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The Marmara Region
The Marmara Region constitutes the "cornerstone" of Turkey, not just because it occupies the northwest corner of the country, but also in the sense that it carries an extra significance with respect to the other regions, possessing the important geographic area, that divides the country into two parts, while at the same time that combines the continents of Europe and Asia.
The land of "Anatolia" on the Asian side is separated from the land in "Thrace" on the European, by the internal Marmara Sea, which is connected to the Aegean Sea by the strait of Dardanelles. The Bosphorus is the second connecting channel where the waters of Marmara meet those of the Black Sea. Istanbul (formerly Constantinople)
is the only city in the world that is set on two continents. Extending on the two sides of the Bosphorus bordered by green groves, it also possesses beautiful shores along the internal Marmara Sea. Facing the city there exists small, pretty islands, adorning this big sea.
Uludag, one of the main peaks of Turkey, is the most prominent site in this region, and one of the most popular ski-resorts with every kind of convenience provided. At the foot of Mount Uludag, "Green" Bursa is located, with its dense forests covering the mountains and wide meadows, which give it its title. It is another centre of historical importance, its rich past being kept alive in its mosques and tombs of wonderful architectural design. Ancient Iznik is the same, as is the charming city of Edirne, which is on the European side of Turkey.
Bordering Greece and Bulgaria, the land in Thrace is covered by wide fields of sunflowers and vineyards, while olive groves are found extending all over the region, like the gardens in Balikesir on the Anatolian side. In the same district there is a special spot nearby a broad lake: the National Park of "Kus Cenneti" (Bird Paradise) which is a bird sanctuary sheltering birds of over two hundred species.
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