This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Tekirdağ is a province located in the northwestern part of Türkiye, on the Thrace coast of the Marmara Region, place. It is bordered by Istanbul to the east, Sea of Marmara and Çanakkale to the south, Edirne to the west, Kırklareli to the north, and the Black Sea to the northeast. It gained metropolitan municipality status following the local elections held on 30 March 2014. The central district of Tekirdağ is Süleymanpaşa. As of the end of 2023, the province’s population was 1,187,162 and its area covered 6,190 km².
Tekirdağ - Süleymanpaşa Shore
Tekirdağ has been home to various civilizations throughout history including the Thracians Greeks Romans Byzantines and Ottomans like and has played a significant role in house trade agriculture and industry commerce due to its strategic geographical position. During the Ottoman period Tekirdağ emerged as a port and agricultural center and began to expand further in industry and trade during the Republican era.
The earliest known human settlements in Tekirdağ date back to the Lower Paleolithic Era. Archaeological excavations in the region particularly around the village of Karansıllı and at sites such as Kuştepe and Balıtepe have uncovered tools dated between one million and 250,000 years ago. It is known that from the Chalcolithic period onward Tekirdağ hosted multiple settlements. Excavation sites such as Menekşe Çatağı Höyüğü indicate continuous habitation since the 5th millennium BCE.
Like other parts of Thrace Tekirdağ was inhabited by Thracian tribes whose settlements fell under the control of powerful states such as the Odrysian Kingdom. One of the most important ancient settlements in the region was Bisanthe. In the 6th century BCE Greek colonists from the island of Samos founded the city of Bisanthe near the present-day town of Barbaros. During this period commercial and cultural interaction occurred between the Thracians and the Greeks.
Tekirdağ came under Roman control in the 2nd century BCE and was known as Rhaedestos during this period. Under Roman rule it became an important trade center as part of the Via Egnatia. Ancient historians such as Pliny and Procopius wrote about the region.
After the division of the Roman Empire Tekirdağ remained within the boundaries of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. During the Byzantine era the city known as Rodosto became one of the empire’s key grain production centers. Tekirdağ suffered attacks during the Byzantine period from the Bulgarians and Pechenegs. Major destruction occurred following invasions in 813 and 1206.
The Ottomans conquered Tekirdağ in 1357 under the leadership of Murad (Murad I). After the conquest Tekirdağ developed into a thriving trade and agricultural center under Ottoman administration. The Ottomans initially named the town Rodosçuk. From the 18th century the name Tekfur Dağı was used and during the Republican era it was changed to Tekirdağ.
Rüstem Paşa Camii
In the 17th century important Ottoman officials such as Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha commissioned the construction of mosques bathhouse and markets in Tekirdağ. Evliya Çelebi visited Tekirdağ in the 17th century and described it as a major port city. In 1703 Prince Francis II Rákóczi of Hungary settled in Tekirdağ with Ottoman permission and lived there exile. Today Rákóczi’s house is preserved as a museum.
During the 19th century the region suffered greatly during the Ottoman-Russian wars. During the 93 War (1877–1878) Russian forces occupied Tekirdağ but it was later returned to Ottoman control under the Treaty of Berlin. In 1912 during the Balkan Wars the Bulgarian army occupied Tekirdağ and this occupation ended in 1913.
Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I Tekirdağ was occupied by the Greek army on 20 May 1920. During the occupation the city suffered extensive damage and was forced to people migration. However with the Armistice of Mudanya and subsequently the Treaty of Lausanne the Turkish Turkish forces entered the city on 13 October 1922 and Tekirdağ was reintegrated into Turkish territory.
During this period under the terms of the Lausanne Population Exchange Greeks from Tekirdağ were sent to Greece and Muslim immigrants from Anatolia were resettled in the region.
Tekirdağ was officially declared a provincial center on 15 March 1923. In the early years of the Republic the economy was primarily based on agriculture and livestock farming. The establishment of the Tekel Alcohol Factory in 1931 marked a significant step in the city’s industrial development. Tekirdağ gained metropolitan municipality status under Law No. 6360 enacted in 2012 and metropolitan municipal governance was extended across the entire province. Today it is a rapidly developing city in industry agriculture and trade.
Tekirdağ is predominantly a flat region. To the north lies the Ergene Plain to the west Ganos Mountains and to the south the Sea of Marmara. In terms of climate it exhibits a transitional climate characteristic of the Marmara Region. Its fertile agricultural lands coastal strip rivers and dams give it both economic and ecological diversity.
Tekirdağ Uçmakdere
Tekirdağ is located in the northwestern part of Türkiye within the Thrace subregion of the Marmara Region. Geographically it lies between 40°36′ and 41°31′ north latitudes and 26°43′ and 28°08′ east longitudes. It is bordered by Istanbul to the east the Sea of Marmara and Çanakkale to the south Edirne to the west Kırklareli to the north and the Black Sea to the northeast.
Tekirdağ is a province with an area of 6,190 km² and is the second largest province in Thrace by area. The total length of its borders is 310 km and its coastline measures 133 km.
The surface of Tekirdağ is mostly flat. A large portion of the province lies on the Ergene Basin and has an open plain character. However in the west region the Ganos Mountains (Işıklar Dağı) and elevated hills along the coast are present.
Overall Tekirdağ does not have large mountain massifs but the hills rising along the southern Marmara coast are particularly noticeable.
Tekirdağ has no major perennial rivers but it does have small streams and seasonal watercourses.
Tekirdağ has no natural lakes but it has several dam and reservoirs.
Tekirdağ has a coastline of approximately 133 km along the Sea of Marmara. Its Black Sea coastline is limited to the area around Kastro Dark and its surroundings. The province’s coastal area extends from east to west through Marmaraereğlisi Süleymanpaşa Şarköy and Uçmakdere.
Important bays and beaches along the Sea of Marmara:
Tekirdağ’s coasts have no natural island.
Tekirdağ experiences a Marmara climate a transitional climate combining Mediterranean and continental characteristics.
The average temperature is 14°C and the annual precipitation is approximately 589 mm. The highest recorded temperature was 40.2°C (June 2000) and the lowest was -13.3°C (February 1929). Tekirdağ’s windy nature particularly the constant winds along the Marmara coast makes it suitable for wind energy production.
Wind Rose in Tekirdağ
The climate along the Marmara coast is relatively mild but becomes more continental inland. Coastal areas such as Şarköy and Marmaraereğlisi have milder climates while winters are colder in Malkara and Hayrabolu districts.
Tekirdağ’s plant cover consists of maquis along the Marmara coast forests in mountainous areas and steppe vegetation elsewhere.
In recent years afforestation efforts have increased with particular emphasis on planting pine and cedar trees.
Tekirdağ has a diversified economy based on agriculture industry trade and tourism. Its proximity to Istanbul fertile soils advanced industrial infrastructure and strong logistics network give it high economic diversity. Industry and agricultural activities are the main pillars of its economy. As of 2024 Tekirdağ ranked as Türkiye’s sixth largest exporting city with exports totaling 981 million US dollars.
Tekirdağ’s vast and fertile plains have made agriculture the cornerstone of its economy. The Ergene and Hayrabolu plains are among Turkey’s most important agricultural regions. The province’s leading agricultural products are wheat sunflower barley sugar beet and canola and it is particularly known as one of the country’s top sunflower producers.
Barbaros Port
Viticulture has also developed in the province. The Şarköy and Mürefte regions are especially renowned for their grape vineyards. Grapes grown here are used in wine production and processed in Tekirdağ’s wineries. The winemaking tradition dating back to the Ottoman period continues today through modern modern facilities.
Vegetable and fruit production is also significant. Cherry peach pear watermelon tomatoes and peppers are among the main crops. Cherry production is promoted and marketed annually through the Tekirdağ Cherry Festival.
Livestock farming is concentrated especially in Malkara and Hayrabolu districts. Both large and small livestock farming are practiced and milk production is significant. Dairy processing facilities in Tekirdağ contribute to regional markets. Poultry farming is also well developed with large-scale chicken farms operating in the province.
Tekirdağ has become one of Turkey’s largest industrial centers with concentrated industrial facilities in Çorlu Çerkezköy Kapaklı and Ergene districts. Its proximity to Istanbul and well-developed transportation networks have accelerated industrial growth.
The textile sector is one of the most important components of Tekirdağ’s industry. Factories producing fabric yarn and ready-made garments are widespread throughout the province especially in Çerkezköy and Çorlu. Products manufactured here are sold domestically and exported to row Europe countries.
The chemical industry also holds a significant place. Factories producing chemicals dyes detergents and pharmaceuticals are concentrated in Ergene and Çorlu districts. These sectors play a major role in imports and exports.
Tekirdağ also hosts automotive ancillary industries food processing furniture and metalworking facilities. Organized Industrial Zones (OSB) across the province have contributed to increased industrial output and the adoption of modern production processes. By 2014 the number of factories in Tekirdağ reached 1,605.
Tekirdağ holds a strategic position between Istanbul and Europe making it vital for trade and logistics. Tekirdağ Port plays an active role especially in trade with Europe. Sea transportation is integrated with road and rail networks to facilitate imports and exports.
Tekirdağ’s proximity to Istanbul has enabled the establishment of major logistics centers. Customs and logistics hubs facilitate the domestic and international distribution of products from industrial facilities.
Retail trade is also well developed. Large shopping malls food wholesalers and enterprises dealing in industrial materials form a significant part of commercial activity.
Tekirdağ’s tourism sector is growing due to its coastal resorts and historical sites. Şarköy Kumbağ Marmaraereğlisi and Uçmakdere are popular destinations for write tourism. Sea tourism nature tourism and activities such as paragliding contribute to the regional economy.
Historical and cultural heritage also forms another pillar of tourism. Historical structures such as the Rákóczi Museum Rüstem Paşa Camii and the Tekirdağ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum attract visitors. Additionally the Tekirdağ Vine Harvest and Grape Festival brings tourist activity to the region.
Related to tourism the service sector has also developed with accommodation restaurants entertainment and transportation playing important roles in the provincial economy.
Tekirdağ is seeing increasing renewable energy investments. Wind power plants are concentrated especially in Şarköy Malkara and Süleymanpaşa districts. The constant winds along the Marmara coast provide a favorable environment for wind energy production.
In addition biogas and sun energy plants have been established promoting environment friendly energy production.
Tekirdağ has hosted various civilizations throughout history and has developed a rich cultural building. Traces of Thracians Greeks Romans Byzantines and Ottomans are visible in its cultural heritage. Traditional Thrace culture is especially prominent in music and folk dances. Lively melodies performed with Davul zurna and clarinet are an inseparable part of local social events. Particularly wedding and celebrations feature dances such as karşılama hora and misket that reflect Tekirdağ’s cultural identity.
In literature Namık Kemal one of the most important poets of the Ottoman period was born in Tekirdağ. A monument and a museum have been established in his honor in the city. The house provides information about the literary and intellectual atmosphere of the era and offers detailed insights into Namık Kemal’s life and works.
Tekirdağ cuisine is based on agriculture and livestock. One of the region’s most famous dishes is It is Tekirdağ köftesi. prepared with spices and special cooking methods. In addition lor cheese and semolina-based Hayrabolu sweet are examples reflecting the region’s sweet culture. Dairy-based sweets made from goat sheep or cow milk are also commonly consumed in the local cuisine.
Tekirdağ is also notable for its historical structures. The Rüstem Paşa Camii is considered one of the important examples of Ottoman architecture. The house where Hungarian Prince Francis II Rákóczi lived after seeking refuge in the Ottoman Empire has been converted into a museum and opened to the public as Rákóczi Museum. Personal belongings of the prince and various documents reflecting Ottoman-Hungarian relations are exhibited there. Additionally the Tekirdağ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum houses ancient artifacts from local excavations as well as objects illustrating traditional Thrace lifestyles.
Due to its geography Tekirdağ offers diverse opportunities for coastal tourism. The city’s Sea of Marmara coastline features popular beach areas especially during summer. Marmaraereğlisi Süleymanpaşa and Şarköy coasts are among the most preferred destinations for summer tourism. The beach stretch along Şarköy is notable for its length and seawater quality. For nature tourism the Ganos Mountains and Uçmakdere region offer suitable areas for trekking and paragliding.
Festivals in Tekirdağ are events that sustain the region’s cultural fabric. The annual Tekirdağ Cherry Festival held in June aims to promote local cherry production and features various performances concerts and competitions. The Bağbozumu and Grape Festival held in September highlights Tekirdağ’s viticulture culture and is associated with grape harvesting in Şarköy and Mürefte. Additionally commemorative days organized in memory of Prince Rákóczi serve as cultural and historical events.
Tekirdağ is one of Türkiye’s 30 metropolitan municipalities. Under Law No. 6360 the entire province is under the jurisdiction of the metropolitan municipality. As a result all town municipalities in the province were closed and converted to neighborhood status. The Tekirdağ Metropolitan Municipality manages local governance services across the province.
Historic Governor’s Building
The province’s administrative structure is based on the governorship the metropolitan municipality and district municipalities. The Tekirdağ Governorship is a central government institution under the Ministry of Interior and coordinates security education health and other public services. It is managed by a governor appointed directly by the central government. The Tekirdağ Metropolitan Municipality is responsible for providing municipality services across the province and its mayor is elected by the public. The metropolitan municipality is responsible for a wide range of services including urban planning transportation water and sewerage environmental management and public transit.
As a metropolitan municipality Tekirdağ has a two-tier local governance system comprising the metropolitan municipality and 11 district municipalities. District municipalities carry out responsibilities within their own boundaries such as park and garden planning sanitation and local market area management while the metropolitan municipality implements large-scale projects across the province.
The 11 districts of Tekirdağ are:
Before gaining metropolitan status Süleymanpaşa was the central district of Tekirdağ. After the transition to metropolitan governance it was officially designated as the metropolitan center and all other districts were incorporated directly into the metropolitan municipality’s boundaries.
Administration of the districts is carried out by district governors (kaymakams). District governors act as representatives of the governor and oversee the functioning of state institutions and ensure the delivery of public services in their districts. They are appointed by the Ministry of Interior and serve as the central government’s local representatives.
At the neighborhood level the smallest administrative units are muhtarliks. Neighborhood muhtars are the lowest-level administrative representatives who convey residents’ requests to municipal and governorship authorities. Tekirdağ has a total of 366 neighborhoods each governed by a muhtar.
Tekirdağ’s administrative structure has become increasingly complex due to population growth and industrial expansion. Especially in Çorlu Çerkezköy Kapaklı and Ergene districts which host dense industrial zones the metropolitan municipality prioritizes infrastructure and transportation planning. Coastal districts such as Şarköy and Marmaraereğlisi require different governance and environmental regulations due to tourism and coastal settlement patterns.
Under the metropolitan law local governance services are planned centrally across the province but implementation is adapted to local needs. Infrastructure projects environmental planning transportation and expansion of industrial zones fall under the metropolitan municipality’s authority while services such as sanitation and local park and recreation area management are handled by district municipalities.
Tekirdağ has a well-developed transportation network due to its proximity to Istanbul and concentration of industrial zones. Road rail and sea transport are the main components of its logistics infrastructure.
Road: Tekirdağ lies on Turkey’s most important transport corridors including the D100 (E-5) Highway and the TEM Motorway. It is connected to Istanbul and Edirne via the O-3 European Motorway. Roads within the province have been developed to link industrial zones with ports and population centers. In industrial districts such as Çorlu Çerkezköy and Ergene road widening and new connection projects are being implemented to address traffic congestion.
Rail: Tekirdağ is part of the Halkalı-Kapıkule Fast Train Project which connects Turkey to Europe. Once completed this project will accelerate rail traffic through Tekirdağ and strengthen the logistics infrastructure of its industrial zones. Additionally rail connections have been established to organized industrial zones in Çerkezköy and Çorlu to facilitate load transportation.
Sea: Due to its location on the Sea of Marmara Tekirdağ has important ports. Tekirdağ Port is one of the largest in Thrace for cargo transport. Marmaraereğlisi and Barbaros Ports are also key nodes for industrial and logistics shipping. A major development in maritime transport is the introduction of Ro-Ro shipping which enables commercial cargo flow from Thrace to Bursa and other southern Marmara cities.
Tekirdağ Çorlu Atatürk Airport
Air: Tekirdağ has an international Tekirdağ Çorlu Atatürk Airport for civil and commercial air transport. The airport is actively used to support the import and export activities of industrial zones. Although considered an alternative to Istanbul for passenger travel international flight traffic remains limited.
Tekirdağ is a province located in the Thrace subregion of the Marmara Region with a diverse population structure shaped by industry agriculture and trade. According to 2023 TÜİK data Tekirdağ’s total population is 1,167,059 with a population density of 188 persons per km².
Tekirdağ’s population has increased in recent years due to industrial investments. Its proximity to Istanbul and extensive industrial zones have made it a destination for migration. Between 2022 and 2023 the population growth rate was recorded at 2.13%.
The districts with the highest population density are Çorlu Çerkezköy Kapaklı and Ergene industrial centers while the lowest population densities are found in Malkara Hayrabolu and Şarköy which are more agricultural and rural.
Population distribution by district (2023):
Çorlu and Çerkezköy districts with concentrated industry have experienced the highest population growth during the metropolitanization process. Çorlu district alone accounts for approximately 25% of the province’s population.
Tekirdağ is a migration-receiving province due to its developed industry and trade opportunities. Migration from Istanbul and internal migration are the main drivers of population growth. Labor migration from various regions of Türkiye is directed toward the industrial districts of Çerkezköy Çorlu Kapaklı and Ergene.
Conversely rural areas are experiencing population decline as young people move toward larger districts for employment opportunities. Population growth in districts such as Malkara Hayrabolu and Şarköy remains low.
Tekirdağ has a population structure dominated by youth and working-age groups.
The high proportion of the Work age group indicates a strong active labor force in economic activities. The proportion of young labor force in industry is close to the national average. However the elderly population is more concentrated in rural areas.
The literacy rate in Tekirdağ is higher than the national average. The literacy rate is 98.2%. The proportion of the population receiving primary and secondary education is high. The presence of institutions such as Namık Kemal University has contributed to raising educational standards.
Education in Tekirdağ is delivered through public and private schools vocational training institutions and Namık Kemal University. There are over 600 school institutions across the province offering preschool primary middle school and high school education. Tekirdağ High School Çorlu High School and Anatolian High Schools are prominent institutions for academic achievement.
Vocational and technical education is concentrated in industrial districts such as Çorlu Çerkezköy and Kapaklı. Vocational high schools and vocational colleges train workforce for industry needs.
Namık Kemal University (NKÜ) established in 2006 offers education in engineering agriculture economic sciences health and arts and sciences faculties. The university has vocational colleges in various districts.
In addition Halk Education Centers offer vocational and technical courses while private educational institutions provide alternative learning opportunities. The education infrastructure is developed in alignment with industry and agriculture sectors.
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History
Ancient Age
Roman and Byzantine Period
Ottoman Period
World War I and Occupation Period
Republican Era and Present
Geography
General Geographic Location
Landforms
Mountains and Elevations
Plains
Rivers and Lakes
Rivers
Lakes and Dams
Coasts and Islands
Climate
Temperature Data:
Vegetation
Economy
Agriculture and Livestock
Industry
Trade and Logistics
Tourism and Services
Energy and Renewable Resources
Culture and Tourism
Administrative Structure of Tekirdağ
Transportation Infrastructure
Demographics of Tekirdağ
Population Distribution and Growth Rate
Migration and Population Mobility
Age Distribution and Population Structure
Education and Literacy Rate