Tekirdağ

The city on Marmara Sea coast of Thrace, named as Tekirdağ resides since the beginning of history. Historically, it is known as Eastern Thrace. Moreover, Tekirdağ is the capital of Tekirdağ Province. In classical antiquity, Tekirdağ was famous as Bisanthe or Bysanthe, and also Rhaedestus.

History of Tekirdağ region
The history of Tekirdağ dates back to around 4000 BC. Historians mentioned it as the kingdom of the Thracian king, Seuthes, in Xenophon’s Anabasis. Herodotus also mentioned the city of Bisanthe in his writings.

During the Roman Empire, Rhaedestus was the name of the city. It is still a titular see under the Roman Catholic Church.

In the 6th century AD, Justinian I restored the city as a Samian colony. This chronicle has been noted by Procopius. After the Battle of Rodosto, the Bulgarians sacked this region. But this region continued as considerable remaining part in later Byzantine history. Later, the Venetians ruled the city between 1204 and 1235.

In 1453, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror conquered Istanbul and Tekirdağ became the inner city. The city successively became a part of the Rumelia Eyalet. After 1849 it was the seat of the Sanjak of Tekfürtaği.

Later on, the city had a population of about 35,000; of whom half were Greeks. These Greek Orthodox population lived in this region under the 1923 agreement for Exchange of Greek Orthodox and Muslim Populations between the two countries.

During the Balkan War on October 8, 1912, Bulgarians were able to take over most of Tekirdağ. In 1912, the defeated Turkish Army at the Battle of Lule Burgas set fires on several parts of the town. Finally in 1920, the Greeks occupied the city. The Turkish fought back these invasions in 1922.

Since 1923, Tekirdağ has been part of the Republic of Turkey.

Districts and Local Products
Tekirdağ province has a total of 11 district within its vacany, which are; Çerkezköy, Çorlu, Ergene, Hayrabolu, Kapaklı, Malkara, Marmara Ereğlisi, Muratlı, Saray. Süleymanpaşa and şarköy.

Tekirdağ has been a depot for the produce of the Edirne province for many years.

Moreover, the province of Tekirdağ is one of Turkey’s the most important regions for viticulture and wine making. The coastline of Tekirdağ and şarköy, especially Mürefte, are distinguished centers of wine-yards. Other regions within this vacany, include "Doluca", "Gülor", "Kutman", "Bağcı" and "Latif Aral". In Turkey, sunflower and wheat production ranks first in Tekirdağ . It is "the ideal city to live and do business" in Turkey.

Historical Landmarks and Tourists Attractions
Archaeology and Ethnography Museum is an exhibition, situated in a building essentially built as the governor mansion in 1928. You will mainly find the excavations of Perinthos and numerous tumulii in the region. The oldest objects within the exhibition date back to 4500 BCE. Amidst the display, is the mummified body of Thracian king Kersepleptes.

Moreover, an ancient city at Heraion-Teikhos has also been discovered through ongoing excavations in the western province of Tekirdağ. Archaelogist have also unearthed a temple at the citys acropolis, belonging to the ancient Thracian civilization in 2 BC.

The tourist who enjoy the chilly weather of autumn, the Ganos Mountain and the Ganoslar Road in Turkey’s historic Eastern Thrace region counts as an ideal destination. Ganos Mountain subjectes to many mythological legends.

Moreover, the ancient city discovered underneath the mountain has been profoundly important to explain the early Thracians settlements. Aprus or Apri was a town of ancient Thrace. It is located near the modern Turkish village of Kermeyan of Tekirdağ .

Another important landmark in this region is the Rüstem Paşa Mosque, which is one of the works of Sinan. Built in 1553, it is probably the most famous architect of Ottoman Empire.

A prominent place of history is the 18th century Tekirdağ house, Rakoczi’s House, restored in early 1980s. This is the place where Francis II Rakoczi lived while in exile. Near the house, is the Rakoczi Fountain which features Turkish and Ottoman inscriptions. Rakoczi built this fountain between two old trees, which have been probably planted by Francis II Rakoczi himself.

Famous Food of Tekirdağ
Famous dishes across the Tekirdağ region are as follows; Burma Sucuk, Cizleme, Damat Hayası, Hayrabolu Dessert, Kandilli Ravioli, Raki, Sini Ravioli, Tekirdağ Meatball.