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The Black Sea Region
 The vibrant green of Turkey's
lush, humid Black Sea Coast surprises those who imagine the
country to be nothing but barren steppe. From the European
border with Bulgaria to the Georgian border, dense pine
forests cover the mountaintops while lush vegetation and
bountiful crops grow in the lower elevations and valleys.
Along the coastline, mile after mile of beautiful uncrowded
beaches offer sun, swimming and relaxation. In the springtime,
delicate wild-flower blossoms carpet the rolling meadows of
the eastern hills. The wooden houses in fishing villages and
mountain hamlets alike preserve indigenous and traditional
architectural styles. The humid climate and fertile soil
encourage cultivation of a variety of crops including tea,
tobacco, corn and hazelnuts. The magic of such a diverse
landscape proves irresistible to any friend of nature, whether
hiker or mountain climber or canoe enthusiast; whether you go
in by mountain bike or by jeep safari.
Archaeological excavations from the early Bronze Age
settlements at Ikiztepe in Samsun Province have uncovered
evidence of the region's earliest inhabitants. The Hittites,
Miletians, Phrygians and, according to Homer, the Amazons all
colonised parts of the coast. Alexander the Great in his world
conquest also brought the region under his sovereignty.
Eventually, it was incorporated into the Roman and then the
Byzantine Empire. The 15th century saw the greater part of the
area come under the Ottoman rue of Sultan Mehmet II.
The Black Sea is easily accessible to tourists and provides
a wide range of hotels and restaurants at a variety of prices.
Black Sea
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