Turkiye Travel

Çorum, about 240 kilometers from Ankara is the right spot for those who are fond of history and archaeology. It is situated in an important area, which combines the two geographical regions of Black Sea and Central Anatolia, and which hosted the earliest civilizations that left their signs all around Anatolia.

The remarkable specialty of the district is that it was one of the main settlement centers of the early Hittite era. Sites like Hattusas at Bogazkale, Yazilikaya and Alacahoyuk at Alaca town, which were important residences of those times, are to be found in the province of Çorum with their remains from the gorgeous ages of the Hittites. Hattusas is also listed by UNESCO in the World Heritage List. Another Hittite site is Ortakoy, or ancient Sapinuva, located at 53 km southeast of Corum.

From the more recent periods, Osmancik and Sungurlu districts in the environs of the city offer beautiful architectural works. The 13th century Ulu Mosque built by the Seljuks is one example, while the 19th century clock tower constitutes another attractive monument. There are also a couple of old stone bridges on the Kizilirmak river.

Çorum today is a lovely and modern province with rich natural, cultural and economic resources. Of particular interest is the fineness of the chickpeas (leblebi in Turkish) found here, and the region is famed for the delicious roasted chickpeas. The city has also small industries of leather processing, weaving, copperware and ironworks.

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.

Bayburt was once an important center on the ancient Silk Route in Anatolia and it was visited by Marco Polo and Turkish excursionist Evliya Çelebi. Xenophan wrote in his book of Anabasis that the city was an Iskit city called as Gymnias. It was a big and prosperous town in Asia Minor.

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.

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.

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 display the architectural characteristics of the art movements after the Tanzimat 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.

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.

The castle, two churches, bedesten, Kuskayasi Road Monument (Unique in the world) and inziva (seclusion) cave inside the city center are among the visual parts of the ancient city. The sections of the ancient city like forum, council palace, road of honor, theatre, acropolis, necropolis are below ground.

Kurucasile was also one of the locations which had the best viewing place for the last total solar eclipse of the 20th century which happened on 11th August 1999.

Like all cities extending along the beautiful Black Sea coast, Artvin is a lovely district, 64 kms southeast of Hopa, possessing picturesque views of nature. 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.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.

Amasya is one of the provinces in Central Anatolia of Turkey 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.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 Ottoman Palace and a secret underground passageway. On the rock faces there are impressive rock tombs of the Pontus kings, which contribute very much to the attractiveness of the city. At night, when they are illuminated, the view is unforgettable.

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.

Yalova used to be a district of Istanbul until some years ago and than became a province itself having 100.000 inhabitants approximately and is a beautiful city in the Marmara region of Anatolia with green plateaus, agricultural areas and spas. Yalova hot springs are located to the south of the Sea of Marmara, 11 km southwest of the town of Yalova in a wonderfully green setting. There is a good road between Istanbul - Yalova and Bursa - Yalova and car and passenger ferries have a regular schedule between Istanbul - Yalova (50 minutes journey).

Hot Springs

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.

Earthquake

On 17th August 1999, at 03:02 AM, 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, Adapazari, Bursa, Bolu and Istanbul are amongst other provinces damaged by this quake.

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.

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.

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.

Kirklareli is a province of Turkey on the border with Bulgaria in Thrace, on the west side of the Yildiz (Istranca) Mountains, having a population of 333.256 as of January 2008. The city has 6550 square kilometers of land area at an altitude of 203 meters above sea level, with a continental climate system.

Its written history goes back to Bronze Age and the province has witnessed many invasions throughout this long past especially during Roman and Byzantine periods. It was captured by the Ottoman sultan Murat I in the 14th century.

Kirklareli is a province of natural beauty, adorned with forests and plateaus. Derekoy, Kofcaz, Demirkoy and Vize are the most densely forested areas of the province. The land is suitable for hunting and fishing, in its forests and rivers. The Istranca Mountains offer opportunities also for camping and picnicking in a sea of forest with various sport opportunities. Here, near Saka lake at Igneada, the Longos forests are declared as a national park in 2007.

Dupnisa cave in Sarpdere village, 58 kilometers northeast of the city center, is opened to the public in 2003 and became a very popular cave amongst local people and tourists. It was formed around 180 million years ago and has a total length of 2720 meters.

The sightseeing spots in Kirklareli are numerous. It is architecturally rich, especially with fine monuments from Ottoman times. Cedit Ali Pasha Mosque, Hizirbey Mosque, Kadi Mosque, Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque and Beyazit Mosque, are several, in which you can observe different features of Turkish architecture. There is also a Turkish bath in the city from 1683.

For those who would like to make use of sandy beaches and clear waters, Igneada, Kiyikoy and Kastros are good spots, and have simple accommodation facilities. In those places you can also taste typical Turkish kitchen based on sea food.