Kırklareli (Province)

Kırklareli is a province located in the northwestern part of Türkiye, within the Thrace region of the Marmara Region place. It borders the Black Sea to the east, Edirne to the west, Tekirdağ to the south, and Bulgaria to the north. Throughout history, Kırklareli has been home to many civilizations, including the Thracians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, and Byzantines such as, and during the Ottoman period it became an important settlement center important. Today, the province, where agriculture, industry and trade are carried out together, has developed particularly in the food and textile industries. Influenced by a continental and semi-humid climate, the province is noted for its extensive forested areas, natural lakes, and coastal strip. Its cultural heritage includes tumuli, mounds, mosques, and structures from the Byzantine era.

Babaeski Cedid Ali Paşa Camii

History of Kırklareli

Kırklareli has been home to many civilizations throughout history and has continuously been under the influence of different cultures due to its strategic location. Settlement in the province dates back to Neolithic Era (6000 BCE), and human activity remained intense during the Chalcolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages.

Early Settlements and Thracians

The earliest known inhabitants of the region, as in all of Thrace, were the Thracians. The Thracians were an Indo-Europe-speaking people who established settlements across a wide area from Balkans to Anatolia beginning around 2000 BCE. Thracian tribes lived as independent states or feudal lordships and faced external threats from groups such as the Scythians and Greek colonies.

In 513 BCE, region was invaded by Persian King Darius I and became part of the Persian Empire’s Thracian satrapy. However, this dominance did not last long, and the region was conquered by King Philip II of Macedon (4th century BCE). After the Macedonians, Kırklareli suffered invasions by the Celts (Galatians) and finally came under Roman imperial control in the 2nd century BCE.

Roman Period

During the Roman Empire, Kırklareli and its surroundings became part of the province of Thrace and emerged as an important center along trade roads. After the division of the Roman Empire in 395 CE, the region remained within the territory of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.

In the Byzantine period, the city known as Saranta Ekklisies (Forty Churches) stood on a defensive line guarding the northern frontier of Thrace. During the reign of Emperor Justinian I (527–565), the walls and fortresses in the region were strengthened, and the Visa and Kıyıköy walls were constructed. However, as Byzantine power gradually weakened, the region became vulnerable to attacks by Ostrogoths, Avars, Pechenegs, and Bulgars. Thrace suffered heavy destruction during the Hunnic invasions of 441–447 CE, and Kırklareli, along with cities such as Filibe, experienced significant damage together harm.

Vize Ancient Theatre

Ottoman Period

Kırklareli was conquered by the Ottoman State in 1362. During the reign of Sultan Murad I Hüdavendigar, Ottoman forces under the command of Demirtaş Pasha captured Kırk Kilise, then under Byzantine control, and incorporated it into Ottoman territory. After the conquest, the region became a strategic base for Ottoman expansion into the Balkans.

Under Ottoman administration, Kırklareli was initially governed as a town subordinate to the Vize Sanjak and later became a sanjak within the Edirne Vilayet. During the Ottoman period, numerous architectural building such as mosques, baths, covered bazaars, and bridges were constructed. Notable structures from this era that have survived to the present include the Hızırbey Külliyesi, Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Külliyesi, Beyazıt Camii, and Arasta (Bedesten).

93 War and the Balkan Wars

During the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 (93 War), Kırklareli was occupied by Russian forces and suffered extensive damage. After the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano (Yeşilköy Treaty), the region was ceded to the Principality of Bulgaria, but it was later reclaimed by the Ottomans short duration.

During the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913, following a major defeat of the Ottoman State, the Bulgarian army occupied Kırklareli. However, during the second phase of the war, Ottoman forces recaptured Kırklareli along with Edirne.

World War I and the War of Independence

After World War I (1914–1918), Kırklareli was occupied by the Greek army in 1919. It was returned to Turkish territory with the signing of the Mudanya Ceasefire Armistice in 1922. The city was fully liberated on 10 November 1922.

Republican Period

After the proclamation of the Republic, Kırklareli gained provincial status in 1924. During this period, urban planning efforts were undertaken, new state institutions were established, and industry began to develop. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and industrial production rapidly expanded during the Republican era. From the 1980s onward, the food and textile industries became particularly prominent.

Today, Kırklareli continues to exist as a city that modernizes while preserving its historical fabric and is developing both culturally and economically.

Geography

Kırklareli is a province located in northwestern Türkiye within the Thrace region of the Marmara Region. It borders the Black Sea to the east, Edirne to the west, Tekirdağ to the south, and Bulgaristan to the north. It shares a 180 km long black border with Bulgaria. Additionally, its 60 km long Black Sea coastline gives it an important position along Türkiye’s northern shores.

The province has a total area of 6,459 km² and an average elevation of 203 meters. The provincial center and southern areas consist of lower, flat terrain, while the northern regions rise into the Istranca Mountains.

Landforms

The topography of Kırklareli can be divided into three main regions:

Istranca Mountains (Yıldız Mountains):

The Istranca Mountains, located in the north and northeast of the province, are among the most significant elevations in Thrace. Stretching from the Bulgarian border to the Black Sea, their highest peak, Mahya Tepesi, reaches 1,031 meters. The Istranca Mountains form the province’s most important forest areas and exhibit plateau characteristics in places.

Ergene Plain:

The Ergene Plain in the southern part of Kırklareli consists of flatter, agriculturally suitable land. This area, within the Ergene Basin, serves as the province’s agricultural production center.

Black Sea Coastal Strip:

The shores of İğneada and Kıyıköy mark the province’s points of access to the Black Sea. The İğneada Longoz Forests, located in this coastal region, host one of Turkey’s rare ecosystems. The sandy beaches and coastal plains along the Black Sea enhance the province’s tourism potential.

Climate

Kırklareli exhibits characteristics of a continental and semi-humid climate. The northern and eastern parts of the province are influenced by the Black Sea climate, while the interior areas experience stronger continental effects.

Winter months see temperatures in the Istranca Mountains and interior regions drop below zero, while write months can see temperatures rise above 30°C. The annual average temperature ranges between 12 and 14°C.

Istrancalar

Precipitation patterns are irregular, with the highest rainfall occurring in autumn and winter months. Summer months are relatively dry. The northeastern Black Sea coast receives more rainfall than the inland areas.

Winds generally blow from the north, and in winter, strong northerly winds cause significant temperature drops. The Black Sea coast, however, maintains a milder climate throughout the year.

Population

As of 31 December 2023, the population of Kırklareli was recorded at 377,156, an increase of 7,809 compared to the previous year.

The province has 190,769 males (50.58%) and 186,387 females (49.42%).

Population distribution by Age groups:

• 0–19 years: 78,514
• 20–39 years: 105,288
• 40–60 years: 108,691
• 60 years and over: 84,663

Population distribution by district (2023):

• Kırklareli Center: 112,323
• Lüleburgaz: 155,670
• Babaeski: 46,595
• Demirköy: 9,656
• Kofçaz: 2,308
• Pehlivanköy: 3,400
• Pınarhisar: 17,738
• Vize: 29,466

The average age in Kırklareli is 40.8.

In terms of population size in Türkiye:

• It ranks 52nd.
• It ranks 20th among 81 provinces in population growth rate.
• It ranks 46th in population density.

The annual population growth rate in Kırklareli is recorded at 20.9 per thousand.

Culture and Tourism

Kırklareli possesses a rich cultural heritage due to its history as a home to various civilizations. Artifacts from the Ottoman, Byzantine, Roman, and Thracian periods form the cultural fabric of the province. It also holds significant potential for nature tourism.

Cultural Heritage

Kırklareli stands out for its traditional people culture unique to Thrace. Traditional music, folk dances, and folkloric elements hold an important place in Thrace’s cultural structure. Folk music and games performed with Roman and davul-zurna are widespread. Traditional celebrations such as Hıdırellez and March Dokuzu (Nowruz) continue to be observed.

Important Historical and Cultural Structures

Kırklareli contains numerous historical structures, many of which date from the Ottoman and Byzantine periods.

• Hızırbey Külliyesi (1383): An Ottoman-era complex consisting of a mosque, bath, and arasta.
• Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Külliyesi (16th century): A complex located in Lüleburgaz, built by the architect Mimar Sinan.
• Vize Ancient Theatre: A Roman-era theater, one of the most important ancient remains in Thrace.
• Aya Nikola Monastery: A Byzantine-era rock monastery located in Kıyıköy.
• Kırklareli Atatürk House: A faithful replica of the house where Atatürk was born in Thessaloniki.

Tourism

Kırklareli holds significant tourism potential due to both its historical heritage and natural beauty.

İğneada Longoz Forests

Nature Tourism

• İğneada Longoz Forests National Park: One of Europe’s largest longoz (subasar) forests, containing lakes, wetlands, and a rich ecosystem.
• Dupnisa Cave: One of Turkey’s largest caves, home to bat colonies.
• Kıyıköy: A coastal town on the Black Sea, notable for both its historical and natural attractions.
• Kazandere and Pabuçdere Dam Lakes: Suitable areas for nature walks, picnics, and camping.

Sea Tourism

• İğneada and Kıyıköy Beaches: These areas along the Black Sea coast are popular destinations for domestic and international tourists during summer months.

Festivals

• Kırklareli Karagöz Culture Art and Kakava Festival (May): The Kakava festival, an important part of Roma culture, is celebrated with colorful dances and musical performances.
• Vize History and Culture Festival: Cultural events organized to promote the ancient city of Vize.
• Pavli Fair (Pehlivanköy): A traditional fair that has continued since the Ottoman period.

Kırklareli continues to develop across various tourism sectors through its historical structures and natural beauty.