Marmara - Metropolis of Istanbul, Bosphorus and Dardanelles

tuerkei marmara

Located in northwestern Turkey, the Marmara region is the country's bridge and connection to Europe, with Turkey's largest city, Istanbul, at its heart. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years and is home to a variety of archaeological sites and relics from the past. The present offers everything from water sports to skiing, or even relaxing on the beach.

Tekirdağ on the Marmara Coast is famous for its local meatballs and raki. Edirne (Adrianople) near the Bulgarian border is a former Ottoman capital with many attractions. The long peninsula to the south leads to Gallipoli, the site of the 1915 landings, which is now dotted with First World War memorials. Ferries run to Gokceada, a mountainous island with semi-abandoned Greek villages.

Istanbul's industrial sprawl extends as far as Izmit. The landscape improves to the south: Iznik am See was ancient Nicaea, the site of Christianity's first and seventh ecumenical councils. Yalova, on the coast, is surrounded by green mountains dotted with thermal springs and waterfalls.

Çanakkale, on the shores of the Dardanelles, is the starting point for visiting ancient Troy and the beautiful island of Bozcaada. It is also the route to ancient Pergamum further south, and an alternative route to Gallipoli. The Marmara Islands lie in Turkey's "Inland Sea" and offer a wide range of resorts to remote escapes. Inland, Balikesir is basically just a transport hub. The highlight of this area is Bursa, a former Ottoman capital with much early imperial history and the nearby national park and ski resort of Mount Uludağ. The routes to the east lead back to Istanbul via Iznik.

The transport hub of the future is on the Bosphorus

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The transport hub of the future is on the Bosphorus

The geo-strategically favourable location between the three large economic blocks Asia, Europe and Russia makes Turkey one of the most important international transport hubs in the world.

Finds from construction pits of Marmaray project in Istanbul

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Finds from construction pits of Marmaray project in Istanbul

As part of the conference “İstanbul as an archaeological site” of the Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts and the Anatolian Culture and Art Research Centre (AKSAM), finds from the excavation pits of the Mamaray project, the tunnel construction project of the subway Route below the Sea of Marmara, were presented.

Çanakkale-1915-Köprüsü – longest suspension bridge

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Çanakkale-1915-Köprüsü – longest suspension bridge

In 2017, work began on a suspension bridge across the Dardanelles Strait. We have repeatedly described the arduous crossing of the inlet by car ferry, especially when traveling with a wide caravan (2.50 meters).

The ancient city of Assos and the revival of a campsite

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The ancient city of Assos and the revival of a campsite

In order to further prepare for the establishment of camper pitches in Turkey and the Balkans for the purpose of winter accommodation and camper stations available all year round, we also accepted the Eden Hotel Group's invitation to Assos.

Found the venue of the Council of Nicea?

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Found the venue of the Council of Nicea?

We had just put the article on "Isnik - the ancient Byzantine Nikaia" online when we were surprised by the news that Turkish researchers probably discovered the actual meeting place of the first Christian Council of Nicaea with the help of aerial photographs.

İznik- the ancient Byzantine Nikaia

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İznik- the ancient Byzantine Nikaia

On the way from Bursa towards Eskesehir we had made a short stopover on the D 200 near Inegöl for lunch in one of the many restaurants along the road.

History of the media-heavy Taksim Square in Istanbul

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History of the media-heavy Taksim Square in Istanbul

A little bit of history about Taksim Square in Istanbul, which has once again attracted a great deal of attention from the media. Taksim Square in Istanbul has always been considered the city's most important transport hub.

Istanbul: Will the idea of Pliny Canal become reality after all?

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Istanbul: Will the idea of Pliny Canal become reality after all?

The ancient Romans first had the idea of building a bypass next to the Bosphorus, which connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Black Sea through the strait near Istanbul, which would reduce the high load on the strait from shipping traffic.

Maiden's Tower of Istanbul "Kız kulesi"

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Maiden's Tower of Istanbul

For almost every traveler it is a must, the Maiden's Tower or as the locals say "Kız kulesi", the Maiden's Tower, because who does not at least know pictures of the old lighthouse from the 18th century, which has become one of the symbols of Istanbul.

Old historic Istanbul - enjoying sunset in Eminönü

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Old historic Istanbul - enjoying sunset in Eminönü

How one imagines Istanbul in one's dreams: Sunrise over the Bosphorus. The yellowish light is reflected in the water of the Golden Horn, which divides the new and old parts of Istanbul in the Eminonu district.

Byzantine Hagia Sophia - Anthemios & Isodorus

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Byzantine Hagia Sophia - Anthemios & Isodorus

Dating from Byzantine times, the huge architectural monument of Hagia Sophia, also known as the "Great Cathedral", was commissioned by Emperor Justinian I to have been built.

Basilica Cistern - Sunken Palace Istanbul

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Basilica Cistern - Sunken Palace Istanbul

The sunken place in Istanbul has a story which is told over the sounds of water. One of the charming constructions left from the Byzantine era is the Basilica Cistern located at Sultanahmet Square in old Istanbul across the street from Hagia Sophia.

Bursa at Uludag Mountain - short history!

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Bursa - at Uludag Mountains

Bursa, the fourth biggest town of Turkey and capital of the district of Bursa in the western part of Turkey, now has 1.6 million inhabitants. About 90 kilometres from Istanbul, and at the foot of the Uludağ, this fast growing town has all that modern towns can offer.

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