Marmara (region)

Marmara is a region in North Western Turkey. It is Turkey's bridge and connection to Europe. Turkey's largest city, Istanbul is the region's capital. Regions Eastern Marmara— where Ottoman Empire started 700 years ago, featuring historical towns with whitewashed architecture amidst woods and lakes Eastern Thrace (European Turkey)— most Balkan part of the country, both geographically and culturally Istanbul Province— world-class metropolis Istanbul and its environs Southern Marmara— from former Ottoman capital Bursa in the east to Aegean coast dotted with Roman temples in the west Cities Balikesir— an inland city with rail links to Izmir Bursa— former Ottoman capital featuring lots of early imperial history, now one of the biggest cities of the country Canakkale— city on the banks of Dardanelles Strait near the Aegean, hub for visiting Gallipoli, Troy, and Bozcaada Edirne— another former Ottoman capital with lots of history to see, first Turkish city when approaching from west Istanbul— metropolis connecting Europe and Asia, capital of three empires Izmit— industrial city east of Istanbul Iznik (Nicaea)— historical town on the coast of Lake İznik which is the site of the first and seventh ecumenical seventh councils of Christianity Tekirdağ— city on the northern coast of Marmara, famous for its local meatballs and raki, and where Hungarian prince Rakoczi was exiled Yalova— city south of Istanbul across the Gulf of Izmit, surrounded by verdant mountains dotted with thermal springs and waterfalls Other destinations Gallipoli— site of WWI memorials and 1915 Anzac landing Troy— ruins of what was the legendary Trojan War was fought for Mt. Uludağ (2,400 mt) near Bursa is a national park and the main wintersports resort of Turkey. Islands Bozcaada— small island with pleasant architecture, streetscape, and a citadel Gokceada— deserted Greek villages on a mountanious island Marmara Islands— archipelago in the middle of the Sea of Marmara Avsa— sea&sun island frequented by mid-class families Princes’ Islands— a getaway from crowded Istanbul featuring pine-covered islands with elegant mansions Understand This region gets its name from the sea it surrounds: the Sea of Marmara, a part of Mediterranean Sea, connected to Aegean Sea via Dardanelles, and to Black Sea via Bosporus. The Sea of Marmara is considered as the geographical border between Europe and Asia: northern coasts of it are in Europe, while southern/eastern coasts are in Asia. This region is Turkey’s most populous and most heavily industrialized part, though you can still find primordial forests hardly seen by human eyes here and there. Talk Get in By air Atatürk International Airport (IST) in western Istanbul is the main gateway for the city, the region, and the country as well. The other international airport in the region is Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), situated in eastern Istanbul, largely prefered by low-cost airlines. Corlu Airport (TEQ) is used by airlines flying from ex-USSR countries. Other airports in the region are located in Bursa and Canakkale. By train There are trains to Istanbul from Bulgaria, Greece, and a number of other Balkan countries via Edirne. Istanbul from various central and eastern Turkey locations via Izmit and Eskişehir, as well as from Tehran, Iran. Bandirma from Izmir. By bus All cities and many towns in Turkey has direct daily bus services to Istanbul. Many cities neighbouring Balkan countries also has bus links to the city. Bursa, by virtue of being a big city, is also served from a large number of cities and towns throughout Turkey. By car Marmara Region is well linked to neighbouring regions and countries by a motorway and highway network. By boat There is a weekly ferry service to Istanbul from Izmir during summer months. Get around See Itineraries Do Eat Drink Stay safe Get out This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!