio known by the name of the city. Vineyards and olive orchards are also important. Manufacturing activities in Gaziantep are mainly carried out by small scale enterprises. As a vivacious industrial and commercial center, Gaziantep has cement, textile, leather, shoemaking, soap, woodworks, metal and machinery industries and workshops. It maintains its status as an “export gate” by its 120 different products exported to 40 countries

ESKİŞEHİR GUIDE

2009-09-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Eskisehir is one of the oldest settlements (3500 BC) in this region of Anatolia. It was founded in the 1st millennium BC by the Phrygians. The Porsuk River and its banks have been a proper foundation place. The city is of interest with its museums; the Archaeological Museum which houses the Phrygian objects and sculptures; the Ottoman House Museum which is a very fine example of the 19th century domestic architecture and has the local ethnographical items.
There are three significant tombs around Eskisehir. These are Sheik Edibali Tomb, The Kumbet Baba Tomb, and The Cupola of Alemsah. Phrygian Valley, The Falcon Fortress, The Unfinished Monument, and the Gerdek Rock are other historical sites to visit. In Eskisehir you will frequently see items made of meerschaum stone since this is the place where it originates. You will see the best meerschaum stone works at the Meerschaum Museum; it is a very light white stone and mostly used to make smoking pipes. The Rug and Seyitgazi Museums have many samples of different kinds of kilims and hand-knit socks and stockings.
In Eskisehir there is opportunity to have good time at Sakaryabasi where there is a spring lake and fresh fish restaurants in which you can also find traditional Turkish meals.
Outside Eskisehir is Sivrihisar (Justinianopolis) full of typical Ottoman houses and famous for its kilims. Seyit Battal Gazi (Nakoleia) is 45 km south of Eskisehir. The mosque complex on the hill was built to pay homage to the Islamic hero Seyit Battal.
The Yunus Emre Village is the burial place of the world famous great poet of the 13th century, Yunus Emre. There is a commemorative tomb built for him as well as a museum, and celebrations are held here every May.
“Birth Festivities” which are dedicated to Nasreddin Hoca, a humor master and public philosopher, is organized in Eskisehir every year in the last week of June.

Ballihisar (Pessinus)
117 kms from Ankara, on the Eskisehir road and 16 kms to the right you will find the Phrygian city Pessinus, its contemporary name is Ballihisar.
There you will see the Temple of Cybele - the mother goddess, and an open-air museum housing interesting sculptures found in this ancient Phrygian cult center, which was built in the 10th century BC.
Midas

One of the most important settlement centers of the Phrygians, between the 8th and 6th centuries BC, was Midas, situated 66 kms south of Eskisehir.
At this place of distant past, stands the ancient city with an acropolis overlooking the lower land. On its northwestern side are two open-air cult temples, carved into the rock, and the most interesting sight in the area.
There are rock tombs and Phrygian inscriptions nearby, and a recently discovered underground tunnel which links the site to the valley extending below. The Midas Monument which was built in dedication to Cybele lies to the northwest of the ancient city.
Three tombs in the environs of Midas which are found at Kucuk Yazilikaya, Sutunlu Kale and Doganli Kale are especially remarkable. Kumbet and Deveboynu are other towns close to Midas, and visitors can enjoy the Phrygian monuments spread over these neighboring lands.

Lületasi (Meerschaum stone)

The major local art in Eskisehir is Meerschaum, called as “white gold” or “aktas” or “patal” by locals. Working with meerschaum is a handicraft and special to this province.
Meerschaum may have white, yellowish, gray or reddish and mat colors. Its hardness degree is between 2-2.5, and it is lightly adhesive and porous. It is extracted from 20-60-130 meters depth of the ground as big and small rounds. Small rounds are collected by digging deep wells and tunnels connected to these wells.
Some wells are watery, some wells are dry. Stones of watery wells are much better. Meerschaum is produced in different places like Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Mexico, Madrid, and Nairobi; however, they are unimportant in quantity and low in quality. Meerschaum with the highest quality is found in Eskisehir. The property that while drying it keeps the remains of moisture and gases in its body, makes Meerschaum a suitable material for making tobacco pipes as well as a good filling material for absorbent, filter or isolation in industry. It became an indispensable material in industry for years. It is used in making cigarette-holder, tobacco pipe and decorative goods and in automobile paint industry. It is added to porcelain paste, insecticides, powder and stain removing medicines.

ERZURUM GUIDE

2009-09-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

ErzurumErzurum is the largest province in Eastern Anatolia and is located on a high plateau (1950 m). The province has always been a transportation junction and is now the transfer point for air, rail or bus connections for travelers coming to Eastern Turkey.The history of the city extends back to 4000 BC and it has seen many civilizations in Anatolia. One of the most important remains from this periods is the well preserved Byzantine city walls. Most of the historical finds are kept in the collections of the Archaeological Museum, which is a part of the Erzurum Museum.Erzurum was captured and ruled by many different nations like Hurries, Urartus, Cimmerians, Scythes, Medes, Persians, Parthes, Romans, Byzantines, Sassanides, Arabs, Seljuks, Mongols, Ilhanides, Safawides, and of course Turks. The Ottomans captured the city only in 1514 and ruled until the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923. Some great historical figures like Alexander the Great and Tamerlane can be added to the list of rulers.The city has always been a point of collision of forces coming from various directions and served as a base of operation. In the 19th century it became the main Ottoman fortress against the Russians who occupied it three times. The resistance against the supreme in powers of the west was initiated with the War of Independence. Atatürk gathered a Congress of National Delegates here on July 23, 1919 where the foundation of national unity and independence were laid down.The modern city, with wide tree lined boulevards and university buildings, is intertwined with the historical district. The Seljuk buildings in the town are remarkable. The Ulu (Grand) Mosque built in 1179 is interesting, with its many columns and seven wide naves. Next door to Ulu Mosque is the Cifte Minareli (Double Minaret) Medrese (theological school), which is the most famous feature of the city. It is a perfect example of Seljuk architecture, the carved portal being particularly fine.Walking south you will see the Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler). Another interesting tomb is the elegant 13th century Hatuniye Tomb. The Yakutiye Medrese of the 13th century is one of the most important historical monuments of Erzurum with its beautiful portal and richly tiled minaret. Here is an elaborate mosque built by the great architect Sinan in the 16th century, the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque. The Aziziye monument commemorating the Turkish - Russian War, the citadel and Bell Tower, the Rüstem Pasa Caravanserai and the Bedesten are other historical places of interest.For nature lovers Lake Tortum, 120 kilometers from Erzurum, and Mount Palandöken provide perfect opportunities. Palandöken winter sports and skiing resort which is reached by mountain roads of scenic beauty, is only 6 kilometers from Erzurum. This winter sports spot is competitive with those of Europe. By Lake Tortum you will encounter a rarely found beauty of a peaceful lake. The waterfalls at the northern end of the lake are worth seeing as they plunge from a height of 47 m (150 ft). Erzurum is a province suitable for mountaineering with peaks of 3000 m (10,000 ft), and also has many hot springs and meadows.Jereed is an ancient war game like sport and proudly practiced in Erzurum, especially during festivals and weddings.One of the best meals here is Oltu Cag Kebab, which is considered as a traditional meat dish of world famous Turkish Cuisine.Oltu Stone
Erzurum has a specific local black stone (Oltu tasi, Jet) which is carved to produce jewelry, rosary beads, key-chains, pipes and boxes, which you may see while wandering around, especially in Tashan.Oltu stone, which has been carved in Erzurum since the 18th century, is one of the best examples of semi-precious stones to be found in the world. Oltu is excavated generally around Yasakdag, especially in Dutlu, Hankaskisla, Alatarla and Cataksu villages between the months of March and October. There are approximately 600 oltu quarries. Out of a total of 287 quarries in the Central Dutlu Region, 120 quarries are still being worked.Jet is obtained from mountainous areas which are dug perpendicularly to the general surface and have galleries 70-80cm in diameter where only two or three miners can work. It’s a very compact velvet-black mineral of the nature of coal. Beds of this organic substance are 70-80 centimeters in thickness. Jet is formed when fossilized trees are subject to diastrophism resulting in folding.

ERZİNCAN GUIDE

2009-09-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

Erzincan is the capital of Erzincan Province in the eastern Anatolian region of Turkey. Nearby cities include Erzurum, Sivas, Tunceli, Bingöl, Elazığ, Malatya, Gumushane, Bayburt, and Giresun. The city is located at 39° 45' 12" North and 39° 20' 28" East, with an altitude of 1185 meters. The population is 107,175 (2000 census).

The city is very famous for the special cheese called "Tulum Peyniri" in Turkish.

Erzincan is located on the North Anatolian Fault, a very seismically active fault zone, and has been struck by several severe earthquakes in its history, most notably that on December 26, 1939 which killed approximately 39,000 people (1939 Erzincan earthquake). The last major earthquake took place in March 13, 1992.

Varaztad Kazanjian, Armenian-American dentist who was one of the pioneers of plastic surgery, was born in Erzincan.

ELAZIĞ GUIDE

2009-09-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Elazig is the most orderly city of the Eastern Anatolian region, due to its being recently founded with the name of Mamurat-ül Aziz in the 19th century by sultan Abdülaziz to settle some over-population from Harput town. But it’s known that the city has a much older history dating back to ancient civilizations of Anatolia; Hurris, Hittites, Urartus, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. It is situated on a plain near a mountain on 1,020 meters above the sea level and is surrounded by vineyards and gardens. The city today is also a trading center for crops and livestock. It’s population is approximately 270.000 today.The Keban and Karakaya Dams on the EuphratesTurkey. It was started to built in 1965 and gave the first electrical currents in 1974. Its yearly production is 7,5billion KW/hour. (Firat) river and their artificial lakes contribute to the growth and general appearance of this rapidly developing city. Keban lake is the biggest artificial lake of
The attraction of Elazig is the Byzantine Fortress of the ancient city Harput, 5 kilometers to the north. There are also several mosques of the Seljuk climate of the city. period. Lake Hazar, 25 kilometers south of Elazig, is a fine tranquil site, while Buzluk Cave, 12 kilometers northeast, is an interesting cave, which remains cool in the summers and warm in the winters despite the harsh

DÜZCE GUIDE

2009-09-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

Area : 1065 km2
Population : 156.326 (2000)
Traffic Code No : 81
Districts : Düzce (center), Akçakoca, Yığılca, Cumayeri, Çilimli, Gölkaya, Gümüşova, Kaynaşlı.
How to Get
Highway: Arrival to Düzce is quite easy because it is on D – 100 high way and TEM motorway connecting Türkiye’s two biggest cities, Ankara and Istanbul.
Where to Visit
ANCIENT CITIES
Konuralp(Prusias Ad Hypium) Antic city at Konuralp town depended to Düzce, history dates back to 3rd century BC. Certain ruins founded in the Antic city are Theatre (40 Stairs), Mermer (Marble) Bridge, Mosaics, Ramparts, Aqueducts, Tyche Statue, Antoninus Pius Bust, Tomb – Grave Reliefs and Statue pedestals.
Genoese Castle It is near the sea at Akçakoca. Castle was used first by Byzantines, later Genoeses and Ottomans.
MOSGUES AND TOMBS
It is estimated that Konuralp Mosque at Konuralp County was constructed at 14th century. It was restored by Dilaver Ağa a century ago, and was preserved untill today. Konuralp Tomb, Karaköy Tombs, Cumayeri and Ahmet Dede Tombs are the important tombs of Düzce.
PRESERVED AREAS
Demirciönü Nature Protection Area
Düzce – Demirciönü Nature ReserveLocation: The nature reserve is in the Akcakoca district of Duzce, in the Black Sea region. Duzce is around 60km west of Bolu.
Transportation: It can be accessed via Akcakoca, 10km away.
Highlights: In the forest area there are groves of beech, horn-beam, chestnut, oak, lime, strawberries, blackberries and wild hazelnut. It has a unique ecosystem that is very rich in flora and fauna, and wildlife inhabiting the park includes bears, wild boars, foxes, rabbits, wolves, jackals, deer, partridge, eagles, crows and sparrow hawks.
Samandere Nature Protection Area
Düzce – SamanderePlace: Düzce, Samandere
Characteristics: An area of 10 hectares that have a rich and an untouched plant cover which contains some monument trees, and interesting geological characteristics like waterfalls and cascades.
Foundation Date: 19.12.1988
LAKES AND WATERFALLS
Efteni Lake Efteni lake has 100 meter altitude and is in the borders of Düzce and Gölyaka. It is a sweet water lake that come existent with Asar, Uğur, Küçük Melen rivulets, at the slopes of Elmacık Mountains series which 14 kilometer faraway from Düzce. Efteni lake that is on the emigration way of birds, an important and rare center. Lake that shifted to protection area by Forest Ministry, Natural Parks Hunting and Protection of Wild Life General Directorate at year of 1992, hunting is forbidden.
lake that hosts nearly 150 different species of water birds, Swan, Cormorant, Flamingo, Water Chicken, Grey Goose, Green Headed Duck, Clumsy Meke, Pegion, Girl Bird, Woodcock, Fish Eagle, Heron, Sneak throated, Angıt are bird species that take attention on first look. Around Efteni the lake; Bird watching terraces for watching lake and an information center aimed giving information to visitors, are present.
Güzeldere Waterfall Güzeldere Waterfall that placed in the borders of Gölyaka county depended to Düzce and 28 kilometer away from Düzce, 16 kilometer away from Gölyaka county, has 135 meter height and has privileged location in region by the means of aesthetic.
Samandere Waterfall (Natural Monument) Samandere Waterfall that is located in the borders of Samandrere Village at the east south of Düzce and 26 kilometer away from city center, be formed by properties of nature occurrences. Registered as “Natural Monument” by Ministry of Forest. In the 500 meter length area of river that Samandere Waterfall also placed in, there are 3 Waterfalls, monument trees and one section called Cadı Kazanı (witch cauldron) present.
CAVES
Fakıllı Cave that is 8 kilometer south east from Düzce’s Akçakoca county, placed in Fakıllı Village, takes attention. Cave consist from one gallery that 1 meter height and 15 meter length. Inside the cave which still preserve it’s natural properties, there are galleries leading to various directions, attractive stalactites and stalagmites.
HIGHLANDS
Kocayayla – Şehirli Plateaus, Odayeri Plateau, Torkul Plateau, Topuk Plateau, Kardüz Plateau are important plateaus of Düzce.
Geography
Düzce’s climate beside the summers passing hot, winters passing cold, it shows an interchanging climate between West Black Sea Climate and Middle Anatolian Climate.
History
Known history of Düzce dates back to 1390 BC. In this period, region was subjected to the invasions of many tribes and states. For this reason, the region has the marks of Phyrigian, Lydian, Persian, Roman, Byzantian, Seljukian and Ottoman Civilizations .
The domination of Ottoman Empire in the region began in 1323 by Konuralp Bey who was one of the commanders of Orhan Ghazi .
Düzce that experienced 17 August 1999 and 12 November 1999 earth quakes, is registered as province with adding one new and 6 old counties by decree of Board of Ministers dated 09 December 1999.
Where to Eat
At Düzce, local meals are Arnavut Böreği (pastry), Şıl Börek (pastry), Göbete and Mantı (pastry), Katlama, Sarı Burma and Su Böreği (pastry), Boşnak Böreği (pastry) and Dessert, Gözleme, Höşmerim and Keşkek with chicken, Lepsi, Mamursa and Haluj, meal of black cabbage and Mısır Ekmeği (bread with corn flour).
What to BuyHazelnut and tobacco cologne that most important agricultural products of region, can be mentioned as suggested materials to buy from Düzce City.
Don’t Leave Without
-Visiting Akçakoca Ceneviz Castle,
-Eating trout cooked with butter at Aydınpınar province
-Visiting Konuralp Museum,
-Seeing Efteni Kuş Cenneti (Birds’ Heaven) and Güzeldere Waterfall,
-Grilling meat at Kaynaşlı,
-Buying hazelnut – tobacco cologne,

DİYARBAKIR GUIDE

2009-09-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Situated on the banks of Tigris (Dicle) river in South-Eastern Anatolia, Diyarbakir still carries a medieval air with its walls encircling the city

Starting from the earliest times, the city was ruled by the Hurri-Mithani, Hittites and Assyrians. It was once the capital city of the Arami Bit-Zamani Kingdom. It was later occupied or ruled by the Meds, Persians, Macedonians, Seleukos, Romans, the Ilkhanide and the Akkoyunlu Seljuks. It is referred to as Amidi, Amid, Amido or Amida in different sources. In Islamic - Arabic sources it is cited as “Diyar-i Berk”. In the republican era it is started to be known as Diyarbakir deriving from the copper ore existing in the area.
These black basalt walls are perfect examples of the military architecture of the Middle Ages. They are also very well known since they are the second largest (5.5 kilometers) and best preserved walls in the world after the famous Great Wall of China. Although there were Roman, and probably earlier walls here, the present walls date back to early Byzantine times.There are sixteen keeps and five gates, each of which deserves seeing along with their inscriptions and relief. There are four main gates along the wall called as Dag Kapi, Urfa Kapi, Mardin Kapi and Yeni Kapi, and they open to four different directions. The walls are 12 meters high, 3-5 meters wide and have 82 watchtowers.
The most famous structure which witness to the rich historical heritage of Diyarbakir is its fortress. This fortress located on a solid rock called “Fis” 100 meters high from the Tigris (Dicle) river is believed to be built by the Hurri. The citadel has a domed basilica (a Nasturian Church from the 6th century), a mosque, Sahabeler tomb, an Artuklu Palace and some old official buildings.
You can have the chance to go back to the old days at the Deliler Han (Inn) by the Mardin Kapi of the City Walls. It was built by Husrev Pasha in 1527 and also known by his name. Now it is restored as a hotel with 120 beds preserving the original air of the old days when caravan travelers on the silk road used to stop and rest in this caravanserai. It is a two part structure, a two storey main part and a stable. The local people call it “deliler” (guides) since guides who took pilgrims from various locations to Mecca each year used to gather here. The remains existing just across the inn are also attributed to pilgrims.
Another fascinating sight in the city center is the Ulu Mosque, notable for its original architecture and the ancient materials used in the restoration of the building at various times. It is one of the oldest mosques in Turkey. It is known that the Church of Saint Thomas was gradually converted into a mosque. It is a grand and impressive structure, built of cut stone over an area of 80 x 80 meters. The minaret behind the mosque is rectangular. Its fountain (1849), carved marbles and niche are all important artworks. The walls of the mosque are also ornamented with relieves and carvings. The minaret and the gate bear 20 inscriptions dating back to various periods in history. The tombs in the courtyard was destroyed by the Persian King Ismail in 1507.
Nearby the Ulu Mosque is the Mesudiye Medrese and Hasan Pasha Han, a caravanserai now being used by carpet and souvenir shops. The Nebii Mosque is a typical example of the Ottoman style. The Church of the Virgin Mary is interesting and it is still in use (not to be confused with the one in Ephesus).
The Kasim Padisah Mosque is also interesting, especially due to the engineering which built a large tower upon four tiny pillars about two meters (6.5 ft) high, called the Dort Ayakli Minare (minaret).
The location of noted mythological cave Eshab-ul Keyf, and Dacianus ruins are in the town of Lice. The holy Mount Zulkufil and Hilar Caves are in the town of Ergani. Within the environs of Diyarbakir are the Birkleyn and Hasun Caves, the Antak City ruins and the Cayonu Archaeological Site.
The city holds many mosques and buildings of long historical and archaeological importance. There are four museums in the city center. When you add to those the renowned watermelons of about 40 kilograms (85 lb) approximately, and its silver and copper artifacts, Diyarbakir certainly stands as a destination to be visited in Anatolia.
The house where Cahit Sitki Taranci, one of the most celebrated poets of the Republican period, was born was turned into a museum in 1973. The museum exhibits the photographs and personal articles of the poet as well as some ethnographic pieces obtained from the area. The house bears the characteristic features of local architecture.
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Gazi Köskü is a nice place for picnicking. The town of Cermik is a spa center.
The province has a territory of 15,355 square kilometers. Dry farming and fallow are practiced over most of its culture land. The population is approximately 1,5 million, living in 13 districts (including the central town) and 734 villages. Its administrative districts are Bismil, Cermik, Cinar, Cungus, Dicle, Ecil, Ergani, Hani, Hazro, Kocakoy, Kulp, Lice and Silvan.
Diyarbakir is located on a transition zone connecting the mountainous northern areas and the plains of Mesopotamia. It is presently at the centre of the highway network connecting other important settlements of the regionElazig, Mardin, Sanliurfa and Bitlis. The railway reached the city centre in 1935 and was later extended to Kurtalan out of the territory of the province. Diyarbakir has air connections to the big city centers of TurkeyIstanbul and Ankara. such as such as
Despite its present status of dependency on crop farming and stock breeding, Diyarbakir has a considerable potential for other investment ventures and presently it is the second industrial centre of the region after Gaziantep. It has an organized site for small enterprises. Diyarbakir is one of the provinces accorded priority in development. The province is now moving to concentrate on feed and meat production, which increased capacity for marketing, while maintaining its traditional branches of industry.
Jewelry, silk processing, coppersmith works, pottery, leather works, felt making, textiles, embroidery and carpet making are the leading handicrafts in Diyarbakir. Among them, jewelry is still important. Mat bracelets, coriander, necklaces and silver ornamented wooden shoes are the special works of the province. Sericulture is practiced at the city centre and in the districts of Kulp, Silvan and Lice. However, silk production is in decline. Textiles which lived its golden age in the 40s now survive only in small workshops.

Malabadi Bridge
The bridge is near Silvan, a district of Diyarbakir, on Diyarbakir - BatmanSeljuk piece which witnessed so many events and is a must-see spot for any tour passing from the area. It has the widest arch width among all arch bridges in the world. It connects two banks of the stream not on a straight but broken line. Evliya Celebi, a well known Ottoman traveler says the following about the bridge: “The bridge has iron gates on both sides. There are hostels in these gates, to the right and to the left, and also under the arch. While some chat, others fish by throwing their nets down to the Batman Brook.”. The inscription on the bridge gives the date of construction as 1147-1148. The inscription also reveals that the bridge was built by Timurtas, the ruler of the Artuklu in Mardin. provincial border. It is a magnificent Artuklu

DENİZLİ GUIDE

2009-09-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Denizli is a growing industrial city in the eastern end of the alluvial valley formed by the river Büyük Menderes, where the plain reaches an elevation of about a hundred meters, in southwestern Turkey, in the country's Aegean Region.

The city has a population of about 400,000 (2006 census) and is the capital city of Denizli Province.

Denizli has achieved a remarkable economic development in the last decades based notably on textile production and exports. Having become a vibrant center of manufacturing focused on exportation, Denizli is frequently cited, along with a number of other Turkish cities, as one of the foremost examples of "Anatolian Tigers" in reference to its rapid pace of development.

Denizli also attracts many visitors to the nearby mineral-coated hillside hot spring of Pamukkale, and the ancient ruined city of Hierapolis, as well as ruins of the city of Laodicea on the Lycus, the ancient metropolis of Phrygia. Also in the depending of Honaz, about 10 miles west of Denizli is, what was, in the 1st century A.D., the city of Colossae.

The weather is very hot in Denizli in summers, whereas in winters, it may occasionally be very cold with snow on the mountains that surround the city. Springs and autumns are generally rainy.
Etymology
The name Denizli means "a locality with a sea or with a lake" in Turkish, but the town is not on the coast. The name mutated through several spellings and must have referred to the abundance of underground water sources or the city's location on the way to western Turkey's lakes region nearby.

History
The area has been occupied since prehistoric times, there were important ancient Greek and Roman towns nearby, (Hierapolis and Laodicea on the Lycus), which persisted through the Byzantine period.

The city was founded in its current location after the area has been settled by the Turks.

In the 17th century, the Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi visited Denizli and recorded the town as follows: "The city is called (Denizli) (which means seaside in Turkish) as there are several rivers and lakes around it. In fact it is a four day trip from the sea. Its fortress is of square shape built on flat ground. It has no ditches. Its periphery is 470 steps long. It has four gates. These are: painters gate in North, saddle-makers gate in the East, new Mosque gate in the South, and vineyard gate in the West. There are some fifty armed watchmen in the fortress, and they attend the shop. The main city is outside the fortress with 44 districts and 3600 houses. There are 57 small and large mosques and district masjids, 7 madrasahs, 7 children's schools, 6 baths and 17 dervish lodges. As everybody live in vineyards the upper classes and ordinary people do not flee from each other."

The city lived in peace for centuries without being involved in wars in a direct manner. Following the World War I during the Independence War the Greek forces managed to come as close as Sarayköy, a small town 20 km (12 mi) northwest of Denizli, but did not venture into Denizli where resistance was being prepared.

Climate
Denizli is located in Aegean Region of Turkey, but the climate is not uniformly Aegean throughout the whole province. A terrestrial climate may be felt in the center of the province, because the area is like a pathway from the seaside to inland areas. The inland area is cooler than the seaside because of these climatic differences. The land is open to winds coming from the Aegean Sea because the mountains are perpendicular to the sea. Winters are rainy or sometimes snowy, but generally mild.
Denizli today
Aside its visitor's attractions, the city of Denizli is known for its textile industry and (and outlet shopping for cut-price clothing), for connected fields of activity such as the dye industry, and for its famous cockerels. The saying goes that Denizli is known for 'kız', 'toz' and 'horoz'; respectively, the girls (the girls of the Aegean Region are famously the fairest in Turkey), the dust and the cockerels. There are statues and other images of the birds all over the city. Extremely resourceful in catchy phraseologies evolving from the folk culture, the region also affirms itself by saying "Denizli'nin horozları bellidir" (the cockerels of Denizli make themselves known).

Economy
The textile industry in Denizli grew rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s making itself a place in the domestic market and for exports. Towels and bathrobes are products associated with Denizli in particular emphasis. Thus, Denizli grew rapidly in the last decades, raising a number of very rich businessmen, some reasonable to very good restaurants, notably one renowned across Turkey for serving only mushrooms in different varieties (Mantar Restaurant), and the look and the amenities of a modern city. The biggest firms in the city include Değirmenci and Funika (especially for bathrobes).

Lifestyle
The city is quite smart with trees along the main avenues and lovely views of the surrounding mountains from many locations. As Denizli has prospered in the 90s new compounds of luxury villas have sprung up on the city's outskirts in areas like Çamlık. In the city itself air pollution from coal-fired central-heating becomes a problem in winter. There are some highly-regarded high schools and Pamukkale University opened in the 1990s, now in phase of academic maturing. Many young people still leave to go to university in İzmir, Ankara or Istanbul, and sometimes stay there to build careers.

Culture and entertainment
There are large shops, bars and cafes, even some live music, although this is a city that grew recently and is located deep in the countryside. The presence of Pamukkale University improves the cultural amenities of the city. The region's inhabitants have been influenced by the production of grapes and the wine since centuries and a joyful culture is present in Denizli, although it is coupled with hard working and creative thinking, reflected in an apparent conservatism. For example, it is sometimes difficult to get a license to sell alcohol.

On the other hand, the new wealth in Denizli has been much more rapid than many other places in Turkey in investing in developing an urban culture. Many private clubs and associations are opening up including: The society for the Protection of the Environment and History of Denizli; The Poets and Poetry Lovers Association; the Pizza Appreciation Group and the Jazz-rock Local. There is an annual amateur theatre festival, attended by groups from Turkey and overseas. Denizli has the second-largest number of ranking chess-players in Turkey, after Istanbul. Also, inspired by the unusually high reports of UFO sightings in the region over the years, one of the world's handful of museums dedicated to ufology was recently opened in Denizli.

Food and drink
The wines of the Pamukkale winery are mostly made from traditional Turkish grapes such as Tokat, Narince and Çalkarası, although now they are planting Shiraz in the area too. They also make a well-known cherry wine. The Denizli kebab is roast lamb served on flat bread. Zafer Gazozu is a locally produced fizzy lemonade.

Transportation
Denizli airport is about 45 minutes drive from the city. There is direct flight almost everyday from Istanbul usually in the morning and back to Istanbul in the evening both with Turkish Airlines. The ticket would cost approximately $60.

Driving time to the capital city of Ankara is approximately 7 hours.

Driving time to İzmir is approximately 3 hours, with special alertness to be preserved at all times during the extremely busy Denizli-Aydın section. The extension of İzmir-Aydın highway to Denizli, to better benefit the production hub that Büyük Menderes River valley is, remains announced since years. Initial infrastructure is laid in Aydın, but the rest is yet to come and the present Aydın-Denizli road, although straight and flat, has a very high level of traffic, especially trucks, with each town along the road possessing its own industrial zone.

Places of interest
Laodicea ad Lycum - 6 km (4 mi) north of Denizli near the village of Eskihisar. The city was established by Seleucid King, Antiochus II in honor of his wife, Laodice. This trading city was famous for its woolen and cotton cloths. A letter written by a Laodecian says; “I am happy. I have fortune and I am not in need of anything.” Following a large earthquake which destroyed the city, what remains of the ancient city are one of the seven churches of Asia Minor, the stadium, the amphitheatre and the odeon, the cistern and the aqueduct. (see further Laodicean Church)
Hierapolis and Pamukkale World Heritage Sites -20 km north of Denizli Pamukkale traventines. The city of Hierapolis was founded by the Pergamon King Eumenes II in 190 B.C. Its closeness to Laodicea led to commercial and military rivalry. The town was built in Greek style. Despite suffering a violent earthquake in 17 A.D., it reached its peak during the Roman and Byzantine periods. It was reconstructed during the 2nd and 3rd Centuries in stone from quarries in the area, in a Roman style. The town had its most glorious years during the reign of Roman Emperors Septimius Severus and Caracalla and became an episcopal seat during the expansion of Christianity. However, as a result of several earthquakes, the most violent of which was in 1354, a great part of the town was destroyed, and its people migrated.
The Seljuq caravanserai Akhan, which is 6km from Denizli City on the Ankara highway, and a great part of which still remains, was constructed by Karasungur bin Abdullah in 1253-54 when he was acting as the commander of Ladik. It is recently restored along with the Ottoman konaks nearby and is set to become a visitor's attraction by its own right.
Honaz mountain is a popular picnic excursion for Denizli's people in summer.
The nearby village of Goncalı, which is on the railway line, is another excursion. People come to eat the charcoal-grilled thinly-cut kebab called Çöp Şiş, preferably with the local süzme yoghurt and a glass of rakı.
The statue of Atatürk at Çınar Meydanı in the city centre is renowned for the large testicles on the horse that Atatürk is riding.
Servergazi turbesi is located close to the Yenişehir neighborhood. The tomb of the 12th century Turkish commander of the Seljuk akinci unit is located there. Many locals enjoy visiting and making prayers at the tomb especially on weekends.

ÇANKIRI GUIDE

2009-09-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Çankırı is capital city of Çankırı Province, in Turkey, about 140 km (87 mi) northeast of Ankara. It is situated in a rich well-watered valley, at about 800 m (2500 ft) in elevation.
History
It was known in antiquity as Gangra, then Germanicopolis (Greek: Γερμανικόπολις) for a period, although Ptolemy calls it Germanopolis
The settlement witnessed the hegemony of many cultures and races, such as Hittites, Persians, Greeks, Parthians, Pontus, Romans and Byzantines, up to Seljuks and finally the Ottoman Turks, and the traces from its long past stand all over the area.

Gangra, the capital of the Paphlagonian kingdom of Deiotarus Philadelphus, son of Castor, was absorbed into the Roman province of Galatia on his death in 65 BC. The earlier town, the name of which signified she-goat, was built on the hill behind the modern city, on which are the ruins of a late fortress; while the Roman city occupied the site of the modern. It was named Germanicopolis, after Germanicus or possibly the emperor Claudius, until the time of Caracalla.

In Christian times Gangra was the metropolitan see of Paphlagonia. In the 4th century the town was the scene of an important ecclesiastical synod, the Synod of Gangra. Conjectures as to the date of this synod vary from 341 to 376. All that can be affirmed with certainty is that it was held about the middle of the 4th century. The synodal letter states that twenty-one bishops assembled to take action concerning Eustathius (of Sebaste?) and his followers, who condemned marriage, disparaged the offices of the church, held conventicles of their own, wore a peculiar dress, denounced riches, and affected especial sanctity. The synod condemned the Eustathian practices, declaring however, with remarkable moderation, that it was not virginity that was condemned, but the dishonouring of marriage; not poverty, but the disparagement of honest and benevolent wealth; not asceticism, but spiritual pride; not individual piety, but dishonouring the house of God. The twenty canons of Gangra were declared ecumenical by the Council of Chalcedon, 451.
Economy
Agriculture
Various produce like wheat, corn, beans, apple etc. are grown in the farms, and fields that are rich of water.
Industry
Most of the industry is located near the city center and Korgun. Other towns that are in the industrial map of the city are Şabanözü, Çerkeş, Ilgaz, Kurşunlu, and Yapraklı.
WHERE IS THE CANKIRI
Çankiri Province is located on the northern edge of Turkey’s Central Anatolia Region, on the border of the western Black Sea Region. It is bordered by Ankara and Kirikkale to the south, by Bolu to the west, by Kastamonu and Karabük to the north, and by Çorum to the east.

INFORMATION ABOUT CANKIRI FOR TOURIST
Although Çankiri has been continuously inhabited since Neolithic times, numerous earthquakes have inflicted heavy damage on historical remnants. However, Çankiri is a beautiful place in which to enjoy nature, away from distressing city life. Çankiri’s majestic, snowy mountains have been the subjects of poems, and its forests cover nearly one third of its area. Its plateaus are suitable for camping, caravaning, walking, horseback riding, bike riding, photography, and hunting. It also has thermal mineral springs, centuries-old culture, and warm, hospitable people.
HOW CAN I ARRIVE TO CANKIR
I It is possible to arrive Cankiri Via Ankara and İstanbul by buses. There is train transportation from Ankara. It takes 2 hours to arrive in Cankiri from Ankara and 6 hours from İstanbul.

SHORT HISTORY OF THE PROVINCE
Archeological information about Çankiri is derived from tumuli and river banks, since no extensive excavations have been done. Settlement dates to the Neolithic Age (7000-5000 BC). Bronze Age settlements (3000-2000 BC) are encountered all over the province, especially along the Kizilirmak River. Finds from the Inandik tumulus include a Hittite vase and a charity receipt in cuneiform writing, clearly showing Hittite habitation between 2000-1200 BC. Çankiri was ruled first by Phrygia, then by the Kimmerians, and later by the Persians during the first millennium BC. The Persian rule was brought to an end with the conquest of Anatolia by Alexander the Great in 330 BC. In the first century BC, Çankiri became part of the Roman Empire with the name of Germanikopolis. During this period, Ilgaz (Olgasaya) and Çerkes (Antinopolis) were also settled. During the Byzantine period, Christians lived in the province. After the Seljuks defeated the Byzantines at the battle of Malazgirt on August 26, 1071, Turks began to settle in Anatolia. In 1074, Çankiri was conquered by Emir Karatekin Bey, one of the commanders of the great Seljuk sultan, Sultan Alparslan, and has remained a homeland of Turks since then. The province was called Germanikopolis and Gangra during the Byzantine Age, and was later named Kengri. With the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, its name was changed to Çankiri.

ÇANKIRI MUSEUM
The Çankiri Museum is located on the second floor of the 100. Yil Kültür Merkezi, south of the monument area. Old Bronze Age (3000-2500 BC), Hittite Age (2000-1000 BC), Phrygian (1000-500 BC), Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman works are exhibited. Archeological and ethnographical items are displayed together in the exhibition hall, and some of the stone works are exhibited outside. The archeology section includes earthenware pots, bones, glasses, beads, bronze tools, ornamental furniture, tear and perfume bottles, medical apparatuses, heavy sacks, kerosene lamps, needles, ring gems, and many statue parts. The ethnography section includes regional woven fabric, handicrafts, handwriting samples, press patterns, clothes, guns, ornaments, and furniture representing daily life in Çankiri. Also on display is a historical ox cart which carried ammunition in the Turkish War of Independence on the Inebolu - Kastamonu - Çankiri - Ankara roads. The glass works exhibition hall contains many Roman and Byzantine items. Outside the building, lion statues from various civilizations, grave steles, milestones, epitaphs, and grain cubes are displayed.

ÇANKIRI CASTLE
The castle was built on a small hill on the north side of the city. It was famous for its strength during the Roman, Byzantine, Danisment, Seljuk, and Ottoman Ages, but now only a few ramparts remain. They have a quadrilateral plan and are made of rubble stones and bricks. The castle, 150 meters above the stream, contains earthenware pots, Roman rock graves, and Emir Karatekin Bey’s tomb, the conqueror of Çankiri. Trees were planted at the castle years ago. It continues to be used as a picnic area and place of pilgrimage.

ÇANAKKALE GUIDE

2009-09-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

Çanakkale, is a town and seaport in Turkey, in Çanakkale Province, on the southern (Asian) coast of the Dardanelles (or Hellespont) at their narrowest point.

Çanakkale Province, like Istanbul Province, has territory in both Europe and Asia. Ferries cross here to the northern (European) side of the strait.

Çanakkale is the nearest major town to the site of ancient Troy. The "wooden horse" from the 2004 movie Troy is exhibited on the seafront.
History
The city which hosted many civilizations; had been inhabited by the natives who had lived on Biga Peninsula in the Last Chalcolithic Age believed to have started 6000 years ago. However, those natives are unknown. According to some excavations and research, the earliest settlements in the region were set up at Kumtepe. It is supposed that Kumkale was set up in 4000 B.C and Troy was set up between 3500–3000 B.C. The real history of Çanakkale started with Troy. It was the brightest cultural center of its time during 3000–2000 B.C.

Later the Aeolians had settled on that important land in the 8th century B.C. they founded many trade colonies in the region called Aeolis. The region went under the control of the Lydians in the 7th century B.C and under the control of the Persians in the 6 th century B.C. Aeolis went under the control of the Macedonians as Alexander the Great defeated the Persians by the Granicus River of the region in the Battle of the Granicus on his way to Asia. The region went under the reign of the Kingdom of Pergamon in the 2nd century B.C.

The western part of the Biga Peninsula where Troy was stiuated was called Troas. Alexandria Troas, an important settlement of the region, was a free trade port and a rich trade center during Roman times. Later in the 2nd cenury A.D., the region was attacked by Goths from Thrace. The Dardanelles gained more strategic importance. The Gallipoli Peninsula was attacked by the Thins in the 5th century and by the Uyghurs in the mid-6th century. During the 7th and 8th centuries, in order to attack Constantinople (modern İstanbul) the Arabs passed the Strait a few times and came up to Sestos. In the beginning of the 14th century the Cathons became dominant in the Gallipoli part and Karesioğulları dominated the Anatolian part. During the first half of that century Demirhan Bey from Karesioğulları attempted to dominate the region. The Ottomans gained control of Galipoli in 1367.

The 'Chanak Crisis' of 1922 centred around a British and French force stationed at Çanakkale after the defeat of the Ottoman Empire. The new Turkish Republic demanded their withdrawal. Lloyd George wanted to fight the Turks because their leader at 'Chanak', Kemal Atatürk, had defied a signed and legal treaty via armament and military aggressiveness. Ultimately, the British and Turkish troops ended up at an impasse. Rather than engaging in another war on the heels of the first World War, peace was negotiated.

ÇORUM GUIDE

2009-09-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Çorum is the capital of Çorum Province inland from the Black Sea coast in central Turkey Çorum is located at 244 km (152 mi) from Ankara and 608 km (378 mi) from Istanbul It has a population of 178,500 (2004), and the elevation is 820 mÇorum is known for its leblebi (dried chick-peas), and for the valuable Hittite archaeology that has been found in the provinceGeography and climateÇorum is on a high plateau with a typical inland climate of hot, dry summers (although even summer evenings are chilly) and cold, snowy winters, with light rain in spring and autumn There is attractive mountainous countryside around the city The north Anatolian fault line passes 20 km (12 mi) south of ÇorumHistoryHattusa was the capital of Hittite empire Hittites were one of the oldest civilizations of the world The first known peace treaty was signed by the Hittites and ancient Egypt on tablets There is evidence that area has been occupied since 3000 BC and there are a number of important Hittite sites in the province A Hittite Congress of archaeologists is held in Çorum every three years Çorum todayBesides agricultural activities Çorum has flour and feed mills, brick and tile factories, and some light engineering, as well as traditional crafts such as copperware and hand-weaving Although for a small city this amount of industry is impressive, Çorum is still underdevelopedThe town is tidy and pleasant although it does have a problem with air pollution There is a good range of shops, cafes and restaurants; the cuisine includes a variety of pastries including mantı, a type of ravioli baked in the oven or steamed in a beef-broth People in this part of Turkey (both in central Anatolia and along the Black Sea coast) are religious and conservative so night life is never going to be swinging but there are bars and cafés playing Turkish folk musicPlaces of interestAs well as all the Hittite sites the countryside surrounding Çorum offers many places to escape for picnics, particularly near the Çomar reservoir or in the mountains around the province

BURSA GUIDE

2009-09-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

Known as “Green Bursa”, this province stands on the lower slopes of Uludag (Mount Olympos of Mysia, 2543 m) in the marmara region of Anatolıa. The title “Green” of Bursa comes from its gardens and parks, and of course from its being in the middle of an important fruit growing region. In Bursa there are things you should not miss. First of all you are in the homeland of the delicious “Iskender Kebap”, one of the best dishes of world - famous Turkish Cuisine. The candied chestnuts (Kestane Sekeri) are a specialty of desserts and have an unforgettable taste. The peaches of Bursa are unique. As for something to purchase; Bursa is a center of the silk trade (since first silk cocoons were brought here with the caravans of the Silk Road) and towel manufacturing. It is also the homeland of the very famous Turkish folklore figures, Karagöz and Hacivat shadow puppets.
Because of its being the first Ottoman capital, Bursa is very rich in religious monuments, mosques, and tombs (Turbe), baths. One of the places to be seen in Bursa is the Yesil Cami (Green Mosque, with its carved marble doorway which is one of the best in Anatolia. It is an elaborate and significant building in the new Turkish style. Just opposite, is the Yesil Türbe (Green Tomb), set in a green garden with an enchanting exterior decorated with turquoise tiles. Near the tomb, the Medrese complex (old theological school) now houses the Ethnographical Museum which certainly deserves visiting. The Yildirim Beyazit Mosque is important as it is the first one built in the new Ottoman style and is accompanied by the Emir Sultan Mosque which lies in a peaceful setting. The province is decorated with these monuments, each of which is a masterpiece. Here are the Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) built in the Seljuk style, with impressive calligraphic wall decorations. The Orhan Gazi Mosque; the “Hisar”, an attractive part of the province; the Mausoleums of Osman, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, and his son Orhan Gazi are other important sites to visit. The Muradiye Complex has a delightful view with its mosque and tombs of important characters from the Ottoman era, and their tiles and charming decorations appeal to the sightseers. The Ottoman Museum offers a lively exhibit of the traditional life style of Ottomans.Uludag is the largest and most celebrated winter-sports and skiing center in Turkey. It is 36 kilometers from Bursa and easily accessible by car or cable-car (Teleferik in Turkish). The area is also a national park and is worth a visit at any time of the year. The accommodation is high quality offering the opportunity to enjoy the mountain, with a variety of entertainment and sports activities. On the way up don’t miss the 600-year old plain tree.
Mudanya is a seaside resort town with fine fish restaurants and night-clubs, so you can have a pleasant vacation there. The old train station now serves as a charming hotel.
Zeytinbagi (Trilye) is a town of typical Turkish architecture and lay-out. There are sea bus and ferry connections with Istanbul.
Gemlik (27 km north), is another seaside resort with a wide, sandy beach. One of the best olive oils of Turkey comes from this town.
Iznik (Nicaea) lies 85 km northeast of Bursa, at the eastern tip of Lake Iznik. The town had a great importance for Christians because of the Ecumenic Councils, and witnessed many civilizations which have left their marks all over the land. This town is famous for its unique tiles and has been the center of tile production in the 16th century. Iznik tiles were the basic decorative element of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture. The turquoise-tiled Yesil Mosque and Nilüfer Hatun Imareti are among the Islamic works in the town. For more information on Iznik please Click Here.

BURDUR GUIDE

2009-09-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

Burdur is a small province in the hinterland of Anatolia. Although it lacks the turquoise coast, it is of interest with its natural beauties and historical remains dating as far as 6000 BC. The thermal resorts are also attractive for those who like spas.
The most appealing feature of Burdur is Insuyu, the second largest cave of the world. It is 12 kilometers from Burdur. There are millions of stalactites and stalagmites as well as nine pools in the cave which is 597 m long and it is good for wandering in little boats. Since the water in the cave is curing for diabetes it is widely visited by diabetics.
For nature lovers and worshippers of swimming and beaches there are plenty of opportunities. The Centik beach is on the side of Lake Burdur, 8 kilometers from the city; the Salda Lake is a rarely visited camping area with forested surrounding and a delightful beach, a must to see. For fishing, Golhisar Lake is excellent. All of these lakes provide a rare beauty of nature and fauna around them.Sagalassos at Aglasun town, 37 kilometers to Burdur, was the capital of Psydia and has many historical remains like a Roman theatre of 12,000 seat capacity, the tombs and the citadel from medieval ages. The Hacilar district is another remarkable site for historical remains with statues dating back to Neolithic Age. Cybira at Golhisar, Cremna at Camlik Bucak, Kumcay and Incirhan are other historical sites. Picnicking, camping, hunting, and fishing are other attractions.

BOLU GUIDE

2009-09-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

Bolu is one of the most enchanting areas of Turkey located approximately half-way between Istanbul and Ankara. Bolu is famous for its dense forests, fauna and modern hot spring facilities.
Lake Abant is one of the amazing beauties that the city of Bolu provides. It is 34 kilometers (21 miles) southwest of the province, situated at an altitude of 1500 meters. The lake is a magnificent one with water lilies spread over, and the deep green forest surrounding it. There are high-quality accommodation establishments around the lake which deserves spending some time. It is frozen during the winter where people ice-skate on it.Another wonder of Bolu is the Yedigoller (Seven Lakes) National Park which has an appeal beyond words. It’s about 42 km (26 mi) north from the center. Golcuk, an artificial lake 14 km (9 mi) south of the city, surrounded with green forests, is another lovely site for picnicking or trekking.
Kartalkaya on the Koroglu Mountains is a perfect resort for those who like skiing. It is one of the three best winter sports centers in Turkey. You will find quietness and sportive enthusiasm in Kartalkaya, at about 38 km (23 mi) southeast of the city. Aladag meadows are the other attractive tourist sites on these mountains.
Mengen is famous for its excellent cooks and holds an annual “Chefs’ Festival“, featuring many traditional Turkish specialties.
Mudurnu is approximately 52 km (32 mi) southwest of the city. The town is famous for its poultry but, most important of all, with its traditional wooden houses displaying the old Turkish architecture.
Goynuk town is about 96 km (60 mi) southwest of Bolu center, standing on the ancient trade routes of Anatolia. The district is famous for the traditional Turkish houses and the mausoleum (Türbe) of Aksemsettin, the teacher of sultan Mehmet II.
53 km (33 mi) northwest of Bolu is Konuralp (near Düzce) which once was the ancient Pruso ad Hyplum. You can see a well preserved Roman theatre and fine examples of Roman and Byzantine art, sheltered in the museum. Until 1999 Konuralp used to be a site under the administration of Bolu province. But after the earthquake, Düzce was made a province in order to develop this area, thus Konuralp was included under the administration of this newest city of Turkey.
You may enjoy four seasons at once in Bolu. For those who prefer sea-sun-sand, Akcakoca offers this opportunity at an appealing setting on the Black Sea. You can enjoy the lovely beaches while staying in small guest houses and hotels. You can also visit the Genoese Castle hidden in the hazelnut groves. Same as Konuralp, Akcakoca used to be a town of Bolu province too but when Düzce became a new province, then it remained under the administration of this new city

BİTLİS GUIDE

2009-09-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

Bitlis stands in a narrow stream valley in the Eastern Anatolia, just in the middle of a green oasis. Due to its location in Anatolia, it is an important center for tobacco and honey production in eastern Turkey. A Byzantinemosques in the town, such as the Ulu Mosque of the 12th century and the Serefiye Mosque. castle with polygonal towers dominates the town. There are several
The city is surrounded by walnut trees, and if you are traveling through Bitlis in autumn, you will have the chance to buy some of these delicious nuts from the children who sell them by the highway. Local folk dances of Bitlis are also very famous. 25 kilometers northeast of the city, is the harbor town of Tatvan, from which there are passenger and train ferry connections across the lake to Van, sailing around Akdamar Island. Mount Nemrut, is a perfect opportunity here for mountaineers and natureNemrut, which has giant statues on top). This is an inactive volcano with a deep, clear and cold crater lake, also having hot volcanic springs. lovers (not to be mistaken with the magnificent mountain of the same name
Ahlat is a very important ancient center of Turkish art and culture, located to the west of Lake Van (44 kilometers north of Tatvan). The town looks like an open air art museum, with remains from various centuries and civilizations. The mausoleums from the Seljuk period, the Ulu Kumbet (mausoleums), Çifte Kumbet, Bayindir Kumbet and Hasan Pasa Kumbet are several to be visited. Here are also artistically carved monumental tombstones from the 12th century which deserve the fame they have received.
There are fine beaches and restaurants in the town. 25 kilometers north of Ahlat, there is the ancient Urartian city of Adilcevaz where precious and important remains have been found. The Ulu Mosque, on the shores of Lake Van, and the Kef Castle from the Seljuk period, are to the west of Adilcevaz. The great Mount Süphan is, of course, the most attractive spot in Bitlis. You may climb Süphan in summer when it is perfect for trekking. Some travel agencies have tours to Süphan

BİNGÖL GUIDE

2009-09-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

Bingöl, 144 km’s east of Elaziğ, is located in a high region of the broad Eastern Anatolian plateau. Mountains surround the area, reaching heights of about 3000 meters (10,000 feet), and containing many glacier lakes giving the city its name of “a thousand lakes”. Kalatepe peak (3250 m) on the Bingöl Mountains, near the town of Karliova is a great place to watch the magnificent sunrise, especially between the 15th of July and the 15th of August.history of the land begins with the Urartians, and continues under the hegemony of the Persians, the SeljuksOttomans. and then the
The remains from these periods can be found at various sites, the most important being the medieval fortress inside the city center. The city is small but has good facilities for hunting, thermal bathing and winter sports. There is a very interesting small lake (300 square meters), in which there is a floating natural island, at Hazersah village near Solhan.
Kurucadag mountain at Yolcati district is a small skiing area approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) to the city center. The season is between February and March where skiers stay in mountain chalet’s. On 1000 meters long skiing track there is a 925 meters long telesiege with a capacity of 500 people per hour. It’s easily reachable by road with buses as well.
On 1st of May 2003 a terrible earthquake hit the city killing 176 people (mostly elementary school kids sleeping in their dormitory). It struck at 03:27 local time and lasted for 17 seconds, with a Richter scale of 6.4.

BİLECİK GUIDE

2009-09-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

Province of Bilecik is located at the southeast of Marmara Region at the intersection locality of Marmara Region, Black Sea Region, Central Anatolia Region and Aegean Region. The oldest known names of the province are Agrilion and Belekoma. Province of Bilecik is the land where the Ottoman Empire is founded. The province is founded around the Sakarya river and is known with the riches of small ponds and creeks and carries the traces of ancient ages.
Districts : Bilecik (centre), Bozüyük, Gölpazarı, Osmaneli, Pazaryeri, Söğüt, Yenipazar.
How to Get
Highway: The bus station is located on the Atatürk Avenue at the city center. Coach Station Tel : (+90 – 228) 212 12 55
Railway: The railway station is at 4 km. distance to city center.
Railway Station Tel: (+90 – 228) 215 80 03
Where to Visit
TOWER, CASTLE
The Watch Tower: The Watch Tower is located at the center of Bilecik province over a hill dominant to the city. The Watch Tower is four – sided, with one clock in each side and was constructed by Sultan II. Abdülhamit.
Belekoma Castle: The castle is located at the banks of the Hamsıs Creek on a steep hill. It was constructed by the Byzantine in Medieval Ages.
CARAVANSERAIS
Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Caravansary The caravansary is located on the Bilecik – Adapazarı highway in Vezirhan Village. It was constructed by Sadrazam Köprülü Mehmet Paşa at the beginning of 17th century. The roof of the building had collapsed in 1915. Only four walls are standing in the present day
MAUSOLEUMS
Mausoleums: Most important mausoleums of Bilecik Province are Şeyh Edebalı Mausoleum, Malhatun Mausoleum, Dursun Fakıh Mausoleum and Ertuğrul Gazi Mausoleum.
THERMAL RESORTS
Osmaneli – Selçik Mineral Waters: This mineral water resort is located at a locality 9 kilometers distant to Osmaneli District. The transportation is possible via highway and railway. The mineral water comes out from four separate fountains. This mineral water is known to cure the diseases of stomach, liver, ballast, intestines and urethra. This water also assists to dissolve and drop the rocks formed in kidneys.
Söğüt Çaltı Thermal Spring: The thermal spring is located at the Çaltı locality of Söğüt district. The water of this thermal spring comes from a spring, which is 30 km. away from the resort. The water of this thermal spring is used as bath and drinking. The water is known to cure the skin diseases, stomach sicknesses, rheumatic diseases, neuritis, poli neuritis and gynecological diseases.
HIGHLANDS
Kömürsu Plateau: The plateau is at 28 km distance to the center of Bozüyük district and is covered with fir trees, black pines, beech trees, juniper trees and poplar trees. In the summer season, the plateau is covered with green meadows and various flowers. The plateau is also an important location for winter tourism.
Sofular Plateau: The plateau is at 25 km distance to the center of Bozüyük district and is covered with pine and fir trees. The height of the plateau is approximately 1600 meters. The plateau is important for Plateau tourism.
Kamçı Plateau: The plateau is located at the region of Bozcaarmut village of Pazaryeri district and is important with its pine tree forests. This plateau is used as camping and resting place.
ANCIENT CITIES
Küçükelmalı Small Lake Environ: This promenade area is located in the borders of Küçükelmalı village, which is 10 kilometers away from Pazaryeri district. The area is covered with pine forests and is a resting place.
Bozcaarmut Small Lake Environ: This promenade area is at the vicinity of Bozcaarmut Village, which is 15 km away from the district. The area is covered with fir tree and pine forests.
Kınık Waterfall: This waterfall comes out from Kınık village Alamandere locality and displays an interesting appearance. It is approximately 25 km. away from the city center.
Türbin Promenade Area: This promenade area is located at 7 km. away from Bozüyük District. With its waterfall, the promenade area is an interesting and preferred area.
Dodurga Dam: The dam is located approximately 20 km away from Bozüyük District and is 2 km. southwest of Dodurga borough. The environ of the dam is suitable for resting and camping. Carp and mirror carp fishes are breed at the dam.
Büyükelmalı Small Lake: The small lake is located in the borders of Büyükelmalı village, which is 13 km. away from Pazaryeri District.. With the natural beauties surrounding the lake, it is a suitable area for picnic and resting activities.
MUSEUMS
Söğüt Ethnography Museum: There are 953 pieces of works in the museum. 75 of these pieces are archeological, 202 pieces are coins and 677 pieces are ethnographic works.
Telephone of the Museum: (+90 – 228) 361 30 27 Open hours to visit: 08.00 -17.00
History
The province of Bilecik displays a characteristic of transition climate between the severe and low precipitant terrestrial climate of the Central Anatolia Region and warm and precipitant climate of the Marmara and Black Sea Region. The known history of the Bitinia Region starts with the nation of Thyns originated from the nations of Thrace whom inhabited the region in BC 1950’s. The region was then entered under the dominance of Egypt, Hittite, Frig, Kimmer, Lydia, Persian, Macedonian civilizations and Bitinya Kingdom, Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire. After the settlement of a tribe leaded by Ertuğrul Bey from the Kayı Clan of the Turkish nation to the environ of Söğüt and vicinity, the first steps of the foundation of the Ottoman Empire was taken.
Where to Eat
Most of the local food varieties are composed of pastries. Some part of the local folk cooks their own breads. Pitta bread, Twined bread and hodalak are some of the locally cooked breads.
The local folk also prepares food varieties like macaroni, soup with dried yogurt, kuskus macaroni and erişte (vermicelli) by themselves. Büzme, nohutlu tavuklu mantı (meat pastry with chickpea and chicken), keşkek, ovmaç soup, mercimekli mantı (meat pastry with lentil), kesme hamur (cut pastry), keklik kebabı (partridge kebab), köpük helvası (foam sweat made of cereals) could be counted among the authentic food varieties of Bilecik region.
What to Buy
You should buy Kınık village Earthen Products.
Don’t Leave Without
- Participating the Culture and Art Festival of Ahilik, Remembrance of Ertuğrul Gazi and Liberation of Söğüt, Bilecik from enemy occupation.
- Visiting Şeyh Edebalı, Ertuğrul Gazi, Dursun Fakıh Mausoleums and Watch Tower

BAYBURT GUIDE

2009-09-14T07:46:00.001-07:00

The history of the city dates as far back to 3000 BC. It’s also known that it was founded by the Azzi tribe, than Cimmerians passed thru in the 8th century BC. Meds and Persians were other invaders and settlers of the region. In the 2nd century BC Bayburt was annexed to Pontian Kingdom and than to the Roman Empire who restored Bayburt Castle which was originally built by Urartus. Between 8th and 9th centuries it constantly changed hands between Emevis and Byzantines, and than finally Seljuks and Ottomans.
The city welcomes you with the remains of its Byzantine Castle. There are several interesting mosques, Turkish baths and tombstones in the city as well as the Çatalcesme Underground City which looks like the ones in Cappadocia, and the natural wonder Sirakayalar Waterfall which are all attractive. Some other sites of interest are: Bent, Ali Singah, Meydan, Pashaogullari, Pulur baths, Bayburt Grand Mosque, Kutluk Bey, Pulur, Yukari Hinzevrek Mosques, Hart, Ksanta, Varzahan ruins, Korgan Bridge, Tashan, and Sehit Osman Mausoleums.
The city is very small but deserves notice, although it has been designated as a province just recently in 1989, after being a district of Gümüshane for many years.
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One of the most interesting sports here is the Jereed, or javelin. It’s an ancient war game like sport since the Turkic States and local people organize tournaments with other Eastern Anatolian cities during festivities and weddings.

BATMAN GUIDE

2009-09-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

One of the southeastern Anatolian cities, Batman is a little province which takes its name from the river flowing on its west. The Batman river, spanned by the old Malabadi Bridge, draws the province’s border with Diyarbakir, and then joins Tigris (Dicle) River passing through the land. The southeastern extensions of the Taurus Mountains on the other hand, stand on the eastern side of the region, together with the 1288 m high Raman Mountain. Here is one of the main crude oil production centers of Turkey, and the refinery at Batman was the first founded one in the country.
The history of the province reaches back to antiquity, and the land saw numerous dynasties throughout its long history. Experiencing Arab invasion around 700 AD, Batman was later dominated by Seljuks first and then by the Mongolians. It was annexed by the Ottoman Empire in 1514 after being under the influence of the Akkoyunlu and the Safevid throughout the 15th century.
In the early years of the Republic, Batman was attached to the province of Siirt and known as “Iluh”. It first became a district in 1957, changing its name to Batman, and then a province centre in 1990. Once a part of the province of Siirt, the district was especially eminent during the time of Abbasid Caliphate.
Oil extraction and processing characterize the industry of the province. It has a provincial territory of 4,649 square kilometers and a population of 400,380 according to the 1997 Census. Its administrative districts are Besiri, Gercus, Hasankeyf, Kozluk and Sason.
Batman enjoyed a rapid development thanks to its oil reserves. The modern refinery was established in 1955 to process oil extracted from Raman and Garzan areas. The most important development which took place later was the completion of the 494 kilometers long pipeline between Batman and Iskenderun.
The railway which connects the town of Kurtalan near Batman to Istanbul was important in terms of transportation for a time. However, highways gained weight after 1950.
Upon the completion of GAP Project, services and commercial sectors will get stronger to accompany crude oil refinery. There will also be export oriented copper mining.

BARTIN GUIDE

2009-09-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

80 kilometers east of Zonguldak is Bartin province on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, the calm city of timbered houses. It’s one of the newest provinces of Turkey. The history of the city dates back to 1200 BC, when Gasgas tribe inhabited in the environs. In the following years, the region had entered under the dominance of Hittites, Frigs, Kringens, Kokons , Enets, Kimmers, Lydians, Persians and Macedonians.
The historic progress of Bartin continues with the dominance of Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire and later with the dominance of Turkish

Seljuks and Candarogullari State between 11th - 13th centuries AD. Bartin was conquered by the Ottoman sultan Yildirim Bayazit in 1392.
The wooden Bartin houses disp

lay the architecturel characteristics of the artTanzimat Fermani (Reforms Decree). Temperate Black Sea naval climate is experienced in Bartin. Summer seasons are hot while winter seasons are chilly, and lots of rain of course which gives all of its green vegetation of the region. movements after the

The Bartin River passing through the city gives way to boat trips in the city to catch a glimpse of

perfect landscape.
This lovely city hosts strawberry festivals in spring. The city also has beaches of good quality. Inkum, a lovely setting with a holiday village and other facilities, has sandy beaches. Çarkaz, is a fishing village which has an excellent beach while at Kurucasile fishing boats are built. Amasra was founded in 6th century BC and its ancient name was Sesamos. It is one of the highest spots on the Black Sea Coast which displays unimaginable, fascinating beauties while traveling through. The city is located on a peninsula and the eastern side is especially good for swimming. The archaeological museum and Çekiciler Street are of interest, too. As a souvenir you may purchase hand-carved, wooden articles.
There are numerous ancient city ruins inside the borders of historic Paphlagonia region. Ancient cities of Sesamos (Amasra), Kromna (Kurucasile) and Erythinoi (Cakraz) are located inside the borders of Bartin.

BALIKESİR GUIDE

2009-09-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

The province of Balikesir has pretty little towns of wide natural beauties. The beaches extending for kilometers on both the Aegean and Marmara coasts, the dazzling waters of deep blue, and rich greenery gently covering the land, attract anyone who would like to have a wonderful time in the midst of wonderful scenery.
Having housed many civilizations in Anatolia throughout its long past, the province is a rich center of historical remains bringing the oldest times of humanity to light. The attractive Yildirim and Zagnos Pasa Mosques in the city center are examples of the monuments of earlier periods besides the interesting clock tower, while the towns nearby also hold ruins from the remote ages, standing in a beautiful natural scenery.
The Gulf of Edremit, lying on the Aegean, is one of these lovely sites, with a broad choice of beaches and seaside resorts overlooking the clear sea. Edremit and Altinoluk (which is an oxygen heaven, ranks second in the world for a high oxygen density) are the towns that stud this wonderful area, together with Oren, where green pine forests meet the sandy shores of fine holiday resorts. In one part of this beautiful village you may see Roman and Byzantine ruins, while in the other you can find the most fresh and delicious seafood and typical dishes of the district, offered by good restaurants.
Called as “Olive Riviera”, Ayvalik is reached by following the olive groves. This town is also a picturesque spot with its fine beaches facing a collection of 25 small lovely islands. An attraction in the town is the Taksiyarkis Church. Its great architecture and marble carvings are worth seeing. Nearby is the “Seytan Sofrasi” (the Devil’s Banquet) which offers one of the most perfect panoramic sunsets in the world. The site also affords a marvelous view of the Sarmisakli peninsula, famous for its beaches, and the little island of Cunda (Alibey).
Gonen, 30 kilometers from Bandirma, is another excellent relaxation center, possessing therapeutic thermal springs. The health and cure establishments here, have been used by people suffering from various illnesses since the earliest times. Located at the foot of Kazdagi, is Akcay, another popular spa-center with its spring waters that effect cures. Besides the health-related opportunities, this town offers a beautiful natural scenery, fitting its legendary fame. According to mythology, the world’s first beauty contest was held here, on Mount Ida, and Aphrodite was chosen the queen from the three beautiful goddesses. This was considered as the starting point of everything in Trojan War.
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Lying off the coast from this province are the pretty islands, Marmara and Avsa. Famed for their wine and fish, these sites offer wonderful shorelines. Marmara island is full of historical treasures which increase its attractiveness. Here is the “Mermer Plaj” (Marble Beach) which takes its name from the marbles for which the town is famous.
Erdek, on the coast of Marmara Sea, is a nice tourist center, situated on the beautiful Kapidag peninsula. Olive trees, vineyards and fruit gardens are features of this land which is surrounded by the clearest waters of the region. The Hadrian’s Temple at Kyzikos is here, alongside many other historical remains that adorn the area.
Of particular interest is the Manyas National Park near Bandirma which is the “Bird Paradise”, sheltering 239 species of birds. It is a restful and lovely place for bird watchers, just as the whole city is for nature-lovers

AYDIN GUIDE

2009-09-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

Aydin is one of the major cities in the Aegean region of Turkey and is growing very fast. Apart from the industry, the main agricultural products of the province are; figs, olives, strawberries and cotton.
The ancient name of the province of Aydin was Tralleis. It was celebrated as the center of sculpture, with a well known sculpture school. The museum in Aydin exhibits the relics of many civilizations which have passed through this important center in Anatolia. The remains in the city date back to the 2nd-century A.D. while you may see many examples of other periods in the environs of the province.
After 1186, Aydin was ruled by Seljuks who affected architectural style of the city during that time. The local museum of Aydin displays artifacts from that time and the different periods of history.
Zeybek folk danceA variety of fruits & vegetables is grown on the fertile lands of Aydin province, especially figs are world known. The city is also rich in folklore and legends. “Zeybek” is the traditional play of Aydin and around, played with the groups of two, four, six or nine. “Zeybek” can be played with music or not, alternatively in slow and faster version. The man player of “Zeybek” is called “Efe”, a special name given to the courageous men in the area. The traditional cloth of “Zeybek” consist of a tasseled fez ornamented by flowers, striped wadded jacket. Knitted belt on the waist and gaiter on the calf are the accessories of the traditional clothes of Efe.
Aydin enjoys a reputation for its mineral springs and spas that are serving with their varied curing and healing properties. Aydin spa is the most famous one, having two close and one open pools. The temperature is about 31C. There are also different spas in Imamkoy, Germencik and Alangullu, around the province of Aydin

Aydin includes important historical sites within its borders. Nyssa, Priene, Miletos, Didyma, Aphrodisias and Heraklia are the principles attracted by throngs of visitors every year.Menderes Valley
The Menderes Valley, formed by the Menderes (Meander) river has been the cradle of many civilizations. This region offers a variety of beauties all at once. Lake Camici (Bafa), on the way to Bodrum, is a secret camping spot, hidden amidst the pines, olives and oleanders facing the five peaks of the Besparmak Mountains on the eastern slopes on which are the ruins of Alinda. The ruins of the ancient city of Heraklia are closer to the lake giving campers by the lake the chance to the sightseeing.
This fertile valley has sheltered many important cities of past civilizations, the remains of which still preserve their grandeur and dignity.

ARTVİN GUIDE

2009-09-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

Like all cities extending along the beautiful Black Seanature. Typical of this region, wide forests cover the area, and this landscape of mountains and lakes, plateaus and rivers, together with the traditional settings of pretty wooden houses, offers a pleasant atmosphere to visitors. coast, Artvin is a lovely district, 64 kms southeast of Hopa, possessing picturesque views of
The wild and romantic Çoruh river with its impressive rapids crosses the land here. White water rafting is possible on this river for the adventure- lovers to enjoy the excitement that few other rivers in the world offer. Along the road to Erzurum, are the Tortum waterfalls, constituting another attraction with a calm and peaceful atmosphere. 55 kms east of Artvin, are the towns of Savsat and Borcka, and the nearby Karagöller, a dreamlike place of beautiful lake. Wide plateaus are also found in Artvin, one being the Bilbilan; and the other Kafkasor, where the famous Kafkasor Festival is held with the interesting bull-fights. Sarp border gate is at Hopa. There are many historical citadels, mosques, churches, and bridges, along with yachting, hunting, fishing facilities and thermal springs.
In this city of diverse nature, there also exist numerous ancient sites for sightseers to visit. The ruins of a 16th-century castle lie at the foot of the hill where the city is situated. There are fine old churches, dating to the 7th and 10th centuries, near the villages of Barhal, Ishan, Bagbasi and Çamliyamaç. Balih Bey Mosque is another important monument of Artvin, and the typical old Turkish houses are the part of the charming historical scenery.

ARDAHAN GUIDE

2009-09-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Life in ArdahanArdahan is the smallest provincial capital in Turkey and, until 1993, was a small town in the neighboring province of Kars. Since the district was made a province there has been new investment in government buildings and services but life in mountains that spend half the year under snow is still a struggle. There are hotels mainly used by truck drivers and other travellers crossing into Georgia.Kars Kafkas University has an institute in Ardahan and there is a sizeable military presence. The civil servants, academics and military officers stationed here all help to support the local economy. These people have their own clubs and guest houses, while in the town itself there are few social and cultural amenities apart from two or three cake shops and a kebab restaurant. Shopping is also limited.This area is renowned for its hard yellow cheese kaşar and its geese.Significant DaysLocal Days of Celebration

Freedom Day - 23 February Commemoration day for Çanakkale Victory - 18 March Commemoration day for Air Force Martyrs - 21 March Seljuq Conquest of Ardahan - 24 June Ram Introduction - 10 October FestivalsFestival of Animals and Animal Products - 20 August Goose Festival - 18 NovemberWell-known residents

ANKARA GUIDE

2009-09-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

The city of Ankara lies in the center of Anatolia on the eastern edge of the great, high Anatolian Plateau, at an altitude of 850 meters. It is the center of the province of the same name, which is a predominantly fertile wheat steppe-land with forested areas in its northeast region. It is bordered by the provinces of Cankiri and Bolu to the north, Eskisehir to the west, Konya and Aksaray to the south, and Kirikkale and Kirsehir to the east.
The region’s history goes back to the Bronze Age; Hatti Civilization, which was succeeded in the 2nd millennium BC by the Hittites, then the Phrygians (10th century BC); Lydians and Persians followed. After these came the Galatians, a Celtic race who were the first to make Ankara their capital (3rd century BC). It was then known as Ancyra, meaning anchor. The town subsequently fell to the Romans, Byzantines, and Selcuks under ruler Alparslan in 1073, and then to the Ottomans under sultan Yildirim Beyazit in 1402, who remained in control until the First World War.
The town, once an important trading center on the caravan route to the east, had declined in importance by the nineteenth century. It became an important center again when Kemal Ataturk chose it as the base from which to direct the War of Liberation. In consequence of its role in the war and its strategic position, it was declared the capital of the new Turkish Republic on the 13th October,1923.
Anitkabir (Ataturk Mausoleum)Located in an imposing position in the Anittepe quarter of the city stands the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic. Completed in 1953, it is an impressive fusion of ancient and modern architectural ideas and remains unsurpassed as an accomplishment of modern Turkish architecture. There is a museum housing writings, letters and items belonging to Ataturk as well as an exhibition of photographs recording important moments in his life and the establishment of the republic. An important exhibition of the War of Liberation is also open to the public. (Anitkabir and the museum is open everyday, except Mondays. During the summer, there is a light The Museum of Anatolian CivilizationsClose to the citadel gate, a 15th century Ottoman bedesten has been beautifully restored and since 1921 it houses a marvelous and unique collection including Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Lydian, Urartian and Roman works. In 1997 this great museum won the “European Museum of the Year” award among 65 museums from 21 European countries. (Open everyday, except Monday. During the summer, the museum opens everyday).
The Ethnographical MuseumOpposite the Opera House on Talat Pasa Boulevard in Namazgah district is the Ethnographical Museum. There is a fine collection of folkloric artifacts as well as fine items and rugs from Seljuk and Ottoman mosques in this museum since 1930. When Ataturk died in 1938, he was buried in the internal courtyard until the construction of his Mausoleum in 1953. The bronze statue of Ataturk on the horse in front of the museum was made in 1927 by an Italian artist P. Canonica. (Open everyday, except Monday).
The Ankara CitadelThe foundations of the citadel were laid by the Galatians on a prominent lava outcrop, and completed by the Romans; the Byzantines and Seljuks made restorations and additions. The area around and inside the citadel is the oldest part of Ankara and many fine examples of traditional architecture can be seen within the citadel walls. There are also lovely green areas in which to relax.
The Temple of AugustusThe Corinthian style temple can be found in the old Ulus district of the city. It was built in the 1st century BC and only later dedicated to the Emperor Augustus at the beginning of the 1st century AD. It is important today for the ‘Monument Ancyranum’ or ‘Res gestae Divi Augusti’, the testament and political achievements of Augustus that is inscribed on its walls in both Latin and Greek. This inscription is the copy of the original which was engraved on two bronze pillars and placed at the entrance of his Mausoleum in Rome. The originals are lost but the copy engraved on the Augusteum in Ankara still exists. In the fifth century the temple was converted to a church.
The Roman BathThe bath, situated on Cankiri Avenue in Ulus, has the typical features of Roman baths: a frigidarium (cold section), tepidarium (cool section) and caldarium (hot section). The hot and warm rooms were wider divisions because of Ankara’s very cold winter climate. They were built in the time of the Emperor Caracalla (3rd century AD) in honor of the god of medicine, Asclepios. The dimensions of the bath was 80×130 meters and it was made of stones and bricks. Today only the basement and first floors remain.
The Column of JulianThis column, in Ulus, was erected in 362 AD probably to commemorate a visit by the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate on his way to the campaign against Persians. It stands fifteen meters high and has a typical leaf decoration on the capital.
Haci Bayram MosqueThis mosque, in Ulus, next to the Temple of Augustus, was built in the early 15th century and subsequently restored by Sinan in the l6th century with Kutahya tiles being added in the 18th century. The mosque was built in honor of Haci Bayram Veli whose tomb is next to the mosque.
Rahmi Koc Industrial MuseumThis is Turkey’s second industrial museum opened in April 2005 by Koc family in a 500 year old building. Cengelhan was originally built in the mid-16th century by Rustem Pasha, husband of Mihrimah Sultan and son-in-law of Suleyman The Magnificent. This was a typical Anatolian caravanserai offering lodging for travelers and also supplies for the tradesman. This building opposite the Citadel is now converted into a museum preserving its architectural characteristics in a new setting. Here, the story of early industry is told through scale models since most of the full-size objects are on exhibit at the Istanbul Rahmi Koc museum.and sound show in the evenings

AMASYA GUIDE

2009-09-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Amasya is one of the provinces in Central AnatoliaTurkey which is distinct both with its natural setup and historical values it holds. It was the homeland of the famous geographer Strabo. Located in a narrow cleft of the Yesilirmak (Iris) river, it has a past of 3000 years during which many civilizations left priceless remains of their times. of
The ruins of the citadel on the rock face of the cleft shelters 2000 year old water-channels, 1000 year old bridges, a mental hospital, an OttomanPontus kings, which contribute very much to the attractiveness of the city. At night, when they are illuminated, the view is unforgettable. Palace and a secret underground passageway. On the rock faces there are impressive rock tombs of the
The city also has many historically and architecturally precious buildings; the Ferhat water channel, the 13th century Seljuk Burmali Mosque, the 15th century Yildirim Beyazit Mosque and Complex; the 14th century Ilhanli Bimarhane Mental Hospital with lovely relieves around its portal, the extraordinary octagonal Kapi Aga Medrese (theological school), the Torumtay Mausoleum and the Gök Medrese. There are traditional Turkish mansions which have been well-preserved showing the best examples of Turkish architecture. The 19th century Hazeranlar Mansion has been restored perfectly and now it is of great interest with an art gallery on its first floor and an ethnographical museum on the second. The Archaeological Museum of Amasya has an interesting collection including the mummies of the Ilhanli rulers of Amasya.

As for natural beauty, Amasya is set apart from the rest of Anatolia in its tight mountain valley and hides its own secret beauty. Lake Borabay (65 kilometers northeast of Amasya) is a crater lake with an amazing view and fresh air. It is a perfect area for fishing (especially trout), for picnicking and for being alone with nature and doing some sports. Yedikir Dam Lake and Omarca National Park are other excursion sites. Terzikoy spa center and thermal resort is also worth a visit.
Amasya was also one of the Turkish cities which had the best viewing location for the last total solar eclipse of the 20th century which happened on 11th August 1999. Many visitors came to the city to witness this spectacular event. On 29th March 2006, another total solar eclipse was seen in this city at 14:06pm local time

AĞRI GUIDE

2009-09-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

Situated in Eastern Anatolia and extending to the Iranian border, is Agri, one of the highest regions in the country with its mountainous formation.
Rising up to a height of 5165 m, Mount Agri (Ararat) is the main peak of Turkey and the symbol of the city. This snowcapped dormant volcano is the famous biblical Mount Ararat, the legendary site of the second beginning of the world. It is believed that Noah’s Ark rested on its summit during the big flood, and the wide plain of Igdir at the foot of the mountain is the first place where Noah set foot after the disaster. A geological hollow near Uzengili village has the shape allegedly of the ark, and it is a place often visited by tourists, being also a beautiful resting spot. Mount Ararat, besides offering magnificent scenery, also provides sportive opportunities for hunting, skiing and mountaineering. Climbing is also possible once you get the necessary permission from the local authorities. Ararat became 35th National Park of Turkey with the decision of the Parliament on 1st of November, 2004.

95 kms east of Agri, is the town Dogubayazit, comprising spectacular ruins from earlier periods Ishak Pasha Palace, 6 kms outside the town center, is the most important sight, and was constructed by the Ottoman governor, Ishak Pasha, in the 17th century. It has been restored many since, and has become an original building of mixed architectural design. An Urartian king relief and a rock tomb dating to the 9th century BC, are other historical remains near the palace, while ruins from the same period are also to be found near Patnos, another important town of Agri province.
An interesting place is the meteoric hole, about 80 years old, located between the Gürbulak border gate and Sancavus village. It is the second largest hole of this type in the world with its 35 m width and 60 m depth.
Besides these tourist attractions, there are other specialties of the city. One is “Lake Balik”, famous for its “trout”. Still another is the local dessert “Asure“, also known as “Noah’s Pudding” and it is a sweet that must be tasted.
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Bubi Mountain skiing area is 18 kms to the city center but it isn’t developed much as a big resort yet. It’s season is between December and April and it gets approximately 1-2 meters of snow. There is a 1,227 meters long teleski with a capacity of 600 persons per hour. Another skiing area is 4 kms to Eleskirt district with 1,650 meters long and 1,000 people per hour capacity detachable chair telesiege. Skiing track is 1,200 meters long and 250 meters wide.

AFYONKARAHİSAR GUIDE

2009-09-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

Afyon
Aslantas rock monuments, AfyonThe province, known also as Afyonkarahisar, is located as a gateway between the Aegean sea and inner regions of Anatolia, locating at the crossroads of 3 different regions of Turkey. Afyon is bordered with Konya to the east, Usak to the west, Kutahya to the northwest, Denizli to the southwest, Burdur to the south, Isparta to the southeast, and Eskisehir to the north. Total area of Afyon is 14.570 square km and its elevation is 1.034 meters. The city has a continental climate; hot and dry summers, mild and rainy springs, cold and snowy winters.
The history of Afyon dates back to 3000 BC. It was home to Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. The city is famous for its specific “Turkish Delight” and “Kaymak” (a kind of hard cream put on desserts), its “Sucuk” (special spicy sausages), its Opium fields (under strict supervision by the Government), its marble quarries, and for its various thermal baths.
Afyon is a spa-center with thermal baths in Gazligol Kaplicasi (25 km northwest), Gecek and Omerli Kaplicalari (15 km and 14 km northwest respectively), Hudai Kaplicasi 68 km southwest of the town, and Heybeli Kaplicasi at 30 km from city center. Sandikli is also famous for its mud baths, too. All these resorts have board and lodging facilities.
The Archaeological Museum and the War of Independence Memorial are places to visit in the city and to the north of Afyon there are Phrygian remains in the form of monumental cult rocks. Aslantas and Aslankaya are the largest of these. The lion relieves, which gave the name to these rocks are seen on sides of the rock and cult temples. This area is known as Phrygian Valley. Afyon Citadel which was built during the Byzantine period previously was used as a fortress by the Hittite King Mursil II, is another monument to see in the city. The citadel was called as Karahisar by the Seljuks, meaning Black Castle in Turkish. Ulu (Grand) Mosque and Altigoz bridge are other sites of interest. The town of Dazkiri on the Denizli highway is famous for its carpets and kilims.

Afyon has a small international festival celebrated during the week August 30th every year since 1998. It’s an activity of concerts, exhibitions and folk dances, performed for 4 days in different locations

ADIYAMAN GUIDE

2009-09-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

Adiyaman lies in the southeast of Turkey in the central Firat (Euphrates) river region. According to archaeological research the history of the area goes back to the Paleolithic Age. During the Neolithic Age (8000-7000 B.C.) Gritille, Hayaz, Ancoz and Samsat were the main culture centers.
Adiyaman used to be known as “Hisn-i Mansur” until the republican era. It hosted many civilizations throughout its history including the Hittites, Mittanis, Urartus, Assyrians, Meds, Persians, Alexander the Great and the Kommagene. Adiyaman lived the periods of the Seljuk Turks, Crusades and Mamelukes in the 11th, and those of the Anatolian Seljuks, Ilkhanite and Mamelukes in the 12th century. It was annexed by the Ottoman Empire in 1516 during the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim. The area has ample pieces, structures and specimens coming from the Hellenistic era, Romans and the Byzantine together with those belonging to the Islamic - Turkish heritage. These assets obtained during the salvation work started in 1978 along with the Lower Euphrates Project are now placed in Adiyaman Museum. The museum exhibits pieces obtained from excavations carried out at various tumulus together with coins from the Roman and Seljuk times.
Historical sites within the central town include the Fortress, Carsi Mosque, Old Palace Mosque, Kap Mosque and the Grand (Ulu) Mosque from the 14th century.
The fortress of Adiyaman is placed on a man made hill at the centre of the town, built by the Caliph Omayyad Commander Munsur Ibn-i Cavene to defend the city against the Byzantine attacks. Now remaining in a destroyed standing, the fortress has three main gates. Today this fortress is a park.
The ancient city of Perre, today called Pirin, is 5 km from Adiyaman. The city ruins and 208 caves in the rocks, where there are some human relieves, are of historical importance.
At the Adiyaman Museum you will find on display archaeological and ethnographical finds from various historical periods. The museum is open everyday except on Mondays.

The Nemrud Mountain tumulus in the National Park, Karakus Hill, Cendere Bridge, Samsat, Arsameia, Dikilitas, Kahta, Göksu Bridge, and rock graves are other sites in the province worth seeing. For more information on these, please Click Here.
A colorful place for shopping is the Oturakçi Çarsisi where you can find local handicrafts, rugs, kilims and saddle bags.
The territory of the province of Adiyaman extends from the slopes of the Southeastern Taurus Range to the Euphrates over an area of 7,614 square kilometers. It has a population of 678,999 according to the 1997 Census. Its administrative districts are the central Adiyaman, Kahta, Golbasi, Besni, Celikhan, Gerger, Samsat, Sincik and Tut. The Euphrates, the most fertile river of Turkey forms the southern and eastern borders of the province.
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The province mainly subsists on crop farming and stock breeding. Land under cultivation constitutes one forth of the total territory of the province. Main crops are wheat, barley and corn. Vineyards which used to be an important source of income have been replaced by pistachio orchards.

Upon the completion of GAP Project, fish culture, cotton textile plants and facilities processing feed, milk and meat will gain weight in the province.
The climate of Adiyaman is continental climate with hot, dry summers, and cold winters. However, in the summer the nights are cool. The average temperature varies from 30C-20C during the summer months.
Adiyaman has been the host of many civilizations throughout its history. Being a melting pot socially and culturally, it has valuable features related to customs about different periods of life, hospitality, folk dancing, carpets and kilims etc. Adiyaman is famous for its folk songs, folk dancers and tombs. Different kinds of meatballs such as “cig kofte, icli kofte, mercimekli kofte” and hitap (stuffed hot pie) are special local foods in Adiyaman.

ADANA GUIDE

2009-09-14T05:24:00.000-07:00

Adana (the ancient Antioch in Cilicia or Antioch on the Sarus) is the capital of Adana Province in Turkey. The city administrates two districts Seyhan and Yüreğir with a total population of 2530257 and an area of 1945 km². It is the fifth most populous cityTurkey (after Istanbul Ankara İzmir and Bursa).For most Turkish people the word 'Adana' associates with Kebab şalgam cotton oranges and very hot weather.Adana is named among the 25 European Regions of the Future for 2006/2007 by Foreign Direct Investment Magazine. Chosen alongside Kocaeli for Turkey Adana scored the most points for cost effectiveness against Kocaeli's points for infrastructure development while Adana and Kocaeli tied on points for the categories of human resources and quality of life.

location

One of the largest and most dynamic cities in Turkey and situated thirty kilometers (nineteen miles) inland Adana is the gateway to the Cilician plain now known as the Çukurova plain the large stretch of flat and fertile land which lies to the south-east of the Taurus Mountains. This is possibly the most productive area in this part of the world. From Adana crossing the Çukurova going west the road from Tarsus enters the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. The temperature decreases with every foot of ascent; the road reaches an altitude of nearly 4000 feet (1200 m). It goes through the famous Cilician or Çukurova Gates the rocky pass through which armies have coursed since the dawn of history and continues to the Anatolian plain.The north of the city is surrounded by the Seyhan reservoir and HEP which was completed in 1956. The dam has constructed for hydroelectric power (HEP) and to provide irrigation water to the lower part of Çukurova plain agricultural cultivating area located in the south part of the city. Two irrigation channels in the city flow to the plain passing through the city center from east to west. Also there is another canal for irrigating the Yüreğir plain to the southeast of the city.Some claim that the name is derived from the Hittite URUAdaniya of Kizzuwatna[5]Danaus and the Danaoi a legendary Greek tribe. In the Iliad of Homer the city is called Adana. In HellenisticAntiochia in Cilicia (Greek: Αντιόχεια της Κιλικίας) or Antiochia ad Sarum (Greek: Αντιόχεια η προς Σάρον; "Antiocia on the Sarus"). The editors of The Helsinki Atlas tentatively identify Adana as Quwê (as contained in cuneiform tablets) the Neo-Assyrian capital of Quwê province. The name also appears as Coa and may be the place referred to in the Bible where King Solomon obtained horses. (I Kings 10:28; II Chron. 1:16).

Etymology

The name of the city is believed to have come from a legend that Adanus and Sarus two sons of Uranus came to a place near the Seyhan River where they built Adana.Alternatively it is believed that Adad (Tesup) the name of the Hittite Thunder God that lived in the forest was given to the region. The Hittites ideas names and writings have been found in the area so this is a strong possibility. The theory goes that since the Thunder God brought so much rain and this rain in turn brought such great abundance in this particular region this god was loved and respected by its inhabitants and in his honor the region was called the 'Uru Adaniyya'; in other words 'The Region of Ada'.Adana's name has had many different versions over the centuries: Adanos Ta Adana Uru Adaniya Erdene Edene Ezene Batana Atana Azana Addane.

History

The history of Adana is intrinsically linked to the history of Tarsus; they seem often to be the same city moving as the neighbouring Seyhan River changed its position and the name changed too over the course of centuries. Adana was of little importance in ancient history while Tarsus was the metropolis of the area. Also Ayas (today Yumurtalık) and Kozan (formerly Sis) have been population and administrative centers especially during the time of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia.The history of Adana goes back more than 3000 years; finds in the region reveal human occupation of the area during the Paleolithic Age.Tepebag Tumulus where archaeologists found a stone wall and a city center was built in the Neolithic Age; it is considered to be the oldest city of the Cilicia region.An Adana is mentioned by name in a Sumerian epic the Epic of Gilgamesh but the geography of this work is too imprecise to identify its location.According to the Hittite inscription of Kava found in Hattusa (Boğazkale) KizzuwatnaUru Adaniyya and the inhabitants were called Danuna.Beginning with the collapse of the Hittite Empire c. 1191-1189 BC invasions from the west caused a number of small kingdoms to take control of the plain as follows: KueAssyrians 9th century BC; Cilician Kingdom Persians 6th century BC; Alexander the Great in 333 BC; Seleucids; and the pirates of Cilicia and Roman statesman Pompey the Great. During the era of Pompey the city was used as a prison for the pirates of Cilicia. For several centuries thereafter it was a waystation on a Roman military road leading to the East. After the split of the Roman Empire the area became part of the Byzantine Empire and was probably developed during the time of Julian. With the building of large bridges roads government buildings and irrigation and plantation Adana and Cilicia became the most developed and important trade centers of the region.

Middle Ages

In the mid 7th century the city was captured by the Arab Abbasids. According to an Arab historian of that era the name of the city was derived from Ezene the prophet Yazene's grandson.The Byzantines recaptured Adana in 964. After the victory of Alp Arslan at the Battle of Manzikert the Seljuk Turks overran much of the Byzantine Empire. They had reached and captured Adana sometime before 1071 and continued to hold the place until Tancred a leader of the First Crusade captured the city in 1097.In 1132 it was captured by the forces of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia under its king Leo I. It was taken by Byzantine forces in 1137 but the Armenians regained it around 1170. In 1268 there was a terrible earthquake which destroyed much of the city. Adana was rebuilt and remained a part of the Kingdom of Cilician Armenia until around 1360 when the city was ceded by Constantine III to the Mamluk Sultan of Egypt in return for obtaining a peace treaty. The Mamluks' capture of the city allowed many Turkish families to settle in it. The Ramazanoğlu family one of the Turkish families brought by the Mamluks ruled Adana until the Ottomans captured the city.

Modern Era

From the end of the Renaissance to the modern era (1517–1918) the Ottoman Empire ruled the area.In the 1830s in order to secure Egypt's independence for the Ottoman Empire the army of Muhammad Ali Pasha the viceroy of Egypt invaded Syria on two occasions and reached the Adana plain. The subsequent peace treaty secured Egypt's independence but (at the insistence of Great Britain Austria Russia and Prussia) required the evacuation of all Egyptian forces from Syria and its return to Ottoman sovereignty. In the aftermath Adana was established as a province in its own right.In 1909 Adana was the location of the Adana massacre.[7] Turkish scholars and some others refer to the event as the Adana rebellion based on a thesis of its underlying causes.[8]After World War I the Ottoman government surrendered control of the city to French troops and an Armenian troop equipped by French was sent to occupy the city. During the Turkish War of Independence Adana was strategically important. Mustafa KemalKuvayi Milliye was born. Turkish nationalists fought against Allied forces and on October 20 1921 the Treaty of Ankara was signed between France and the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Based on the terms of the agreement France signified the end of the Cilicia War; afterwards French invasion troops together with the Armenian volunteers[9] withdrew from the city on January 5 1922.On 30 January 1943 Adana played host to Winston Churchill determined to secure Turkey's entry into the Second World War on the side of the Allies for a conference with the President İsmet İnönü (Adana Conference). The Turkish neutrality and İnönü's policy based on rationing concessions to both sides meant that the conference remained without substantial results.

Adana today

Adana has become an international metropolis stretching and swallowing its neighbors. Adana is the marketing and distribution center for the Çukurova agricultural region where cotton wheat corn soy bean barley grapes and citrus fruits are produced in great quantities. The main industries of the city are textile manufacturing leather tanning and wool processing. The houses in Adana have flat tops and the roofs serve as bedrooms for the inhabitants during the hot summers.The city of Adana today is administered by three district council authorities: Seyhan Yüreğir and Karaisalı. Seyhan is the more developed part of the city on the west bank of Seyhan river Yüreğir is located on the east bank. Karaisalı is best-known for growing myrtleberries (myrtus communis).The city is also famous for its cuisine including; the Adana kebab; şalgam a salty fermented juice made from turnips; Şırdan a kind of home-made sausage stuffed with rice and eaten with cumin; paça boiled sheep's feet; bicibici (pronounced as bee-jee-bee-jee) made from diced semolina rose water and sugar and served with crushed ice consumed especially in summer time. Furthermore the city has a number of famous desserts such as Halka Tatlı a round shaped dessert and Taş Kadayıf a bow shaped dessert. Several types of fruit including the apricot are native to this area.NATO's Incirlik Air Base is located in town of İncirlik 12 km (7 mi) east of Adana. Shopping in Adana is enhanced the 'American bazaar' a street market selling new and second-hand goods that have seeped out of the Incirlik Air-base.Mr. Aytaç Durak has been the mayor of Adana for two terms: 1984 - 1989 1994 - present. He is a member of AK Parti.

Sightseeing

Stone Bridge built in part during the 6th-century reign of the Byzantine emperorJustinian I the oldest extant bridge in the world which is still in use.
Yilanlı Kale The ruins of a castle dating from 782.
Büyük Saat (The Great Clock) a large clock tower was built by the local governor of Adana in 1882. Unfortunately it was damaged during the French occupation but it was rebuilt in 1935 and its image can be found in the city's coat of arms. There are many historical buildings and tombs of local governors next to the Büyük Saat.
The old bazaar Kazancılar Çarşısı (Bazaar of Cauldron-Makers) founded around Büyük Saat where Çarşı Hamamı (Bath of the Bazaar) a Turkish bath built in 1519 can be found.
Bebekli Kilise (Church of Babies) is an old Catholic church located in the city center. There are many historic houses in the street where the church is located.
Seyhan Dam
Ramazanoğlu Türbesi
Varda (German) Bridge : Varda Bridge is in Karaisali which is a province of Adana. The railway bridge is near to Hacikiri village. it was made in 1903 by Germans. So people also call it German Bridge. if you want to see a beautiful view you should visit the bridge.

Mosques

1-Adana Ulu Camii

2-New Mosque

Museums

1-Adana Museum

2-Adana Etnography Museum

3-Adana Atatürk Museum

Hammams

1-Irmak Hamamı

2-Mestenzade Hamamı

3-Yeni Hamam

Festivals

Adana Golden Boll International Film Festival (Altın Koza Film Festivali)

Education

Çukurova University

Railway

Adana Railway Station on the Baghdad Railway.

Airport

Adana Şakirpaşa Airport

Sports and Athletics

1-Adanaspor
2-Adana Demirspor