The region, as the name implies, has the Aegean Sea on its western border. A Turkish geography buff will know that the Aegean region is on the west side of the country.
Above this beautiful coastline sits the Marmara Region, while the Mediterranean region resides below. To the east, you will find the Central Anatolia Region, which is all well connected through road or air.
Of all of the country’s coastal regions, the Aegean boasts the longest shoreline, so don’t forget to pack your swimsuit. These coasts give way to gorgeous, clear water too. In other words, it’s a sight to see year-round.
The maritime history of the Aegean Region stretches incredibly far back into history.
Izmir, for instance, came to be in the first millennia BCE. From there, it grew to become an internationally significant port city. Nowadays, Izmir’s the third-most populous city in all of Turkey.
In a more practical sense, the region provides Turkey with plenty of agricultural opportunities too. The warm climate is just right for growing tobacco, sugar, and olives, which become oil. Half the country’s olive trees sprout within its borders.
On top of that, the locals also make leather, produce textiles and many other goods.
There’s so much to eat in the area, while if it is to start with the go-tos, such as the veal-filled Cokertme Kebab, you’ll find that even in Bodrum. Afyonkarahisar produces a signature spicy salami (known locally as Afyon Sucuk, especially Cumhuriyet). And, in Aydin, you can have the tastiest figs you’ll ever eat.
You can eat up the culture, too. As previously mentioned, this area has thousands of years of history for you to explore. Brush up on your mythology knowledge, or grab a camera and snap your best photos of ancient ruins.
There’s so much to see to list here, yet here are some of the top places of interest include:
This list is just the beginning of what this magnificent part of the country has to offer you. If you’re ready to book your vacation, check out our blog to brush up on all things Turkey before you make the journey.
Just like Iznik, Kutahya is also known for the ceramics, but unlike Iznik, it is rather famous for its pottery and high-quality porcelain. The city has the feeling more of a town that has a pretty good collection of Ottoman mosques, medreses (theological schools), and bazaars.
Another coastal jewel of the area is Fethiye, which has something for any age group, from hiking on the Lycian Way to paragliding from Babadag Mountain to land near the beautiful Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon). Butterfly Valley, Xanthos, Patara, and Saklikent Gorge are among the other must-visit places.
