By Azhar Kantayeva
From southeastern Turkiye to the Black Sea coast, these cities offer travelers a closer look at the country’s regional cultures, histories and everyday life.
A Turkish flag displayed on a historic building in Istanbul, Turkiye. Azhar Kantayeva.
Turkiye is often associated with Istanbul, Cappadocia and its Mediterranean resorts, but living and studying there has shown me how much the country varies from one region to another. I have visited Gaziantep, Eskisehir and several parts of Mugla, and each place offered a distinct experience. From seeing ancient mosaics in Gaziantep to taking a boat along the river in Eskisehir and spending New Year’s in Bodrum, these places show that traveling around Turkiye can be about much more than visiting the country’s most famous attractions.
1. Gaziantep
Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep, Turkiye. Azhar Kantayeva.
Gaziantep has a long history connected to the Silk Road and has been influenced by different civilizations and communities over the centuries. Its cuisine is one of the most recognizable parts of its culture, and the city was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015.
But Gaziantep is not only about baklava and pistachios. I visited the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, and it was one of the places that gave me a better understanding of the region’s history. The museum contains mosaics from the ancient city of Zeugma, including the famous “Gypsy Girl.” Beyond the museum, travelers can walk through the old city, visit traditional markets and watch craftsmen at work in the Coppersmiths’ Bazaar.
Gaziantep is approximately 715 miles from Istanbul by road. The city has direct flights from Istanbul, making it one of the easier-to-reach destinations in southeastern Turkiye.
2. Mardin
Historic stone architecture in Mardin, Turkiye. Azhar Kantayeva.
Built on a rocky hill near the Tigris River overlooking the Mesopotamian plains, Mardin is known for its Artuqid architecture and long history. Its history has been shaped by different religions, communities and traditions, and their influence can still be seen in its streets and buildings.
Walking through the old city is one way to experience this history firsthand. Visitors can explore its narrow streets, traditional stone houses and local markets, while the Mardin Museum provides a broader look at the region’s past. The city offers a unique fusion of Arabic, Kurdish, Syriac and Turkish culinary traditions, which visitors can enjoy against the backdrop of the ancient Mesopotamian plains. Mardin is also famous for silver filigree, copperware metalworking, handwoven carpets and textiles.
Mardin is about 920 miles from Istanbul by road. The city can also be reached through Mardin Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar Airport, which is about 9 miles from the Artuklu district.
3. Eskisehir
Sazova Park in Eskişehir, Turkiye. Azhar Kantayeva.
Eskisehir was one of the cities that challenged my impression of Turkiye. Compared with many historical cities, Eskisehir feels young and modern, partly because of its large student population. At the same time, it has preserved neighborhoods such as Odunpazari, one of the city’s oldest districts, where traditional houses and historic buildings contrast with the more modern parts of Eskisehir.
One of my favorite experiences in Eskisehir was taking a boat ride along the Porsuk River. The river passes through the city center, surrounded by cafes, restaurants and public spaces, offering passengers another perspective on the city. I also visited Sazova Park, which has large green spaces and attractions including the Fairy Tale Castle. For me, Eskisehir shows that experiencing Turkiye does not always mean visiting ancient ruins or traditional villages. It can also mean spending time in a modern Turkish city and observing how young people live, study and socialize.
Around 186 miles from Istanbul, Eskisehir is one of the easiest cities to reach from Turkiye’s largest city by high-speed train. Turkiye’s high-speed rail network connects Eskisehir with several Istanbul stations.
4. Mugla
A view of a resort in Mugla, Turkiye. Azhar Kantayeva.
Mugla is one of the places most people already associate with holidays in Turkiye. The wider Mugla region is famous for its beaches, resorts and summer destinations such as Bodrum, Fethiye and Oludeniz. But after spending time there, I found that the region can offer very different experiences depending on where you go and what time of year you visit.
I spent New Year’s in Bodrum, which showed me that the area is not only a summer destination. I have also visited the Fethiye region during the summer, including Oludeniz and Butterfly Valley. Butterfly Valley was especially memorable because of its combination of mountains, sea and nature, while Oludeniz offered the more famous coastal experience.
For travelers, Mugla can be both a traditional summer destination and a place to explore nature, smaller coastal areas and local life beyond the large resorts.
Mugla is in southwestern Turkiye, where the Aegean and Mediterranean regions meet. Travelers visiting Bodrum can use the Milas-Bodrum Airport, while Dalaman Airport is more convenient for Fethiye and Oludeniz.
5. Trabzon
Uzungol in Trabzon, Turkiye. Azhar Kantayeva.
On Turkiye’s Black Sea coast, Trabzon has its own distinct culture and history. The city has long been an important center of life along the Eastern Black Sea region and combines historical sites with local traditions and a strong connection to the surrounding mountains and coastline.
Food is an important part of experiencing Trabzon. Local dishes include kuymak, a creamy cornmeal and cheese dish; hamsili pilav, a rice dish made with anchovies; and Hamsikoy sutlaci, a traditional rice pudding. Tea culture is another important part of everyday life in the region.
Trabzon is on Turkiye’s northeastern Black Sea coast, and its airport is about 4 miles from the city center. Direct flights from Istanbul take around two hours, making the city relatively easy to reach from Turkiye’s largest city.
Turkiye is a country where traveling a few hundred miles can completely change the landscape, food, architecture and daily life around you. From Gaziantep’s food traditions and Eskisehir’s student culture to Mugla’s coast, Mardin’s history and Trabzon’s Black Sea identity, these destinations show there is more to experience in Turkiye than its most famous destinations.
Azhar Kantayeva
Azhar is International Relations student at Dokuz Eylül University in Türkiye and an emerging writer with a passion for journalism, travel, culture, and global affairs. She has experience writing about international issues, destinations, and cultural perspectives. Alongside her studies and writing, she works as an English and Turkish teacher. Her work is driven by curiosity, cultural exchange, and a desire to connect people through stories.