A Pristine Natural Wonder Right Next to Istanbul: Kırklareli

If you are looking to discover a place that has not lost its natural beauty and possesses a rich historical texture, you should definitely visit Kırklareli. At the foot of Yıldız Mountains with its lush forests, sunflowers greeting you from roadsides if the season is summer—or as the locals call them, sun-worshippers—with cheerful and warm-hearted people who have settled here from various parts of the Balkans, Kırklareli is a charming Thrace city. In the region, since there are numerous farms, you can find many places where you can taste natural meat products. Buffalo yogurt is also one of the region's famous delicacies. Alternatively, trout facilities are quite common in the area. There is no clear information about what Kırklareli's original name was and when the city was founded. The Byzantines called Kırklareli "Saranta Ecclesia." Later, with the settlement of Turks in the region, this name changed to "Kırk Kilise" (Forty Churches). During the Republican period, when Kırklareli became a province on 20 December 1924, the name changed from Kırk Kilise to its current form. Our discovery of Kırklareli continues in the district of Vize, which has a splendid historical texture after the city center. The other two stops of our discovery are Kıyıköy and İğneada.

Hızırbey Mosque (Grand Mosque):

Located in the bazaar in Kırklareli center. The structure was built in 1383 (H.785) by Köse Mihalzade Hızır Bey. The outer walls of this square-planned building, the drum of the dome and its minaret are covered with dressed rubble stone. The rear portico and courtyard wall are later additions. The minaret of the structure, also known as the Grand Mosque, is made of cut stone and has a single balcony, is square block-like and has a lead roof. The mosque is open for worship.

Karakaş Mosque:

Built in 1628 (H.1110) by Karakaş Hacı Mehmet Bey, the mosque is located in the new government district. The mosque has a square plan, rubble stone, and wooden roof structure and is still open for worship. The minaret of the old mosque is made of cut regular rubble stone, has a single balcony and a lead roof. The new building is reinforced concrete; its minaret was demolished to the base and rebuilt. A rear portico was later added. The mosque's roof is covered with Marseille tiles.

Kadı Mosque:

Located opposite Ahmet Mithat Primary School in Kırklareli center. Built in 1577 (H.985) by Emin Ali Çelebi, the mosque is still in use and has a square plan. It is called Kadı Mosque because there was a court nearby previously. Another name for the structure is Emin Ali Çelebi Mosque. The wall structure on three facades is covered with dressed rubble stone. The sills of the lower row windows and the mihrab were made of rubble stone with very fine workmanship. Rosettes carved in relief with segmented and close to pointed arches on the reinforcing arches are the mosque's only decorative feature. The ceiling and roof are wooden, have four main beams and are covered with traditional Turkish tiles above. Its minaret is adjacent to the mosque and has a multi-cornered block base. It was restored by the Regional Department of Foundations in 2007.

Ali Rıza Efendi City Culture House:

In the museum opened by Trakya Development Agency, works reflecting Balkan culture are displayed, including those from Turkey, Greece, Montenegro and Bulgaria. The architecture of the museum was also inspired by Ottoman-era Salonika architecture.

Kırklareli Atatürk House:

The Atatürk House located in Yayla neighborhood was opened for visits on 17 January 2018. The Kırklareli Atatürk House, which is architecturally an exact replica of the Great Leader's house in Salonika, was arranged with attention to every detail. Wax figures of Ali Rıza Efendi and Zübeyde Hanım are also displayed here. It takes visitors on a journey through time. The city, known by different names throughout history—Byzia, Bizye, Bida, Biza, Vyza, Vizii and finally Vize—derives its name from Byzas, which was the name of one of Poseidon's sons. At the same time, Byzas means goat in the Thracian language and was a name frequently used by the Thracians. It is also said to derive from the name of a legendary Thracian King called Byzas, who was the son of the Water Nymph Semestra. In Greek Mythology, the name of the Spring Nymph is Byzia. If we consider that Vize's name was mentioned in every period in connection with the abundance of water, this is also a plausible possibility. The first known official owners of Vize were the Astai, a branch of the Thracians. Later, Persians, Romans, Celts, Pechenegs, Byzantines and Bulgarians ruled, and finally Turkish sovereignty began with the Ottomans. Also, Georgios Vizyenos, one of the pioneers of Contemporary Greek Literature, was from Vize.

Vize Castle:

Built during the Roman period in 72-76 B.C., the castle and walls consist of two parts: inner and outer castle. It was later revived by Emperor Justinian during the Byzantine period (527-565). It was constructed by placing large cut stones on top of each other and binding them with strong mortar. On the wall bodies in the north of the city, regularly cut bluish-gray stones were also used. It is understood that this structure was rebuilt during the Late Byzantine period (Palaeologan era). The castle consists of two parts: inner and outer castle. Construction of the high tower and the tower located on the side of the stream in the southwest began in the late 12th century during the Komnenos period and was completed in the Palaeologan period. Currently, the western and southern parts of the old Vize city walls remain standing. The southern walls were constructed with large stone blocks preserved to a height of 3-4 meters. The building shapes are identical and the door length is four meters. In the early 19th century, a large portion of the stones in the walls were removed and used in construction. Karakoçak Tepe and Gemikaya Rock Altars: Rock altars located at Karakoçak Tepe and on the border of Soğucak Village in the Gemikaya area are rare types of historical remains from the Thracian period. According to Prof. Dr. Engin Beksaç, during the period when it was the Thracian Capital, Karakoçak and its surroundings are the most effective part of Vize and represent a typical Iron Age and later sacred and settlement area similar to those in Europe.

Şerbetdar Hasan Bey Mosque:

While originally a synagogue center, it was converted into a mosque in the 14th century by Gelibolulu Mir-i Ekber Hasan Bey. Owned by the General Directorate of Foundations, the work is located in the Inner Castle area of Kale neighborhood. The square-planned, cubic-bodied structure covered with a single dome was built with rubble and regular cut stone, brick and reused materials. Marble material was used in the door and window sills and entrance arch. Inside, there are colored botanical and calligraphic ornamental brushwork on the transition to the dome and on the dome surface. Previously used as a synagogue before 1362, the structure was used as a lodge, small mosque and mosque after 1362. The minaret was added after restoration. Yenesu Cave: Work is ongoing to open the cave located in Balkaya Village to tourism. This natural wonder cave is 1,620 meters long and is the 3rd largest cave in Thrace. The interior views of Yenesu are covered with extremely beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, stalactite columns, wall formations, stalagmite pools and cave pearls. Another feature of the cave is that it has cave monasteries. Many fish farms are located in its surroundings.

Ancient Theater (Odeon):

It is the first and only known ancient theater in Turkish Thrace. The Late Roman period work, dated to the 2nd century A.D., has preserved its seating steps (cavea), the paths between them (parados), the stage building (skene), and the orchestra sections to the present day. In 1995, under the directorship of Kırklareli Museum, Museum Director Zülküf Yılmaz, with the participation of Assistant Professor Dr. Özkan Ertuğrul from Trakya University and Archaeology and Art History students, excavations began at Vize Çömlektepe Mound. After approximately three years of excavation, Turkey's only ancient theater in Thrace was largely uncovered. Roman Byzantine and Ottoman ceramics, glass and metal finds, sculptures and stage reliefs were uncovered during these excavations. These works are displayed in Kırklareli Museum. Little Hagia Sophia Church (Gazi Süleyman Paşa Mosque): Built in the 6th century during the Byzantine Emperor Justinian's reign on the foundations of a Temple of Dionysus in basilica plan. It has three apses. Inside, three-columned, two rows of columns were later converted into buttresses. Moreover, it is accepted that this structure, which held the rank of sanctity in Christianity and thus became an eternal place, was where Saint Mary's grave was located. It is understood from traces that have survived to the present that the structure was decorated with frescoes during the Byzantine period. The Deesis composition in the southern aisle was severely damaged, and another fresco trace of unknown content was encountered in the southwest of the Naos. Additionally, a fresco trace of Maria from Vize, daughter of an Armenian nobleman and wife of Nicephoros Drunganion, commander of the Vize military unit, was found. During Ottoman rule, the structure was converted into a mosque by Gazi Süleyman Paşa. The structure, which was used until recent times, was cleaned and maintained in 1997 by Kırklareli Museum and students from the Archaeology and Art History Department of Trakya University. Panayır Pier Beach: Panayır Pier Beach is located 47 kilometers from Vize within the boundaries of Kışlacık Village. It is 200 meters long and 20 meters wide. The sea is clear, the beach has fine sand and in places has a rocky structure. The beach is a natural wonder covered with forests all around. Dupnisa Cave: Dupnisa Cave is located near Sarpdere Village in Demirköy District in the northeast of Kırklareli. Dupnisa means hole in Bulgarian. The cave with three entrances is located underground. The cave contains rich stalactite formations. The cave is made magnificent by stalagmites and stalactite columns reaching giant proportions, along with curtain and flag stalactites and stalagmite pools. The cave, 2,720 meters long, was opened to tourism in 2003.

Kıyıköy (Midye):

Kıyıköy, believed to have been founded by the Karyalians, had the ancient name Salmydessos. Some written sources state that Kıyıköy's name Salmudassa (Salma-Hisar) means "Blessed," "Sacred," "Good and Beautiful Place" or "City," and it is also called the "Settlement of the Gleaming People." Historian and linguist Bilge Umar reported that in the 400s B.C., the Greeks called this place Melinophagos, or "The Land of Honey Eaters." The Thracian tribes living in this region were also called by these names. For example, there was another tribe called "Millet Eaters." Until 1960, Kıyıköy, which is attached to Vize district, was called Midye. Those who believe that the name Midye has a foreign origin, noting that the town is located on the seashore, named the place Kıyıköy (Seaside Village). Most likely, the town received the name Midye during the Ottoman period. However, there is no reliable information about when and by whom the town was destroyed and rebuilt, or how many times this occurred. In the 540s B.C., some Lydian groups fleeing the "Iranian Storm" blowing over Anatolia came out to Thrace, liked the location and founded Midye to keep alive the memories of their own country. This event is estimated to have occurred in the 530s B.C. "The Istranca Amazons lived in Kıyıköy." Kıyıköy, located on the Black Sea coast, is surrounded by forests. The Pabuçdere and Kazandere streams flow into the Black Sea from here. The livelihood of the local people is fishing and forestry. The Aya Nikola Monastery, one of the world's oldest rock-carved monasteries, is located here. Kıyıköy contains various plant species, in which Thrace's (Kırklareli) only black pine (Pinus nigra) forests are found. These include black pine, Hungarian oak, sessile oak, hairy oak, eastern hornbeam, black hornbeam, ash, beech, maple, linden and alder. Additionally, animals such as roe deer, wild boar, wolf, jackal, marten, fox, badger and rabbit live in the protected area.

Aya Nikola Monastery:

Located on the south slope of the Pabuçdere road in Kıyıköy, 700 meters away from the town, the structure was built in the 6th-9th centuries during the Byzantine period. At the entrance is a church, on the lower level is a spring sanctuary, and above is a section for monks. In the sacred spring water, it was believed that the sick would be healed by the medicinal spring waters. Carved into the rocks, there are cells divided into sections. The spring is accessed via stairs located on the north side. The structure has two entrances. The other entrance is on the east side. In the 9th century, the Greeks made wooden additions to the front of the rock formations. Kıyıköy Castle: Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian, the walls and castle were used for protection and surveillance. According to one account, during the Ottoman period, invaders who could not penetrate the castle due to its quite strong defense were able to capture Kıyıköy because someone forgot to close the gate.

Aşıklar Tepesi (Lovers' Hill):

One of the most famous places in Kıyıköy, this hill is carved between high rocks and is located at a point where green and blue meet. It is said that in ancient times it was a gathering place for poets and travelers and was frequently visited to gain inspiration. If your path leads you here, be sure to visit and enjoy that poetic view. Selvez Cove: Located on the way to Aya Nikola Church, the cove is 4 kilometers away from Kıyıköy town. It is quite calm and clean. It is especially a must-visit place for those who enjoy camping and caravan living. Its proximity to historical sites and natural beauty increases interest in the area. Kazan Dere & Pabuç Dere: Kazandere and Pabuçdere, which surround Kıyıköy from two sides, are located in the region's most verdant area. In these two streams, there are fish such as carp, mullet and trout. You can enjoy this unique natural wonder with a boat or sea bicycle. Boat, canoe and sea bicycle tours are also conducted here.

İğneada:

With its lush nature and clean beaches, İğneada is a place that those who want to escape the chaos of city life and be alone with nature must visit. There are not many luxury hotels, but you can find many small and charming guesthouses that reflect the region's culture. Longoz Forests: The Longoz Forest, also known as "Subasar Forest," is one of the most striking natural beauties of İğneada. Here, due to the minerals brought by flowing water, the soil is quite fertile. There is vegetation peculiar to this place and many special species of living things in these forests. If you want to wake up to a happy day in nature with the sounds of birds and waves, I recommend you stay here at least for one night. At the end of your journey, along with your beautiful memories, you will experience the happiness of knowing that both natural life and sincere and hospitable people still exist.

Prepared by: Nükhet Sezer