Sakarya

From Turkey Travel Guide

Sakarya

Sakarya by Sakarya municipality

Coordinates 40°47′N 30°24′E

area

4895 km² (1,890/sq mi.)

population

756168

calling code

(+90) 264

website

http://www.sakarya.gov.tr/

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Sakarya.jpg Sakarya http://www.sakarya.bel.tr/ Sakarya municipality

Location of Sakarya within Turkey.

Sakarya is a city in the Marmara Region of Turkey.

[edit] History

Sakarya's history dates back to the B.C. Settlers like Phrygians, Bithynians, Cimmerians, Lydians and Persians lived in this region. The Romans and as a result of the division, the Byzantines had impact on this city. It gots its name as "Sakarya" during the Seljuks sovereignty. After it started to be ruled by the Ottomans, so many immigrants came to this city in the 19th century.

[edit] Navigation

Situated on the coast of Black Sea, Sakarya is located in the Marmara Region. It has borders with the cities; Kocaeli on the west, Bilecik on the south, Bolu on the southeast and Düzce on the east.

[edit] Getting there

[edit] By plane

Nearest Airport is in Istanbul (Sabiha Gökçen International Airport[1]).

[edit] By train

Railway arrival is possible to Sakarya. Train Station phone number is +90(264)277 3700.

[edit] By car

Sakarya is located on the Ankara – Istanbul highway.

[edit] By bus

There are buses running to Sakarya from every direction in Turkey. Bus terminal phone number# +90(264)275 1189.

[edit] By boat

Sakarya has sea connection but arrival is possible only via private boats or ships.

[edit] Getting around

[edit] By car

Driving is recommended. Traffic code for Sakarya is 54.

[edit] By public transport

There are city buses running around the city for cheap fares.

[edit] By foot

The city center can be covered by walking.

[edit] By bike

Biking friendly city. Especially around Sapanca lake is a wonderful place for bikers.

[edit] Weather

The climate shows characteristics between the Marmara Region Climate and the Black Sea Region Climate. Therefore winters are much rainy and less cold, while summers are hot.

[edit] See

Orhan Gazi Mosque was built in 1317 during the period of Orhan Gazi, the Ottoman Sultan.

Imaret Mosque, Geyand Grand Mosques, Şeyh Müslihiddin and Rüstem Pasha mosques are other interesting mosques to see.

Famous Sakarya Bridge, Ali Fuat Paşa Bridge and Beşköprü (Justinian) Bridge, both have great styles.

Sakarya Museum is located in Semerciler Mahallesi, Sait Faik Sokak, No: 36.

Castles of Harmantepe and Adliye are worth visiting.

The natural beauties of Sapanca are a must see. This city is famous for its lakes; Sapanca Lake, Buyuk Akgol, Kucuk Akgol and Poyrazlar Lake. Especially Sapanca Lake area is a famous getaway for the weekends. This peaceful place offers so many healthy benefits to its visitors.

[edit] Do

Visit thermal springs of Sapanca. Kuzuluk thermal spring is the most famous with curative effects on every kind of stomach, liver, diabetes, kidney, rheumatism, upper respiratory system, neurological depression etc. Some of the other thermal springs with health benefits are; Akyazi Cokek thermal spring, Geyve Acisu, Geyve Ilica Village mineral water and Tarakli clay public bath.

Go to the beaches of Sakarya. Located on the Black Sea Coast, Sakarya has beaches in Karasu and Kocaali counties.

[edit] Eat

Sakarya has a very rich cuisine effected by Balkan, Anatolian and Circassian cultures. Some of the famous local dishes are;

Islama Köfte (meatballs), Sütlü Kabak Cookie, kabak cookie (pumpkin with syrup and walnuts), Kol Pastry with vegetable marrow, Çerkes Tavugu (Circassian Chicken: ground chicken with bread, walnuts and red pepper - sauce), Çerkes Pastasi (cooked with cheese), Dımbıl Soup, Bulgur Soup, Bean paste, Dartili Keşkek, Zuchini Dessert, Abhaz Dessert, Darti and Üre cookie.

Especially ıslama köfte (meatballs) is a must dish that should be tried. Köfteci Mustafa and Köfteci İsmail restaurants have a long history of making these delicious meatballs.

[edit] Drink

Try the natural waters with health benefits of thermal springs located in this province.

[edit] Sleep

[edit] Budget

Aykar Otel is two stars hotel located on Atatürk Bulvari in the city center.-Phone number# +90(264)274 0051.

Gün Otel is 2 stars hotel located also in teh city center. Phone number# +90(264)278 8176.

Oba Otel [2]is a two stars hotel located on Ankara Caddesi, No:86. Phone number# +90(264)274 9927.

[edit] Mid-Range

Grand Hotel Sakarya[3] is a three stars hotel with 60 standard, 4 suites, 1 presidential suite of rooms (65 rooms in total). It's located on Adnan Menderes Street, Number :123. Phone number# +90(264)276 4540.

Baltürk Hotel [4] is three stars hotel providing warm and comfortable atmosphere, with most exciting, most important meetings, special events and theme parties. It's located on Ankara Caddesi, No: 53. Phone number# +90(264)273 3920.

Seçkin Hotel [5]is a three stars hotel with 2 Suits, 26 Deluxe and 32 Standard, totally 60 Rooms. Every room has DSL internet connection. It's located in Erenler Mahallesi, Yeni Sakarya Caddesi, No:348. Phone number# +90(264)276 0233.

[edit] Upscale

Richmond Hotel NUA Spa [6] five stars hotel offering a luxury spa with high quality. It's located on Sahilyolu near Sapanca lake and can be reached at the phone number +90(264)582 2100.

[edit] Work

The economy is based on agriculture and industry in Sakarya and it's a rapidly developing city. For foreigners a valid work permit is necessary for legal purposes.

[edit] Learn

Sakarya University [7] aims to be the first rank in an international context in terms of the quality of the education offered and research activities conducted.

The Institution Phone number# +90(264)295 5454.

ECTS & ERASMUS Institutional Co-ordinator Phone number# +90(264)295 6372.

International Relations Office Phone number# +90(264)295 5083.

[edit] Keep connected

[edit] Internet

There are internet cafes located around the city center and they offer internet services for cheap fees.

[edit] Phone

Look for the metered phones in the city. Phone code for Sakarya is +90 (264).

[edit] Post

There are many branches of the national post office (PTT) in the city but the main one is located on Milli Egemenlik Caddesi, Gar binası and can be reached at the phone number +90(264)279 1327.

[edit] Safety

Like many other cities in Turkey, Sakarya is a safe city. For emergency cases you cal dial 155 or reach the police department of Sakarya (Sakarya Emniyet Müdürlüğü) at +90(264)241 5400.

[edit] Stay Healthy

Sakarya Yenikent Devlet Hastanesi(State hospital)[8]- Phone number# +90(264)221 3500.

[edit] External links