Nestled in Northwestern Turkey, Tekirdag is an ancient city with a rich history hidden in its lanes. Tekirdag is known for its pristine coastline along the Sea of Marmara and annual, vibrant cherry festival. The city’s vibrant culture and cuisine make it an unforgettable experience. With a perfect blend of past glory and modern culture, Tekirdag is a lively city in which to spend your next vacation. Surrounded by natural landscapes and historical monuments, the city attracts visitors from all over the world. Enjoy unique watersports, golden beaches, and cuisines in this underrated gem that is away from the stresses of life.
History Of Tekirdag Turkey
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Evidence suggests human settlements in Tekirdag as early as 6000 BCE (Neolithic ageThe city was earlier known as Bisanthe under Persian rule. ). It was earlier known as Bisanthe under the rule of the Persian dynasty. The city was annexed by Alexander the Great. The city flourished due to its high connectivity to trade networks and became a hub of commercial activities.
The city entered the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Murad I. Through various cultural activities, regional trade, and agriculture, it has become renowned for its high quality of life. The city is also the birthplace of Namik Kemal, the famous Ottoman poet and statesman.
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Architecture Of Tekirdag Turkey
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The influence of multiple strong dynasties has left a rich imprint on the architecture of Tekirdag. The architecture shows a mixed story of structures evolving over centuries. The city has multiple Ottoman mosques and Imams ( public baths), characterised by tall towers, Islamic domes, and intricate geometric tile work.
A grid structure characterises the city traced back to the Byzantine Empire. Several repaired hand restorations have been done to save the architectural gems and repurposed into museums, cultural centres, and cafes to maintain the legacy of these places.
Tekirdag Festival
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The Tekirdag Cherry Festival is celebrated annually in June during the cherry harvest. This four-day festival is filled with joy and enthusiasm, bringing people together. Many dance and folklore music performances by renowned national and international artists are held on the streets of the city.
Many competitions like “The Best Cherry” accompanied by aerial performances by the Turkish Air Force occur. Millions of people from all over the world visit Tekirdag to witness the International Cherry Festival. It is a beautiful festival which boosts tourism as well as highlights the importance of agriculture
for the economy.
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Things To Do In Tekirdag
Tekirdag is a land of culture and history. With a variety of natural and historic places, we have curated a list of things to do in Tekirdag for you:
Witness The Heritage Of Rustom Pasa Mosque
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Built in 1561, Rustom Pasa Mosque is a magnificent structure of the Ottoman Empire. Rustom Pasa, the general of King Suleiman, built it. The mosque is over 1000 square metres in size and has a main prayer hall, minarets, and several courtyards. The mosque has a delicate dome with intricate tilework. The mosque’s interior is decorated with colourful Iznik tiles in geometric patterns. The mosque’s tranquil ambience would silence all the noises within your head. Avoid photographing the restricted areas and stay on the marked paths as it is an active mosque.
Visiting hours: All day
Entry Fee: None
Walk In The Barbare Vineyards
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The Barbare Vineyards is a notable winery serving high-quality aged wine. The vineyard produces red, white and rose variations with an intrinsic flavour. Spread over 230 acres in the hills, you would be mesmerised by the unending greenery and hospitality. There are many guided tours and events held to taste wine and learn more about the process from farm to table. The vineyard follows organic and sustainable approaches to growing its grapes. There is a restaurant here where you can indulge in local cuisines alongside fine tasting. Indulge in the bonfires during winter and taste the ripe grapes.
Visiting hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee:
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Relax On Kumbag Beach
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Kumbag Beach is a serene coastal getaway located on the Sea of Marmara. The calm water waves, golden sand, and natural landscapes attract tourists from all over the world. The beach has many sun umbrellas, showers, and washrooms to cater to the public. Savour the freshly prepared seafood and grilled items served by the local vendors. Indulge in watersports like windsurfing, paragliding, and swimming. Unwind yourself on the Kumbag beach and soak in the sun.
Visiting hours: All day
Entry Fee: None
Visit The Rakoczi Museum
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Rakoczi Museum is an 18th-century historical residence of Ferenc II Rakoczi, a Hungarian national hero. Built-in an Ottoman style, the house is made of wood and has 10 rooms spread over three floors. As you enter, you will see a bronze statue of Ferenc II Rakoczi with multiple paintings adorning the museum’s walls. The interiors are decorated with Hungarian motifs, and portraits of his family members are painted in oil. The rooms have stained colourful glasses, which bring in colourful light during the daytime.
Visiting hours: 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: 5 TKY
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Admire The Namik Kemal House Museum
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The Namik Kemal House Museum is the house of the Turkish nationalist, poet and statesman Namik Kemal. The museum showcases the works and artefacts from his life, giving a glimpse into the life of this famous personality. The poet lived in this house during his exile and left behind manuscripts and literary works. The house was renovated into a museum in 1933, and its gate was opened to the public. Constructed in the Ottoman style, the museum is a three-floored building on a hill surrounded by vast gardens.
Visiting hours: 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: None
How To Reach Tekirdag Turkey
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By Air: The nearest airport, Istanbul’s new airport, is 121 km away from Tekirdag. The airport receives international flights from various parts of the world. You can take a cab or bus to reach Tekirdag.
By Ferry: Available only in the summer season, ferry rides are a unique experience in itself. You can take a ferry from Istanbul to Tekirdag via the Sea of Marmara.
By Train: No direct trains are available to Tekirdag. However, you can take a train to Cerkezkoy, which is 70 km away.
By Road: Tekirdag is well connected by roads and highways to all other major cities in Turkey. You can drive or take the government buses. Bus tickets can be booked online or taken on the spot from the bus terminal.
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Best Time To Visit Tekirdag Turkey
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The best time to visit Tekirdag is in the spring, from April to June. The city is covered with blooming flowers, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius, making it a picturesque landscape. The summer season has high temperatures and a hot and dry climate. The summer temperature ranges from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius, and many tourists visit this season for the cherry festival.
The fall season from September to November is also ideal for exploring Tekirdag. With lesser humidity and clear skies, this mild climate will let you enjoy the city. With crowds, this season is perfect for enjoying the city’s major attractions. The winters are marked by light showers of rainfall and cold temperatures going as low as 6 degrees Celsius.
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Relax and unwind in Turkey’s picturesque coasts and scenic landscapes. Tekirdag offers a unique experience with its rolling farms and lively festivals. If this Tekirdag guide motivates you, here are some of the best packages for a trip to Turkey. Indulge in the rich culture and heritage of this harmonious Mediterranean country.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tekirdag
How much time is required for a trip to Tekirdag?
Around 2 to 3 days are enough to explore Tekirdag. Enjoy the views of beaches and history here.
What are some must-try food items in Tekirdag?
If you are visiting Tekirdag, you must try their famous Tekirdag meatballs. Built at low heat for hours, the tenderness of the meat and the flavours of spice are an explosion in the mouth.
What are some things to buy from Tekirdag?
If you are shopping for yourself or as souvenirs, you can purchase local handicrafts, textiles and spices from here. The local markets are friendly and offer cheap rates for their antique items.
What is the distance between Istanbul and Tekirdag?
Istanbul is located 146 km from Tekirdag. You can reach here by road within a 2-hour road trip.
Are non-muslims allowed in the mosques of Turkey?
Yes, non-muslims can enter the mosques. However, make sure to not disturb any ongoing prayer.
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