The cities of Turkey are mostly densely populated. Almost 15 million people live here on a permanent basis. The ancient center of the Ottoman Empire stands at the junction of Europe and Asia, and is also famous for the rich heritage of previous eras. The capital of the country, Ankara, is three times smaller in terms of population. There are 7 more cities with millionaires in Turkey, and even the smallest settlement on our list has confidently surpassed the mark of 250 thousand people.
Turkey is an Islamic country with its own traditions and rules. This does not prevent her from developing the tourism industry. Beach holidays with affordable prices and quality service have long become the hallmark of the region. Therefore, people come here not only to inspect mosques and ancient ruins, but also to the hospitable beaches of Antalya and Izmir.
The largest cities in Turkey
List of the largest cities in terms of population in the country.
Istanbul
The former capital of the Ottoman and three other empires stretches along the shores of the Bosphorus. The strait delimits Asia and Europe, so the city belongs to both parts of the world at once. Istanbul is a city of museums and architectural masterpieces. His Blue Mosque has become the prototype for dozens of Muslim shrines around the world. The city's markets are reminiscent of the past. At the same time, Istanbul has long been ranked among the modern megacities.
Population - 14 669 958 people (2018)
Ankara
The capital of Turkey was founded in the 7th century BC. Ankara was awarded the status of the country's main city in 1923. Baths, temples, Julian's Column - a legacy from the Roman era. The citadel of Hisar and the cemetery remain from the time of the Byzantines. Most of the sights were built by the Ottomans. Must-see sites are the Haji-Bairam Mosque, the Ataturk Mausoleum and the Mahmud Pasha Market.
Population - 4 875 803 people (2018).
Izmir
The administrative center of the province of the same name. The city is considered one of the oldest in the Mediterranean basin. In its place in the past stood the Greek Smyrna, from which there are ruins. Izmir is home to the country's largest relief sculpture - the face of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, protruding from the rock. The 40-meter structure was erected in 2009. Resort areas are located outside the city.
Population - 2 931 414 people (2018).
Bursa
Located at the foot of Mount Uludag. The decoration of the city is its mosques. The facade of the Green Mosque is decorated with marble, while the interior space is covered with green tiles. Ulu Jami differs from other multi-domed architecture. The Murad I Mosque was built under the influence of European culture. He also visits Bursa for treatment: water from the local thermal springs is used for drinking and taking baths.
Population - 1,925,900 (2018).
Adana
Stands on the Seikhan River. From here to the Mediterranean coast 50 kilometers. The Seikhan reservoir was built on the northern outskirts of the city. On the territory of Adana are the country's longest bridge - Chatalan and the largest mosque in Turkey - Sabanci. Other iconic places: Love Island, Old Town, Mosaic and Ataturk Museums, Old Dam, Central Park.
Population - 1,715,226 people (2018).
Gaziantep
Located near the slope of the Taurus mountain range. At a distance of 40 kilometers is the coast of the Euphrates. The main museums of the city are ethnographic and archaeological. In honor of the soldiers who defended the city from the French, a Martyrs Memorial was erected. The former Armenian cathedral was rebuilt into the Kyurtulus mosque. And Kendirla Catholic Church was converted into a gallery.
Population - 1,626,415 people (2018).
Konya
A city in the southwest of Turkey. For over 200 years, Konya served as the capital of the Seljuk Empire. Nowadays, the city has the reputation of one of the most conservative and religious in the country. Sightseeing: the ceramics museum in the Karatay madrasah, the Alaaddin Keykubat mosque of the 12th century, the Mevlana mausoleum. The dervishes festival takes place in mid-December.
Population - 1 268 915 people (2018).
Antalya
Port on the Mediterranean coast. One of the main resorts in the region: during the season, the number of people in the city doubles. The international airport, developed infrastructure, entertainment for every taste, comfortable hotels are the main advantages of Antalya. In addition to relaxing by the water, tourists walk around the seaside region of Kaleici, visit the archaeological museum and the ancient city of Termessos.
Population - 1 194 204 people (2018).
Diyarbakir
The unofficial capital of Turkish Kurdistan is based on the Tigris River. The city walls, built of basalt stones, have been partially preserved. In the 7th century, one of the churches in Diyarbakir was rebuilt into the Ulu Jami mosque. Other attractions: Artukogullara Palace, Museum of the philosopher Ziya Gökalp, Hasan Pasha Caravanserai. The best souvenir from here is a silverwork or a carpet.
Population - 1,010,032 people (2018).
Mersin
Seaport on the southeast coast. A free trade zone was founded in the city. The embankments and boulevards deviate from the typical oriental style in these parts. Palm trees are planted everywhere, parks are laid out, there are places to rest in the shade. Most of the hotels in Mersin are of European type. The city has a Catholic cathedral, a state opera house, a museum of art and culture.
Population - 974 091 people (2018).
Kayseri
It is located on the slopes of Erciyas volcano. The madrasah with the oldest hospital in Anatolia has been turned into a museum of medicine. Guided tours to operating carpet factories are organized, where you can learn more about weaving and buy ready-made works. The city fortress was built in the era of Justinian and is well preserved. Underground cities are among the unusual places in the vicinity of Kayseri.
Population - 929 712 people (2018).
Eskisehir
Founded under the name Doriley. Student city: Anatolian University is one of the five largest universities in the world in terms of the number of students. The Porsuk River flows through Eskisehir. Pleasure boats go along it, bridges are thrown from coast to coast everywhere. The main mosque of the city is Kurshunlu, built in the XIV century. An air force base has been built in the vicinity.
Population - 746 536 people (2018).
Gebze
Occupies part of the eastern coast of the Sea of Marmara. Unlike foreign tourists, Turks often choose this city for recreation. The ruins of the Eskihisar fortress have been preserved. There is a beach park and several squares. The main attraction of Gebze is an architectural complex, which includes: Choban Mustafa Pasha Mosque, a caravanserai, a museum, a large garden, a hotel, and a library.
Population - 686 813 people (2018).
Denizli
Located in the southwest of Turkey. The city is rich in vegetation, as the whole valley is distinguished by the fertility of the land. In recent years, several modern hotels have been built, and their total number has exceeded three dozen. The ruins of the capital of ancient Phrygia have been preserved not far from the city, and the famous Cleopatra pool can be found near the thermal spring.
Population - 611,158 people (2018).
Samsun
Black Sea port in the north of the country. Urban areas stretch along the coastline between two river deltas. The main monument of the city is the Statue of Honor - the equestrian sculpture of Ataturk. Since 2003, the museum ship Bandirma has been open for visits - it is an exact copy of the ship on which Atatturk sailed to Turkey. In the surrounding area there are waterfalls, a thermal spring, an Amazon village and the world's only golf club built in the sea.
Population - 595,373 people (2018).
Sanliurfa
The development of the city was facilitated by its location at the intersection of trade routes. The border with Syria is nearby. Sanliurfa had different names, the present one is formed from the word "glorious" - in honor of local fighters against the French occupation. Old quarters have been preserved, including cave houses protruding from the slopes of the mountains. The excavations carried out so far have filled the city museum with exhibits.
Population - 573 769 people (2018).
Kahramanmaras
The districts of the city stretch along the plain at the foot of the Eastern Taurus massif. Ice cream and textiles from this area are known even outside Turkey. Kahramanmaras also ranks second after Istanbul in the ranking of manufacturers of gold products. There is a citadel on a hill in the center of the city. The local mosques are of historical value. Some are dated to the 15th and 16th centuries.
Population - 517 923 people (2018).
Adapazarı
Agricultural center in northwest Turkey. An impressive harvest of vegetables and fruits by the standards of the country is harvested here. Initially, the land was not so fertile. The situation was changed by the introduction of a modern system of irrigation of fields. The Beshkopru Bridge is a legacy of the Byzantine era. Its length is 429 meters. Villas, restaurants and hotels have been built in the surroundings around Lake Sapanca.
Population - 510 337 people (2018).
Wang
Occupies the eastern coast of the lake of the same name. An airport and several transport interchanges have been built nearby. Sightseeing tours in Eastern Turkey depart in different directions from Van. You can stay in inexpensive hotels or spend money on renting a villa. Sightseeing: the city museum, cuneiform tombs, an ancient fortress, the ruins of a strange city.
Population - 480 519 people (2018).
Malatya
The capital of the province of the same name in the southeast of the country. In the Old City, among other buildings, the castle, founded during the reign of the Emperor Titus, stands out. Its construction was completed only during the reign of Justinian. On the outskirts of Malatya and the surrounding area, there are many vineyards and orchards with olive trees. Arslantepe hillfort has also survived in the suburbs.
Population - 453,104 people (2018).
Batman
Stands on the river of the same name. The former name is Elich. It is still used by the Kurdish communities to this day. The development of the city began in the 50s of the last century, when an oil field was found here and industrial enterprises were built. A NATO air force base is located in Batman. There are historical sights in neighboring Kozluk and Hasankeyf.
Population - 419 517 people (2018).
Erzurum
It is located on a plateau at an altitude of about 1700 meters above sea level. The city has a rich historical heritage, as the Byzantines, Arabs, Armenians, Seljuks dominated here in different periods. However, the 1939 earthquake destroyed many iconic buildings. Ski resorts and sports centers have been built in the vicinity. Therefore, the peak of tourist activity occurs in the winter.
Population - 409 253 people (2018).
Manisa
A city near the coast of the Aegean Sea. On the streets of Manisa, the architecture is dominated by the Seljuk and Ottoman styles. The main mosque in the area was built in the 16th century. It hosts the Mesir Majunu festival every spring. It was born in honor of the elixir who healed the mother of Sultan Suleiman. The borders of the national park begin in the vicinity of the city.
Population - 365 954 people (2018).
Elazig
It was founded in 1834 and was called Mamuret-ul-Aziz. There are many reservoirs around, so there is no heat even at high air temperatures. The milk fortress remained in Elazig from the Urartu era. The Sara Khatun Mosque dates back to the 15th century. Its distinctive feature is stone carving, which was used to decorate the facade. There is also a Christian church in the city - the Red Temple.
Population - 353 629 people (2018).
Sivas
The city of the central part of Turkey. Developed thanks to the construction of industrial enterprises. The main attractions are concentrated around the City Park. The oldest mosque in Sivas was built in 1197. Shivaye Madrasah invites guests not only to view the historical ornaments of the 13th century, but also to visit the bazaar, where they sell products of local artisans and carpets.
Population - 348 680 people (2018).
Antakya
The city was originally named after King Antiochus. It became part of Turkey only in 1938. The most significant sights are related to Christian culture. Among them in the first place is the Church of St. Peter. There is also a statue of the apostle in Antakya. The Archaeological Museum of the city owns the second largest collection of mosaics on the planet.
Population - 341,196 people (2018).
Izmit
Located on a narrow strip of the coast of the Sea of Marmara. The city is conditionally divided into two parts: one is dominated by traditional low buildings and narrow streets, the other is a business center with multi-storey buildings and a developed transport system. The local Seka Park is a symbiosis of an embankment and a park area. There are several museums including the naval one.
Population - 330 730 people (2018).
Balikesir
The center of the province of the same name is located near the coast of the Sea of Marmara. The oldest mosque in the city is called Yildirim and was built during the Ottoman period. Balıkesir Clock Tower is a replica of the Galata Tower located in Istanbul. It was destroyed during the earthquake and rebuilt again. The city has a photography museum - the only one in Turkey.
Population - 302 524 people (2018).
Chorlu
During the Roman campaigns, it was called Kenofrurium. Луorlu is famous for its textile industry. World brands at different times had their factories here. For example, Levi's and Mavi Jeans. The city is full of shops, spontaneous small markets, trade pavilions and official stores. Sightseeing: Fatiha Mosque, War Memorial, City Museum.
Population - 280 391 people (2018).
Trabzon
A city on the Black Sea coast. The oldest Christian landmark is the Church of St. Anne, built in the 6th-7th centuries. Due to the construction of the highway, the local beach has disappeared. The nearest recreation area by the water is about 10 kilometers, but it is not as well developed as the typical resorts in Turkey. There is a ski resort near the town.
Population - 273 864 people (2018).
