Overview
Isparta is a city in western Turkey and the capital of Isparta Province. The city's population was 222,556 in 2010 and its elevation is 1035 m. It is known as the "City of Roses". Isparta is well-connected to other parts of Turkey via roads.
Description
Isparta exists in a land of fragrant roses and rose products, there is even an international fair of roses and carpets held in the city around mid-June every year. There are beautiful lakes of peaceful waters, many impressive caves around the province, and high plateaus which consists of about 45% of Isparta, thus making it one of the prettiest cities in the Mediterranean region.
If you go to Kirazlidere or the environs of Sidre, you may view this lovely site with a bird's eye. Here is the Egirdir Lake which is one of the most fascinating lakes of Turkey, extending calmly along wide forests covering the foot of the mountains behind. It is an excellent site for relaxing, while it also offers opportunities for different sports such as climbing and fishing. You can try local fish together with mezes in the restaurants by the lake. Some of other picnicking sites are Golcuk Lake (13 kilometers southwest from Isparta), Ayazma, Milas, Caravanserai, Altinkum Beach, Pinarpazari, Camyol, Kovada National Park and Lake, and Kasnak Forest, famous for various kinds of butterflies and its fauna.
The town of the same name, is a rarely beautiful site not only because of the charming scene Egirdir lake provides, but also with the ancient ruins decorating the land. The Ulu (Grand) Mosque of 15th century stands here with its attractive minaret, along with the Seljuk fortress and Byzantine churches. Antiocheia (Psidian Antioch), the ancient city of Yalvac and ruins at Bayat are the other monuments of sightseers' interest.
The two national parks in Isparta are the Kovada and Kizildag, which please the visitors with their natural beauties and historical remains. The Kovada Lake is made up of bays and beaches, surrounded by forests, and possesses a fresh atmosphere just like the National Park of Kizildag full of thousands of nice cedar trees.
Changing hands continuously throughout history, Isparta also holds many signs from earlier times. At the museum of the city, a rich collection of ancient coins, fine examples from Turkish folklore, several Roman relieves and works of art from the Ottoman period are found. Firdevs Pasa Mosque, Yilan Koran fountain and Kinik minaret are also spectacular monuments, while Yalvac, and Sarkikaraagac, are two other sites with ancient roots.