Tekirdag sits on the northern coast of the Sea of Marmara, which partly separates the European and Asian sides of Turkey. The name Tekirdag means ‘tabby mountain’ in Turkish. It refers to the mountain range to the southwest, which allows for a pretty picturesque view from the city’s bay.
The city was probably founded in the 7th century BCE. Its history is pretty much like that of most eastern Turkey; the Greeks first ruled it, then the Romans and Byzantine, before finally falling to the Ottoman empire in the 14th century. For most of its history, it had a sizeable Greek population. However, the Greeks were exchanged for Muslims living in Greece in the population exchange of 1923.
Tekirdag was first called Bisanthe or Bysanthe before changing to Rhaedestus in classical antiquity. More popularly, it was part of the ancient province of Thrace. The Byzantines kept Rhaedestus till the region fell to the Ottomans in the 14th century, who decided that Rodoscuk was a better name for the city.
By the 18th century, the locals called the city Tekfurdagi, based on the Turkish word “tekfur” meaning Byzantine Lord.
Those wanting a quicker route can get in by plane from Istanbul’s new airport (IST), which offers several flight options to Tekirdag. However, the most convenient option is if you’ve booked a tour with an agency, you can include this off-the-beaten-track on your wish list as well. In this case, you will enjoy a private transfer from the airport in Istanbul to your accommodation in the city.
Tekirdag’s proximity to Istanbul has made it a popular weekend destination among Istanbulites. Its climate resembles the rest of the west Marmara region: hotter summers and colder winters than the typical Mediterranean climate. The summers are usually dry but experience downpours from time to time. And although these get pretty busy with visitors from Istanbul, spring and autumn remain the ideal times to visit. This is because the sea is usually warm and calm, especially in autumn.
Like the rest of Turkey, the province of Thrace boasts of a rich culinary culture that includes everything from fish, cheese, and meats to fruits, vegetables, pulses, and pasta.
Make sure you also taste the famous Tekirdag meatballs at a local vendor recommended by your guide.
The former province of Thrace has a rich history, which makes it a fascinating place to visit. There are several relics left from its long history, including some of the most iconic from classic mythology. You will also get to explore the lives of modern-day heroes Namik Kemal and Francis II Rakoczi, who spent a good portion of their lives in the city of Tekirdag. With that said, let’s get started with some of the best Thrace, Marmara, and Tekirdag places that you will surely enjoy.
If you want to go as farther back in time as possible in Tekirdag, then you’ll want to start at the Tekirdag Museum of Archeology and Ethnography. Established in 1967, this fascinating museum is housed in the Tekirdag Vali Konagi (Governor’s Mansion). The building is a fine Ottoman Revival-style structure from the early 20th century.
The museum exhibits archeological artifacts from the Thracian era and ethnographical items related to the region’s cultural history. These include archeological findings from the Early Bronze Age (3000-2500 BCE), Late Bronze Age (2000-1200 BCE), and Early Iron Age (1400-1000 BCE). There are also those from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras.
Namik Kemal is one of the many heroes to come out of Turkey. He was a nationalist poet and social reformer who wrote many revolutionary writings calling for reforms in Ottoman society. His most famous writings include an 1874 novel called Awakening/ Ali Bey’s Experiences, a historical novel inspired by the life of a 16th-century khan of the Crimean Tatars, and a social work called Ruya (‘The Dream’).
The museum is housed in an Ottoman-style home rebuilt in 1992. It sits on a hill and features a beautiful exterior covered with wood to resemble a wooden house. Here, you will walk through the famous poet’s life in the many items relating to his life and existence. The rooms are beautifully decorated with paintings and traditional handicraft works.
There are also exhibits dedicated to notable musicians and artists born in Tekirdag and ethnographic items collected from the region.
Another interesting museum in the city is the Rakozci Museum. The museum stands as a rebuilt 18th-century house of Francis II Racozki, a Hungarian national hero who spent his last years living here. It became a museum in 1982 after its official handing over to the Hungarian government. Since then, Rakoczi House has become a place of national pilgrimage for Hungarians.
During your visit to the building, you’ll learn more about the Hungarian noble and Translyvania Prince and what drove him out of his homeland. You’ll also see several items on display, including a bronze bust of the noble, oil-painted portraits, an ornamental toilet, and a banner with his family’s coat of arms. There is also a kitchen, pantry, and water well in the house.
If you’re interested in the history of Turkey as a republic, you’ll want to head over to the town center of Tekirdag. This is home to the only life-sized statue of Ataturk in Turkey. It’s well detailed and presents an opportunity to learn more about one of the most influential figures in Turkish history.
While you’re in the city, you also want to try the region’s unique alcoholic beverage, Tekirdag Raki. The drink is made from fermented grape juice and resin distilled to about 94.5% alcohol content before being aniseed with high essential oil and diluted to 45% alcohol. Its praised and admired for its soft palate and unique taste that makes for a smooth way to get drunk the Turkish way.
Other attractions in the vicinity include the Barbare Vineyards, Rustem Pasha Mosque, Meric River Bridge, Barrel Vineyards, Orta Camii, the Gallipoli Peninsula, and many more.
