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Yalova
Seventeen kilometers west of Yalova, the relaxing resort
area of Зinarcik has lovely beaches and modem holiday complexes.
Helenapolis was the ancient name of Yalova which honored
the memory of Emperor Constantine's mother Helena who designed
the entire city of Yalova. Today, Yalova is an important
port city, famous for its thermal baths. Termal, in the
southwestern part of the city is the thermal district center
and the best place in Turkey to take the curative thermal
bath waters. In Termal, there's a wonderful panoramic view
of the entire Termal district center from the top of a hill
overlooking the city. The Atatьrk Mansion, now a museum
is located in Yalova, (open to the public weekdays except
Monday and Thursday) . Built in 1929, Atatьrk's former
summer residence displays original furnishings from the
early 20th century.
Formerly known as Nicaea, Iznik lies at the eastern tip
of Lake Iznik, south of Izmit. Originally an important Roman
and Byzantine town, it fell to the Seljuks in 1078 and subsequently
to the Ottomans in 1331. Still a small town, it does not
seem to have exceeded its original Roman walls. The four
gates which allowed access to the city still stand. In the
town center the ruins of the St. Sophia Cathedral, the seat
of the first Ecumenical Council of 325, evoke images of
convening bishops and clergy. In the l6th and 17th centuries,
Iznik was the center of exquisite ceramic ware production
which has made such an important decorative contribution
to mosques and palaces throughout Turkey. A museum displays
finds from nearby excavations. Among the important Islamic
buildings in town, be sure to visit the turquoise tiled
Yesil Mosque and the Nilьfer Hatun Imareti. After exploring
the sights, the lakeside fish restaurants provide delicious
food and a relaxing atmosphere.
Yenisehir, on the road to Bursa, is filled with many interesting
and lovely old Turkish houses. The l8th century Semaki Mansion,
now restored as a museum, welcomes visitors. The city of
Bursa, southeast of the Sea of Marmara, lies on the lower
slopes of Uludag (Mt. Olympos of Mysia, 2,443 meters). The
city derives its name from its founder Prusias, King of
Bithynia. It subsequently came under Roman, then Byzantine
rule before falling to Orhan Gazi in 1326 , becoming the
first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Many important Ottoman
buildings remain.
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