Large Turkish city. Where to go to Turkey - the best resort cities in Turkey. When is the best time to go

Full of stunning natural beauty, from calm beaches before impressive mountains and well preserved

architecture, Turkey is one of the most unusual countries for visiting. These 10 cities are simply impossible to miss.

Amasya

located in northern Turkey, Small town Amasya lies in a narrow valley on the banks of the Eshilyrmak River, at the foot of rocky mountains. It is in a place called Amasya that one of the most famous tales of Turkish folklore, "Fehrat and Shirin", takes place. Above the city are several rock-cut tombs, and the city itself is filled with beautiful Ottoman houses and ancient bridges.

Bozcaada

A little gem on an island in the Aegean, Bozcaada has managed to escape much of Turkey's modernization and the city still retains much of its original architecture and buildings. Here is a well-preserved castle XV th century. The island is also rich natural beauty, from soft sandy beaches to rolling hills rising above the clear blue sea.

Goreme (Göreme)

Göreme is located in the Cappadocia region, a region known for its bizarre rock formations, with hundreds of amazing "fairy chimneys" rising from the ground and interspersed with villages and houses. Beautifully decorated churches, houses and underground cities can be seen in the complex of temples and monasteries in the open-air museum.

Istanbul

This is the biggest and most famous city country with some of the most beautiful buildings and landscapes throughout Turkey. The city is located on the strait between the Marmara and Black Seas, and creates a beautiful contrast between the calm blue waters and noisy city. The art and architecture of Istanbul has been conscientiously preserved, making it one of the the best places to experience the life of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

Kash (Kash)

Kash is a charming, untouched fishing village located at the foot of the green hills right on the coast mediterranean sea that became wildly popular tourist destination. This was mainly due to the natural beauty, the well-preserved historic ruins and streets, and the ample diving opportunities.

Mardin

Located in southeastern Anatolia, Mardin is one of the most picturesque cities in Turkey, which is classified as World Heritage UNESCO. A bunch of historical buildings down the slope, and on top of the hill is old fortress. The city is also home to magnificent mosques and churches.

Safranbolu (Safranbolu)

The unusual name Safranbolu comes from the word "saffron" and the Greek word for "city", as it was originally one of the main places for growing and selling precious spices. Today the city is best known for its exceptional historical places and well-preserved houses. It has over 1,000 registered historical artifacts, including tombs, Turkish baths and several mosques from the 17th century.

Sanliurfa (Sanliurfa)

Known in Mesopotamian times as the city of Edessa, Şanliurfa is located along the main trade routes between Europe, Asia and Africa. It has witnessed most of the key historical movements and occupations in Turkish history, including by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Alexander the Great. Shanliurfa is also considered the birthplace of the prophet Abraham, who argued, in accordance with the Jewish and Islamic religions, the benefits of monotheism to King Nimrod.

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In the heart of the city is the original Roman amphitheater, contrasting with modern houses, bars and bustle Everyday life. Along the seashore lie the majestic ruins of the temple of Apollo, which become even more impressive in the fiery red rays of the sunset. The city is also famous for its natural beauty, as it is surrounded on both sides by golden sand and crystal clear waters Mediterranean Sea.

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10th place - Mersin

• Population: 842 230

Mersin - Big city and a busy port on the Mediterranean coast of southern Turkey, is the capital of the Mersin province. Plays an important role in the Turkish economy and this moment is largest port Turkey. The area in which the city is located began to be inhabited as early as the 7th millennium BC, during the excavations carried out there, 23 cultural layers were found. The first city fortifications in Mersin were erected around 4500 BC. Under different names the city was repeatedly mentioned by many ancient authors. The Turks themselves call Mersin "the pearl of the Mediterranean."

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9th place - Kayseri

• Population: 911 984

To ayseri - old City located at the foot of Erciyes volcano. The volcano is considered extinct, and besides ancient city There is a good ski resort here. Many centuries ago it was called Caesarea of ​​Cappadocia, as well as Caesarea, Mazak and Eusebius. It's been enough Big City, where the residence of the kings was located, Christianity spread from here, it was here that the Romans minted coins for the conquered territories of Asia. Caesarea was captured by the Seljuk Turks in 1080. And further, for more than 200 years it was part of the Rum Sultanate. The city became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1515.

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8th place - Antalya

• Population: 955 573

K large and modern city Turkey - Antalya is located 12 km from the airport, has a developed network of hotels, many restaurants, discos, coffee houses in traditional style, entertainment centers and shops. The symbol of the city is the Yivli mosque with a high minaret. Of the museums, the most interesting are the house-museum of Ataturk, ethnographical museum Suna and Archaeological. Tourists coming here from all over the world enjoy a striking combination of magnificent beaches and traditional Turkish culture.

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7th place - Konya

• Population: 1 003 373

K onya is one of ancient cities on the territory of Turkey. People began to settle here as early as 4 thousand BC, and in Chatal Huyuk, which is nearby, even in 7.5 thousand BC. The city existed under the Hittites, Phrygians, Greeks and Romans. Greco-Roman Iconium is mentioned in the New Testament; the apostles Paul and Barnabas preached here. According to legend, the Christian saint Paraskeva-Pyatnitsa was born here. Now Konya remains one of the most conservative cities in Turkey.

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6th place - Gaziantep

• Population: 1 495 050

Gaziantep is one of the most major cities southeastern Anatolia. Unlike its more conservative neighbors, Gaziantep is even called the "Paris of the East". The largest transport hub occupies a leading position in export-import operations with foreign countries. In the industrial zone of Gaziantep, separated from the city by a forest belt, there are about a hundred small factories producing machine-knitted carpets. Turkey, thanks to Gaziantep, ranks third in the world in the supply of pistachio nuts.

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5th place - Adana

• Population: 1 563 545

Andana is the fifth largest and most important city in Turkey. The city is almost clearly divided into the old part with mosques, noisy bazaars and hotels, and the modern active Europeanized "new city". The first settlements appeared on the territory of Adana in the XIV century BC. e., then this place, strategic in all respects, was chosen (and captured) by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuk Turks. Later, Adana became part of the Ottoman Empire.

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4th place - Bursa

• Population: 1 854 285

Today Bursa is the fourth largest city in the country. The city is famous for its peaches, silk and chestnuts. The city was founded by the Ottomans, who started it as a small emirate on the territory to the east of present-day Bursa. Actually, the city became the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and remained so from 1326 to 1365, when it was captured by the Byzantines. Most of historical sights of Bursa dates back to the Ottoman period.

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3rd place - Izmir

• Population: 2 847 691

And the world, which stretches on the shores of a picturesque bay, is considered one of the most beautiful cities Turkey. According to legend, Izmir (ancient Smyrna) was founded by an Amazon queen named Smyrna and was once exclusively important city, comparable in importance to the famous Troy. Now the city is big. business center country and modern seaside resort with many ancient monuments, huge areas, various museums and palm groves.

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2nd place - Ankara

• Population: 4 587 558

And nkara is the capital and the second largest city in Turkey, with a population of almost 5 million people, located far from the sea at an altitude of more than 900 m above the Mediterranean on the outskirts of the Anatolian plateau. Existing from the 7th century BC. e. in the place where the famous caravan routes, Ancyra connected Europe with Asia. Now it is the second city in the Republic of Turkey not only in terms of population, but also in terms of importance. Metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and the military industry, based on the Turkish-American aerospace project begun back in the 1980s, are developed in the capital. Ankara has its own metro, international Airport, modern railway station.

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1st place - Istanbul

• Population: 14 025 646

Tambul is a modern city, but nevertheless it has a huge number of ancient sights that are an integral part of the history of this amazing place. The city is washed by two seas - Black and Marble. Most of the attractions are located in the center of Istanbul, among which the most popular are Blue Mosque and one of the most large structures Peace - Hagia Sophia. The crowded, seething metropolis remains a city for contemplation, for a leisurely immersion in wonderful world where times and cultures intertwined.

With a rapidly growing economy. According to 2014 data, the state has nine million-plus cities. We will tell you about the five largest of them: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa and Adana.

Istanbul

Heading the list of the largest cities in Turkey is the ancient and diverse Istanbul with a population approaching 11 million. Behind him are thousands of years of history and four great empires (Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman), of which he was the capital.

Now it is the industrial, cultural and commercial center of the country. Istanbul is located on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait, which divides it into two parts - Asian and European - connected by bridges and a metro tunnel. In terms of population, the city is the largest not only in Turkey, but throughout Europe. According to statistics, every fifth Turk lives in it.

Istanbul, like a kaleidoscope, combines the traditions of all the peoples who once lived in this territory. Mosques and churches, cathedrals and synagogues, modern theaters and the remains of Roman buildings, Egyptian obelisks and a German fountain, palaces and fortresses, oriental bazaars and modern shopping centers - it seems that it has everything.

Ankara

Ankara is the capital and major city of which is approaching 5 million people (currently 4.9 million). It is located at an altitude of about 938 m above sea level on the Anatolian plateau. The city has been known since ancient times. Having an advantageous position at the crossroads of trade routes linking Asia and Europe, it became one of the centers of Asia Minor.

Ankara is the second largest city in Turkey after Istanbul in terms of importance and level of economic potential. Its rapid development has determined an advantageous position in transport routes. Numerous industrial facilities, trading companies, banks, educational institutions and proximity to mineral deposits have made the city attractive to investors.

Like other major cities in Turkey, Ankara developed infrastructure And rich history attracts tourists. Almost a billion people a year receive its international airport.

Izmir

The Mediterranean Turkish city of Izmir (the center of the province of the same name) closes the top three. Its population is about 2.8 million people. By tradition, Izmir is considered the most liberal city in Turkey. Its existence has been known since ancient times. Until the infamous massacre of 1922, the city was inhabited mainly by Greeks, it was Christian.

One of the largest cities in Turkey has an excellent geographical position on the shores of the Gulf of Izmir, surrounded by low hills. Scenic views and temperate mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers make it attractive for tourists.

The production of trucks and buses of the BMC Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş brand has been established in Izmir. and one of the leading Turkish higher educational institutions- Izmir Institute of Technology.

Bursa

The large administrative center of Bursa is located in the northwest of Anatolia. It rightly bears the status of one of the largest cities in Turkey in terms of population, because. The number of people living in it exceeds 1.5 million.

It is believed that Bursa was founded in 202 BC. and in different times belonged to the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, moreover, the city was the capital in the period from 1326 to 1365. Now he's famous ski resorts on Mount Uludag, the Green Mosque and the mausoleum. The city has a subway and a developed tram network.

Adana

Closes the list of large cities being administrative center area of ​​the same name. The village is located just 50 km from mediterranean coast, on the river Seykhan. It has a typical Mediterranean climate with dry and hot summers. The population of Adana according to the latest data is more than 1.5 million people.

The city has ancient history and at different times was under the auspices of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, the Cilician Armenian kingdom. Thanks to the advantageous geographic location it was called the key to the passages of the Taurus. In the old days it was famous for its trade.

It is currently a major city in Turkey and is industrial center with a developed chemical, textile and food industry.

Afyon (Afyon-Karahisar) is a Turkish city located at the foot of a majestic cliff in the central region of Western Anatolia. The population in 2000 was just under 130,000 people. The town is small, but it has enough interesting objects for tourists, in addition, the colorfulness of the population is pronounced: the center is characterized by originality and extreme archaism.

Most tourists visit Afyon and this region with the aim of heading to medical geothermal sources located near the city.

The name of the city is translated from Turkish as "opium", because. until 1970, this region was among the country's leaders in growing this plant. When the production of opium poppy ceased, "Karahisar" was added to the name, which means "black fortress".

Story

The period of the Hittite kingdom of Artsava is the time of the first mention of the city of Afyon (approximately the middle of the 2nd century BC). It has been dominated by many empires, has survived several civilizations. It was part of Lydia, Phrygia, the Byzantine and Roman empires, and was also in the power of the successors of the great Alexander the Great. Initial name locality sounded like "Acroin".

In Afyon in 739, King Isvar and his son Constantine destroyed an Arab army that had entered the city. The Sultanate of Konya seized the territory at the beginning of the 13th century, and the treasury of the Seljuk sultans began to be stored in the local fortress. The next state was the Ottoman Empire, under which the city acquired the second part modern name"Karahisar". Having endowed the city of Afyon with this name, the authorities had in mind a local fortress built of black stone.

Afyon can also be reached by bus from most Turkish cities. The distance from Istanbul will be 455 km, from Antalya - 300 km, from Izmir - 340 km and from Ankara - 260 km. It is also possible to rent a car or order a taxi, which will comfortably take you to the hotel.

When is the best time to go

A city with a rich history attracts tourists, first of all, with an interesting past and healing springs. If your goal is only to get to know Afyon, its original culture and local attractions, then almost all year round its gates are open for you. But optimum time for such a trip will be autumn. At this time, unlike the exhausting summer heat, the air is fresher, the temperature favors long walks. Truth exists in autumn Great chance precipitation that interferes with a calm inspection of the area.

It is recommended to visit Afyon between March and October. In November, winter already comes and the likelihood of rain increases significantly. Therefore, the trip may be overshadowed by a downpour, although sunny days at this time, too, you can catch. It is worth noting that, visiting the city outside tourist season, you can save a lot.

Weather

For western territory Turkey, on which Afyon is located, is characterized by a Mediterranean climate. In summer, as in most Turkish regions, the weather is hot and dry. It is significantly different from the nearby resorts: sharper and less comfortable. If the summer here resembles the steppe with an exhausting atmosphere, then the winter in Afyon, on the contrary, is quite cold and even snowy. From December to February, the air does not warm up above +6 degrees, and at night the temperature drops to -5 degrees.

The hottest month is August with daytime temperatures around +30 degrees. However, at night it can drop to +13 degrees, so it is better to take warm clothes with you. In the spring it is quite rainy here, which favors a pleasant stay.

Where to go, what to see in Afyon

Afyon is one of the Turkish cities that is famous among tourists due to its past. This popular place for excursions, where guests from different countries come every year.

It is worth paying attention to the following attractions:

• The fortress of the city is probably its main attraction. From here you have a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The top is adorned with four old water tanks and several prayer books;
• In Afyon, you can see monuments made of tufa blocks that are not found anywhere else in the world. The surroundings of the city will give travelers the opportunity to appreciate family crypts and rock-cut tombs. These structures date from the period of Byzantine as well as Roman rule;
• The Akdag Mountains will allow you to fully enjoy great views local nature, canyons, caves, forests with wild animals. From the canyon of Tokaly, a bewitching panorama of the surroundings opens up;
• Thermal spas- perhaps, along with ancient monuments - the visiting card of Afyon. According to legend, these thermal springs cured the king's daughter of many diseases;
• A separate attraction can be called most of the buildings of the old part of the city, because. they date from the 13th-14th century. Unfortunately, many of them did not reach our time because of the fire of 1902. Restoration of houses is carried out with great care in order to minimally change the original image of buildings;
• One of the religious sights of Afyon "Ulu" is a mosque built at the foot of the fortress in the 13th century. The outer walls of this interesting building were built of natural stone, and 40 wooden columns were used to support the roof;
• The monument "Victory" is installed in the center of the city and is its calling card. It was installed in 1936 as a gift from the architect Krippel, from Austria;
• Archaeological Museum Afyon keeps a rich collection of artifacts from different historical periods - from the Hittites to the Ottomans. Outside is the most big statue Hercules, and inside you can find other Greek marble statues.

Where to live

The city offers tourists several options for accommodation during the holidays. It offers standard city-type hotels, in the suburbs of Afyon you can find many thermal hotels, and in the historical part there are several boutique hotels. A chic 5-star hotel with breakfast and dinner has quite acceptable prices but places should be booked in advance.

One of the famous hotels is İkbal Thermal Hotel&Spa. It is popular with tourists due to its separate spacious spa areas with thermal springs. Modern pleasant design in large rooms and good service will also delight visitors. During breakfast, you can taste a local dish - high-fat cream - kaymak. There is another one located 8 km from the city center. good hotel- Anemon Afyon with a business center, spa and a high level of service.

How to get around Afyon

The internal transport of Afyon is represented by taxis, buses and dolmush - fixed-route taxis. local buses suitable for moving around the city, but they are often crowded. You can use the services of a taxi: you just need to discuss the cost of the trip in advance, despite the mandatory installed counters in the car. It is also necessary to remember that nightly rates are twice as expensive.

Dolmushi is one of the most common modes of transport not only in Afyon, but throughout the country. The cost of the trip is low and fixed. Payment is made upon landing, and the driver is ready to stop at any place at your request. IN small towns public transport Ends running around 8:00 p.m.

Where to eat

The city is famous for three products that are worth trying in local establishments. These are lokum - local sweets, kaymak - high-fat cream, and Turkish smoked sausage - sujuk.

Afyon has a sufficient number of establishments that offer both Turkish and international cuisine. One of the traditional restaurants local cuisine- Asci Bacaksiz. Desserts can be enjoyed at Oztaylan Yayla Sekerleme. Tourists can also visit one of fish restaurants, order the famous Turkish coffee and local sweets.

What to bring from Afyon

As a souvenir in the city, you can buy local culinary "sights" - sujuk, kaymak and sweets. The attention of foreign guests is also attracted by silk carpets, handmade copper products and kilims. On the territory of Afyon there are quite a lot of workshops with folk crafts, in which traditional motifs are used in the manufacture of various items.

In local stores, you can buy leather and cotton goods at a bargain price; in many of them, if you bargain with the seller, you can significantly reduce the price of the goods. Everywhere you can also buy traditional Turkish souvenirs.

There are so many cities in Turkey that it is impossible to describe them all. In addition, many are of no interest to tourists - there are no ancient sights and entertainment, they live only locals. But there are others that are simply a must-see if you want to get acquainted with history, architecture and cultural heritage countries.

Here we will not describe them all, but will focus only on the best Turkish cities, the most significant for tourists. All of them are either far from the sea, or in them. beach holiday difficult due to inconvenient entry and dirty water.

Istanbul is the best city in Turkey

Number one on the list. The most visited and the best of all. Istanbul is simply oversaturated with entertainment, markets and shopping malls. If you want to get three in one, then be sure to come here.

Definitely worth a look:

• palaces and
• Architectural ensemble Mihrimah Sultan,
• Bayazit architectural complex.

And this is only a small part interesting places. There is also entertainment:

• Babalu Park,
• Bayramoglu Zoo,
• Ice Museum Magic Ice,

In addition, there is great shopping in Istanbul, visit:

• shopping malls and many more.

Ankara - the capital of Turkey

A Turkish city of great economic importance, however, is not so popular with tourists. However, if you would like to get to know ancient culture, see unique historical monuments, visit museums and go shopping, then Ankara is waiting for you. This is a city where modern service and traditional oriental wisdom, large shopping centers and historical sights, chic restaurants and small eateries coexist.

Ankara is divided into Old and New town. Most of the sights in the first: mosques, museums, and just the streets.

Shopping lovers will be pleased with large shopping centers, such as Karum Mall and Armada Mall.

Izmir

It is the largest port and the third largest city in Turkey. Although located on the coast Aegean Sea, a beach holiday is impossible here, you have to go to the suburbs for it. Izmir - oldest city countries with the ruins of ancient Greek and Roman buildings. It is also an excellent starting point for traveling to neighboring areas, where there are many interesting sights: Pergamum, Troy,. After trips, you can walk around the local shops. The best choice souvenirs, clothes, shoes, fabrics, etc. at the Kemeralti bazaar.

Mersin

A modern metropolis with a free trade zone, picturesque boulevards, green parks, palm alleys and large shopping centers. And, of course, there are many interesting historical monuments, for example, the ruins of Sola, the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement, the Archaeological Museum, Roman baths, which are decorated with exquisite mosaics. There is no bathable beach in the city center, in its place there is a long and beautiful embankment, where there are many playgrounds, cafes, restaurants. To swim, you have to drive a few kilometers.

Konya - the spiritual center of the country

A city in Turkey will be interesting as excursion place. People also come here for silence, regularity and peace of mind, there are no noisy discos, only in tourist places and at hotels there is some "movement". It also enjoys the climate, which is not so hot in the summer months due to the altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. Popular attractions are the Mevlana Museum and the ancient settlements of Chatal Huyuk. It is better to come here on December 10-17, when the festival of whirling dervishes takes place.