IZMIT
A
fast highway connects Istanbul with lzmit, the capital of the Kocaeli province.
An important city in Roman times when it was known as Nicomedeia, it is
now a prosperous industrial center. The Saatci Efendi Konak, a restored
typical 18th century Ottoman mansion, now serves as the Ethnography Museum.
Pismaniye, the local sweet, consists of thousands of thin layers of stretched
sugar. Hereke, west of lzmit, is a major carpet making center. Renowned
throughout the would for their beauty and quality, these carpets fetch
the highest prices in Istanbul's bazaars. On the Black Sea coast, north
of lzmit, particularly at Kerpe, Kefken and Kovanagzi, sand), beaches and
comfortable guest houses attract vacationers.
SAKARYA
East
of lzmit, Sakarya (Adapazari) is the provincial capital of an important
agricultural and industrial region. The Sakarya (Sangarius) River irrigates
this fertile land which abounds with fruit trees and fields of vegetables.
in the city of Adapazari itself, the Atatürk and Ethnography Museum
displays personal effects of the founder of the Turkish Republic is well
as regional artifacts. The Beskopru Bridge, built by the Byzantine emperor
Justinian III 553, stretches for 429 meters across the river. Eight arches
connect the two shores. A few kilometers away at Lake Sapanca, quiet restaurants,
hotels, and summer residences line the lakeshore. Istanbulites
escape to this retreat in the Saman Mountain basin throughout the year.
The Arifiye Forest on the highlands of Lake Sapanca has nice camping and
picnic areas and an excellent panoramic view of the lake below. The Akgöl
Lake lies just inland from the Black Sea Karasu holiday center both places
offer scenic surroundings. At Tarakli you can wander through a town that
preserves many of its old buildings. The province of Bilecik lies southeast
of Iznik in the verdant and fertile Sakarya River Valley, in the old quarter
of the city stands the mausoleum of Seyh Edebi, who was an important influence
in the founding of the Ottoman Empire. Every September, a commemorative
ceremony and a culture festival are held here in his honor. The Orhan Gazi
Mosque is near his tomb. Set amid the numerous willows which give its name,
a detour to this town is well worth the effort. The migrating Kayi Turks
first settled here, and the tomb of then leader Ertugrul Gazi stands in
the town. In September, a commemorative ceremony is held in his honor.
Other tourist attractions include the life-size busts of famous figures
from Turkish history and the Ethnography Museum which traces, through its
displays, the history of Turkey Helenapolis was the ancient name of Yalova
which honored the memory of Emperor Constantine's mother Helena who designed
the entire city of Yalova.
YALOVA
Today,
Yalova is an important port city, famous for its thermal baths. Termal,
in the southwestern part of the city is the thermal district center and
the best place in Turkey to enjoy the curative thermal bath waters. In
Termal, there's a wonderful panoramic view of the entire Termal district
center from the top of a hill overlooking the city The Ataturk Mansion,
now a museum, is located in Yalova, (open to the public weekdays except
Monday and Thursday) . Built in 1929, Ataturk's former summer residence
displays original furnishings from the early 20th century. Seventeen kilometers
west of Yalova, the relaxing resort area of Cinarcik has lovely beaches
and modern holiday complexes.
IZNIK
(NICEA)
Formerly
known as Nicaea, Iznik lies at the eastern tip of Lake Iznik, south of
Izmit. Originally an important Roman and Byzantine town, it fell to the
Seljuks in 1078 and subsequently to the Ottomans in 1331. Still a small
town, it does not seem to have exceeded its original Roman walls. The four
gates which allowed access to the city still stand. 
In
the town center the ruins of the St. Sophia Cathedral, the seat of the
first Ecumenical Council of 325, evoke images of convening bishops and
clergy In the 16th and 17th centuries. Iznik was the center of exquisite
ceramic ware production which has made such an important decorative contribution
to mosques and palaces throughout Turkey. A museum displays finds from
nearby excavations. Among the important Islamic buildings in town, be sure
to visit the turquoise tiled Yesil Mosque, the Nilufer Hatun Imareti. After
exploring the sights, the lakeside fish restaurants provide delicious food
and a relaxing atmosphere. Yenisehir, on the road to Bursa, is filled with
many interesting and lovely old Turkish houses. The 18th century Semaki
Mansion, now restored as a museum, welcomes visitors.
