Tourism is a primary source of Turkey’s economy. Over 50 million tourists visit Turkey per year. Every traveler visiting a country for the first time searches for information about that country’s cities and most popular destinations.
The 5 Largest cities in Turkey
Continuing, we will talk about some of Turkey’s biggest cities and some of its most popular destinations among tourists from all over the world.
- Istanbul
- Ankara
- Izmir
- Bursa
- Adana
Istanbul – Turkey’s biggest city
Istanbul tops the list of Turkey’s biggest cities with over 15 million citizens and more than kilometers of land area. Despite being the largest city in Turkey, it is also the third biggest city in Middle East. Istanbul is a city that dates back to over 600 BC, and it was formerly known as Constantinople.
Istanbul is the only big city in the world situated on two continents (Europe and Asia), and only a narrow water strait separates the city’s two parts. Istanbul is located between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and is considered Turkey’s economic, historical and cultural hub.
Some of Istanbul’s most popular attractions are Hagia Sophia mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Istanbul grand bazaar (the world’s largest covered shopping center), Sultanahmet district, etc.
Ankara – second biggest city in Turkey
Despite what most people think about Istanbul being the capital of Turkey due to its population and land area, Ankara is the capital of Turkey. Ankara, with over 5 million citizens and 24 kilometers of land space, is the second biggest city in Turkey and one of its most popular destinations among tourists.
Just like Istanbul, Ankara is also an advanced city with many possibilities and facilities that attract many tourists. Ankara is also rich in history and scenery, making it an excellent destination for travel or a holiday. Ankara is the homeland of modern Turkey’s supreme leader, Ataturk. His home is now a museum and one of Ankara’s main attractions.
Another fact that makes Ankara a better destination for tourists is that its local people are more familiar with English. So you may have less difficulty in communicating than in other cities of Turkey.
Some of Ankara’s main attractions are Anitkabir (Ataturk’s home), Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the Haci Bayram mosque, Genclik Park, etc.
Izmir – third biggest city in Turkey
Izmir, the third biggest city in Turkey, has one of the most diverse communities and multicultural societies among Turkey’s cities. Some of Turkey’s minorities, like Kurds, Jews, french people, and Italians, live in Izmir, making this city multicultural.
Izmir, with over 4 million population and more than 11 kilometers of land area, is the third largest city in Turkey after Istanbul and Ankara.
The city of Izmir is on the coastline of the Aegean Sea. One of the most important features of this city is having significant and very large historical buildings, the leader of which is the historical city of Ephesus. Also, the historical city of Troia is in the Izmir region. Many novels and movies are written and inspired by the history of this ancient city.
Some of Izmir’s main attractions are Ephesus, the House of the virgin Mary, Izmir Clock Tower, etc.
Bursa – fourth biggest city in Turkey’s
Bursa is the fourth biggest city in Turkey, with over 2 million citizens and about 10 kilometers of land area located northwest of Turkey. Bursa is a glamorous city overlooking the beautiful waters of the Aegean sea, offering visitors picturesque scenery and natural attractions.
The city of Bursa in Turkey is so green that it is called the green city. This city is four thousand years old and has witnessed many governments and events. Bursa was a part of the Roman Empire in the past, and countless wars happened in this city. It is not harmful to know that this city is considered one of the important commercial centers of the Silk Road, which is why it has a special place in Turkey’s politics and economy.
Another interesting fact about Bursa is that Cumalikizik village of Bursa was recognized on the UNESCO Word Heritage Site list in 2014. it was this year that the city of Bursa was recognized as the birthplace of the Ottoman empire.
Bursa’s famous attractions include Koza Hani, Green Tomb, Bursa Teleferik, Cumalikizik, etc.
Adana – Fifth biggest city in Turkey
Adana is the fifth biggest city in Turkey areawise and population-wise. It is also known as one of the most popular cities in Turkey, known for its rich history and culture.
This city is considered one of the most beautiful and best cities for living in Turkey. The cost of renting a house in this city is very affordable. Adana is an immigrant-friendly city, and its people are more familiar with English than in other cities in Turkey. This city’s features are high education quality, women’s safety, and high-speed Internet.
Some of Adana’s most popular attractions are the Stone Bridge of Adana, Central park of Adana, Sabanci Merkez Mosque, Adana Archeology Museum, etc.
Other cities in Turkey that are worth visiting
Antalya and Konya are two underrated cities in Turkey that are underestimated because of their smaller land area and population. Although they have a smaller land area and population than the cities we mentioned earlier, they are more known and popular among tourists.
Antalya is one of the most popular destinations among tourists visiting Turkey. Antalya is mostly famous for its picturesque beaches and numerous water sports options in the hot summers of Turkey.
Konya is one of Turkey’s primary cities, representing this charming country’s culture and religion. Mevlana is one of the faces of Turkey’s culture and a famous person (dervish) in Islam. He was born and lived in Konya. He influenced Muslims to start a new ritual called the Sufi in this religion.
Although Antalya and Konya are not on the list of Turkey’s biggest cities based on their population and land area, they are famous among tourists and famous for their various attractions.
Final words about Turkey’s biggest cities
We’ve listed down Turkey’s biggest cities and some of its most popular destinations among tourists and written a brief profile about them. Hope it helps you get a better look at the wonderful Country of Turkey.
