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Turkish States

Turkey is divided into 81 provinces, also known as “il” in Turkish. Each province has its own unique characteristics, cultural heritage, and attractions. Here’s a brief overview of each of the 81 provinces in Turkey:

  1. Adana:
    Known for its rich agriculture, Adana is located in the fertile Çukurova region. It’s famous for its kebabs and historical sites.

  2. Adıyaman:
    Home to Mount Nemrut, known for its colossal statues and ancient tombs, Adıyaman is a province with a rich history.

  3. Afyonkarahisar:
    Afyonkarahisar is renowned for its thermal springs, the Afyon Castle, and the traditional Turkish delight called “Afyon Lokumu.”

  4. Ağrı:
    Home to Mount Ararat, the highest peak in Turkey, Ağrı province offers stunning landscapes and is rich in Kurdish culture.
  5. Aksaray:
    Aksaray, a Turkish province, is known for its historical sites, including the Aksaray Grand Mosque. Renowned for agriculture, it boasts a landscape blending modernity with traditional charm.

  6. Amasya:
    Known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, Amasya is a charming province situated along the Yeşilırmak River.

  7. Ankara:
    The capital city of Turkey, Ankara is a political and cultural hub with historical landmarks such as Atatürk’s Mausoleum.

  8. Antalya:
    Famous for its Mediterranean coastline and resort towns like Alanya and Side, Antalya is a popular tourist destination.

  9. Ardahan:
    Ardahan, located in northeastern Turkey, is known for its serene landscapes and historical sites. The province boasts the stunning Çıldır Lake and the ancient Ani Ruins.

  10. Artvin:
    Artvin is characterized by its lush green landscapes, rivers, and historical stone bridges. It’s a haven for nature lovers.

  11. Aydın:
    Aydın is home to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean.

  12. Balıkesir:
    With a diverse landscape, Balıkesir features both pristine beaches along the Aegean Sea and historical sites like Troy.

  13. Bilecik:
    Known for its Ottoman architecture, Bilecik is a peaceful province situated along the Sakarya River.

  14. Bartın:
    Bartın, located on the Black Sea coast, boasts lush greenery and historic sites such as the Amasra Castle. Its scenic landscapes and coastal charm attract visitors seeking tranquility.

  15. Batman:
    Batman, a province in southeastern Turkey, is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It features the Batman Castle and the ancient city of Hasankeyf along the Tigris River.

  16. Bayburt:
    Bayburt is a Turkish province surrounded by majestic mountains. Known for its historical Bayburt Castle, it offers scenic landscapes and a rich cultural heritage in northeastern Turkey.

  17. Bingöl:
    Bingöl offers picturesque landscapes, including lakes and mountains. It’s an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.

  18. Bitlis:
    Rich in historical sites and natural wonders, Bitlis is known for its ancient castles, Lake Van, and thermal springs.

  19. Bolu:
    Bolu is characterized by its dense forests and the scenic Abant Lake. It’s a popular destination for outdoor activities.

  20. Burdur:
    Famous for Lake Salda, often referred to as the “Turkish Maldives,” Burdur is a province known for its natural beauty.

  21. Bursa:
    Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, is known for its historical sites, including the Grand Mosque and the Bursa Castle.

  22. Çanakkale:
    Çanakkale is famous for the Gallipoli Peninsula and the ancient city of Troy, attracting history enthusiasts.

  23. Çankırı:
    Çankırı is a province with a rich history, featuring historical mosques, tombs, and the ancient city of Zoroaster.

  24. Çorum:
    Çorum is known for its archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Hattusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  25. Denizli:
    Home to the ancient city of Hierapolis and the Pamukkale terraces, Denizli is a province with significant historical and natural attractions.

  26. Diyarbakır:
    Diyarbakır, with its well-preserved city walls and historic mosques, is known for its rich Kurdish cultural heritage.

  27. Düzce:
    Düzce is a province with a mix of natural beauty, including waterfalls and forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.

  28. Edirne:
    Edirne, once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, boasts historical sites like the Selimiye Mosque and the Grand Synagogue.

  29. Elazığ:
    Elazığ is known for its diverse landscapes, including the stunning Hazar Lake, historical sites, and delicious local cuisine.

  30. Erzincan:
    Erzincan is famous for its traditional Turkish music, as well as historical landmarks like the Çağlayan Bridge and Erzincan Castle.

  31. Erzurum:
    Erzurum, surrounded by mountains, is a winter sports hub with ski resorts. It also features historical sites like the Palandöken Castle.

  32. Eskişehir:
    Eskişehir is a modern city with a vibrant cultural scene, featuring art festivals, museums, and the Porsuk River.

  33. Gaziantep:
    Gaziantep is a gastronomic delight, known for its rich cuisine and historical sites like the Gaziantep Castle and the Zeugma Mosaic Museum.

  34. Giresun:
    Giresun, situated on the Black Sea coast, is known for its hazelnuts, stunning coastline, and the Giresun Island.

  35. Gümüşhane:
    Gümüşhane is surrounded by mountains and features historical sites such as the Çakallar and Taşköprü Bridges.

  36. Hakkari:
    Hakkari, located in southeastern Turkey, is known for its mountainous landscapes and traditional Kurdish culture.

  37. Hatay:
    Hatay, a province with a diverse cultural heritage, features historical sites, including the ancient city of Antioch, and delicious cuisine.

  38. Iğdır:
    Iğdır is a province known for its agricultural products, and it shares a border with Armenia.

  39. Isparta:
    Isparta is famous for its rose gardens, producing a significant portion of the world’s rose oil. It also features the Egirdir Lake.

  40. İstanbul:
    İstanbul, a city spanning two continents, is a global metropolis with iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Bosphorus.

  41. İzmir:
    İzmir, on the Aegean coast, is a vibrant city known for its historic sites, lively markets, and beautiful coastal areas.

  42. Kahramanmaraş:
    Kahramanmaraş is renowned for its distinctive ice cream, historical sites, and the Kahramanmaraş Castle.

  43. Karabük:
    Karabük, an industrial city, is known for its historical sites like the Safranbolu Historic Areas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  44. Karaman:
    Karaman, with its historical mosques and museums, offers a glimpse into the region’s history and culture.

  45. Kars:
    Kars, situated near the Armenian border, features historical sites like the Kars Castle and the Ani Ruins.

  46. Kastamonu:
    Kastamonu is characterized by its green landscapes, historical sites like the Kastamonu Castle, and traditional wooden houses.

  47. Kayseri:
    Kayseri, an industrial city, boasts historical sites like the Kayseri Castle and the Erciyes Ski Resort in the nearby mountains.

  48. Kırıkkale:
    Kırıkkale, known for its agricultural production, is a province with historical sites, including the Kırıkkale Fortress.

  49. Kırklareli:
    Kırklareli, in the Thrace region, features historical landmarks such as the Kırklareli Fortress and natural attractions like Kıyıköy.

  50. Kırşehir:
    Kırşehir is known for its Seljuk architecture, historical sites like the Kırşehir Fortress, and the scenic Akçakent Lake.

  51. Kilis:
    Kilis, near the Syrian border, is known for its historical sites, including the Kilis Castle, and its agricultural products.

  52. Kocaeli:
    Kocaeli, an industrial province, is known for its modern cities, including İzmit, and features the Ballı Kayalar Nature Park.

  53. Konya:
    Konya, known for its association with the famous poet Rumi, features historical sites like the Mevlana Museum and the Alaaddin Mosque.

  54. Kütahya:
    Kütahya is renowned for its traditional Turkish ceramics, historical sites like the Kütahya Castle, and the scenic Domaniç Lake.

  55. Malatya:
    Malatya, in eastern Turkey, is known for its apricot orchards, historical sites like the Malatya Fortress, and the scenic Darende River.

  56. Manisa:
    Manisa, an agricultural hub, features historical sites like the Manisa Museum and natural attractions like Spil Mountain National Park.

  57. Mardin:
    Mardin, with its unique blend of cultures and religions, features historical sites like the Mardin Castle and the Great Mosque of Mardin.

  58. Mersin:
    Mersin, on the Mediterranean coast, is known for its beaches, historical sites like the Yumuktepe Archaeological Site, and Roman ruins.

  59. Muğla:
    Muğla, a popular tourist destination, is known for its resort towns like Bodrum and Marmaris, as well as historical sites.

  60. Muş:
    Muş, near Lake Van, features historical sites like the Muş Grand Mosque and natural attractions like the Murat River.

  61. Nevşehir:
    Nevşehir, a gateway to Cappadocia, is known for its fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and historical sites.

  62. Niğde:
    Niğde is known for its agriculture, historical sites like the Niğde Fortress, and natural attractions like Aladağlar National Park.

  63. Ordu:
    Ordu, along the Black Sea coast, features hazelnut orchards, historical sites like the Ordu Castle, and scenic landscapes.

  64. Osmaniye:
    Osmaniye, with its historical sites like the Osmaniye Castle, is known for its agriculture, particularly cotton production.

  65. Rize:
    Rize, on the Black Sea coast, is known for its tea plantations, historical sites like the Rize Castle, and lush green landscapes.

  66. Sakarya:
    Sakarya, an industrial province, is known for its historical sites like the Sakarya Atatürk Stadium and the Sunflower Valley.

  67. Samsun:
    Samsun, on the Black Sea coast, features historical sites like the Amisos Hill and natural attractions like Atakum Beach.

  68. Siirt:
    Siirt, known for its traditional Kurdish culture, features historical sites like the Siirt Castle and the Grand Mosque of Siirt.

  69. Sinop:
    Sinop, a historic port city on the Black Sea, features historical sites like the Sinop Fortress and scenic landscapes.

  70. Sivas:
    Sivas, with its Seljuk architecture, features historical sites like the Sivas Grand Mosque and the Atatürk Caddesi.

  71. Şanlıurfa:
    Şanlıurfa, known as the “City of Prophets,” features historical sites like the Göbekli Tepe and the Rızvaniye Mosque.

  72. Şırnak:
    Şırnak, in southeastern Turkey, features historical sites like the Şırnak Castle and natural attractions like the Cudi Mountain.

  73. Tekirdağ:
    Tekirdağ, on the Sea of Marmara, features historical sites like the Tekirdağ Museum and the Rakoczi Museum.

  74. Tokat:
    Tokat, along the Yeşilırmak River, features historical sites like the Tokat Castle and the Ali Paşa Mosque.

  75. Trabzon:
    Trabzon, on the Black Sea coast, features historical sites like the Trabzon Hagia Sophia and the Sumela Monastery.

  76. Tunceli:
    Tunceli, known for its mountainous landscapes, features historical sites like the Pertek Castle and natural attractions like Munzur National Park.

  77. Uşak:
    Uşak, known for its textile industry, features historical sites like the Uşak Grand Mosque and the Uşak Archaeological Museum.

  78. Van:
    Van, near Lake Van, features historical sites like the Van Castle and the Akdamar Island Church.

  79. Yalova:
    Yalova, on the Sea of Marmara, features historical sites like the Yalova Atatürk Mansion and thermal springs.

  80. Yozgat:
    Yozgat, an agricultural province in central Turkey, boasts historical sites like Yozgat Castle and offers a blend of rural charm with scenic landscapes and warm hospitality.

  81. Zonguldak:
    Zonguldak, a province in Turkey, is renowned for coal mining and lush landscapes. The Filyos Castle and coastal beauty add to its charm along the Black Sea.

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