Understand

Istanbul Province, located on two peninsulas surrounded by the Black Sea, Bosphorus, and the Sea of Marmara, offers a diverse and captivating landscape. Since 2005, the province officially encompasses the vibrant city of Istanbul, stretching its borders to include all territory within. Yet, beyond the vast metropolitan area lies a more rural and suburban region. On the atalca Peninsula, an extension of Thrace, a continuous conurbation emerges with summer houses dotted throughout. These charming concrete cottages, nestled within dense yet leafy housing estates, tempt the city-dwellers seeking respite. However, beware of the congested highways on Sunday evenings in the summertime. Along the southwestern coast, picturesque views of Marmara unfold. Further inland, expansive farmlands yield bountiful wheat and sunflower crops, interspersed with quaint villages. As you approach the Black Sea coast, the lush vegetation becomes more prominent, though some forests are marred by unsightly open-pit mines. The impressive Lake Terkos (Terkos Gölü), a freshwater lake separated from the brackish Black Sea by a series of dunes, serves as a vital water source for Istanbul. On the Marmara coast of the Kocaeli Peninsula, the city of Istanbul extends beyond the provincial border. Inland, verdant landscapes await, with hills adorned by heathlands. These rare habitats are found in only a few locations globally, offering a unique natural experience. Similar to its counterpart on the western side, the Black Sea coast features majestic woodlands, disturbed by open-pit mines at various points. Both peninsulas showcase a gradation of topography, with flatter terrain along the southern coasts gradually giving way to hilly landscapes in the north. The mountain chain tracing the southern edge of the Black Sea region is intersected by the deep "valley" created by the Bosphorus. Some theories suggest that the Bosphorus was once a river, flowing into a smaller freshwater lake that eventually merged with the rising Mediterranean waters, creating the iconic strait that exists today. The captivating history and geographical features of Istanbul Province make it a fascinating destination for exploration and discovery.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Dish 1: Köfte - Köfte is a traditional Turkish dish consisting of seasoned minced meat, typically beef or lamb, formed into patties or torpedo shapes and grilled or fried. It's often served with flatbread, vegetables, and a yogurt-based sauce called cacık.

Dish 2: Kebap - Kebap refers to a variety of grilled meat dishes in Turkish cuisine, typically featuring marinated cubes or thin slices of beef, lamb, or chicken, skewered and grilled over an open flame. They can be served plain or with a side of rice, bulgur, or flatbread, and often accompanied by a range of sauces and condiments.

Dish 3: Baklava - Baklava is a sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough, chopped nuts (usually walnuts or pistachios), and butter, then cut into diamond or square-shaped portions and held together with honey or sugar syrup. This rich, crunchy dessert is a staple in Turkish cuisine and often enjoyed during special occasions or as a treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing