The Regions of Türkiye

Imagine a country with a from east to west, north to south tells a different story and leaves a different taste in every corner. Türkiye is not just a geography; it is a living legacy where the past, nature, and people are intertwined.

In this article, we will get to know Türkiye with its seven regions and discover the unique nature, culture and unforgettable flavours of each region. A unique Anatolian tale awaits you on this journey from the raging waves of the Black Sea to the warm beaches of the Mediterranean, from the spice-scented streets of the Southeast to the villages decorated with olive trees of the Aegean.

MARMARA: Gateway to Europe

The Marmara Region is Türkiye’s window to Europe and its economic heart. As a region connecting Asia and Europe, it has a great importance in world history. This region, which is a transit point both geographically and culturally, has been the crossroads of civilisations throughout history and has always attracted attention with its rich cuisine and natural beauties.

Istanbul: Capital of Three Empires

The heart of Marmara is, of course, Istanbul. This fascinating city, which was the capital of Eastern Rome, Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire, is an open-air museum bearing traces of every moment of history. From Hagia Sophia to Topkapi Palace, from Galata to Beyoğlu, from the Bosphorus to the Grand Bazaar, this city bears the traces of both east and west. This unique metropolis, where tradition and modernity, crowds and tranquillity meet, is one of the cultural capitals not only of Türkiye but also of the world.

Some Special Dishes of Marmara:

Iskender Kebab (Bursa), Edirne fried liver, Inegol Kofte…

AEGEAN: Geography of Blue, Peace and Holiday

The Aegean Region is one of the most preferred holiday destinations in Türkiye. The deep blue bays, villages decorated with stone houses and seaside towns waking up with the sunrise form the soul of the Aegean. This region is a paradise for both those who want to be in touch with nature and those who want to experience the sea, sand and sun trio to the fullest.

The Aegean coast is full of seaside resorts that have become the favourite of local and foreign tourists. Places such as Çeşme, Alaçatı, Didim, Kuşadası, Ayvalık, Foça, Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye offer countless alternatives for both fun summer evenings and quiet getaways.

The Aegean fascinates not only with its sea but also with its nature. The hills dotted with olive groves, lavender fields, hiking trails and roads surrounded by ancient cities allow visitors not only to relax but also to explore.

Some Special Dishes of the Aegean:

Yaprak Sarma, Seafoods, Çökertme Kebabı…

CENTRAL ANATOLIA: A Hidden History and Culture in the Middle of the Steppe

Central Anatolia has a quiet but deep character in the centre of Türkiye with its wide valleys, harsh climate and deep-rooted history. Ankara, the heart of the region, attracts history fans with its Anıtkabir, the symbol of the Republic, and its museums. Cappadocia in Nevşehir attracts worldwide attention with its fairy chimneys, underground cities and balloon tours. Konya stands out with its atmosphere full of spirituality bearing the traces of Mevlana. Eskişehir is a dynamic and modern city with its Porsuk River and young population. Kayseri contributes to both winter tourism with Mount Erciyes and cuisine with its pastrami.

Some Special Dishes of the Central Anatolia:

Yağlama (Kayseri), Etli Ekmek (Konya), Çibörek (Eskişehir)…

BLACK SEA: A Thousand Shades of Green, The Purest State of Nature

The Black Sea Region is Türkiye’s greenest, freshest and most colourful geography with the most lively nature. Mountains, plateaus, streams, and misty hills come together here; traditional life and natural beauty intertwine. Trabzon stands out with natural wonders such as Sümela Monastery and Uzungöl. Rize is the favourite of nature lovers with its plateaus, tea gardens and foggy mountain peaks. Artvin is like a hidden paradise with its unique spots such as Karagöl and Macahel. Samsun, as the modern face of the Black Sea, combines historical richness and city life. Amasya smells of history with its Ottoman houses and king tombs on the banks of Yeşilırmak. Tokat is a bridge between Central Anatolia and the Black Sea and is a city of agriculture and stockbreeding with its fertile plains.

Some Special Dishes of the Black Sea Region:

Hamsi Tava, Tokat Kebabı, Kuymak (Trabzon & Rize)

MEDITERREANEAN:  Where Sun and History Embrace

The Mediterranean Region is a four-season tourism centre with its long coastline, clear sea and historical ruins. The region carries traces of Mediterranean culture on every part. Antalya is the star of the region with its beaches, ancient cities (Side, Aspendos, Olympos) and luxury holiday resorts. Mersin stands out with its seaside and historical spots such as Tarsus. Adana attracts attention with its warm weather and rich cuisine at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. Hatay is a land of taste and culture where civilizations meet.

Some Special Dishes of the Mediterranean Region:

Adana Kebabı, Maraş Dondurması, Künefe (Hatay)…

EASTERN ANATOLIA: An Unshakable Culture in a Harsh Geography

The Eastern Anatolia Region is the oldest witness of Anatolia with its high mountains, historical buildings, harsh climate and deep-rooted folk culture. The region, which has the two largest barrages in Türkiye, is of crucial importance for Türkiye. Erzurum is the address of winter tourism with Palandöken Mountain. Van is famous for its breakfast and is worth seeing with Lake Van and Akdamar Island. Kars turns into a white fairy tale land in winter with its Ani Ruins and Çıldır Lake. Ağrı offers epic views with Türkiye’s highest peak Mount Ağrı and Ishak Pasha Palace.

Some Special Dishes of the Eastern Anatolia:

Cağ Kebabı (Erzurum), İçli Köfte (Elazığ), Kadayıf Dolması (Erzurum)…

SOUTHEAST ANATOLIA: Capital of Flavour and Hospitality

The Southeastern Anatolia Region is a deep cultural centre which blends the past and the present in the ancient lands of Mesopotamia. Gaziantep has entered the flavour heritage of UNESCO with its cuisine. Şanlıurfa, called the City of Prophets, bears the first traces of human history such as Göbeklitepe and Balıklıgöl. Mardin is an open-air museum with its stone houses and Assyrian culture. Diyarbakır preserves its historical texture with its city walls and Hevsel Gardens. Batman leaves an emotional trace with the flooded heritage of Hasankeyf. Adıyaman is world-famous for its giant statues on Mount Nemrut.

Some Special Dishes of Southeast Anatolia:

Çiğköfte, Lahmacun, Antep Baklavası, Antep Tava, Mumbar, Beyran…

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