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ANCIENT AND FASCINATING MARMARA
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The Marmara region is in the northwestern edge of
Turkey where Europe and Asia converge. Its name is derived from the
inland sea with the same moniker. The Marmara Sea is encompassed
completely by land and joined to the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea.
The islands of Bozcaada and Gokceada are included in this region.
This is a very historical area where various civilizations thrived
and many tribes moved through via Asia Minor going to Europe and
vise versa.
Istanbul is the center of the Marmara region with its historical
interest and beauty. It is butted by the horn-shaped Bosphorus
Strait, which is lined with green groves and also endowed with the
lovely shores of the Marmara Sea. The red sunset at Bosphorus is
amazing. A visitor can enjoy a restful view of the Eyup Camii while
sitting on the hilltop at the Pierre Loti Cafe. This strait was a
major center for the navies of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.
Marmara Island found its fame starting with the Roman Empire because
it had vast amounts of marble to quarry and this fact didn't escape
the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. Located in Marmara the Uludag is
a major mountain peak and the highest in this region. Highly
frequented ski resorts are located here. The Green Bursa sets at the
bottom of this mountain and is a palatial forest. The bird sanctuary
for more than 2000 bird species, in the Kus Cenneti National Park is
in Marmara. Vineyards just like in ancient times are located here
combined with sunflower plantations that together are quaint and
lovely. There are abundant fruit orchards in Marmara, which it is
also known for. The shoreline of the Marmara Sea is dotted with a
plethora of resorts and beaches.
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Since it is close to Europe it is connected with the Trans-European
Motorway and is accessible from the Bosphorus and Dardanelles
Straits. It is a major center of tourism. Arriving from Europe a
trekker sees the magnificent Mimar Sinan Selimiye Mosque. The
European influence can be seen in the Beyoglu District in its
architecture and the tunnel that the French built in 1875.
The region has a tumultuous history. During the second Persia War of
481 B.C. King Xerxes built a bridge with boats across the
Dardanelles Straits. He was repaying the Athenians, Naxianx, and the
Eretrians for aiding in the Ionian Revolt and their triumph against
the Persians at marathon, which was a loss to his father Darius.
The first large victory won by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was in World
War I. This
warfare took place in December of 1915. The aim was to rout the
troops of the Turkish Ottoman Empire out in order to control the
Dardanelles.The empire was allied with Germany and Austria. Gelibolu
is visited by numerous tourists every year to see the grave and
battlegrounds.
Gezbe situated north on the Marmara Sea has a wealth of history,
while Iznik is an interesting city that was famous during the
Ottoman Period for producing beautiful glazed tiles. The first
capital city of the Ottoman Empire was Bursa which is famous for silk. It is a
very historical city, which offers these wondrous sites to
visit: Emir Sultan, Yildirim Mosques, The Green
Tomb , The Green Mosque and the Ethnographic Museum.
Visitors to the region can stay in the Hotel Istanbul situated in
the city's center and enjoy the restaurant, coffee bar, and free
guarded parking. There are many five star hotels in Marmara offering
hydrotherapy, massages, facials, Turkish baths, sauna, pool, and
gym.
For more moderate prices an Internet search for three star and
budget hotels in the Marmara region will help you find a suitable
place to stay. You can also search for special class hotels, and
Holiday Villages and find accommodations. To find cheaper
accommodations search for hostels in the Marmara region and you find
find them in some cities.
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