Major Cities

Istanbul

Istanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents, extending into both Asia and Europe.The city, with a population of 11.9 million people, is bisected by the Straits of Bosporus and is located in the Istanbul province. The legacy of its past as the capital of three successive empires (Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman) has been well preserved. However, the capital of modern Turkey was moved to Ankara after the Republic was founded in 1923. Istanbul has continued to thrive as a cultural and industrial center which attracts a steady stream of migrants from the countryside. Approximately 65% of these migrants live in squatter settlements or housing literally “built in the night” (gecekondu).

Ankara

Humans have inhabited the site upon which Ankara has been built since the Stone Age. Today, it is home to 4.4 million people. Ankara occupies a strategic spot on the East-West corridor across the
Anatolian steppe. After being designated Turkey’s capital in 1923, a new administrative center has been built alongside the older, traditional city. The mausoleum of Atatiirk, founder of the Republic, dominates the modern part of the city. In this part of the city, large boulevards, shops and newer construction can be found. The other older part of the city, with narrow winding streets, is constructed around the ruins of a citadel.

Izmir

Izmir, known as Smyrna throughout much of history, is Turkey’s third-largest city and a major manufacturing center. It houses a population of 3.7 million. The gateway to the Aegean region, Izmir is situated on a gulf that has some of the best anchor points along the Black Sea. As a result, it evolved from a commercial port into an urban center. Today its cafe-lined streets endow Izmir with a Mediterranean ambiance. Along with its close proximity to ancient archeological sites, its historically secular orientation makes it an attractive locale for academic exchange programs.

Bursa

Bursa, a city of 2.4 million people, is nestled in the foothills of the Uludag Mountains, where Turkey’s best-known winter sports resort is located. Bridges span the ravines that divide the city and connect the old to the new. As the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa is home to numerous historical monuments. No city in Turkey can claim a larger number of mosques and tombs. These sites reflect a diversity of architectural influences including Byzantine, Persian and Arab.

Adana

Humans have inhabited the area of Adana since the Paleolithic era. Throughout history, it has been known by many names. The northern part of Adana is surrounded by the Seyhan Reservoir. This reservoir is used to generate electricity and to irrigate the lower part of the Cukurova Plain. Located just south of the city, it is one of the most agriculturally productive areas in the country. Canals pass through the metropolitan area, which has a population of 2 million, to transport the water. Adana’s economy is largely based on agriculture