Top-Rated Cities in Turkey
Turkey is one the world’s most beautiful and interesting countries. It has a unique geographic location, settled partly in Asia and partly in Europe. It is a country with unique history and culture. One of the most appealing things in Turkey is the diversity of cultures. Every corner of the Top-Rated Cities in Turkey are prepped with significant historical palaces, ruins, underground cities and religious buildings and monuments.
This ancient country is home to more than 80 thousand mosques. It is a country with 99% of its population as Muslims. Turkey is one of the world’s largest metropolitans. Turkey is truly a god gifted country with its miraculous nature, calming landscapes and glorious beaches. Turkish cuisines are heavenly and are famous worldwide for their deliciousness and variety. Turkey is a lively and youthful country, as half of its population is under 30. Turkey is a developed and self-sufficient country. Every city in Turkey has its own specialties and beauties, below are some of the most magnificent cities of Turkey.
1. Ankara, One Of The Top-Rated Cities in Turkey
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey since the independence declaration in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. It is Turkey’s second most populous city and it is an important commercial and industrial city. Surprisingly with such population Ankara has a very low crime rate in comparison to other cities in Europe. This city, formerly known as Angora, has been a home to many cultures and civilizations. Ankara, a city of contrasts, and rich of culture and history. The city is also known for its unique cat breeds called “Turkish Angora” and the Angora Goat too with its high-quality and expensive wool called “Mohair”. This city a is the heart of the country and a diverse city where different cultures merged. One of Ankara’s most beautiful places is The Ankara Castle. It is also the symbol of the city and it existed since 2 B.C.
2. Istanbul, One Of The Top-Rated Cities in Turkey
Istanbul is turkey’s most populated city and economically the most important city. It is one of the recommended places to visit in Turkey. It is the only city that connects two continents, Europe and Asia and the canal separating them is Bosphorus, where the shores offer a pleasant mixture of glory and modest beauty. The city is one of the world’s most historical and ancient cities. For more than 1500 years, Istanbul was the capital of the three most significant empires: Roman, Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires. For about 4 centuries, it was the center of Islam. Massively rich in cultural heritage, it has the most spectacular historical and religious buildings. Istanbul is a city where churches and mosques stand side by side and this shows the acceptance of religions. Istanbul is simply a mixture of modernity and tradition. It is Turkey’s most developed city yet an ancient city with monuments and buildings showing its magnificent past.
3. Antalya, One Of The Top-Rated Cities in Turkey
Antalya, one of Turkey’s most beautiful cities, is the largest city on the Mediterranean coast. This city is one of the Top-Rated cities in Turkey. It is the fastest-growing city in Turkey. Antalya has always been a popular destination for tourists, annually attracting more than a million visitors. Antalya is Turkish resort city and also the Turquoise Coast for its blue waters. This beautiful city is surrounded by forests and mountains full of ancient ruins, stunning waterfalls and hiking paths. Antalya is the dream city of every adventurer. One of the most enchanting places in Antalya is the Konyaaltı beach which is nearly seven kilometers long and right in front of the Taurus Mountains. The Antalya Aquarium is also located near this beach which has the world’s biggest tunnel and various species of fishes. Besides being a naturally beautiful city, it also has many historic attractions and is famous for its old museums.
4. Bursa, One Of The Top-Rated Cities in Turkey
Bursa, originally known as Prusa, is one of Turkey’s ancient cities located in the northwestern Anatolia near the Marmara Sea. It is the fourth most populous city in Turkey. Bursa is known for its green and beautiful nature, parks and trees and its mountains creating a scenic view. “Green Bursa” (Yeşil Bursa) is another name of Bursa city.
Bursa is also home to one of the world’s best dishes, the famous Turkish cuisine, Iskender Kabab. Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, because of that it is very rich in religious monuments and some stunning examples of Ottoman architecture. In the 15th century Bursa was the center of silk trading and by the 17th century it was famous in Europe and Asia for its silk textiles. The world’s largest 360-degrees panoramic museum called the Panorama 1326 Museum is also in Bursa, located in the Osmangazi district. This is also one of the must see places in Turkey.
5. Malatya, One Of The Top-Rated Cities in Turkey
Malatya, the thousands of years old city, is in the eastern Anatolian region of Turkey. Beautiful Eastern Taurus Mountains have surrounded the city. Roman named it as Melitene in their time and later as Turks conquered this city, it was named as Malatya. Malatya is known for its delicious apricots, as up to 80% of the Turkish apricots is provided by Malatya.“Kayısı Diyarı” meaning the city of apricots is another name of Malatya. During the Byzantine and Roman empires, Malatya was an important regional capital. Malatya is a beautiful citywith wondrous places to visit such as: The New Mosque at the central square built in 1912, The Waterfalls Park, Museum, The Hürriyet Park which is the largest in the city, Ataturk Museum and many more.
6. Izmir, One Of The Top-Rated Cities in Turkey
Izmir, historically known as Smyma, has 8500 years old history. It is the third most populous city in Turkey and the second largest metropolitan era on the Aegean Sea. It is the frontier city and not only one of the most beautiful and fruitful places but also one of the Top-Rated cities in Turkey. The city is among the fourth largest city in Turkey. Once an ancient and historical city is now a modern, developed and economically and socially dynamic city. The city has been an important port in the Aegean region since the ancient times and now it is the second largest port in the country. It is an ancient city and serves as an open-air museum. It is the city of olives, grapes and figs. This city is truly a naturally gifted city.
7. Sakarya, One Of The Top-Rated Cities in Turkey
Sakarya, located on the coast of Black Sea, is one of Turkey’s most important cities for its fast growth and development. It was formerly known as Adapazarı and later in the 1950’s It took the name Sakarya. The city lies on the west plains of Sakarya river, which feeds this city and makes it an important agricultural center. It is a city with ancient history, calming nature and beauty. The climate is almost Mediterranean, the summers are warm and delightful and the winters are not that cold too. Sakarya has a rich history and has many ancient monuments from the ottoman period. Rahime Sultan Mosque, Yunuspasa Mosque, Pasalar Castle, Seyifler Castle are some the historical locations.
8. Muğla, One Of The Top-Rated Cities in Turkey
Muğla is one of Turkey’s most visited and Top-Rated cities, as it is a perfect blend of history and nature. It has a 1100 km long shoreline which is the longest one of all in the country. The city has a mild Mediterranean climate. It is located in the south west of Turkey and was a favorite residence for the emperors of 14th One of the most famous historic and touristic places near Mugla city is Bodrum. Bodrum was the birthplace of the famous historian Herodotus. One of the most interesting activities in Mugla is the Camel wrestling competitions in the winter months. In the city center many examples of traditional turkish architecture can be seen. One of the most attractive sights in the city is the Ulu Cami or the Great Mosque built in 14 century by the Meneşte rulers. Mugla is truly a dream destination for every visitor.
9. Yalova, One Of The Top-Rated Cities in Turkey
Yalova is located near the eastern coast of Marmara Sea and in the north west of Turkey. Having gorgeous landscapes, hiking and biking routes, Yalova is an ideal destination and extremely beautiful destination with its historical monuments and natural resources. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk often visited Yalova and it was one of his favorite cities, in his final years. Once among his speech he said: “Yalova is my city”. He was so interested in this city that he ordered the making of a house which is now open to public as a museum. Termal district is one of the must see places in Yalova, it is famous for its hot springs, thermal Hamams and magnificent waterfalls.
10. Kocaeli
Kocaeli is located at the east end of the Marmara Sea. The capital of this province is Izmit. Kocaeli is neighbor with Istanbul, Marmara Sea, the Black Sea and Sakarya, Bursa and Yalova city. Kocaeli is Turkey’s largest industrial city, and therefore it is the industrial capital of Turkey. Roman Empire named Kocaeli as Nicomedeia. Kocaeli has a beautiful weather with warm summers and rainy winters. A fresh water lake, the Sapanca Gölü or the Sapanca Lake’s location is in Kocaeli. This lake creates a scenic view in the area. Sapanca Lake is one of the must places to visit in Turkey. Some of the most interesting and must see places to visit in Kocaeli are the Seka Park, Osman Hamdi Bey Museum, Yeni Cuma Camii, the Izmit clock tower and Gayret Gemi Museum.
11. Aydın
Aydın is one of the most important cities in the Aegean region. It is a coastal city near the Menderes River or the ancient Meander. Former name of Aydın was Güzelhisar, meaning the Beautiful Castle. Beautiful nature and fertile lands of Aydın interested many different civilizations and cultures. Some of the most historic remains in this city dates back to 2nd century A.D. Ramazan pasha, Suleyman Pasha and Cihanoglu are some monuments from Ottoman period. Aydın is also an important trading center on the railway and highway between Afyon and Izmir. Figs are one of the most important products of this city.
12. Manisa
Manisa is a large city in the Aegean Region in western Turkey. It was formerly known as Magnesia but in the 14th century after it was captured by the Turkish tribal rulers, it was named as Manisa. Manisa has a Mediterranean climate with long warm summers and cool winters. You can see samples of Ottoman architecture that are truly amazing. Therefore this city is one of the top-rated cities to visit in Turkey. Just like the other cities located in the Aegean Region Manisa also is rich in history and culture, and it was home to many civilizations. The city has many historical and religious monuments from ancient times.
During the Ottoman reign almost 16 princes became the governors of this city. Economically, Manisa is a rich city. It has Turkey’s largest vineyard area. It has attracted the world for its rich economic resources and investment potential. From 2004-2006 year Manisa was the Best investment city in the world.
13. Konya
This city is located in the central Anatolian region of Turkey. Konya or the city of mevlana, is a major visiting site for sufis. It is an economically and industrially developed city. One of the most important places in this city is the Mevlana Mausoleum, which is one of the main reasons for visiting this city and the Karatay Medrese. The Karatay Medrese was a religious school back then and is a museum today. Mevlana’s tomb is in Konya as it was his last home. This city is the birthplace of the Mevlana Sufi order in Islam. Whirling Dervishes established Sufism. The city is known for being a religious metropolitan city and is called the citadel of Islam. Another stunning attraction in this city is the Tropical Butterflies park which is an amazing experience and a unique park in the region, it is a shelter to over 6000 butterflies.
14. Karaman
Karaman is one of the must see city in the south central Turkey. It was formerly known as Laranda, meaning a sandy place but later it was named after Karamanoglu Mehmet Bey, the leader of Karamanid reign. The Karaman Castle is one of the most visited sites in this city, that makes this city one of the top-rated cities in Turkey. Byzantine Empire probably built it in the 11th or 12th century. Karaman was the first city to declare Turkish as its official language in 13th century. This city is famous for its traditional cuisines. Karadag, is an extinct volcano just outside the Karaman city. The location is now a nature and sports park and hosts international and national competition.
15. Eskişehir
Eskişehir, Turkey’s liveliest city, is located in the Western Turkey. It means the “Old City” but in the present day it is one of Turkey’s most modern cities. Dorylaeum was the name of Eskişehir ın the Byzantine reign. It is also called the youthful city because it has a massive young population. Eskişehir Osmangazi University and Anadolu University, which has one of the largest student enrollments in the world, are based in Eskişehir. Dünya Müzeleri Müzesi or Museum of World Museums is also located in this city. Kurşunlu Mosque is one of the historic remains in the city. Ottoman Empire build the mosque in the 16th century by the . It surely is one of the most gorgeous cities in Anatolia.
16. Diyarbakır
Diyarbakir is one of the largest cities in the southeast of Turkey. It is located on the right banks of the Tigris river. Diyarbakir, named Amida by Romans, is an ancient landscape peppered with historical ruins. Romans during their reign build the city walls which surrounds the old city. After the Romans, Persians and then Arabs conquered Diyarbakir. The leader of the Arab tribes was Bekr Bin Vail, it was he who named this city Diyarbakir which means “the country of Bakr”. Meftune is the most famous and one of the richest cuisine of Diyarbakir. The mixture of lamb meat and vegetables.
17. Edirne
Edirne, a beautiful and ancient city, is located in the northwest of Turkey. The City is also one of the Top-Rated cities in Turkey. It is set at the junction of the borders of the three countries: Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece. In the 18th century, this ancient city was the third most populated city in Europe. Edirne served as the third capital for the Ottoman empire in the 14thcentury and is famous for its mosque, domes and minarets. One of the most important monuments in this city is Selimiye Mosque, built in 16th century. Mimar Sinan, Turkey’s greatest architect designed the Mosque. Arasta Bazaar, Bedesten and Ali Pasha Bazaars are the three historic bazaars in Edirne. Edirne is famous for its delightful local dishes and deserts.
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