About Turkey

Regions of Turkey

• Marmara

• Aegean

• Mediterranean

• Black Sea

• Central Anatolia

• Eastern Anatolia

• Southeast Anatolia

The 1st Geography Congress held in Ankara between 6-21 June 1941 divided Turkey into seven regions after long discussions and work. These geographicalregions were separated according to their climate, location, flora and fauna, human habitat, agricultural diversities, transportation, topography and so on. At the end, 4 side regions and 3 inner regions were named according to their neighborhood to the four seas surrounding Turkey and positions in Anatolia. Most of the cities' borders are within the territory of a single region, but sometimes can be within two, even three regions (such as Sivas, Afyon, Kahramanmaras).
Approximate Real land occupied by the regions within the total of Turkey's whole territory, based on (approximately) Real 814.000 km2 considering the topographical formations instead of Projected 780.500 km2 (301,353 square miles):

1. Eastern Anatolian......171.000 km2 (66,023 sq mi)
2. Central Anatolia.........162.000 km2 (62,548 sq mi)
3. Blacksea...................146.178 km2 (56,439 sq mi)
4. Mediterranean............122.100 km2 (47,143 sq mi)
5. Aegean.......................85.000 km2 (32,818 sq mi)
6. Marmara......................67.300 km2 (25,984 sq mi)
7. Southeastern Anatolia... 61.000 km2 (23,552 sq mi)

Note: In today's maps, Real Area is computed after the calculations of the topography (elevations for example) of a country or region. Meanwhile Projected Area of a country or region is calculated on a birds' eye view without considering elevations. Projected Area and Real Area point to the same value for lakesand seas, but on the mountainous regions or countries the Real Area value will be greater than Projected Area value. So, greater value difference between these two mapping techniques means that country or region has many elevations (mountains).
To learn more about the provinces and historic sites of each region, please click the appropriate links or on the map above.
Aegean

• Provinces:
• Afyon

• Aydin

• Denizli

• Izmir

• Kutahya

• Manisa

• Mugla

• Usak
• Sights:

Aphrodisias
Assos
Bodrum (Halicarnassus)
Caunos
Cesme
Datca
Cnidos
Ephesus
Foca (Phokaia)
Kusadasi
Claros
Tripolis
Labranda
Lagina
Marmaris
Nyssa
Pamukkale (Hierapolis)
Laodicea
Colossae
Pergamum
Priene
Miletus
Didyma
Magnesia
Sardis
Teos (Sigacik)
Pygale
Aizanoi
Apameia

• See also:

• Ancient Caria
• Ionian Civilization
• Lycia and the Lycians
• Lydia
• King Croesus
• Folk dances of Izmir
• Museums of Izmir
• Highlights of Izmir
• Interactive Aegean Map

Turkey's Aegean shores are among the loveliest landscapes in the country. The magnificent coastline, lapped by the clear water of the Aegean Sea, abounds in vast and pristine beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods. Dotted with idyllic fishing harbors, popular holiday villages and the remains of ancient civilizations attesting to the inheritance of more than 5,000 years of history, culture and mythology, this region offers a holiday with something for everyone - nature lovers, sun worshippers, photographers, sports enthusiasts, sailors and archaeologists. Along the whole length of the coast, accommodations to suit every taste and price range can be found.
The Aegean coastal plain enjoys an exceptionally mild climate, with soft, verdant springs, hot summers, sunny autumns and warm winters marked by occasional showers. Aegean region has perpendicular mountains to its shores and many valleys between them, thus permitting the sea climate reach inner parts of the region, although some of the provinces inland show also characteristics of Continental climate. For sunbathing and water sports, the summer months are ideal; for exploring the ancient ruins and picturesque countryside, spring and autumn are the most inviting months. The Aegean provides the perfect escape from the rigors of a northern winter: even in January and February, the days are sunny and pleasant.
The region occupies 11% of the total area of Turkey with its 79.000 square kilometers of land. Most of the population and cities are concentrated on the coast line because of its convenience for sea transportation and tourism. The Aegean region is also both industrialized and agriculturalized. Main products are; textile, leather, carpet weaving, food, machinery and spare parts, marble, tobacco, sugar, olive and olive oil. About half of the total olive trees of Turkey are in this region. There are many important rivers feeding the Aegean Sea.
Izmir, the gateway to the Aegean region, is connected to Istanbul by frequent air, sea, bus and train connections. The plane flight is about 50 minutes, while comfortable overnight buses reach Izmir in about seven hours. Convenient train connection can be made from the Istanbul - Bandirma fast ferry, a two-hour ride across the Marmara Sea. A private maritime company operates over-night car ferries from Istanbul to Izmir a couple of times a week. There are also sea connections between Ancona (Italy) to Cesme in the summer and autumn months. By private car, Izmir can be reached via Bursa road or via Canakkalecoastal road. For travelers wishing to begin their journey further to the south, the Dalaman airport near Marmaris is served by regularly scheduled and charterairlines. Self-drive car rentals can be arranged for pick-up at the airport.
Provinces in this region: Izmir, Aydin, Manisa, Kutahya, Usak, Mugla, Denizli, Afyon. 8 cities.