Sunday, 5 July 2009
The Marmara Region, lying in the northwest of Turkey, is full of cities and towns with many tourist attractions.
Only one-hour away from metropolises like Istanbul, Kocaeli and Bursa, Yalova province is an important alternative tourism center with its sea, spas and nature.
"Yuruyen Kosk" (Moving Chalet), Hersekzade Ahmet Pasha Mosque, Kara (Black) Church dating to Byzantine era, are historical and cultural places to be seen in this city.
Also, people should visit the tree museum owned by Hayrettin Karaca, the honorary chairman of the Turkish Foundation for Combatting Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats. One can see the plants brought from all around the world in the "Karaca Arboretum."
People visiting Yalova should also taste the fish, whereas Termal, a thermal spring only 11 kilometers away from downtown Yalova, is worth seeing.
Sudusen Waterfalls is also a natural beauty that should be seen in Yalova. When going to the waterfalls, one can see the unique dam, the magnificent panoramic view of the Marmara Sea, various flora, and has the opportunity to take photographs, make trekking and have a picnic.
-THE BODRUM OF MARMARA: CINARCIK-
Only 20 minutes way from spa center Termal, Cinarcik town is defined as the "Bodrum (an Aegean holiday town) of the Marmara".
The forest in Tesvikiye, only half an hour away from Cinarcik, offers a picturesque view to visitors. People can not only have a stroll in the forest, but also can eat the "gozleme", Turkish pancakes.
The "Big and Small Dipsiz (Bottomless) Lakes" and Erikli Plateau, ten kilometers away from Tesvikiye hamlet, are also worth seeing thanks to their mystic views.
People can camp in the plateau full of chestnut, linden, plum and apple trees. The "Ikiz (Twin) Waterfalls" on Tesvikiye Brook and Karlik Plateua, 8 kilometers away from Esenkoy hamlet, are also worth seeing.
-SAKARYA-
Sakarya is full of natural beauties such as Sapanca Lake, Acarlar Longozu (Subasar Forest) and Karasu beach, and it has a rich cultural heritage and cuisine.
Sapanca Lake is among the places to be seen on a daily excursion. People can also have their lunch in the restaurants and cafes on the bank of the lake.
Also, people interested in aviation can have the opportunity to see the city with paragliding thanks to Sapanca Aviation Facilities.
Tourists can also rest in two spa hotels in the city.
45-minutes away from downtown Sapanca, Acarlar Longozu is a good alternative for people who want to spend time in nature. Poyrazlar Lake is also a good place for picnic.
Tarakli town, 70-kilometer away from downtown Sakarya, is situated on the historical Silk Road. The remains of Ottoman architecture in Tarakli are worth seeing.
-BILECIK: PLACE WHERE OTTOMON EMPIRE WAS ESTABLISHED-
Bilecik, the place where the Ottoman Empire was established, also has many tourist attractions like the Ertugrul Ghazi (the founder of Ottoman Empire) Tomb, Sheikh Edebali Tomb, and Metristepe Victory Monument.
Bilecik also has an important place in the history of Turkish Republic as a place where the First and Second Inonu Wars (two battles of the War of Independence) took place.
Also, people can visit the Ertugrulgazi Museum in Sogut town of Bilecik and see traditional potteries in Kinik village.
One should taste original cuisine in Bilecik, which mainly consists of pastry. Also, Inhisar's pomegranate, Pazaryeri's "boza" (beverage made of slightly fermented millet) and halva (a dessert prepared in many varieties with sesame oil).
