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Marmara Region
Balikesir
Bilecik
Bursa
Canakkale
Edirne
Kocaeli-izmit
Kirklareli
Sakarya
Tekirdag
Yalova
Istanbul
Aegean Region
Afyon
Aydin
Denizli
Kutahya
Manisa
Mugla
Usak
Izmir
Black Sea Region
Amasya
Artvin
Bartin
Bayburt
Bolu
Cankiri
Duzce
Giresun
Gumushane
Karabuk
Kastamonu
Ordu
Rize
Samsun
Sinop
Tokat
Trabzon
Zonguldak
The Mediterranean
Adana
Antalya
Burdur
Hatay
Isparta
Kahramanmaras
Osmaniye
Icel
Central Anatolia
Aksaray
Ankara
Corum
Eskisehir
Karaman
Kayseri
Konya
Kirikkale
Kirsehir
Nevsehir
Nigde
Sivas
Yozgat
East Anatolia
Agri
Ardahan
Bingol
Bitlis
Elazig
Erzincan
Erzurum
Hakkari
Igdir
Kars
Malatya
Mus
Tunceli
Van
South East Anatolia
Adiyaman
Batman
Diyarbakir
Gaziantep
Kilis
Mardin
Sanliurfa
Siirt
Sirnak
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The Mediterranean
South of the majestic Taurus Mountains lie on the shores of the
Mediterranean Sea with its beaches of fine sand, vistas of rare and
rugged beauty, many ancient ruins, hidden coves and alluring vacation
getaways. The region is bathed in sunshine 300 days ayear, and is a
paradise for swimming, sunbathing and watersports. You can also explore
important historical sites dating back thousands of years, set in a
landscape of pine forests and citrus groves and learn about the
mythology that is intertwinedwith the area.The Mediterranean coast is as
full of antique artefacts as the Aegean. In the ancient Lycian region,
west of Antalya, you can experience the beauty of the mountain cities of
Termessos and Arikand, as well as the coastal towns such as Olimpos,
Kale,Kekova and Kas. The ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos and Side are
located on the coastal plane east of Antalya, originally called
Pamphylia.
Antalya is one of the Mediterranean's most important cities and is
Turkey's hottest vacation spot, with the beaches of Konyaalti to the
west and Lara to the east, lying at the foot of Antalya's massive
mountain range. It is an attractive holidaygetaway with palm-lined
streets, beautiful parks, an abundance of accommodation, restaurants,
bars and nightclubs, and a picturesque marina. The symbol of this city,
founded in the 2nd century BC, is the Yivli Minaret, which dates back to
the Seljukera. The Asagi Duden Waterfall to the east flows over huge
boulders into the sea. West of Antalya is the attractive little holiday
town of Kemer, famous for its sandy beaches surrounded by pine forests
and mountains.The next big town east of Antalya is Alanya, a panoramic
port city on the southern slopes of the majestic Taurus Mountains
surrounded by orange, lemon and banana groves. Used by the Seljuk Sultan
Alaaddin Keykubat as a winter residence, Alanya’sshipyard dates back to
the same era and was one of the most advanced in the world at that time.
It is also famous for its 9th century castle and its popular beaches.Near
Anamur is a castle from the Middle Ages, situated between two beaches
and one of the most spectacular castles along the coast. The road from
Anamur to Silifke, with its endless curves and bends, follows a route
studded with breathtaking coastalvistas.The dilapidated caves near
Narlikuyu are called Heaven, which has a small church inside, heaven and
Hell (Cennet ve Cehennem). The castle of Kizkalesi, which is situated in
the water across from the medieval castle of Korykos, seems to rise out
of the seaitself.
Two surprises on the road to Mersin, are the ancient Roman cities of
Kanlidivane and Viransehir. With its charming parks, beach promenades,
commercial port and free trade zone, Mersin is one of the most modern
cities on the Mediterranean.East of Tosos, the Cukurova plane is a
fertile agricultural region known especially for its cotton fields. In
the middle is the city of Adana with its rich textile industry, and to
the east is the Dortyol (Issos) Plane, where Alexander the Greatdefeated
the Persian king Darius. As a result of his victory, a port city bearing
his name was established which is now the modern day Iskenderun.The road
leaves Iskenderun on the southeast and goes through the Belen Pass to
Antakya (Antioch). This first Christian community founded by Saint Peter
has given Antakya a special religious significance, and the first
sermons were preached in nearbycave. It is considered a place of
pilgrimage, and the city also boasts a mosaic exhibition of rare beauty
in its museum.Kahramanmaras is a relatively undiscovered province of the
Mediterranean. One of its best-loved features is the cuisine, which has
its own specialities like its special orchid drink (salep) and its world
famous ice-cream made from goat and cows’ milk.The historical legacy of
Kahramanmaras in the Ottoman Empire is still relevant today with its
gilded silver, leather and copper works.
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CITIES
