The seven regions of Turkey are a perfect introduction to the country’s diversity. Whether it’s just for a simple journey, or live in Turkey.
Each one of the regions of Turkey is worth a visit; the seven geographic regions of Turkey are a perfect introduction to the country’s diversity.
1-Marmara Region
Sitting in the northwest of Turkey; the Marmara region includes Istanbul; the largest, most populous, and liveliest city.
Although it is home to Turkey’s most populous city don’t assume the Marmara region is all about an urban lifestyle because the Bolu promotes natural life and Mother Nature. This scenic region with blue lakes and lush green landscapes; is the favorite weekend destination for Turks living in big cities like Istanbul and Ankara.
2-Aegean Region
Another important region amongst the regions of Turkey with the longest coastline, this region collects its name from the Aegean Sea. Three central provinces; Aydin, Izmir and Mugla stand out as strong performers for travelers and expats living and buying property in Turkey.
Notable districts include Kusadasi; which has a rampant trade in cruise ships moored to view the ancient ruins near the city of Ephesus.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the top visited attraction; while all days hundreds of tourists also descend on Inland Denizli to see its natural site of Pamukkale, also called the Cotton Castle Travertine Pools.
Didim a small resort is home to the ancient temple of Apollo and little nicknamed Britain; because large population of British expats live there year round . Izmir; often labeled as the Pearl of the Aegean Sea is Turkey’s third largest city, a major export / import industry hub, and a center of medical and academic excellence.
Finally, the Bodrum Peninsula; a pioneer of the Turkish Riviera, is a creative inspiration hub for artisans. And also a booming part of Turkey’s tourism industry. Favored by foreigners, and Turks, the peninsula includes smaller resorts like Gumusluk, Turgutreis and Yalikavak, this plan gained international fame when they built the large, ultra-modern mega yacht marina.
3-Mediterranean Region
Covering the entire south coast, the Mediterranean region is Turkey’s success story. Excelling in all walks of life, he makes a roaring trade in tourism, foreign real estate, education, and general affairs.
Backed by the Taurus mountain range during the summer; the locals and vacationers alike flock to the coastal regions to bask on the sandy beaches fronted by the magnificent blue of the Mediterranean Sea.
The mass amounts of things to do in Antalya; make it a hotspot, alongside smaller, performing districts like Kemer, Belek, Side and Alanya, the fastest growing tourism hub in Turkey.
Further west, Fethiye which includes the city center, and smaller resorts like Oludeniz, Calis, Ovacik and Hisaronu has also become an expat hub favored by Brits. Marmaris, sitting on the edge of the Aegean province is another crucial tourist destination and property.
The Mediterranean coast also includes Lycia, a 516-kilometer hiking trail exploring historic towns and ancient ruins of the Lycian Kingdom. One should not forget the French Riviera, of which this stretch is known as the Turquoise Coast because of the blue sea, sandy beaches, and numerous coves and islands.
Attracted by the laid back lifestyle, wonderful weather and low real estate prices; thousands of foreigners of different nationalities have purchased property here, consequently securing its crown as a multicultural destination.
4-Black Sea Region
Covering the entire north coast, the Black Sea region is Turkey’s rising star . For decades; while the south and west of the country developed booming tourism and real estate, the Black Sea has remained off the grid. However, in recent years, Middle Eastern nationalities who find great cultural similarities, and the undying interest in stunning landscapes have traveled there.
The northeastern provinces enjoy celebrity fame. Including Trabzon; the subject of many Kuwaitis, Iraqis and other nationalities who want to buy property there. The advantage of coastal living for a small real estate investment is hard to resist as the picturesque landscapes of places like Ayder Plateau and Uzungol stimulate tourist trade.
The green landscape mountains, flowing waterfalls and ancient Sumela monastery makes it a unique destination. Other notable areas include Rize, the capital of tea, and further west, Amasya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its Pontic tombs and old Ottoman houses.
5-Central Anatolian Region
At the heart of the country, the Central Anatolia region has a lot of attributes to boast of. First, the government reigns over Ankara, the capital. Secondly, many Turks have a strong respect for the Anitkabir; holding the tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who founded the Republic.
Three o’clock, Kayseri town is a major business center. While sitting in the west, Konya town oozes spiritual ambiance as the home of Rumi, one of history’s most famous poets. However, it is the region of Cappadocia that garners all the glory as Turkey’s top three tourist destination.
The surreal fairy chimney landscape; Christian history, ancient underground cities and diverse flora and fauna attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. During the year; hot air balloons soaring above the Cappadocia plains in the early morning are a photographic spectacle worthy of gracing the pages of National Geographic.
The unique wind flow makes it the perfect location for balloon rides while its distinct landscape also attracts trekkers. Although foreigners buy property in Cappadocia, house prices in Göreme; a central neighborhood, are higher because many are under protection status.
6-East Anatolian Region
Comprised of most of Turkey; this region is not popular amongst the regions of Turkey on the traditional overseas travel industry, but over the past decade, Turks have taken a greater interest in exploring the bordering flat plains.
Turkey covers over 783,000 square kilometers Due to its enormous size, the Koppen Climate Classification Systems says 8 different climate zones occur at any given time.
7-South Anatolian Region
Covering just over 59,000 square kilometers, in history; the southern Anatolian region sits on the edge of Mesopotamia, which some say has been the cradle of civilizations. These days, it encompasses the provinces of Diyarbakir, Mardin, Sanliurfa and Gaziantep, among other smaller ones.
They have a remarkable history, rich cultural background and fantastic cuisine, which travelers of the world would find interesting. However, while tourism to the region is growing around 2013; it shares a border with Syria, so these days tourists don’t go there, and foreign governments have labeled it as unsafe for Trip.
Two other notable provinces include Batman for its name and the ancient city of Hasankeyf; which will be submerged when a new dam is built.
The hotter climate of the southeastern region in the summer leads them to produce different agricultural exports. But they are good at what they do. Gaziantep grows the best quality pistachio nuts. And the reputation of bakers in the area is that they make the best baklava.
Sanliurfa is the home of Ibrahim (Abraham), a prophet of Islam, while the historic center of Mardin displays extraordinary ancient architecture. The famous wigwam houses sit in Harran, and other must-see attractions include Göbekli Tepe , the oldest human settlement ever to be found, and the statue heads of Mount Nemrut.