The Regions

The Marmara region (main cities Bursa, Edirne and Istanbul) contained all the palaces from which the Ottoman sultans controlled their empire, so Turkey’s wealth, industry and gourmet faddism are concentrated here. Istanbul, with its 20 million residents, is the heart of the nation (although the political capital is Ankara, 400 km/250 miles away). You can find excellent examples of every region’s specialities without leaving Istanbul, because every successful regional restaurant dreams of opening a branch there (even at the risk of losing authenticity). In Istanbul, go for seafood, because the Marmara Sea supplies tasty fish. Edirne is known for its sautéed liver. Bursa is known for Iskender kebap.