Geography

The Marmara Region is located both in Europe and Asia. The European side comprises of rolling plains and low hills, while the Asian side includes low hills and higher mountains (Uludag, for instance). The land on both sides are excellent for farming and industry. This region, with an average rainfall of 670 mm, is the second most humid region in Turkey. Among the crops of the region are sunflower, tobacco, grains, grapes, and olives of good quality. Silk production is one of the common occupations in the area.The Aegean Region covers the land on the Aegean coast and the hinterland extending to central Anatolia with fertile plains, river valleys, and high mountains. The word "meander" is derived from the river Menderes, the ancient Meander, which "meanders" its way through a wide alluvial plain. Varying patches of forests, olive groves, fig and fruit orchards, and tobacco and sunflower fields are the main features of the region. The climate is characterized by the typical Mediterranean climate of hot summers and mild winters.The Mediterranean Region includes the land on the Mediterranean coast, the Taurus mountain range, and its plateaus extending all along the southern shore. The landscape is characterized by the Taurus range, immediately rising from the coastline and reaching as high as 3,000 meters in some parts, and the wide plains of Pamphylia and Çukurova. The main products are citrus fruits, bananas, cotton, sesame, and vegetables. The semi-nomadic high plateaus of the Taurus range also offer good conditions for raising livestock and grains.The Southeastern Anatolia Region is a land of rolling steppe with a dry climate. Except for the wide wasteland, agriculture is the main occupation in the irrigated valleys and basins. Two major rivers (Euphrates and Tigris) and the large dams built over them irrigate the area. Among the major product are grains, rice, grapes, and vegetables.The Eastern Anatolia Region is the largest and most mountainous region of Anatolia. The average altitude is 1,500-2,000 M (4,900-6,550 ft.). The highest mountain of the country, Mt. Ararat, is located in this region. Long and daunting winters (from September to June), makes life difficult here. Agriculture is confined to grains such as wheat and barley, while in the south and the north the climate allows for raising of livestock.The Central Anatolia Region is a vast plateau situated among the high mountain ranges. The land is mainly a rolling steppe with dry, hot summers and cold, damp winters. The main products of this region are grains and livestock.The Black Sea Region covers the area on the 1,700 km Black Sea coast. The high mountains lining the coast form a more or Black Sea mountain house less isolated area from the inland part of Turkey. The rainfall varies between two or three times the country's average. Due to this humid climate and fertile soil, the region is the most densely vegetated area of the country. Agricultural products include corn, tea, hazelnut, and tobacco. Livestock is widely raised outside of the towns and by-products like milk, butter, and cream are famous all over the country.